• Full name Ronald Eugene Ball
  • Born 06/27/1994 in New Castle, IN
  • Profile Ht.: 6'6" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: L / Throws: L
  • School New Castle
  • Drafted in the 1st round (7th overall) by the Boston Red Sox in 2013 (signed for $2,750,000).
    View Draft Report
    Coming into the year, the industry was split on whether Ball had a brighter future as an outfielder or a pitcher. That's no longer a question, as he has excelled on the mound to the extent that he could go in the first five picks overall. He has surpassed Indiana State's Sean Manaea as the top lefthander available by showing better stuff and more athleticism. Ball's fastball dipped to the upper 80s when he wore down toward the end of the showcase circuit last summer, but he has maintained a 91-94 mph heater all spring despite cold and wet weather. He still carries just 180 pounds on his 6-foot-6 frame, so he has plenty of room to add strength and velocity. His athleticism is equally impressive, as he does a fine job of maintaining and repeating his delivery for such a young and tall pitcher. His father restricted his use of a curveball before his junior season, but Ball already shows aptitude for spinning the ball and has an above-average breaker. He learned to rely on his changeup, which he throws with deceptive arm speed and nice fade. He has a fast arm and a clean arm action, and in a rarity for a high school arm, he has no obvious red flags. While Ball is a likely top 10 choice as a pitcher, the Padres would consider drafting him at No. 13 as an outfielder if he's available and he would go in the second or third round if he were strictly a position player. He's a plus runner with lefthanded power potential, though he has seemed a little anxious at the plate this spring and his bat speed is a tick down from its previous level. He profiles best as a right fielder but would have a chance to play center, and scouts rave about his makeup as well. A Texas recruit, he won't come close to stepping foot on campus.

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