Ryne Nelson Stats & Scouting Report College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

Track Record: Nelson was a two-way player at Oregon before becoming a full-time pitcher in 2019. An unrefined power arm when the D-backs drafted him, Nelson showed up at instructional league in the fall of 2020 looking far more polished. He followed that with a strong 2021 season. Last year, he grinded through the hitter-friendly

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Medium

Track Record: Nelson was a two-way player at Oregon before becoming a full-time pitcher in 2019. An unrefined power arm when the D-backs drafted him, Nelson showed up at instructional league in the fall of 2020 looking far more polished. He followed that with a strong 2021 season. Last year, he grinded through the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, reaching the majors late in 2022 and pitching well before his year ended due to a minor shoulder issue.

Scouting Report: Nelson averaged 93 mph with his fastball at Triple-A Reno, but he sat closer to 95 during his time in the majors. The pitch has excellent life, which allows him to throw it up in the zone. Nelson has total confidence in his fastball, leaning on it in tight situations and using it to overpower hitters even in fastball counts. He throws a firm slider and a slower curveball, both of which have good downward action. The two can alternate between being his best secondary pitch. His changeup, his fourth-best pitch, is inconsistent but flashes plus. Nelson has a clean, repeatable delivery that allows him to throw quality strikes with consistency. He is a good competitor who maintains an even-keeled demeanor. He impressed teammates in the majors with his ability to process information and develop a game plan.

The Future: After his three dazzling starts in the big leagues in September, Nelson is well-positioned to compete for a rotation spot in spring training. Failing that, he could be one of the first reinforcements if help is needed. Still lacking a wipeout secondary pitch, he continues to best profile as a midrotation starter, but his fastball is dominant enough to allow the D-backs to hope he is even more.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60. Curveball: 50. Slider: 55. Changeup: 45. Control: 55

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