Baseball fans always love a good comparison, and today we're going to take a closer look at two promising young pitchers: Jared Shuster and MacKenzie Gore. Both of these pitchers have the potential to be stars in the MLB, but let's take a closer look at their strengths, weaknesses, and what sets them apart.
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Jared Shuster was drafted in the first round of the 2020 MLB draft by the Atlanta Braves, and he's already making a name for himself in the minor leagues. At 6'3" and 210 pounds, Shuster is a big, powerful left-handed pitcher with a fastball that can touch 96 mph. He also has a curveball and a changeup that both show promise.
On the other hand, MacKenzie Gore was drafted in the first round of the 2017 MLB draft by the San Diego Padres, and he's been one of the top prospects in baseball ever since. At 6'3" and 200 pounds, Gore is also a left-handed pitcher with a fastball that can touch 97 mph. He also has a plus-slider and a plus-changeup that both grade out as above-average pitches.
So, who is the better pitcher right now? Let's take a closer look.
Fastball
When it comes to pure velocity, Gore has the edge with his ability to throw his fastball up to 97 mph. However, Shuster isn't far behind with his ability to touch 96 mph. What sets them apart is their ability to locate their fastball. Shuster has excellent control and is able to hit his spots consistently, while Gore struggles with his command at times. As a result, Shuster's fastball is more effective at inducing weak contact and strikeouts, while Gore's fastball can be hit hard when he misses his spot.
Curveball
Shuster's curveball is his best secondary pitch and it's a plus pitch. It has good spin and sharp break, making it a tough pitch for batters to square up. Gore also has a curveball in his arsenal, but it's not as effective as Shuster's. While it has good movement, it lacks consistency and can hang in the zone at times.
Changeup
Both pitchers have a changeup in their arsenal, but Gore's is the better of the two. It's a plus pitch with good deception and movement, and it's effective against both lefties and righties. Shuster's changeup is still a work in progress, but it shows promise as a potential plus pitch in the future.
Slider
Gore's slider is his best secondary pitch and it's a plus-plus pitch. It has sharp break and good depth, making it a tough pitch for batters to hit. Shuster also has a slider, but it's not as effective as Gore's. While it has good movement, it lacks consistency and can hang in the zone at times.
Control
When it comes to control, Shuster has the edge. He has excellent command of all of his pitches and is able to hit his spots consistently. Gore, on the other hand, struggles with his command at times and can be prone to walks. As a result, Shuster is able to limit his walks and keep his pitch count low, while Gore can struggle with his efficiency on the mound.
Mechanics
Both pitchers have clean, repeatable mechanics that allow them to generate good velocity and movement on their pitches. However, Shuster's mechanics are a bit smoother and more efficient, which allows him to repeat his delivery more consistently. Gore's mechanics are a bit more complex, which can lead to inconsistencies in his command and control.
Intangibles
When it comes to intangibles, both pitchers have a lot going for them.
