Brandon Bailey

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #282 prospect in 2016 draft
  The West Coast Conference was loaded with Friday night arms this spring, and Bailey's stuff measures up with any of them, even if his frame doesn't. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Colorado prep product ranked eighth in the country entering regional play with 120 strikeouts and he led the Bulldogs into the postseason as one of the nation's true aces. He has pitchability and power, sitting 90-92 mph and popping the occasional 94 to go with an above-average changeup. He spots his effective slider, which at times has bite and earns average grades. Bailey could move quickly as a reliever and may not have the physicality to make 30 starts a season as a pro.

• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: When Bailey made the Astros' Opening Day roster in 2020—at the same time and on the same team as his Gonzaga teammate Taylor Jones—he became the fourth member of the Chickasaw nation to reach the majors. Bailey was a Rule 5 pick of the Orioles in 2019, but was sent back to the Astros during 2020 spring training. After spending most of the season at the Astros' alternate training site, the Reds acquired Bailey for cash considerations when the Astros were looking to clear 40-man roster space.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Bailey's listed 5-foot-10 height might be a little generous, but he's long succeeded thanks to getting extremely high spin rates on his above-average, 92-94 mph fastball, which means it plays better than its velocity readings. His changeup is a second above-average pitch and has solid fade and excellent deception. He also throws a 1-to-7 curve and a cutterish slider that are both fringe-average. Bailey has average command and fringe-average control. He has to work the edges and is not afraid to miss high or low when behind in counts.
  
  THE FUTURE: Bailey has long been a spin-rate monster. After making his MLB debut in 2020 he needs to show in 2021 that he can stick around. He fits as a useful lower-leverage reliever who can go multiple innings.