Dane Dunning Stats & Scouting Report — College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects
Emma Powell TRACK RECORD: The Nationals selected Dunning in the first round in 2016 and sent him to the White Sox with Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez in exchange for outfielder Adam Eaton that winter. Dunning missed all of 2019 recovering from Tommy John surgery, but he returned in 2020 and went 2-0, 3.97 in seven big league starts.
SCOUTING REPORT: Dunning was primarily a sinker/slider pitcher in college but has expanded his repertoire as a pro. He added a four-seam fastball after joining the White Sox and tweaked his curveball grip with help from veteran righthander James Shields. Along with his changeup, the enhancements gave Dunning a varied, five-pitch mix. Nothing is overpowering, but Dunning mixes and matches to keep hitters off balance. His 91-93 mph sinker and low-80s slider remain his primary weapons and he throws his four- seam fastball, curveball and changeup enough to keep batters guessing. His walk rate was a tick high in his major league debut, but he throws everything for strikes and has demonstrated above-average control throughout his career.
THE FUTURE: Dunning will begin 2021 at the back of Chicago’s rotation. His varied arsenal, control and pitchability should allow him to remain there long-term.
