Chicago White Sox Draft: J.T. Ginn would be steal of the first roundon April 17, 2020 at 2:00 pm

He lived up to the hype as a true freshman, posting a 3.13 ERA in 17 starts while striking out 105 batters in 86.1 innings. Ginn also limited opponents to a .220 average.

He began his collegiate career, striking out at least six batters in his first seven starts. And to no one’s surprise, he was named the National Freshman of the Year as well as SEC Freshman of the Year.

As a sophomore, big things were expected for the draft-eligible sophomore but after just three innings into his first start, he was pulled with “arm soreness”. We later found out that he needed Tommy John Surgery.

Ginn has, understandably so, slipped in some draft boards, but Baseball America ranks him as the 23rd best prospect in this class. He stands at 6-foot-2, 192 pounds, and given the success rate of Tommy John surgery these days; he would be worth the risk with the 11th overall pick.

In terms of his pitch arsenal, Ginn’s fastball touched 99 MPH before the injury, and scouts raved about his “wipeout slider.” He’s experienced so much success because his pitches dance all over the strike zone. Injury aside, Ginn could still be difficult to sign even at the 11th overall pick.

He may opt to return to school to have another year to develop his pitches, but assuming the two sides can strike a deal, he can do the same in the White Sox farm system.