IP | 17 |
---|---|
ERA | 1.59 |
WHIP | .82 |
BB/9 | 2.12 |
SO/9 | 12.71 |
- Full name Jackson Joseph Baumeister
- Born 07/10/2002 in Jacksonville, FL
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 226 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Florida State
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Drafted in the CB-B round (63rd overall) by the Baltimore Orioles in 2023 (signed for $1,605,100).
View Draft Report
School: Florida State Source: 4YR
Commit/Drafted: Never Drafted
Age At Draft: 21
BA Grade:45/High
Tools:Fastball: 60. Slider: 45. Curveball: 50. Changeup: 40. Control: 45.
Baumeister was a talented two-way player in high school as a catcher and pitcher who ranked as a top-100 player in the 2021 draft class. A draft-eligible sophomore in 2023, Baumeister pitched out of the Florida State bullpen during the 2022 season, where he posted a 5.60 ERA over 27.1 innings, while striking out 41 and walking 20. He struggled significantly with his control but showed improvement in that area through five starts and 17 innings with Hyannis in the Cape Cod League, where he posted a 3.71 ERA and struck out 25, while walking eight. Those control improvements translated to the 2023 season, where the 6-foot-4, 226-pound righthander posted a career-best 9.4% walk rate, with a 4.96 ERA over 69 innings. Baumeister’s arsenal is led by an excellent fastball that sits around 93 mph and has touched 98. What makes the pitch special is the above-average induced vertical break, over 17 inches, that also comes with tremendous extension and a flat approach angle that all help the pitch play above its velocity. Baumeister’s go-to secondary is a mid-70s top-down curveball that looks average, and he has also thrown a mid-80s changeup that could be a decent offering for lefthanders. He also added a new slider in the low 80s but he struggled to get on top of the pitch consistently and used it just 7% of the time.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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BA Grade: 50/Very High
Track Record: Baumeister was one of the highest-rated high school players eligible for the 2021 draft who made it to college, but he did so knowing he would be an eligible sophomore two years later. The Orioles drafted him 63rd overall out of Florida State in 2023 and signed him for an above-slot $1.605 million as the highest-drafted pitcher under Mike Elias. The Orioles appreciated his hoppy fastball and potential to further develop his arsenal, but they also valued his aptitude to make adjustments as his season went on and willingness to learn. Baumeister didn’t pitch in game action after signing.
Scouting Report: Baumeister’s fastball, which in college sat around 93 mph and touched 98, features above-averaged induced vertical break with elite extension and a flat approach angle that helps it play up in the zone. The club believes a focus on elevating it could lead to immediate improvements in results. Baumesiter’s curveball had at least average traits but was inconsistent, while the Orioles believe the slider he added during 2023 has the potential to grow into his best secondary pitch. Even if his changeup remains a fourth pitch, the Orioles believe his arm strength and ability to spin the ball can give him a starter’s arsenal going forward.
The Future: Baumeister has the potential to be the best pitcher the Elias Orioles have drafted, with a midrotation upside and the chance for more if he can consistently throw his most effective breaking balls. He could move quickly through the system but likely will start at Low-A Delmarva in 2024.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 45
Draft Prospects
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School: Florida State Source: 4YR
Commit/Drafted: Never Drafted
Age At Draft: 21
BA Grade:45/High
Tools:Fastball: 60. Slider: 45. Curveball: 50. Changeup: 40. Control: 45.
Baumeister was a talented two-way player in high school as a catcher and pitcher who ranked as a top-100 player in the 2021 draft class. A draft-eligible sophomore in 2023, Baumeister pitched out of the Florida State bullpen during the 2022 season, where he posted a 5.60 ERA over 27.1 innings, while striking out 41 and walking 20. He struggled significantly with his control but showed improvement in that area through five starts and 17 innings with Hyannis in the Cape Cod League, where he posted a 3.71 ERA and struck out 25, while walking eight. Those control improvements translated to the 2023 season, where the 6-foot-4, 226-pound righthander posted a career-best 9.4% walk rate, with a 4.96 ERA over 69 innings. Baumeister’s arsenal is led by an excellent fastball that sits around 93 mph and has touched 98. What makes the pitch special is the above-average induced vertical break, over 17 inches, that also comes with tremendous extension and a flat approach angle that all help the pitch play above its velocity. Baumeister’s go-to secondary is a mid-70s top-down curveball that looks average, and he has also thrown a mid-80s changeup that could be a decent offering for lefthanders. He also added a new slider in the low 80s but he struggled to get on top of the pitch consistently and used it just 7% of the time.