Max Meyer

Meyer was excellent in his pro debut, logging a 2.27 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 130:42 K:BB in 111 innings, with 20 starts coming at Double-A and two starts at Triple-A. His groundball rate was around 50% and his strikeout rate improved as the season went on -- he struck out 72 batters in 51 innings over his final 10 starts. His low-to-mid-90s fastball and diving slider remain plus pitches, but he didn't take any steps forward with his third-pitch changeup, which is mildly disappointing. His command/control remain solid, but not much better than when he was drafted third overall in 2020. It's kind of a conundrum with Meyer, because he performed very well statistically while getting thrown in the deep end for his pro debut, but the scouting reports are slightly less glowing than they were a year ago. If he can put in some work this offseason and in spring training to make minor improvements across the board, Meyer could take a step forward as a potential No. 2 starter, but as things stand, he's got the command and wipeout slider to perform as a mid-rotation arm in a year or two.