When pitchers are scouted—by college recruiters, MLB teams, or crosscheckers—there’s a shorthand used behind the scenes to group talent. These “Groups” aren’t just about velocity or stats; it is about how they believe you will project at the next level when compared to what the next level actually is. After years working in both college recruiting and MLB draft rooms, here’s an inside look at the typical Group grading scale and what it means for you.
Group 8: Dominant Ace or Hall of Famer
Description: True #1 starter, dominant MLB closer, or future Hall of Famer.
Reality: This is the absolute elite. Very few pitchers are ever evaluated here. Think of aces that change the direction of a franchise or closers who own October.
Group 7: Top of Rotation / Championship Closer / Perennial All-Star
Description: #1 or #2 MLB starter, closer for a championship team, perennial all-star.
Reality: The front-line arms every organization covets. These are the pitchers who not only perform but do so under the bright lights, year after year.
Group 6: Mid-Rotation Starter or Top Setup
Description: Reliable #3 starter, high-leverage setup man (sometimes a closer or 8th-inning reliever for a title team).
Reality: Most championship teams are built on these arms. Maybe not superstars, but critical pieces who deliver quality and stability.
Group 5: Back-End Starter / Average Setup / Top Situational
Description: #4 or #5 starter, average 7th-inning reliever, or top matchup specialist on a playoff club.
Reality: These pitchers fill out winning rosters. They’re capable, sometimes streaky, and may bounce between rotation and bullpen.
Group 4: Long Reliever / Spot Starter / Middle Relief
Description: Long reliever, spot starter, or secondary situational arm in middle relief.
Reality: Not everyday contributors, but valuable for depth and flexibility. Often called on when the team needs innings.
Group 3: Up-and-Down, Emergency Help
Description: Emergency major league help, up-and-down between minors and MLB.
Reality: Sometimes called “AAAA” guys—they can fill in when needed, but haven’t secured a permanent spot.
Group 2: Organization Value Only
Description: Maxes out at Double-A, serves as depth/filler at Triple-A, not a candidate for the big leagues.
Reality: Important for filling rosters in the minors, but unlikely to impact at the MLB level.
Group 1: Non-Prospect
Description: No professional value, likely to be released.
Reality: The end of the road in pro baseball terms.
Other Grades You Might See
G: Did not see (scout did not get a real look at the pitcher).
P: Prospect, but not yet ready for major league competition (often a young player with projection). Players receive a “P” when they are viewed as having higher projection but they still need reps and experience to learn the game.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’ve ever received an evaluation and wondered what “Group 4” or “Group 7” really means, this scale is your answer.
The higher the group, the more impact you’re projected to make.
The lower, the more you’ll need to improve—or the more likely you are to be considered organizational depth.
These grades are not personal—they’re a snapshot of where your tools, command, and performance fit right now. The good news? Players move up and down this scale all the time through development, role changes, and adjustments. Interested in moving up the grading scale? Reach out to get your evaluation and lets create a plan for you!
Want to know your group and what it will take to level up?
jordan@utahrotationalathletetraining.com
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