Ethan McRae, LHP, Cal State Monterey Bay

Ethan McRae is tall, long and lean with room to grow into his body; realistic to expect him to add 15-20 pounds in the next few years. Three-quarters/low three-quarters release with good extension out front; not overwhelming velocity but long arms and good extension give him a sneaky-hard look at times. Will get too horizontally rotational at times, too, losing release point and affecting command. Low effort mechanics; ideal for starting roles and stays really loose and emotionally in control on the mound, even with traffic on bases. Generally sat 85-88 in my look with the fastball; flirted a bit with 89-90 at various points. Paired it with a 77-79 changeup (decent) and a 70-72 breaking ball (needs work). Promising depth to the breaker, but really needs to be thrown harder for sharper, later bite that can miss bats against better hitters. Good life to the fastball and changeup, both to arm side; changeup tumbles down to the bottom of the zone, and tunnels pretty well with the fastball; changeup will be a good weapon for weak contact against RHH there. Primarily a fastball pitcher, though, at least based on my look; really wanted to establish fastball early and pitch off it; secondaries need some improvement in consistency to catch up. Timed 1.19 - 1.25 in quick move to the plate with runners on base; will also go to full balance to mix up rhythm at times. Comes off the mound fine to field his position. Right about where he should be as a sophomore at Cal State Monterey Bay; needs more velo over the next couple years to be taken seriously as a pro arm, but that’ll come; imperative the breaking ball improves considerably, as well. Worth a check-in at some point in 2019; keep him in mind as an MLB Draft follow in 2020.

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