Chance Adams
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Adams made a favorable first impression on me last season when he came out of Tampa’s bullpen throwing upper-90s cheese with a plus breaking ball. Adams handled the late-inning reliever role well in 2015, posting a 1.29 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 16 strikeouts over 14 IP. Yet another hard-throwing product of Dallas Baptist University, Adams returned to Tampa this season to anchor their rotation and polish up his secondaries. Adams has rebounded from a slow start to 2016, posting a 2.00 ERA and 1.04 WHIP, while striking out 31 over his last five starts and 26 IP. The fastball velocity has dropped a tick in his new role, but it’s still resting and holding at a respectful 92-to-95 mph with exceptional arm-side action. In addition to his solid breaking ball, Adams features a changeup that has taken a step forward this season; thanks to improved arm speed and arm action to sell the pitch. His high-effort delivery and bulldog mound presence are perhaps better suited for a relief role moving forward. Regardless, the Yankees, and Adams should be pleased with his development thus far this season. – James Chipman |
