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Ranger's "Under-the-Radar" Pitcher Dominates
19 Apr
Summary
- J.D. McReynolds is a cost-effective draft pick with a standout change-up.
- He has an elite 0.00 ERA with 11 strikeouts in 5.1 innings pitched.
- McReynolds could solve the Rangers' long-standing closer development issues.
J.D. McReynolds, a 23-year-old pitcher drafted by the Texas Rangers, is making waves in Class-A Hickory. Despite being a 10th-round selection, McReynolds has become an elite relief pitcher for the Crawdads. He is currently 1-0 with three saves in three opportunities, boasting an impressive 0.00 earned run average over 5.1 innings. Batters are hitting just .059 against him, with only one hit allowed and 11 strikeouts.
His success is largely attributed to a devastating change-up that Baseball America highlighted, noting its effectiveness with a 56% whiff rate. This pitch, thrown around 80 mph, provides significant separation from his 90-92 mph fastball. McReynolds' performance is particularly significant as the Rangers have historically struggled to develop a reliable closer from within their organization, often relying on veteran free agents.
McReynolds had a stellar collegiate career at Division II Central Missouri, where he posted a 1.78 ERA over four years and earned multiple All-America selections. His ability to step in immediately as a shutdown reliever suggests he could be the solution to the Rangers' long-term closer needs.
