• Full name Michael Gary Foltynewicz
  • Born 10/07/1991 in Sterling, IL
  • Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Minooka Community
  • Debut 08/02/2014
  • Drafted in the 1st round (19th overall) by the Houston Astros in 2010 (signed for $1,305,000).
    View Draft Report
    Foltynewicz is far and away the best pitching prospect in the Upper Midwest. He opened eyes by sitting at 91-94 mph and touching 96 with his fastball at a preseason showcase in February, and he has shown similar velocity throughout the spring. With his 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame, strength and arm speed, it's easy to project him regularly throwing in the mid-90s down the road. He already has an advanced changeup for a high school pitcher, as it features good sink and could become a plus pitch. He doesn't consistently stay on top of his breaking pitches, though he was doing a better job later in the spring. He throws both a curveball and a slider, and he'd be best served by focusing on improving his slider. No Illinois high school pitcher has gone in the first round since the White Sox selected Kris Honel in 2001, but a team that believes Foltynewicz can refine a breaking ball could be tempted to pick him that high. He'll pitch at Texas if he doesn't turn pro.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Minor League Top Prospects

Top 100 Rankings

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Fastball in the Houston Astros in 2014
  • Rated Best Fastball in the Houston Astros in 2011

Scouting Reports

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