| Player: AJ Russell | |||||||||||
| School: Tennessee | Position(s): RHP | ||||||||||
| Height: 6’6″ | Weight: 207 lbs. | Bats: Right | Throws: Right | ||||||||
| Summary: Russell absolutely shoved his Freshman season, putting up a 13.9 K/9 rate and an insane 0.89 ERA over 30.1 innings and only walked seven batters. In 2024 his strikeout rate was similar, but he didn’t have the command, walking five per nine and an ERA of 5.02 before his season ended early due to elbow surgery. While it was not full Tommy John, there is optimism he will be able to pitch for Tennessee this season, which is huge for his draft prospects. There isn’t a pitcher in the draft with better fastball metric as he can run his 2-seam fastball up to 98 out of a low release point. His slider is a plus potential offering too, sitting in the low-80s and boomeranging across the strike zone, along with a sinking change that is by far the third offering. If he can stay healthy, handle the workload, and develop that change, he has number two starter upside. If he doesn’t develop that change, he has all the makings of a high leverage reliever. If he can’t stay healthy, he won’t be able to fulfill either of those roles. Russell is the very definition of high risk, high reward. | |||||||||||
Shaun Kernahan is the founder and lead writer of Three Quarter Slot, where he blends scouting precision with a storyteller’s eye for the human side of the game. Based in Parker, Colorado, he has covered baseball prospects at every level since 2013, delivering in-depth evaluations, draft analysis, and developmental insight. Over the years, he has built Three Quarter Slot into a trusted home for thoughtful prospect coverage, detailed scouting reports, and a grounded look at how talent evolves
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