The New York Yankees 24th ranked prospect Jack Neely is showing impeccable development and ability to perform.
The Yankees selected right-handed pitching in the 2021 Major League Baseball draft. He was selected in the 11th round, 333rd overall, and has become an anticipated arm in the organization.
Yankees Prospect Jack Neely – Background
Neely originally attended the University of Texas, then took his talents to Iowa Western Community College. He then attended Ohio State University before signing after the draft with the Yankees.
Neely’s college numbers were slightly mediocre. His makeup and projectability were what caught the eyes of amateur scouts. He was not exactly a sub-10 round type of pitcher, but his current abilities have him traveling fast through the ranks.
The Statistics
2022 was not a bad year for the Yankees prospect Jack Neely, however, 2023 showed out more. Last year Neely split the season between High-A and Double-A. He totaled some impressive numbers in 66 1/3 innings of work, picking up six wins, five losses, and seven saves. Neely only gave up 16 earned runs on eight home runs and 39 hits. The righty has struck out 100 batters while only walking 20 in 2023.
Neely started the 2024 season in Double-A. He is now finding great success in arguably the best minor league competition. He has 28 1/3 innings of work so far with a 2.22 ERA and a 2.54 run average per nine innings. So far he’s struck out 45 of 117 batters faced.
A perfect 9th inning for Jack Neely with 3 K’s
pic.twitter.com/RhYaKWqRPK
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) May 19, 2024
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Neely’s development has stemmed from his fill-out in his body and what seems to be some tweaks to his delivery. Sizing for Neely plays a huge role.
Scouting Synopsis
Right-handed prospect Jack Neely has a huge physical presence at 6’8” and 245 lbs. He towers on the bump with a slim build and a rubber arm. He carries a short leg kick with good separation and arm action. His physicality translates towards bigger metrics and a good scaling rate.
Minor tweaks were made to his mechanics. Neely used to incorporate a turn with his leg kick extending at 45 degrees, throwing off balance. His balance is now justified while his body is symmetrical and his weight is properly transferred from his back side. He’s able to use the slope of the mound along with his vertical advantage with an easy stride.
MLB has Neely graded at a 60 fastball and 70 slider. The slider is a clear out-pitch with good sweeping action. The slider generates unhealthy hacks with no chance of piecing up the ball. This is above a 50% rate for accumulated strikeouts. The slider sits in the mid-80s.
His fastball is a four-seam with bite that cruises at 94-95 mph and tops 97 mph. He commands it well and works the zone, leading to whiffs. Neely could increase his success by adding another off-speed option.
The big righty delivers strong and his physical makeup and delivery compare to Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano.
Neely’s Prospects with the Yankees
Where does Neely fit into the Yankees picture? Firstly, he will climb the ranks quickly if his performance pace keeps up. He’s a strikeout pitcher and is reliable to shut the door in vulnerable situations. His current contribution is out of the bullpen as a reliever.
The Yankees prospect may look at a long-relief role with the possibility of being a starter if he can develop and command a third option. Right now, he projects as an all-around reliever. His repertoire could scream closer if his offerings become more stern.
Photo Credit: © Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The post An Analytic Look at a Budding Yankees Pitching Prospect appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.