If you’ve been paying attention to the rising stars in the world of baseball, chances are you’ve come across the name Nick Lodolo. The left-handed pitcher has had quite the journey, going from a relatively unknown player to one with huge potential to make an impact in the major leagues.

The story of Lodolo begins in 2019, when he was seen as a more floor than ceiling college arm, with good potential but not much hype. However, his performance during his first full season in the minor leagues proved otherwise, making scouts and fans alike take notice.

Fast forward to 2021, and Lodolo’s stats tell a story of growth and improvement. The 6-foot-6 lefty logged a 2.31 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, a 78:11 K:BB and a groundball rate over 54% in 50.2 innings across 13 starts (11 at Double-A, two at Triple-A). He suffered from a blister and a shoulder strain during the season, but that hasn’t stopped the Cincinnati Reds from recognizing his potential, making it clear that he’ll compete for a rotation spot this spring.

Lodolo’s rise can be attributed to his excellent command of four average or better pitches, with his upper-80s slider and low-to-mid-90s sinker being his bread and butter offerings. He’s able to generate weak contact and miss enough bats, making him a mid-rotation starter to watch out for in the coming years.

While he may not have high-octane stuff like some of his fellow pitchers, Lodolo has shown that he’s not to be underestimated. There’s still room for his skills to improve, but he’s on track to make more appearances in the majors than in the minors.

If you haven’t been following Lodolo’s journey, now’s the time to jump on the bandwagon. With the 2021 season behind him and a bright future ahead, he’s sure to make a splash in the baseball world. Get ready to see his name popping up even more as he takes his talents to the next level!