San Diego Padres top ten prospects for 2020
By David Hill
4. Michel Baez
Minors (AA): 27 innings, 2.00 ERA, 1.222 WHiP, 11 walks, 38 strikeouts
Majors: 29.2 innings, 3.03 ERA, 1.315 WHiP, 14 walks, 28 strikeouts
A starter through 2018, Michel Baez may see his future as a part of the San Diego Padres bullpen.
Another Cuban pitcher signed as part of the Padres pool shattering signing spree in 2016, Baez was a relative unknown when he signed for a $3 million bonus. He began his minor league career as a starter over his first two seasons, but may have found his place for the future in 2019, when the Padres transitioned him to a bullpen role in AA.
Baez does have the type of arsenal that could work as a starter. His fastball sits in the mid 90s, and can touch 98 MPH. Thrown from a three quarters arm slot, the fastball also has decent movement, which he pairs well with his slider. That slider may be his best offering, a wipeout pitch that he can use to generate strikeouts with its two plane movement. He also throws a curve and a change, both of which flash as above average offerings.
Understandably, given his solid four pitch arsenal, the Padres still regard Baez as a future starter. However, given his imposing 6’8″ 220 pound frame, as well as his relatively funky delivery, Baez could end up as a weapon in the bullpen. His fastball/slider combination could be deadly in the later innings, making him a possible closer of the future.
Michel Baez has already made his presence felt with the San Diego Padres. While he is in the bullpen for now, his future has yet to be determined; however, if he dominates in relief, he could be their long term answer at closer.