Jared Grindlinger

IMPROVEMENT AREAS

• Evaluate sustained performance with level and age context
• Review role fit, health, roster status, and organization need

SCOUT REPORT

A year ago, Trent Gringlinger was a well-regarded prep catcher out of Huntington Beach HS in California, one who went on to play college ball at Tennessee. Scouts in southern California were abuzz when Trent's younger brother, Jared, reclassified in February from 2027 to be a part of this year's Draft class. The 17-year-old is legitimate two-way player for the Oilers, and evaluators seem to prefer his left-handed ability on the mound. One of the youngest players in the class -- he just turned 17 in April -- Grindlinger is all about projection on the mound. His present stuff doesn't jump off the page, but it's very easy to dream on a lot more to come as he fills out his 6-foot-3 frame. His fastball has been clocked up to 95 mph at times -- touching 96 mph last summer -- but he typically sits around 90-93 mph, with good arm speed and strength that some scouts think points to a future plus heater. He's been using an 80-82 mph kick changeup lately, though some favored his feel for a traditional circle change he'd used previously, and he'll occasionally try to throw two brands of slider, with the short, bullet one better than the sweepier version. He tends to be around the plate with his stuff. As a hitter, Grindlinger has a contact-oriented swing, albeit without much impact now, though some feel there is power to come, which would help him fit a likely corner outfield or first base profile better. His name was rushing up Draft boards, but if somehow things didn't work out, he could get the chance to keep playing both ways with his brother at Tennessee next year.