Gavin Derr is a live-arm lefty with upside, but command still needs tightening
In the 2026 season, Washington State LHP Gavin Derr has shown flashes of real swing-and-miss potential, but the early returns are uneven: he entered 2026 after a freshman year with 14 strikeouts in 18.1 innings and a 6.38 ERA, then was described by one outlet as a projected rotation arm who still needed better command after posting a 7.52 ERA the year before. The selling points are the left-handed frame, arm strength, and a ceiling that scouts liked enough to rank him as Oregon’s No. 8 prospect out of high school; the caution flag is consistency, especially locating fastballs and limiting damage when hitters extend at-bats.
