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Jose Berrios: Minnesota Twins Starter in 2016?

By Matthew Schoettler

Mar 13, 2015; Bradenton, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Jose Berrios (68) pitches during the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2015; Bradenton, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Jose Berrios (68) pitches during the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jose Berrios was close to making his MLB debut at the tail-end of 2015; however, he finished the year out in the minors. Could he open 2016 in the Twins’ rotation?

The Minnesota Twins selected Jose Berrios with the 32nd pick (1st round) of the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft out of Puerto Rico. In 2012, Jose Berrios split time between the Appalachian and Gulf Coast Leagues. Jose Berrios dominated upon the start to his professional career. Between the two leagues, Jose Berrios owned a 3-0 record, across 30.2 inning pitched. Also, he posted a phenomenal 1.17 ERA and 0.62 WHIP.

Next: Corey Seager. 2016 Rookie of the Year. Book It.

After Jose Berrios’ first professional season, he played the full 2013 season at Single-A Cedar Rapids, where he struggled with the increase in talent. In 19 starts, Jose Berrios owned a 7-7 record, with a 3.99 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. The main culprit for Berrios’ struggles in 2013 is that his BB/9 inflated from 1.2 in 2012 to 3.5 in 2013. Moreover, his K/9 dropped drastically, falling from 14.4 to 8.7.

Despite his struggles in 2013, the Minnesota Twins decided to start Jose Berrios out in High-A in 2014, and he split time in three different leagues. Jose Berrios earned two in-season promotions, ultimately moving from High-A to Triple-A in 2014. At High-A, Berrios dominated his competition, owning a 1.97 ERA in 16 starts. The Twins saw enough of Jose Berrios at High-A and decided to promote him to Double-A.

At Double-A, Jose Berrios struggled somewhat with the promotion, seeing his numbers fall off across the board. However, at age-20, Jose Berrios was close to 4.6 years younger than the competition at that level. In eight starts, Jose Berrios owned a 3-4 record, 3.54 ERA, and 1.11 WHIP. His struggles at Double-A seem to stem from a career-worst 2.33 K/BB ratio. Near the end of the 2014 season, Jose Berrios earned another promotion, this time to Triple-A.

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Jose Berrios made one start at Triple-A  in 2014, and he got shelled for six earned runs in just three innings pitched, resulting in an 18.00 ERA. With an unimpressive end to the 2014 season, the Minnesota Twins believed Jose Berrios needed to start the 2015 season at the Double-A level and move his way up mid-season.

Jose Berrios improved on the mound in 2015, dominating at both the Double-A and Triple-A levels. Between the two leagues, Jose Berrios registered a 2.87 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. At Triple-A, Jose Berrios showed why he is considered one of the Twins’ top prospects. Berrios struck out nearly 10 batters per nine innings, while giving up just 1.7 walks per nine, resulting in 5.93 K/BB ratio.

Due to Jose Berrios’ strong performances at Triple-A, the Minnesota Twins pondered the idea of him helping the team out for a late-season playoff push. The Twins, ultimately, decided against promoting Berrios to the top level, but that leaves the door open for him to earn a starting spot in the rotation heading into 2016.

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Jose Berrios demonstrates and advanced feel for the strike zone, and while him starting the 2016 season in the Twins’ rotation seems farfetched, Berrios should find himself in the rotation sooner rather than later. Jose Berrios dominated at the Triple-A level last season, and he has little to prove in the minor leagues, if anything. Also, with the Twins’ rotation not seen as a strong suit, Jose Berrios provides a boon to the rotation and could be a solid piece in the middle.

If Jose Berrios showcases his true potential in Spring Training, he has the possibility to crack the Twins’ starting rotation. No one on the Twins’ roster presents as much upside as Jose Berrios in 2016. Moreover, the former Futures Game player figures to become a solid pitcher for the Twins in years to come. The only obvious downfall to Jose Berrios’ game is his small from, standing 6′ and weighing 185 pounds.

Next: Corey Seager. 2016 Rookie of the Year. Book It.

Jose Berrios makes the most out of his frame, and if he learns to mix up his pitches to keep hitters of balance, he should be a key fixture in the Twins’ rotation. Berrios has a nice feel for the strike zone, so command is not the issue moving forward. Whether or not he can compete at a high level vs MLB hitting is the question. Expect great things from Jose Berrios in the near-future.

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