WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. - Phillies prospect Kyle Young is aiming to become the tallest pitcher in MLB history.
The 7-foot left-hander out of Long Island has become the staff ace in Short-Season Class A Williamsport, with a 1.59 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 34 strikeouts and just seven walks in 28 1/3 innings this season. Those numbers would be impressive for any 19-year-old pitcher, but when you consider his size, Young's command is off the charts.
His coaches attribute that ability to an athleticism rarely seen in taller pitchers.
"The amazing thing with him is the coordination he brings to the table," Crosscutters pitching coach Hector Berrios said. "It's been off the charts for a guy his size to be able to repeat his delivery and not only do it with one pitch, he does it with all three pitches."
Right now, those three pitches include a fastball that reaches the low 90s, a changeup and an off-speed pitch that Young calls a "slurve." And he believes that his height gives him an additional weapon.
"Not even just because of the intimidation or anything, but also just the downward plane that I can get on the ball with my fastball," Young said. "I think that really helps induce groundballs. I know they're going to hit it, everybody hits fastballs, but just try to get weak contact. That's the main goal."
"He hides the ball fairly well in addition to the release point being a tad bit closer to the plate, which matters," said Crosscutters manager Pat Borders, who you might remember as the starting catcher for the Blue Jays in the 1993 World Series. "If you get a release point that's a foot closer, it's like adding some velocity. He's a kid now physically. In a couple years, you're going to have somebody that's throwing harder and already has the mindset and physical skills to do some damage."
The Phillies selected Young in the 22nd round last year, and a $225,000 bonus swayed him to turn pro rather than accept a scholarship to Hofstra. Early in his professional career, it looks like money well spent by the Phillies.
You can see more on Young, 2017 first-round pick Adam Haseley and 18-year-old power-hitting sensation Jhailyn Ortiz on the next episode of Phillies Clubhouse, which airs Saturday (11 p.m.) and Sunday (12:30 p.m., 6 p.m.) on CSN.