2015 Twins: Who Paces The Strikeouts?

Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher Alex Meyer against the East during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

4. Alex Meyer

Admittedly, Meyer is somewhat of a difficult case to predict. Assuming he doesn’t make the starting rotation out of Spring Training, he will likely be starting in Triple-A. Regardless of how the season starts, Meyer should break into the rotation by June, and that could come at the expense of Tommy Milone or Trevor May.

Although he hasn’t yet pitched at the major league level, Meyer is still considered a top-notch prospect with front of the rotation potential. Last season Meyer posted a 10.6 K/9 at Triple-A Rochester, and he struck out 153 batters over 130 innings pitched. The innings total should go up this season, and the K/9 mark is actually low based upon his career numbers.

With that in mind, Meyer will have his time in the major leagues shortened by the amount of time he is held down at Triple-A. He should have plenty of ability to strike batters out at the major league level, and reducing walks while improving command with only help his case. Expect Meyer to see a small dip in his K/9 facing major league hitters, but to total around 130 strikeouts this season for the Twins.