Reds: Joe Boyle has an absurd strikeout-rate after punching out 10 batters

The Cincinnati Reds selected Joe Boyle in the fifth-round of the abbreviated 2020 MLB Draft. The right-hander, who’d been on the injured list throughout most of the 2021 season, made his minor league debut late last month.

In his first outing, Boyle went three inning and struck out five of the 13 batters he faced. Boyle’s second trip to the hill was even more impressive, as the right-hander punched out eight batters over four innings.

Boyle was lit up for three earned runs over just 1.2 innings of work last week, but was still able to record five whiffs before being lifted prior to the end of the second inning. Heading into last night’s game, Joe Boyle owned a 45% strikeout-rate and 18.69 K/9.

Reds prospect Joe Boyle struck out 10 batters in 4 innings.

Last night, Joe Boyle went four innings for Low-A Daytona and struck out 10 batters. That performance raised Boyle’s strikeout-rate to an absurd 49.1%. Boyle’s K/9 is a ridiculous 19.89, and opposing batters are hitting just .143 off the Notre Dame alum.

Boyle is known for his plus, plus fastball. His heater is elite. But his control? Eh, not so much. Boyle has a 22.8% walk-rate and 9.24 BB/9 as the 22-year-old has 13 free passes in 12.2 innings pitched.

Boyle is rated as the Cincinnati Reds’ 30th best prospect according to MLB Pipeline. The 6-foot-7, 240-pound righty consistently hits 100-MPH on the radar gun. Boyle also possesses a slider that sits in the mid-80s.

Despite the fact that Boyle is currently gathering several starts, the young flamethrower is likely to occupy a bullpen role. Boyle was a reliever for the Fighting Irish, and it stands to reason that his plus, plus fastball would work well in relief.

Keep your eye on Joe Boyle. With his injury behind him, Boyle could emerge as one of the team’s highest rising prospects over the winter. Boyle must learn to control that fastball, and if he does, he’ll be a dangerous weapon out of the Cincinnati bullpen.