Connor Sadzeck

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Texas Rangers #15 prospect in 2017
  After missing the 2014 season due to Tommy John surgery, Sadzeck saw his velocity soar back into the triple-digits in 2015, though with little feel for where his fastball would land. His control leaped forward in 2016 at Double-A as he trimmed his walk rate from 6.1 per nine innings to 3.3. Sadzeck is a hefty 6-foot-7 with an enormous fastball that sits in the mid-90s and peaks at 101 mph. His fastball has a touch of sink but is more notable for its velocity than its life. He improved his ability to throw his slider and changeup for strikes, though neither one is a true out pitch. His slider is more advanced, flashing average but needing improvement to give him a better weapon off his fastball. The development of his slider and improving his fastball command will be crucial for Sadzeck. He will go to Triple-A Round Rock and continue his development as a starter, but given his repertoire, command, medical history and potential for more frequent 100 mph readings in short stints, there's a good chance his future lies in relief.
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  Ranked Texas Rangers #26 prospect in 2016
  Sadzeck can put triple-digit numbers on the radar gun but has little idea where the ball is going. He missed the entire 2014 season following Tommy John surgery, showing an electric fastball upon his return but also signs of rust and growing pains. A starter during the regular season, Sadzeck got lit up after a promotion to Double-A, then got hit hard out of the bullpen in the Arizona Fall League. He fits best as a reliever, where he can sit in the upper-90s and touch 101 mph. He has a hard slider that can miss bats as well as a firm changeup, but he pitches from behind in the count too frequently. Sadzeck has an upright finish but the delivery itself doesn't have too much effort. However, like a lot of tall pitchers, he has trouble getting his long arms and legs in sync, so he lacks the body control to be able to repeat his delivery. He has to clean up his mechanics to throw more strikes. Sadzeck has the pure stuff for high-leverage relief work, but he's so raw that he might not ever be reliable enough to earn regular big league innings.