Grayson Long

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #7 prospect in 2017
  Long threw 96 innings at Texas A&M in 2015, so the Angels limited him to 20 innings in his pro debut after signing him for $548,600. He turned in eight productive starts at low Class A Burlington in 2016 before general fatigue and soreness warranted a couple of months on the sidelines. After four rehab outings in the Rookie-level Arizona League, Long finished his regular season with three starts at high Class A Inland Empire before being assigned to the Arizona Fall League. Big and physical, Long uses a low-maintenance, high three-quarters arm slot that keeps his pitches down in the zone, while allowing his heater to play up. His fastball comes out of his hand well with good movement and sits 88-92 mph. He touches 95 mph with late life that allows him to get some swings and misses. His slider-cutter hybrid, a solid-average pitch, shows quality depth and late action. His changeup flashes firm, late, sinking depth and projects as an average offering. Long has the 6-foot-5 frame and easy delivery for an innings-eater type of starter, but he needs to show he can hold up over a full season. He should begin 2017 back at Inland Empire, with a move to Double-A during the season.
• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #6 prospect in 2016
  Long served as a rotation workhorse for the Texas A&M team that fell one win short of reaching the 2015 College World Series. After signing with the Angels as a third-round pick for $548,600, he worked just 20 innings for his pro debut after logging 96 frames during the spring for the Aggies. Long is a big, physical righthander, similar in body type and repertoire to 2014 third-rounder Chris Ellis, whom the Angels traded to the Braves for Andrelton Simmons. He also draws comparisons with system-mate Joe Gatto, though scouts believe a better delivery gives Long a better chance to start. His above-average fastball with good angle sat 90-91 mph at Rookie-level Orem, just a tick below his college velocity. A fresh arm and a winter of conditioning and rest should remedy that. None of his three secondary pitches projects to be more than average, but his advanced pitchability allows Long to be successful. Also, by repeating his high three-quarters arm slot, he can locate his pitches down in the zone. Long will get back on a full work schedule in 2016 at low Class A Burlington. He projects as a back-end starter whose command and pitchability should allow him to stick in that role.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #129 prospect in 2015 draft
  If Long had 2-3 more mph on his fastball, he'd work into first-round consideration, as he has demonstrated the ability to consistently work the bottom of the strike zone while baffling hitters with his three-pitch mix. But Long sits 89-91 mph instead of 91-94, limiting his upside. Long already commands his fastball well, and is capable of spotting it to the arm-side and glove-side. His changeup and slider are both average pitches as well which explains how he's managed to rack up four double-digit strikeout games this season. Just as importantly, Long rarely misses up in the zone and has proven very difficult to lift the ball against--he's allowed two home runs all year. Even without premium fastball velocity, Long has a solid overall package and has the look of a polished college pitcher who could climb the ladder quickly.

• December, 2016 Scouting Report
  Background: Long threw 96 innings at Texas A&M in 2015, so the Angels limited him to 20 innings in his pro debut after signing him for $548,600. Het turned in eight productive starts at low Class A Burlington in 2016 before general fatigue and soreness warranted a couple months on the sidelines. After four rehab outings in the Rookie-level Arizona League, Long finished his regular season with three starts at high Class A Inland Empire before being assigned to the Arizona Fall League. Scouting Report: Big and physical, Long uses a low-maintenance, high three-quarters arm slot that keeps his pitches down in the zone, while allowing his heater to play up. His fastball comes out of his hand well with good movement and sits 88-92 mph. He touches 95 mph with late life that allows him to get some swings-and-misses. His slider-cutter hybrid, a solid-average pitch, shows quality depth and late action. His changeup flashes firm, late, sinking depth and projects as an average offering.
  
  The Future: Long has the 6-foot-5 frame and easy delivery for an innings-eater type of starting role, but he needs to show he can hold up over a full season. He should begin 2017 back at Inland Empire, with a move to Double-A during the season.