Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | WAS | RHP | 1 | 55 |
Grades Update: Jan 2021
| OFP | Role | FB | CB | SL | CH | Cnt/Cmd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | 60 | 70 | 55 | 60 | 45 | 50/45 |
Jan 2021 Report
Evaluator: Mike Kinsela
Age: 22 yr
Height: 6-8
Weight: 250 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2019 Round 1
RuleV: 2022
Physical Description: Physical monster, massive and strong and physical. Minimal projection remaining if any but a big league body at present.
Delivery & Mechanics: Low-maintenance delivery with simplicity throughout operation, getting over his front side with repeatability and tempo, staying linear throughout as well. The arm stroke stays inline through the back and he's got a high front side coming through which aids in deception. Extremely short arm action is notable.
Fastball: Pitch touched triple digits as an amateur and continues to flirt with that as a professional. Can hold mid-90's deep into starts and has average life on the pitch in general. Pitch could encroach on elite in short bursts, but plays plus-plus in starter role. Grade: 70
Curveball: Behind the slider but not by all that much, thrown in the low 80's with more downward bite, has confidence in pitch and is adept at landing it over outer edge for called strikes vs. hitters of either handedness, have seen it plus at times. Grade: 55
Slider: Best secondary, thrown firmly in the mid-upper 80's with devastating bite, tunneled well off of fastball with plus, late tilt, confident throwing it in any count as chase pitch, swing-and-miss offering that should miss bats at highest level. Grade: 60
Changeup: In the "usable" range right now but Rutledge has shown feel for the pitch, generally in mid-upper 80's, average fade with below average present command of the pitch, end of arsenal right now but could be enough to keep lefties honest. Grade: 45
Control and Command: Rutledge can throw strikes and a high number of walks aren't really the worry here, but his command is in the fringe-average range right now and given his present size and limited projection, one wonders where the command projection is. Control: 50 | Command: 45
Overall: Pretty overwhelming package of stuff with as many as 4 pitches that can be effective at the highest level in a starter role, 3 of which could be plus or better. Shouldn't have an issue missing bats, issue may be command limiting his effectiveness as a starter and pushing him to bullpen.
OFP: 55
Role: 60 - #3 SP
Risk: High
