Hunter Virant

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #53 prospect in 2012 draft
  Virant is still fairly new to pitching, and his fresh arm, lean 6-foot-3 frame, smooth delivery and athleticism suggest he has plenty of projection remaining. He worked mostly at 87-89 mph early in the year and has shown more velocity as the season has progressed, running his fastball up to 93 at times. He could add velocity as he matures, but even if he pitches with average velocity his fastball will play up because of his downward angle and ability to locate it to both sides. His delivery helps him hide his changeup, which projects as a plus pitch with fade and sink and he learns to throw it more consistently. He flashes a decent slider, and it has shown more power at times. In the offseason and early in the year, his curveball was slow and loopy, but some scouts said it looked better later in the spring. Still, he needs to improve his feel for his breaking stuff. Some scouts suggest he could benefit from three years at UCLA, and he is considered an expensive sign.