2. Conner Greene, RHP
DOB: 4/4/1995
Height/Weight: 6’3” 165 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Acquired: Drafted in the 7th round of the 2013 draft, Santa Monica HS (Santa Monica, CA); signed for for $100,000
Previous Ranking(s): NR
2015 Stats: 3.54 ERA, 132.1 IP, 136 H, 39 BB, and 115 K for Single-A Lansing, High-A Dunedin, and Double-A New Hampshire
Future Tools: 65 fastball, 55 changeup, 50 curveball, 50 command
Role: 55—Mid-rotation starter
Anthony Alford isn’t the only guy in the upper echelon of Toronto’s system with exceptional non-baseball talent. Meet Conner Greene: right handed starter/model/actor—a guy who’s literally capable of selling jeans. We’ll spare you the full-on Parks-ian description of Greene’s physique and facial features but let’s just say he has “the good face.”
The ultra-projectable Greene possesses comically long limbs but is nonetheless able to coordinate his actions effectively. At 6-foot-3, with a high-three-quarters slot, Greene works downhill and creates excellent plane. He sits 92-94 with sinking action and can dial it up as high as 97-98 when he needs the extra velo in a pinch. His straight change flashes plus thanks to replicated arm speed. The curveball is below average at the moment and is more of a tumbler than a pitch with a deep, abrupt breaking point. He’d likely benefit from letting loose and throwing it harder, which would yield less of a pronounced arc but more in terms of tight, sharp bite.
He’s around the zone now, but expect the finer points of his command profile to solidify as he matures physically, and adds weight, strength, and increased coordination. Greene got a five-start taste of Double-A toward the tail end of 2015 and should open the 2016 season back there. With some rotation depth to work with, the Jays will take their time with Greene, who will have just turned 21 on Opening Day. If all goes according to plan in New Hampshire, Greene’s contribution window in Toronto, like Alford’s, could come as early as the 2017 season.
Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: Greene saw his stock rise up in dynasty leagues quite a bit thanks to a very strong full-season debut, and he’s certainly worked his way up to being a top-150 fantasy prospect—while garnering some consideration for the very back of the fantasy 101. There’s SP3 potential here, with stronger ratios than strikeouts, but enough of the latter to get by.
Major league ETA: 2017