SCOUTING REPORT: Smeltzer works up and down and in and out, but he is looking to get hitters to swing and miss at pitches outside of the strike zone. He has to do this because his 87-91 mph below-average fastball relies on deception and location. His 75-77 mph curveball is generally average and will flash above-average because of how well he can locate it. It is a slow, big breaker with good depth that he can backdoor to righthanded hitters or sweep inside to try to back them off the plate. It also sweeps away from lefties. His average, low-80s changeup can also flash above-average because it has solid deception and some late drop. Plus control and command are vital to Smeltzer's success.
THE FUTURE: Smeltzer's ability to locate and durability make him a valuable No. 5 starter or long reliever.
