
Kyle Muller — Projection and Timetable
When Does He Pitch for the Braves … Again
Obviously, we’ve already seen Muller make his debut. He’ll compete for a rotation spot in Spring Training, but I think he ultimately starts 2022 back at Gwinnett to continue working on his command.
I do think we’ll see him start again at some point during the 2022 season.
Projecting His Numbers
Until he gets his command under control, I see Muller as a number four or five starter with an ERA around 4.50 and a WHIP around 1.30.
If he learns to command his pitches better and can get ahead early to set up his great slider, then that’s when I see him reaching his ceiling as a number three starter with an ERA more around 3.80 and a WHIP closer to 1.25.
Because of his size, which makes it harder to repeat his delivery and arm slot, the BB/9 will almost always be an issue. Right now it’s projected to be around 4.5, but if he can get that to 3.8 it would do wonders for him.
He does have swing-and-miss stuff, so I do believe he’ll always have a K/9 of around 9.
Sometimes the shine gets knocked off a prospect once you see him at the big league level. I think some of that is happening with Muller. But I am still a believer he can be a solid, middle-of-the-rotation arm as soon as 2022.