Class: Junior
Hometown: Mesa, Arizona
Height/Weight: 6-3/230
Born: July 22, 1991
Heading into the 2011 college off-season, Jake Barrett was a name on the rise. He had just completed a strong sophomore campaign in which he struck out nearly a batter an inning and notched seven victories for one of the nation’s best teams.
Take a look at ASU’s squad this season, and you’ll find that the right-hander is notably absent from the rotation. Instead, he’s been moved to the bullpen due to what the coaching staff calls “inconsistencies.” Luckily for Barrett, he’s thrived in his new role as the team’s primary closer. He’s already racked up four saves and has 19 strikeouts in 15.1 innings, spanning 14 outings. He’s issued only four walks.
Interestingly enough, Barrett began his collegiate career in the bullpen, so it seems only fitting that he’d return their in his draft year. He’s been drafted once before, back in 2009 by the Blue Jays in the third-round. Back then, teams were high on the high-schooler due to his impressive velocity and chance for two above-average pitches.
His fastball has become his primary weapon, and often has been enough for him to dominate in the late innings, while his curveball has morphed into a slider, which has become a go-to pitch. He’s also thrown in a changeup.
Barrett has a perfect pitcher’s frame and could be an inning-eater back-end starter, but as a reliever he might have even more value.
Barrett has shown uncanny control this season, and as a result could be in line for a move back into the rotation once he’s drafted. He has the frame, repertoire and attitude to pitch every five days.
Fastball: 91-97 mph
Slider: 83-88 mph
Changeup: 75-81 mph
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