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Name: Nathan Peden
Born: DeBary, Florida
Age: 18 (10/16/98)
Height/Weight: 6'4"/170 lbs
Position: RHP
Bats/Throws: R/R
School: University High School (Florida)
The University High School Titans won a school-record 25 games in 2017, winning their regionals and being named runners-up in the state championships, and Nathan Peden was a big reason why. The right-hander went 3-3 as a senior, posting a 1.69 ERA with 39 strikeouts and 10 walks in 41.1 innings pitched.
Peden does not have an overpowering fastball, sitting in the high-80s and topping out at 91 MPH. The right-hander added additional velocity compared to his 2016 year, and even compared to earlier in his 2017 season, and thanks to his projectable frame and easy arm action, will most likely add additional velocity on top of that in the coming years. He complements his fastball with a curveball that sits in the low-to-mid-70s, a slider that sits in the mid-70s, and an inconsistent changeup that sits anywhere from the mid-70s to the mid-80s.
At 6’4”, 170 pounds, Peden has an extremely projectable frame. He throws from a three-quarters arm slot, and has a clean, easy arm action, wrapping his arm behind his body. The athletic right-hander falls off the mound in his follow through, and does not leave himself in good fielding position.
Peden had a commitment to Daytona State Junior College, but has signed with the Mets. On the Florida high school baseball scene, Hutchinson was rivals with fellow Mets draftee Bryce Hutchinson, but the two are good friends otherwise.