The Angels select LHP Reid Detmers 10th overall in the 2020 MLB Draft

With the 10th pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, the Angels have selected left-handed pitcher Reid Detmers out of Louisville.

Reid Detmers was a late round pick coming out of high school, but after passing on the Braves’ selection in the 32nd round back in 2017, Reid did well by betting on himself and molded himself into one of the top pitching prospects in the 2020 Draft. This spring was indicative of that rise as he entered the year as a name to watch for the first round and turned into a guy that was essentially a lock to be picked in the first half of day one. Detmers features a fastball that sits in the low to mid 90’s and a curveball that might just be the best pitch in the entire draft depending on who you talk to. Reid also has a changeup that is passable but will need to improve for him to succeed as a starter in the major leagues. Detmers also possesses a nice 6’2, 210 frame that points to a certain amount of durability and he commands all of his pitches well while missing a lot of bats.

There is a real question as to whether or not the fastball/curveball from Detmers will be enough for him to succeed as a starter. Coming from the left side, his breaking ball is legitimate nightmare fuel against opposing lefties, but righties get a longer look at the cartoonish pitch and that may not work as a primary offering in the majors. However, he has remained successful as a pitcher in college against lefties and righties so those concerns may be overstated. If his changeup develops into an above average pitch at the professional level, that would let his fastball play up and he could end up as a strong second or third starter in the majors.