36. Hansel Robles, RHP
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 185
DOB: 8/13/1990 (Age:23)
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Fastball: 55/60 Change-Up: 40/50 Curveball/Slider: 40/50 Control: 50/55 Makeup: 45/45
A year can make quite a difference in the future of a young pitcher — and after dominating at practically every level of ball he has pitched at, Hansel Robles didn’t find a world of success in St. Lucie last year. He started the year late due to injury and made only 17 total starts (including some rehab work in the GCL), most of them in St. Lucie. He had a 3.72 ERA in 84.2 innings pitched. He allowed 83 hits, 29 walks, and struck out 66. He was victimized by the amount of baserunners he allowed this year, resulting in a 1.323 WHIP — so the ERA doesn’t look that bad.
Robles was coming off a dominant 2012 season where he didn’t allow a run in Brooklyn over his last 36 innings, resulting in a 1.11 ERA. He throws a plus fastball, change-up that is inconsistent but average, and a very inconsistent breaking ball. When Robles is on, he’s a very dominant pitcher — but inconsistency, even between innings, is a problem. He was also hurt by home runs for the first time in a while, surrendering eight in 2013 after 0 in 2012. Robles is a small guy as well, which makes it seem like he’s destined for the bullpen. He’s got solid command however, so he might be able to find himself some success in Binghamton with a clean bill of health.
Outlook: Robles has a lot working against him — considering his size and the fact that his pitches aren’t particularly dominant. He is currently pitching in the AFL to try and get some extra innings in after starting this year a little late due to injury. I believe in letting a starter pitch until he absolutely has a reason to stop starting and move to the pen. That being said, the coaching staff in Binghamton is awesome, and Robles could turn around and keep his status as a prospect with a strong showing in Binghamton. I wouldn’t count out a guy with solid control yet.
ETA: Late 2015
I still believe the Mets reached by putting Robles on the 40-Man. That said, it’s not like our 40-Man is overflowing with talent. Be interested to see how he does next year when he’s healthy and at Binghamton. If he shows an inability to thrive as a starter there, he could move very quickly as a reliever.