Hayden Deal has been a solid, if unexciting, pitching prospect since being signed as an undrafted free agent following a lackluster career at Presbyterian. Unfortunately it seems his days of starting are over and he will be a full-time relief pitcher going forward.
Midseason report card: Deal came in at 29th on Talking Chop’s midseason list, and his transition to the bullpen will signal the end of his time on that list. We still like Deal, but we rarely rank even elite relievers so he is not going to get a nod in the Top 30.