Jeff LeCates

Cincinnati Reds. ASU Statistics

[Reds in Four @RedsInFour]

I might have a new favorite under-the-radar #Reds prospect:

Deivi Villafana!

Villafana has posted insanely impressive BB%’s so far in his professional career, all while sitting 95 with a legit changeup and breaking ball. Nice SwStr%’s too.

Love the arm angle. Could be a guy!

[Bryce Spalding @bryce_spalding]

This is a really fun arm.

[Reds in Four @RedsInFour]

Remember Ovis Portes?

Acquired back in 2024 for Lucas Sims, Portes has always had *loud* Stuff but been held back by, at best, shaky command.

However, in 2026 Portes has looked very strong through 4 starts. Absolutely bonkers Whiff Rates and a more than reasonable 9.5 BB%!

[Jeff LeCates @Jeff_lecates]

Justin Verlander is such a horse, he averaged 94 mph over 152 innings at FORTY TWO YEARS OLD. The future hall of famer gets a well deserved retirement tour back where it all started in Detroit

[Jeff LeCates @Jeff_lecates]

Shane Drohan was my favorite piece of the Brewers/Red Sox trade today. His cut-ride profile from a low release height is super interesting. He throws a ton of strikes, gets a lot of in zone whiffs and has two good breaking balls.

[Jeff LeCates @Jeff_lecates]

@JustinRocke Man, Arecena was awesome last year

[Jeff LeCates @Jeff_lecates]

Mickey Gasper is an interesting FA. The 30 year old switch hitter has 2 options remaining, provides defensive flexibility and had a good offensive season in AAA. He’s patient, has a knack for pulling the ball in the air and excelled vs breaking balls.

[Jeff LeCates @Jeff_lecates]

Boston bolsters its rotation with the signing of Ranger Suarez. The crafty lefty just knows how to get outs

[Jeff LeCates @Jeff_lecates]

Ryan Weathers is your newest New York Yankee. The low slot, high ride FF lefty and his newfound velo gets traded for four prospects

[Jeff LeCates @Jeff_lecates]

Tony Blanco Jr. go BOOM

[Jeff LeCates @Jeff_lecates]

I started making my own hitter summaries as well. They compare advanced metrics to their leagues average. I know I’m missing R/L splits but I like this layout 😂 If there’s anything else you’d like to see included let me know!

[Jeff LeCates @Jeff_lecates]

Mark Leiter Jr. to the A's. If he can find a consistent feel for the FC I could see the usage going up against LHB to take some heat off the SI. The FS and CU had great whiff rates so he can lean on his secondaries to miss barrels. I like the signing

[Jeff LeCates @Jeff_lecates]

The Dodgers luck out and Jose Rodriguez goes undrafted. His CH is money, averaging -2” IVB, resulting in a nutty 68% whiff rate in AAA. The funky delivery and injury concern may have steered teams in a different direction but I believe he would’ve been worth a pick.

[Jeff LeCates @Jeff_lecates]

Boston acquired Ryan Watson from the A's after the draft today. He has above average velo on 4/5 pitches with elite extension from a low release height which sneaks up on hitters. He rarely walks hitters so he should be able to help the Red Sox bullpen in 2026

[Jeff LeCates @Jeff_lecates]

RJ Petit to the Rockies kicks off the Rule 5 draft. The huge, hard throwing RHP misses a lot of bats and can bolster the Colorado bullpen

[Jeff LeCates @Jeff_lecates]

Happy Rule 5 draft day!

[Jeff LeCates @Jeff_lecates]

Edwin Diaz goes to LA. He’s still as elite as they come

[Jeff LeCates @Jeff_lecates]

With Edwin Diaz joining the Dodgers does Roki join the rotation again?

[Jeff LeCates @Jeff_lecates]

https://t.co/fw113Qz9qM Interested in a pitcher’s arsenal? Curious how they attack lefties compared to righties? My app is now live, you can search any MLB pitcher and select a specific date range to instantly generate a downloadable summary report. Try it out!

[Jeff LeCates @Jeff_lecates]

Somebody go save Joe Ryan! Both fastballs are elite and he has plenty of breaking options to both RHB and LHB. He'll be a top of the rotation starter no matter where he pitches this upcoming season.