MLB Draft prospects: Bishop Feehan’s Bumila projected as top-tier pick despite development risks

Brody Bumila, an 18-year-old left-handed pitcher from Bishop Feehan High School in Massachusetts, is widely projected to be a first-round selection in the upcoming Major League Baseball Draft. Standing 6-foot-9, the Attleboro native has drawn comparisons to MLB stars Randy Johnson and Chris Sale due to his elite arm strength and physical stature, with a fastball clocked at 101 mph. Although Bumila has committed to the University of Texas, industry consensus suggests he will turn professional rather than attend college.

Bumila was projected as the No. 21 overall pick in CBS Sports' first Mock Draft, cementing his status as one of the most coveted high school players in Massachusetts history. His profile includes a significant physical transformation, having gained approximately 40 pounds and increased his velocity from 85 mph to 96 mph between his sophomore and junior years. He recently returned from an internal brace procedure on his elbow that sidelined him for his entire junior season, throwing harder than ever this spring.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding his talent, there is industry-wide caution regarding high school pitchers. Scouts note that while his fastball is elite, his breaking ball and changeup require further development. A former MLB executive noted that while Bumila possesses the desired arm strength and aptitude, the volatility of projecting teenage pitchers remains a significant factor. Of the 53 high school pitchers drafted in the first round between 2013 and 2022, 30 per cent failed to reach the majors.

Former MLB pitcher Rich Hill, a Massachusetts native, emphasised that Bumila’s long-term success will depend heavily on the quality of coaching and development within the drafting organisation. Hill stated that Bumila needs to develop a second pitch and that his future will hinge on managing the inevitable ups and downs of professional development. Evaluators also question how his velocity will hold up over a long season, noting that a 101 mph fastball in high school may translate to 93-94 mph at the professional level.

Bumila has deleted his social media accounts to focus on his final high school season and manage the scrutiny surrounding his draft status. He recently threw a 20-strikeout no-hitter and helped lead Bishop Feehan’s basketball team to its first-ever state championship, recording 36 points and 22 rebounds in the title game. His high school coach, Joe Breen, noted that Bumila’s ambitions extend beyond the draft to winning a Cy Young Award and a World Series.

Bishop Feehan opens its state tournament on Sunday, with Bumila expected to pitch. The rest of his professional story remains to be written, but the consensus is that he represents a high-risk, high-reward asset for any organisation willing to invest in his development.