Drafted in the 12th round (347th overall) by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2018 (signed for $215,000).
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McArthur's excellent body, durability and his 92-94 mph velocity could get him drafted on day three.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
Track Record: McArthur was a three-year starter at Mississippi, but there was never a year where everything clicked for him. He never posted an ERA under 4.00, including a junior season with a 4.48 ERA and a 58-38 K-BB mark in 66 innings. The Phillies liked his combination of size and stuff, signing McArthur for $215,000 as a 12th-round pick in 2018, and he showed encouraging signs with strong performance in his pro debut.
Scouting Report: McArthur has an extra-large, 6-foot-7 frame, sitting in the 92-94 mph range and touching 96 with good extension that helps his fastball get on hitters quickly. His breaking ball flashes above-average with sharp, late biting action when it's on, though it's still inconsistent. He also throws a changeup that's a below-average pitch. Like a lot of extremely tall pitchers, McArthur struggled to control his delivery, leading to troubles with his command and control in college, although he was a solid-strike thrower in a small sample size with short-season Williamsport.
The Future: It might take some time for everything to click for McArthur, but there are some signs of him being another quality late-round pick for the Phillies. He's scheduled for low Class A Lakewood in 2019.
Career Transactions
Kansas City Royals activated RHP James McArthur.
RHP James McArthur roster status changed by Kansas City Royals.
Kansas City Royals activated RHP James McArthur from the 15-day injured list.
Kansas City Royals placed RHP James McArthur on the 15-day injured list. Right elbow sprain.
Kansas City Royals recalled RHP James McArthur from Omaha Storm Chasers.
Kansas City Royals recalled RHP James McArthur from Omaha Storm Chasers.
Kansas City Royals optioned RHP James McArthur to Omaha Storm Chasers.
Kansas City Royals optioned RHP James McArthur to Omaha Storm Chasers.
Kansas City Royals recalled RHP James McArthur from Omaha Storm Chasers.
Kansas City Royals recalled RHP James McArthur from Omaha Storm Chasers.
Kansas City Royals recalled RHP James McArthur from Omaha Storm Chasers.
Kansas City Royals recalled RHP James McArthur from Omaha Storm Chasers.
Philadelphia Phillies traded RHP James McArthur to Kansas City Royals for OF Junior Marin and cash.
Kansas City Royals optioned RHP James McArthur to Omaha Storm Chasers.
Philadelphia Phillies traded RHP James McArthur to Kansas City Royals for OF Junior Marin and cash.
Kansas City Royals optioned RHP James McArthur to Omaha Storm Chasers.
Philadelphia Phillies designated RHP James McArthur for assignment.
Philadelphia Phillies optioned RHP James McArthur to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
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