Would the Marlins select this talented pitcher with the No. 16 overall pick if he’s still on the board?
Overview
Position: RHP
Height: 6’7″
Weight: 230 pounds
School: Calvary Christian Academy
Commitment: Florida
Andrew Painter is a 2021 RHP from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and plays his high school ball at Calvary Christian Academy in South Florida. Painter is arguably one of the most polished high school pitcher in the country. He played summer ball with Elite Squad which is based in South Florida. Andrew Painter made his verbal commitment to the University of Florida during his freshman season. Painter also played in the Perfect Game All-American Classic last summer.
At 6’7” 230 pounds, Painter is a very tall and long prospect with lots of room to grow with his frame. While watching Andrew Painter on the mound, you see a high school pitcher that has a four-pitch mix and knows what he’s doing at the plate.
Painter’s fastball sits in the mid-90s and even topped out at 100 mph a couple weeks ago. His changeup and curveball are his best two secondary pitches. Painter also possess a mid-80s slider that’s still developing. Painter also has a very smooth delivery and is able to repeat mechanics extremely well.
Strengths
- Tremendous size
- Power arm
- Four-pitch mix
- Athletic with good mechanics
- Very repeatable delivery
- Advanced feel for pitching
- Arguably best H.S. pitcher in country
- Could move quickly through minor league system
Weaknesses
- Still needs work on command
- Still has some room to fill in his frame
Pro Comparison: Lucas Giolito
Projection: Top 15 draft pick
Bottom Line
The Miami Marlins went all pitchers in the 2020 MLB Draft so it would be understandable if they used their first round selection this year on a position player prospect.
However, Andrew Painter has the makings of being an MLB frontline/ace pitcher. Painter has the tools and advanced pitching feel that could help him rise through the minor league ranks quickly. It’s very rare to find a high school pitcher with his pitches and his high pitching IQ.
If Andrew Painter is still available at pick 16, I find it very difficult to see the Marlins passing up on him. He’s a local kid who’s very coachable and would get a lot of fans excited. Painter can reinforce the Marlins future pitching rotation which already projects to be ridiculously good. That would be a tremendous value pick for the Marlins.
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