2018 MLB Draft to the Show: Then & Now Joey Gerber

Eight weeks into the 2020 MLB Season and we’ve now seen 13 debuts by 2018 MLB Draft selections, plus another prospect who went undrafted, but was signed as a free agent after the draft. Overall, there have been an amazing 191 Major League debuts so far in the 2020 season. Today, we take a look at the amateur report of another one of those who has made it to The Show. Now Pitching: Joey Gerber

To check out our Then & Now series from this past spring featuring 2020 draft prospects, please see Draft HQ/Then & Now.

Joey Gerber, RHP, Seattle Mariners
True to our forecast of his selection in the top ten rounds, Gerber was chosen in the 8th round of the 2018 draft. He made quick work of the minor leagues, pitching less than 23 innings at Double-A before his MLB debut on August 4. His 1-2-3 inning to begin his MLB career was highlighted by facing Albert Pujols as the leadoff hitter. Gerber has continued to excel out of the Seattle bullpen this season. He's currently 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in 13 games, covering 12 innings pitched with five strikeouts and just eight hits allowed.

MLB.com Debut Video & Boxscore

THEN 2018 as a College Junior: “Appeared in the first two games and absolutely dominated the ninth inning both times. Struck out four of the six hitters he faced to earn two saves in Illinois first two games. In each game, Gerber sat 92-95 mph, mainly 95, with his fastball, while mixing in an above average slider at 82-84 mph. He works from the far first base side of the rubber in a hunched setup. Quick knee lift to his belt and explodes to the plate. Combines above average stuff with a very deceptive look. The draft isn’t usually too kind to college relievers, and that’s what Gerber is, but if Gerber can sustain the stuff and control he showed this weekend, he should easily be taken in the top 10 rounds. There just aren’t too many tall, strong bodied pitchers out there with his stuff and performance.”

FULL DRAFT REPORT from March 6, 2018