 |
|
| Born: 04/07/1994 (Age: 21) | |
| Bats: Left | Throws: Left |
| Height: 6' 3" | Weight: 160 |
| Mechanics |
| Build: Tall, skinny, lanky build, yet athletic; Probably a bit heavier than 160 as listed; long arms; looks strong despite lack of weight
Mechanics: High closed leg kick; able to get knee to letters of uniform; stays closed and hides the ball very well; shows back numbers to the hitter creating deception; pitches from right side of rubber; short-angled/across body stride to plate; lacks drive off mound; lands very closed and hard; forceful rotation with torso when throwing; stays stiff with upper half and arm; comes through with low/mid three-quarters slot; wrist has tendency to drop and get underneath ball. Mechanically he has a hard time repeating and being consistent and doesn't get to consistent release point. |
| Evaluator | Colin Young |
| Report Date | 05/22/2015 |
| Affiliate | Corpus Christi Hooks (AA, Astros) |
| Dates Seen | 5/17/2015 |
| OFP/Risk | 55/moderate |
| Realistic | Late-Inning Bullpen/ Left-on-Left Situational |
| MLB ETA | 2017 |
| Video | Yes |
| Pitch Type | Present Grade | Future Grade | Sitting Velocity | Peak Velocity | Report |
| Fastball | 45 | 50 | 87-91 | 93 | Fastball command is a bit erratic, but gets away with a lot due to deceptive mechanics; ball is very hard to pick up out of hand, especially to left-handed hitters which appears to start behind their head; great late life for his sitting velo; velo appears much harder and is apparent due to hitters' late reactions; doesn't create a steep plane with fastball, but angle of release point is awkward and out of the norm for hitters that it creates problems for hitters' visualization. |
| Curveball/Slurve | 40 | 50 | 74-79 | 81 | Breaking ball seems to be more of a slurve than a definitive curveball or slider; mixes speeds with breaking ball well keeping hitters off balance; harder slider creates difficult angle for left-handed hitters (starts behind hitters) and they bail early; did not use it as an out pitch for lefties, though instead used fastball; confidence may be lacking in pitch; rolled a few curveballs over plate and seemed to lack conviction and finish on some breaking balls; more confidence and execution could make this a plus pitch. |
| Changeup | 30 | 50 | 83-85 | 86 | Showed inconsistency and lack of command with changeup; seemed to aim pitch and lack fastball arm speed; slowed down mechanically when throwing change and telegraphed pitch; many changeups were left arm-side high and not finished; this shows a lack of confidence in pitch; changeup speed too similar to fastball speed and lacks polish. |
| Overall |
|
The youth of Josh Hader is a great thing. There is a lot of upside with him and the tools he possesses. His track record shows that he can get the job done and is doing so this year as well. Moving forward, his command of fastball and development of off-speed pitches must progress. However, this only comes with experience and more hours spent refining mechanics and repertoire in bullpen sessions. He has a great tenacity out on the mound and a very good command of the game for his age. He mixes pickoffs well to first with different looks. He is slow for his release time (1.41-1.90), but for a lefty that's not too worrisome. I'd like to see him throw fewer pitches per inning and learn to attack the zone early. He has the type of fastball where he doesn't need to pick the corners, he can throw it middle and let his sharp angles and deception do the work. He will need to create some repeatability mechanically, but that always comes with age. Working at a slower more controlled tempo and creating more drive off backside would allow for better command of pitches. Overall, Hader looks like your typical late-inning or lefty/lefty situational guy. With his angles and makeup MLB bullpen is definitely projectable. |
 |
|
| Born: 06/20/1996 (Age: 18) | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6' 3" | Weight: 185 |
| Mechanics |
| Athletic body; square shoulders; high waist; room for projection.
Modified stretch delivery for the wind up; low three-quarters arm slot; quick arm speed; easy arm action; slight stab in the back; unbalanced delivery; noticeable spine tilt; falls off to first base.
|
| Evaluator | Mauricio Rubio Jr. |
| Report Date | 06/02/2015 |
| Affiliate | Kane County Cougars (Low-A, Diamondbacks) |
| Dates Seen | |
| OFP/Risk | 60/High |
| Realistic | 50 – 4 starter, set-up reliever fallback. |
| MLB ETA | 2017 |
| Video | No |
| Pitch Type | Present Grade | Future Grade | Sitting Velocity | Peak Velocity | Report |
| Fastball | 60 | 65 | 90-93 | Velocity – 60/65 Movement – 50 Command – 40/50 Threw in the 90-92 range to start the game and reached back for more as the outing progressed; low-effort velocity; showed average life; misses east and west with the offering. |
|
| Curveball | 60 | 70 | 73-76 | 77 | Movement – 70 Command – 40/45 Tight spin; sharp, biting 11-5 action; two-plane movement; repeats the fastball arm speed; has bat-missing potential at the highest level; loses the release point and misses east and west. |
| Changeup | 45 | 55 | 82-84 | 85 | Deception; repeats fastball arm speed; solid fading action; pitch flattens out when up; can miss up in the zone leading to loud contact. |
| Overall |
|
Summary – Drafted in the first round (16th overall) in the 2014 draft by Arizona. Toussaint displayed the physical tools that made him a first-round pick in last year’s draft as well as the rawness that pushed him out of the top ten. The command is going to be an important factor for Toussaint; the stuff is good enough to play even if the command only reaches fringe-average levels. At present, the command is below average as he can lose the release point on all his pitches and miss east and west. As he earns repetitions he can harness the command enough to get to average. The determining factor in whether he can approach his ceiling will be how well he locates and establishes his stuff. The stuff has top-of-the-rotation potential, but ultimately the command will limit his ceiling to a high-3 starter who can flash 2-starter. |
 |
|
| Born: 01/04/1994 (Age: 21) | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6' 0" | Weight: 185 |
| Mechanics |
| Build: Athletic build; thicker lower half; strength throughout core and upper body; some durability concerns.
Mechanics: Lightning quick arm; longer arm action to three-quarters arm slot; closed front side then explodes to the plate; hips and shoulders rotate in unison; arm comes through fast; starts and lands on third-base side; good rhythm; stays over front knee; athletic; slight pause at top of high leg kick; repeats delivery well; quick feet/move to first-base side; more control over command; sequences well, feel for craft, will quick pitch; command will get to plus. |
| Evaluator | CJ Wittmann |
| Report Date | 06/02/2015 |
| Affiliate | Potomac Nationals (High-A, Nationals) |
| Dates Seen | 5/12/15 |
| OFP/Risk | 70/Moderate |
| Realistic | 60; no. 3 starter/late-inning reliever |
| MLB ETA | 2016 |
| Video | No |
| Pitch Type | Present Grade | Future Grade | Sitting Velocity | Peak Velocity | Report |
| FB | 70 | 80 | 96-99 | 100 | Velocity: 80/80 Movement: 60/60 Command: 50/60 Average command; T100 1x; arm-side run; heavy ball; will work all quadrants; true elite offering with command improvement. |
| CB | 50 | 55 | 80-82 | 83 | Movement: 55/55 Command: 50/60 Average command; T83 3x; 11-5 shape; hard bite; two-plane break; plays well off of fastball; will play up due to fastball fear; will throw in any count for strike and chase pitch; will play solid average with command improvement. |
| CH | 45 | 50 | 84-85 | 86 | Movement: 50/50 Command: 50/60 Average command; T86 3x; tumbling action; plays well off of fastball; can throw down in the zone; can get flat and firm; flashed average—will play true due to fear of fastball/curveball combo and command improvement. |
| Overall |
|
Reynaldo Lopez burst onto the scene last year when he saw a velocity jump and command improvement. He got onto everyone’s radar by hitting 100 and showing a solid-average curveball and flashing an average changeup. Lopez, for me, showed a consistent delivery and I believe his average present command will turn to true form and become plus at the highest level. He commands both sides of the plate and all four quadrants in any count with all three of his pitches. Lopez has a sturdy base and thicker build than a guy like Yordano Ventura. I think he will have an 80/55/50 arsenal with plus command making him a role 7/no. 2 starting pitcher at the highest level being his ceiling. OFP: Role 70; no. 2 starter |
 |
|
| Born: 06/27/1994 (Age: 20) | |
| Bats: Left | Throws: Left |
| Height: 6' 6" | Weight: 185 |
| Mechanics |
| Build: Projectable; lean build; all of 6-foot-6; broad shoulders and wide hips—plenty of room to add good weight and strength; premium athlete.
Mechanics: High three-quarters slot; creates premium downhill angle/plane; balanced throughout; starts and lands on first-base side; hips and shoulders rotate in unison; small head whack at foot strike; frontside gets big and creates deception; back elbow can get high at times; quick arm and quick arm circle motion; repeats arm slot well; keeps hips closed a while—slight crossfire; moderate effort; high leg kick; stays over front top at release; uses legs well; repeats overall delivery okay—struggles to repeat as outing wore on; 1.55-6 to plate from stretch; added strength will help with velocity and stamina. |
| Evaluator | CJ Wittmann |
| Report Date | 06/02/2015 |
| Affiliate | Salem Red Sox (High-A, Red Sox) |
| Dates Seen | 5/24/15, 5/29/15 |
| OFP/Risk | 55/High |
| Realistic | 50: no. 4/5 starting pitcher |
| MLB ETA | 2018 |
| Video | No |
| Pitch Type | Present Grade | Future Grade | Sitting Velocity | Peak Velocity | Report |
| FB | 50 | 60 | 88-91 | 92 | Velocity: 50/60 Movement: 50/50 Command: 40/50 Present below -verage command; T92 3x in fifth; will get to average; downhill plane—changes eye level of hitters; natural lefty arm-side movement; with added strength, could see sitting velocity spike making it a true plus pitch. |
| CB | 45 | 55 | 73-76 | 77 | Movement: 50/55 Command: 40/50 Present below-average command; T77 2x; will get to average command; 12-6 shape; depth and hard bite; replicates arm speed; inconsistent when throwing for chase pitch—showed ability to throw a strike early in count; can get loose and under it in lower-velocity band; improvement in command and velocity spike—will play solid average. |
| CH | 40 | 50 | 80-83 | 84 | Movement: 40/50 Command: 40/50 Present below-average command; T84 3x; will get to average command; replicates arm speed well; arm-side fade; plays well off of fastball; has quality arm deception; showed ability to throw it down; will lose grip at times and miss high and away; improvement in fastball velocity and command—will play average. |
| Overall |
|
Trey Ball was a two-way player in high school and started focusing on pitching once he got to pro ball. He has become more consistent with his delivery and arm slot this year, and I can see his command eventually getting to average. Ball has a really quick arm and a projectable body. I foresee a sitting velocity increase as he fills out and gains good strength. That will allow his fastball/curveball/changeup combo all to play up, along with having average command. Overall, Ball is a long way away but has the tools and ingredients to become a backend of the rotation starter. Drafted: 2013 1st round, 7th overall Role 55; no. 4 starter |
 |
|
| Born: 12/14/1994 (Age: 20) | |
| Bats: Left | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6' 2" | Weight: 185 |
| Primary Position: 3B | |
| Secondary Position: | |
| Physical/Health |
| Loose athleticism; 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame has room to fill out another 10-15 pounds without compromising physicality; fluid in motions, easy actions. |
| Evaluator | Wilson Karaman |
| Report Date | 06/02/2015 |
| Dates Seen | 4/23, 4/25, 5/9, 5/10, 5/28, 5/29 |
| Affiliate | Modesto Nuts (High-A, Rockies) |
| MLB ETA | Risk Factor | OFP | Realistic Role | Video |
| 2017 | Moderate | 60 | 55/borderline first-division player | No |
| Makeup |
|
Competitive instinct, quiet confidence. Engaged throughout infield practice, gets annoyed when he doesn't execute perfectly. Takes grounders seriously during infield and between innings. Appears to get along with teammates. |
| Tool | Future Grade | Report |
| Hit | 55 | Moderately wide base, loose hands, good starting rhythm; progression into load can get methodical and stiff with rigid hand movement; long coil action, back elbow drifts high at load; has toned down progression, but still retains excess length getting to his launch; strong wrists and forearms, front shoulder clears efficiently; can lose engagement with hips and become reliant on arms/hands for barrel delivery and bat speed; generates excellent leverage and loft; bat path is steep into the zone, can get uphill; hunts fastballs early in counts, will expand against off-speed; tracking ability improving but still raw; smart hitter with a plan in the box, will take a walk; strong plate coverage, can get compact to cover inner-third; pull-heavy approach at present. |
| Power | 55 | Raw is easy plus, should eventually get to most of it in games; potential for half-grade jump to both raw and game with additional muscle; stays reasonably balanced and within his mechanics when he turns to drive; well-leveraged swing, bat path allows for easy back-spin and loft; game power to right-center field, has not demonstrated desire/ability to drive the ball oppo. |
| Baserunning/Speed | 40 | Fringe average at present, may ultimately play down to 40 with added bulk; 4.28 clock on a long finish; not an overly aggressive baserunner, takes conservative leads. |
| Glove | 55 | Engages early pre-pitch, balanced set-up; moderate rock forward at delivery to maximize first step; above-average lateral quickness, good length; decisive in his reads, plays spin and anticipates hops well; athleticism plays; controls his body, consistent with his footwork; smooth action from field to transfer; adept at charging the ball; won't be the rangiest defender, but above-average quickness and good hands give him the tools for 55 defensive profile. |
| Arm | 60 | Raw velocity is above average, plays up with footwork, quick release, and accuracy; gets on top well, below-average tail on his ball; demonstrated accuracy from multiple arm angles to first and second base; outstanding body control transferring and releasing on the run. |
| Overall |
|
McMahon is a solid across-the-board prospect without any glaring holes in his projection. He's among the younger regular position players in the California League, and while his swing and approach are both still works in progress, he's held his own thanks to impressive athleticism and a broad foundation of skills. It'll require some seasoning, but there's an above-average hit/game power bat here, and with a frame capable of adding additional mass, an outside chance for an actualized 55/60 hit/game power hitter at the hot corner. Coupled with above-average defensive projection he has the tools and talent to develop into a first-division major leaguer. |
Thank you for reading
This is a free article. If you enjoyed it, consider subscribing to Baseball Prospectus. Subscriptions support ongoing public baseball research and analysis in an increasingly proprietary environment.
Subscribe now
You have Touki with the Cubs.