Michael Watt Having a Strong June

Fort Wayne lefty Michael Watt went from highly-touted second-round pick to perceived bust by the time he turned 21 this February. Originally a Dodgers draft pick, it took him two years and a trade to get out of Rookie ball, and then he posted a 4.17 ERA with modest peripherals in Fort Wayne last year.

This year has seen Watt, still just 21, take a step forward, as he’s posted a 3.38 ERA and 67/23 K/BB in 82 2/3 innings.

In particular, he had a very strong month of June, with a 2.12 ERA and 29/5 K/BB in 34 innings. Watt looks to have taken a real step forward, and appears ready for the jump to Lake Elsinore.

The lefty still has the stuff that got him drafted so high. He’s got a solid fastball/changeup combination already, and his curveball can be a devastating pitch when he commands it. He’s still somewhat inconsistent with the curve, but trusts it more than he used to.

Watt is taking a step to prove he’s not just a random guy who was once traded for Greg Maddux.