Scouting grades 20–80
55Fastball
55Slider
50Changeup
55Control
Somebody that has seen a continuous ascent up rankings over the last 2 summers, Waechter has established himself as one of premier right handers in the class.
Waechter is extremely athletic, standing at 6 foot 3, 195 lbs, getting down the mound well with a fluid operation. It's impressive arm speed, along with great extension. It's some of the cleaner and easier mechanics you'll find out of a prep pitcher, and he'll repeat it well so there's been no problem with strike throwing so far. Waechter's arsenal stands out, as scouts rave about the shapes and qualities of all his pitches.
Waechter's fastball will sit in the low to mid 90's, and has been up to 96 with spin rates approaching 2700 rpms and some impressive riding action up in the zone. There's the shape of a plus or better heater here if Waechter can reach back for more velocity in the future. Waechter's slider is his best secondary, as it will sit in the mid to high 80's with sharp but tight two plane break. It will firm up at times, looking more like a cutter, but It tunnels really well of his fastball, and he'll throw it against lefties and righties and get swings and misses against both. Waechter also features a mid 80's changeup with fading action that he doesn't use nearly as much as his slider but still flashes great action.
If Waechter reaches his ceiling we could be talking about a potential mid to high end of the rotation type arm. The high ceiling and starter traits will certainty make Waechter a hot commodity on draft day, and despite being a prep right hander (a risky demographic) there's surefire first round upside here.
