(In-person evaluation: April 12th, 2024)

Body: Listed at 6’ 4”, is at least that and potentially taller. Very lean at present, room to add weight throughout but narrower shoulders limit ultimate strength projection. Long levers.

Delivery: Stretch only, starts closed off and swings open with big extension down the mound. High leg kick, shifting balance to his backside before exploding down the mound. Some inconsistencies and effort to his finish, but athleticism allows him to stay in control. Loose, online arm action into 3/4 slot with plus arm speed. 

Athleticism: Plus athlete. Loose, twitchy movements. Quality combination of body control and explosiveness. 

Pitch Mix: FB sat at 91-94 in this outing, fairly pedestrian spin direction but has good life and plays well when he keeps it up in the zone. Extension creates flatter approach angle that augments effectiveness. Arm speed and body projection should allow it to add a few ticks as he matures. 

Most frequently used off-speed is his slider at 77-81, very variable quality with tendency to flatten and shorten up. At its best, has slurvy shape with bite and solid length, presently projecting it to above average. 

Has conviction in his CH that he works at 79-82, throws it often even though he doesn’t necessarily need it to beat hitters at his level. Maintains his arm speed, movement profile can vary but shows real tail with occasional downward action. Advanced feel drives belief it will be an above average third offering to neutralize righties.

Mixes in a slower breaking ball at 72-75, similar movement profile to his slider but just slower and often less sharp. Another velo band to think about but not a true out pitch. 

Command: Kept the ball in the zone throughout his outing. Loses some touch when he tries to overthrow, but quality overall control for the level. Athleticism drives belief it will continue to improve despite necessary tweaks to his delivery, with average or better outcomes in reach. 

Summary/Future: Extremely appealing overall profile, with a FB / CMD combination from the left side that should play in a bulk role and multiple secondaries that have an opportunity to develop plus effectiveness. More distance to achieve these plus qualities then the very top prep pitchers, but has traits necessary for middle-of-the-rotation high-end outcomes. A second round type profile that given athleticism, projection, and hand feel would feel comfortable buying him out of his DBU commitment. 

FB 35/60 | SL 30/55 | CH 35/55 | CB 25/45 | CMD 25/50

Assessed Bonus Value: $1,750,000