Jerryell Rivera

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #22 prospect in 2018
  The Angels feel they got a steal with their 11th-round pick in Rivera, a lanky lefthander with a long, loose body, a smooth, athletic delivery and an advanced feel for his changeup that is rare for an 18-year-old. He was committed to Florida International before signing with the Angels for $450,000, fourth-round money. Rivera's fastball is presently light, sitting 86-89 mph and occasionally touching the low 90s with some run but not much sink, but his velocity should improve with strength, physical maturity and experience. It's his changeup that has the Angels so excited. Rivera throws it with the arm speed and action of his fastball, and the pitch fades quite a bit in the zone as it approaches the hitter. Rivera's third pitch, which he calls a curveball but sometimes looks more like a slider, is a work in progress. He flashed his potential with a 1.64 ERA in eight Rookie League appearances after signing, striking out 11 and walking three in 11 innings. With a delivery that requires little tinkering and a frame that could easily carry another 20-25 pounds, Rivera has a chance to blossom into a mid-rotation starter, although he is a long ways from getting there.