San Diego Padres Draft: Sam Weatherly intriguing starter and interview

Clemson’s Sam Weatherly presents an intriguing option for the San Diego Padres in the draft. We also recently had the chance to catch up with him.

Named “Mr. Baseball” in the state of Michigan in June 2017, Sam Weatherly drew plenty of attention from professional talent. While the San Diego Padres passed on selecting him at the time, they may have another shot at doing so in June’s draft. Nearly three years have passed since Weatherly was taken by the Blue Jays in the 27th round, but he chose to play collegiate baseball at Clemson.

As a freshman, Weatherly posted a 6.64 ERA in eight appearances – including five starts – while striking out 17 batters in 20.1 innings. He also walked 17 batters over that timeframe and wisely participated in the Northwoods League the following summer. Gradually progressing towards the Clemson starting rotation, he earned that opportunity this year.

Before the shutdown, Weatherly made four starts and displayed a tremendous improvement in his command. He posted a 0.79 ERA in 22.2 innings while striking out 43 batters and walking just 14. Not only had his command improved, but so did his ability to create whiffs, allowing a .096 average and 2.8 hits-per-nine (H/9) innings, which ranked seventh in the country.

His best start in the shortened season came against Stony Brook, where he struck out 14 over six innings and allowed just two hits and one walk.

At 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, Weatherly has the frame of a future starting pitcher in a big-league rotation and should only add velocity as he physically matures. He displays a three-pitch arsenal with a 96 MPH fastball, an above-average slider, and a changeup that remains a work in progress.

He’s been rising up draft boards and figures to be taken in the third round of June’s draft. Baseball America recently pegged him as the 86th best prospect in this class, which would align well with the Padres holding the 81st overall pick.

Assuming his command continues to progress, Weatherly profiles closest to Blake Snell.

Snell 2019: 6-foot-4, 215 lbs, 4.29 ERA, 8.1 H/9, 1.2 HR/9, 3.4 BB/9, 12.4 K/9

Weatherly Clemson career: 6-foot-4, 205 lbs, 3.48 ERA, 6.0 H/9, 0.2 HR/9, 7.6 BB/9, 13.2 K/9