TOP NL UTR PITCHING PERFORMANCE RHP Mitch Keller (HiA Bradenton – Pittsburgh) 21 years old 7 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, Win Season Stats: 2-1, 3.62 ERA, 27.1 IP, 24 H, 11 ER, 5 BB, 25 K in 5 starts
- One thing that I noticed about my system: very rare does a top round draft pick sift out as a UTR Organizational All-Star in their debut season. Of those that do, and then repeat the following year from full season ball, usually parlays them into elite prospect status. The reason why I’m so strong with true UTR pitchers who travel that path. Keller was a 2nd round pick in 2014 and became 2014 UTR Organizational All-Star while with the GCL Pirates. An arm injury limited him in 2015 and he broke out in 2016, and again returned as a UTR-OAS. He no doubt would have been named in 2015, and secured the more rare feat of a 3-time UTR OAS. Only Cleveland’s Thomas Pannone has achieved that status. Heading into 2017, Keller was able to surpass Tyler Glasnow as the Pirates top pitching prospect. In fact, Keller is following the same UTR track as Glasnow, who I vested as a UTR in 2011. If Keller can repeat his performance this season and acquire innings at Double-A Altoona, look for him to press into the Pirates rotation sometime in 2018.
- Phillies top pitching prospect ranked #5 overall
- Cardinals #18 ranked prospect
TOP AL UTR PITCHING PERFORMANCE RHP Kyle Dowdy (HiA Lakeland – Detroit) 24 years old 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, Win Season Stats: 2-1, 2.19 ERA, 24.2 IP, 22 H, 6 ER, 6 BB, 30 K 6 appearances with 4 starts
- The 2016 UTR Organizational All-Star was drafted in 2015 out of the 12th round. He didn’t make his debut until the year 2016 with LoA West Michigan where he went 10-3 with a 2.84 ERA. His stuff is fringy, but he mixes his pitches well to generate groundballs (56% in 2016). Already 24 years old, Dowdy needs to speed up his development. Depending how he fares at the next level, his ceiling is looking like an organizational type.
- White Sox #10 ranked prospect
Under The Radar Minors 