Toronto Blue Jays 2020 Top Prospects: #5 Adam Kloffenstein

Counting down from 30, the Jays Journal has your top 30 Blue Jays prospects this year, including who we’ve ranked at #5, Adam Kloffenstein.

Name: Adam Kloffenstein
Position: Pitcher                                  Age: 19
Height: 6’5″                                          Weight: 243 lbs
Throws: Right                                       Bats: Right
Acquired: Drafted in 2018, 3rd round #88 overall

2019: A- Vancouver                            ETA: 2022

Adam Kloffenstein was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 3rd round of the 2018 MLB entry draft from the Texas Prep ranks. Kloffenstein was drafted #88 overall and signed for an above slot value of 2.4 million.

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Kloffenstein seems to fit the mold of the current Blue Jays front office pitcher profile with a tall, big framed body. He’s listed as 6’5″ in height and weighs in at 243 lbs.  When you consider that some of the Jays best pitching prospects are Nate Pearson at 6’6″ and 245 lbs, Alex Manoah 6’6″ and 260 lbs, and Kendall Williams 6’6″ and 205 lbs, I think it’s safe to say that I see a trend.

Kloffenstein only pitched 2.0 innings in his first Professional season when he was assigned to the Gulf Coast league Blue Jays in 2018. In 2019, Kloffenstein would be assigned to the Vancouver Canadians at the A- level.  He would have a great season starting 13 games and pitching 64.1 innings while striking out a batter per innings average.  This resulted in a 2.24 ERA and a 1.088  WHIP while playing against competition that was 3+ years on average older.

Fastball

Kloffenstein uses a two seam fastball as well as a four seamer.  MLB.com has said that he will sit in the low 90’s with his two seamer, but can reach back for 96 with his four seamer.  As mentioned above, Kloffenstein has a large frame and as he matures there is still the ability to add more strength.   MLB.com grades Kloffenstein’s fastball at a 60 grade on the 20-80 grade range. This makes it an above average pitch with more room for improvement as he pitches more Professional innings.

Secondary

Kloffenstein will utilize three off-speed pitches. His best offering being a mid 80’s slider, a curveball that sits in the 76-77 mph range and a change-up that he pitches at about 86-88 mph.   All three pitches have been graded by MLB.com as above average sitting at the 50-55 grading range.  As with many pitchers drafted from the high school level, Kloffenstein will have to work to improve his command of these pitches as he progresses through the upper minor leagues.

Future Value

Kloffenstein has been profiled as a middle of the order starter at the MLB level. He currently has an overall value at 50 on the scouting grades.   I would predict that Kloffenstein will start the 2020 season at the A level with the Lansing Lugnuts but I could envision a quick step to the Florida State league before mid-season.

Kloffenstein has all of the tools to make it as a successful MLB starter and his road there could be just as the Blue Jays are entering their anticipated contention period.