A.J. Puk Stats & Scouting Report College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

TRACK RECORD: For all of Puk’s tantalizing ability, he has not been able to stay healthy since the Athletics drafted him sixth overall in 2016. Puk had Tommy John surgery and missed all of the 2018 season, briefly returned in 2019 and made his major league debut, then missed all of 2020 with a pair of left shoulder strains. He was shut down in September and had shoulder surgery after the season.

SCOUTING REPORT: Puk showed his upside when the A’s deployed the 6-foot-7 lefty out of their bullpen in 2019 while chasing a playoff spot. His fastball sits 96-100 mph and explodes on hitters with unique angle and impressive extension out of his imposing frame. He pairs it with a vicious upper-80s power slider that dives at the back foot of righthanded hitters, and he’s gaining confidence in his burgeoning changeup. Puk also features a low-80s curveball that flashes average. Even with just fringe-average control, he generates a ton of whiffs—12.9 strikeouts per nine innings in the minors—and uncomfortable at-bats. Health remains Puk’s biggest obstacle. He’s thrown just 194.1 innings combined in five professional seasons.

THE FUTURE: The A’s hope Puk will be ready for spring training following his surgery. Injuries have clouded his future, but his arm is too good to give up on.

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