Lucas Sims to Braves: Video Highlights, Scouting Report and Analysis

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’2”/195 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 5/10/1994

High School: Brookwood (Ga.)

College Commitment: Clemson

Sims is an athletic right-hander with repeatable mechanics and three above-average pitches. His fastball works best in the 92-94 mph range, where it generates some late sink and arm-side movement. This past summer, the right-hander’s fastball was clocked at 96-97 mph on multiple occasions.

Sims’ best offering is his curveball, which he throws with similar arm speed and gets late, downer movement. He has an advanced feel for the pitch and is confident throwing it in any count. Beyond that, Sims also possesses a changeup, although he uses it primarily to set up his fastball-breaking ball combination.

He’s highly polished for his age with at least average command of each of his pitches, and has been compared to the Royals’ Luke Hochevar. It wouldn’t surprise me if Sims reaches the Show faster than his first-round peers, making his debut at some point after the All-Star break in 2015.

Pick Analysis:

Sims is as big league ready as any pitcher in the 2012 draft class. He's got good athleticism and it would seem that his arm is getting stronger as his body matures. A nice selection for the Braves to get the homestate prospect.