Minnesota Twins Top 10 Prospects For 2017
3. Stephen Gonsalves, LHP
Birthdate: 7/8/94 (22 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: high A, AA
Stats in 2016: 140 IP, 2.06 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 10.42 BB%, 28.23 K%
Considered a big time prospect coming into his senior year of high school, the Twins snared Gonsalves in the 4th round after he had struggled through a rough senior year. They handled him carefully in his introduction to pro ball before taking off the training wheels in 2015.
Gonsalves is a guy who throws four pitches, with his change likely being his best pitch, as he has tremendous feel for the pitch with excellent late movement.
More from Minnesota Twins
- Minnesota Twins: The 4 players who are on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- MLB Rumors: Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins
- Falvey, Levine and the Minnesota Twins front office: An interim grade
- MLB hot take: 5 disappointing players on contending teams
- Is mediocre good enough in the AL Central?
The fastball is not far behind, with an excellent velocity, but also great late movement that makes it very difficult to barrel up the pitch.
Gonsalves simply produced all season long. He had a tremendous year all around, using all four pitches, even his below-average slider, which is best considered a “show me” pitch that keeps pitchers honest down in the zone.
Gonsalves has tremendous mechanics from the left side at 6’5 and 215ish pounds, which allows him to get great plane to get on top of his curve and add sink to his fastball and change. He also has very solid control as he’s filled into his body.
Gonsalves will be in the high minors to start 2017, whether that’s at AA to start with an eye on a quick promotion to AAA if he continues his 2016 performance, or a straight promotion to AAA, Gonsalves should end his season in the Twin Cities regardless.
Next: #2