Brady Aiken's Player Profile

After being the #1 selection in the 2014 draft, Aiken failed to come to terms with the Astros due to concerns over his future health. He’s attending IMG Academy in preparation to re-enter the draft this year and is, again, projected as a top pick.

The 6’3 lefty is very advanced for his age, with the potential for three plus pitches and plus control. However, it seems the Astros’ concerns over his elbow were justified, after he left his first appearance of the spring abruptly and was diagnosed with a torn UCL, requiring Tommy John surgery.

Like Matuella, Aiken has an important decision to make. He’s only 18, turning 19 in August, so there’s still plenty of time for him to rehab and re-enter the draft. However, if he decides to sign, he’ll take considerably less than the $5 million he turned down from Houston last year.

Profile by Jared Massey

2014 Profile

Fastball – Right now Aiken’s velocity isn’t consistent, sometimes in the 88-90 range and occasionally in the 91-93 range. Aiken has plenty of arm strength, though, and there’s some projection in his left arm to be more of a 92-94 guy as he gets stronger.

Curve – Aiken has a solid breaking-ball right now, with good shape and downward plane that sits in the low 80’s. When he gets on top of the pitch, it’s a potential plus offering.

Change – Aiken’s Change also flashes plus, sitting in the low 80’s with fade and very good arm sped.

Command – Few prep pitchers have as good a feel for pitching as Aiken does, and he generally does a good job of hitting his spots. He hasn’t been consistent over his three years at Cathedral Catholic, but over the summer he showed above-average Command and one of my favorite deliveries of anyone in the class, with no wasted motion and very good deception as well.

Profile submitted by Christopher Crawford of MLB Draft Insider. Order their Draftbook with 100's of profiles, grades and analysis.

Brady Aiken Videos

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Brady Aiken PG All-American Classic

BRADY AIKEN, LHP, CATHEDAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, PITCHING MECHANICS AT 200 FPS

BRADY AIKEN PROSPECT VIDEO, LHP, CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

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