12. RHP Gabriel Ynoa
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 158
DOB: 5/26/1993 (Age:20)
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Fastball: 45/55 Change-Up: 40/55 Slider: 35/50 Control: 60/65 Mechanics: 60/60
Even though Gabriel Ynoa did not receive a lot of preseason hype, he had one of the most impressive seasons of any prospect in the system. Ynoa was the most reliable starter for the 2013 South Atlantic League Champion Savannah Sand Gnats, and he was voted the most outstanding pitcher in the league. He posted a dazzling 15-4 record to go along with a strong 2.72 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP in 135 innings pitched.
At only 20 years old, Ynoa is an advanced pitcher for his age. Despite being two years younger than the league average, he showed tremendous polish. He walked just 16 batters in a total 135 innings last year. Ynoa has exhibited excellent control throughout his entire professional career. Ynoa’s BB/9 stands at a microscopic 1.0 in 340 minor league innings.
Ynoa’s fastball sits around the low 90’s, but it’s possible he can add a few MPH on his heater as he gets older. For his secondary pitches, Ynoa features a changeup and a slider. While they can both be solid pitches in the future, they need to be developed further.
Prospect Outlook: Ynoa has the talent to become a mid-rotation starter, but a back of the rotation pitcher is more realistic. While his control is outstanding, he has not shown the ability to overpower batters. His strikeout totals remain fairly low, and he lacks the pure stuff of other top prospects like Steven Matz or Noah Syndergaard for example. However, he is an intriguing prospect, and he is someone to watch going forward.
MMN Top 40 Prospects
(Photo: Savannahnow.com)