Zack Burdi

Position: RHRP
Level: Triple-A
Affiliate: Charlotte Knights
League:
Age: 21 yrs, 5m
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 205
B/T: Right / Right
Acquired: 1st Rd., (#26 overall), 2016 MLB First-Year Player Draft (CHW)

Prospect Spotlight

The hard-throwing righty notched two perfect one-inning outings this past week, including his first at the Triple-A level, extending his no-hit streak to 9.2 innings – his last hit allowed coming back on July 23rd off the bat of Kean Wong (2B, Rays, Double-A Montgomery, Southern League). The former Louisville closer has big league swing-and-miss stuff, averaging almost two strikeouts per inning, and has recently upped his game by limiting base runners, having yet to allow a base runner in the month of August.

Burdi’s fastball can reach triple digits, routinely working in the upper 90s and flashing quality life – particularly down in the zone. His slider is a true plus offering at present, showing impressive bite and depth. He’s improved his command over the pitch in 2016, and is showing a high degree of comfort working it both in and out of the zone. His changeup is a third above-average offering, flashing swing-and-miss dive, and while clearly his tertiary option, it has the potential to emerge as a true weapon with minimal refinement.

Burdi has the making of a dominant late-inning arm thanks to electric stuff and an improving ability to wield that stuff with confidence and authority. It would not be a surprise to see him break camp with the White Sox next spring, and a September call-up seems like a foregone conclusion at this point. If you have a chance to catch him in Charlotte, don’t delay. It doesn’t look like his stay in the Queen City will be a long one.