MLB Prospect Preview: Mike Soroka
There are now 10 Thursdays left until the Major League Baseball season is back. In this prospect preview series, I have chosen one player each week to highlight and discuss. These players are among the top prospects in baseball and are primed to make a splash in the majors this upcoming season. So far I have discussed prospects Forrest Whitley and Keston Hiura. Today we will take a closer look at Braves pitcher Mike Soroka.
Photo: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images
Mike Soroka
RHP
Atlanta Braves
Entering the 2019 season as the Braves #1 rated prospect and the #6 RHP prospect in baseball is Mike Soroka. The 21-year old Canadian was drafted in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft by the Braves and has steadily climbed through the farm system. At just 20 years old, Soroka made his MLB debut last May and looked very promising during his 2018 tenure in the majors. He ended up starting five games with Atlanta, garnering a 2-1 record with a 3.51 ERA in just over 25 innings pitched, before shoulder issues put him on the shelf in June. He also had 21 strikeouts while issuing 7 walks in the majors.
While those numbers might not blow you away, they become pretty impressive once you step back and remember he was just 20 years old. After watching him pitch, I was most impressed with his mound presence. He never seemed overwhelmed and you could tell he had complete control over the moment. He also has very good stuff as well. Led by a heavy sinking fastball that sits in the 92-94 range, he also features an above average slider, curve, and changeup. The thing that makes Soroka so effective is his ability to locate each of these pitches at any time.
As Mike Soroka has climbed through the Braves system the last several years, he has had success at every level. His ERA has consistently been in the upper 2-low 3 range, finishing 2nd in the Double-A Southern League in ERA in 2017. He is about as steady of a pitcher as they come. He is not flashy and won’t wow anyone with his stuff, but he is effective. There is no doubt his style will give him the opportunity to have a long, successful career. After injury issues last season, he will be ready to go in Spring Training and will compete for a spot in Atlanta’s rotation. MLB.com has given him the best chance to win the NL rookie of the year award among right handed pitchers this up-coming season, so Braves country will certainly be ready to see what Soroka can do as a follow up to last year’s flash of promise.