2017 Top 100 Prospects: Player Phylum Pitchers Whose Breaking Ball Ranks As Third Pitch
2017 Top 100 Prospects: Player Phylum Pitchers Whose Breaking Ball Ranks As Third Pitch
Most righthanded pitchers need some kind of pitch with a wrinkle in it to keep same-side batters at bay. The exceptions have premium changeups and enough fastball command to keep righty hitters from getting too comfortable. Top 100 Prospect ranking in parentheses.
Major league examples: Felix Hernandez, Kyle Hendricks, Marco Estrada, Jeremy Hellickson
He wasn’t quite as ready to dominate in his full-season debut as expected, but he still flashes two 70-grade pitches in his fastball and changeup. (Photo by Tony Farlow)
He has relied heavily on his fastball and plus changeup to rack up gaudy strikeout totals throughout the minors, with a 12.1 strikeouts per nine inning ratio in 331 career innings. (Photo by John Williamson)
Noted for his screwball, he has used his plus changeup to shackle lefthanded hitters for most of his pro career, including a .202 average the last two seasons. (Photo by Bill Mitchell)
Scouts have likened him to Tim Hudson when he’s at his best for his fastball-changeup combination, but his breaking ball needs to improve. (Photo by Ed Wolfstein)
Adding a cutter helped him have another pitch to set up his 70-grade changeup, helping him lead the Pacific Coast League in strikeouts (155), WHIP (1.08) and opponent average (.214). (Photo by John Williamson)
At his best he has two different plus changeups playing off a mid-90s fastball he throws for strikes—though his breaking ball has improved. (Photo by Bill Mitchell)
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