Kade Mechals

Mechals tied for the national lead in wins as a junior and was drafted by the Marlins in the 40th round, but he opted to return to school for his senior season. He continued his dominance as Grand Canyon’s ace this spring, including a five-inning, eight-strikeout performance against Oklahoma State on opening night, but he went down with an elbow injury and had Tommy John surgery after three starts. Mechals lacks big stuff, but he’s a great competitor who knows how to pitch. He sits in the upper-80s with his fastball and occasionally bumps 91-92 mph. He pairs his fastball with an above-average changeup with fade that he sells well with his arm speed. Mechals primarily works off his fastball and changeup. His upper 70s slider flashes average but is inconsistent, while his slow curveball isn’t particularly effective. Mechals commands the ball to both sides of the plate and knows how to navigate through a lineup, helping him pitch above his stuff. He is out until spring 2021 as he recovers from surgery.