Each MLB Team's Pitching Prospect Who Could Make an Immediate Impact

There may be no single asset in all of baseball that is more valuable than young pitching, and each year teams infuse both their rotation and bullpen with pitchers from down on the farm.

Finding a future rotation ace or lights-out closer is easier said than done, but it is just as important to find the guys needed to fill out a rotation or get the ball to the closer, and oftentimes it is young pitchers who assume those roles.

So here is a look at the one pitching prospect on each team who could make an immediate impact in 2012, be it right out of spring training or later on as the injuries open up spots in the pitching staff.

Arizona Diamondbacks: SP Wade Miley

Acquired

2008: MLB Draft (First Round, 43rd Overall)

2011 Stats

22 GS, 8-3, 4.30 ERA, 102 Ks, 129.2 IP at Double-A and Triple-A

8 G, 7 GS, 4-2,  4.50 ERA, 25 Ks, 40 IP at Arizona

Overview

Following the trade of Jarrod Parker and the non-tender of Joe Saunders, Miley looks like the front-runner for the Diamondbacks fifth starter spot.

He could be the Josh Collmenter of this season, stepping into the starting staff as a relative unknown and helping to shore up the back end of the rotation.

Atlanta Braves: RP Arodys Vizcaino

Acquired

2009: Trade (Arodys Vizcaino, Melky Cabrera, Michael Dunn and cash to Braves. Javier Vazquez and Boone Logan to Yankees.) 

2011 Stats

26 G, 17 GS, 5-5, 3.06 ERA, 100 Ks, 97 IP at High Single-A, Double-A and Triple-A

17 G, 1-1, 4.67 ERA, 17 Ks, 17.1 IP at Atlanta

Overview

One of a stable of talented young Braves starting pitchers, Vizcaino was moved to the bullpen after he was called up to Triple-A last season and he will be counted on to take some pressure off of young relievers Craig Kimbrel, Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty who were all over-worked last season.

With Mike Minor and Brandon Beachy likely to step into the available fourth and fifth rotation spots, top starting pitching prospects Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado will likely open the season in the minors, making Vizcaino the most likely to make an impact right off the bat.

Baltimore Orioles: SP Tsuyoshi Wada

Acquired

2011: International Free Agent (two years, $8.15 million)

2011 Stats

26 GS, 16-5, 1.51 ERA, 168 Ks, 184.2 IP in Japan

Overview

A 30-year-old left-hander who pitched last season for the Softbank Hawks of the Japan Pacific League, Wada has middle-of-the-rotation stuff, but should slide into the Orioles rotation immediately to open the 2012 season.

The Orioles minor league system is fairly thin right now, especially as far as pitching is concerned, and while 2010 third-round pick Dan Klein could make the bullpen out of spring training, Wada will be relied on most to contribute in 2012.

Boston Red Sox: RP Felix Doubront

Acquired

2005: Amateur Free Agent (Venezuela)

2011 Stats

20 G, 18 GS, 3-5, 3.96 ERA, 74 Ks, 77.1 IP at Low Single-A, Double-A and Triple-A

11 G, 0-0, 6.10 ERA, 6 Ks, 10.1 IP at Boston

Overview

Once among the Red Sox top starting pitching prospects, Doubront now looks headed for a bullpen spot out of spring training in 2012, and with the Red Sox lacking a reliable lefty reliever he could step into a major role.

Franklin Morales has been brought back and will likely get the first crack at the lefty specialist job, but if Doubront can take a step forward and adjust to pitching in the big leagues he could take on a major role in 2012.

Chicago Cubs: RP Lendy Castillo

Acquired

2011: Rule V Draft Pick (Philadelphia Phillies)

2011 Stats

21 G, 2 GS, 4-2, 2.54 ERA, 46 Ks, 46 IP at Single-A

Overview

Signed as an 18-year-old shortstop out of the Dominican Republic, Castillo made the transition to pitcher at the start of the 2010 season.

He has yet to pitch above Single-A, where he spent all of last season, but the Cubs selected him in the Major League phase of the Rule V draft this winter, and he will need to be a part of the MLB bullpen if they intend to keep him. At 23 years old he is still raw, but he has a live arm and a ton of upside.

Chicago White Sox: RP Addison Reed

Acquired

2010: MLB Draft (Third Round selection)

2011 Stats

43 G, 5 SV, 2-1, 1.26 ERA, 111 Ks, 78.1 IP at Single-A, Double-A and Triple-A

6 G, 0 SV, 0-0,  3.68 ERA, 12 Ks, 7.1 IP at Chicago

Overview

The best closer prospect in baseball according to John Sickels of MinorLeagueBall.com, Reed is the top prospect in a weak White Sox farm system and he will no doubt be a member of the opening day bullpen.

Following the trade of Sergio Santos, the White Sox closer position will likely go to Matt Thornton. However, he scuffled in that role last season (3-of-7 save opportunities) and the job could wind up being Reed's before the season is over.

Cincinnati Reds: SP/RP Pedro Villarreal

Acquired

2008: MLB Draft (Seventh Round selection)

2011 Stats

27 GS, 11-7, 4.39 ERA, 109 Ks, 149.2 IP at High Single-A and Double-A

Overview

The Reds are very short on pitching prospects, as Brad Boxberger was the only pitcher with a shot at making a significant impact in 2012 and he was dealt to the Padres in the Mat Latos deal.

Villarreal has a chance to see some action after being added to the 40-man roster this winter, and while his numbers aren't overwhelming he has very good command (1.7 BB/9 last season) and could carve out a spot as a middle reliever.

Cleveland Indians: RP Nick Hagadone

Acquired

2009: Trade (Nick Hagadone, Justin Masterson, Bryan Price to Indians. Victor Martinez to Red Sox)

2011 Stats

46 G, 4 SV, 6-4, 2.79 ERA, 77 Ks, 71 IP at Double-A and Triple-A

9 G, 1-0, 4.09 ERA, 11 Ks, 11 IP at Cleveland

Overview

A first-round pick of the Red Sox in 2007, Hagadone made the move to the bullpen midway through the 2010 season in the minors and he has thrived in the role since.

The big left-hander will likely open the 2012 season as a middle reliever in the Indians bullpen, but he has the stuff to step into a setup role sooner rather than later, and at the very least he makes a fantastic lefty specialist, as lefties hit just .127 against him in Triple-A last season.

Colorado Rockies: SP Drew Pomeranz

Acquired

2011: Trade (Drew Pomeranz, Alex White, Matt McBride, Joseph Gardner to Rockies. Ubaldo Jimenez to Indians.)

2011 Stats

20 GS, 4-3, 1.78 ERA, 119 Ks, 101 IP at High Single-A, Double-A and Triple-A

4 GS, 2-1, 5.40 ERA, 13 Ks, 18.1 IP at Colorado

Overview

The fifth overall selection in the 2010 draft, Pomeranz signed late and began his pro career in 2011 at High Single-A. Before the season was over, he was with a new team and pitching at the big league level.

It looks like he'll open the season in the Rockies rotation, and while there will be inevitable growing pains he has the stuff to be the ace of the Rockies staff within the next couple seasons and emerge as one of the top starters in the game.

Detroit Tigers: SP Jacob Turner

Acquired

2009: MLB Draft (First Round, Ninth Overall)

2011 Stats

20 GS, 4-5, 3.44 ERA, 110 Ks, 131 IP at Double-A and Triple-A 

3 GS, 0-1, 8.53 ERA, 8 Ks, 12.2 IP at Detroit

Overview

Taken out of high school in the 2009 draft, Turner has been on the fast track to the big leagues and while he was roughed up in three big league starts last season his future is bright.

While it remains to be seen if he will still be with the team come Opening Day, after the team announced a willingness to deal their top prospect in the right package, if he is still in Detroit the fifth starter job looks to be his.

Houston Astros: CP Juan Abreu

Acquired

2011: Trade (Juan Abreu, Paul Clemens, Brett Oberholtzer, Jordan Schafer to Astros. Michael Bourn and cash to Braves.)

2011 Stats

48 G, 5-2, 4 Sv, 2.18 ERA, 77 Ks, 57.2 IP at Triple-A 

7 G, 0-0, 2.70 ERA, 12 Ks, 6.2 IP at Houston

Overview

The wheels are in motion on a rebuild for the Astros, and while there is still a lot of work to be done, the team has acquired a number of good players in dealing Michael Bourn, Hunter Pence and Roy Oswalt.

Among them, is Abreu who looks like the front-runner to step into the closer's role now that the team has dealt Mark Melancon to the Red Sox. He has the stuff to do it with a 12.0 K/9 mark in Triple-A last season and 10.8 K/9 over his six year minor league career.

Kansas City Royals: RP Kelvin Herrera

Acquired

2006: Amateur Free Agent (Dominican Republic)

2011 Stats

45 G, 7-1, 14 Sv, 1.60 ERA, 70 Ks, 67.2 IP at High Single-A, Double-A and Triple-A 

2 G, 0-1, 13.50 ERA, 0 Ks, 2 IP at Kansas City

Overview

A member of the World Team in last year's Futures Game, Herrera dominated over three different levels last season and reached the majors as a 21-year-old.

He will be competing for a middle relief job, but depending on what happens with closer Joakim Soria who has team options for 2013 and 2014, he could be the Royals closer of the future.

Los Angeles Angels: SP Garrett Richards

Acquired

2009: MLB Draft (First Round, 42nd Overall)

2011 Stats

22 G, 21 GS, 12-2, 3.15 ERA, 103 Ks, 143 IP at Double-A

7 G, 3 GS, 0-2, 5.79 ERA, 9 Ks, 14 IP at Los Angeles

Overview

A project coming out of the college ranks, Richards has adjusted to the pro game quickly, going 24-7 with a 3.34 ERA over the past the past two seasons in the minors.

He is far-and-away the best pitching prospect in the Angels system right now, and while Jerome Williams may open the season as the team's No. 5 starter that role could fall to Richards quickly.

Los Angeles Dodgers: RP Nathan Eovaldi

Acquired

2008: MLB Draft (11th Round selection)

2011 Stats

20 G, 19 GS, 6-5, 2.62 ERA, 99 Ks, 103 IP at Double-A 

10 G, 6 GS, 1-2, 3.63 ERA, 23 Ks, 34.2 IP at Los Angeles

Overview

Thrust into the big league starting rotation last year due to injuries, Eovaldi pitched surprisingly well. However, there looks to be no spot for him in the rotation in 2012 after the team signed Chris Capuano and Aaron Harang to fill out the rotation.

While he could start the season in the minors, he'll likely compete for a long relief spot this spring and would be the first person called up if injury strikes.

Miami Marlins: RP Jose Ceda

Acquired

2008: Trade (Jose Ceda to Marlins. Kevin Gregg to Cubs.)

2011 Stats

36 G, 3-1, 24 Sv, 1.36 ERA, 53 Ks, 39.2 IP at Triple-A

17 G, 0-1, 4.43 ERA, 21 Ks, 20.1 IP at Florida

Overview

Signed out of the Dominican Republic as an 18-year-old, Ceda is with his third organization and will be 25 this coming season, but he is still a prospect in the experience sense with just 29 innings of big league work under his belt.

He has power stuff and could be a closer candidate if not for the presence of Heath Bell. With a career 11.4 K/9 mark over 260.2 minor league innings he'll find a role in the Marlins bullpen at some point in 2012 and could settle into a setup role.

Milwaukee Brewers: SP Wily Peralta

Acquired

2005: Amateur Free Agent (Dominican Republic)

2011 Stats

26 GS, 11-7, 3.17 ERA, 157 Ks, 150.2 IP at Double-A and Triple-A

Overview

The top prospect in what has become a very thin farm system, Peralta is one of the top pitching prospects in baseball and will likely find his way into the Brewers rotation at some point this coming season.

There is no spot for him out of spring training, but if fifth starter Chris Narveson falters or someone is injured expect Peralta to get the call, and regardless he could see work out of the bullpen before too long.

Minnesota Twins: SP Liam Hendriks

Acquired

2007: Amateur Free Agent (Australia)

2011 Stats

25 G, 24 GS, 12-6, 3.36 ERA, 111 Ks, 139.1 IP at Double-A and Triple-A

4 GS, 0-2, 6.17 ERA, 16 Ks, 23.1 IP at Minneosta

Overview

The leading candidate for the fifth spot in the Twins rotation before they signed free agent Jason Marquis, the 23-year-old Aussie could open the season as the team's long reliever.

He and Anthony Swarzak will be the first pitchers that the team turns to if injury strikes the rotation, and while Swarzak held his own in 11 starts last season, Hendriks has more upside at this point and could get the nod.

New York Mets: SP Chris Schwinden

Acquired

2008: MLB Draft (22nd Round selection)

2011 Stats

28 G, 26 GS, 8-8, 3.87 ERA, 139 Ks, 148.2 IP at Double-A and Triple-A

4 GS, 0-2, 4.71 ERA, 17 Ks, 21 IP at New York

Overview

While top prospects Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler are still at least a year away, the Mets do have some talented young pitchers who are close to big league ready, although they do not have nearly the upside of those two.

Chief among that group is Schwinden, who joined the team in September last year and pitched well enough in four starts to put himself in line for the first available rotation spot this coming year. He's 25, and his upside is bottom-of-the-rotation starter, but he's at least in line to see some action in 2012 be it in long relief or spot starts.

New York Yankees: RP Manny Banuelos

Acquired

2008: Amateur Free Agent (Mexico)

2011 Stats

27 GS, 6-7, 3.75 ERA, 125 Ks, 129.2 IP at Double-A and Triple-A

Overview

One of the most highly regarded pitching prospects in baseball, Banuelos will find a spot in the Yankees rotation at some point, but for 2012 a spot in the bullpen could be his ticket to a big league roster spot.

With only Boone Logan as a left-hander out of the bullpen, and Yankees could use the 21-year-old as a middle reliever for the coming season to allow him to get his feet wet in the majors. Recent top starting pitching prospects Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes also spent time in the bullpen early in their careers so there is some precedent there.

Oakland Athletics: SP Brad Peacock

Acquired

2011: Trade (Brad Peacock, Tom Milone, Derrek Norris and A.J. Cole to Athletics. Gio Gonzalez and Robert Gilliam to Nationals.)

2011 Stats

25 G, 23 GS, 15-3, 2.39 ERA, 177 Ks, 146.2 IP at Double-A and Triple-A

3 G, 2 GS, 2-0, 0.75 ERA, 4 Ks, 12 IP at Washington

Overview

Starting pitchers Tom Milone and Peacock were both acquired from the Nationals for Gio Gonzalez, and after each making a few starts for the Nationals at the end of last season they look set to fill the fourth and fifth spots in the Athletics rotation this coming season.

Peacock has the brighter future of the two, and he has come a long way since being taken in the 41st round out of high school and struggling through his first four pro seasons before breaking out last season. He will be one to watch in the AL Rookie of the Year race.

Philadelphia Phillies: RP Justin De Fratus

Acquired

2007: MLB Draft (11th Round selection)

2011 Stats

51 G, 6-3, 15 Sv, 2.99 ERA, 99 Ks, 75.1 IP at Double-A and Triple-A

5 G, 1-0, 0 Sv, 2.25 ERA, 3 Ks, 4 IP at Philadelphia

Overview

The Phillies have a number of talented young starting pitchers who are a few years off, but for now the pitcher most likely to make an impact in 2012 is a reliever and a very good one at that.

De Fratus became a full-time reliever in 2010, and he has been dominant ever since with a 2.50 ERA and 10.9 K/9 over four different minor league levels. There are a number of question marks in the Phillies bullpen heading into the season, and he could very well wind up in a critical role.

Pittsburgh Pirates: SP Kyle McPherson

Acquired

2007: MLB Draft (14th Round selection)

2011 Stats

28 GS, 12-6, 2.96 ERA, 142 Ks, 161 IP at High Single-A and Double-A

Overview

A 14th round selection out of the University of Mobile, McPherson has risen slowly through the Pirates ranks and now he stands as the next in line for a rotation spot with the Pirates.

He was impressive after being moved up to Double-A last year, making 16 starts and going 8-5 with a 3.02 ERA and he has little left to prove in the minors. 

San Diego Padres: RP Brad Boxberger

Acquired

2011: Trade (Brad Boxberger, Yonder Alonso, Yasmani Grandal, Edinson Volquez to Padres. Mat Latos to Reds.)

2011 Stats

55 G, 2-4, 11 Sv, 2.03 ERA, 93 Ks, 62 IP at Double-A and Triple-A

Overview

The lesser-known of the four players the Padres received in the trade that sent Mat Latos to the Reds, Boxberger is among the top relief pitching prospects in the game and he is coming off a dominant season in the minors in which he posted a 13.5 K/9 mark.

A 2009 first-round pick, Boxberger was in the mix to be the Reds closer in 2012 before he was dealt and with newly-acquired Huston Street set to hit free agency at season's end he could be the closer of the future in San Diego as well.

San Francisco Giants: SP Eric Surkamp

Acquired

2008: MLB Draft (Sixth Round selection)

2011 Stats

24 G, 23 GS, 11-4, 1.94 ERA, 170 Ks, 148.1 IP at High Single-A and Double-A

6 GS, 2-2, 5.74 ERA, 13 Ks, 26.2 IP at San Francisco

Overview

With Jonathan Sanchez traded to the Royals, the Giants will be counting on Barry Zito in the fifth spot in the Giants rotation, which is never a good idea.

When Zito inevitably struggles or lands on the disabled list, Surkamp will have a spot in the rotation and after six solid starts last season the 24-year-old could lock down a rotation spot alongside Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum and Madison Bumgarner for years to come.

Seattle Mariners: RP Chance Ruffin

Acquired

2011: Trade (Chance Ruffin, Casper Wells, Charlie Furbush and Francisco Martinez to Mariners. Doug Fister and David Pauley to Tigers.)

2011 Stats

44 G, 3-3, 2.03 ERA, 60 Ks, 48.2 IP at Double-A and Triple-A

15 G, 1-0, 4.08 ERA, 18 Ks, 17.2 IP at Detroit and Seattle

Overview

A first-round pick in the 2010 draft, Ruffin flew through the minor leagues last season to make his big league debut with the Tigers shortly before being traded to the Tigers in the deal that brought Doug Fister to the Tigers at the deadline.

He doesn't have the upside of some other top relief pitching prospects, but he has nothing to gain from anymore time in the minors and should be a staple of the Mariners bullpen for years to come.

St. Louis Cardinals: RP Lance Lynn

Acquired

2008: MLB Draft (First Round, 39th Overall)

2011 Stats

12 GS, 7-3, 3.84 ERA, 64 Ks, 75 IP at Triple-A

18 G, 2 GS, 1-1, 3.12 ERA, 40 Ks, 34.2 IP at St. Louis

Overview

Called up in June last season, Lynn was solid before being sidelined with an oblique injury in early August and did not return until he was added to the NLCS roster.

He went on to make 10 postseason appearance, going 11 innings and posting a 3.27 ERA while registering two wins. While his future is likely in the rotation, he could spend 2012 in the bullpen.

Tampa Bay Rays: SP Matt Moore

Acquired

2007: MLB Draft (Eighth Round selection)

2011 Stats

27 GS, 12-3, 1.92 ERA, 210 Ks, 155 IP at Double-A and Triple-A

3 G, 1 GS, 1-0, 2.89 ERA, 15 Ks, 9.1 IP at Tampa Bay

Overview

The Minor League Pitcher of the Year last season, Moore is already penciled in as the Rays fifth starter for this coming season and he is the front-runner for the AL Rookie of the Year as of now.

He made a name for himself last year in starting Game 1 of the ALDS and throwing seven innings of shutout ball, allowing just two hits while walking two and striking out six, and is likely only be a sign of things to come for one of baseball's top young arms.

Texas Rangers: RP Tanner Scheppers

Acquired

2009: MLB Draft (First Round, 44th Overall)

2011 Stats

28 G, 1 GS, 4-1, 3.71 ERA, 44 Ks, 43.2 IP at Double-A and Triple-A

Overview

Since being taken in the first round of the 2009 draft, Scheppers has had trouble staying healthy and limiting his walks (4.3 BB/9 in 2011), yet he still remains one of the Rangers top pitching prospects.

If he can stay healthy in 2012, he has proven to have over-powering stuff in the minors and should have no problem stepping into the Rangers bullpen by mid-season.

Toronto Blue Jays: RP Joel Carreno

Acquired

2004: Amateur Free Agent (Dominican Republic)

2011 Stats

24 G, 23 GS, 7-9, 3.41 ERA, 152 Ks, 134.2 IP at Double-A

11 G, 1-0, 1;15 ERA, 14 Ks, 15.2 IP at Toronto

Overview

Despite signing Darren Oliver and trading for Jason Frasor, the Blue Jays still have some question marks in their bullpen and they have at least one big-league ready arm in Dominican-born Carreno.

A starter his entire career in the minors, Carreno has posted a 3.11 ERA and 9.7 K/9 mark and has the stuff to be a very good big league reliever and is possibly a future closer.

Washington Nationals: RP Rafael Martin

Acquired

2010: International Free Agent (Mexico)

2011 Stats

38 G, 5-1, 13 Sv, 1.65 ERA, 54 Ks, 43.2 IP at High Single-A and Double-A

Overview

An older prospect who will be 28 in 2012, Martin spent 2007-2009 pitching in the Mexican League before signing with the Nationals prior to the 2010 season.

He was dominant over two different levels last season, and should get his first shot at a big league action and while he is not currently on the 40-man roster he could win a bullpen spot out of spring training.