Jackson Rutledge

A 6-foot-8, 250-pound righty from the junior college ranks, Rutledge's ability to hit triple digits with his fastball while possessing a wipeout slider got him drafted in the first round in 2019 and his $3.45 million bonus was a record for a JUCO draftee. At the alternate site, he worked on repeating his delivery, which is huge for any tall pitcher with long levers. Rutledge is exceedingly tall for a starting pitcher, so developing adequate command will be critical for him to stick as a starter. He also worked a lot on his changeup this past summer, which will be a big pitch for him when it comes to neutralizing lefties. Rutledge has not pitched above Low-A, but he will spend the bulk of his age-22 season in the upper levels. GM Mike Rizzo hasn't been shy about trading away pitching prospects, but the team has leaked to the media that Rutledge and 2020 first-rounder Cade Cavalli are off limits.