Prospect Stock Watch: Kopech, Alvarez, Montas

Let’s talk hard-throwing pitchers today at the Prospect Stock Watch since they’re all the rage in baseball right now.

Michael Kopech | RHP | Red Sox
ETA: 2019
Value: Rising

Selected 33rd overall in the 2014 draft out of high school, Kopech’s early pro career was marked with makeup concerns, a suspension for a banned substance, and injury (a broken hand suffered in a fight with a teammate). When he’s on the mound, though, the right-hander can be downright nasty. His fastball has reportedly hit 105 mph as a starter and it sits 95-98 mph. He also throws a low-90s slider and changeup but both need work to become more consistent. Kopech, 20, has been pitching well in high-A ball. In six starts he has 42 strikeouts in 28.1 innings and has yet to allow a home run. Boston has a very healthy minor league system but is a little light on upper-level impact arms so Kopech’s continued development (and improved maturity) is important.

Yadier Alvarez | RHP | Dodgers
ETA: 2020
Value: Rising

The Dodgers invested $32 million for Alvarez in 2015 and the money looks like a smart investment, at least right now. The 20-year-old right-hander has overpowered lower-level hitters with his 95-100 mph fastball and slider that possesses nasty wipeout potential. After making five appearances in rookie ball, Alvarez has moved up to low-A ball where he’s struck out 24 batters in 13 innings. With the likes of Jose DeLeon and Julio Urias ahead of him on the depth chart, the Dodgers can afford patience with this Cuban native as he polishes his secondary offerings and improves his command/control.

Frankie Montas | RHP | Athletics
ETA: 2016
Value: Steady

Montas is the most advance hurler among the three pitchers discussed here. The right-hander already has seven games of big-league experience under his belt but injuries have held him to just seven minor league appearances in 2016. Originally signed by Boston, Montas has already played for five organizations. He’s an extremely attractive player because he can hit triple-digits with his fastball but he’s still raw and there are questions over his ability to stick in the starting rotation. With only one more option year left (for 2017), it’s about time for an organization to commit to a role to help the young pitcher’s development (which has been hurt by a lot of lost development time due to injuries). Oakland’s starting rotation needs a lot more help than its bullpen so the organization is likely looking for Montas to stick as a starter.