Mike

Nikorak

Colorado follows up its selection of prep shortstop Brendan Rodgers (No. 3 overall) by grabbing Nikorak, one of the highest-upside pitchers in the class. At 6-foot-5, 220 pounds, Nikorak, also a high school quarterback, features one of the best fastballs in this year’s class, bumping 97-98 mph while routinely working in the 92-95 mph range with some sinking action. The 18-year-old right-hander’s curveball could give him a second plus pitch at maturity, thrown with tight spin and late, downer bite, and it’s worth noting that Nikorak also has a changeup that flashes above-average potential. This spring at Stroudsburg HS (Penn.), Nikorak, an Alabama commit, posted a 0.94 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings. Overall, his combination of size, athleticism, stuff and projection suggest the ceiling of a frontline starter. The Rockies received the No. 27 overall pick, which has a recommended slot value of $2,004,600, as compensation for the Mets signing of Michael Cuddyer.

Nikorak, the No. 27 overall pick in the 2015 draft, received an over-slot signing bonus of $2.3 million. The recommended bonus for the 27th pick this year was $2,004,600. Nikorak, 18, has an impressive high-90s fastball and a curve that could eventually grow into an excellent secondary pitch. He had made a verbal commitment to the University of Alabama.