Minnesota Twins: Rounding out the Top-10 prospects
7- Brusdar Graterol RHP
We’ve already covered two pitchers who are on the cusp of contributing to the Minnesota Twins. The Twins third-ranked pitching prospect Brusdar Graterol may just be the best of the bunch.
Graterol throws his fastball in the mid-upper 90’s and can touch triple digits. According to scouts he also throws an average curveball, but his slider could be his biggest weapon in the future. Graterol also throws a change-up that should develop into a decent fourth offering in the Majors.
He pitched 11 innings, at the age of 16, during the 2015 Dominican Summer League in 2015. Graterol showed the Twins everything they thought they were getting when they signed him and looked ready to take the next step in the States.
Unfortunately, Graterol missed the entire 2016 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. That was a blow to Minnesota’s plans, but Graterol worked hard to come back healthy last season and he did not disappoint.
Graterol had a 2.70 ERA in 40 innings pitched across two levels of Rookie League action for the Twins in 2017. He dominated his way to 45 strikeouts with only 13 walks and he coughed up on two home runs. Graterol definitely proved to the organization that he was back from his injury, and 2018 will be a crucial season in his development.
What the future holds for Graterol?
Graterol should be ticketed for Single-A Cedar Rapids to open up the ’18 season. He doesn’t turn 20 until the end of August and this will be his first full season of Minor League baseball. This season also serves as Graterol’s first opportunity to show his immense potential for the future of the Twins.
If Graterol can stay healthy and continue to develop his secondary pitches, he may not be in Low-A ball very long. Minnesota has some quality starting pitchers in the upper levels of the Minors and that has fans excited about the future.
This season will not be the year Graterol has any impact on the Major League level. However, with his advanced feel for pitching, Graterol is not far from being an impact player for the Minnesota Twins. He has top of the rotation abilities and his future will come much sooner than fans expect.