When the Washington Nationals drafted right-handed pitcher Marquis Grissom Jr. in the 13th round of the 2022 MLB Draft, they knew they were getting a special talent with a high ceiling and MLB pedigree.
What made that day even sweeter was the team drafted the 21-year-old and son of former MLB player Marquis Sr. on his birthday.
One thing that immediately stood out about Grissom was how he handles the expectations that come with his name.
In 2019, the hard-throwing pitcher told MLB.com this while attending the Breakthrough Series camp:
“People tell me I have a lot of expectations to live up to, but I’m just trying to make my own name.”
Thus far the Washington Nationals prospect has done exactly that, while refusing to feel pressure while he carves out his own destiny on the hill, despite being the son of a two-time All Star, four-time Gold Glove outfielder and World Series champion.
Grissom Shines For Single-A Fredericksburg
In his second season with Fredericksburg, Grissom Jr. shined in his role as a reliever in 2023.
In 31 appearances, he finished with a 4-2 record, 2.13 ERA and 39 strikeouts while allowing just a paltry .213 batting average in 41.1 innings pitched.
Grissom’s 1.11 WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched) is what really jumps off the screen, and it shows the control he has on the mound. In all, it was a great showing as the Nationals may have drafted a hidden gem.
One of the top pitching prospects in the country coming out of high school, Grissom Jr. battled myriad injuries during his freshman season at Georgia Tech. That derailed his growth and played a role in him being drafted that late.
In retrospect, the Nationals quite possibly landed a first-to-second round talent, and he showed that this year by being named an MiLB All Star by the organization.
What’s Next For Grissom Jr.?
Known as a fastball/change-up pitcher, Grissom Jr led all Nats minor leaguers with 11 saves, while striking out batters at an impressive 8.49 K/9 clip. The biggest difference for Grissom from 2022 to 2023 was the increased velocity on his fastball which clocked out at 96 MPH this season, a full mile and a half faster than last season when he topped out at 94.5 MPH.
With the increased velocity, Grissom has still maintained the sharp control he’s always possessed. In fact, he used it to help him induce weak plate contact by batters as he’s become more comfortable with attacking the strike zone when called out on of the bullpen.
If he keeps this up it makes for a very likely call up to either High-A or Double-A ball sometime in 2024.
Until then, the kid whose goal was to carve out his own niche, will continue to do just that as one of a growing band of talented MLBbro one on the brightest prospects for the prospect-laden and rebuilding Nationals.
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