That's why we focus on pitching prospects' entire arsenals. While there is a heavy bias toward stuff in these choices, there's a reason. The ability to command three above-average or better pitches gives a pitcher a far greater chance at major league success, as opposed to having just two pitches-Spencer Strider notwithstanding.
BOBBY MILLER, RHP, DODGERS
Strikeout rate: 30.9%. Top three pitches: four-seam fastball, slider, changeup.
No other Top 100 Prospect brings the sheer power of Miller. His pitch mix boasts premium velocity almost across the board. His four-seam fastball is the hardest inside the Top 100, sitting on average at 98 mph with a peak velocity of just under 102.
While Miller’s fastball stands out for its velocity, his primary secondaries do a majority of the heavy lifting when it comes to missing bats. His slider features premium velocity combined with heavy sweep, making it rare. It generates a high rate of whiffs and chases while limiting damage upon contact.
Still, Miller’s most effective pitch might be his changeup. It has the highest whiff rate in his arsenal and a weighted on-base average (wOBA) under .200 from opposing batters. But his command of the pitch is inconsistent.
With a curveball, cutter and two-seamer that all have above-average grades, Miller’s pitch mix stands alone as arguably the best in the minor leagues.
EURY PEREZ, RHP, MARLINS
Strikeout rate: 34.1%. Top three pitches: four-seam fastball, cutter, changeup.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
INDEPENDENT/PARTNER LEAGUES PLAYER OF THE YEAR ADAM FOGEL, MISSOULA PADDLEHEADS
Adam Fogel sets the Pioneer League home run record in a season to remember
MINOR LEAGUE EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR MIKE ABRAMSON, HARTFORD YARD GOATS
Hartford GM Mike Abramson’s tireless dedication has made the Yard Goats one of the best tickets in the minor leagues
FREITAS AWARD: CLASS A COLUMBIA FIREFLIES
The Columbia Fireflies light the way for a community redevelopment project that benefits an entire city
FREITAS AWARD: DOUBLE-A SOMERSET PATRIOTS
From indy ball to affiliated, Somerset continues its tradition of excellence in fruitful partnership with the Yankees
FREITAS AWARD: TRIPLE-A SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS
Key initiatives and facility upgrades make Sacramento a top minor league attraction and also a natural fit as the Athletics’ home in 2025
MINOR LEAGUE MANAGER OFTHEYEAR ZACH VINCEJ, MODESTO
Zach Vincej led Modesto to back-to-back California League championships with teams brimming with top Mariners talent
MINOR LEAGUE TEAM OF THE YEAR LAKE COUNTY CAPTAINS
The low-payroll Guardians rely on homegrown talent to fuel MLB success. Midwest League-champion Lake County provides optimism for the future.
MLB COACH OF THE YEAR CHRIS FETTER, TIGERS
Chris Fetter applies all the right touches to a Tigers pitching staff that clawed its way toward the top
MLB EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR MATT ARNOLD, BREWERS
Continuity is the Brewers’ secret weapon. Matt Arnold made sure the 2024 club met expectations
MLB MANAGER OF THE YEAR DAVE ROBERTS, DODGERS
The Dodgers’ Dave Roberts has done things few managers have ever done. Now, he’s finally getting his due.