Hunter Dietz

Scouting Report

Dietz was part of a loaded rotation at Calvary Christian HS (Clearwater, Fla.) in 2023, pitching alongside Landen Maroudis (who signed for $1.5 million as a Blue Jays fourth-rounder) and Liam Peterson (now at Florida and a lock first-round pick). Dietz should join Peterson as a first-rounder in July despite totaling just 1 2/3 innings in his first two seasons at Arkansas. He had a stress fracture in his elbow that required surgery in the fall of 2023 and pitched twice the following spring but broke out this year with 131 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings and a Southeastern Conference-best nine quality starts. His performance during fall practice was so spectacular that some evaluators believed Dietz was the best college left-hander in the 2026 Draft and he has cemented that status with a strong and healthy spring. He works at 94-96 mph and reaches 98 with his fastball, displaying impressive backspin and carry at times and natural cut at others. His mid-80s slider and upper-80s cutter play as plus offerings, and his low-80s curveball does as well even if it's less consistent. He barely uses a mid-80s changeup with depth. Dietz presents an unusual look for hitters, delivering pitches from a 6-foot-6 frame with a high three-quarters arm slot. After two years of little activity, he has filled the zone and finished his season with 14 strikeouts against Kansas in an NCAA regional game. He could continue to improve as he gains more experience.