Mason Denaburg
Mason Denaburg | Rank: 24
School: Merritt Island (Fla.) HS Year: Senior
Position: RHP Age: 18 DOB: 08/08/1999
Bats: R Throws: R Height: 6'3" Weight: 190 lb.
Commitment: Florida
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Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50
There were several question marks regarding Denaburg, even after a strong summer showcase showing that ended with helping USA Baseball's 18-and-under team win a gold medal. Was he a pitcher or a position player? Would he want to do both at the University of Florida. An accomplished kicker and punter, would he want to keep playing football in college? All of those were trumped somewhat by a biceps issue that sidelined him this spring.
One of the questions seemingly answered is about his desire to pitch. Denaburg had been a catcher when not on the mound, but he'd moved out to the outfield as a senior and seems dedicated to a future as a hurler, though the chance to play two ways for the Gators might still be out there for him. He's been up to 97 mph in the past with his fastball, sitting around 94, throwing it with good life down in the zone. When he stays on top of it, his power breaking ball has nasty break and finish to it, and he shows feel for a solid changeup as well.
There's some upside here to unlock, given Denaburg's split focus, both because of his two-way history on the diamond and his time spent on the gridiron. He has a good, strong body that reminds some of John Smoltz, with a chance for his stuff to jump once he concentrates on his craft full-time. Returning to the mound in May helped prove he's healthy and cement that he has serious first-round potential.
