Ryan Merritt

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #26 prospect in 2018
  Merritt wrote himself into the club's postseason lore in 2016. Having made just four career big league appearances (one start), he was pressed into action as the Indians' starter in Game Five of the AL Championship Series and threw 4.1 scoreless innings to help send Cleveland to the World Series for the first time since 1997. Before that game, he had mostly been known for his incredible minor league walk rate, and returned to that identity in 2017, sprinkling a few spot starts for the Indians into a solid campaign with Triple-A Columbus. Merritt doesn't have overpowering stuff, instead relying on his command and feel for pitching to get outs. His fastball sits in the upper 80s, occasionally touching 91 mph, and he knows how to add or subtract velocity as necessary. His above-average changeup is his best pitch, and he also has both a curveball and a cutter that can be effective offerings. All of his stuff plays up thanks to his plus control. Merritt's ceiling is as a back-end starter, and he will always have to be fine with his command to succeed. Merritt was one of just seven pitchers to start a game for the Indians in 2017, but breaking into the rotation full time will be difficult. He could find a spot in the bullpen, but is more likely to start 2018 back at Columbus.
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  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #22 prospect in 2017
  Previously known for his incredible walk rate in the minor leagues and 2014 breakout season at high Class A, Merritt made his major league debut in 2016 and then jumped into the spotlight during the playoffs. After making four appearances in the big leagues (one start) during the regular season, he was pressed into action as the Indians' starter in Game Five of the American League Championship Series at Toronto. He threw 4.1 scoreless innings to help send Cleveland to the World Series for the first time since 1997. Merritt doesn't have overpowering stuff, instead relying on his command and feel for pitching to get outs. His fastball sits in the upper 80s (it peaked at 88 mph in Toronto) and he knows how to add or subtract velocity as necessary. He improved his curveball and added a cutter in 2016, but his above-average changeup remains his best offering. All of his stuff plays up thanks to his plus control. Merritt has issued 1.4 walks per nine innings during his minor league career. His ceiling is as a back-end starter, and he will always have to be fine with his command to succeed. He'll compete for a spot somewhere on the Indians' staff during spring training, with a return to the rotation at Triple-A Columbus likely if he doesn't break camp with the team.
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  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #22 prospect in 2016
  Merritt had a breakout 2014, when he led the Carolina League in several categories, including wins (13), WHIP (0.95) and innings (160). He built on that success in 2015, and finished the season at Triple-A Columbus. Merritt doesn't have overpowering stuff, relying instead on his command and feel for pitching to get outs. His fastball sits in the upper 80s and he knows how to add or subtract velocity as necessary. His changeup is his best offering, while his curveball needs work to become more of a weapon. He also has picked up a cutter, giving him a pitch he can throw in on righthanded batters. All of his stuff plays up thanks to his plus control. Merritt has issued 1.4 walks per nine innings during his career. His ceiling is as a back-end starter, and he will always have to be fine with his command to succeed, but he showed in 2015 that he can retire more advanced hitters. If he continues to do so, he could make his major league debut in 2016.
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  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #27 prospect in 2015
  Merritt finished strong with a 2.35 ERA in the second half of the 2013 season at low Class A Lake County and carried that momentum into high Class A Carolina in 2014, leading the system in ERA (2.58). The Indians added him to the 40-man roster after the season. He stands out most for his command and feel for the zone, and he has issued just 1.5 walks per nine innings for his career. His clean delivery helps him locate any of his pitches anywhere he wants, and he shows a feel for adding and subtracting velocity. What Merritt lacks is a true plus pitch, which limits his upside. He has gotten stronger each year he's been in the system, and his fastball works at 88-92 mph now. He has an athletic frame and the Indians hope he can add a tick or two on his fastball. A curveball and changeup are his main secondary offerings, both projecting to be average. He can also a mix in a slider but didn't need it much last year. Merritt profiles as a back-of-the-rotation starter and will move up to Double-A Akron in 2015.