Garren Rizzo brings strikeout upside and early-career volatility on the mound
Rizzo has shown real bat-missing ability for USC, posting 13 strikeouts in 10.0 innings in 2025 after a freshman year that mixed swing-and-miss stuff with inconsistent command and a high opponent average. His best differentiator is ceiling: when he’s sharp, he can overwhelm hitters, and USC’s own notes show a standout 9-strikeout outing against Cal State Fullerton in 2025. The big question is durability and consistency after elbow surgery delayed his 2026 season and limited his workload, so he fits best as a high-upside arm if your staff can manage the health risk.
