The primary purpose of this blog is to evaluate Big West prospects, but every once in a while, when you’re watching a game, it’s someone from the opposing team that catches your interest. So it was when Cal State Fullerton opened their weekend series against Fresno State righthander Jack Anker.
After four very strong outings to open the 2024 season, Anker was moved to the injured list with shoulder soreness. He wouldn’t return until late May, and when he did, he clearly wasn’t the same pitcher. So far in 2025, he looks more like the guy who dominated in those four early starts.
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 200 lbs.
- DOB: April 4, 2004
- Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Player Profile
- Build: Well-proportioned, strong but lean. Long upper body.
- Delivery: Abbreviated backstep leading into windup, high leg lift. Strong hip-to-shoulder separation. Efficient lower body engagement, driving down the mound with power. Minimal head movement, stable delivery. Well-balanced finish. Repeatable mechanics built for consistency and control.
- Arm Action: High three-quarter slot. Medium arm circle, clean overall. No major hindrances. Repeatable and efficient.
Pitch Arsenal
In Friday night’s game against Cal State Fullerton, Anker was throwing his fastball 93-95 into the top of the seventh inning. His 101st pitch of the game was a 94mph fastball for a swinging strike.
The fastball is the highlight of a balanced four-pitch mix, along with a sharp cutter that effectively disrupts hitters’ timing. His curveball and slider provide distinct breaking options, giving him the ability to attack hitters at different planes. His fastball-cutter combination generates consistent weak contact and occasional swing-and-miss, while his breaking pitches add depth to his arsenal.
Mechanics and Deception
Anker’s mechanics are smooth and repeatable, beginning with an abbreviated backstep before transitioning into his windup, where he brings his knee to his glove. As he straightens his front leg, his right hand drops to his back knee, setting up for a strong push down the mound. Upon planting his front foot, his back elbow stays bent, and the ball remains below his shoulder.
He lands at a 45-degree angle with his plant foot, opening his hips efficiently to deliver from a high three-quarter slot. His delivery hides the ball well, making it difficult for batters to pick it up until very late. After release, his arm moves in a clean circular motion, and his fastball shows late arm-side action, adding to his deception and overall effectiveness.
Outlook for 2025
Anker’s outlook for 2025 hinges largely on his health. After a strong start to the 2024 season, shoulder soreness sidelined him for half of Fresno State’s campaign. While he showed flashes of his potential upon returning, he wasn’t quite as sharp as before the injury. Anker has the build of a durable starter, with the strength to maintain his velocity deep into outings. To solidify his standing in 2025, he’ll need to prove he can stay healthy and deliver consistent results in the Bulldogs’ rotation. His success will be closely tied to his ability to maintain his form over a full season, making health a key factor in his development moving forward.
Projection
Anker has shown flashes of being a solid starter, with plus fastball command and balanced four-pitch mix standing out as key strengths. His ability to maintain velocity deep into outings is bolstered by his strong, durable frame. The 2024 season was a bit of a setback, but if he stays healthy in 2025, Anker has the tools to be a workhorse in the rotation, with a ceiling as a mid-rotation starter.
Projection: Profiles as a potential mid-rotation starter, with his fastball command and strong breaking pitches giving him a solid foundation. His cutter and curveball provide reliable secondary options, and his overall consistency will be key to his success moving forward.
Summary
Anker projects as a high-upside starting pitcher with the potential to be a key contributor at the professional level. With another tick or two to his already-mid-90s fastball, sharp cutter, curveball, and slider give him a well-rounded four-pitch mix that keeps hitters off balance and generates both weak contact and swing-and-miss results. His clean mechanics, excellent fastball command, and ability to deceive hitters with his well-hid delivery enhance his profile as a potential mid-rotation starter.
While durability and maintaining a full-season workload are areas to watch, Anker’s strong build, repeatable mechanics, and competitive edge make him a promising arm for the 2025 MLB Draft. With continued health and refinement of his secondary offerings, he has the potential to thrive in pro ball and become a reliable starter who can handle a full season in a rotation.
| Fastball | Curveball | Slider | Command | Overall | |
| Future | 60 | 50 | 50 | 60 | 55 |
Big West Dugout 