Scouting Report

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 45

Those who have followed the Santa Barbara baseball program were not surprised that another strike-thrower appeared to be on his way to an early-round selection. Following in the footsteps of 2016 fourth-rounder Shane Bieber and 2021 first-round selection Michael McGreevy, Ager seemed to be the latest Gauchos starter ready to take his place in that group. After relieving as a freshman, he made a successful move into the rotation. Following a turn on Team USA’s staff over the summer, he had a chance to be one of the best college arms on the West Coast, but his stuff and results regressed this spring, and he lost his rotation spot as a result.

At his best, Ager can flash a four-pitch arsenal. He has shown the ability to pound the strike zone with a fastball that averaged a little over 92 mph and touched 96 in 2023. His best secondary offering is a low-80s slider that flashes plus and misses a lot of bats. His slower curve is a fringy get-me-over kind of pitch, but it works with his mix. And while he hasn’t used it much, he’ll show at least an average changeup. 

Ager’s ability to repeat his delivery and throw strikes with all of his pitches -- he walked just 2.5 per nine in 2023 -- were big selling points to a future as a starting pitcher at the next level, but his walk rate has soared this year. He had an oblique issue in November that slowed him, and it’s possible that’s impacted him this spring. There’s still some projection, with perhaps more in the tank, with teams still considering him in the top three rounds. 

Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 40

Those who have followed the Santa Barbara baseball program were not surprised that another strike-thrower appeared to be on his way to an early-round selection. Following in the footsteps of 2016 fourth-rounder Shane Bieber and 2021 first-round selection Michael McGreevy, Ager seemed to be the latest Gauchos starter ready to take his place in that group. After relieving as a freshman, he made a successful move into the rotation. Following a turn on Team USA’s staff over the summer, he had a chance to be one of the best college arms on the West Coast, but his stuff and results regressed this spring, and he lost his rotation spot as a result. The Pirates nabbed him in round six as an interesting reclamation project.

At his best, Ager can flash a four-pitch arsenal. He has shown the ability to pound the strike zone with a fastball that averaged a little over 92 mph and touched 96 in 2023. His best secondary offering is a low-80s slider that flashes plus and misses a lot of bats. His slower curve is a fringy get-me-over kind of pitch, but it works with his mix. And while he hasn’t used it much, he’ll show at least an average changeup. 

Ager’s ability to repeat his delivery and throw strikes with all of his pitches -- he walked just 2.5 per nine in 2023 -- were big selling points to a future as a starting pitcher at the next level, but his walk rate soared this past year. He had an oblique issue in November that slowed him, and it’s possible that impacted him this spring. There’s still some projection, with perhaps more in the tank, if the Pirates can help him rediscover what worked in the past.

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 50 | Overall: 40

At present, the biggest baseball name to come out of Foothill High School in Northern California has been Brandon Crawford, who of course went on to UCLA before becoming a Giants’ fourth-round pick and World Series champion. While the high school has had a number of players drafted from its program over the years, none have signed. Ager has a ton of upside as a right-handed pitcher, but may be tough to keep from joining the other Foothill alum in heading to college.

Tall and gangly, Ager is all about future projection that could make his posted grades seem light. He’s 90-93 mph with his fastball now, commanding the pitch well with a fluid delivery and some deception. His frame should be able to add a lot of strength as he matures, making it easy to dream on more velocity down the road. Right now, he uses a softer low-70s breaking ball. He spins it well and can throw it in the zone, but will need to tighten it up and add power as he develops. He already exhibits very good feel for his changeup.

An uptick in velocity this spring compared to last summer’s showcase circuit has brought in a lot of attention and Ager has continued to show an ability to fill the strike zone with three pitches. Most feel it’s going to take an over-slot bonus or over-Draft to lure him away from heading to UC Santa Barbara. If he goes to college, he could be a serious prospect in three years, garnering some young Adam Wainwright comps this year.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/05/2024	RHP Matt Ager assigned to FCL Pirates.
	07/22/2024	Pittsburgh Pirates signed RHP Matt Ager.
	06/30/2024	College Workout activated RHP Matt Ager.
	06/23/2024	RHP Matt Ager assigned to Orleans Firebirds.
	06/23/2024	Orleans Firebirds activated RHP Matt Ager.
	06/16/2024	College Workout activated RHP Matt Ager.
	06/29/2023	College Workout activated RHP Matt Ager.
	06/26/2023	RHP Matt Ager roster status changed by USAB Stars Team.
	06/26/2023	RHP Matt Ager assigned to USAB Stars Team.
	03/14/2022	RHP Matt Ager assigned to UC Santa Barbara Gauchos.