Maddux Bruns, a left-handed pitcher, is the most recent first-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft and is now the Dodgers #12 prospect. Bruns stands 6’2 and weighs 205 pounds. The 19-year-old was drafted right out of UMS-Wright Prep High School and is currently playing for the Atlantic Coast League Dodgers, Rookie ball. Maddux Bruns has pitched in two games and accumulated two and two-thirds of an inning. He gave up three runs on three hits, four walks, and three strikeouts. Of course, this is just a small sample size and those numbers don’t mean much.
The pitching mix for the young 19-year-old is Fastball, Slider, Curveball, and a Changeup. The fastball is in the 91-96 MPH range but more consistent at 92-94 MPH. The pitch has great late movement, but he struggles with control.
The slider, which sometimes looks like a cutter, is thrown in the mid 80’s. This pitch also has good natural movement, and Bruns can throw it anywhere. Unfortunately, Maddux doesn’t have the best control of this pitch either.
The Curveball sits in the low 70’s. It has excellent downward movement and good spin rate. Like Bruns other pitches, he struggles with control.
The changeup sits in the low 80’s. Maddux Bruns did not use the pitch much in amateur ball. This pitch can be a difference-maker for Maddux’s career.
The ETA for Maddux Bruns is 2025. There is no doubt that his pitches have big-league potential. It just depends on whether he can get control of them. Also, if he can build up his changeup to be in line with the other three pitches, he can have four plus pitches. Bruns is the definition of a high-risk/high reward kind of player. There is some hope for the kid because the right team drafted him. Dodgers have a history of developing pitchers exceptionally well, like Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Tony Gonsolin, and Julio Urias.