Mitch Harris
| IP | 27 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 3.667 |
| WHIP | 1.593 |
| BB/9 | 4.333 |
| SO/9 | 5 |
- Full name Mitchell Andrew Harris
- Born 11/07/1985 in Ocala, FL
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 240 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School U.S. Naval Academy
- Debut 04/25/2015
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Drafted in the 13th round (395th overall) by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2008.
View Draft Report
A senior at Navy, Harris has been one of the top pitchers in the Patriot League for the past two years and entered this season as the league's top draft prospect. He has been a two-way standout for the Midshipmen, but he is strictly a pitcher for pro consideration. Blessed with an ideal pitcher's frame, Harris is athletic and consistently pitches in the low 90s. He has plus command of three pitches--fastball, slider and changeup--and all three have potential to be major league average. He sustained a minor shoulder separation in a pre-season intrasquad scrimmage after hitting a home run, tripping over first base and landing awkwardly on his right arm. He didn't make his first start until the end of March, but quickly regained form when he returned to action. Of more concern to teams is his military commitment, which is five years unless the Navy changes its mind. Some Navy athletes have served just two years active duty, but even that would drive Harris down draft boards. Naval officials were still considering options for Harris, who hoped to have an arrangement worked out by draft day. He would be a lock for the first five rounds on talent, but his service commitment makes him a huge question mark.
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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When the Cardinals selected Harris, a record-setting starter at Annapolis, they knew he had a commitment to his country, and they were willing to make a commitment to the Navy righthander. Harris went five years between his selection in the 2008 draft and his first inning for the Cardinals organization in 2013. He was older than his manager at short-season State College when he debuted. While he had tried to maintain his skills by throwing while on active duty for the Navy--one of his assignments was part of the drug war--the rust on his fastball was clear as it hovered in the mid-80s. A year later he saw a reassuring number: 95 mph. Aware the clock was ticking on his opportunity in pro ball, Harris has advanced swiftly as a reliever, pitching at three levels in 2014 and performing in the Arizona Fall League. He cannot be rattled on the mound, and he's developed the repertoire of other late-20s relievers who reach the majors: a cut fastball that's a legit out pitch and a split-finger fastball that the club wishes he'd throw more. Exposed in the Rule 5 draft, Harris went unselected, meaning St. Louis will bring him to spring training with a shot at the Triple-A Memphis bullpen.
