Ryley Gilliam - RHP - Junior - Clemson
A 5'10 170 lb. right-hander, Gilliam has flourished since making a move to the bullpen in 2017. In 66.1 innings as a college reliever (as of May 14th), he has pitched to a 1.77 ERA with 13.21 K/9 and 4.36 BB/9. Gilliam came into the season with a one-two punch of a fastball with some movement in the 92-95 mph range and a curveball in the 78-79 mph range, and it looks like he may have also toyed with a cutter that sits in the 88-90 range as well.
Gilliam has a track record of success against top flight competition in the ACC as well as in a stint with the Team USA Collegiate squad, in which he threw 8.1 innings: striking out 9 while walking 2 and holding hitters to a .181 batting average. He has above average velocity on his fastball, and has the confidence to come right at any hitter with the pitch.
The main knocks against Gilliam are his size/stature and his command - which can be erratic at times. He is well built at 5'10 170 lbs - but there is not much room for him to add on to his frame - and his height may scare some teams off.
Overall, Gilliam has been one of the more impressive collegiate relievers in this draft class, and profiles as a valuable mid-to-late inning reliever at the next level.
