Get ready for a wild ride as we dive into the world of baseball and uncover a hidden gem in the Arizona Diamondbacks' system! The name you need to remember is Kohl Drake, a pitcher with an incredible story and a bright future ahead.
For the second year in a row, we're exploring the potential impact players within the Diamondbacks' ranks. Last year's predictions were a bit of a rollercoaster, with some hits and misses. But that hasn't stopped us from taking another swing at it, and this time, we've got our eyes on a real dark horse.
While we usually focus on the 40-man roster, there are some exciting prospects just outside it. With several players set to begin the season on the 60-day injured list, there's room for fresh talent to step up. And that's where Kohl Drake comes into the picture.
Drake, currently the top-ranked pitcher in the Diamondbacks' farm system, is a name that deserves attention. In a system that has seen better days, Drake's presence is a welcome sign of improvement, largely thanks to the acquisition of Merrill Kelly.
The MLB Pipeline's top 15 Arizona prospects include several pitchers acquired in the Kelly trade, with Drake leading the pack. Ranked at #6, he's also the closest to making the leap to the majors at just 25 years old. While he might need a bit of luck or an unexpected health issue to crack the Opening Day rotation, Drake is poised to be a key call-up throughout the season.
Originally drafted by Texas in 2022, Drake has already exceeded expectations. Hailing from Walters State Community College in Morristown, TN, he has the potential to become the college's most famous alumnus. Think of it as a small town producing a big-league star!
After a rocky start to his pro career in 2023, Drake turned things around in 2024. He dominated at three different levels in the Texas system, finishing with an impressive performance in Double-A. His strikeout-to-walk ratio was exceptional, and he maintained his dominance even as he moved up the ranks. Kohl was named Pitcher of the Month in the Texas system in June, a well-deserved recognition.
The promotion to Triple-A in July was a big step, but it also presented challenges. The unforgiving environment of the PCL took its toll on Drake, and he struggled with a high ERA. There's a possibility he was dealing with an injury, as his season ended prematurely. However, he's expected to be fully recovered for the upcoming season, which is great news.
Adding Drake to the 40-man roster was a no-brainer move to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. His velocity has increased since college, now sitting comfortably at 93-94 mph. MLB Pipeline believes he has the potential to be a solid No. 4 starter, and his unique combination of size and pitching style provides an element of deception.
As we look ahead to the D-backs' rotation in the coming years, Drake's name could be a familiar one. With several key pitchers under contract for the next few seasons, the competition for rotation spots will be fierce. Health will undoubtedly play a role, but Drake and other candidates will need to prove their worth over the next couple of years.
So, there you have it! Kohl Drake, a name to remember in the Arizona Diamondbacks' system. Will he make it to the big leagues? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: this pitcher's journey is one worth following.
And this is the part most people miss... What do you think? Is Drake a hidden gem, or are there other prospects you're keeping an eye on? Let's discuss in the comments and share our predictions for the upcoming season!
