Vitals
6'4, 185 pounds
17 years old (18 on July 10)
Bat: R
Throw: R
Location
Westlake Village, Calif.
Oaks Christian High School
Rankings
Baseball America: 20
MLB.com: 26
MLB Draft Insider: 34
Minor League Ball: 46
Perfect Game: 44
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Bickford is a projectable right-handed pitcher from Oaks Christian High School. There's a lot of tape on the kid and, despite a somewhat unorthodox delivery, has some of the best stuff of any prep pitcher in this draft.
Bickford has a low-90s fastball that's touched 95-96 MPH in some starts. Some have said it's a potential 70 pitch at it's pinnacle. It has the ability to be a plus-plus pitch.
His off-speed pitches leave a lot to be desired. His curveball isn't as tight as it needs to and is currently a below-average pitch. That, unfortunately, is his best breaking pitch. He also has a slider and changeup that aren't close to average.
His arm slot is a true 3/4 and he hides the ball well, which offers deception.
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Bickford is committed to California State University, Fullerton, but he's signable.
Being a local guy could play into his favor with the Dodgers. He's an athletic, projectable prep pitcher, which is exaclty what the Dodgers like,
Bickford is No. 4 on my big board and would be a nice selection. He's definitely a higher ceiling guy than Hunter Harvey, and I like guy with boom potential.
This is still my pick at No. 18 for the Dodgers. Bickford has real upside and, like you've already mentioned, is someone the Dodgers can sign right in the own backyard. However, if Trey Ball were to fall all the way to them instead (fingers crossed) getting him as a LHP would be a downright steal! We'll see, though...
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