#10 Pirates Prospect - Tyler Glasnow

Buried Treasure Top 30 Prospects
#10 - Tyler Glasnow

Measurables: 6'7, 200
Bats: R, Throws: R
Position: P
 Acquired: 5th round (152nd), 2012
Bonus: $600,000
DOB: 08/23/1993
Buried Treasure 2012 Top 20: Not Ranked



2012

The prep pitcher headliner from the 2011 draft Buried Treasure #12 prospect Clay Holmes.  However, fellow 2011 draftee Tyler Glasnow has arguably out-shined Holmes thus far in their respective careers.  Glasnow - who didn't pitch at all in 2011 - was seen as a big-time projectability pick coming into the draft; his fastball only sat in the mid 80's most of the time, although some reports had him touching the low 90's on occasion.  The hope was with added physical maturity, Glasnow's tall, athletic frame would translate into premium velocity.

The same was hoped for Buried Treasure #23 prospect Zack Von Rosenberg and Trent Stevenson, among others, but that never really happened.  Nick Kingham has added some velocity in his young career, but none of those guys have seen the velocity explosion like Glasnow has since being drafted.  The young right-hander reportedly sat in the low-to-mid 90's during his time in the GCL and Keith Law indicated that Glasnow touched as high as 98 with his heater.  His second best pitch is his curve, which flashes plus at times and is actually a fairly reliable pitch considering Glasnow's youth. A raw changeup that needs work rounds out Glasnow's arsenal.  Statistically, Glasnow was dominant in he GCL.  He pitched 34.1 innings, giving up only 19 hits and 8 earned runs.  Glasnow also posted an impressive a 40:16 K:BB ratio.

It's often unwise to cherrypick stats, but Glasnow had two major control meltdowns, something expected considering his size and youth.  Two of his starts, he didn't pitch more than an inning, only recording 5 outs while walking 8 batters.  Those starts also accounted for 3 earned runs and 2 hits given up.  Take those starts out and Glasnow's numbers are as follows: 32.2 innings, 17 hits, 5 earned runs (1.38 ERA), 38 strikeouts, and 8 walks.  Those are incredible numbers.  Glasnow also pitched well in a late season State College trial, pitching 4 innings, giving up 0 earned runs, 4 hits, 1 walk, while striking out 4 batters.  Thanks to his velocity spike and youth, Glasnow's upside is huge.  In fact, he has the most upside in the system behind Cole, Taillon, and Heredia.  The Pirates might take it slow with Glasnow and send him to Jamestown, but considering his success in 2011, he might have earned a trip to pitch for the West Virginia Power.  If he does, a huge season could result in Glasnow catching serious helium and propel him up prospect lists.