J.P. Gates

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #133 prospect in 2018 draft
  Gates in one of the rare high-floor high school prospects, as an advanced lefthander without a lot of future projection because of a physically mature body and lack of quick-twitch athleticism. A Miami commit, Gates would be a two-way player with the Hurricanes and has some power in his bat, but most major league teams see him as a pitcher in pro ball. He's regularly in the 88-92 mph range with his fastball and throws strikes frequently thanks to a delivery that he repeats well and leads to future plus command grades. His best offering is a wipeout slider in the upper 70s and low 80s that has late-breaking action and has been a consistent weapon throughout the summer, fall and spring. In addition to his slider, Gates will throw a 50-grade, low-80s changeup that he keeps down in the zone.