Freddy Tarnok was a bit of a surprise pick for the Braves, but he’s an under the radar type of pitcher with upside, which certainly fits the Braves plans.
More on #Braves pick Freddy Tarnok - he was 93-98 mph this spring with a plus hook. Can't say enough about this pick...outstanding
— Frankie Piliere (@FPiliereD1) June 13, 2017
Who is He?
Freddy Tarnok is an athletic 6’4” and 185 pound right handed pitcher who converted from being a shortstop within the past year and a half. He’s a University of Tampa commit from Riverview High School in Brandon, Florida.
#Braves fan should love this - Freddy Tarnok (3rd round) draws comparisons to a young Jacob DeGrom from scouts. Huge upside
— Frankie Piliere (@FPiliereD1) June 13, 2017
Where Does He Rank?
Talking Chop: 143
Baseball America: 170
Perfect Game: 122
What Does He Throw?
Tarnok is new to pitching and remains very projectable, so it’s important to keep in mind that his current velocity is a temporary number that will improve. He’s capable of throwing 91-94 with some reports of him hitting 97 MPH on the gun. The pitch has good life on it as well. His best secondary is that he’s got a hard curve with good spin to it already and has at least shown some feel for a change that could become an average pitch.
Here is Tarnok working 92-94 @FACACoach All-star game. Long legs, loose arm. Super projectable. #Braves #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/osl8tiQ59f
— Doug Freeman (@DougFreemanPBR) June 13, 2017
Tarnok is a kid who has a feel for throwing strikes and he posted a 63/11 strikeout to walk ratio over 53 innings this spring.
No. 61 on #BFTop100 is talented two-way athlete from @RiverviewSharks, Freddy Tarnok. Highest ceiling looks to be as RHP. Gaining momentum. pic.twitter.com/PLpbrwvD64
— Baseball Factory (@BaseballFactory) February 17, 2017
ETA
He didn’t pitch until his junior year, when he was used lightly on the mound before focusing on pitching this year. That along with a body which needs time to fill out means he is going to need plenty of time. Expect him in the GCL this year and up to the Appy League in 2018 before hitting full season ball around 2019. I would put a 2022/2023 timeline on him.
Two-way athlete Freddy Tarnok drafted as a RHP by the #Braves, 80th overall here in round 3. Footage from 2016 National Florida. #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/I4XWz2FTZN
— Baseball Factory (@BaseballFactory) June 13, 2017
Summary
Tarnok is a fresh, raw, projectable arm with athleticism and the ability to throw strikes. Factor in the fact that he’s already capable of hitting the mid 90’s with his fastball, and it’s easy to see what the Braves were thinking when they scouted him. I can see him having the potential to be among the highest upside arms in the system immediately, with the reminder that he’s a long ways away.
Freddy Tarnok is interesting. He had desire to play position, but excellent upside on the mound. No. 82 on #PBRDraft100 #Braves pic.twitter.com/SxdDppXR8p
— Nathan Rode (@NathanRode) June 13, 2017