When thinking about Texas Rangers pitching prospects, Gavin Collyer, who stands at 6’1″ and weighs 190 lbs, may not be the first name that springs to mind, but he is undoubtedly one we will be closely monitoring this season.
Collyer was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 12th Round of the 2019 draft, the same draft that saw the Rangers select Josh Jung, Davis Wendzel, and Cody Bradford, just to name a few.
The chart below shows some of Gavin Collyer’s stats since being drafted. Remember, the 2020 minor league season was lost due to covid.
| Year | Record | IP | ERA | BB | SO | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1-1 | 5.0 | 10.80 | 6 | 7 | 2.20 |
| 2021 | 3-1 | 73.0 | 3.33 | 48 | 84 | 1.52 |
| 2022 | 6-5 | 104.2 | 4.56 | 44 | 115 | 1.26 |
| 2023 | 0-7 | 54.0 | 5.31 | 29 | 64 | 1.52 |
Last season, Collyer transitioned from starting to a bullpen role, making six starts while predominantly coming out of the bullpen. In our interview, he provided insights into his draft journey, shed light on some of his off-season focus, and getting back to who he was as a pitcher.
Here is our interview with Gavin Collyer
Can you tell us about your experience of being drafted by the Texas Rangers?
Getting drafted was one of the greatest feelings ever, growing up playing baseball I wasn’t really the best until I had my spark my junior year of high school. I’m so incredibly grateful the Rangers saw something in me and are giving me the chance to live out my dream. I’ll never forget that day ever and will always have respect for the Rangers organization.
What aspects of your game have you focused on improving during the off-season?
This off-season was a main focus on getting stronger and working on my craft as a pitcher. I’ve been in the organization for 5 years now and have a pretty good idea of who I am as a pitcher so now it’s time to work on feeling good and being ready for the season.
Are there specific pitchers, past or present, whose playing style or mentality you admire or draw inspiration from?
A lot of pitchers are different in the mental part of the game and that’s what’s so cool about this sport. Growing up watching Max Scherzer do his thing on the mound has always been a standout to me because he never gave up, no matter what was going on he kept attacking and that’s what I wanna be as a pitcher. To be able to block out the past of what happen the at bat before that or if you’re not feeling the best that day.
Can you share some insights into your training routine and preparation for the upcoming season?
My routine has always been simple. I’m not the guy that shows up and does a lot of different things, I have my stretches I do to make me feel right and be able to perform at my best.
I have had low back tightness here and there so I mostly focus on lower body strength and stretching to help loosen up my back. I’m a whippy pitcher so just keeping the upper body as loose as possible is very big for me.
How do you stay motivated and positive when things may not go your way on the mound?
Finding ways to make yourself happy is a big thing when it comes to baseball not going your way for me. I like to think of baseball as a game and some days you’re gonna have bad ones and some you’re gonna feel like you’re on top of the world.
Learning to understand that it’s going to happen and overcoming the stress it may put you under. It’s a hard job, something you have to truly love and I’ve had my ups and downs and it’s not fun, but I’ve learned to move on from the past and look ahead and do better next time. Can’t put pressure on yourself, it’s a fun game so just let loose.
Are there particular pitches or aspects of your pitching arsenal that you’ve been working on to refine or add to your repertoire?
I’ve added one pitch to my arsenal last year and it was a sinker. It helped me out a lot because I’m a 3/4 slot guy and have a really good slider so it plays really well off my slider. I wanna add a cutter here in the next year or two as well.
What advice would you give to young pitchers aspiring to make it to the professional level?
What I would say to a young pitcher coming up is to start trying to find yourself and who you are as a baseball player. You have to love this game to be a professional so make sure it’s the right choice and you have to know you’re going to put everything into this sport.
I want every baseball player to make it to this level, it’s the greatest feeling ever, just keep grinding and don’t let outside distractions get to you. Stay in your lane and do your thing!
Can you share a memorable moment or highlight from your baseball career so far?
I’ve clinched two playoff spots and to celebrate with the team knowing you’ve all accomplished something this year is such an unreal feeling. To get around all your teammates and celebrate all the hard work you’ve put in to be a top team in the division is amazing.
How do you approach building rapport and communication with catchers and fellow pitchers on the team?
You’re around your teammates a lot during the year and relationships are everything, you have to be family at some point cause you’re going to war, we are all brothers.
Pitchers and catchers need to have communication and a good relationship or it’s hard to get on the mound cause you don’t know if you trust the dude or not. And that’s why I’m big on talking to the catchers cause that’s your best friend on the field cause it’s just you and him.
What are your goals and aspirations for the upcoming season, both individually and as part of the team?
My goals this year are to be the best version of myself as possible. I’ve gotten away from who I am as a pitcher and have to get back to who I was! And of course be the best teammate for my team.
What is your favorite minor league ballpark that you’ve played in?
I really enjoyed playing at the Greenville Drive park it’s a replica of the Red Sox stadium with the green monster so it was pretty awesome.
Outside of baseball, what are some hobbies or interests that help you relax and recharge?
Golf is my main thing and video games to get my mind off baseball and relax.
If you didn’t get drafted by the Rangers in 2019 what university would you have attended?
I was committed to the University of Alabama.
You’re in the World Series and you have a 0-2 count for the title. What pitch do you have the most confidence throwing?
Slider for sure. Could throw that pitch anytime I need a strike or a strike out.
Do you see yourself as a starter or reliever?
I came in as a starter but the way I pitch it works better as a reliever. So I was moved to a reliever but I really enjoy both.
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
I’ve hit a hole in one.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Ehhhh yeah I enjoy it cause pineapple is my favorite.
Growing up, did you play any other sports?
Yes basketball!
Some of Collyer’s numbers so far this season:
- 2-2 Win-loss Loss Record
- 3.09 ERA
- 35 IP
- 46 SO
- 21 BB
- 1 HR allowed
In conclusion, our sincere thanks go to Gavin Collyer for sharing his insights with us. We’re excited to track his progress throughout 2024 and beyond.
Be sure to follow Gavin Collyer on X.
