Patrick Wicklander

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #271 prospect in 2021 draft
  Wicklander’s first two seasons at Arkansas could best be described as inconsistent. There were moments when he looked like a potential rotation fixture and there were other outings where he was quickly bounced because of ineffectiveness. During the coronavirus pandemic shutdown, Wicklander felt sick, went to an urgent care facility and discovered that he was a Type 1 diabetic. Once he learned how to manage his condition, Wicklander found that he was stronger. He also was much more consistent. After starting the season bouncing between the bullpen and the rotation, Wicklander became Arkansas’ Friday starter. Wicklander is primarily a two-pitch pitcher right now, even if he’ll show a changeup that he barely throws. Wicklander’s low-90s average fastball (he can touch 95) and high-70s slider are both average offerings, but ones that are equally effective against lefties and righties. He’s very comfortable sweeping his slider away from same-side hitters or working it down and in on righthanders. He will tighten up his slider to make it a harder pitch when needed. His above-average command of both pitches makes it work. Wicklander probably fits best in pro ball as a reliever or a starter who works through the lineup twice. He has yet to show consistent feel for a third pitch and he made it out of the sixth inning only once in 2021.