2015 MLB draft: Pitching prospects

While the 2015 MLB draft has generally been referred to as a sub-par class, there are a few pitching standouts for teams to choose from.

Fulmer was ranked ninth in their first iteration of the mock draft, but has become as close as anyone to being a consensus number one pick. In 95.2 IP, Fulmer has a 1.51 ERA, three complete games (two of which were shutouts), and 132 strikeouts. John Manuel wrote that "Fulmer is the surest big leaguer on the board, with a floor of elite closer." He's one of the more polished pitchers in the draft and has an explosive fastball that reaches the upper 90's.

His teammate, Walker Buehler, isn't having as good of a season, but he's still one of the best overall pitching talents in the draft. In BA's most recent update, Manuel has the Phillies selecting him tenth overall. He notes that Philadelphia has a new scouting director, which may lead to safe pick. Buehler is a junior in college, and like Fulmer, is one of the more experienced pitchers in the draft.

Other notable arms

Manuel originally ranked UCSB starter Dillon Tate as the number one overall pick, but has since fallen to the Rangers at fourth. Despite some wondering if Texas will instead go with a middle infielder (potentially LSU's Alex Bregman), Tate may be too good of a talent to pass up on.

Kyle Funkhouser was originally a consensus top ten pick, but is now projected to fall to the Brewers at 15th overall. Like the Phillies, Milwaukee may choose to play it safe with a college arm due to "rumblings" of more change now that the manager has been fired.

Former number one overall pick Brady Aiken is still expected to fall somewhere in the first round. Manuel's pick of 24th is "more hunch than inside info", but his guess is better than most. Jeff Lunhow referred to Aiken as "the most advanced high-school pitcher" he'd ever seen. Aiken is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, but has massive potential if healthy.