Alex Clemmey has an electric arm, but needs to throw more strikes to reach his potential
Alex Clemmey is like a wild mustang that needs to be trained. He has all the athleticism and potential in the world, but needs to be reigned in for all that talent to matter.
Clemmey has so much raw potential, but right now it is exactly that, raw. This is alright for a young left hander who does not turn 20 until July. He has plenty of time to iron out his issues, and fully realize the potential he has.
Despite all that potential, the Guardians decided to trade him as part of a package that sent Lane Thomas to Cleveland. The move made sense for the Guardians, they needed outfield help, and while Clemmey’s talent is immense, he is still years away from reaching the big leagues. If Clemmey hits, this trade could look like a big win for the Nats, but that is still a big if.
Clemmey signed for an overslot $2.3 Million deal with the Guardians after being drafted in the first round in 2023. He was very young for his draft class, being only 17 on draft day. He is from Rhode Island, which could explain some of his rawness. A lot of northeast prospects tend to be less advanced because they are not able to play year around in the same way a Florida kid can.
In his first professional season, Clemmey posted a 4.58 ERA in 92.1 innings. However, that total was inflated by a disastrous first month, where the youngster posted a 12.60 ERA and walked 15 batters in 15 innings. After that brutal start, Clemmey got acclimatized to professional baseball, and only had one month where he finished with an ERA above 4.
Control is the big issue for Clemmey. He walked over six batters per nine innings last season, a mark that has to come down. He has a violent delivery, and when he is not right, his mechanics can waver. However, he struck out 12 batters per nine thank to his electric stuff.
His arsenal is headlined by an explosive fastball-slider combination. Clemmey’s heater sits in the mid 90’s, and comes at hitters in a hurry thanks to his 6’6 frame and funky delivery. However, his slider might be even better. It is truly devastating pitch that comes in around 85 MPH, and tunnels beautifully with his fastball. Hitters can’t tell whether they are getting a fastball or slider until it is too late when they see Clemmey. As is the case with most teenage pitchers, his changeup lags behind his top two pitches in its quality.
This explosive stuff combined with a violent delivery and scattershot control lead to reliever risk. There are some comparisons to free agent reliever Tanner Scott. However, with a pitcher this young, it is premature to pigeon hole him. Clemmey still has so much more development remaining, and could refine his arsenal. The Nationals should, and will give him every opportunity to start.
Clemmey will most likely start next season at high-A Wilmington, where he will most likely spend most if not all of the season. Alex Clemmey is going to be a slow burn, and patience will be required. However, if he can be trained properly, he can become a true thoroughbred.