Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | ATL | LHP | 6 | 50 |
Grades Update: Dec 2020
| OFP | Role | FB | SL | CH | Cnt/Cmd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 55 | 50 | 60 | 50/45 |
Dec 2020 Report
Evaluator: Jake Boes
Age: 22 yr
Height: 6-3
Weight: 210 lbs
Hits/Throws: L/L
Acquired: 2020 Draft, Round 1
RuleV: 2024
Physical Description: Prototypical starter's frame: tall, long, and strong with broad shoulders; long arms with a high waist and a slender, yet sturdy base. Same physical proportions as Andy Pettite. Prep background in basketball; good athlete on the mound.
Delivery & Mechanics: Fires from a high 3/4 arm slot with moderate effort; quick wind-up with a well-repeated delivery. Deceptive motion; lots of moving parts, hides the ball well and generates impressive extension. Head stays quiet through motion; ball leaves the hand exceptionally well. Shows poise and mound presence.
Fastball: 91-94 t96 flashing nasty, late armside run. Pounds the outside corner against opposite-sided hitters. Riding life when thrown up in the zone; controls the pitch well with command gains still possible. Overall, an above-average offering with plus potential long-term. Grade: 55
Slider: 81-85 with traditional slider bite; flashes plus. Shows the ability to throw for strikes; command is inconsistent beneath the zone. An average offering with minimal gains necessary to reach its projection. Grade: 50
Changeup: Legitimate plus offering showing fade and break at 80-84; generates swings and misses from both sides of the plate; shows feel and conviction. Same velocity band as the SL is less than ideal, but different plane, usage, and movement help mitigate the risk of the hitter timing it. Grade: 60
Control and Command: Average control and fringy command - there is projection with the profile; big gap between what is and what could be. Well-repeated delivery and advanced sequencing could help command with continued pro instruction. Control: 50 | Command: 45
Overall: While many felt Shuster's position in the draft was a bit generous by Atlanta, his recent bump in velocity and advanced pitchability make him intriguing as a starting pitcher. His work ethic should help him rise through the minors quickly and makes a backend starter role a realistic route long-term.
OFP: 50
Role: 50 - #4 or #5 SP
Risk: High
