Kevin
Abel

Listed at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, Abel has an average build and looked rather lean in the upper half. He may still be regaining some mass/size that was lost post-TJ surgery. The delivery checks a lot of the same boxes we’ve seen in the past. Uses a slower, deliberate pace early in his wind-up before gathering at leg lift. Front knee works to just above waist height. Shows some considerable drop-and-drive action on his rear leg, creating shoulder tilt as he strides down the mound. Upper half levels out at footstrike most of the time, but the uphill angle he uses to create leverage does lead to some inconsistencies at release. With a high three-quarter slot, his sequence has to be dialed in to allow his release point to get where it needs to be. A majority of his misses happen north and south when he gets out of rhythm. At times, the stride foot lands hard and that slamming action can disrupt the timing of his arm path. Between 97.2 IP at Oregon State in 2018 and 2019, Abel walked 55 batters for 5.09 BB/9. He’s on a very similar pace right now in 2021 with 17 BB in 30.2 IP and a 5.06 BB/9 rate. That below average control could be an issue for evaluators if they aren’t sold on his pure stuff. On this most recent look over six innings, Abel pitched mostly 90-91 with his fastball and ranged 88-92. The velocity plays up a bit due to how he hides the ball and with the carry it gets through the zone. But, overall it’s a relatively straight offering. He does show a willingness to use all four quadrants of the zone and isn’t afraid to drive the ball inside to both RHH and LHH. Although the peak velo we’ve seen in the past isn’t quite there yet, it was encouraging to see Abel hold his velo across his entire start. His curveball came in at 69-75 with his best offerings coming in the 74-75 range. Shows true 11/5 shape with late bite and depth. Needs to develop more consistency though as it was backed up and spiked pretty often on this look. Changeup was 77-79 with fringe command. Shows potential at its best but the refinement isn’t quite there yet. It’s an especially tough offering on right handed hitters as it tunnels well with his fastball and Abel shows the willingness to go to it in any count. Had trouble keeping it in the zone against left handed hitters, running off the plate to his arm-side on his misses. Right now his success and strikeout rate (14.3K/9) are a result of sequence more than pure stuff. If he gets ahead with off-speed, he usually puts hitters away with the heat and vice versa. It’s a constant three-pitch mix, even in big spots with runners in scoring position. What Abel might lack in stuff, he makes up for with unbelievable poise and competitiveness. Regardless of any self-inflicted wounds, he finds a way to deliver in the biggest moments and seemingly always makes that ‘one pitch’. From a draft standpoint, it’s tough to predict how Abel might fare in 2021 as he tries to show he’s back to 100% health. Gut feel is that he’s getting the most out of what he presently has in the tank and he will rack up some gutsy wins on Friday nights. Knowing his make-up, it wouldn’t be a shock to see things consistently improve over the next few months. (D Jurik)

After missing most of last season due to Tommy John surgery in April of 2019, Abel is now more than one year post-op, and reports of his throwing program and arm strength have been very encouraging. Prior to the injury, Abel showed the ability to work both sides of the plate with an 89-93 fastball that has bumped 94-95 at times. His curveball had 11/5 shape with depth through the zone at 77-78 and he could mix in an above-average changeup at 80-82. The changeup was devastating even to righthanded hitters, seemingly hitting a wall at the 50-foot mark. He would show lapses in his command, but his misses would typically be down in the zone, avoiding barrels. Abel projects as a starting pitcher in pro ball, with advanced feel for pitching along with top-of-the-charts competitiveness, which he showcased in his legendary CWS-clinching two-hit shutout on short rest against Arkansas in 2018.

2020 DRAFT:After missing most of last season with TJ surgery in April of 2019, Abel is now one year post-op and currently ahead of schedule, throwing long toss and progressing with his bullpens. He was up to 90 mph during a recent pen, according to a source. With three years of eligibility remaining, it will be interesting to see what this summer's MLB draft brings for Abel and his signability.

3/9/19:A proven winner at the collegiate level, Abel shows no signs of slowing down or letting up on opposing offenses. The 6-foot-2, 190 pound righty works from an over the top release and hides the ball well to create some added deception. Slight shoulder tilt after hand break helps give him some additional angle to all 3 of his offerings. FB ranged between 89-92 and peaked at 93. Relatively straight but he can work to both sides of the plate and elevate when he wants to. CB has 11/5 shape with depth thru the zone at 77-78. Shows the ability to manipulate break when he wants it for a strike compared to when he's trying to bury it in the dirt. CH is above average offering at 80-82. Ideal speed differential from FB. Devastating at times on RHH. Seems to just hit a wall after the 50 ft mark. Abel manages to throw all of his offerings with FB intent and hand speed at release. He has lapses where he loses command at times, but his misses seem to always be down in the zone, avoiding barrels. He rarely makes mistakes out over the plate or up in the zone. Consistently repeats his delivery. Executes in high leverage situations out of the stretch. Effectively holds runners. He's going to continue to win games for as long as he's in a Beaver uniform. (Jurik)

Fastball sat 88-90. 71-75 curveball, 79-82 changeup and 77-78 slider. High arm slot. Tilted shoulders with deep arm action. Good shape to curveball. Sharp slider. Curveball flashes depth. 3.1 IP, 3 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 4 K.

Went two innings, allowing a run on three hits and two walks while striking out four. He collapses his backside and had trouble getting back over the rubber, leaving a lot of pitches up and flattening out his fastball. It also made it difficult for him to finish his curveball. When he got to it, it had depth and 11/5 shape at 73-75. He has a quick arm that produced an 87-90 fastball. He pitches with a high-3/4, almost over-the-top, slot.

Pitched from a high-3/4, almost over-the-top, slot with a quick, loose arm and threw strikes with three pitches. In three innings, he allowed two walks while striking out six. He has a shoulder tilt in his delivery and his arm didn’t always catch up to his body in his delivery. His fastball sat 85-87 with some arm-side life and his curveball had 11/5 shape. His changeup was 74-75 with fade.