Age: 23
2019 Level: A
Pitches (current/future value)
Fastball: 50/55
Curveball: 45/55
Changeup: 35/40
Command: 40/45
Most Likely Future Role: Middle reliever
Ceiling: 5th starter/Set up Relief
What we know: Fenter finally put up a full healthy season at 23-years of age and put up some impressive numbers. He’s mainly a fastball, curveball pitcher though he did show an occasional change up that was playable at times but not consistent. He can sit 91-95 with his fastball and wants to use it up in the zone suggesting he has pretty good spin rate on the pitch. The curveball can be as 12-6 hammer at times, but the command of the pitch can be inconsistent.
What we don’t know: Will his fastball continue to play up in the zone in Frederick or will the high fastball, curveballs low in the zone, only good enough to dominate Sally League batters?
What we think: At his advanced age, the Orioles may be more aggressive with him 2020. He’ll most likely start the year in Frederick but if he struggles at all, they could move him to the pen and see how he pitches out of that role where he could focus on the fastball, curveball combination.
Another Take: It took awhile to get here, but Fenter was showing the talent that got him a $1M bonus back in 2015. He has looked firmly like a bullpen arm until the last couple months of 2019. He primarily threw a straight fastball with ride and a curveball with the reverse action, true 12-6 drop. Both of those pitches play really well off each other and made me wonder why the O’s didn’t put him in the pen and move him quickly. Well, he developed a quality slider and showed some feel for a changeup as the season progressed. I don’t think he has the command or stamina to start long term, but I could see an opener role. The potential for two plus pitches in the pen could be tempting to another team if he is left unprotected in the Rule 5 draft. (Luke Siler)
