MLB mock draft: Louisville LHP Reid Detmers to Angels

The Angels pick 10th in the first round in the 2020 MLB Draft. At this moment we aren’t sure exactly when the draft might be, or exactly how long it will be, though that will likely be determined soon. But we do know the Angels select 10th.

In a recent mock draft at Baseball America, J.J. Cooper and Carlos Callazo alternated picks in the first round, and they had the Angels taking Louisville left-handed pitcher Reid Detmers with their first pick.

Baseball America ranked Detmers the eighth-best prospect in the draft:

Detmers’ fastball averages around 90-91 mph and touches 94 mph at his best, but it plays up and generates whiffs because Detmers is able to hide the ball well. Detmers also has outstanding control and command, along with one of the better breaking balls in the class.

MLB.com also rated Detmers eighth while noting, “His 72-76 mph curveball has good shape and can be a plus pitch at its best, while his sinking changeup is effective as well.”

Detmers was ranked eighth as well by Keith Law at The Athletic, so it appears there is something of a consensus here.

As a sophomore in 2019, Detmers was named the ACC Pitcher of the Year and was a first team All-American by ABCA, D1Baseball, NCBWA, and Perfect Game after going 13-4 with a 2.78 ERA with a school-record 167 strikeouts in 113⅓ innings.

This year, Detmers had a minuscule 1.23 ERA in four starts, with an eye-popping 48 strikeouts and just six walks in 22 innings before the season was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Detmers was drafted out of high school by the Braves in the 32nd round in 2017, though he didn’t sign. The Angels last drafted a pitcher in the first round in 2014, when they selected Sean Newcomb out of Hartford.