Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | HOU | RHP | 8 | 45 |
Grades Update: Jan 2021
| OFP | Role | FB | CT | CB | CH | Cont/Cmd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 40 | 55 | 45 | 50 | 45 | 45/40 |
Jan 2021 Report
Evaluator: Geoff Pontes
Age: 21 yr
Height: 6-2
Weight: 160 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2016 IFA
RuleV: On 40-Man Roster
Physical Description: Much larger than his listed 160 lbs, likely closer to 190-200 now. Missed all of 2019 recovering from Tommy John surgery. Strong frame, tall but broad with present strength in his shoulders and lower half. Since we've last seen Solis he's added some "man muscle".
Delivery & Mechanics: Prior to undergoing TJS, Solis setup on the first base side of the rubber, starting his operation from a side step to an elevated leg lift. Ample bend in his back leg at drive, hides ball well behind back hip, strong scap load, into high three quarters arm action with moderate trunk and shoulder tilt at release. One issue with his pre-TJS mechanics is his below average leg block that hinders his stability. He's fairly upright and his leg will buckle as he gets over his frontside more than you like. One element to keep in mind is this was all pre-surgery and he's added significant strength since that time. Fast arm with efficient mechanics that produce good velocity results.
Fastball: Recent reports from instructs saw his velocity down slightly from his pre-surgery self, sitting 91-93 mph touching 95 mph once during the fall. Not altogether shocking for a player with understandable rust after being on the shelf for two years. At his peak pre-TJS, Solis sat 92-95 mph, with a 2018 fastball average of 93.7 MPH. It wasn't empty velocity either, Solis' fastball is an efficient four-seamer with an average of >18 inches of induced vertical break. Meaning his fastball plays well in the upper quadrants and has a better chance of missing bats. Still mastering his command of the pitch, but it by and large showed well versus significantly older competition in 2017 and 2018. Grade: 55
Cutter: True cutter at an average velocity of 87-89 mph, with classic cutter movement. Solis shows the ability to land the pitch for strikes, using it as a change of pace in a velocity band between his fastball and curveball, and a true third pitch to work in on righties hands with. Developing pitch pre-surgery, with strong characteristics. Grade: 45
Curveball: Below average curveball with some depth but overall average movement. Pitch sits 77-80 mph, and it plays up due to his elite feel. Only average drop, with a 2018 IVB of -10. His higher slot allows the pitch to play off of his high efficiency fastball, creating a north to south plan of attack. Solis, converted to a curveball from a slider between 2017 and 2018 and showed advanced feel for a pitch so new to his arsenal. Plenty of publications have slapped above average or better grades on the pitch, but we'll need to see more before grading it anything more than average. Grade: 50
Changeup: Does a strong job killing lift, but limited run, relatively straight movement. Shows feel for the pitch and the ability to land it for strikes. Mimics fastball release, sells the pitch with arm speed. Grade: 45
Control and Command: It's hard to discount Solis' pre-surgery control and command based on his 2018 walk rate. While Solis did have strike throwing issues, it was simply bouts of wildness from a teenage arm against far more experienced hitters. Solis rarely misses badly, but he has a tendency to nibble a bit much. It's fringe-average control with room for improvement, as Solis has shown advanced feel at times for an (at the time) teenager. Curveball feel is above average but he will lose command at times, missing the bottom of the strike zone. Control: 45 | Command: 40
Overall: The last time we saw Solis he was an 18 year old in full season ball, on average 3.5 years the junior of his competition. His impressive display in 50 innings with Quad-City produced a 3.55 ERA, 9.1 K/9, allowing just one home run over 13 appearances. Solis should be a full go in 2021, over 30+ months removed surgery, and improved physical shape, he has the look of a potential breakout in the season ahead. Excellent stuff, a starter's body, and a history of strong feel for his arsenal give hope that Solis could push his OFP to 50 sometime in the next seven months, as his backend rotation upside is very real.
OFP: 45
Role: 40 - Spot Starter or Low Leverage Reliever
Risk: Moderate
