The Houston Astros have selected left-hander Brady Aiken from Cathedral Catholic High in California with the first overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft.
“It was a crazy moment," Aiken said when he was interviewed on MLB Network. "It’s been a fun experience.”
It’s the third time a high-school pitcher has been the No. 1 overall pick, following David Clyde (Rangers, 1973) and Brien Taylor (Yankees, 1991). Aiken is a 6-3 lefty with a fastball that reaches 97 mph, and he displays a polished delivery that isn't often seen from prep pitchers.
The Astros went with Aiken over fellow Texas prepster Tyler Kolek and N.C. State lefthander Carlos Rodon, who was the prohibitive favorite to go No. 1 overall heading into the year but didn't exceed expectations in his final college season.
I know everyone has been hearing about Rodon the last 3 years, but if you don't like Brady Aiken pick, you haven't seen him pitch. #mlbdraft
— Nathan Rode (@NathanRode) June 5, 2014 We move fast around here. #Astros pic.twitter.com/87Hww8HCIa
— Reid Ryan (@robertreidryan) June 5, 2014 Brady Aiken is 1st HS pitcher picked 1st overall since Yankees took Brien Taylor in 1991.Taylor injured shoulder and never pitched in majors
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) June 5, 2014 LHP Brady Aiken's 2014 draft report (http://t.co/9yN3M01i3M) is very similar to Clayton Kershaw's 2006 report (http://t.co/vzxsdGIM3s)
— Clint Longenecker (@Clint_BA) June 5, 2014