Nate Karns

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #5 prospect in 2015
  Karns was drafted out of high school by the Astros in 2006 and had an itinerant college career, then didn't make his pro debut with the Nationals until 2011 thanks to a torn labrum. In 2012 he led all minor leaguers with a .174 opponents average, and reached the big leagues with Washington in 2013. The Rays dealt for Karns in February, and he led the system and International League in strikeouts. A physical power pitcher who will challenge hitters, Karns mixes a 90-94 mph fastball that at times has good sinking action with a low-80s hammer curveball that's the best in the organization. He adds a low 80s-changeup that showed more consistency last year. The curveball can be a wipeout pitch when he generates good wrist snap and gets hitters to chase. His control fluctuates, particularly with his breaking ball, and his fastball lacks movement on occasion, leaving him prone to home runs. While his long arm action and stiff front leg contribute to his inconsistency in throwing strikes, the Rays believe he has made strides in commanding the strike zone since joining the organization. Karns remains in contention for a job in the big league rotation despite his advanced age and inconsistency. More control would help him realize his mid-rotation ceiling. Did not play
• 
  Ranked Washington Nationals #9 prospect in 2014
  Karns recovered from a torn labrum to jump back onto the prospect landscape in 2012, leading the minor leagues in opponent average (.174) in his full-season debut. He followed that up with a strong season in the Double-A Eastern League. Karns made his big league debut in May but was sent back down to Harrisburg after struggling in three starts. He really found his groove upon his return to the EL, posting a 2.57 ERA the rest of the way. Physical and aggressive, Karns attacks hitters with a 91-95 mph power sinker, peaking at 98 on occasion. He has a second plus pitch in his wipeout hammer curveball, which ranges from 82-85 mph. He's still learning to throw the curve for strikes, but he excels at getting hitters to chase it. Karns also has a below-average changeup at 83-85 mph, but his feel for it increased marginally in 2013. He has a long arm action and a stiff front leg, leading to just fair command, though he does throw strikes with his fastball. Unless Karns can make significant strides with his command and his third pitch, he profiles best as a big league set-up man. He'll enter 2014 as a 26-year-old in Triple-A, where he will continue to work as a starter.
• 
  Ranked Washington Nationals #5 prospect in 2013
  Karns has flashed power stuff since his high school days in Texas, but his command held him back in college at North Carolina State and Texas Tech. He appeared to turn the corner in 2009 in the Texas Collegiate League, where he ranked as the top prospect before signing for $225,000 as a 12th-round pick, but he tore the labrum in his shoulder shortly afterward and didn't pitch again until 2011. He came out of nowhere to lead the minors in opponent average (.174) in his 2012 full-season debut. Karns throws a heavy fastball at 92-94 mph, topping out at 96. He always has been able to get hitters to chase his downer curveball, a low-80s hammer with depth and finish, and he improved his ability to throw it for strikes last season. His curve should become a true plus pitch as he continues to learn to repeat it, and his changeup has a chance to be average. He has smoothed out his delivery somewhat, and his command has improved so much that he has a chance to stick as a starter. Added to the 40-man roster in November, Karns will advance to Double-A in 2013 and could reach Washington in the second half. He could be a mid-rotation workhorse or a late-inning reliever, depending on how his changeup and feel for pitching progress.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Carolina League #15 prospect in 2012
  A 12th-round pick in 2009, Karns had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder shortly afterward and didn't make his pro debut until 2011. He looked like a new man during his full-season debut this year, leading the minors in opponent average (.174) and ranking fourth in ERA (2.17). Karns works in the low 90s and touches 95 mph with his fastball. He throws his heater on a downhill plane, and it can jump on hitters coming out of his retooled delivery. His sharp downer curveball can be a plus pitch when he locates it consistently. Karns' changeup has the makings of becoming an average pitch after he worked hard on it this year. The development of his third pitch and how he handles the workload of another full season will help determine if he sticks in the rotation or moves to the bullpen.

• December, 2012 Scouting Report
  Background: Karns has flashed power stuff since his high school days in Texas, but his command held him back in college at North Carolina State and Texas Tech. He appeared to turn the corner in 2009 in the Texas Collegiate League, where he ranked as the top prospect before signing for $225,000 as a 12th-round pick, but he tore the labrum in his shoulder shortly afterward and didn't pitch again until 2011. He came out of nowhere to lead the minors in opponent average (.174) in his 2012 full-season debut. Scouting Report: Karns throws a heavy fastball at 92-94 mph, topping out at 96. He always has been able to get hitters to chase his downer curveball, a low-80s hammer with depth and finish, and he improved his ability to throw it for strikes last season. His curve should become a true plus pitch as he continues to learn to repeat it, and his changeup has a chance to be average. He has smoothed out his delivery somewhat, and his command has improved so much that he has a chance to stick as a starter. The Future: Added to the 40-man roster in November, Karns will advance to Double-A in 2013 and could reach Washington in the second half. He could be a mid-rotation workhorse or a late-inning reliever, depending on how his changeup and feel for pitching progress.