Scouting Report

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Scouting grades: Fastball: 65 | Curveball: 60 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 40 | Overall: 50

The last time a Rhode Island high-schooler was taken in the top five rounds of the Draft was back in 2008, when the Red Sox gave outfielder Ryan Westmoreland $2 million to sign. It’s been since 2004 that a prep pitcher from the state went that early (Jay Rainville was a supplemental first-rounder), though the Reds did go over slot to take Ben Brutti in Round 11 last year. As things warmed up in Little Rhody, scouts streamed in to see Clemmey, a big lefty with plenty of arm strength that gives him the chance to go early in this year’s Draft.

There is no doubt about Clemmey’s electric stuff, all coming from a 6-foot-6 frame. The southpaw has been up to 98-99 mph with a fastball that features elite-level spin rates and ride up in the zone. He has a swing-and-miss slurvy breaking ball with sweepy late tilt that has curve tendencies in the 79-82 mph zone and feels more like a slider when it’s a bit harder. That leaves some scouts thinking he could have two distinct breaking pitches in the future. His upper-80s changeup serves almost like a baby sinker with enough differential from his heater to be effective.

While his stuff is comparable to almost any high-schooler in the class, inconsistencies in his delivery have led to command and control issues that have dampened excitement a little bit. It will be interesting to see whether his size, upside and first-round-caliber pure stuff will entice a team to take him early enough to sign him away from his commitment to Vanderbilt.

Scouting grades: Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 60 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 40 | Overall: 50

When Clemmey signed for $2.3 million last July, he broke fellow Bishop Henricken HS (Warwick, R.I.) alum Rocco Baldelli's Rhode Island bonus record. He boasted some of the best stuff in the 2023 high school class, so the Guardians were surprised to find him available toward the end of the second round. He opened his first full season at Single-A Lynchburg and was then moved to the Nationals at the Trade Deadline for Lane Thomas.

Clemmey already works with a 92-96 mph fastball that tops out at 99, and its high spin rates create good carry when he commands it at the top of the strike zone. His curveball combines power and depth, giving him a second plus pitch though it lacks consistency. He has added an 83-86 mph slider since turning pro, and it already looks like it will become at least an average offering.

Clemmey still is working on gaining feel for a mid-80s changeup that features only modest sink. While his 6-foot-6 frame results in natural extension that lets his pitches get on hitters quicker than anticipated, he also has trouble keeping his long limbs in sync in his up-tempo delivery. He's going to need time to refine his repertoire and upgrade his control and command, but his upside as a potential frontline starter could make it worth the wait.

Scouting grades: Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 60 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 40 | Overall: 50 

Part of the same Bishop Hendricken HS (Warwick, R.I.) program that also spawned Rocco Baldelli, Clemmey eclipsed Baldelli's Rhode Island bonus record when he signed with the Guardians for $2.3 million in July. Gatorade's Rhode Island high school player of the year, he also was the second-highest pitcher drafted in state history at No. 58 overall, trailing only Jay Rainville (No. 39, Twins, 2004). Clemmey's stuff ranked with the best in the 2023 high school class but he still needs a lot of polish. 

Clemmey's fastball parks at 92-96 mph and peaks at 99 with high spin rates that create good carry when he locates his heater up in the strike zone. His power curveball sits around 80 mph and gives him a second plus pitch but could use more consistency. It sometimes looks more like a slider at higher velocities, so there's some thought that he could have two distinct breaking pitches in the future. 

Clemmey's mid-80s changeup with modest sink is very much a work in progress and he struggles to land it for strikes. He uses his 6-foot-6 frame to create good extension but has a hard time keeping his long limbs in sync in his up-tempo delivery. He has a high ceiling as a potential frontline starter but will need to significantly upgrade his control and command to get there. 

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	07/29/2024	Washington Nationals traded CF Lane Thomas to Cleveland Guardians for LHP Alex Clemmey, SS Rafael Ramirez Jr. and SS José Tena.
	07/29/2024	LHP Alex Clemmey assigned to Fredericksburg Nationals.
	03/30/2024	LHP Alex Clemmey assigned to Lynchburg Hillcats from ACL Guardians.
	03/30/2024	Lynchburg Hillcats activated LHP Alex Clemmey.
	03/07/2024	Cleveland Guardians Prospects activated LHP Alex Clemmey.
	08/10/2023	LHP Alex Clemmey assigned to Guardians Organization.
	08/10/2023	ACL Guardians activated LHP Alex Clemmey.
	07/22/2023	Cleveland Guardians signed LHP Alex Clemmey.
	06/14/2023	LHP Alex Clemmey assigned to College Workout.
	08/24/2022	LHP Alexander Clemmey assigned to USA Baseball 18U National Team.
	07/14/2022	High School Workout activated LHP Alexander Clemmey.
	07/14/2022	LHP Alexander Clemmey and assigned to High School Workout.