Ashe

Russell

Russell, now 22, hasn’t pitched professionally since two games in rookie ball way back in 2016. However, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com writes that the right-hander “made progress last fall to overcome his mound confidence issue,” an issue that was previously referred to as “Steve Blass Disease.” It’s great news.

A 6-foot-4, 195-pound right-hander, Russell produces a 93-95 mph fastball from a lower slot, and his slinging arm action gives the pitch some natural deception. The 18-year-old’s best pitch is his slider, thrown in the low 80s with good depth and late bite, and it’s particularly lethal against same-side hitters. That Russell’s changeup is virtually non-existent speaks to the dominance of his fastball-slider combination, though he’ll obviously need to develop one that’s at least usable in order to turn over lineups at the next level. The right-hander pitched to a 1.02 ERA and 67/9 strikeout-to-walk ratio this spring for Cathedral HS (Ind.). The recommended slot value for the No. 21 overall pick is $2,184,200.

MLB.com’s Jim Callis reports the deal is for $2,190,200, which is $6,000 over slot for the No. 21 overall selection. Russell was one of the top right-handed high school prospects in the draft. He’s one of only two first-round picks who have gotten over slot value thus far.

Russell didn’t allow a hit but he did give up four walks. Kansas City picked Russell 21st overall in this month’s MLB Draft and signed him to a $2,190,000 million contract. The 18-year-old was a two-time Gatorade State Player of the Year in his native Indiana. He’s already drawn comparisons to Clay Buchholz and Justin Verlander.