Kansas City Royals: Christian Chamberlain is strikeout artist team needs

With the 105th overall pick, the Kansas City Royals selected left-handed pitcher Christian Chamberlain out of Oregon State University.

The Kansas City Royals continued an exciting 2020 draft on Thursday. Their third pick on Day 2 was 105th overall and they added a left-handed strikeout artist.

Christian Chamberlain is a 5’10”, 173 pound, 20-year-old, left-handed hitting pitcher with three average or better pitches. He tied a college world series record with an 11-strikeout relief appearance as a freshman.

Chamberlain was putting up ridiculous numbers in the PAC-12 in 2020 before the season shutdown after converting to a starter. In four starting appearance, Chamberlain had a 0.82 ERA, 0.773 WHIP, with 34 Ks in 22.0 innings.

In the 4th round, the Royals take lefty Christian Chamberlain out of Oregon State. Chamberlain, 20, is 5-10, 173. Can run his fastball up to 95 but his swing-and-miss pitch is a 12-to-6 curveball. Strikeout ratio 12/9.
— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) June 12, 2020

According to the scouting report on mlb.com;

"“The sub-6-footer has a three-pitch mix that could give him the chance to start. He can run his fastball up to 95 mph, though as a starter his velocity backed off after a few innings to around 90-91 mph. Chamberlain throws it with good riding life, and he likes to throw it up in the zone to miss bats. His curve is close to a 12-to-6 breaking ball with good bite that can miss a lot of bats, one that was responsible for eight of his 11 K’s in that CWS performance. He can mix in an average changeup as well.”"

Chamberlain has some of the most deceptive mechanics in the draft, which allow him to tunnel his pitches successfully. His mechanics do require some effort to generate velocity.

He has a head snap prior to his release, which contribute to concerns about his ability to have consistent control. Chamberlain finishes to the third base side and could benefit from finishing more toward the plate. He is able to disguise his pitches well repeating his arm speed.

His curveball is a borderline plus pitch and the change-up plays up with his deceptive release. The fastball typically sits in the low 90s mph, but he can push it up to 95 mph in shorter appearances. The fastball is at least MLB average and has late movement to the arm side.