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Toronto Blue Jays: William Gastón could be a bargain

ByYusseff Diaz|
DETROIT, MI - JULY 16: A detailed view of a Toronto Blue Jays baseball hat and glove sitting on the dugout steps during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 16, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Blue Jays 6-5. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JULY 16: A detailed view of a Toronto Blue Jays baseball hat and glove sitting on the dugout steps during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 16, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Blue Jays 6-5. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The Toronto Blue Jays could have a bargain in William Gaston.

William Gaston was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays to a minor league contract on December 22, 2018 for an undisclosed amount. Although this is an under the radar signing the team has high expectations for this young raw talent.

Equipped with a fastball that sits between 92-94 mph and tops out a 97 mph, Gastón could be an integral piece of the Jays bullpen in the near future. Amazingly, Gastón never played in the Cuban National Series or its Sub 23 development league before his signing.

The righty who has the tools to be a Major League pitcher had a good first year at low A ball with the Vancouver Canadians of the Northwest League.

In 14 games with the club, both as a reliever and starter, he compiled a record of 3-3, 3.23 ERA and struck out 40. The flamethrower still needs work on his control posting a WHIP of 1.59 but also posted an impressive SO9 of 7.6. If Gastón develops like he’s supposed to, he could be a bargain signing for the club.

You had a decent first year in Vancouver. What part of your game did you work on most during the off-season?

I worked a lot on my balance and on my command. I also did a lot of strength and resistance training.

At what level will you start the next season?

I was told by the club that I would be assigned to the Dunedin Blue Jays (A+) of the Florida State League. God willing I’ll have a good season there.

Being that you and Sandy Gaston are cousins and both pitchers is there a friendly rivalry between you two ?

Being Sandy’s cousin gives me great pride. The only competition I have is myself in the sense that I can be my own worst enemy. I want to work hard and get better everyday.

What have you been doing to stay in shape during the shutdown?

I’ve been up bright early everyday working on my mechanics and physique. I’m just trying to get better one day at a time.

You were used as both a starter and a long reliever, do you have a defined role this year?

I’m going to have the same role as last year and hopefully I can thrive in this role once again.

What is your goal for the season?

My goal is to focus on being a better pitcher and try to better with the location of my pitches.

Is there any pitcher in the current day that you admire?

I admire Gerrit Cole, I want to be a power pitcher just like him.

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