Drafted in the 14th round (424th overall) by the Washington Nationals in 2016 (signed for $1,000).
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Early in the season, Simonds tried to be something he wasn't. He humped up to try to sit in the lower 90s. After rough outings against Auburn and Florida, Simonds went back to what works for him-pitching with a little less velocity, but letting the natural sink of his 88-91 mph fastball work down in the zone. It paid off with some dominating outings late in the season including a no-hitter against Vanderbilt that he finished off with a great snag of a line drive. That wasn't surprising as Simonds fields his position very well. The righthander mixes in a slurvy slider that improved as the season wore on and a usable changeup that are both 40s on the 20-to-80 scouting scale. Simonds is a senior sign with a track record of success in the SEC, a durable 6-foot-4 body and solid stuff, ensuring he'll go well as a money saver.
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Early in the season, Simonds tried to be something he wasn't. He humped up to try to sit in the lower 90s. After rough outings against Auburn and Florida, Simonds went back to what works for him-pitching with a little less velocity, but letting the natural sink of his 88-91 mph fastball work down in the zone. It paid off with some dominating outings late in the season including a no-hitter against Vanderbilt that he finished off with a great snag of a line drive. That wasn't surprising as Simonds fields his position very well. The righthander mixes in a slurvy slider that improved as the season wore on and a usable changeup that are both 40s on the 20-to-80 scouting scale. Simonds is a senior sign with a track record of success in the SEC, a durable 6-foot-4 body and solid stuff, ensuring he'll go well as a money saver.
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