After speculation that he was headed back to school, the Orioles have agreed to terms with 7th round pick, Matt Bywater, for $195,000.
Yesterday, O’s beat reporter Brittany Ghiroli said it was “highly unlikely” the Orioles would reach an agreement with the LHP from Pepperdine. Earlier today, Bywater said, “[There hasn't been] much progress at this point. I’d like to be optimistic.”
Bywater is seen as a guy who could move quickly, but won’t become more than a back-end starter. He possesses a plus changeup, a 88-91 mph fastball, an average CB and locates all three pitches well. He was seen as a 3rd-5th round pick by most.
Some have compared him to Bowie’s Rick Zagone, while others see him as a poor man’s Brian Matusz. While he isn’t a can’t miss prospect, it’s certainly nice to add a LHP who could move quickly.
This leaves Dixon Anderson and Manny Machado as the Orioles only remaining unsigned top 10 picks.
