Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | ARI | RHP | 14 | 45 |
Grades Update: Dec 2020
| OFP | Role | FB | SL | CH | Cnt/Cmd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 50 | 55/50 |
Dec 2020 Report
Evaluator: Matt Thompson
Age: 22 yr
Height: 6-2
Weight: 180 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2017 3rd
RuleV: 2021
Physical Description: 6'2", 180 pound frame. High waist, lean, athletic build. Has a frame to add on some good weight, and has done so already but the fastball velocity hasn't jumped.
Delivery & Mechanics: Utilizes an inverted windup from the third base side of the rubber. Feet pointing towards third base, but when he comes set his upper body is square to the plate and the glove rests just below the eyes. Takes a long stride back towards first base, with a series of small steps by his plant foot to stay balanced. A lot of upper body movement as he comes at hitters with a quick tempo. Fast paced worker, always moving his hand inside the glove so hitters can't get an idea of what's coming. High effort delivery, and comes from a 3/4 arm slot.
Fastball: Fastball sits around 90-93, will hit the occasional 94. His ability to locate the fastball was why he was so dominant during his 2019 run through the Midwest League. Pounds the glove with the heater. Mostly utilizes it up or away. The Diamondbacks put an emphasis on the high fastball in the lower minors, and Tabor's heater plays well up in the zone. He has above-average command of the pitch, and it will likely be future plus command. Grade: 50
Slider: Tabor's slider is very much improved since his amateur days, and it is now a sweepier pitch. It comes in at a higher velocity than you would think considering where he lives with his fastball. The slider sits 85-87 and he throws it at the back foot of leftites and away from right-handers. It's his primary put away pitch, and has the signature horizontal break that the Diamondbacks desire from the sliders in their organization. Grade: 60
Changeup: He pronates his changeup very well, gets it to almost roll over and produce good fade. Will use it as a put away pitch against lefties. Plays well off of the fastball low and away. Wish he threw it for a strike more. As is its a chase pitch and if you can manage to lay off its rarely thrown for a strike. With better command it could be an above-average pitch. Grade: 50
Control and Command: The biggest reason for Matt Tabor's success in the lower minors is his ability to put he fastball whereever he wants. Its a control over stuff profile, and his ability to then pitch off of that fastball makes his chase pitches play. You're more likely to chase the slider that breaks off the plate if he's shown the ability to put two fastballs on the black against you already. His ability to live on the outer quadrants of the zone with his heater is his most valuable trait. He also lives up with the fastball, but just above the zone and due to the carry, he gets people to chase that pitch as well. This becomes immediately a plus grade if hes able to throw the slider or the change for strikes consistently. Control: 55 | Command: 50
Overall: Tabor is a command/control over stuff arm, but he's also adopted several of the modern characteristics that the Diamondbacks require, with the fastball up in the zone and the horizontal break on the slider. It will be interesting to see how the three pitch mix plays in the upper minors, and we will find that out as soon as baseball resumes. Tabor is an advanced arm that profiles as a backend starter.
OFP: 45
Role: 40 - Spot Starter/Long Relief & Low Leverage Relief
Risk: Moderate
