Jack Neely Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Jack Preston Neely
Born 06/05/2000 in San Antonio, TX
Profile Ht.: 6'8" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Ohio State
Drafted in the 11th round (333rd overall) by the New York Yankees in 2021 (signed for $150,000).

Top Rankings

BA Grade/Risk: 40/High.

Track Record: The Yankees drafted Neely out of Ohio State in 2021 and he was one of two players dealt to the Cubs in exchange for Mark Leiter Jr. at the 2024 trade deadline. After previously spending most of the last two seasons in the upper minors, the Cubs called Neely up for his MLB debut against the Tigers on Aug. 21. He made six big league appearances in total, striking out seven over six innings while allowing six earned runs.

Scouting Report: Neely is a two-pitch relief-only prospect in line for steady work in the Cubs’ bullpen in the coming seasons. He stands extra tall at 6-foot-8 with excellent extension, mixing a four-seam fastball and a slider. Neely’s 95-97 mph fastball touches 98 mph at peak with above-average ride and moderate cut. Neely’s 86-88 mph slider is his primary swing-and-miss weapon with heavy gyro spin and late bite. Neely generated a 31.1% swinging strike rate against his slider in the minors in 2024. His average command and control may even tick up when considering his velocity, movement and raw stuff.

The Future: Neely looks like a ready-made middle relief option as soon as 2025.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 70 | Control: 50.

A colossal, 6-foot-9, 230-pound righthander out of San Antonio, Neely was a big-time basketball player growing up, but recently stepped away from the court to focus on baseball. The Texas commit pitched at a Prep Baseball Report event early this spring and impressed with a 90-93 mph fastball with a low spin rate and significant natural sinking action. There are rumors of Neely hitting 94-95 mph in bullpens in the fall, but scouts haven't seen him at that level this spring, where he's been mostly 87-91 and touched 93. His arm works well for his size, but there are some present strike throwing questions, as is to be expected from a prep pitcher with levers as long as his. Neely works hard at improving his craft, and could take massive steps forward at Texas. He also throws a curveball in the mid 70s and a mid 80s changeup.

Iowa Cubs activated RHP Jack Neely from the 7-day injured list.
Iowa Cubs sent RHP Jack Neely on a rehab assignment to South Bend Cubs.
Iowa Cubs placed RHP Jack Neely on the 7-day injured list.
Iowa Cubs activated RHP Jack Neely.
Chicago Cubs optioned RHP Jack Neely to Iowa Cubs.
Chicago Cubs recalled RHP Jack Neely from Iowa Cubs.
Chicago Cubs optioned RHP Jack Neely to Iowa Cubs.
Chicago Cubs recalled RHP Jack Neely from Iowa Cubs.
Chicago Cubs optioned RHP Jack Neely to Iowa Cubs.
Chicago Cubs selected the contract of RHP Jack Neely from Iowa Cubs.
Iowa Cubs activated RHP Jack Neely.
RHP Jack Neely assigned to Iowa Cubs.
Chicago Cubs traded RHP Mark Leiter Jr. to New York Yankees for SS Benjamin Cowles and RHP Jack Neely.
RHP Jack Neely assigned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders from Somerset Patriots.
RHP Jack Neely assigned to New York Yankees.
RHP Jack Neely roster status changed by New York Yankees.
RHP Jack Neely roster status changed by New York Yankees.
RHP Jack Neely roster status changed by New York Yankees.