Newcomer to Keep an Eye On: Bailey Clark, RHP
Birthdate: 12/3/94 (21 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: rookie, short season A
Stats in 2016: 11 2/3 IP, 2.31 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 0 BB%, 28.26 K%
Part of 16 college pitchers that the Cubs chose in their first 18 selections of the 2016 draft, Clark could very well have the best pure stuff of any of those college arms they selected.
Clark has bumped against triple digits with his fastball in short stints, reported at 99 MPH in multiple settings, and he gets excellent sink on the pitch as well. He pairs that with a slider that is consistently above average and has flashed as well as a plus-plus pitch.
That sort of repertoire would typically indicate a selection in the first round or two of the draft, but Clark struggled in the spring with reduced velocity and control, which is a hallmark of his when he is going well, and he lost his rotation spot for Duke.
Chicago took the gamble on Clark moving forward, and he did flash well in the short amount of time he threw for the organization, showing excellent control and more in his change up than had been reported coming into the draft.
There is significant effort in Clark’s delivery, and that has many worried that he may end up as a reliever, though as a reliever with his fastball/slider combo, he would be an elite reliever for sure.
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