:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55270767/AA_Draft_2017.0.jpg)
Name: Cannon Chadwick
Born: Paris, Texas
Age: 22 (12/02/94)
Height/Weight: 6'0"/210 lbs
Position: RHP
Bats/Throws: R/R
School: University of Arkansas
Following his graduation from Paris High School in Texas, Cannon Chadwick—the Mets’ ninth pick in the 2017 draft—enrolled in Paris Junior College, a junior college also in his native Paris. As a member of the Dragons’ pitching staff, the right-hander went 3-2 with a 1.14 ERA. He clearly was too skilled for the NJCAA, as he allowed 45 hits, walked 23, and struck out 68 batters in 71.0 innings pitched. That summer, he played with the Brazos Valley Bombers of the Texas Collegiate League and went 1-2 with a 4.09 ERA in 22.0 innings.
The right-hander transferred to the University of Arkansas in 2015, and the leap in competition caused Chadwick to struggle. Against SEC hitters, he posted a 7.04 ERA in 15.1 innings, eleven relief appearances and one start. He seemed better adjusted in 2016, his senior year, but an arm injury ended his season after only eight appearances.
Chadwick returned to Arkansas in his senior year, any chance that he might have been drafted dashed because of his injury. He started the season strong, quickly taking over as closer for the Razorbacks, but he lost the job midway through the season and struggled to regain the confidence of his coach, appearing in lower leverage situations for the rest of the season. For the year, he posted a 3.66 ERA in 32 innings coming in 24 relief appearances. He allowed 25 hits, walked 12, and struck out 38 batters. Throughout the year, the right-hander struggled with his control, uncorking eight wild pitches and hitting nine batters.
The right-hander’s fastball sits in the high-80s to low-90s. It gets good arm-side movement due to his arm slot, and his delivery gives the pitch additional deception. Chadwick’s bread-and-butter is his slider, a pitch with tight spin and sharp downward-biting action. He also fools around with a change-up, but does not throw the pitch much, relying instead on his fastball/slider combination.
Chadwick is stocky and has a frame suited for pitching. Chadwick throws from a high three-quarters arm slot. The right-hander is inconsistent in when he releases the ball, leading to balls thrown outside when he releases too early, or balls thrown away when he releases the ball too late. He hides the ball well, giving batters virtually no looks at it as he winds up and delivers.