Ty Madden

Physical Description: Ideal pitcher’s frame at 6-foot-3, with broad shoulders that make him look larger than he actually is. Still plenty of room to add bulk to his upper body. The Tigers altered his mechanics in pro ball to eliminate a heavy spine tilt and drop his arm slot from nearly over-the-top to more of a traditional three-quarter angle. Classic drop-and-drive delivery, and not a particularly fluid athlete.

Fastball: 55

Above-average velocity in the 92-96 MPH range, and will touch as high as 98 in some outings. Doesn’t miss many bats in the zone with it, and it gets hit hard if it catches too much of the plate. Can be effective when he’s pitching downhill or deliberately missing above the zone. 

Slider: 55

Flashes as an above-average pitch multiple times per game, with a strangely wide velocity band. Has shown the ability to manipulate the pitch anywhere from 81-89 MPH. It’s most frequently in the 83-85 range, but he can lower the velocity to get more depth or throw it harder for more of a cutter-like offering.

Curve: 40

Low-70s curve with extreme depth, used primarily as a surprise pitch early in at-bats to steal a strike. Unlikely to develop into anything more in the future.

Changeup: 50

Solid-average offering in the 85-88 range with good armside movement and sink. Threw it far more often once he reached Double-A and seemed comfortable using it against both lefties and righties.

Command: 45

Fringe-average current command. Arm slot tends to wander, particularly on his slider, which may partially explain its varied velocity. Allowing some latitude with the grade here because of his new mechanics.

Overall: Has the size and arsenal of a mid-rotation starter, but fastball issues may ultimately push him to the back end. Command needs to take a step up, and he may benefit from developing a two-seam fastball to help limit the hard contact. Some bullpen utility if he can’t fully rein in his command.