MLB Draft: Eric Lauer drafted by San Diego Padres, 25th overall

The San Diego Padres had three of the top 25 draft picks, and used their third on the Kent State ace Eric Lauer.

Lauer was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays out of high school in the 17th round (505 overall), and was one of the more anticipated prospects entering college as a freshman. This season, the 6-foot-3 ace led the nation in ERA with a very nice 0.69, racked up 125 strikeouts to 28 walks (4.46 k/bb), giving up only eight earned runs, nine extra base hits, allowing only a .141 AVG.

As a southpaw with excellent command and composure, he’s earned comparisons to Jon Lester and Hall of Famer Tom Glavine.

Smooth, fluent motion as he goes through his process. He has four pitches, but his fastball (lower 90s), slider and change-up are his three mainstay. Pitches move well, but his best physical attribution is the command on his pitches. Velocity may have some uptick, but hitting his spots and staying undistracted on and off the field work to his benefit.