Ryan Forcucci Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Ryan Forcucci
Born 12/02/2002 in San Marcos, CA
Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School UC San Diego
Drafted in the 3rd round (101st overall) by the Houston Astros in 2024 (signed for $997,500).

View Draft Report

School: UC San Diego
Commit/Drafted: Never Drafted
Age At Draft: 21.6
BA Grade: 50/Extreme
Tools: Fastball: 60. Slider: 55. Curveball: 45. Changeup: 50. Control: 55.

Forcucci pitched as a reliable starter in his first two seasons at UC San Diego in 2022 and 2023, but in 2024 he was a huge up-arrow prospect early in the season thanks to his improved strikeout rates and polish. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound righthander posted a 2.16 ERA in 25 innings and five starts, with a career-best 38.1% strikeout rate and 6.2% walk rate. He missed the rest of the season with injury, though he was tracking toward a potential first-round selection. When on the mound, Forcucci averaged 93-94 mph with a fastball that touched 97 with above-average riding life from a lower-than-average release height. His heater has been a consistent swing-and-miss pitch for him in college and he also showed the makings of an above-average mid-80s slider with tight two-plane break when he lands it to his glove side. Forcucci also mixed in a slower curveball in the upper 70s and threw an occasional firm, upper-80s changeup that has solid diving action. In addition to a solid four-pitch mix, Forcucci has always been a steady strike-thrower and owns a career 7.6% walk rate. He has a starter package with a loud two-pitch mix fronting his arsenal, though his health status and lack of innings this spring will complicate his stock.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

BA Grade/Risk: 55/Extreme.

Track Record: A Southern California native, Forcucci spent three years at UC San Diego. As a junior, he made five dominant starts, striking out 37 while walking just six en route to a 2.16 ERA and 0.80 WHIP. In March, Forcucci went down with an elbow injury that cost him the remainder of his season. He had Tommy John surgery in June and is expected to miss most, if not all, of 2025. The Astros drafted Forcucci in the third round, signing him for $997,500.

Scouting Report: Prior to his elbow injury, Forcucci had first-round buzz. He showed strong starter traits with advanced command of a four-pitch mix featuring a four-seam fastball, slider, curveball and changeup. His fastball and slider see the majority of usage, with his four-seamer sitting 93-94 mph and touching 97 at peak with plus ride and armside run from a lower release height. Forcucci generates excellent plane on the pitch, generating whiffs at a high rate. His slider sits in the mid 80s with a classic slider shape, and he works it in tandem with his fastball to generate high rates of swinging strikes. In 2024, Forcucci used his curveball more, and it sits in the upper 70s with downer shape. He flashed his upper-80s changeup a few more times, too, and it shows average potential. Forcucci shows fairly clean mechanics, delivering the ball from a true three-quarters arm slot. His plant foot has an unusual quirk. It flips open after release. Forcucci has a history of advanced strike-throwing in college and has shown above-average control.

The Future: With a plus fastball, above-average slider and above-average command, Forcucci has the makings of a potential midrotation starter. How he returns from surgery will determine whether that becomes a reality.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 55.

Draft Prospects

School: UC San Diego Commit/Drafted: Never Drafted
Age At Draft: 21.6
BA Grade: 50/Extreme
Tools: Fastball: 60. Slider: 55. Curveball: 45. Changeup: 50. Control: 55.

Forcucci pitched as a reliable starter in his first two seasons at UC San Diego in 2022 and 2023, but in 2024 he was a huge up-arrow prospect early in the season thanks to his improved strikeout rates and polish. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound righthander posted a 2.16 ERA in 25 innings and five starts, with a career-best 38.1% strikeout rate and 6.2% walk rate. He missed the rest of the season with injury, though he was tracking toward a potential first-round selection. When on the mound, Forcucci averaged 93-94 mph with a fastball that touched 97 with above-average riding life from a lower-than-average release height. His heater has been a consistent swing-and-miss pitch for him in college and he also showed the makings of an above-average mid-80s slider with tight two-plane break when he lands it to his glove side. Forcucci also mixed in a slower curveball in the upper 70s and threw an occasional firm, upper-80s changeup that has solid diving action. In addition to a solid four-pitch mix, Forcucci has always been a steady strike-thrower and owns a career 7.6% walk rate. He has a starter package with a loud two-pitch mix fronting his arsenal, though his health status and lack of innings this spring will complicate his stock.