James Hoyt
Some analysts argue that pitchers peak around the 30-year-old mark. Based on his minor league numbers, Hoyt exemplifies that notion.
While the right-hander spent a majority of his time in Triple-A over the past few years, he will likely stay on the MLB roster in 2018. When he was in Fresno, he essentially dominated opposing hitters.
Hoyt was the Pacific Coast League’s most efficient closer in 2016. He was also just three saves shy of breaking the team’s record in saves. He sported ridiculous numbers – a 1.64 ERA, .87 WHIP and 15.2 K/9 rates.
Once he made his transition to the Houston Astros, the 31-year-old faced some obstacles. He posted a 4.38 ERA in 49 1/3 innings and didn’t miss many bats, allowing 51 last season. A promising number, however, is that he walked just 14 guys.
The older rookie also boasts an electric repertoire. Since 2014, Hoyt has compiled more than 10 strikeouts per inning, no matter what league he pitched in.
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His superb amount of whiffs stem from his off-speed effectiveness.
During his stint in the MLB, more than 80 percent of his strikeouts were from sliders and changeups. Batters slashed just .202/.243/.341 against the slider.
A glaring issue is Hoyt’s heater. He cannot overpower hitters since he throws it in the low-to-mid-90s.
And considering that more than 50 percent of his fastballs were hit in the air, it’s a recipe for home run issues.
Several relievers are still solid, even if they don’t possess a 100-mph pitch like Chapman. The gap between MLB players and those in Triple-A isn’t so massive that Hoyt can’t adjust. But he would be much more intimidating with a reliable fastball.
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Hoyt doesn’t have as much time to improve as Musgrove due to his age, but he can – and likely will – still be a serviceable arm for the Houston Astros. His electric off-speed variety and strikeout rate will keep him afloat.