Dodgers 2020 MLB Draft grades: What you need to know about each pick

Who the Dodgers picked: RHP Gavin Stone, Central Arkansas

Round 5 (159th overall)

Grade: B-

The Dodgers used their final pick in the abbreviated 2020 MLB Draft to select pitcher Gavin Stone from Central Arkansas. The right-hander follows a trend for pitchers favored in this draft class by the Dodgers with an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio (31:6) in 27.1 innings of work.

Stone went 3-1 with a 1.30 ERA during an abbreviated spring season for Central Arkansas. He has a 6-9 career college record with a 2.42 ERA, striking out 109 batters to only 33 walks in over 100 innings pitched.

The 6-foot-1 junior had one of the best performances of the 2020 college season when he no-hit Southeastern Louisiana, nearly pitching a perfect game. It was his last outing before the season was shutdown, so he left with a good taste in his mouth. The right-hander issued one walk in the fifth inning, otherwise retiring the other 27 batters he faced, striking out 13.

Baseball America ranked him as the 303rd best prospect entering the draft.

"Stone doesn’t have a true plus pitch, but he has three average offerings including a 90-92 mph fastball. He locates his changeup and breaking ball well, with his above-average control proving to be his best asset."

Dodgers: Predicting which free agents return in 2021

Several Dodgers may not return for the 2021 season.

While many pitchers are selected in the draft off their raw talent, Stone appears to be a pitcher who knows how to “pitch” by mixing in different pitches, adding a little speed and taking some off, and using his breaking pitches to keep opposing hitters off balance. He could be an intriguing late round find.