2017 Mets draft profile: CJ Van Eyk

Name: CJ Van Eyk

Born: Lutz, Florida

Age: 19 (9/15/98)

Height/Weight: 6'2"/185 lbs

Position: RHP

Bats/Throws: R/R

School: Steinbrenner High School

A right-hander out of Steinbrenner High, CJ Van Eyk looked like one of the best prep right-handers in the 2017 draft at times. In 2016, he had a perfect 7-0 record, posting a Hillsborough County-low 0.16 ERA and county-leading 130 strikeouts for the Steinbrenner High School Warriors, leading them to the regional semifinal, and that summer, he helped lead the USA Baseball 18U team to a gold medal at the Pan American Games. His velocity picked up earlier this spring, his secondary pitches looked more refined, and the 18-year-old seemed poised to be in for a big payday, but after he left a start with a forearm injury, his stock fell, as medical concerns began popping up. He went on to post a 0.73 ERA in 38.1 innings, recording 56 strikeouts, but had the injury not occurred, his numbers might have been even more impressive and his place in the 2017 MLB Draft even more prominent.

Van Eyk’s fastball sits in the low-90s, topping out at 95 MPH, with hard, running action and heavy sink when thrown down in the zone. He complements the fastball with a curveball and a changeup. His curveball, which sits in the low-80s with 11-5 drop, has sharp, biting action, and while inconsistent, is a true swing-and-miss pitch. His changeup, which sits in the high-70s, shows plus fade.

Van Eyk throws from a three-quarters arm slot. He has a quick, loose arm, and uses his lower half well to generate additional velocity and to create leverage and angle to the plate. His crossfire delivery adds movement to his pitches, and adds slight deception as well. At 6’2”, 185, Van Eyk has a lean, athletic body with some additional room to fill in, helping his stamina and overall ability to stay on the mound.

Van Eyk has a commitment to Florida State University, and combined with his murky medical status, will be a very hard sign.