With the #34 pick in the MLB Draft, the Arizona Diamondbacks select RHP Landon Sims!
The Diamondbacks are pulling off another terrific draft under the guise of GM Mike Hazen and Scouting Director Deric Ladnier. In the Competitive Balance Round, A, the Dbacks selected injured RHP Landon Sims out of Mississippi State. He underwent Tommy John Surgery in March so he will be out until next season, but that's okay since he wasn't likely to pitch much this year anyways.
Landon has a dominant slider, reminiscent of Liam Hendricks (his comp) which plays up in the bullpen. His fastball reaches upper-90s and he's an absolute bulldog on the mound.
I doubt he has a future as a starter but could reach the majors very quick as a late-inning reliever. He tore his UCL when he was trying to make the switch to starting this year but did strike out 100 batters in 56.1 innings in 2021. Overall, he struck out 150 batters in 85 innings pitched. He had 13 saves while helping M.S. win the College World Series.
I love this pick for the D-backs. Wouldn't surprise me if Sims ends up being one of the better college pitchers in this class.
— JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) July 18, 2022
He should sign for below slot value since he's injured and is in college. This means that he won't receive the full 2.26-million-dollar allotted bonus. Those savings will help sign Druw Jones or another pick later in the draft.
The 6-2 21-year-old was MLB Pipelines #44 prospect. They comp him to Craig Kimbrel. If he becomes at all like Liam or Craig, then this is just an absolutely amazing pick. I love it. This is an elite draft by the Diamondbacks! This team needed more elite late-inning reliever potential arms.
The Diamondbacks' next pick is at #43. The team can go in any number of ways. So far, other analysts and teams are jealous of the Diamondbacks' draft haul so far. Sources are loving their draft!
Draft Grade for Diamondbacks #34 pick: A+
Overall Draft Grade so far: A+
Love the @Dbacks taking @HailStateBB RHP Landon Sims as the 34th overall pick. Landon put together one of the best outings I've ever seen at Globe Life in 2021. I believe he struck out eight-straight batters in a game against Texas. Electric arm with ++ makeup.
— Kendall Rogers (@KendallRogers) July 18, 2022