Minnesota Twins: A look at the Twins Top-5 prospects
3- Stephen Gonsalves LHP
Minnesota Twins prospect Stephen Gonsalves is the type of pitcher every organization in MLB craves. He’s a left-handed starting pitcher that throws strikes.
Gonsalves also throws his fastball in the low-mid 90’s and looks like he will be a solid contributor to a Major League rotation soon. He has a sparkling 2.39 ERA while starting 86 games, and appearing in 90, over his five-year Minor League career.
He has never walked more than 60 batters during one season, while compiling more than 500 strikeouts so far. However, Gonsalves has only pitched 22 1/3 innings above Double-A so he is still unproven.
His numbers in Triple-A last season were not good, and I’m trying be nice. He surrendered a whopping four home runs while striking out only 22 and walking eight batters. However, Gonsalves has the type of stuff that projects for the middle of the rotation, at worst.
Gonsalves started the ’17 season late while dealing with a shoulder injury. However, when healthy he showed that he belongs in the Minnesota Twins future plans. Every rotation needs a good left-handed pitcher, and Gonsalves fits the bill.
What the future holds for Gonsalves
Ervin Santana will begin the 2018 season on the disabled list leaving a giant hole at the top of the Minnesota Twins rotation. Even after signing Jake Odorizzi, the Twins still have question marks in the rotation.
This will be a big Spring Training for Gonsalves as he tries to take the next step in his career. His future is bright and could start sooner than the Twins expected. However, first he has to show he can be effective against Major League hitters.
Gonsalves has a chance to earn a spot in the Minnesota Twins rotation to open the ’18 season. However, April might be a little too soon for him to make his debut. He has the potential to be a big piece in the future of the Twins rotation and that could easily happen this season.
However, the next player on our list deserves the first opportunity in the rotation. Now, let’s take a look at Fernando Romero, further showing the Twins rotation strength coming through the Minors.