Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Curveball: 50 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 55 | Overall: 45
Despite pitching to mixed results during his three years at St. Mary's, Strotman shot up teams' Draft boards in the spring of 2017 following a move from the bullpen to the rotation. Targeting his upside in the latter role, the Rays selected him in the fourth round in June and signed him for $367,500. The right-hander's pro debut only validated Tampa Bay's scouting efforts, as Strotman posted a 1.79 ERA and a 0.75 WHIP while holding hitters to a .168 average over 51 innings in the Class A Short Season New York-Penn League. Advancing to Class A Bowling Green in 2018, Strotman got off to a strong start in the Midwest League before undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery in June.
When he's healthy, Strotman combines size and athleticism with a lightning-quick arm to generate a plus fastball that bumps 97-98 mph and sits at 93-95. His slider can be inconsistent but has the makings of at least an above-average pitch, while further strides in developing his changeup could give Strotman a third Major League-average offering at maturity. Meanwhile, Strotman's three-pitch mix plays up thanks to his advanced control and command and because he's adept at pitching down in the zone.
Many expect Strotman, with his electric arm and promising arsenal, to serve as a valuable bullpen piece once he's fully developed. The Rays, however, will continue to deploy him as a starter, with the goal of offering him as many innings as possible so as to further his development. There is a chance that Strotman will be back before the end of the 2019 season, though a 2020 return might be more realistic. Transactions Team Date Transaction 08/28/2019 RHP Drew Strotman assigned to Salt River Rafters. 08/03/2019 RHP Drew Strotman assigned to Charlotte Stone Crabs from Bowling Green Hot Rods. 07/11/2019 Bowling Green Hot Rods sent RHP Drew Strotman on a rehab assignment to GCL Rays. 04/01/2019 Bowling Green Hot Rods placed RHP Drew Strotman on the 7-day injured list. 09/17/2018 Bowling Green Hot Rods activated RHP Drew Strotman from the 7-day injured list. 05/27/2018 Bowling Green Hot Rods placed RHP Drew Strotman on the 7-day disabled list. 04/02/2018 RHP Drew Strotman assigned to Bowling Green Hot Rods from Hudson Valley Renegades. 06/29/2017 RHP Drew Strotman assigned to Hudson Valley Renegades. 06/13/2017 Tampa Bay Rays signed RHP Drew Strotman.
