The Potential Tools: 70 FB, 60 SL, 55 CH, 50 Command

Strengths: Loose, athletic, projectable frame; plus athleticism; ¾ arm slot that he repeats easily; FB feature late arm-side life with downhill plane from his 6’4” frame; late, explosive hop; deception of pitch allows it to play up; works 92 to 95 mph and touches higher consistently; will miss bats; often finds weak contact; SL is major league out pitch; sharp, tight-spinning breaker; two-plane break with tilt; can vary the shape; can backdoor hitters and bury it for chase pitch; true plus offering; CH has taken developmental steps forward; feel for pitch and ability to turn it over out in front of delivery; will flash plus; works it in middle 80s with tumbling action; replicates arm speed well; command improved immensely in 2015 season.

Weaknesses: Loses velocity deeper into starts; strength is needed to handle SP workload; CH is still developing at higher minors; loses feel and can become firm; needs to show consistency in command over longevity of a season; limited track record of control/command; tendency to overthrow FB/SL.

Role Ceiling: 60; #2 SP.

Risk: Moderate; Changeup is still developing; command within zone still needs refinement.

Summary: Snell had the best year of any minor leaguer last year; it was incredible to watch his scoreless innings streak. There was no mistake why that happened. Smell features a mid-90s fastball with explosive life and downhill plane making it hard for hitters to square up. He backs that up a plus slider that will be a major league out pitch. It’s in the low 80s and a tight, sharp breaking pitch with tilt. He can vary the shape to throw a tighter pitch in the strike zone and also a bigger breaker to work as a chase pitch. His changeup is his third pitch, but it’s by no means a bad one. His ability to turn it over out front along with its tumbling action project it to solid average. With the advanced control and potential above-average command Snell brings along with his arsenal, he could be a #2 starter for a very long time.