2016 #20 Prospect: Gray Fenter - RHP

[Tony-OH]

Gray Fenter - RHP
6' 0" 200
Bats: R Throws: R
Age: 20

2016 Team: Did not pitch due to TJ surgery

Most Likely Major League Role: Too Early

Ceiling: Starter

Floor: Too Early

Career stats

Background: The Orioles took Fenter in the 7th round of the 2015 draft, but they paid the Arkansas prep like a 2nd rounder with a $1MIL signing bonus. The Orioles were reportedly higher on Fenter than most teams as scouts have expressed concern over his size (5'11", 190), some effort in his delivery, and reliance on two pitches. That being said, Fenter has a potential plus pitch in his fastball which he can touch 96 MPH and reportedly gets some sinking action when he works in the lower 90's. As a prep he flashed a plus curveball at times, but it was inconsistent and he rarely used his change. After getting in a little action with the GCL Orioles in which he put up a 1.66 ERA and half batters to a .200/.268.240/.508 slash line in 21.2 IP, he was sent to the instructional league where he was eventually shut down due to elbow soreness.  

2016: Showed up to Spring training and quickly had elbow soreness once again. Underwent Tommy John surgery in the spring and should be ready for short season ball in 2017.

2016 stats DNP 

Scouting report (now and future)

FB: 55/60
CB: 50/60
CH: 30/??

What we know: Fenter flashed two plus major league pitches in his fastball and curveball before the injury and was working on his changeup in the instructional league. He's got a short, squatty kind of body and some scouts felt he had a bit of effort in his delivery, so it's still unsure whether he can stick as a starter long term. Saying that, there is upside here and since most pitchers recover quite well from Tommy John surgery, it will be interesting to see what he looks like next summer where we'll have a much better idea of what the Orioles have.

What we don't know: How does he look when he returns from TJ surgery? Once he returns, will he be able to develop that changeup that will be the key for him to stay a starter? What is his long term role?

What he needs to improve: Obviously first he needs to get healthy and then he'll need to work on getting more consistent with his curveball and developing an effective change up.

Summary: Gray is on the list at this point because there is some upside to him as a potential starter. Player development really didn't get a lot of looks at him before he was injured, but Gary Rajsich doesn't throw around overslot money very often so he must've liked what he saw pre-injury. As long as he has no setbacks, Fenter should be full go by next June and will probably get a chance to pitch at Aberdeen at 21-years of age.

[ArtVanDelay]

Some interesting guys to follow in the 16-20 group. 

[sportsfan8703]

One of my favorite prospects. Built like Bundy. 

[Frobby]

An observation: of our top 20 prospects, only six are position players.    That's worrisome to me.

[Aristotelian]

44 minutes ago, Frobby said:

An observation: of our top 20 prospects, only six are position players.    That's worrisome to me.

Yes, and even the position players seem to be tweeners who don't hit enough to play corner OF/1B (Mancini, Hays, Sisco) or field good enough to play 2B/SS/3B/CF (Mountcastle, Reyes). Hopefully Sisco can come through at C, and Gassaway at OF.

Our weakness at 2B/3B/SS is one reason why I think the Orioles may do what they can to keep JJ healthy and vest his option for another year.