The Hottest Pitchers of the Offseason Winter Leagues

The action in the Caribbean Winter Leagues (Dominican, Mexican, Puerto Rican and Venezuelan) this past week was limited, as the playoffs in each of the four leagues are now underway. While there wasn’t a particularly strong performance from a single pitching prospect, there were a few noteworthy outings from several older prospects.

Here’s a look at the hottest pitching prospects from the Caribbean Winter Leagues.

James Avery, RHP, Detroit Tigers (Mexican Winter League): 5-0, 48 IP, 3.00 ERA, .247 BAA, 1.97 GO/AO, 36/14 K/BB (9 G; 8 GS)

After registering a 4.73 ERA in 158 innings last season at Double-A Erie, the 28-year-old has pitched well this winter in the Mexican league; his last three starts: 17 IP, 12 H, 2 ER, 12/4 K/BB.

Jose De Paula, LHP, Padres (Dominican Winter League): 40 IP, 4.05 ERA, .244 BAA, 1.92 GO/AO, 42/11 K/BB (14 G; 7 GS)

Like so many pitchers, De Paula was roughed up for the first time as a professional last season in the hitter-friendly California League (High-A); the left-hander has demonstrated the ability to miss more bats and induce weak outs this winter.

Jeremy Kehrt, RHP, Boston Red Sox (Puerto Rican Winter League): 42 IP, 3.00 ERA, .272 BAA, 1.88 GO/AO, 21/12 K/BB (9 GS)

The 27-year-old right-hander has never missed many bats and has relied on inducing weak contact; his last three starts: 2-0, 17 IP, 12 H, 3 ER, 10/5 K/BB.

Fernando Hernandez, RHP, Blue Jays (PWL): 42.1 IP, 3.83 ERA, .248 BAA, 1.84 GO/AO, 29/14 K/BB (8 GS)

The right-hander hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since 2008 and is now trying to get back there as a starter.

Aaron Miiler, LHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (PWL): 8.2 IP, 4.15 ERA, .333 BAA, 1.20 GO/AO (3 GS)

The Dodgers’ first-round draft pick in 2009, Miller, has moved slowly and has yet to pitch above Double-A; he does not possess a very high ceiling.