2022 Draft: Prep RHP Andrew Dutkanych Withdraws From Draft
Image credit: (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB via Getty Images)
The first prominent player in the 2022 draft class has informed MLB teams this weekend that he intends to make it to a college campus.
Indiana high school righthander Andrew Dutkanych—the No. 35 ranked prospect on the BA 500—emailed teams and let them know he intended to attend Vanderbilt this fall and looked forward to a potential pro opportunity once again in two years, when he will be a draft-eligible sophomore in the 2024 class.
Baseball America confirmed that Dutkanych had officially removed himself from the draft and will not be eligible to be selected. Pennsylvania lefthander Andrew Healy—No. 396 on the BA 500—has also withdrawn from the draft. Healy is a massively projectable, 6-foot-6 Duke commit with feel for three pitches.
Dutkanych is the first notable prospect to withdraw from the draft, though in recent years it has become common for high school players to make similar announcements prior to the draft.
In 2021, notable players like Nick McLain and Cody Schrier made similar announcements, while one of the top players in the 2023 draft class, Louisiana State outfielder Dylan Crews, did the same prior to the 2020 draft.
Dutkanych is one of the highest-ranked pitching prospects in the class and at times throughout this spring and last summer has shown glimpses of multiple double-plus offerings. He will join what could be a massive Vanderbilt recruiting class on campus this fall.
Eleven high school players on the BA 500 are committed to Vanderbilt, including seven who rank among the top 100: OF Druw Jones (1), RHP Dylan Lesko (13), LHP Brandon Barriera (24), RHP Andrew Dutkanych (35), LHP Noah Schultz (45), 3B Sal Stewart (59) and OF Ryan Clifford (65).
Below you can see video and view Dutkanych’s full scouting report:
BA Grade: 55/Extreme
Tools: Fastball: 55. Curveball: 50. Slider: 60. Changeup: 45. Control: 55.
The “Duke of Indy” or simply, “The Duke,” has been a well-known prospect on the circuit for some time, and showed some of the best stuff in the prep class last summer. With a 6-foot-3 205-pound frame, Dutkanych has a simple delivery that is under control through his balance point. With a quick, traditional takeback, the righthander’s arm action is clean with some effort noticed through his high, three-quarter slot. Like most power arms, Dutkanych does have a tendency to lose his release point, causing FB’s to ride up and out of zone and this spring he showed uncharacteristically scattered control at times. However, he has also shown the ability to make the in-game adjustment needed to set him back on track. Evaluators saw a live 93-96 mph fastball early in his starts this spring, holding more 92-94 as his pitch count increased. Dutkanych loves to attack with the smoke and is not afraid to challenge anyone with it. More than likely, when behind in the count, an opponent will take on the difficult task of putting Dutkanych’s plus slider in play. The sharp three-quarter bite on the 83-87 mph pitch not only punishes righties, but the back foot break to lefthanded hitters is equally effective. Scouts were impressed this spring with the improvement Dutkanych made with his curveball. It is in the 75-80 mph range and features top-down, 12-to-6 shape. Dutkanych does have a changeup in his arsenal, but is used only on occasion. On the firm side, the 85 mph offering comes and goes for him, a pitch that will need some fine tuning as he continues his pitching journey. A no nonsense, bulldog approach is noted by evaluators, and is icing on the cake for the organization who signs him. Dutkanych is committed to Vanderbilt and could be a tough sign, and he’ll be draft-eligible again in 2024 if he does make it to campus.
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