<
>
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
Get ESPN+

Kolek makes case for draft's top arm

Shepherd (Texas) right-hander Tyler Kolek could be the first pitcher taken in the 2014 MLB draft. Mike Janes/Four Seam Images/AP Images

Shepherd (Texas) High School right-hander Tyler Kolek is the top prep righty in the draft class this year. He’s one of a handful of prep arms to hit 100 mph already, but he also brings unusual size and strength to the table. It’s a combination that makes him unlikely to get out of the top five picks and a good bet to go in the top two.

Kolek threw on Thursday evening at home, about an hour northeast of Houston, and while he didn't hit triple digits, he still worked with plus velocity. Kolek was 93-97, mostly sitting 95-96, showing good two-seam life on some of the pitches, with others straightening out because he overthrew them. He throws a hard, slurvy slider that is average to above-average when he's pitching to a right-handed batter, 79-83 with sharp break and good tilt.