Connelly Early

ANALYSIS
Early, a fifth-round pick last year out of Virginia, excelled after an assignment to High-A Greenville (3.72 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 90 Ks in 67.2 IP) before getting promoted to Double-A in late-July. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound southpaw could have a little projection remaining, and adding velocity to his low-90s fastball (can dip into upper 80s) would be a big help as he looks to make it as more than a back-end starter. As is often the case with lefties whose best pitch is a plus changeup, Early was able to put up impressive numbers in the lower levels, but he'll need to show he can limit hard contact as he returns to the upper levels in 2025.