Alex Pham Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Alexander Jianjiang Pham
Born 10/10/1999 in Union City, CA
Profile Ht.: 5'11" / Wt.: 165 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School San Francisco
Drafted in the 19th round (557th overall) by the Baltimore Orioles in 2021 (signed for $25,000).

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Pham is an undersized righthander with a quick arm and feel to spin two breaking balls. His fastball ranges from 91-94 mph and his curveball and slider are both average pitches, although one is typically better than the other depending on the day. He has a max-effort delivery and is limited strictly to relief.

Top Rankings

BA Grade: 45/High

Track Record: Pham was primarily a reliever at San Francisco and signed for just $25,000 as a senior in 2021, but his ability to miss bats with a broad arsenal led the Orioles to stretch him out as a starter for 2023. With the help of a cutter he added for 2023, Pham missed bats at an elite level--13.3 strikeouts per nine innings and an 18% swinging-strike rate--at High-A Aberdeen. While his strikeout rate fell at Double-A Bowie, he still ended the year with a 2.57 ERA and 1.02 WHIP over two levels.

Scouting Report: Pham used a five-pitch mix and a consistently smart attack plan to his benefit in 2023. His low-90s fastball is just average, but it plays up at the top of the zone and is hard to barrel. When the pitch is in the 93-95 mph range, everything else plays up. Pham’s above-average cutter in the mid 80s misses plenty of bats, while his slider, curveball and splitter all flashed at least average potential. His ability to mix, attack weaknesses and keep hitters off-balance is a separator. His plus control helps his repertoire play as well.

The Future: Pham’s lack of elite velocity and stuff could create a challenging path to a No. 5 starter role, though his aptitude and arsenal give him a chance. He’ll likely be back at Double-A Bowie to begin 2024.

Scouting Grades Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 50 | Cutter: 55 | Control: 60