Toronto Blue Jays’ Ricky Tiedemann

The Toronto Blue Jays Ricky Tiedemann is among the best left-handed pitchers in development.

Tiedemann, 21, is now pitching in the Arizona Fall League, where this scout had an opportunity to evaluate him facing good prospects hitters from all Major League Baseball organizations.

This past season, Tiedemann pitched at four levels in the Blue Jays development program.

He threw in the Florida Complex (Rookie ) League, Class-A, Double-A, and Triple-A.

Combined, Tiedemann threw 44 innings in 15 starts. He threw to a 3.68 ERA, and 1.22 WHIP. Tiedemann walked 4.7 hitters per nine innings, while striking out 16.8 per nine.

It is his strikeout rate that intrigues this scout.

Tiedemann continues to strike out hitters in the Fall League.

About Ricky Tiedemann:

Tiedemann was not selected in the five-round, 2020 Major League Baseball draft out of high school. Teams felt his asking price was beyond their comfort level.

However, Tiedemann was a 3rd round selection of the Blue Jays in the 2021 draft.

Chosen out of Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California, Jaysjournal.com indicates Tiedemann signed with the Jays for a $644.000 signing bonus.

Tiedemann could be a true value for the Blue Jays in an era when pitching salaries continue to climb.

Tiedemann had originally committed to pitch for San Diego State University after attending Lakewood High School in southern California.

Tiedemann’s plans changed. He canceled his commitment to San Diego State.

Tiedemann decided to attend Long Beach City College to earn eligibility for the MLB draft. When Long Beach City College canceled their baseball season due to COVID-19, Tiedemann transferred to Golden West College.

Now, Tiedemann is viewed as the Blue Jays top prospect.

In 2022, Tiedemann gained recognition with his combined 2.17 ERA while pitching in Class-A, Class-A Advanced, and Double-A for the Blue Jays.

Not many Fall League players have reached Triple-A. Tiedemann is among them. He has been on a fast track to the big leagues.

Tiedemann’s older brother Tai, 27, was a 2016 MLB draft selection of the Texas Rangers.

In 2023, Tai Tiedemann was pitching in the Independent Atlantic League. The Atlantic League is a partner to MLB. Players are not affiliated with any big league club.

Scouting Ricky Tiedemann:

At 6-4, 220 pounds, Tiedemann is a good athlete with enough natural strength and stamina to withstand lengthy outings and go deeply into games.

As a starter, Tiedemann may take a hitter or two to get into rhythm. However, once he is comfortable on the mound, his command and control are excellent.

It is tough for hitters to pick up the ball out of his hand.

When he isn’t striking out a hitter, Tiedemann gets enough sink on his pitches to induce ground balls.

Tiedemann has shown an effective three-pitch mix.

Tiedemann’s fastball sits between 93-96 miles per hour, adding and subtracting velocity as the game progresses. His fastball is well a above average, plus-plus pitch, but it isn’t the best pitch in his arsenal.

For this scout, Tiedemann will finish off hitters with a well developed changeup, which drops down to the mid-80’s in velocity. Tiedemann alters the balance of the hitter with the changeup. His arm action on that pitch is superb, as he doesn’t change his mechanics to “tip” the pitch.

Right-handed hitters struggle with that changeup.

Tiedemann’s third pitch is an above average slider, which may still need a bit more refinement.

This scout’s Fall League observations included the following: “Strong bodied lefty with an exceptional repertoire. Above average fastball, changeup, and slider. Balance-altering changeup is his out pitch. Very tough on right-handed hitters due to arm angle and well -hidden release point. Could be an All Star at full development.”

Tiedemann has enough confidence in his arsenal to use any pitch at any count. His mound presence and demeanor are well beyond his experience level and age.

To this scout, Tiedemann has earned his outstanding reputation with a repertoire that is deep enough to attack hitters beyond one or two times through the batting order. He is built to eat innings, and put his team in a position to win.

The only issue may be extended at-bats relating to a large amount of foul balls. Those desperation foul balls could cause his pitch count to rise. One can expect to see lots of swings and misses, but also deep counts and lots of those foul balls.

Tiedemann has a record of 2-1 in the Fall League, with a sparkling 2.50 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 18 innings, covering four starts. He has walked eight, and struck out 23.

Tiedemann has been chosen for the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game roster.

The game will be held November 5, at Sloan Park in Mesa.

Overal Scouting Grade for Ricky Tiedemann: 60

A Grade 60 means Tiedemann has the skill to be an All Star, with a high quality repertoire and an ability to miss bats.