Seattle Mariners Top 10 Prospects For 2017
2. Luiz Gohara, LHP
Birthdate: 7/31/96 (20 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: short season A, low A
Stats in 2016: 69 2/3 IP, 1.81 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 8.24 BB%, 29.03 K%
The Mariners signed Gohara out of Brazil in 2012, but his stuff really stagnated in short-season ball before taking a big step forward in 2016.
Gohara fought through a hamstring injury this year to show off his new-found fit frame after dropping 30ish pounds in the offseason before 2016, and the added athleticism allowed Gohara to be more consistent in his delivery, which allowed him to control his pitches much better.
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Gohara works with a plus fastball that sits at 92-95 and can touch 97-98 from the left side. His slider is rough for lefty hitters, and he did better with spotting it against righties this year. His change took a big step forward with his consistent mechanics this year, showing excellent arm deception and some solid fade to the pitch.
Gohara blew away scouts in the Arizona Fall League who saw him consistently fire out triple digit fastballs in short spurts. He had excellent location to hitters on both sides of the plate as well.
Gohara will likely be headed to the Cal League in 2017, a good test for his raw stuff.
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