Gabriel Ynoa

Height: 6’2”
Weight: 158 lbs.
Age: 20
Bats/Throws: Right/Right

Gabriel Ynoa is a promising pitcher in the lower level of the minor league system who flies under the radar. Other than Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero, who are set to make their debuts this upcoming season, there’s been talk of pitchers like Michael Fulmer and Steven Matz who are next in line to take the reigns of top prospect status. Ynoa should be in that conversation as well. In his arsenal is a low 90’s fastball with sink, a fringy slider, and average changeup.

He may not have as high of a ceiling as Fulmer or Matz, but his pitchability is what stands out. At only age 20, Ynoa has already displayed impressive control and command of his pitches, which will only improve as he matures. He already has 135.2 innings pitched under his belt and his repeatable delivery should help him stay healthy in the future. In Savannah last season he pitched to a 2.72 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with a 106:16 K:BB ratio. His K/9 (7.0) should improve as he adds a few ticks to his fastball and both his slider and change develop some more.

Outlook: Ynoa is a type of pitcher like Rafael Montero; one who does not have the highest ceiling but should climb the system with relative ease as his already impressive control improves even further. He’ll most likely begin the 2014 season in St. Lucie and if he shows he can handle the hitters there, could be moved to Binghamton by the end of the season. He should be able to handle the upper levels of the minors quite nicely because of his command and feel for pitching. He’s a name to keep a close eye on because if all goes well with his development, he could make his major league debut sometime in 2016. The Mets won’t waste any time promoting him because he is so advanced. His ceiling is probably a mid rotation starter; sort of like Dillon Gee with a better fastball.