With the truncated MLB Draft last year, Matt Mikulski wasn’t selected. It may have been a blessing in disguise. The Fordham University left-hander has been excellent this season and has put himself into the first-round discussion. Let’s take a look at what the New York native brings to the table.
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Matt Mikulski, LHP, Fordham
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 200 lbs.
Age: 22
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
2018: 4-5, 5.18 ERA, 41 Ks in 41.2 IP
2019: 6-6, 4.06 ERA, 89 Ks in 82 IP
2020: 2-1, 1.29 ERA, 18 Ks in 21 IP
2021: 9-0, 1.45 ERA, 124 Ks in 68.1 IP
Scouting Grades
Fastball: 60
Slider: 55
Changeup: 50
Control: 45
Overall: 50
As you can see from the stats above, Mikulski has improved his swing-and-miss stuff in a big way. He has worked on trusting his arsenal and throwing more strikes and it shows. The lefty still has question marks surrounding his control, but he has certainly improved his stock as much as anyone with his performance this season.
Strengths
The Fordham ace was having an excellent year and then he threw a two-hit, 12-K, shutout against Seton Hall in April. Not only was it a commanding performance, but Mikulski was hitting the upper-90s on the gun in the ninth. His fastball is obviously his best pitch, but his slider isn’t far behind. The pitch sits around 85 mph and has some good bite to it, diving toward the back foot of right-handed hitters.
The changeup is a work in progress but Mikulski has shown some feel for it. If the 22-year-old can deaden it down to the upper-70s, it can be another weapon, especially against righties. His curveball right now is a get-me-over pitch but he loops it in at 75-78 mph. If he can control it, the curve plays up to an at least average pitch. Another thing to mention about Mikulski is his athletic ability. He does handstands and cartwheels before starts to keep himself loose and limber. While many pro teams would frown on that type of pre-game warmup, there is no question the Fordham ace has some flexibility which bodes well for his health going forward.
Weaknesses
Control has been an issue which Mikulski is trying to clean up. While his fastball and slider are definitely above average, his other offerings need some refining. Scouts are worried that he becomes just a reliever if he can’t develop a solid third pitch. Mikulski’s delivery is still a bit forceful. He has shortened his arm action and it has improved his control, but repeating it and tunneling his pitches is something he will need to work on as he moves up.
Pro Comparison: Patrick Corbin
While Corbin doesn’t throw as hard as Mikulski, he has used his fastball or slider over 90 percent of the time in his career. Without a third pitch, the Nationals lefty has carved out a nice career so far after being selected 80th overall in 2009. Mikulski seems to be on the same track but if the Fordham kid can develop at least a serviceable third offering, along with superior heat, he could have even more success. He should get drafted earlier as well.
Draft Projection: Round 1s, Pick 36, Minnesota Twins
After the Twins take power-hitting outfielder Joshua Baez with number 26, they go for an arm. Mikulski is a strong kid with definite upside and Minnesota hasn’t drafted a pitcher in the first round since Tyler Jay in 2015. With Jordan Balazovic and Jhoan Duran looking to break into the majors over the next couple of years, it would be nice for the Twins to have a lefty not far behind.
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