Mariners' A.J. Puckett: Gets MiLB deal from Seattle
Rotowire
Puckett signed a minor-league contract with the Mariners on Thursday.
Puckett was a second-round pick of the Royals in the 2016 MLB Draft, but he has yet to appear in a game above the Double-A level and is now entering his age-28 season. The right-hander will function as organizational relief depth for Seattle in 2023.
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Braves' A.J. Puckett: Heads to High-A
Rotowire
Puckett (elbow) will report to High-A Rome to begin his tenure with the Atlanta organization.
A 2016 second-round pick of the Royals, Puckett was later traded to the White Sox the following year. He only made five minor-league starts for the organization and hasn't pitched since after developing elbow problems that ultimately required Tommy John surgery in March 2019. Now more than two years removed from the procedure, a healthy Puckett will look to reboot his career in his third organization.
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White Sox's A.J. Puckett: Opts for Tommy John surgery
Rotowire
Puckett posted March 13 on his personal Instagram account that he underwent Tommy John surgery.
Puckett didn't pitch at all in 2018 while trying to rehab from elbow pain but ultimately opted to go under the knife this spring after failing to show significant improvement. The 2016 second-round pick has yet to pitch above the High-A level and will likely turn 25 years old by the time he's ready for competitive action, effectively taking him off the radar as a prospect.
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White Sox's A.J. Puckett: Dealt to White Sox in Cabrera trade
Rotowire
The Royals traded Puckett and minor-league pitcher Andre Davis to the White Sox on Sunday in exchange for outfielder Melky Cabrera and cash considerations.
The 22-year-old Puckett, an early selection in the 2016 first-year player draft, is held in high esteem by scouts for his plus changeup and above-average command. He's had uneven results at High-A Wilmington this season, producing a 3.90 ERA and 98:46 K:BB over 108.1 innings, but gives the White Sox yet another promising pitching prospect to dream on. He'll likely stick around at the High-A level and report to Winston-Salem with his new organization.
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Royals' A.J. Puckett: Developing third pitch
Rotowire
Puckett is working to develop a third pitch -- a curveball -- in hopes of climbing through the Royals' farm system Damien Sordelett of MiLB.com reports.
The Royals' second-round pick in 2016 was primarily a fastball-changeup pitcher at Pepperdine University, but he understands that having a third weapon in the arsenal is required for professional success. The 6-foot-4 200-pounder has thrived in his first three starts this season with High-A Wilmington, where he is 2-1 with a 1.59 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 17 innings. The 22-year-old is the club's No. 5 pitching prospect and should be on the radar across all dynasty formats.
