Alberto Baldonado, LHP
Player Profile
Opening Day Age: 23
Bats/Throws: L/L
Height/Weight: 6’2” 160 lbs
Position: LHP
ETA: 2018
2016 MMN Top Prospect Rank: #80
Background
Baldonado signed as an amateur free agent in 2009 out of Panama. He began his career as a 17-year old for the DSL Mets 1 team in 2010, starting 8 of his 13 games he appeared in. He was shifted to the bullpen full time in late 2014 and has since found his niche. In 2015 he saved nine games for the Savannah Sand Gnats with a strikeout rate of 11.8 per nine innings.
Analysis
The lanky southpaw throws a low 90’s fastball that has played up with the move to the bullpen. He complements it with a curveball at 71-74 MPH and he will mix in a show me changeup. He began the 2016 season in St. Lucie, and it was obvious very early he was above the competition, pitching to a 0.93 ERA, with 21 strikeouts in 19.1 innings. His Binghamton debut was not as welcoming, giving up a run on one hit and one walk in 1.1 innings.
What The Future Holds
A lefty in the bullpen who mixes up his pitches, will always find a place in baseball, just ask Dario Alvarez or Tim Byrdak. The fact that he generates some swing and miss will only help him separate himself as he continues to climb through the organization. The rest of this season should be spent in AA for his development.
With moderate success he should continue to progress. Unfortunately it is very likely that he will be with another organization when it happens. As a seven year minor league player, he will be a minor league free agent after this season. The stark reality is he will most likely take a deal that offers a spring training invite with less depth than the current Mets team and serve 2017 as LOOGY depth stashed in AAA.
A 2017 spring training invite for a minor league free agent pitcher who never sniffed AAA or the majors?
Can you provide previous examples?
Former Mets minor leaguer Martires Arias with the Padres this last spring, he hadn’t even pitched above A-Ball.
Twins brought Nick Burdi, Reds Tim Adleman and Zack Weiss…it’s a non guarantee that teams can offer minor league free agents. LOOGYs are always in need
Thanks. Did any make the team?
Aldeman has pitched for Cinci this year