Thad Ward
Born:
01/16/1997 (Age: 26)
Bats:
Right
Throws: Right
Arm Slot: 3/4
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 182
Primary Position: RHSP
Seconday Position: -
Throws: Right
Arm Slot: 3/4
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 182
Primary Position: RHSP
Seconday Position: -
Acquisition Period:
5th Rd. 2018 MLB First-Year Player Draft (BOS)
Entry Point: 4 Yr College
Options Used: N/A
Entry Point: 4 Yr College
Options Used: N/A
Report Info
| Evaluator: | Adam McInturff |
| Report Date: | April 30th, 2019 |
| Dates Seen: | 2x -- April 2019 |
| Level: | Class A |
| Affiliate: | Greenville Drive |
| MLB Team: |
|
| On 40-Man Roster: | No |
Physical Description
Tall, narrow, lean frame. Long, lean arms+legs add deception to delivery. Lacking strength, won't ever be super physical.
Mechanical Notes
Starts side-saddle into uptempo abbreviated SWU; quick pump into low leg kick, high/closed front side hides the ball; compact arm-circle into whippy 3/4 slot.
| MLB ETA | Present Role | Future Role | Role Description | Risk | 2021 | P | 40 | Middle Relief | High |
|---|
| Pitch | Present | Future | Sitting | Range | Comments |
| Fastball Value | |||||
| Overall Fastball Value | 40 | 50 | — | — | Fringy FB in starting role could play avg in relief. |
| Fringy FB in starting role could play avg in relief. | |||||
| Fastball Velocity | 50 | 50 | 92 | 90-94 | Low-90s as SP, can see holding velo over long pro grind becoming an issue for thin-boned frame. Likely adds a tick in the 'pen, touched 95-96 in relief as an amateur. |
| Fastball Velocity | |||||
| Fastball Movement | |||||
| Fastball Movement | 50 | 50 | — | — | 3/4 slot generates natural long run to armside. |
| 3/4 slot generates natural long run to armside. | |||||
| Fastball Command | |||||
| Fastball Command | 40 | 45 | — | — | Works w/ run to locate better to armside. Less pressure on in-zone location in relief. |
| Works w/ run to locate better to armside. Less pressure on in-zone location in relief. | |||||
| Curveball | |||||
| Curveball | 40 | 45 | 77 | 77-79 | Wrinkles in a true CB w/ flashes of tight rotation and down shape. Projects as effective mix pitch for second look at breaker. |
| Wrinkles in a true CB w/ flashes of tight rotation and down shape. Projects as effective mix pitch for second look at breaker. | |||||
| Slider | |||||
| Slider | 45 | 50 | 83 | 82-85 | Best pitch, separator; flashes sharp, late dart to gloveside; big league SL in the tank that will play better when he just has to focus on FB/breaking ball and can let it rip. |
| Best pitch, separator; flashes sharp, late dart to gloveside; big league SL in the tank that will play better when he just has to focus on FB/breaking ball and can let it rip. | |||||
| ChangeUp | |||||
| ChangeUp | 30 | 40 | 85 | 84-86 | Lags behind rest of arsenal, struggles to find a feel from lower slot. Guides it and floats CH. Doesn't have a pitch to combat LH right now as a starter, won't need it as much in relief. |
| Lags behind rest of arsenal, struggles to find a feel from lower slot. Guides it and floats CH. Doesn't have a pitch to combat LH right now as a starter, won't need it as much in relief. | |||||
| Control | |||||
| Control | 40 | 45 | — | — | FB/SL two main pitches, short arsenal hurts him back through lineups and against LHHs. Will be less of an issue in relief. Pitches w/ a chip on his shoulder that fits well in the 'pen. |
| FB/SL two main pitches, short arsenal hurts him back through lineups and against LHHs. Will be less of an issue in relief. Pitches w/ a chip on his shoulder that fits well in the 'pen. | |||||
| Attribute | Present | Future |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Average | Plus |
| Athleticism | Average | Average |
| Pitchability | Below Average | Average |
| Mound Presence | Plus | Plus |
Overall Summary
Former college closer now starting games in Low-A. Don't see arsenal depth or durability for long-term rotation fit, projects more impactfully in 'pen at higher levels. Ceiling of FB/SL middle reliever who faces mostly RHHs. Floor of 4A/depth type if no one pitch carries the profile.
