MLB Pipeline lists Nick Lodolo as the #5 Left-Handed Pitching prospect:
http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2020?list=lhp
Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 60 | Overall: 55
Lodolo was a highly regarded high school pitcher in the 2016 Draft class, but he chose to head to Texas Christian University rather than sign with the Pirates, who had taken him No. 41 overall. After three years as a starter at TCU, the southpaw emerged as the top arm in the Class of 2019 and was the first one taken, No. 7 overall, by the Reds. While he pitched somewhat sparingly during his pro debut, he was extremely impressive, reaching full-season ball and not issuing a single walk in 18 1/3 total innings.
Lodolo has three above-average pitches that he has shown the ability to command extremely well. He uses his size (6-foot-6) to his advantage, delivering his low-90s fastball downhill, topping out at 96 mph with plenty of sink. His decision to scrap his curve for a slider has been a good one, with his tighter low-80s breaking ball evolving into an excellent weapon. His changeup has good action at the plate and he sells it well with good arm speed.
Though he's an advanced college lefty with tremendous pitchability, he also has some projection as he should add strength to his long and lean frame. He has the chance to move quickly through the system and could just as rapidly rise up the ranks of top left-handed pitching prospects in the game.
