How are you actually evaluated?

How Pitchers Are Evaluated: Understanding What Others Are Looking For

When it comes to pitching, talent isn’t just about how hard you throw or how nasty your slider is—it’s about how all your traits work together. Whether you're being evaluated by a college coach, professional scout, or development staff, there are consistent metrics and tools they use to assess your ability and project your future.

I’ve spent 7 years recruiting at the collegiate level and 6 years in the MLB draft room, and the insight I’m sharing here comes directly from those experiences. These are the real conversations happening in war rooms and coaches’ offices—beyond the radar gun or hype video

Velocity – Real, Perceived, and Effective

Everyone talks about velocity—but not all velocity is created equal.

- Real velocity is what shows up on the gun. It’s the raw number that gets attention fast.  

- Perceived velocity takes into account your release height, extension, and timing—some pitchers “play up” because the ball gets on hitters quicker.  

- Effective velocity shifts depending on pitch sequencing. A 90 mph fastball looks different if it follows a 72 mph curveball or an 86 mph cutter.

Scouts don’t just watch the radar gun—they ask:  

Is it getting swings? Is it holding up deep into outings? Is it dominating good hitters?

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Command and Control – BB/9 and Throwing the Ball Where You Want It

Command is more than just avoiding walks.  

It’s about putting the ball exactly where it needs to be **in the count, in the situation, and within the zone**.

- Control = Can you throw strikes?  This is evaluated through BB/9 

- Command = Can you throw quality strikes with intent?  Does the ball go where you intend it.  

One of the simplest indicators evaluators use is BB/9 (walks per 9 innings). If that number is consistently high, you’re going to fall into a lower projection tier—no matter how electric your stuff is.  It is very hard to defend a walk. 

Scouts also watch bullpen sessions, game situations, and how pitchers adjust. Do you make pitches when it counts? Do you attack hitters or avoid contact?

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 The 20–80 Scale – Understanding How It Works

This is the language of evaluation across all levels.

- 20 = well below average

- 50 = average MLB level 

- 80 = elite, Hall of Fame potential

Scouts grade out key tools like:

- Fastball velocity & life  

- Breaking ball shape  

- Feel for offspeed  

- Command  

- Pitchability  

- Athleticism & body projection

A pitcher with a 60 grade overall on a pitch would consist of more than just velocity, it will have a variety of command, velocity, movement, and various other grading aspects that add to the total grading of that pitch.  Grades help decision-makers communicate, compare players, and build out depth charts.

And here’s the key: these grades aren’t just about who you are now—they’re about who you can become.

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Final Thoughts

Pitching evaluations aren’t about hype. They’re about projection and trust. Can your tools play at the next level? Are you trending up or plateauing? Are you the same guy in April, July, and October?

Understanding how you’re graded helps you train smarter, focus your development, and present yourself better in front of coaches and scouts.

This post is not an all encompassing aspect of how players are graded and evaluated.  I will continue to put things out as often as possible to give more into the the mind of scouts and recruiters so you can better prepare yourself to get to the next level.  

Want to get an honest breakdown of where you stand and how to level up?

Reach out to get something schedled

-Jordan Oseguera

jordan@utahrotationalathletetraining.com

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