Johnny
Bowes

Bowes made a loud statement in his first start of the spring after the sit-out period, working 5 innings with 8 strikeouts, allowing just 2 hits and 1 earned run on 84 pitches. The right-hander came out firing, sitting 94-96 mph early before settling into the 91-93 range later in the outing. He paired it with a 72-75 mph curveball that served as his primary secondary — including his final two punchouts — and mixed in an 88-90 mph cutter early on. He also flashed a splitter in warmups, but never went to it during the start. Bowes showed the ability to attack all four quadrants and generate chase above the zone, though fastball command wavered slightly in his final frame. Still, he dug in and worked out of trouble, showing composure with runners on base. The strides Bowes has made over the last 12 months are significant. This time last spring he was sitting in the mid-80s, and now the velocity jump is paired with a much cleaner, more efficient delivery. The operation has smoothed out, helping unlock both velocity and overall pitchability. Physical gains are evident as well, with added strength throughout the frame. He also showed the ability to lean more on his secondaries as the outing progressed, demonstrating a strong feel for pitching and not just attempting to light up the radar gun. Still just 16 years old and set to be 17 at the time of the 2027 MLB Draft, Bowes has a very intriguing ceiling. Whether his path leads to pro ball or to USC, he’s a clear 2027 arm to follow, with more velocity and development likely still ahead.