2015 MLB Draft Profile: Mike Nikorak, RHP, Stroudsburg HS (PA)

Measurables

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 224 lbs

60 yard dash: 6.83 seconds (recorded by Perfect Game)

Max fastball velocity: 97 MPH (recorded by Perfect Game)

Summary

A Pennsylvania prospect with a prototypical pitcher's body at 6'5" and filled out, Nikorak is a downhill thrower who shows plus potential with at least two pitches. Nikorak's delivery is buttery smooth and much cleaner than the average prep prospect of his size. He generates good knee height and creates velocity with leg drive and scapular load, putting minimal stress on his pitching arm. His arm action is another positive trait- he sets his pitching arm early in his delivery and releases the ball from a high 3/4 slot. Low effort, repeatable mechanics are always something that scouts are looking for, and Nikorak checks that box.

From a stuff perspective, his calling card is his fastball that sits 92-94 and can touch as high as 97. He prefers to work to his arm side (inside vs. RHH) and spots his fastball down in the zone. He gets decent life on his heater with some armside run, and his delivery gives him good downward plane, as well. In addition to the fastball, Nikorak also employs a curveball with above-average to plus potential. At its best, it is a big 10-4 breaker with depth and swing and miss potential. The shape is not totally consistent at this point, but it projects as a very strong secondary offering. Though he doesn't throw it very often at this stage, Nikorak also shows potential with a changeup at 78-81 with fade to the arm side. It's hard to project the change at this point, but it is always a positive when a high school pitcher shows feel for the pitch.

A good athlete with great size and picturesque mechanics, Nikorak is a fairly polished pitcher with room to grow with his command and offspeed stuff. He is reminiscent of New York Mets prospect Noah Syndergaard in a lot of ways, and is gaining a little bit of steam late in the pre-draft process. In a year in which the prep pitching class has been stricken by injuries and some disappointing performance, Nikorak is one of the few high school arms who has both remained healthy and lived up to expectations.

MLB Projection

If things come together for Nikorak, he could be a #2 starter at the big league level. Even if he stagnates a bit, he has workhorse traits and has a very good shot of slotting into a big league rotation in some capacity.

Projected Draft Round

Nikorak could go as high as the top 10, and is a likely first round pick.

College Commitment

Alabama

Will he sign?

Nikorak is not seen as a signability risk and should be a straightforward sign barring unforeseen circumstances.

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