Zack Burdi

Position: RH RP
Born: 3/9/1994
Ht: 6’3″ Wt: 205 lb
Acquired: Drafted 26th overall in the 2016 draft out of Louisville
Career Stats

FutureSox Prospect Rankings

  • #4 – 2016 Midseason
  • #8 – 2017 Preseason
  • #17 – 2017 Midseason
  • #14 – 2018 Preseason
  • #12 – 2018 Midseason
  • #13 – 2019 Preseason
  • #25 – 2019 Midseason
  • #18 – 2020 Preseason
  • #18 – 2020 Midseason
  • #18 – 2021 Preseason

FutureSox Media

Scouting Report

The White Sox selected the flame-throwing Zack Burdi 26th overall in 2016, as a potentially near-MLB ready reliever. His selection near the top of the supplemental round was approximately in line with most mocks and rankings just before the draft. His brother Nick is also a hard-throwing pro pitcher. They are Chicago area products to boot, both graduating from Downers Grove South High School.

At Louisville, the younger Burdi worked as the team’s closer in 2016. After being drafted, Burdi signed for slot, and pitched for four teams in his draft year, reaching Triple-A Charlotte. In the end across four levels he had 38 innings with a 3.32 ERA, 51 strikeouts, 20 walks and 23 hits allowed. He went back to Charlotte in 2017, but just as he looked ready for a call-up he tore his UCL and underwent Tommy John surgery.

He returned for a rehab assignment in Arizona late in 2018 with his velocity not reaching the lofty triple digits he had pre-surgery. In 2019 he reached Double-A Birmingham, but dislocated his right knee while doing pregame outfield work in June.

Burdi recovered in time for the delayed start of the 2020 season and earned a call-up to the White Sox. His fastball was back in the upper 90s consistently, but his command issues remained. In 7 1/3 innings with the White Sox, Burdi had a 11.05 ERA. He struck out 11 and walked three, but the real killer was the four home runs he allowed.

Burdi’s fastball is his calling card. He can reach 100 and it has significant movement as well. His location isn’t always great with the pitch, but that command has improved markedly since he started his pro career. He’s also got a slider with impressive 2-plane break and comes in around 90 as a plus offering. His third pitch is a changeup in a similar velocity range to the slider. It’s a tumbler but the movement wasn’t impressive in our looks and he was leaving it up.

His delivery has some oddities, but is relatively smooth, despite the dramatic acceleration and rotation with a low 3/4 delivery. That nearly side-arm delivery had some fearing future injury.

Major League Outlook: High-leverage reliever
ETA: 2020