Paul

Richan

Richan scattered six hits, and he didn’t walk anyone. Acquired in the trade that sent Nick Castellanos to the Cubs, Richan has an ERA of 3.65 in four starts with Lakeland, and he’s posted an impressive 24/2 K/BB mark. A second-round pick out of San Diego in 2018, Richan offers four useable pitches, and the 22-year-old’s stuff plays up because he commands it so well. He could help the Tigers’ rotation next year, but 2021 is a more likely ETA.

Richan, a 2018 second-round pick, was 10-5 with a 3.97 ERA and an 86/18 K/BB ratio in 93 innings for high-A Myrtle Beack. He lacks a great deal of upside, but he has enough stuff to potentially help the Tigers as a fourth starter. He is at least a year away at this point.

Richan allowed just one run over those seven frames, and he walked two while scattering four hits. Drafted with the 78th pick of last year’s draft, the 22-year-old has had a bit of an up-and-down first year, and the strong start lowers his ERA to 4.18 with a much more impressive 65/16 K/BB ratio. His fastball sits anywhere from 89-94 mph, and he commands that pitch as well as an above-average slider and average change; with the occasional curve, as well. The command is behind the control, but the latter is quite good, and suggests he’ll have above-average ability to place the ball where he wants it going forward. He’s not a future ace, but Richan can be a solid member of the Cubs’ rotation someday, likely starting in 2021.