Jack
Leiter

The sophomore eligible righty has big league bloodlines — his father is longtime major league pitcher Al Leiter. At his best, Leiter works the corners and pitches to the top of the zone with a mid-90 mph riding fastball, then moves hitters’ eyes with a big breaking, plus 75-77 mph curveball which he has the confidence to throw in any count. He will also mix in a low-80s slider and changeup with similar velocity.  At 6-foot, 190 pounds, Leiter could be on the short end to be considered this high, but so was Max Meyer (Minnesota), third overall in 2020.

11/10/19: Leiter worked two innings, allowing two runs with four strikeouts. He worked the corners and pitched to the top of the zone with his 90-94 mph riding fastball and moved hitters’ eyes with an above average, big breaking 75-77 mph curveball which he threw in any count. He also mixed in a low-80s slider and changeup with similar velocity. With a tight strike zone and a lively fastball, Leiter walked three batters, with one scoring on a two-run double in the second inning. The line drive double was laced down the right field line by sophomore 2B Riley Bertram and opened the scoring in the contest, putting the Wolverines on top 2-0.

He carried a perfect game until two outs in the seventh inning and struck out 14. His fastball was 94-97 mph in the first inning, touching 98 in the third and still bumping 96 in the sixth. He didn’t throw a fastball below 92 until two outs in the seventh. The curveball is usually Leiter’s trademark secondary offering, but it was inconsistent in this outing, though he still spun some above average ones in the mid 70s, the Vanderbilt recruit still had a go to breaking ball in his slider, which was 84-86 with hard, late break.

The Vanderbilt recruit dominated in six innings of work, sitting 90-93, touching 94, with slight run and occasional cut. Working quickly and with a short arm action, Leiter needed just 69 pitches to get through the start, throwing 47 for strikes. He faced two over the minimum, allowing a walk in the first and single in the fourth. He went to his trademark curveball often, spinning the 12/6 breaker at 74-77 with depth. He also threw a sharp, darting slider three times at 82-85, and showed athleticism on the mound, hopping off it with ease to make a few plays. His last pitch of the game was 92.

Area Code Games (August 8, 2018)
Leiter stole the show, dominating for two innings with his fastball and curveball. After a pop out to start the game, he allowed a hard single and then struck out five straight. His fastball sat 91-94 and he showed his usual curveball, an above average offering with 11/5 shape, sharpness and depth at 77-78. His first strikeout came on a curveball down. He then went with 93 up in the zone and struck out the side in the second inning, all with 94 on the outer black. He also mixed in a changeup at 80-81 and a short, darting slider at 83.

East Coast Pro Showcase (August 2, 2018)
Red Sox starter and Vanderbilt recruit RHP Jack Leiter (Delbarton HS, NJ) pitched the first three innings, showing a downhill delivery with an 89-93 mph fastball and an above average-to-plus 76-78 mph curveball. At times, he threw it with more slider shape at 80-82 mph, showing great feel for manipulating his breaking ball, changing shapes and expanding off the plate. His pitches were routinely thrown to the bottom of the zone.

Under Armour All-America Game (July 22, 2018)
RHP Jack Leiter (Delbarton HS, NJ), a Vanderbilt recruit with big-league bloodlines, is smaller in stature but attacked hitters with his 91-93 fastball and arguably the best breaking ball of the event, a tight, late-breaking slider. He throws his slider aggressively and is a true swing-and-miss offering. After walking a batter, Leiter settled in and struck out two.

WWBA Underclass 10/7/16
Leiter has an athletic build at 5-foot-10 165-pounds. Sat 84-86 mph with FB. Had some trouble with command of FB - threw 4.2 innigs, walked six and struck out six. Arm action works, high-¾ with feel for slider at 74-75 mph. Just needs to be more consistent with strikes.

10/1/16
Leiter has an athletic frame at 5-foot-10 165-pounds. One of the top 2019 players in the state (No. 8). Fastball sat at 85-86 at the beginning of his outing, but settled at 82-83 for the rest. Showcased a sharp slider at 73-76 mph with 11/5 depth. Also showed a 12/6 breaker at 63-65. Slider is a true swing and miss pitch. changes arm slots on 12/6 breaker, wraps wrist. Balance point is strong and athletic - falls off to first base side of mound on finish. Had some trouble with FB command at the start, but could have been due to weather conditions affecting mound/ball.


Leiter is a lean and athletic 5-foot-10 165-pound RHP with a quick arm and big upside. Up to 86 mph from a high-3/4 slot with feel for 11/5 breaking ball for strikes. Also throws a smaller, tighter slider/cutter and a straight changeup. Sound mechanics with a loose arm. Uses stride length to generate some power and velocity but occasionally over-strides causing him to fade to the first base side of the rubber. High follow prospect. Son of former Major Leaguer Al Leiter.