Jacob Dudan

IMPROVEMENT AREAS

• Evaluate sustained performance with level and age context
• Review role fit, health, roster status, and organization need

SCOUT REPORT

A high-leverage reliever at North Carolina State and with Team USA during his first two years in college, Dudan moved to the rotation this spring. The good news is that his fastball/slider combination remained dynamic in longer outings and he dramatically improved his control, making him a possible first-rounder. The bad news is that he blew out his elbow after throwing 116 pitches against Notre Dame on April 4 -- he hit 98 mph in the eighth inning -- and required Tommy John surgery. Dudan averaged 96 mph and touched 99 with his fastball as a junior, showing carry at times and sink at others, though his heater stands out more for its ability to generate groundouts than empty swings. His tight upper-80s slider is a legitimate wipeout pitch, producing a 41 percent chase rate and 48 percent swing-and-miss rate this spring. He also showed some feel for an upper-80s changeup with sink and fade, though he barely used it. A quality athlete, Dudan cut his walk rate from 15 percent in his first two seasons to 6 percent in 2026. While his aptitude for a changeup and improved control enhance his chances of succeeding as a starter, scouts believe his delivery with a long arm action and low slot makes him more likely to wind up as a reliever. He'll likely go in the second round even though he won't return to the mound until late 2027.