Brock Burke

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #21 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: The Rays traded Burke to the Rangers in the December 2018 deal that sent Jurickson Profar to the Athletics. Early in 2019, Burke dealt with a blister issue and a shoulder impingement that kept him out for two months. He pitched well in Double-A Frisco and reached the major leagues in August, though he got hit around with Texas and his shoulder issues resurfaced at the end of the season.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Burke sits at 90-93 mph, with the ability to reach back for 96. He has a four-seamer and a two-seamer, but his fastball didn't have the same zip that it showed in 2018, and Burke ended up relying more heavily on his sinker in 2019. His low-80s slider was an effective pitch for him against Double-A hitters, but it was inconsistent when he reached the major leagues and ran into a lot of barrels. His mid-80s changeup comes in relatively firm off his fastball, and while it doesn't have any standout action or movement, it's a surprisingly effective pitch for him because of his ability to sell it with good arm speed and deception to keep hitters off balance.
  
  THE FUTURE: Burke doesn't have one knockout pitch, but his stuff across the board is good enough to give him a chance as a back-end starter. He should get another shot to fill that role in Texas in 2020.
• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #10 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: When the Rays drafted Burke, they were spending nearly $1 million to get a pitcher with a lot of work to do. Burke rarely bumped above 90 mph and his control was shaky. The Rays put him on a weighted ball program and watched him grow into a stronger pitcher with much-improved control.
  
  Scouting Report: Burke has grown into an impressive, well-rounded starting pitcher, mixing four pitches. While no pitch is plus, Burke's fastball and changeup are both above-average and both breaking balls are at least fringe-average. Burke now sits 92-94 mph and touches 97 (up a tick from 2017). The fastball helps set up an above-average low-80s changeup that has plenty of separation, some deception and some late fade. There are scouts who believe Burke should pick the slider or the curve and focus on refining one breaking ball. At its best the slider is a 2-to-7 breaker with late tilt, but it and his loopier curveball often blend together. Burke has shown average control and command.
  
  The Future: Burke was added to the 40-man roster after the season. He'll likely begin 2019 back in Montgomery, but should reach Triple-A Durham in 2019. He projects as a No. 4 starter.

• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The Rays traded Burke to the Rangers in the December 2018 deal that sent Jurickson Profar to the Athletics. Early in 2019, Burke dealt with a blister issue and a shoulder impingement that kept him out for two months. He pitched well in Double-A Frisco and reached the major leagues in August, though he got hit around with Texas and his shoulder issues resurfaced at the end of the season.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Burke sits at 90-93 mph, with the ability to reach back for 96. He has a four-seamer and a two-seamer, but his fastball didn't have the same zip that it showed in 2018, and Burke ended up relying more heavily on his sinker in 2019. His low-80s slider was an effective pitch for him against Double-A hitters, but it was inconsistent when he reached the major leagues and ran into a lot of barrels. His mid-80s changeup comes in relatively firm off his fastball, and while it doesn't have any standout action or movement, it's a surprisingly effective pitch for him because of his ability to sell it with good arm speed and deception to keep hitters off balance.
  
  THE FUTURE: Burke doesn't have one knockout pitch, but his stuff across the board is good enough to give him a chance as a back-end starter. He should get another shot to fill that role in Texas in 2020.