Ky Bush Makes The Most Of His Opportunity

Lefthander Ky Bush was a baseball nomad for three years, going from Washington State in 2019 to Central Arizona JC—where his season was wiped out by the coronavirus—in 2020 to St. Mary’s in 2021.

“This was really the first full year for him to get his legs under him and log a full season of innings,” Angels scouting director Matt Swanson said. “He hasn’t had the opportunities that are traditionally afforded a 21-year-old pitcher.”

The 6-foot-6, 240-pound Bush made the most of the opportunities he had, going 7-5, 2.99 in 14 starts for St. Mary’s this season, striking out 112 and walking 19 in 78.1 innings en route to being selected in the second round in July.

Bush, the 45th overall pick, signed for an over-slot $1.75 million and began his pro career with High-A Tri-City in August, giving up one earned run and five hits, striking out eight and walking two in 3.1 innings in his first two starts.

“He’s just scratching the surface of what he’s going to become,” Swanson said. “It’s a good blend of ‘now’ stuff and feel and command with some projection. It’s a real exciting pick for us.

“And hats off to the kid. He’s been to three colleges in three years and made a massive jump this year at St. Mary’s.”

Bush throws four pitches—fastball, slider, curveball and changeup—from a high three-quarters slot. His fastball sits at 94 mph and touches 96 with some late run and, thanks to his high release point, some deception.

A slider with more top-to-bottom than side-to-side break is Bush’s best secondary pitch, followed by a slow curve. His changeup might be his most improved pitch.

“It was a work in progress early on, then I got comfortable with it as the season went along,” Bush said.

Bush struggled with control at Washington State in 2019, where he went 0-5, 12.69 in 19 games while walking 21 in 39 innings, but he turned into a strike-thrower at St. Mary’s.

With his body, repertoire, athleticism and aggressive mindset, he projects as a mid-rotation starter.