Toronto Blue Jays top ten prospects for 2020
By David Hill
6. Simeon Woods-Richardson
Minors (A, A+): 106.2 innings, 6-10 record, 3.80 ERA, 1.125 WHiP, 24 walks, 126 strikeouts
Simeon Woods-Richarson (or SWR going forward) burst onto the scene during the summer showcase circuit, only to fall flat in his senior year of high school. Nonetheless, the Mets took him in the second round, and he rewarded their faith with a strong debut in 2018.
Acquired along with Anthony Kay as part of the Marcus Stroman trade, SWR may well prove to be the better pitching prospect. Kay is certainly closer to the majors, and may have the higher floor, but there is no denying SWR’s potential as a top of the rotation arm.
Armed with a solid three pitch mix, SWR does a great job of repeating his high three quarters delivery. His fastball, which had dropped to the upper 80s during his senior year, is back in the mid 90s, and can reach as high as 97 MPH. He has an excellent curve with sharp break that also has the potential to be a plus offering. SWR also has a passable change, a developing pitch that could eventually be an average offering.
The biggest question for SWR is whether or not he can continue to be effective later into games, and keep his impressive stuff as he tires. He showed more of an ability to do just that last year, but his endurance will be the biggest key moving forward. If he struggles maintaining his stuff, then SWR could develop into a solid high leverage reliever.
He may have been the overlooked prospect coming back to the Toronto Blue Jays, but SWR has the potential to be a major part of the future. If he can reach his potential, he could end up as a top of the rotation arm for years to come.