IP | 44.1 |
---|---|
ERA | 2.84 |
WHIP | 1.58 |
BB/9 | 5.89 |
SO/9 | 11.37 |
- Full name Xavier Meachem
- Born 09/06/2002 in Winterville, NC
- Profile Ht.: 5'11" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School North Carolina A&T
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Drafted in the 10th round (293rd overall) by the Miami Marlins in 2023 (signed for $169,500).
View Draft Report
A 5-foot-11 stocky righthander, Meachem is known for his ability to spin his slider. It has tight spin and two-plane break, and while it does not have a gaudy miss rate currently, it has the chance to be a true out pitch down the road. His fastball tops out at 97 mph and comfortably sits in the low-90s. The key for Meachem will be the continued refinement of his command and while there is reliever risk, Meachem could be a nice fifth starter.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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BA Grade: 45/Extreme
Track Record: Meachem had an up-and-down three-year career at north Carolina A&T, where he split time between the starting rotation and the bullpen. Seven of his 16 appearances last year were starts, but he was at his best when pitching in relief. Before the draft, Meachem had a strong stint with Team USA’s Collegiate national Team. He was selected in the 10th round and signed for $169,500. Meachem had a quality introduction to professional baseball, and at Low-A Jupiter he posted a 1.64 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 11 innings.
Scouting Report: Meachem has a compact frame at 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, with some thickness in his lower half. He pitches from a three-quarters arm slot and features a mid-90s fastball and low-80s slider. Meachem will pitch in the 92-95 range with his fastball, but it tops out at 97. It has run and ride through the zone and is at its best when elevated. Meachem’s high-spin slider flashes sharp two-plane break with some depth. He spins it well and it has a chance to eventually be a true out pitch.
The Future: Meachem is likely to begin 2024 back with Low-A Jupiter, but should earn a promotion to High-A Beloit quickly. While he projects to pitch out of the bullpen, Meachem has the makings of a fast-moving reliever who could close out the 2024 season in Double-A.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 50 | Slider: 55 | Control: 45