MLB Pipeline is updating their position rankings for the 2017 season and they kicked things off with the list of right handed pitchers yesterday. Today they brought out the list for the left handed pitchers and the Cincinnati Reds found one of their own on the list. Amir Garrett cracked the Top 10, coming in at #6 overall in the minor leagues.
The 24-year-old lefty had been downright dominant for the last two seasons. In 2015 he posted a 2.44 ERA for the Daytona Tortugas. He threw 140.1 innings, allowed just 117 hits and had 133 strikeouts. In 2016 he split his season between Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Louisville. On the season he posted a 2.55 ERA in 144.2 innings pitched. That also came along with 132 strikeouts.
Over the entire course of the last two seasons, Amir Garrett has posted this line: 285.0 innings pitched, 216 hits, 10 home runs, 114 walks, 265 strikeouts and a 2.49 ERA. Of course, he’s got more than the numbers. His scouting report stacks up quite well with just about any left hander in the game. He’s got plenty of velocity to work with, a strong breaking ball and his change up has improved over the last two seasons.
Already on the 40-man roster, Amir Garrett will be in big league spring training. He’s not expected to break camp with the club, but a good showing could earn him one of the first chances to be called up. Of course, with a very strong spring, there’s always the chance he cracks the rotation. The Reds are looking to fill the #5 spot and if he outperforms the others, the job could be his.
Earlier this month, the Reds sent several players to the Rookie Career Development program. Teams send players who are on the verge of the big leagues to participate in the event. Players are exposed to lectures from former players and advisors about things to help prepare them for things they could experience as big leaguers. Cincinnati sent Garrett along with Rookie Davis and Phillip Ervin. MLB.com spoke with Garrett while at the event. You can watch it below: