MM's Top 25- #7 RHSP Jacob DeGrom

#7 RHSP Jacob DeGrom (LR: #7)
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6' 4" Weight: 185 lb
Age: 26
Acquired: 2010 Rule 4 draft, 9th Round, Stetson University

2013: (A+/AA/AAA) 7-7, 4.51 ERA, 2.8 BB/9, 7.3 K/9, 1.449 WHIP
2012: (A/A+) 9-3, 2.43 ERA, 1.6 BB/9, 7.8 K/9, 0.997 WHIP
2011: DNP (Tommy John Surgery)
2010: (R) 1-1, 5.19 ERA, 2.1 BB/9, 7.6 K/9, 1.577 WHIP

Evaluating a player who has made such rapid movement within the system can be difficult. In DeGrom's case its extremely hard due to the fact that he's basically gone from 1 season of pitching in college to AAA Las Vegas in only two seasons. Technically speaking, DeGrom should still be raw. However, he has shown plus command at every level and even kept his BB/9 rate under 3.0 in Las Vegas which is extremely difficult to do.

The only knock on DeGrom is that his velocity is only slight above average. His repertoire includes a 92-94 MPH fastball, as well as an average slider and change-up. What makes him a standout is the movement and control that he has for that fastball. It possesses so much movement that, even at that velocity, it still grades out as a plus pitch. He can pretty much spot it anywhere. 

DeGrom has not been listed as a starter yet for any specific Spring Training Game as of 2/24 but if he does get a start we'll be keeping a close eye on it. If he can improve the break on his secondary pitches and add a tick or two more to that fastball, he can end up being a breakout candidate for the MLB team. However, considering he was advanced so quickly last year, it's probably best if he starts 2014 in AAA.

Anticipated Assignment: (AAA) Las Vegas starting rotation.
Ceiling: #3/#4 MLB Rotation Starter
Floor: Medium Leverage Middle Innings Reliever