Kendall Graveman

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Oakland Athletics #7 prospect in 2015
  Graveman was a four-year contributor at Mississippi State and its most consistent starting pitcher as it reached its first College World Series Final in 2013. But Graveman didn't miss many bats in college (5.4 strikeouts per nine) and he signed for $5,000 as a priority senior. Barely a year later, he was in the big leagues. In November, the Jays shipped him to the Athletics in the Josh Donaldson trade. Graveman's stuff improved in his first full pro season and he became the fifth player from the 2013 draft class to reach the majors. His fastball velocity ticked up, ranging from 89-94 in the rotation while sitting 90-93 and touching 95 out of the bullpen. Graveman's sinker has above-average sink and arm-side run. With pitchability, above-average fastball life to both sides of the plate and plus control, Graveman gets outs with his heater. After throwing both a curveball and slider in college, Graveman added a cutter this season that flashed above-average and projects to be at least average. His changeup has average potential, as does his curveball, though it can be inconsistent because of his loose arm action that is long in the back. His makeup and aptitude are plusses. His groundball tendencies, home run prevention and plus control, as well as below-average strikeout rate (6.1 K/9 as a pro), make Graveman a back-end starter candidate, and he should compete for a spot in the Oakland rotation in 2015. He'll report to Triple-A Nashville if he's crowded out.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #470 prospect in 2013 draft
  Graveman has had a productive career at Mississippi as a competitive sinker/slider pitcher. He improved his command in 2013 and had a hot stretch with three complete games in a row. The 6-foot-1, 197-pounder is already 22 and has a mature frame and game. He throws inside when he needs to but generally works hitters away with an 87-91 mph sinking two-seamer and changeup that help him get groundballs. Graveman throws a fringy curveball and has used a slider at times as well, but his breaking ball is short. His durability and fastball control are his biggest assets, and he should go considerably higher than the 36th round, where the Marlins drafted him in 2012.

• December, 2014 Scouting Report
  Graveman was a four-year contributor at Mississippi State and its most consistent starting pitcher as it reached its first College World Series Final in 2013. But Graveman didn't miss many bats in college (5.4 strikeouts per nine) and he signed for $5,000 as a priority senior. Barely a year later, he was in the big leagues. In November, the Jays shipped him to the Athletics in the Josh Donaldson trade. Graveman's stuff improved in his first full pro season and he became the fifth player from the 2013 draft class to reach the majors. His fastball velocity ticked up, ranging from 89-94 in the rotation while sitting 90-93 and touching 95 out of the bullpen. Graveman's sinker has above-average sink and arm-side run. With pitchability, above-average fastball life to both sides of the plate and plus control, Graveman gets outs with his heater. After throwing both a curveball and slider in college, Graveman added a cutter this season that flashed above-average and projects to be at least average. His changeup has average potential, as does his curveball, though it can be inconsistent because of his loose arm action that is long in the back. His makeup and aptitude are plusses. His groundball tendencies, home run prevention and plus control, as well as below-average strikeout rate (6.1 K/9 as a pro), make Graveman a back-end starter candidate, and he should compete for a spot in the Oakland rotation in 2015. He'll report to Triple-A Nashville if he's crowded out.