Dalton Rogers overpowering hitters with improved pitching arsenal

Photo Credit: Jones College Athletics

In the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft, the Red Sox selected a talented right-hander in Dalton Rogers. He was used mostly as reliver in college, but the Red Sox drafted Rogers with the intention of moving him to the rotation. During the 2023 campaign he has shown why and put together an impressive start to his first full minor league season.

While the Mississippi native has been good all year, he was unhittable on Wednesday. In six innings of work, for the Greenville Drive Rogers struck out 11 batters and did not allow a hit. As he frustrated hitters all night, the 22-year-old set career highs in innings pitched and strikeouts. It was a continuation of what he had done the last three months.

Through 41.1 innings of work in Single-A and High-A, Rogers has posted a 2.61 ERA and held opponents to a .131 batting average. He has already struck 65 batters while only walking 26. After only pitching in two games following the draft last year, he is showing why he was a top-100 pick.

Due to his recent dominance, Rogers is currently ranked No.22 on the Red Sox’s top 30 prospect list by MLB.com. Only six pitchers are ranked higher. If he can build on his recent success, that should change by season’s end.

After nearly making history on Wednesday night, Rogers is a prospect who will be on more people’s radars. His arsenal includes a fastball that reaches 97 mph and a changeup with good separation and depth. He can also throw a curveball and slider/cutter giving him a four-pitch mix. That will be key in keeping batters off balance as the competition gets harder.

While Rogers isn’t projected to make his MLB debut until 2026, he creates excitement for the future every time he takes the mound. He has only allowed more than three earned runs in a start once this season and pitched at least five innings in two straight outings. In a system full of talent, the 2022 draftee is starting to stand out.

Follow Jamie on Twitter @JamieGatlin17

For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.

Join our new Facebook group for all of our latest content, click the link here.