| Player: Blake Burkhalter | |||||||||||
| Org: Atlanta Braves | Highest Level: Triple A | Position(s): RHP | |||||||||
| Height: 6′ | Weight: 204 lbs. | Bats: Right | Throws: Right | ||||||||
| Summary: A riding fastball and power cutter form the backbone of Burkhalter’s arsenal. The heater generally works in the low-to-mid 90s and can climb higher at peak, showing carry through the zone and occasional armside movement. His compact, stocky build generates strong lower-half drive and a three-quarters release that adds deception. The cutter, thrown in the upper 80s to low 90s, is the most dependable secondary and can be landed on both sides of the plate to disrupt timing. The rest of the mix has evolved over time. A gyro-style slider and occasional sweeper provide different breaking looks, while a curveball with vertical depth has flashed as an effective option when he’s on top of it. A changeup is mixed more sparingly but can show reduced spin and late drop. The overall pitch package gives him multiple shapes to sequence, though consistency across the secondaries has varied. While he has the ingredients of a four-pitch mix, the delivery and effort level lean toward a bullpen profile. When the fastball and cutter are working together he can attack hitters aggressively and generate quick outs, and the additional pitches give him options to mix when needed. The most realistic path forward remains in relief unless the secondary command stabilizes enough to support longer outings. | |||||||||||
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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