Puckett’s Pond Top 20 Minnesota Twins Prospect List: Prospects #16-20
By Nate Palmer
#17 Nick Burdi
As the first non-18-year-old on this list, Nick Burdi comes in at #17. The hope was that the 24-year-old, right handed reliever would be pushing for a spot in the major league bullpen by this point. Injury has delayed that major league debut, as Burdi missed a lot of 2016 with elbow issues. And we found out in late May this season that Burdi would likely need Tommy John surgery.
As long as Burdi can get and stay healthy there is still plenty of optimism around the reliever. There has always been excitement around his fastball that can hit 100 mph. This season at AA Chattanooga Burdi pitched very well in 17 innings pitched. He had only given up one run, striking out 20, and walking 4.
The Twins could really use a healthy Burdi right now to at least try in the bullpen. Instead, the consolation prize is holding down a spot on a prospect list. At least Burdi will have company in recovery as his brother Zack Burdi is also likely slated for Tommy John as well. All kidding aside, hope to see the two brothers recover well and recover their pitching form.