Angel Bastardo

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Boston Red Sox #27 prospect in 2024
  BA Grade: 45/High
  
  Track Record: The Red Sox identified Bastardo as a pitcher who received little instruction but had fastball life and the solid changeup shape to suggest back-of-the-rotation potential as he added physicality. The team signed him for $35,000 in 2018 as a bet on his potential. After modest early-career performance, Bastardo impressed with a four-pitch mix and 32% strikeout rate at High-A Greenville in 2023, which was fourth-highest in the South Atlantic League among pitchers with at least 80 innings. He struggled to throw strikes or miss bats upon reaching Double-A at the end of the year.
  
  Scouting Report: Bastardo generates good arm speed from his lean 6-foot-1 frame. It creates both solid velocity at 92-97 mph and three solid secondary pitches, headlined by an above-average changeup along with a viable slider and curveball. In the South Atlantic League, Bastardo’s mix generated both swings-and-misses and solid groundball totals. He still looks like he has room to fill out and add strength that would lead to improved control and command.
  
  The Future: Bastardo’s mix of four pitches could allow him to emerge as a No. 5 starter if he improves his strike-throwing. At the least, he stands a solid chance of emerging as a multi-inning reliever.
  
  Scouting Grades Fastball: 45 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 40