Jake Cosart: Prospect Profile for Boston Red Sox's 3rd-Round Pick

Player: Jake Cosart

Drafted by: Boston Red Sox

Position: RHP

DOB: 02/11/1994 (Age: 20)

Height/Weight: 6’2”, 210 pounds

Bats/Throws: R/R

School: Seminole State Community College (Fla.)

Previously Drafted: Never

Background

The younger brother of Astros’ right-hander Jarred Cosart, Jake was recruited as an outfielder by Duke coming out of high school, but spent his freshman season on the bench as a red-shirt. As a result, he opted to transfer to Seminole State Community College (Fla.) for the 2014 season.

Having always shown impressive arm strength, Cosart was transitioned from the outfield to the mound this spring—a decision that ultimately resuscitated his amateur career and led to his emergence as a high-upside draft prospect.

The hard-throwing right-hander’s 5.34 ERA, 67 strikeouts and 23 walks in 64 innings (13 games/11 starts) this spring don’t exactly jump off the page, but the fact that Cosart at least held his own in his first season as a full-time pitcher speaks volumes about his potential.

Full Scouting Report

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

Body/Mechanics

6’2”, 210-pounder is an excellent athlete who is still new to pitching; delivery involves some effort but is mostly consistent; strong trunk rotation and use of lower half; boasts live arm but doesn’t rely on pure arm strength; tremendous hand speed; lacks significant downhill plane.

Fastball: 60/65

Explosive fastball sits 92-95 mph with good life and decent arm-side run; capable of bumping 97-98; holds velocity deep into starts; pitch seems to jump on opposing hitters; has a chance to add a few ticks as he adjusts to life as a full-time pitcher.

Curveball: 40/50

Curveball is raw due to inconsistent release point; natural arm speed causes him to frequently spike the pitch in the dirt; swing-and-miss potential with refinement; pace of offering is too slow and gives hitters time to recognize it out of his hand.

Slider: 45/60

Recent addition to his arsenal; lightning-quick arm makes the offering a potential weapon; thrown with tight rotation and late biting action; future plus offering that could serve as his out pitch at maturity.

Changeup: 30/40

Raw pitch will need thorough development to reach major leagues as a starter; arm speed causes him to throw it too firmly and push it toward the plate.

Control: 35/45

Inexperience is apparent, as he’s more of a thrower than a pitcher; has plenty of room to improve as a strike-thrower; still learning how to harness impressive arm strength; control should be at least fringe-average in his prime.

Command: 30/40

Command will improve as he gains experience and refines his arsenal; knows he has good stuff and isn’t afraid to attack the zone; relies more on overpowering hitters than pumping strikes; whether or not he can develop command of four-pitch mix will ultimately determine future role.

MLB Player Comparison: Wade Davis

Cosart showcases the same explosive, plus-plus fastball velocity as Wade Davis, and his inconsistent secondary arsenal and overall command issues could lead to a late-inning role.

Projection: Ceiling: No. 3 starter/floor: late-inning reliever

Major Leagues ETA: Starter: late 2017/reliever: late 2015

Chances of Signing: 80 percent

Cosart is new to the mound with a huge gap between the present and future, but his stock is high after his breakout performance at Seminole State. Expect the team that drafts the right-hander to develop him as a starter, with a bullpen gig representing a fallback option.