Minnesota Twins: 3 Reasons why Jorge Alcala could be in for a big 2021

The Minnesota Twins’ bullpen has taken a big hit in the offseason this year, with Trevor May heading to New York, Matt Wisler signing with the Giants, and the duo of Sergio Romo and Tyler Clippard unsigned but unlikely to return. That’s a lot of holes to fill.

With all these openings heading into the 2021 campaign, there will be plenty of opportunity for younger arms to step up. The team has added players like Hansel Robles to help out, but the continued ascent of young pitcher could be the key. Jorge Alcala, now entering his second year in the league, could take advantage of all of these openings and be that one young pitcher.

To imagine that Jorge Alcala would take another step forward for the Minnesota Twins in 2021 makes a lot of sense.

2020 was Alcala’s first full year in the majors, and he was extremely impressive throughout the year. The 24-year-old right-hander posted a 2.63 ERA in 16 appearances (24 innings), while racking up an ERA+ of 168, a FIP of 3.57, and 10.1 strike outs per nine innings.

His underlying numbers were phenomenal, as well. Alcala was in the 75th percentile or higher in average exit velocity, barrel rate, whiff percentage, hard hit percentage, strikeout percentage, fastball velocity, and fastball spin rate according to Baseball Savant. I broke down three reasons why I think he could be poised for a big year in 2021.