San Francisco Giants Top 10 Prospects for 2017

10. Matt Krook, LHP

Birthdate: 10/21/94 (22 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: rookie, short season A
Stats in 2016: 40 2/3 IP, 5.53 ERA, 1.87 WHIP, 17.41 BB%, 20.4 K%

The third excellent college pick in a row for the Giants in the 2016 draft, Krook was selected in the fourth round. He had been the 35th overall selection by the Marlins before medicals found elbow issues and the Marlins withdrew their offer. Krook ended up having Tommy John surgery in 2015 while at Oregon.

Krook through well when he returned to the mound in 2016 with some concerns about his location, but that’s typical for someone returning from TJS in their first season.

At full health, Krook works with a fastball that sits 92-94 and touches 96 with exceptional late life

At full health, Krook works with a fastball that sits 92-94 and touches 96 with exceptional late life. His curveball is absolutely elite, arguably a plus-plus pitch. Then you mix in a solid average slider and a change that he had a good feel for before surgery, and there’s an excellent four-pitch mix for Krook.

The location was a major concern this year, but the velocity certainly came back this year, and Krook’s delivery is such that he should be able to have consistency in his delivery, which should help his ability to locate as he gets feel back in his arm for the release of his pitches.

Krook will likely be eased into innings a bit in 2017, likely working in low-A to begin with and probably seeing an inning or pitch limit in each start to help his arm ease in as there is a possible front line starter here if he can return to full health.

Next: #9