Jason McEachern

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #25 prospect in 2010
  Some scouts in the organization see McEachern as a righthanded version of Kyle Lobstein. The lanky hurler has shown excellent overall control and the ability to control the tempo and get hitters out. He has a career 2.12 ERA in two pro seasons since signing for $90,000 as a 13th-round pick. He didn't attract much attention in the 2008 draft because he threw in the low 80s in the summer before his senior year and teams thought he'd be tough to sign away from Wingate (N.C.), an NCAA Division II school. McEachern arrived in spring training last year looking bigger, stronger and more mature, exactly what the Rays had hoped to see. He also has shown gradual improvement with all of his pitches. His fastball resides at 89-91 mph, and he backs it up with a solid curveball and changeup. He works both sides of the plate, keeps his offerings down in the strike zone and can get batters to chase pitches up. Expected to be part of the Bowling Green rotation at age 19 this season, he simply needs experience against better competition in order to maintain his progress.
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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #29 prospect in 2009
  One of the youngest players drafted in 2008, McEachern is a late bloomer who should continue to get better. He showed excellent pitchability during his high school career, but he didn't attract scouts until his fastball took off from 82-84 mph in the summer before his senior year to 88-92 mph last spring. The Rays drafted him in the 13th round, and a $90,000 bonus enticed him away from a scholarship from Wingate (N.C.), an NCAA Division II program. McEachern's fastball improved as he added 15 pounds to his 6-foot-2 frame, and there's room for him to add more strength and velocity. He had a strong pro debut, limiting opponents to a .193 average while mixing his fastball with a good curveball and a developing changeup. McEachern has a loose arm with a good delivery and command of all his pitches. He has a strong idea of what he's trying to accomplish on the hill, and he refuses to let difficult situations rattle him. The Rays are conservative with promoting high school pitchers early in their careers, so McEachern probably won't move past Hudson Valley in 2009.