Hunter Harvey
Age: 23
2018 Level: AA
2018 Stats
Current/Future/Ceiling Grades: 35/50/60
What we know:
Harvey has a big arm, he was up to 99 mph with his fastball and sat 95-97 at times in 3-4 inning stints. He still has a potential plus curveball, although it disappeared at times. He toys with a cutter from time to time and he has a changeup that looks good in bullpen sessions, but has yet to show much quality in game. He sported a stronger frame and a cleaner, lower effort delivery in 2018. He was building innings with Bowie when he dislocated his shoulder trying to dodge a foul ball in the dugout. The layoff didn’t do his pitching arm any favors because when the shoulder had healed, and he started throwing again, he ran into issues of forearm and elbow soreness. So, another mostly lost year for Harvey, he’ll try to stay healthy again in 2019.
What we don’t know:
It’s simple here, will he stay healthy? There are also questions about his command and changeup and whether he has the stamina to stick as a starter since he just can’t get enough innings to know.
What we think:
While he has the potential to start, we think his near future is in the bullpen. He has set-up/closer stuff, all he needs is an uptick in command that should come with reps. If he can prove that he can stay on the mound, he could transition to the rotation or thrive in the new multi-inning relief ace role that’s becoming ever more valuable around the league. Yes, the risk is high given his history, but the stuff, frame, and pedigree make him worth the risk at this spot in our rankings.
Written by: Luke Siler in collaboration with Tony Pente
