40 in 40: Jackson Rutledge
After getting a taste of MLB last year how will the youngster grow with his experience
- Position: Starting Pitcher
- Current Status: Pre-arbitration, arbitration eligible in 202 and a free agent in 202
- How Acquired: Drafted 17th overall in the 2019 MLB Draft
- 2023 Grade: B
- 2024 Opening Day Projection: Triple-A Rochester Starter
- 2023 Stats: (MLB) W-L: 1-1, ERA: 6.75, IP: 20, WHIP: 1.50
(AA-AAA) W-L: 8-4, ERA: 3.71, IP: 119, WHIP: 1.27
2023 Analysis: Jackson Rutledge got his taste for the major leagues at the end of the 2023 season, starting 4 games down the stretch. Looking at the raw numbers, it wasn’t too impressive but the more important thing is there was noticeable improvements with every start.
In his first start, he went 3.2 innings allowing 7 runs. In the last three starts he made, not only did he go at least 5 innings in all of them, but he allowed a total of just 8 runs. None of his starts were masterclasses, but the steady improvement makes me excited for what could come in the future for the Nationals’ young pitcher.
2024 Outlook: Potential is a dangerous word in sports, but when evaluating prospects like Rutledge it’s the main word that pops in my head. The ability to bounce back from a tough start like his first and grow from it immediately gives me a lot of confidence about his future.
Rutledge won’t start in the majors this season, instead being sent to Triple-A Rochester, but I would be shocked if he didn’t get elevated after the trade deadline this season and assume a role in the starting five. If he can continue the momentum he took to the end of last season, he is primed to break out soon.
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