Carter Baumler
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| Photo from Twitter- @CarterBaumler |
Bio:
Age: 20
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 195 lbs.
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Draft Profile: 5th Round, 133th pick of 2020 draft by Baltimore
Drafted Out of: Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines, Iowa)
Career Stat Line: 11.2 IP 0-0 W/L 1.54 ERA 20:7 K:BB .171 AVG. 1.20 WHIP
Our second Oriole prospect in the Minor League Spotlight is another right handed pitcher, Carter Baumler. Growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, Carter attended Dowling Catholic High, where he not only shined on the baseball diamond, but on the football field as well. He was a very accomplished kicker and punter who turned down multiple D-1 offers to pursue his baseball dream.
Baumler had a strong junior campaign on the mound, going 5-1 with a 1.77 ERA and displaying high levels of athleticism that had scouts from all major league teams calling (Des Moines Register). A member of the Iowa Sticks travel team, Carter committing to play college baseball at TCU. Due to the pandemic, he was only able to throw in one game during a shortened senior season. The lack of playing time left a ton of question marks surrounding the enticing prospect.
A wiry 6'2" frame, fastball consistently around 93 and a solid curveball had caught the eyes of many in the know. A changeup that was coming along as a third pitch was an additional appeal in projecting the Iowa product as a starter (Prospects Live). It ultimately came down to a team that was willing to pay a premium price to pull him away from Texas Christian.
In the 5th round of the 2020 draft, the Baltimore Orioles were the team willing to make that plunge. Having saved money by going under slot on first round pick Heston Kjerstad, Baltimore was able to afford this premium, signing Baumler for a $1.5 million bonus, approximately $1.1 million over slot value. It was an aggressive move indicative of the organization's buy-in to his upside.
Unfortunately, the exciting 5th rounder tore his UCL the November after he was drafted, requiring Tommy John surgery that shelved him until March of this year. He was able to heal up in time to attend spring training in Sarasota, returning to a sense of professional normalcy. From there, Carter was assigned to the FCL Orioles, where he continued to prepare for his professional appearance.
On May 25th, Baumler made his debut as a member of the Delmarva Shorebirds. Pitching versus the Charleston Riverdogs, he went three innings, striking out five and allowing one hit and walk in a very encouraging debut. The Orioles 26th ranked prospect has made three more starts since then, not going past the third inning in any of them.
The righty currently finds himself back on the injured list, this time with right shoulder inflammation. Orioles fans are hoping that he will be back before the end of the year to continue getting in work at the low-A level. With only a month left in the season however, and with Carter only being 20 years old, the organization may play it safe and shut him down if there's any risk of reaggravation. Regardless, it was great seeing Carter get back to it, albeit briefly. Fingers crossed for a full recovery and a breakout 2023 campaign.
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@Choppinglines
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