Matthew Dallas feels blessed with upcoming MLB draft decision
ARLINGTON, Tenn. (BVM) –Team USA took down Chinese Taipei in the U-18 World Cup gold medal game back in September for the country’s fifth title in the last six tournaments. The pitcher they entrusted with the start was Matthew Dallas.
He hurled 3 1/3 innings of one-run ball.
Dallas represented his country on the biggest stage and allowed them to be victorious.
“I feel like I’ve been a guy that’s always been under the radar a little bit,” Dallas said. “To be able to be on a team of the 20 best players in our class is pretty special.”
USA Baseball had 156 alums on Opening Day rosters this season, and many of the players on Dallas’ team will get the same opportunity, including him.
The 6-foot-5 southpaw excelled on the mound this past season at Briarcrest Christian School, pitching to a 0.80 ERA with 102 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings. Dallas is ranked as the No. 182 prospect in this year’s draft class according to Prospects Live.
LHP Matthew Dallas is going to be a very high follow over the 2023 cycle.
Easy delivery. FB 87-90 T91, with plenty of movement. Mixes two breaking balls with distinct shape, CB flashed +, with 12/6 break. Showed a low-80s CH. Big-time projection at 6-5, 180. #Vols commit. pic.twitter.com/sgn6mD3iyI
— Ian Smith (@FlaSmitty) July 23, 2022
He can hit the mid-90s with his fastball and complements the heater with a changeup and curveball. Dallas is a great athlete and has plenty of room to add strength to his frame over time.
College coaches caught on early and began reaching out to Dallas before he started high school. After a year of communicating with the staff at Tennessee, he announced his commitment to the school in the summer leading up to his sophomore year.
Extremely blessed to announce my athletic/academic commitment @Vol_Baseball Thank you to everyone who has helped me along this journey. All Glory to God!@eastcoastbball @WowFactorNation @BCHS_Baseball @PBRTennessee @PG_Scouting @josh_elander @mauldin_jeff pic.twitter.com/IohVfx727d
— MatthewDallas (@MatthewDallas20) July 2, 2020
“With coach Frank (Anderson) there, I think he’s one of the best in the game,” Dallas said. “I’ve heard great things about him and what he’s able to do with lefties. And with Vitello being one of the better coaches in college in my opinion, all of the experience that they have over there is what I think is gonna be able to get me to the next level.”
July’s MLB draft could throw a wrench in that plan depending on the results, but regardless of the outcome, Dallas would be more than thrilled to spend some time in Knoxville.
Matthew Dallas (23 TN) was masterful for 5 one-hit innings. Uber-projectable lefty, held upper-80s, still touching 91 in the 5th. Three pitches with massive upside. #Tennessee commit. #UBC @eastcoastbball pic.twitter.com/3hd9zGDOhg
— Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 23, 2022
“I’m just blessed to be in the spot that I am,” Dallas said. “In my eyes, and my family’s eyes, we kind of look at like I’m still with Tennessee. If an opportunity where I get taken somewhere pops up, then we’re gonna take it if it’s right for the fit. But as of right now, we’re gonna go to Tennessee and do something there.”
Dallas has another month before his future is clearer, but whether he is pitching in the SEC or in the minor leagues next season, the potential is through the roof for the Memphis-area native.
