Despite missing the entire 2021 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in the fall of 2020, this 19-year old right-hander has the upside of a starter and comes in at #16.
Carter Baumler
Pos: RHP
Bats: R
Throws: R
Age (as of Jun 30th) : 19
2021 Level: DNP
Pitches (current/future value)
Fastball: ??/60
Change: ??/50
Slider: ??/60
Curve: ??/55
Command: ??/50
Most Likely Future Role: Starter
Ceiling: Mid-Rotation
What we know: After missing most of senior year and first professional season due to COVID in 2020, this young athletic right-hander was reportedly pitching up 95 MPH in instructional league when he went down with elbow pain. He ended up undergoing Tommy John surgery last Fall and missed the entire 2021 season. As of this writing, he’s completed his throwing program but has not pitched to batters yet but is expected to be ready for spring training next year.
The second high school overslot selection, that most people did not think was signable after missing almost his entire senior year with mono and the COVID cancellations. The Orioles though had his number before they drafted him, and were able to sign him for $1,500,000. Talent wise he’s a steal as a 5th rounder as some scouts had labeled him a more athletic Zack Greinke.
That’s clearly high praise for a young pitcher, but Baumler brings a 92-94 fastball with a clean, athletic delivery with good spin rate that he will use up in the zone. He offsets that with a very good feel for spinning the ball with different velocities, shapes and locations. His slider showed good hard spin and bite at one showcase event, but his curveball has been rated as his best secondary offering at other events. He didn’t throw a changeup much but reportedly showed some feel for the pitch. Reportedly his slider has really improved during his throwing program and could become his best breaking ball.
At 6-2, 195 he has nice athletic build with long limbs with plenty of projectability remaining. He has an easy arm action from a high 3/4’s arm slot and hides the ball well behind his body.
What we don’t know: We don’t know a lot obviously. It sounds like he’s recovered well but until we see him against batters it’s always hard to say.
What we think: Baumler has as much upside as any pitcher in the system not named Rodriguez or Hall. While it’s started off on the wrong foot with the injury, hopefully he’s gotten it out of the way and will be able to use this experience to help him with the mental aspects of the game. He should get an opportunity to make the Delmarva team but its unclear what kind of innings limit he will be under in 2022 when he’ll pitch at the age of 20.