MACK - Let’s Get To Know – Zach Franklin, Gabe Davis

 

Zach Franklin is a right-handed relief pitcher (born October 27, 1998).

He is 6'1", 198 lbs, and was drafted in the 10th round (299th overall) out of Missouri in 2023.

As of 2026, he is primarily a high-leverage reliever/closer prospect

Franklin is known for a funky, deceptive delivery with a very short arm action (often compared to throwing a shot put), which enhances his swing-and-miss ability despite mostly average raw movement on secondaries. He leans heavily on his fastball and has posted strong strikeout rates in the minors (career ~12-13 K/9).

His arsenal (primarily from college/pro scouting reports around 2023–2025):

Fastball (primary pitch, ~mid-90s, up to 97–98 mph): Often described as a four-seamer with solid results and "hop." He has also used a sinker/two-seamer shape. He throws it frequently (e.g., ~2/3 of pitches in some Triple-A outings) and relies on it heavily for effectiveness, even if velocity isn't elite.

Splitter / Split-Changeup: A key secondary offering (mid-80s). It has worked well against lefties despite average movement metrics, contributing to deception and weak contact.

Breaking ball (slider/cutter/curve hybrid): Low-80s to mid-70s range depending on the grip/variation. Scouting notes describe it as hard to classify—it can move like a cutter/slider but with curve-like shape. It has generated high whiff rates and is a swing-and-miss weapon. He has also been noted throwing a more traditional slider and occasional curveball.

He has shown solid strikeout stuff across pitches but has had command/HR issues at times (especially in tougher environments like Triple-A). His profile fits a late-inning reliever or closer role, needing primarily two strong pitches to succeed at the MLB level.

 

Gabe Davis is a 22-year-old (born Oct 21, 2003) 6'9", 234 lb right-handed pitching prospect.

He was drafted in the 5th round (137th overall) of the 2025 MLB Draft out of Oklahoma State and signed for $587,500.

2026 Minor League Stats (as of early August 2026)

Overall: 0-5, 5.81 ERA, 18 GS, 62 IP, 70 K, 24 BB, 1.50 WHIP.

High-A (Winston-Salem): 0-0, 2.63 ERA, 27.1 IP, 33 K, 7 BB, 1.06 WHIP (strong debut).

Double-A (Birmingham): 0-5, 8.31 ERA, 34.2 IP, 37 K, 17 BB, 1.85 WHIP (struggles with more homers and contact).

He has limited innings history due to college injuries (shoulder, collarbone)

Davis has premium stuff wth significant projection tied to his massive frame, downhill plane, and arm talent. When synced, it plays as high-upside; command and consistency are the main hurdles.

Fastball (primary, grade ~60): Sits 94-97 mph, touches 100 mph. Features mild armside run, high spin, and steep downhill angle from his height/extension. Velocity doesn't always dominate due to occasional flatness, but it has life and plays up at times.

Slider (best secondary, grade 55-60): Tight upper-80s (up to 92 mph). Power slider with hard movement; can tighten into a cutter. A legitimate bat-misser when located.

Changeup (grade ~45): Mid-80s with fade/tumble at times. Inconsistent/reliable but a useful third pitch.

Curveball (occasional, grade ~40): Low-80s (around 80 mph), used sparingly.

Scouting Profile Summary: Huge upside as a power arm with starter traits, but long levers make sync/command challenging (control grade ~40). Many evaluators see him as a potential high-leverage reliever (FB/SL combo) if starting doesn't stick.