7/21/26

MACK - LHP PROSPECTS

 

Yesterday, we took a look at some possible cathers that the Mets could trade for before the trade deadline… well, dies.

Today, we move to the mound and look at lefthanders.

Remember… AAA and AA players only.

 

Kade Anderson – Seattle Mariners

                AA – 14-ST, 8-1, 1.36, 0.69, 72.2-IP, 10-BB, 108-K

Four-Seam Fastball (primary pitch, sits 92-95 mph, up to 97 mph): Excellent vertical carry/ride (often 18-20 inches IVB). It generates swings-and-misses up in the zone despite not being elite velocity. It can show slight cut or run.

Slider (high-spin, mid-80s, e.g., 84-88 mph): A key pitch that improved significantly in 2025. It has lateral sweep and depth; flashes plus with high whiff rates. Often his go-to breaking ball.

Curveball (upper-70s to low-80s, high spin ~3,000+ RPM): Big downer with sharp vertical drop and depth. Distinct shape from the slider; plus potential as a strike or chase pitch.

Changeup (mid-80s, e.g., 82-85+ mph): Good fade/sink and tunneling with the fastball. Improved in college; effective vs. righties for chases and whiffs (though used less frequently in some outings).

 

Thomas White – Miami Marlins

                AAA – 5-ST, 0-1, 4.34, 1.44, 18.2-IP, 9-BB, 25-K

                A -       2-ST, 0-2, 3.00, 1.50, 6-IP, 6-BB, 10-K

Fastball (4-seam): Primary pitch, sitting 94–97 mph (touches 98–100 mph). Features good carry/vertical ride (often ~17–20 inches of induced vertical break) and arm-side run from a three-quarter slot. Described as "elite" with easy effort and deception due to his size and extension. Plus-plus potential.

Slider/Sweeper: His top secondary weapon (often graded 60–70). Sits 82–86+ mph (has reached higher in bursts), with huge horizontal sweep (16–21 inches) and depth. Evolved from a curve/slurve in high school; now a wipeout pitch with late two-plane action, especially effective against lefties. He has worked on velo, grip, and consistency.

Changeup: 84–86 mph, often plus (graded ~55–60). Good arm-side fade/sink and deception (maintains fastball arm speed). Tunnels well and has improved with more depth ("kick change"); strong vs. right-handers.

Curveball: 77–82 mph (earlier reports 78–81). High-spin offering with vertical depth; used as a change-of-pace. Less emphasized now as the slider has taken a larger role, but still part of the mix in some reports.

 

Liam Doyle – St. Louis Cardinals

                AA -    14-ST, 1-5, 5.46, 1.61, 56-IP, 33-BB, 75-K

Four-Seam Fastball (Primary Pitch): 95-98 mph, touches 99-100+ mph. Elite "ride" with high induced vertical break (often ~19-20" IVB), high spin (~2300-2400+ RPM), and a flat approach angle that makes it play as a "rise ball" or "invisiball" up in the zone. It generated massive whiff rates (around 40% in college) and was his money pitch (thrown ~60-63% of the time in college).

Splitter (Changeup): Upper 80s (86-90 mph). Tumbling action with good depth; improved significantly in 2025 and became a reliable secondary (plus potential). Used more as a strikeout/finish pitch.

Cutter: 87-92 mph. Harder offering with short, glove-side movement; effective against both righties and lefties. Usage increased in pro ball.

Slider: Mid-80s (low-to-mid 80s). Sweepy or slurvy shape with bite; solid but has been inconsistent at times.

 

Jamie Arnold – Chicago White Sox

                AA -    16-ST, 4-5, 4.15, 1.56, 80.1-IP, 38-BB, 85-K

Four-seam fastball (sits ~93-96 mph, touches 97+): Primary pitch with good ride/life up in the zone due to his low release and flat VAA. It plays as a plus offering when elevated.

Two-seam fastball/sinker (~92-95 mph): Gets strong arm-side run/sink; he often trusts this more than the four-seamer for ground balls.

Slider/sweeper (~83-87 mph): His best/plus-plus pitch for many evaluators — big horizontal sweep/break (often 12+ inches), high whiff rates, and effective against both handedness. A true swing-and-miss weapon.

Cutter (~86-90 mph): Added/refined post-draft (e.g., at Driveline); bridges his fastball and slider, helps vs. lefties, and adds another look.

Changeups (two variations):Kick change (primary offspeed, ~84-87 mph): Significant depth/drop and arm-side movement; high movement but can be harder to command. Often a strikeout pitch.

Split/firm change or split-change (~similar velocity): Added for better early-count command and to complement the kick change; good movement but more controllable.

 

Hagen Smith – Chicago White Sox

                AAA –   14-ST, 0-5, 4.67, 1.40, 52-IP, 38-BB, 77-K

Four-seam Fastball (primary pitch, ~55% usage): Sits ~94-97 mph (touches 99-100 mph). It features good ride/run, deception from his low three-quarters/slot funky delivery and crossfire action, and strong swing-and-miss potential (especially elevated to the arm side). It plays up due to velocity, extension, and his release.

Slider (key secondary, ~25-30%+ usage): Mid-80s (typically 83-87 mph). This is his best pitch devastating with sweep, depth, late bite, and short glove-side cut. It generates elite whiffs against both righties and lefties and can be manipulated for shape/speed.

Cutter (mixing in more, ~10-20% usage, newer addition): ~88 mph (touches low 90s). It has cut action, some sink, and has been effective for strikes and groundballs, especially vs. righties. It helps bridge his fastball and slider.

Changeup/Splitter (rare, low single-digit %): Upper 80s (~87-88 mph). Firm with some tumble/fade; it's a work in progress for separation and command but shows occasional promise as a change-of-pace pitch.

 

Joseph Dzierwa – Baltimore Orioles

                AA -      9-G, 7-ST, 2-1, 2.38, 0.97, 45.1-IP, 11-BB, 56-K

               A+  -     8-ST, 5-1, 2.21, 0.81, 40.2-IP, 10-BB, 50-K

Fastball (4-seam, primary pitch): Sits 92-95 mph (touches 95-96+), up from 90-93 in college. It plays up due to angle, deception, ride/carry, and his ability to locate it (including up in the zone for whiffs). Scouting grade around 55. He generates swings-and-misses and freezes hitters with it.

Changeup (best secondary, separator pitch): Low-80s (good velocity separation from fastball). Features fade, tumble/depth ("falls off the table"), and manipulation for strikes or whiffs. Advanced feel/command; often described as a true weapon or plus offering (scouting grade ~60). His bread-and-butter offspeed pitch, especially effective vs. righties.

Breaking Balls / Third Pitches - He added/refined these in the offseason and continues developing consistency. Usage varies by count, opponent swings, and handedness (he throws most pitches to both sides).

Slider: Low- to mid-80s. Horizontal movement; can get over for strikes but needs more power/finish for a true weapon (scouting grade ~40).

Sweeper / Curveball: Mid- to upper-70s. Bigger, sweepier shape with tilt/1-7 action. Added for variety; shows promise in recent outings to prevent hitters from sitting on one breaking ball shape.

Cutter (mentioned in some reports): Mid-80s, used as a bridge/spot pitch but not a primary weapon.


7 comments:

Tom Brennan said...

Dismantle to the extent you can acquire talent to allow you to compete for the playoffs in 2027, not 2028.

TexasGusCC said...

Trade everything not tied down.

Mack Ade said...

Notice the velo

Mack Ade said...

15+ draft picks were assigned to the FCL team yesterday

Paul Articulates said...

Hope they stay healthy. Stearns and company really gambled with some of them.

Mack Ade said...

three ambulances parked in bullpen

Rds 900. said...

Ambulances are for players on the other side.