Rangers select UC Santa Barbara right-hander Dillon Tate 4th overall
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The Texas Rangers opted for one of most electric college pitchers in the country with their top pick Monday night, grabbing UC Santa Barbara right-hander Dillon Tate with the fourth overall selection in the 2015 First-Year Player Draft.
An imposing figure on the mound, Tate enjoyed a seamless transition to the rotation for the Gauchos in 2015 after spending the previous two seasons in the bullpen. Tate, who celebrated his 21st birthday last month, shares an alma mater with Michael Young, one of the most popular players in Rangers history who now serves as special assistant to general manager Jon Daniels.
Bio
Position: P
School: UC Santa Barbara
Height/Weight: 6-2, 185 pounds
Age: 21
Throws: Right
Stats
| GS | W-L | IP | ERA | SO | H | ER | BB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 8-5 | 103.1 | 2.26 | 111 | 66 | 26 | 28 |
Overview
Dillon Tate is a physical specimen on the mound if we've ever seen one.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder is toned, chiseled and has a high waist. Tate is also extremely coordinated and knows how to pounce of the mound to field his position.
The closer for UCSB and Team USA last year, Tate made the successful conversion to the mound after showcasing his stamina. Clocked at 95-98 miles per hour, Tate delivers the ball from a low 3/4 arm slot and has some arm-side run, while his off-speed has sharp bite to it.
If there's one thing Tate has that can't be taught, it's mound presence. He's a towering figure on the bump and loud with his delivery. He'll be polished when heads to the minors and as he generates stamina, he should find success early and often.
Highlights
(Courtesy: MLB.com)