Mar 2021 Report
Evaluator: Tyler Jennings
Age: 22 yr
Height: 6-1
Weight: 205 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2020 Round 2
RuleV: 2023
Physical Description: Strong, yet smaller build for a pitcher at 6"1", 205 pounds. Has added some weight since draft day, some projection left to his frame. High waisted specimen, particularly strong lower half to frame. Definite bulldog on the mound. Formerly a highly regarded prep arm in 2017, though arm injury caused him to make it to campus.
Delivery & Mechanics: Pitches from third base side of the rubber with a moderately high leg kick. Throws from a three-quarters arm slot. Relatively easy and clean delivery with little to no effort involved. Lower half mechanics could use some work though, which would help Van Eyk become more consistent with his velocity/command.
Fastball: Van Eyk's velocity can be a bit inconsistent at times. Sometimes, he'll be sitting 91-94, other times, he'll be sitting more in the mid-90's, touching 95-96 mph. Has been clocked as high as 98-99 mph in the past while at Florida State. The pitch gets good riding life and some running action, as well. Van Eyk has good command of the offering, spotting it nicely to both sides of the plate when he's on. Lower half instability in his delivery will need to be worked on in order to tap into more consistent mid-90's velocity, which would help the pitch become a plus offering in the future. For now, it's above average. Grade: 55
Curveball: Best secondary in Van Eyk's arsenal. Big breaking curveball thrown in the high-70's to low-80's with good shape and bite. Thrown from a knuckle curve grip and the pitch possesses 12-to-6 action. Excellent spin on the pitch, reaching as high as 2,800 RPM's or more. Van Eyk has big confidence in the pitch, throwing it in any count and garnering swings and misses along the way. Certainly a plus pitch. Grade: 60
Slider: Currently Van Eyk's fourth pitch. Not as effective as his curveball, but sits in the 83-85 mph range with some sweeping action to it. He's got a feel for the pitch, but it does not garner the amount of swings and misses that the curveball does. Will need some refinement, though it's a fringe-average offering that will not be oft used. Grade: 45
Changeup: Van Eyk's change-up sits in the low-to-mid 80's with good sink and separation from his fastball. Currently his third pitch, it can be inconsistent at times, as it can flatten out, but he manages to fool hitters by keeping a consistent arm speed when throwing the pitch. Very confident in throwing the pitch against both righties and lefties. Likely can become an above-average offering, but for now, it's average. Grade: 50
Control and Command: Van Eyk showcased good command and control throughout his first two years at Florida State, though in the COVID-shortened 2020, Van Eyk had some trouble with walks. The command can come and go for him at times, though the Blue Jays certainly hope that can be refined to become more consistent. Control: 45 | Command: 45
Overall: Van Eyk fits the mold of a backend starter for the time being, as a relatively clean delivery and useful mix of pitches gives him an advantage. He'll need to work on his control and command and refine his lower half, though. If he doesn't pan out as a starter, he could have a bright future as a bullpen arm.
OFP: 50
Role: 50 - Backend SP
Risk: High
