Then & Now: Trent Palmer

THEN 2016: Six-foot, 195-pound two-way player with a strong thick build. Controlled delivery with short leg kick and average balance point. Arm is loose from three-quarter slot producing fastballs with arm-side life at 82-84 mph. Slider is thrown hard with late break for strikes showing ability to start pitch in zone and take away, creating opportunity for swing/miss. Splitter has heavy action with depth and late sink. Overall quality three-pitch mix with present action and life on all pitches. As a hitter, Palmer has a deeper load into launch position. Creates good bat speed. Hands tend to drift down creating lift in swing from slight uphill plane. Creates good energy in lower half and shows power to the pull side of field with an 83 mph exit velocity off tee. Prototypical third base actions. Moves well and is light on feet for size; tends to rely too much on arm strength at times. He shows sure hands to field and his throws show above average accuracy and carry to the bag with 81 mph arm strength across the diamond.

NOW 2020: After an All-Star game appearance in the Cape Cod League last summer, Palmer continued to perform at an elite level this spring (2-1, 1.30 ERA, 27.2 IP, 12 H, 5BB, 41 SO, .130 OPPBA). Now as the Friday starter for the Dolphins he sits 92-96 mph with his fastball and also boasts a pair of solid secondary offerings in his slider and changeup. With three pitches, a durable body and starter-type delivery and arm action Palmer profiles as a starter in pro ball and has gained steam into the top three-to-four rounds.

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