Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | CIN | RHP | 32 | 35 |
Grades Update: Nov 2020
| OFP | Role | FB | CB | SL | CH | Ctr/Cmd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 30 | 55 | 55 | 45 | 40 | 45/40 |
Nov 2020 Report
Evaluator: Jake Boes
Age: 26 yr
Height: 6-4
Weight: 170 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2017 Draft - Round 8, TB
RuleV: Eligible
Physical Description: Tall, lanky frame; trim and rail-thin; tapered shoulders with long arms; high waist with long, string-bean legs. Limited growth potential remaining; room to add significant strength throughout but not likely to add. Intimidating presence on the mound.
Delivery & Mechanics: Works quickly from a high 3/4 arm slot with high effort; straightforward mechanics; long levers and extension generate moderate deception. Falls off to first base side; noticeably more comfortable from the wind- up. Varies looks and timing to the plate to keep runners honest.
Fastball: 93-95 t97 with inconsistent arm-side run; lacks late life. Shows inconsistent command; tends to miss arm side from the stretch. Extension and downward plane generated from long levers allows the pitch to play above-average despite limited life. Grade: 55
Curveball: Above average flashing plus with 11/5 action and late bite; pitch has teeth; shows ability to throw for strikes and bury for chase. Will spin occasionally when not snapped, but shape is generally as-desired. Grade: 55
Slider: Fringy but flashes above-average; slurvy action; tends to nibble but will flash tight, late break diving away from righties; lacks consistent feel. Likely at projection. Grade: 45
Changeup: Below average; lacks consistent desired velocity; shows modest sinking movement; maintains arm speed but lacks conviction. Minimal feel; lacks fade. Grade: 40
Control and Command: Fringe-average control and below average command; capable of throwing strikes but struggles to consistently hit the glove; levers and plane hurt command; fastball/curveball show best control. Pitch sequencing can be predictable at times. Control: 45 | Command: 40
Overall: O'Brien's size is tantalizing, but his inconsistent control and command force his floor down to an organizational depth piece. With two average-or-better offerings and considering his confrontational mound presence, a bullpen transition might make sense but would need to happen soon. There is a low leverage reliever profile there if one looks long enough, but more than likely, it's an emergency up/down arm.
OFP: 35
Role: 30 - Up / Down Emergency Depth
Risk: High
