An in-season move from St. Mary’s bullpen into the starting rotation during his junior year gave Strotman some late helium ahead of the 2017 Draft. Intrigued by his low-mileage right arm and untapped potential as a starter, the Rays made Strotman their fourth-round pick, and he rewarded them with a promising pro debut. He continued to pitch well at Class A Bowling Green early in 2018 before requiring Tommy John surgery that kept him out until the following July. He pitched in the Arizona Fall League after the season to recoup some of the innings he lost to injury, then turned in a standout performance during 2020 fall instructional camp that earned him a spot on Tampa Bay’s 40-man roster.
Though the quick arm and plus velocity that Strotman showed before surgery wasn’t there in the AFL, it returned in earnest for him in 2020, with the right-hander’s fastball sitting comfortably in the mid-90s and occasionally touching higher. Rays officials really like the cutter Strotman added during the shutdown, with some already viewing it as an above-average pitch, and he continues to flash a plus slider when he’s at his best. Strotman masks his fringy changeup with fastball-like speed, and he can land his loopy, below-average curveball for a strike. He repeats his clean delivery well enough to project at least average control and command.
Strotman has starter qualities in his athleticism, smooth delivery and increasingly deep arsenal, and the Rays intend to develop the right-hander in that role. For now, though, Strotman just needs to get experience after missing key development time in 2019-20.
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.
Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 55 | Overall: 45
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.
