Washington Nationals’ prospects - AFL Scouting Report: Ben Braymer

Adam McInturff of 2080 Baseball is back with the latest scouting report on the Washington Nationals’ prospects who participated in the Arizona Fall League.

We already looked at Carter Kieboom, Daniel Johnson (who was traded to Cleveland in the Yan Gomes deal), Taylor Guilbeau, and Tres Barrera...

Here’s a scouting report on left-handed pitcher Ben Braymer.

Name: Ben Braymer

Age (as of September 1, 2018): 24y, 4m

Position: LHP

Bats/Throws: L / L

Present Role: 30

Future Role: 40 (Middle Reliever)

ETA: 2020

2018 Level: Hagerstown (A-), Potomac (A+)

• SCOUTING CONTENT - BEN BRAYMER PROSPECT SPOTLIGHT LINK

OVERALL SUMMARY:

An unheralded 18^th round pick in 2016, Braymer pitched to a 2.28 ERA in 114.2 innings across two A-Ball levels last year en route to being named the National’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year (sharing the award with Wil Crowe). His dominant performance earned a spot in the Fall League, where Braymer pitched exclusively out of the ‘pen for Salt River. His fastball won’t blow anyone away, topping out in the low-90s and dipping into the 88-to-89 mph range when he starts games. Instead, Braymer’s separators are plus feel to pitch and a quality curveball, something he can throw to both lefties and righties. He profiles best in relief, likely matching up more often against same-side hitters.

THE FUTURE:

Braymer pitched in both the rotation and bullpen last year. He would be able to help the big club more quickly as a reliever, but given his performance last year, the Nationals might try to max out his value by giving Braymer another year to develop as a starting pitcher.