Track Record: Floyd was a draft-eligible sophomore in 2022, but he returned to Louisiana State both to try to win a national title and to show he could be a dominat starter after spending much of his first two years in the bullpen. Mission accomplished. Floyd showed continual improvement throughout the course of the season, culminating with a standout performance in the College World Series. After tying a career high with 10 strikeouts in his first start in Omaha, Floyd fanned 17 Florida batters in eight innings to help LSU win Game One of the CWS championship series in his final college outing.
Scouting Report: Floyd still offers some reminders that he was a reliever until relatively recently. Floyd’s best pitch is his nearly double-plus four-seam fastball, and he relies on it heavily. When he’s on, it’s a nearly unhittable pitch at the top of the zone thanks to the combination of 93-98 mph velocity, a flat plane and well above-average carry. He did a solid job of developing his fringe-average slider and curve in 2023, and he’s shown some feel for an average changeup that is largely a pitch he uses to neutralize lefthanded hitters.
The Future: Like fellow College World Series attendee Rhett Lowder, the Reds did not have Floyd throw in games after signing. He’ll be making his pro debut in 2024. Floyd’s excellent fastball gives him a clear path to at least a relief role, but the Reds will work hard to develop him into a potential mid-rotation starter. Floyd should dominate the Class A levels with his fastball, but he’ll need to refine his breaking balls to succeed at the upper levels.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 65 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 45 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50
