David Burkhalter

There were rumors floating in the weeks leading up to the draft that Burkhalter would go in the top half-dozen rounds. Those rumors were substantiated. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Burkhalter has a lean, lanky and projectable build with long extremities. His fastball largely sits 87-89, touching 90 while hiding the ball well from a high arm slot. His fastball tends to play true and straight. Late reports said he was up to 92 in workouts down the stretch. Both his curveball and changeup are below-average offerings at present, though he does show some feel for spinning a curveball with 12-6 tilt. The Louisiana-Monroe commit is old for the class and will be 19 one month after the draft.