Copy of Counting Down Rockies Prospects: No. 24 Humphreys

24. Reid Humphreys, RHP

Born: 11/21/1994. B-T: R/R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 205. Drafted: Mississippi State, 2016 (7th round). Signed by: Zack Zulli.

A two-way player in high school, Humphreys underwent Tommy John surgery his senior year and so when he showed up at Mississippi State the decision was made for him to focus on hitting, initially as a DH and later at first base and the corner outfield spots. He hit .310 as a junior, but his senior year Humphreys felt healthy and decided to return to the mound. He became the Mississippi State closer, and wound up a seventh-round draft choice of the Rockies. He saw limited time on the mound at Rookie Grand Junction in 2016, but stepped into the closer role at Low-A Asheville in 2017 and has dominated with a four-seam fastball that sits 95-97 miles per hour and a cutter that will range from 90-94 miles per hour. He has a live slider and is working on a changeup. Most of all, though, he has that here-it-is-hit-it mentality of a closer, and throws strikes. In converting 13 of 14 saves at Asheville walked only six while striking out 47 in 45 2/3 innings.