The Potential Tools: 60 FB, 55 CH, 50 CB, 50 Command

Strengths: High ¾ arm slot; repeats arm speed and slot to create downhill plane; plus athleticism; tall, projectable frame; fastball features armside run; works 90-to-94 mph (T95) when needed; strong downhill plane changes eye level of hitters; will induce fly balls; curveball has true 12-to-6 shape in high-70s velo band; some depth and bite; change-of-pace pitch; can throw for strikes in any count; changeup has fastball disguise due to replicated arm speed; gets extended and turns it over well; works 84-to-86 mph; moderate fading action with big vertical drop; can cut it; advanced pitchability and feel for sequencing; high-floor rotation arm.

Weaknesses: Lacks true MLB pitch; curveball can become soft and loopy — loose bite; Changeup can become firm and limited fade; CH/CB command need refinement within strike zone; fastball command can flash plus but not consistent; mechanics can become inconsistent with landing spot and arm timing; strength needed to handle starter’s workload.

Role Ceiling: 50; #4 SP.

Risk: Low; high-minors arm with average-to above-average arsenal and high pitchability.

Summary: The long-limbed, over-the-top slot right-handed starter, Faria is a bit of a sleeper prospect. He features a low 90s fastball that can touch higher consistently. He needs to add some good weight and strength to his frame to help with durability and mechanical issues, but he repeats his delivery well and his command projects to be average. Faria’s go-to secondary is his above-average changeup that he can throw in any count to any hitter. He gets extended well and turns over the pitch out in front of his delivery giving it the same look as his fastball with 10 mph differential. The moderate fading action and vertical drop will make it a swing and miss pitch in the big leagues. While his curveball isn’t a devastating 12-to-6 breaker with deep depth, it still shows average shape and bite and with his ability to throw for strikes consistently it gives him a third potential average pitch. Faria’s overall profile isn’t an overpowering frontline starter’s profile but he is high floor back-end starting pitcher type.