2015 MLB Draft results: Travis Lakins to Boston Red Sox with 171st pick

Sophomore Travis Lakins out of Franklin, OH was the first Buckeye to be taken in the 2015 MLB Draft. Standing at 6'1 and 180 pounds, Lakins fastball and versatility makes him the best pitching prospect out of Ohio State since 2010. Despite his talent, his stature and command on the mound make him a questionable starter in the pros, but cements his chances as at least a professional reliever.

College career

Freshman season, 2014

His first year at Ohio State was filled with career-highs and conference honors, including Big Ten Freshman of the Week. He was 1-3 on the mound with a 2.45 ERA, 55 strikeouts in 55.0 inning pitched, tying teammate Ryan Riga in strikeouts on the year. He was able to help the Buckeyes during the 2014 Big Ten Tournament, throwing 2.1 scoreless frames in his two appearances during the tournament with four strikeouts.

Despite being over-looked for end of season conference honors, he started garnering big-time attention during the off-season before his sophomore year.

Sophomore season, 2015

Lakins' second season as Buckeye saw growth and more playing time for the young standout; he was 4-4 on the mound with a 3.75 ERA, 84 strikeouts in 96.0 innings pitched. He started 15 games for Ohio State this season, walked 32 batters of 372 at-bats.

Proving clutch during a make-or-break outing against Nebraska in April, he pitched a 10-inning game, leading Ohio State to a 2-1 win over Nebraska; Lakins struck out seven batters against two walks. This run was a big factor in the Buckeyes making it to the Big Ten tournament and also getting their revenge against a Huskers team that always seems to best the program with the last at-bat.

For more of what MLB.com is saying about Lakins, here's his draft report: