Detroit Tigers Prospect Report: LHP Lael Lockhart Jr

Lael Lockhart Jr: Background and Physical Description:

LHP Lael Lockhart Jr stands 6’3″ tall and weighs 225 pounds, athletic build. Fields his position very well, shows good first step off the mound. Lockhart was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 9th round of the 2021 MLB June Amateur Draft from the University of Arkansas. He was traded to the Tigers in May 2023 for cash considerations.

Lockhart pitched 73 innings in 18 games of work, 12 as a starter for Double-A Erie last season, striking out 89 (K/9 of 10.76). He throws from a mid-high 3/4 angle with good, repeatable mechanics. Lockhart Jr has been working on a sinker during the off-season to throw to lefties, which allows him to induce more ground balls. The Tigers have taught Lockhart a splitter that he started shortly after he arrived. He works fast and attacks hitters.

Fastball-45

His four-seamer fastball sits 92-94.  His fastball has good, riding vertical action, generating swings and misses up in the zone, and can spot it on both sides of the plate. Uses this pitch to generate strikeouts.

Splitter-55

This is his best pitch. 65% whiff rate on the pitch, compliments his four-seamer well. On lefties, it can induce weak contact. Good, late, downward action. Tough to pick up.

Slider-50

Throws the pitch with good velocity and has late, sweeping action and break. Looks like a cutter at times.

Curve-40 

Can spin the pitch with some short sweep action to the pitch. Can paint it on both sides of the plate with the pitch and a good variant to change eye levels.

Overall:

Lockhart Jr will be starting for Erie this season but could be used out of the bullpen at the big league level as a long reliever if needed. This will be his first full season with the Tigers instructional staff with him, so it will be interesting to see the tweaks that will continue as the season goes along.

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