MLB: Minor League 2016 All-Stars, Pitchers
Stephen Gonsalves, LHP, Minnesota Twins, A+/AA, 21 years old
Stats: 140 innings, 2.06 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 57/155 BB/K ratio
The Twins drafted Gonsalves out of high school in San Diego in the fourth round in 2013. He’s been performing very well ever since, but somehow he’d flown under the radar before 2016.
While Gonsalves may not throw 99 or have a breaking pitch that will leave batters cursing, he has still found a way to sequence hitters to the tune of a 27 percent strikeout rate, which is certainly worthy of top of the rotation consideration.
The Twins have a recent history of seeing elite left-handers come out of trades and make debuts in their system, and those guys are known for their change ups. Johan Santana may have one of the best changes in recent memory, and Francisco Liriano can track his success in his career to the ability for him to sequence his change with his fastball and slider. Gonsalves fits that mold as well, with his change up arguably his best pitch overall.
His control is still a concern, and it will be the major thing that could hold up Gonsalves, but for a guy who will be 22 on Opening Day and likely starting at AA or AAA, he’s got a bit of time to get that ironed out before getting to the majors.
Don’t be surprised to see Gonsalves at the top of a number of Twins prospect lists this offseason!
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