Scouting grades 20–80
50Fastball
55Slider
50Changeup
60Control
From an operation standpoint, there is a ton to like here. King is a good mover down the mound with a quick, whippy arm. He repeats his delivery well, although it can get a bit efforty when he tries to reach back for more velocity. It’s still a relatively long body, and King has plenty more room to add muscle to his 6 foot frame.
King’s 3 pitch mix is already exceptionally developed, all three pitches already grading out as above average or better. King’s fastball will generally live in the low to mid 90’s, occasionally touching 97 mph with carry towards the top of the zone. The pitch also tails in on the hands of right handed hitters despite coming from a high three quarter slot. It’s a pitch he’s consistently filled the strike zone up with, also generating chases when he throws it near the top of the zone.
King’s best secondary offering at the moment is a high spin low 80’s slider with exceptional late biting life off the fastball tunnel. It’s been a crucial offering for him against right handed hitters especially, and figures to only improve with added velocity. The changeup also flashes plus with late fading life off the fastball sitting in the mid 80’s. He’s deployed it mostly to left handed hitters, and flashes feel for commanding the pitch to the outer half of the plate.
King will need to work on adding to his arsenal in order to change the eye-level of hitters. As it stands now it's a very east to west pitch plot.
