The A's continue to stack up on young left-handed pitching, selecting Mason Edwards (2nd round, pick 47). Edwards wields a 91-94 mph four-seam averaging ~21 iVB, although the pitch plays below its raw carry from a very high 6.6 ft. release height. Likely needs to be 93-95 for big... league success, swing-and-miss somewhat lacked. The secondaries and their potential make Edwards the prospect he is. From the over-the-top release, his 80 mph curveball generates strong two-plane movement (-10/11) at a very steep approach. Strong command of the offering, ability to use at high frequency. While he didn't use it too often, Edwards' changeup has massive promise, also on a very steep plane from his heavily vertical release. Showed velocity and movement separation from his four-seam, projects as a great weapon vs. RHH. Boasted an elite whiff rate >50%. Needs more consistent feel and usage. The southpaw's slider is also a work in progress and was non-existent in many outings this year, but it will be a critical bridge pitch in his arsenal. 80-82 mph with inconsistent shape. With such a large vertical distinction between his four-seam and curveball, Edwards needs a hard, tight slider to sit between the pair and make swing decisions tougher. Hopefully, the A's can find a mid-80s pitch in gyro territory. The largest area for growth with Edwards is his command, as he posted a walk rate >10% in each of his three collegiate seasons (11.9% junior year). In my opinion, it seemed like he was always pitching for punchouts and around the edges of the plate. I think more strikes should come with more in-zone emphasis in early counts, and he has the stuff to never worry about being over the plate. With some velocity progression and refinement of his changeup and slider, I find it very likely Mason Edwards becomes at least of middle of the rotation starting pitcher. A's have a stellar crop of young southpaws.show more

Matthew Knauer

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