The New York Mets drafted Keyshawn Askew in the 10th round of the 2021 draft. The lanky left-hander made a very good impression right out of the gate.
In four games, Askew pitched 9.0 innings striking out 14 and yielding a 0.778 WHIP. It was a big reason he allowed just one run.
There are reasons for his success including the small sample size. Askew has an unusual side-armed delivery where he hides the ball. Also, he found velocity after being drafted.
Mets drafted left-hander Keyshawn Askew in the 10th round last year.
He was up to 96 mph in the complex league after signing. As you can see, he throws from an unusual arm slot.
Video via @MetsFarmReport pic.twitter.com/dlMr3gD7Ly
— Michael Mayer (@mikemayer22) March 9, 2022
Askew went from throwing in the high 80s in college to hitting 96 MPH with the Mets. With that added velocity, he’s on a different level as a prospect.
Throwing at that velocity, Askew could well make the majors as a late inning reliever. He didn’t allow a hit to a left-handed batter all of last year, and he held right-handed batters to a .111 average.
Askew was primarily in the rotation in college, and if he can sustain that velocity, the Mets may allow him to prove himself as a starter.
Regardless of the path, Askew has two things going for him right now. First, he’s unique. His delivery sets him apart from others, and that delivery has helped him get results.
Next, and perhaps more importantly, Askew showed another gear. He received professional coaching, and he found not just higher velocity, but also better results on the field.
The trick for Askew now is not just sustaining what he showed the Mets in 2021, but he also has to build upon it. That will make 2022 a very important year for Askew.
Based on what we’ve seen from Askew in Spring Training, he is ready and able to rise to the challenge. If so, Askew will become one of the more interesting stories from the Mets farm system this season.
