Drafting and developing bullpen arms is a strategy I see increasing as prices continue to climb on the free agent relief market.
Whereas most top-level pitching prospects exhaust all options as a starter before making a bullpen move, the temptation to fast-track high-velocity arms to the MLB ‘pen at a minimum salary creates a bigger advantage than it once did.
Right-hander Zach Jackson, drafted by the Blue Jays in the summer of 2016, has the potential to follow that path.
Name: Zach Jackson
Position: RHP Age: 22
Height: 6’4” Age: 215 lbs.