Hunter Gaddis

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #26 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
  
  Track Record: Gaddis became the highest drafted player out of Georgia State when Cleveland picked him in the fifth round in 2019. After a solid start to his professional career, he broke through in 2022 and made his major league debut in August.
  
  Scouting Report: Gaddis first stands out for his size at 6-foot-5, 202 pounds and he also has solid stuff. His fastball averages about 94 mph with rising action. While it's ticked up as high as 97 mph in short stints, he hasn't shown that velocity as a starter. His changeup is his best pitch and earns plus grades. It is a very slow offering, about 15 mph slower than his fastball, and it is a swing-and-miss offering. He also throws a slider, but it lags behind his other two pitches and doesn't miss many bats. He pitches with average control.
  
  The Future: Gaddis struggled in two big league starts, where he gave up seven home runs in 7.1 innings. That experience exposed some things he has to work on if he is to develop into a starter for the Guardians. Refining his breaking ball is a must, as he needs a third quality offering. His fastball/changeup combination would likely play up in the bullpen, however. Gaddis will likely open 2023 back at Triple-A Columbus to continue that development.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Slider: 45. Changeup: 60. Control: 50

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #166 prospect in 2019 draft
  Gaddis has stood out the last two years at Georgia State and made the most of his brief time over the summer in the Cape Cod League, showing off an impressive arsenal. Gaddis is listed at 6-foot-5, 215 pounds and combines that imposing size with a powerful arm. He runs his fastball up to 95 mph and sits in the low 90s. His hard slider is his best secondary offering and his changeup shows promise. He has solid control and comes right after hitters.

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
  
  Track Record: Gaddis became the highest drafted player out of Georgia State when Cleveland picked him in the fifth round in 2019. After a solid start to his professional career, he broke through in 2022 and made his major league debut in August.
  
  Scouting Report: Gaddis first stands out for his size at 6-foot-5, 202 pounds and he also has solid stuff. His fastball averages about 94 mph with rising action. While it's ticked up as high as 97 mph in short stints, he hasn't shown that velocity as a starter. His changeup is his best pitch and earns plus grades. It is a very slow offering, about 15 mph slower than his fastball, and it is a swing-and-miss offering. He also throws a slider, but it lags behind his other two pitches and doesn't miss many bats. He pitches with average control.
  
  The Future: Gaddis struggled in two big league starts, where he gave up seven home runs in 7.1 innings. That experience exposed some things he has to work on if he is to develop into a starter for the Guardians. Refining his breaking ball is a must, as he needs a third quality offering. His fastball/changeup combination would likely play up in the bullpen, however. Gaddis will likely open 2023 back at Triple-A Columbus to continue that development.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Slider: 45. Changeup: 60. Control: 50
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
  
  Track Record: Gaddis became the highest drafted player out of Georgia State when Cleveland picked him in the fifth round in 2019. After a solid start to his professional career, he broke through in 2022 and made his major league debut in August.
  
  Scouting Report: Gaddis first stands out for his size at 6-foot-5, 202 pounds and he also has solid stuff. His fastball averages about 94 mph with rising action. While it's ticked up as high as 97 mph in short stints, he hasn't shown that velocity as a starter. His changeup is his best pitch and earns plus grades. It is a very slow offering, about 15 mph slower than his fastball, and it is a swing-and-miss offering. He also throws a slider, but it lags behind his other two pitches and doesn't miss many bats. He pitches with average control.
  
  The Future: Gaddis struggled in two big league starts, where he gave up seven home runs in 7.1 innings. That experience exposed some things he has to work on if he is to develop into a starter for the Guardians. Refining his breaking ball is a must, as he needs a third quality offering. His fastball/changeup combination would likely play up in the bullpen, however. Gaddis will likely open 2023 back at Triple-A Columbus to continue that development.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Slider: 45. Changeup: 60. Control: 50
• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 45/High
  
  Midseason Update: Gaddis is another in the Guardians&#39 line of talented pitching prospects. He can bring his fastball into the mid 90s and has improved his slider into a potential out pitch and his changeup isn&#39t far behind. Gaddis has a curveball in his bag of tricks as well, but it&#39s not used as frequently as his slider.