Name: Kyle Simon
Position: RHP
Bats: R
Throws: R
DOB: 8/18/1990
Height: 6′ 6″
Weight: 220
Acquired: Drafted in the 4th round (#125 overall) by the Baltimore Orioles in 2011 ($231,300).  Acquired from Orioles along with Gabriel Lino in exchange for Jim Thome.

Pre Draft Report:  Simon has good size and good sink on his fastball to go with a good feel for pitching.  His fastball can touch 93 but sits mostly 86-89, and he pairs it with a cutter and changeup.  Simon could go to the bullpen show more low-90s fastballs or could be a potential back of the rotation starter.

Career Synopsis:

Simon made his pro-debut making relief appearances in the NYPL and SAL after pitching heavy innings in college.  He earned the #18 prospect ranking in a weak Orioles system by Baseball America.

The Orioles sent him to Hi-A as a starter in 2012 where he struggled at times with 3.96 ERA over 72.2 IP.  He was traded to Phillies mid-season along with Gabriel Lino in exchange for Jim Thome and Phillies immediately moved him to the bullpen.  After dominating Hi-A he moved up to AA where he continued to dominate as his walk rate dropped and his strikeout rate increased, additionally he was able to bring his groundball rate back up.  He had a disappointing trip to the Arizona Fall League but still was rated the #30 prospect in the Phillies system at the end of the year.

Scouting Report: Below is an assessment of Simon’s raw tools, rated on the traditional 20-80 scouting scale. The grades are my estimation based on what I’ve read and those I’ve talked to. The second number is a future projection, the first number is the current assessment

Fastball: 60
Control: 55
Command: 50
Secondary Pitches: 35/45 Slider, 35/45 Changeup

Summary: Simon’s fastball has average velocity (89-92) but its strong sinking motion helps in play up as plus pitch.  His secondary pitches are fringy at this point but good get close to average with work.

Upside:  Simon profiles as a middle reliever who can get multiple innings.  His sinker will generate plenty of groundballs and he won’t require any large development of his secondary offerings to be a useful major league pitcher.  Simon could be ready in late 2013 and provide plenty of value.

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UPDATE:  Left unprotected and selected by Colorado in the 2014 Rule 5 Draft. Released before season started and wound up in Independent ball (Lancaster Barnstromers in the Atlantic League).

Profile updated: 9/20/2015