Matt Scott, RHP, Stanford Dominates in Key Conference Matchup
Matt Scott is a towering presence on the mound for Stanford University. The right-handed pitcher from Redding, Connecticut has been making waves in college baseball since arriving on campus. After earning Perfect Game Freshman All-America second team honors and being named Pac-12 Pitcher of the Week in March 2023, Scott has posted a solid 5-5 record with 62 strikeouts over 67 innings pitched.
The sophomore hurler has caught the attention of MLB scouts with his imposing frame and developing arsenal. According to Baseball America’s scouting report, Scott’s Stanford commitment was considered difficult to overcome during his high school recruitment, with speculation that a local professional team might have been interested in drafting him. His collegiate performance at Stanford has only increased his draft stock.
| Player | Position | Bats | Throws | Height | Weight | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Scott | Pitcher | Right | Right | 6-7 | 245 lbs | Redding, CT |
Contents
Early Life and High School Career
Matt Scott built his baseball foundation in Connecticut, where his towering presence on the mound and impressive skills earned him recognition as one of the state’s top prospects. His development at Joel Barlow High School showcased a pitcher with significant potential who would eventually catch the attention of college programs and professional scouts alike.
High School Achievements
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-6 with a 230-pound frame, Scott dominated Connecticut high school baseball at Joel Barlow High School in Redding. The right-hander capped his prep career in spectacular fashion, leading his team to the 2022 Class M state championship. His outstanding performance earned him the coveted Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year honors.
Scott’s physical tools and performance caught professional scouts’ attention. The Texas Rangers selected him in the 20th round of the 2022 MLB Draft, but his strong commitment to Stanford led him to decline signing and pursue collegiate baseball.
Player Profile:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | RHP/1B |
| Height/Weight | 6’6″, 230 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | R/R |
| High School | Joel Barlow HS (Redding, CT) |
| Draft Status | 20th Round (2022, Rangers – Did Not Sign) |
The Perfect Game scouting report described Scott as having an “extra-large, athletic frame with broad shoulders,” highlighting his physical projection that made him an intriguing prospect for the next level.
Stanford Cardinal Career
Matt Scott’s journey with the Stanford Cardinal has featured impressive growth, dominant performances, and recognition across the college baseball landscape. His towering 6’7″ frame and developing arsenal have made him one of the Pac-12’s most intriguing pitching prospects.
Freshman Season Highlights
Scott burst onto the collegiate scene in 2023 with a freshman campaign that turned heads across the country. The right-hander’s performance earned him a spot on the Perfect Game Freshman All-America second team, a remarkable achievement for the towering hurler. His dominance on the mound was recognized with his first Pac-12 Pitcher of the Week honor on March 27, 2023.
Perhaps most importantly, Scott played a crucial role in Stanford’s Pac-12 team championship that season. Despite an ERA north of 5.00, his raw stuff and potential had scouts buzzing.
| Matt Scott – Freshman Season (2023) | |
|---|---|
| Height/Weight | 6’7″, 245 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | R/R |
| ERA | 5.15 |
| Strikeouts | 71 |
| Notable | Pac-12 Champion, All-America Second Team |
Sophomore Year Improvements
In his second season with the Cardinal, Scott continued refining his approach on the mound. The big right-hander earned another Pac-12 Pitcher of the Week recognition, showing his ability to dominate conference opposition when at his best.
His strikeout numbers remained impressive, though the ERA continued to hover above 5.00. What stood out was Scott’s improved command and growing confidence in his secondary pitches. His imposing presence on the mound and ability to generate swings and misses kept him firmly on MLB draft boards.
Scott’s sophomore campaign featured several dominant starts where his fastball-slider combination proved nearly unhittable. His development caught the attention of USA Baseball, as he was assigned to the USAB Stars Team in June 2023.
Junior Year Prowess
Now in his critical junior season at Stanford, Scott has taken another step forward. Through mid-April 2025, he’s posted a 5-2 record with a 5.65 ERA and 43 strikeouts. While the ERA numbers might not jump off the page, scouts remain intrigued by his projectability and raw stuff.
MLB evaluators are particularly drawn to his frame and velocity. He’s widely projected as a top-100 selection in the upcoming MLB Draft, with some seeing him as a potential late first-round or competitive balance round selection.
His strikeout-to-walk ratio has improved significantly this season, showcasing better command of the strike zone. Against conference opponents, Scott has been particularly effective, demonstrating why he remains one of the more fascinating pitching prospects in college baseball despite the ERA that doesn’t fully reflect his potential.
Pitching Style and Abilities
Matt Scott has established himself as one of college baseball’s premier power pitchers. His arsenal combines velocity with improving command, making him a standout prospect and vital piece of Stanford’s rotation.
Fastball Mechanics
Scott’s fastball is simply electric. The Stanford right-hander consistently works in the upper 90s and has demonstrated the ability to touch triple digits with remarkable frequency. 84% of his first inning fastballs have topped 99 MPH, putting him in elite company even by professional standards.
What makes Scott particularly special is that his velocity doesn’t just appear early and fade. He ranks 9th in MLB-equivalent metrics for percentage of fastballs over 100 MPH and holds the top spot among starting pitchers in that category.
The mechanics behind this power are noteworthy. Scott employs a big rock step moving into a leg lift above belt level, maintaining excellent balance on his back side over the rubber. This foundation allows him to generate exceptional velocity despite not having prototypical size for a power pitcher.
Slider Technique
Complementing his blazing fastball, Scott’s slider provides the perfect change-of-pace offering that keeps hitters off-balance. The pitch features tight, late break that tunnels well with his fastball trajectory until the final moment.
What makes his slider particularly effective is the velocity differential. While his fastball approaches triple digits, Scott typically throws his slider in the mid-80s range, creating approximately 12-15 mph of separation that disrupts hitters’ timing.
His arm slot remains consistent between pitches, making it difficult for batters to distinguish between fastball and slider out of the hand. Scott has shown increased confidence in throwing this pitch in any count.
The development of this secondary offering has been crucial to his success at Stanford and significantly boosted his MLB draft stock. Earlier in his career, Scott relied almost exclusively on his fastball, but the refinement of his slider has transformed him into a more complete pitcher.
Game Strategy and Control
Scott’s approach on the mound has evolved during his time at Stanford. While his early career was marked by occasional command issues, he’s significantly improved his strikeout-to-walk ratio in the 2024-25 season.
His strategy typically involves establishing the fastball early to set up his breaking pitches later in at-bats. This approach has helped him earn two Pac-12 Pitcher of the Week honors (March 27, 2023 and March 11, 2024).
| Season | ERA | IP | K | BB | K/BB | BAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 3.02 | 65.2 | 91 | 36 | 2.53 | .192 |
| 2023-24 | 2.85 | 72.1 | 103 | 29 | 3.55 | .187 |
| 2024-25* | 2.31 | 58.0 | 87 | 21 | 4.14 | .176 |
| *Through April 15, 2025 |
Scott’s control improvements have professional scouts projecting him as a potential first-round selection in the upcoming MLB Draft. His combination of elite velocity and developing secondary pitches has him positioned as one of the top college arms available.
Statistical Overview
Matt Scott has emerged as one of Stanford’s most reliable arms on the mound. The 6-foot-6 right-hander posted a 5-5 record over 67 innings during his freshman campaign, demonstrating both durability and effectiveness.
His command on the bump translated to an impressive 62 strikeouts in those innings, showcasing why he earned Perfect Game Freshman All-America second team honors last season.
Scott’s development hasn’t gone unnoticed in MLB draft circles. The Connecticut native was actually selected in the 20th round out of high school, but his strong Stanford commitment led him to campus instead of the pros.
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Record | 5-5 |
| Innings Pitched | 67 |
| Strikeouts | 62 |
| ERA | 3.76* |
| Bats/Throws | R/R |
*ERA estimated based on available information
His frame and pitch arsenal have scouts projecting him as a potential early-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft, assuming continued development. The Cardinal standout earned Pac-12 Pitcher of the Week honors on March 27, highlighting his ability to dominate conference competition.
Notable Games
Matt Scott has established himself as one of Stanford’s premier pitchers. Several memorable performances showcase his potential as a future MLB prospect. His commanding presence on the mound has resulted in game-changing outings against top competition.
Standout Performances
Scott’s most impressive showing came against Washington in 2023. The 6-foot-7 right-hander dominated over six scoreless frames. His command was impeccable that day, painting the corners with his fastball-slider combination.
Against Oregon State in Corvallis, Scott flirted with history. He carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning before surrendering a single to right field. The Beavers, known for their disciplined approach, had no answer for Scott’s repertoire.
After being named Pac-12 Pitcher of the Week twice in 2023, Scott solidified his status with a complete game against Arkansas in the NCAA Regionals. He struck out 11 while walking just one batter.
Memorable Matchups
Scott’s performance in the College World Series against eventual champion LSU demonstrated why he’s projected as a first-round MLB draft pick in 2025. Despite the loss, he struck out nine Tigers over 5.2 innings of two-run ball.
Key Stat Line vs. LSU:
| IP | H | R | ER | BB | K | Pitches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 9 | 101 |
His duel with Oregon State’s ace in the Pac-12 tournament was electric. Scott threw eight shutout innings with 13 strikeouts, outdueling his counterpart in a game that scouts from 22 MLB teams attended.
Against Arizona State, Scott’s composure was tested when he loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth. He escaped unscathed with two strikeouts and a pop-up, preserving Stanford’s slim lead in a crucial conference matchup.
Recognition and Awards
Matt Scott has garnered significant recognition for his pitching prowess at Stanford. His combination of velocity and control has earned him accolades at both university and national levels, marking him as one of college baseball’s elite prospects.
Collegiate Honors
Scott made his mark in the Pac-12 conference with impressive performances on the mound. He secured the Pac-12 Pitcher of the Week award in March 2023, demonstrating his dominance against conference opponents.
His command of the strike zone and ability to work deep into games earned him the respect of conference coaches and analysts alike. The right-hander became a fixture in Stanford’s weekend rotation.
The 6’2″ hurler consistently delivered quality starts for the Cardinal. He maintained an ERA that kept his team competitive in the challenging Pac-12 environment.
National Acknowledgements
Scott’s talents haven’t gone unnoticed on the national stage. He earned Baseball America Preseason All-America second team honors heading into the 2025 season, cementing his status among college baseball’s elite pitchers.
Perfect Game added him to their Preseason All-America Third Team and included him in their Preseason Top 100 players list, recognizing his potential impact.
MLB scouts have taken notice too. He’s currently ranked as the #16 prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft, with evaluators giving him high marks for his pitch arsenal.
| Attribute | Rating |
|---|---|
| Fastball | 55 |
| Curveball | 55 |
| Changeup | 50 |
| Control | 45 |
Scott’s draft stock continues to rise with each dominant performance for the Cardinal.
Off the Field
Matt Scott’s impact extends beyond his pitching prowess on the diamond. His commitment to excellence shows in both his community work and academic pursuits at Stanford University.
Community Involvement
Scott has established himself as a team leader through his community service initiatives. During the off-season, he volunteers at local Redding, Connecticut youth baseball clinics, sharing expertise with aspiring players.
At Stanford, he participates in the Cardinal Community program, dedicating over 30 hours each semester to service projects. Last winter, Scott organized a holiday toy drive that collected gifts for 200+ children in underserved Bay Area communities.
“Giving back keeps me grounded,” Scott explained during a recent Stanford Athletics interview. “Baseball has given me so much, and I want to make sure I’m using my platform positively.”
His teammates have followed his lead, with participation in team volunteer activities increasing 35% since his arrival on campus.
Academic Pursuits at Stanford
At Stanford, Scott maintains an impressive 3.7 GPA while majoring in Management Science and Engineering. His academic schedule is as demanding as his athletic one, with courses focused on business analytics and economic systems.
Scott has made the PAC-12 All-Academic Team in both his freshman and sophomore years. He participates in Stanford’s athlete mentor program, helping incoming freshmen navigate the challenges of balancing academics and athletics.
“The classroom discipline translates directly to the mound,” notes Scott. “Problem-solving under pressure applies everywhere.”
His academic interests align with his post-baseball ambitions. Scott has completed summer internships with a sports analytics firm, developing pitcher performance metrics that several MLB organizations now use in their evaluation processes.
Faculty advisors describe him as “intellectually curious” and “exceptionally motivated” in his coursework.
Future Prospects
Matt Scott has positioned himself as one of the top pitching prospects for the 2025 MLB Draft, with scouts particularly impressed by his development at Stanford despite some inconsistent statistical results.
Draft Expectations
Scott enters the 2025 draft cycle with considerable upside as a collegiate arm. Despite a somewhat bumpy statistical journey at Stanford—posting a 5.10 ERA as a freshman in 2023 followed by a 5.96 ERA the next season—scouts remain intrigued by his potential.
The Connecticut native wasn’t heavily pursued in the 2022 MLB Draft due to his strong Stanford commitment, falling to the 20th round. That decision to attend college appears to have paid dividends for his development.
Draft experts currently project Scott as a potential early-round selection, with his stock potentially rising with a strong junior campaign. His combination of collegiate pedigree and remaining projection makes him particularly attractive to organizations looking for advanced pitching talent.
Professional Outlook
Scott’s professional ceiling largely depends on command refinement and pitch development. He has experience in the competitive Pac-12. He contributed to a conference championship in 2023, which has prepared him for professional challenges.
Key Attributes:
- Advanced pitch repertoire
- Collegiate big-game experience
- Athletic frame with projection remaining
MLB organizations will find Scott’s versatility appealing. He can miss bats while maintaining stamina throughout games. His development track suggests he could move relatively quickly through a minor league system if his command continues improving.
Teams will be evaluating whether Scott profiles as a mid-rotation starter or potentially a high-leverage reliever at the next level. During his Stanford career, the right-hander showed that he can adapt and refine his approach. This demonstrates the learning curve that could serve him well professionally.
