Prospect Profile: Michael Baumann
Right handed pitcher Michael Baumann comes in at number 15 on the Baltimore Orioles preseason top 30 prospects list by MLB.com. Check out the last prospect profile on Cameron Bishop here.
Baumann was a teammate of fellow Oriole Austin Hays at the University of Jacksonville. Just like Hays in 2016, Baumann was selected in the third round in the 2017 draft.
Baumann had a stellar start to his career in Jacksonville. His 7-1 record and 2.24 ERA helped him win Atlantic Sun pitcher of the year, Atlantic Sun freshman of the year, and he was named first team all conference. He was also one of three freshman pitchers nationally who started at least 15 games
Baumann was three year starter for the Dolphins making 43 career starts with a 16-8 record. He worked a total of 246.2 innings with an ERA of 3.17 striking out 251 and only walking 98.
Baumann had a strong transition into pro ball. After making his first appearance with the Aberdeen IronBirds out of the bullpen, he spent the rest of the season as starter making nine starts. He pitched 41.1 innings in Aberdeen going 4-2 with a 1.28 ERA.
MLB.com Analysis:
A big and physical right-hander, Baumann can run his fastball up to 96-97 mph, but usually sits more in the 92-94 mph range, also using his height to his advantage to work on a downhill plane. He throws two breaking balls, a fringy curveball and a slider that flashes above average, as well as a promising changeup. Baumann is adept at missing bats, although the effort in his delivery, along with his longer arm action, does raise questions about Baumann’s ultimate command profile.
Baumann’s arm strength, durable frame and potential four-pitch mix will give him a chance to remain a starter, especially if he can make strides with his command and changeup. Should that not work out, shortening Baumann up and putting him in the bullpen would allow his fastball-slider pairing to play up and possibly expedite his arrival in the Majors.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Curveball: 45 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 45 | Overall: 45
MLB ETA: 2020
