The Potential Tools: 70 FB, 60 CB, 60 CH, 55 command

Strengths: Plus athleticism; broad, projectable frame; smooth, easy, repeatable delivery; ¾ arm slot and plus arm speed; balance and drive; FB works 92-to-94 mph and touches higher; downhill plane and armside run; has deception and late hop; jumps on hitters quickly; CB/CH are potential plus secondaries; advanced feel for both; CH features tumbling movement with vertical action; has FB look and disguise; 10-12 mph separation; CB has 1-to-7 shape; tight spin and deep depth; late, two-plane break; shows consistent bite and shape; has advanced feel to throw for strike and chase pitch; plus future control; command projects to be above average; showed ability to work both sides of the plate; high pitchability.

Weaknesses: Tommy John surgery already on resume; concerns about UCL prior to 2014 MLB Draft; injury could affect stuff long term – could take a while to come back; present pitch/command projections are far away from future projections; strength needed to handle SP workload and durability; no pro experience.

Role Ceiling: 60; #2 SP.

Risk: Extreme; coming off TJ surgery; no pro experience.

Summary: As a high school senior, Aiken brought one of the more advanced profiles in recent memory. He features a potential plus-plus fastball, plus curveball and plus changeup as well as potential above-average command. He had feel for all his pitches and pitchability that a high school senior does not usually have. He was drafted first overall that year but did not sign due to some medical concerns, and disagreements about his signing bonus.

After transferring to IMG Academy and playing as a fifth-year senior, Aiken tore his UCL in his first start and had Tommy John surgery shortly after. The Indians took a gamble on him in the first round of last year’s draft and that gamble will pay off big time if Aiken can fully recover, prove he’s healthy, and regain his command and feel for his three potential plus or better pitches, there’s #2 starter upside in the overall profile.