San Diego Padres select LSU pitching commit Boston Bateman in 2024 MLB Draft

LSU pitching commit Boston Bateman was selected by the San Diego Padres with the No. 52 pick in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft.

Standing at six-foot-eight and 240 pounds, Bateman has a massive frame coming from the mound. The lefty has good stuff, despite the fact it’s just a two-pitch mix.

Bateman played his high school baseball at Camarillo High (Calif.). During his senior season, he finished with an 11-1 record with a 0.54 ERA.

Bateman also had 130 strikeouts over the course of 64.1 innings and gave up just 10 hits this spring.

Boston Bateman selected in 2024 MLB Draft

Bateman has potential should he go into the pros. But as his scouting report reads, he needs to develop a solid third pitch, at minimum.

“Bateman’s size and his makeup could be separators as the spring unfolds, though his current two-pitch mix is nothing to sneeze at,” Bateman’s scouting report reads. “He’s shown he can touch 97 mph with his fastball and was sitting around 92 mph over the course of his summer showcase tour. He has a pretty true 1-to-7 type of curve, with big spin and depth at the plate. It’s already a plus pitch.”

But if that third pitch is there, it could be a difference maker.

“The development of a third pitch is a key area of growth for Bateman,” the report said. “Finding a changeup that works will continue to be something he’ll have to focus on at the next level and could make him one of the best high schoolers to come out of this class.

“He showed improved strike-throwing over the summer and while his walk rate might concern some, he’s largely been around the zone, and there’s belief he’ll keep trending in the right direction as he learns to get his large frame in sync consistently. The LSU recruit gets high marks for his work ethic, adding confidence that he can do what’s needed to excel at the next level.”