Raymond Burgos
|
|
Burgos was an unheralded 18th round pick in 2016 from Puerto Rico, weighing just 145 pounds at the time. He needed Tommy John surgery early in his career and didn’t pitch in an official game until 2018. Given how he threw at the end of last year, there’s helium surrounding Burgos entering the new season. I got a look at the lefty in a backfields start in Arizona this spring. Burgos has grown considerably since turning pro, now standing a lean, athletic 6-foot-5 and 170 pounds. His low-effort delivery allows advanced control, evidenced by his solid walk rates and ability to stay around the zone with three pitches. Burgos’ fastball has added velocity and works in the 91-to-95 mph range, getting on hitters quickly from a very loose three-quarters slot. His slider is more advanced than the changeup, though both show potential to develop into workable secondary pitches. A sleeper in this system given the time missed with injury, Burgos could turn heads with a healthy 2019. He’s definitely a lottery ticket, but the frame/delivery combo, left-handed velocity, and chance for three pitches are a strong foundation. |
