2016 MLB Draft: Phillies Select Kevin Gowdy in Second Round

After selecting Mickey Moniak with the first overall pick, the Phillies were on the prowl for a pitcher in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft. It looks like they got their guy.

Kevin Gowdy, a tall, projectable right-handed pitcher out of Santa Barbara HS in California, was selected by the Phillies to open the draft's second round Thursday night.

Gowdy was ranked #39 in The BA 500, and MLB.com had him ranked #37. Here's a story from Baseball America's Hudson Belinsky on Gowdy.

This is what MLB.com had to say about Gowdy:

With his combination of projectability and pitchability, Gowdy appeared to be the top high school pitching option in California this Draft season. Some lackluster performances, along with some others breaking out, have made that more of a race, though he is still well regarded.

The Santa Barbara native has the chance to have three at least above-average pitches in his arsenal. When he's firing on all cylinders, Gowdy's fastball will sit in the 90-93 mph range, and with his frame, it's easy to dream about increased velocity. His breaking ball can be an out pitch with good bite, one that should develop into a true slider in time. Gowdy has a better feel for a changeup than many high school pitchers, and he has shown advanced command for his age. He typically has a free and easy delivery that he repeats well.

If Gowdy's stock falters, signability -- and his commitment to UCLA -- could come into play. But there's still a good chance a team early on will roll the dice on his upside and current feel for pitching.

Certainly, the Phillies are banking on Moniak coming in at a Dansby Swanson type number with his bonus, maybe around $6.3 million. If that is indeed the case, they can spread out the money a little bit in the pool and make room for someone like Gowdy. Barring something unforeseen, Gowdy isn't going to be a Bruin next year. The Phillies will do everything possible to get an overslot deal completed. It's hard to see him slipping away.

Best of all, they should be able to go overslot again if needed in round 3 tomorrow. They're going to have the money to spend, and they're absolutely going to use it.

Some more video on Gowdy is below. I can't help but notice the wind-up with glove over the head, quick pause, and then back to the chest reminds one of Cole Hamels, but it seems like that's a work in progress.