Ryne Stanek: Prospect Profile for Tampa Bay Rays' 1st-Round Pick

Player: Ryne Stanek

Drafted by: Tampa Bay Rays (No. 29 Overall)

Position: RHP

DOB: 7/26/1991 (Age: 21)

Height/Weight: 6’4”/190 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

School: Arkansas

Previously Drafted: 2010, Seattle Mariners (third round)

Background

A third-round draft pick of the Mariners in 2010, Stanek instead chose to honor his commitment to the University of Arkansas, where, over the last three years, the right-hander has emerged as one of the top pitchers in the nation.

After making a strong impression during his freshman campaign, Stanek officially put himself on the draft radar by posting a 2.82 ERA in 92.2 innings as a sophomore. During the following summer, he strengthened his stock with a strong showing while pitching for the Team USA collegiate squad. As a result, the right-hander was widely regarded as a likely top-10 selection in the 2013 draft.

However, Stanek’s stuff has a taken a step back this season in terms of both velocity and effectiveness; his fastball hasn’t been as crisp and his secondary offerings have been less defined and consistent.

Stanek is still regarded as a first-round pick, but there’s no question that his up-and-down junior campaign at Arkansas has impacted his overall stock.

Full Scouting Report

Note: Numerical scores are on the conventional 20-80 scouting scale, where 50 is average, with the current score first and projected score second.

Body/Mechanics: 

Projectable 6’4”, 190-pound frame; high leg kick; extends too far with front side before foot strike; fast arm action from mid three-quarter slot; long, extended stride can cause arm to drag; potential injury risk; may impact ability to handle a large workload over course of a full season; tends to open with front side too early.

Fastball: 60/60

Sits 91-95 mph; has sat a few ticks lower at points this spring; has reached 96-97 mph in the past; generates forced arm-side run due to dragging arm; command of the offering varies; flattens out when left up in the zone; too hittable; needs to get on top of the pitch to create better sinking action on downhill plane.

Curveball: 50/60

Underused pitch in the low 80s; potential weapon that’s taken a backseat to his slider over the last two years; offering will be utilized as a professional; thrown with tight spin and hard break.

Slider: 45/60

Pitch has lost a grade over the last year; still a potential plus offering; thrown with velocity in the 84-87 mph range; potential to be out-pitch at next level with more consistency; has never led to the amount of whiffs that it should; good tilt and depth; late, hard-diving action off the plate; overused; improved sequencing might improve effectiveness.

Control: 40/50

High-effort delivery and inconsistent three-quarters arm slot hinders control; works too many deep counts.

Command: 40/50

Has relied on velocity and movement against college hitters; sequencing and use of pitches will need to be adjusted at the next level; average fastball command to both sides of the plate; will need to pound the lower portion of the strike zone with more consistency; needs to pitch off his slider less often; lack of speed differential between curveball and slider may be an issue against more advanced hitters.

MLB Player Comparison: Edwin Jackson

Projection: Ceiling of a No. 2 or 3 starter; floor of a late-inning reliever.

MLB ETA: 2016

Chances of Signing: 99.9 percent