Drafted in the 8th round (253rd overall) by the Atlanta Braves in 2014 (signed for $153,000).
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When Southern Mississippi reeled in one of the nation's best recruiting classes in 2011, position players Connor Barron and Mason Robbins were expected to be the headliners. But both have struggled and Roney should be the highest-drafted Golden Eagle this year. He is also a corner infielder who has hit .226/.334/.335, and his future lies on the mound. He has a quick arm and has been 91-94 mph, touching 95 at his best with average fastball life. His slider could be an out pitch, though he will have to work on repeating it. He occasionally flashes a low-80s changeup. His athleticism and transition to pitching full time give him upside, though likely as a reliever. Improving his control will be a key development, as he has walked 4.9 per nine in his career with 9.4 strikeouts per nine. His high-energy delivery features effort, and he tends to open early with an arm action that can get inverted in the back. He missed time with shoulder soreness down the stretch and his velocity was often at 88-92 mph.
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Draft Prospects
When Southern Mississippi reeled in one of the nation's best recruiting classes in 2011, position players Connor Barron and Mason Robbins were expected to be the headliners. But both have struggled and Roney should be the highest-drafted Golden Eagle this year. He is also a corner infielder who has hit .226/.334/.335, and his future lies on the mound. He has a quick arm and has been 91-94 mph, touching 95 at his best with average fastball life. His slider could be an out pitch, though he will have to work on repeating it. He occasionally flashes a low-80s changeup. His athleticism and transition to pitching full time give him upside, though likely as a reliever. Improving his control will be a key development, as he has walked 4.9 per nine in his career with 9.4 strikeouts per nine. His high-energy delivery features effort, and he tends to open early with an arm action that can get inverted in the back. He missed time with shoulder soreness down the stretch and his velocity was often at 88-92 mph.
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