Cleveland Guardians 2023 prospects scouting report: #31 LHP Ryan Webb

Can a Webb/Guardians partnership help the talented left-hander capture his former first-round form?

Build, Background, Delivery 

Drafted as a fourth round selection in the 2021 MLB Draft, Webb signed for $500,000 as a fourth year collegiate arm. 2021 Tommy John surgery resulted in the left-hander slipping down the draft board. Webb has a mostly filled out smaller frame 6’1, 202 lb. The Georgia native utilizes a catapult like three-quarters arm path with a quick arm motion through his delivery.

Ian Smith @FlaSmitty

Georgia LHP Ryan Webb is healthy and pushing himself into the top tier of college LHPs. So far, 8k thru 3 IP today with a deadly 3 pitch mix working well. #MLBDraft

What Webb does well 

The lefty showed his ability to generate outs with lesser stuff against younger competition. Webb deploys his mid-to-upper 70s top to bottom 11-5 curveball with bad intentions. His curveball pairs well with his low to mid 80s sinking changeup messing with hitters timing. While his fastball command was erratic at times he used it well off of the zone showing his ability to set up hitters with his secondaries. The low to mid 80s slider plays well as a jam pitch running in on right-handed batters.

Ian Smith @FlaSmitty

Ryan Webb. Plus Curveballs.

Where Webb needs to improve 

Webb showed he was healthy last year logging time in Arizona and Lynchburg last season. Control usually comes back 18 months to two years post surgery for the majority of Tommy John arms. That being said, Webb will need to show improved command overall. His fastball command was off at times as was his delivery resulting in a few slips and falls. 

Justin L. @JL_Baseball

Really liked what I saw from Ryan Webb today His FB control early in the game was not good. Couldn't spot it. But he rebounded. Showed off a good, sharp curve, got plenty of swings and misses on his CH. I like the angle on the FB he comes in with. Would be curious to see metrics

Intangibles 

The former Bulldogs lefty is a four-year college arm and experienced as a reliever turned starter. He has a relatively fresh arm/with little wear and tear as a starter despite the arm injury (untapped potential?). Webb displays a four-pitch mix and potential for above-average command despite the elongated arm path. It's a solid mid-range ceiling/high floor profile thanks to his four-pitch mix could enable the lefty to stick as a starter. With closing experience, Webb has an enticing “fallback” option as a reliever too. The left-hander showed more velocity in college on his fastball 91-94 mph topping out at 95-96 mph. As he continues to recover from elbow surgery there's potential for a few more ticks of velocity. Prior to injury Webb had some late first round smoke—there’s talent here, the question is whether he can put it all back together.

Future 

Webb cleared the first hurdle in his Tommy John surgery recovery—logging innings and putting injury in the rearview was a big step in the right direction. He showed the ability to utilize his stuff and turn over lineups in abbreviated looks last season. This year holds potential for a breakout season of sorts if his command returns (usually 1–2 years post-op) and he gains a tick or two of velocity. With organizational depth, the left-hander could start next season in Lake County but move quickly to Akron when there's an opening. 

Role- 40 backend starter/setup man

Justin L. @JL_Baseball

Here's a look at a few of Ryan Webb's CHs exclusively today. Lot of swings over the drop. Also against a pretty good Salem lineup. Doubled up on the CH in an AB at one point.