The 6’5″ RHP throws his fastball up to 100 mph and has crazy spin rates on his curve ball. Scouts described his arm talent as only behind LSU RHP Jaden Hill and LHP Maddux Bruns. He has one of the best moving curves in the draft. It’s a hammer. His change is an above average pitch. Scouts have thrown out grades in the 70’s for his fastball and curve, and 60’s for his change. And he is an NCAA National Champion.

However, he was left off the College World Series roster by Mississippi State because he has control issues.

Here’s the deal, if he can clean up his mechanics, and consistently find a release point, Cerantola is one of the best pitchers in the country. His stuff is elite. His control is not. He walked 11 guys in 17.1 innings and quickly pitched himself from the rotation to the pen, and from the pen to the back of the pen, and then off the active roster. He did allow just 13 hits and struck out 24 guys though.

The Royals are hoping they can help Cerantola find his control. This is a highly talented guy that could be lightning in a bottle for the Royals. He is a project with an incredible payoff if the Royals can help him find it. Let’s trust the process and hope for the best because Cerantola could be special.

Image from the Mississippi State baseball website.