Los Angeles Angels select Auburn RHP commit Connor Gatwood in 2024 MLB Draft

Connor Gatwood, an Auburn commit from Mobile, Alabama, has been selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2024 MLB Draft. The right-handed pitcher is ranked the 103rd draft prospect by MLB.

Gatwood played high school baseball at Baker in Alabama. In April, Gatwood suffered an injury, breaking his pitching hand while fouling off a pitch during a game. He returned to action this summer and took part in the showcase circuit. He only pitched 15 2/3 innings during his senior year.

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In the game where Gatwood got injured, there were at least nine Major League teams who came to see him pitch. The teams were were reportedly in attendance were the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox and Seattle Mariners. Gatwood committed to Auburn in September and signed with the school in February.

The MLB scouting report states that Gatwood has a four-seam fastball of 98 mph and a slider that runs in the mid-80s. “Gatwood generates his power stuff with arm speed rather than effort,” the scouting report says. “The Auburn recruit can scatter his pitches at times but did make some strides with his control this spring. He’ll need time to develop but has No. 3 starter ceiling.”

What Connor Gatwood brings to the Big Leagues

Prospects Live ranked Gatwood the No. 62 prep draft prospect of the 2024 class. “Gatwood has turned some heads in the last year, as he’s added strength throughout his frame and has seen a velocity uptick as a result,” Prospects Live wrote in its scouting report. “It’s relatively easy mechanics, repeating his delivery rather well and showcasing great arm speed and athleticism. What was upper-80s velocity last year has become consistent low-90s and Gatwood has run it up to 96-97 MPH. The pitch shape is more of a sink/run variant than one with carry.

“He’ll deploy a mid-80s slider with low spin and shorter break, sometimes displaying late two-plane tilt. There’s a fading mid-80s change-up in his repertoire, as well, though he’s still figuring out the feel for it. His command can come and go, though one would expect it to improve as we creep towards draft day.”