Branden Kline
Age: 26
2018 Level: High-A/AA
2018 Stats
Current/Future/Ceiling Grades: 40/45/55
What we know:
After missing two and half season with injuries, the 26-year old former 2nd rounder quietly put together a dominating season out of Bowie’s (AA) pen in 2018. His fastball took a step forward sitting 96-98 with some life in the zone on occasion. His fastball can flatten out at time and come in a little straight, but he commanded the pitch well. He offsets this fastball with a 86-88 MPH slider that is a plus offering and misses bats. Adds in a swing and miss changeup on occasion as that can be real tough on lefties who OPS’d just .479 off him. Eastern League batters as a whole slashed just .217/.275/.288/.562 off him.
What we don’t know:
Can he find consistent movement on his fastball? After missing so much time, can he stay healthy? With a three pitch mix, will the Orioles give him another chance as a starter?
What we think:
Kline will be 27-years old and may be major league ready right now. With three pitches that can get swings and misses, Kline has the upside of being a future closer if he can handle the pressure. If he stays healthy, there is little doubt Kline will pitch in Baltimore in 2019.
