Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | OAK | RHP | 11 | 45 |
Grades Update: Feb 2021
| OFP | Role | FB | CT | CH | Cnt/Cmd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 40 | 55 | 55 | 45 | 50/45 |
Feb 2021 Report
Evaluator: Tyler Jennings
Age: 23 yr
Height: 6-2
Weight: 195 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2019 Round 2
RuleV: 2022
Physical Description: Long, lanky build at 6'2", 195 pounds with lengthy levers. Certainly has room to add strength throughout his body. High waisted pitcher. Not a physical specimen by any means. Highly regarded prep arm out of West Orange HS in Florida, though stuff diminished slightly while at UNC.
Delivery & Mechanics: Both the wind-up and stretch feature a high leg kick with a crossfire in his delivery. There is effort in the delivery and the arm action will need to be improved if he wishes to stay in the rotation long term. Arm slot is primarily high three-quarters, though it will get inconsistent at times, especially late into starts.
Fastball: As a high schooler, Baum sat in the low-90's and touched 96 MPH. The velocity fluctuated at times while in Chapel Hill, though he began to get more velocity back in his junior year. Baum was regularly sitting 91-94 MPH and topped out at 97 MPH at times, consistently touching the upper-90's more often with average spin rates at around 2,200 RPM's. This velocity followed him to pro ball, as well. The pitch can get good run, though it can be inconsistent at times. He can get more ride on the pitch, as well, as he only averaged 13.5 inches of vertical break at UNC. Can flash plus at times, though it's likely an above-average offering at the next level. Grade: 55
Curveball: The best secondary in his offering, the curveball is a hard thrown breaker in the high-70's to low-80's. It's got good spin, averaging more than 2,300 RPM's, with a tight, 11-5 shape with good two-plane break. The pitch can get slurvy at times, however. Much like the fastball, it has flashed plus in the past, though there needs to be more consistency. Above-average offering. Grade: 55
Changeup: Baum's change-up has been a work in progress throughout his high school and college careers, though it's become a more consistent pitch that can mirror the fastball well at times. It's a low-80's offering with decent separation from the fastball and nice fade to it. The pitch averages nearly 1,800 RPM's, as well. There is a chance that it can become an average offering in the future, though the inconsistencies of the pitch limit it to a fringe-average offering presently. Grade: 45
Control and Command: Baum's control and command have gradually gotten better as he's progressed in his career. His walk rate dropped significantly during his junior year at UNC and it continued to drop in his debut season at Vermont. The improvements have given more hope that Baum could stay a starter, though he could still ultimately become a reliever. Control: 50 | Command: 45
Overall: Baum provides the Athletics with an intriguing option. While the arm action and delivery hamper his efforts to be a starter, the improved control and command help him stay in the conversation. Ultimately, he'll likely be reverted to a relief arm with a solid fastball-curveball combo, though a spot start can't be ruled out for Baum.
OFP: 45
Role: 40 - Long Reliever or Low Leverage Reliever
Risk: High
