Aaron Watson 5/11/26

Cincinnati Reds 2025 2nd rounder Aaron Watson threw last night in Goodyear. HS righty from Florida. MLB body right now – near ideal SP frame.

Has multiple ways to attack hitters and gets mix of sw/m and ground ball outs. 4 pitch mix: 4SM, 2SM, SL, CUT. Versatile pitches he can use in multiple ways, and he has an idea of how to attack. SL is best sw/m pitch. Features deep/late break and tilt, really falls off table late. Got some ugly swings down and away from RHH especially. Feel to land SL in zone and backdoor to lefties. Work 2sm down and away from lefties or inside on RHH hands – not a big sw/m pitch but will miss barrels and could help turn over a lineup/limit pitch count. Like the 2SM and SL/CUT combo - good horizontal separation between them - gives hitters a lot to think about and defend. SL 84-86. CUT 87-89. Throws cutter in zone more than SL and early in counts.

More strong than athletic, but a well-coordinated mover on mound and repeats well. Low effort to the delivery. Drifts down mound and lets strength play. Believe he could improve velo in a few ways. 1) See “intent-based projection”. He’s throwing an easy 92-95. What would about at higher intent? 2) Listed at 6’5” 205 – can see more weight/added strength. 3) Hips open a bit early. Shorter stride for a big guy, suspect below average extension.

Good arm with a lot of SP qualities. View as high floor player who also has mid-rotation ceiling, maybe a bit more. Degree to which he improves velo an important variable. Also keeping an eye on changeup development, as better sw/m option vs LHH.