Mark Ecker
| IP | 213 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 3.38 |
| WHIP | 1.291 |
| BB/9 | 3.845 |
| SO/9 | 9.592 |
- Full name Mark Edward Ecker
- Born 05/27/1995 in San Antonio, TX
- Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Texas A&M
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Drafted in the 5th round (145th overall) by the Detroit Tigers in 2016 (signed for $386,500).
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Coming into the season, Ecker was the second-best reliever in a power-packed Aggies' bullpen. When Ryan Hendrix struggled to find his command, Ecker emerged as the team's closer in part because he learned how to dial back his stuff. As of late May, Ecker was 4-2, 0.45 with five saves and an impressive 46-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 40 innings. Ecker learned that while he can touch 100 mph when he airs it out, he gets better movement and command at 94-96, touching 97. That lively fastball combined with a much-improved average changeup. In the past Ecker didn't have the conviction or control of the pitch, but he has shown the ability to throw it for strikes this season. His breaking ball is a distant third pitch, but he doesn't need to use it that much.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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After three seasons in the Texas A&M bullpen, the Tigers liked enough of what they saw out of Ecker to spend their fifth-round pick on him and a $386,500 bonus to sign. Ecker is a relief prospect only, and he spent his first pro season dominating at short-season Connecticut and low Class A West Michigan. Ecker's calling card is his upper-90s fastball, which touched 100 mph in college. He gets armside run and sink, which helps mitigate his short stature. He kept he ball down enough in college to allow just two home runs in three seasons. He couples his fastball with a changeup that improved enough in college to become an average pitch. He throws his changeup with the same arm speed and slot as his fastball and gets effective separation between the two. He also throws a slider that is a clear third pitch at this point. Ecker could start next season at high Class A Lakeland with a chance to move quickly through the system.
Draft Prospects
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Coming into the season, Ecker was the second-best reliever in a power-packed Aggies' bullpen. When Ryan Hendrix struggled to find his command, Ecker emerged as the team's closer in part because he learned how to dial back his stuff. As of late May, Ecker was 4-2, 0.45 with five saves and an impressive 46-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 40 innings. Ecker learned that while he can touch 100 mph when he airs it out, he gets better movement and command at 94-96, touching 97. That lively fastball combined with a much-improved average changeup. In the past Ecker didn't have the conviction or control of the pitch, but he has shown the ability to throw it for strikes this season. His breaking ball is a distant third pitch, but he doesn't need to use it that much. -
While not physically imposing at 6-foot-1 and 191 pounds, Ecker has one of the best arms in this Texas high school pitching class. He routinely throws his fastball in the low 90s and can reach 94 mph. He also shows aptitude for spinning a breaking ball, though he gets caught in between throwing a curveball and slider. His changeup is a work in progress, as is his command. Ecker led his school on a long run in the Texas 5-A state playoffs, though he skipped a regional semifinal start with a sore elbow. He has committed to Texas A&M and isn't expected to turn pro this summer.
