Jays Journal's Top 30 Blue Jays Prospects - 2024 Midseason Update

6. Adam Macko- AA (Previous Rank: 9)
23 y.o / RHP / SP

When you look solely at his ERA over the years, it might be hard to see the appeal in Macko as a pitcher. But evaluating future starting pitchers in the minors has moved far past ERA in recent years. We can learn a lot more by looking at stats that are simple as strikeout to walk rate (K-BB%) or as complicated as Stuff+ models. Macko has improved his K-BB% this season and his predictive metrics indicate he should have an ERA in the 3.00s. He's striking out more than 10 batters per 9 innings and keeps on trimming his walk rate down to levels that are major league starter quality.

From an arsenal perspective, Macko has above average stuff. His fastball sits at 93-95 MPH with good carry on it that helps it miss bats. He throws a hard slider, a spike curveball that is typically considered his best secondary offering, and an inconsistent changeup that could be a bigger weapon in the future for him. With average to above-average command and control, Macko has the chance to slot in as a mid-rotation or back of the rotation starter. As a flyball pitcher, minimizing walks will be key in keeping the home runs solo shots.