San Diego Padres: Max Meyer 2020 Draft Profile

Max Meyer has been rising up draft boards. Might the San Diego Padres select him with the eighth overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft?

How does drafting a guy who can throw 100 MPH easily sound? That’s what the San Diego Padres would be getting in University of Minnesota starting pitcher, Max Meyer. The Woodbury, Minnesota native was originally selected by the hometown Twins in the 34th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, but he chose collegiate baseball.

In his freshman year on campus, he made all 26 appearances out of the bullpen while posting a 2.27 ERA. Meyer struck out 54 batters while walking just 13 in 43.2 innings and limiting opponents to a .177 average. He earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors after collecting a save in his collegiate debut.

And while most players partake in wood-bat leagues during the summer, Meyer played for Team USA in 2018 and 2019. Prior to his sophomore season, he made eight appearances while striking out 15 batters.

Back on campus, Meyer moved into a more prominent role in the rotation. He made 16 appearances – including 11 starts – and struck out 87 batters in 76.2 innings. Again, he displayed a terrific command of his pitches, walking just 20 and limiting batters to a .202 average.

And prior to the shutdown, Meyer was off to a promising start. He made four starts and struck out 46 batters in 27.2 innings and limited opponents to a .155 average. Baseball America has him ranked as the tenth-best prospect in this class and the fourth-best pitching prospect.

They make a note of his electric fastball and indicate that his slider is among some of the best that scouts have ever seen. He has three above-average pitches, with only his changeup still a work in progress. Meyer is on the smaller size for starting pitchers, standing at 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, and he may add more to his velocity as his frame fills out.