Blake Walston is poised to receive his initial MLB opportunities in the 2024 season, representing a potential asset for the Diamondbacks’ rotation depth later in the year.
This assessment is part of a comprehensive series ranking the top 30 prospects for the Diamondbacks in the upcoming season, curated by Michael McDermott in collaboration with the Inside the Diamondbacks team.
In the 2019 Draft, Walston was selected just 10 picks after the franchise’s standout player, Corbin Carroll, and agreed to a below-slot bonus of $2.45 million. Despite being a tall and youthful left-hander with a promising physique, Walston’s velocity did not progress as anticipated over the years.
Despite this setback, he possesses a complete array of pitches and could make a significant impact in the rotation as early as the next season. Notably, he has demonstrated consistent improvement over the past three seasons, progressing from Class A Visalia to Triple-A Reno.
Ranked at 16 with an age of 22 and physical attributes of 6’5″ and 175 lbs, Walston throws left-handed, showcasing tools such as a fastball (40), curveball (55), slider/cutter (55), changeup (55), command (50), and an overall rating of 45.
The estimated time of arrival (ETA) for Walston’s MLB debut is set for 2024. In the 2023 season, he started the year in big league Spring Training but wasn’t seriously considered for a potential rotation spot. Despite finishing strongly in Amarillo in 2022, his sub-5.00 ERA was overshadowed by challenges with walks, partly attributed to the Automated Balls and Strikes System (ABS) and adjustments made for high-elevation parks. Walston, with a fastball in the 88-92 MPH range, opted not to concede and risk walks, choosing to avoid challenging hitters in the heart of the strike zone. Despite these challenges, he made 30 starts and increased his workload from 124 innings in 2022 to 152 1/3 between Reno and the Arizona Fall League. His performance in the Fall League included pitching three scoreless innings in his lone start, leading to his inclusion in the 40-man roster by the D-backs to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.
Looking ahead to 2024, expectations for Walston involve starting the year again in Reno, with a focus on improving his control and reducing his 5.6 walks per 9 innings. The challenging environment of high-elevation parks adds complexity for a pitcher relying on movement. However, if he demonstrates improved peripherals in the upcoming season, he could earn his first MLB opportunities in September.
Projections for Walston categorize him more as a No. 5 starter due to the absence of fastball velocity, emphasizing the necessity to rely on precision and movement for success. Despite this, his three secondary pitches with average or better ratings suggest that strategic pitching sequences will be crucial to keep hitters off balance. There’s also a possibility that his fastball velocity could become a concern, leading the team to consider a move to relief pitching, where he can tap into higher mid-90s velocity without the need for pacing.
Leave a Reply