Five Rising Cape Cod League Pitchers in 2018

Image credit: Alek Manoah (Photo by John Williamson)

The Cape Cod League annually brings together the best college players in the country for the summer. It is a must-see for scouts as they start evaluating the college talent in the next year’s draft class.

Last week, we looked at five hitters who are this summer raising their draft stock. Today, we look at five pitchers who are doing the same thing as the Cape season hits its final stretch.

John Baker, RHP, Cotuit (Ball State)

Baker had an excellent summer, going 3-2, 2.38 with 31 strikeouts and two walks in 34 innings. When he left the Cape in mid-July after hitting his innings limit, he led the Cape in ERA and innings.

Baker, listed at 6-foot-3, 207 pounds, typically throws his fastball in the upper 80s to low 90s, touching 94 mph. He has a full four-pitch arsenal and pounds the strike zone. That overall package gives him a chance to start at the next level and his performance this summer gives him a boost going into his junior year.

Alek Manoah, RHP, Chatham (West Virginia)

Scouts have been watching Manoah closely since he was in high school in South Florida. He’s always stood out for his size—he’s listed at 6-foot-7, 270 pounds—and his powerful fastball, but he’s put everything together this summer after a pair of pedestrian seasons at West Virginia.

Manoah is 3-2, 2.70 with 48 strikeouts and 11 walks in 33.1 innings. He has held opponents to just 15 hits and posted a 0.78 WHIP. Manoah throws his fastball in the mid-90s and pairs it with a sharp slider. He next year figures to become one of the highest drafted players in program history.

Chris Murphy, LHP, Brewster (San Diego)

Murphy was one of the headliners of San Diego’s strong, pitching-heavy 2016 recruiting class, and he’s been a solid contributor for the Toreros for the last two seasons. He had an impressive summer with Brewster, posting a 31-to-18 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 23.1 innings.

Murphy, listed at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, split his time this summer between starting and relieving. He ran his fastball up to 95 mph out of the bullpen and sat in the low 90s as a starter. He spins his curveball well, giving him a swing-and-miss offering.

Garrett Stallings, RHP, Harwich (Tennessee)

Stallings made a brief but very effective appearance on the Cape to start the season. He started three games, throwing six innings each time (a rarity in summer ball), and went 1-0, 2.50 with 21 strikeouts and no walks in 18 innings.

Stallings consistently threw his fastball around 90 mph and generated heavy sink on the ball. He has a full four-pitch mix, with his changeup the best of his offspeed offerings. He looks to be primed for a big spring in the Volunteers’ rotation.

Jacob Wallace, RHP, Bourne (Connecticut)

Wallace served as UConn’s setup man this spring and has remained at the back of the bullpen this summer for Bourne. He’s been one of the best relievers on the Cape, as he has not allowed a run in 12.2 innings, posted a 22-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio and held opponents to just nine hits. He also slammed the door for the West Division in the Cape Cod League all-star game, coming on to get the final two outs, both by strikeout.

Wallace consistently throws his fastball 93-95 mph and mixes in a hard slider in the mid-80s. He’s been used exclusively as a reliever in college and he profiles well there. Wallace has a chance to be one of the better college relievers in next year’s draft.