Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | ATL | RHP | 3 | 55 |
Grades Update: Dec 2020
| OFP | Role | FB | CB | CH | Cnt/Cmd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | 60 | 50 | 50 | 60 | 55/50 |
Dec 2020 Report
Evaluator: Barry Lincoln
Age: 23 yr
Height: 6-3
Weight: 170 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2016 Draft, Round 1
RuleV: On 40-Man Roster
Physical Description: At an athletic 6'3" 170, Anderson fits the stereotypical "ideal" build for a starting pitcher. With a lanky and flexible overall look, Anderson is able to tap into his natural athleticism to create elite extension and arm action.
Delivery & Mechanics: Utilizes both windup and stretch. Stays balanced into gather of medium height, using his plus athleticism and flexibility to generate an elite extension of over seven feet. Solid hip hinge contributes to further power. Over the top arm action counters his elite extension in creating elite vertical approach angle. Maximizes use of the force he creates.
Fastball: Averages 94mph with a spin rate of 2063 rpm. Despite the elite extension, the over the top arm action and low spin make it play well in the lower part of the zone. Generates a lot of soft contact; used as a setup pitch for his changeup and curve (the out pitches). Spots the pitch well, but cannot afford to leave it up in the zone or it will get hit. Grade: 50
Curveball: Slow and low spin with subpar movement traits. Despite this, the greater change of pace actually benefits the pitch, throwing off timing due to its success in tunneling. Anderson has plus command on this option, and could get more bend if he fixes his efficiency (currently only 41%). While it has many shortcomings, Anderson has managed to generate whiffs on 40.5% of curveballs -- until it is figured out there may be no need to change anything (BABIP is worrisome, .385). Grade: 50
Changeup: Average velocity of 87.4 with spin rate of 1762. Does not pronate wrist on the pitch, and lines up seams similar to a four seam. While movement traits aren't special, Anderson's change looks like a fastball to hitters, generating 39.8% whiff and .172 BABIP due to his plus command and how it looks like a fastball coming in to a hitter. If the command were to ever go, the change would be subpar. Grade: 60
Control and Command: Since Anderson is a guy that does not possess a putaway fastball, or an offspeed with crazy movement, he needs to be able to put the ball in and around the zone. His overall control on all three pitches is near above-average with the fastball primarily being a setup pitch for his two off-speed. Anderson cannot get away with missing on a fastball very often. Thus, with that being his primary offering, the need to spot it is a must. He does a very good job of accomplishing this, and with the mastery of his changeup, Anderson has a very good one two punch of pitches that he can reliably spot. When he loses his command, he loses ball games -- his success is contingent upon his ability to spot up. Control: 55 | Command: 50
Overall: While Anderson's ideal build, and highly flexible/athletic profile are a major plus, the high arm-slot, lack of spin on his pitches, and average velocity has meant that he needs to take a different type of approach -- Anderson has accomplished this via the mastery of a changeup that fools hitters based on spin and velocity change. While the curveball is a solid option for the same reason, the changeup has been his bread and butter (.172 BABIP on CH, .385 on curve). His ability to spot the changeup at will, while sequencing well has led to a lot of success already in his young career; the further mastering of his pitches should lead to long term success.
OFP: 55
Role: 60 - #3 SP
Risk: Moderate
