MLB Prospects: The Hottest Pitchers at Every Minor League Level

Matt Barnes struck out 12 in his High-A debut

Throughout the minor leagues, there have been numerous pitchers who have continued their blistering start to the 2012 season.

In fact, it’s astonishing how well some of the game’s top pitching prospects have thrown this season—most notably the impressive crop of 2011 draft picks: Trevor Bauer, Dylan Bundy, Archie Bradley, Jose Fernandez and Matt Barnes.

So, as I did earlier today with the most impressive minor league hitters, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at some of the top pitchers from each minor league level.

Triple-A

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Julio Teheran, RHP, Atlanta Braves

32.2 IP, 2.48 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 27 K/12 BB (7 GS)

Pitching much better, but still needs to show a better breaking ball.

 

Juerys Familia, RHP, New York Mets

32.2 IP, 4.41 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, 35 K/27 BB (7 GS)

Disappointing start to the season, but coming off best start.

 

Brad Peacock, RHP, Oakland Athletics

39.0 IP, 3.66 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 36 K/14 BB (7 GS)

Had turned in back-to-back five-inning, one earned-run starts, before stumbling Thursday.

 

Martin Perez, LHP, Texas Rangers

40.2 IP, 3.98 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 25 K/16 BB (7 GS)

Just turned in best start of the season, but where have the strikeouts gone?

Double-A

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Daniel Rosenbaum, LHP, Washington Nationals

50.2 IP, 2 CG, 0.71 ERA, 0.72 WHIP, 33 K/4 BB (7 GS)

Has thrown two complete games and Nationals should keep pushing him along. Best last name in baseball.

 

Trevor May, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies

41.1 IP, 2.83 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 45 K/16 BB (7 GS)

Leading the Eastern League in strikeouts.

 

Taijuan Walker, RHP, Seattle Mariners

31.2 IP, 1.71 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 32 K/10 BB (6 GS)

Leading all Southern League pitchers with a 1.71 ERA.

 

Trevor Bauer, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

48.1 IP, 1.68 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 60 K/26 BB (8 GS)

Pacing the Southern League in wins (seven) and strikeouts (60), though he still needs to refine his fastball command.

 

Tyler Thornburg, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers

41 IP, 1.98 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 47 K/11 BB (7 GS)

Has fanned at least six batters in six of his seven starts.

 

Chase Anderson, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

30 IP, 2.10 ERA, .194 BAA, 35 K/10 BB (5 GS)

Sporting a 0.77 ERA against left-handed hitters.

 

John Gast, LHP, St. Louis Cardinals

44.1 IP, 2.03 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 37 K/12 BB (7 GS)

Left-hander hasn’t allowed more than three earned runs in a start.

 

Robbie Erlin, LHP, San Diego Padres

23.2 IP, 2.67 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 45 K/10 BB (7 GS)

 

A.J. Griffin, RHP, Oakland Athletics

43.1 IP, 2.49 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 44 K/7 BB (7 GS)

Demonstrating advanced command of all pitches; leads Texas League with 44 strikeouts.

(Update: Promoted to Triple-A Sacramento)

 

Jake Odorizzi, RHP, Kansas City Royals

38 IP, 3.32 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 47 K/10 BB (7 GS)

Has struck out 11 batters in two of last three starts.

High-A

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Tony Cingrani, LHP, Cincinnati Reds

40 IP, 0.68 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 53 K/10 BB (7 GS)

Has allowed only three earned runs all season.

 

Donn Roach, RHP, San Diego Padres

46.2 IP, 1.93 ERA, 0. WHIP, 35 K/4 BB (7 GS)

Recently traded to Padres, has posted an absurd 5.44 GB/FB rate.

 

David Holmberg, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

43 IP, 2.72 IP, 1.07 WHIP, 49 K/12 BB (7 GS)

Leads California League with 49 strikeouts.

 

Cody Buckel, RHP, Texas Rangers

39.1 IP, 1.37 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 48 K/16 BB (7 GS)

Has, without a doubt, been the best pitcher in the Carolina League.

 

Cody Martin, RHP, Atlanta Braves

35.1 IP, 2.29 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 42 K/15 BB (6 GS)

Has allowed two earned runs and seven hits over last 20 innings.

 

Jameson Taillon, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates

36.2 IP, 1.47 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 36 K/7 BB (7 GS)

Continues to show all the makings of a future ace.

 

Matt Barnes, RHP, Boston Red Sox

32.2 IP, 0.55 ERA, 2.07 GB/FB, 54 K/5 BB (6 GS)

Has been the best minor league pitcher this season not named Dylan Bundy. Sporting a 15.1 K/9 rate.

 

Hiram Burgos, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers

41.1 IP, 0.87 ERA, 0.65 WHIP, 41 K/6 BB (6 GS)

Pop-up prospect off to a ridiculous start.

Low-A

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Dylan Bundy, RHP, Baltimore Orioles

20 IP, 0.00 ERA, .032 BAA, 1.45 GB/FB, 33 K/2 BB (6 GS)

Has allowed four base runners over 20 innings. A man amongst boys at Low-A.

 

Archie Bradley, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

35 IP, 2.57 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 38 K/21 BB (7 GS)

Has been unhittable at times, but walks have been an issue. Opponents batting .114.

 

Adys Portillo, RHP, San Diego Padres

38.1 IP, 1.41 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 38 K/17 BB (7 GS)

Has been impressive in his second season at Low-A after going 3-11 with a 7.11 ERA in 2011.

 

Michael Foltynewicz, RHP, Houston Astros

39.1 IP, 1.60 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 33 K/16 BB (7 GS)

2010 first-rounder finally making strides in his second year in the Sally.

 

Jose Fernandez, RHP, Miami Marlins

43 IP, 1.75 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 45 K/10 BB (6 GS)

2011 first-rounder has fanned at least seven batters in three of last four starts.

 

David Filak, RHP, Atlanta Braves

35.2 IP, 1.77 ERA, .86 WHIP, 45 K/17 BB (7 GS)

Has posted a 0.74 ERA against right-handed bats.

 

Nicholas Tropeano, RHP, Houston Astros

40.1 IP, 2.23 ERA, .97 WHIP, 47 K/11 BB (6 GS)

Allowed two hits with eight strikeouts over seven innings on May 5th.