Los Angeles Angels: Ty Buttrey, RP
The Angels biggest weakness going into 2019 is likely their bullpen. They were reportedly in on multiple top free agent relievers such as David Robertson and Adam Ottavino, but as of now, they have only signed Cody Allen to eat high-leverage innings. If Allen is unable to bounce back, and Hansel Robles doesn’t repeat his 2nd half performance, look for the 25-year-old Buttrey to not just to get innings, but maybe even some save opportunities.
Buttrey came over from the Red Sox in a trade deadline dealing for Ian Kinsler. With the Angles, Buttrey spent most of his time with the Major League team, showing a lot of promise. Baseball America ranked the right-handed pitcher as the Angels’ 9th best prospect coming into 2019, thanks in large part to a fastball that can reach triple digits. He also throws a changeup to get whiffs as well but can struggle with command. A scouting report prior to the 2018 season from Baseball Census saw him as a potential closer, noting that “You can’t teach the power in his fastball and unique action on curve, and his raw stuff has a chance to be pretty remarkable, but Ty Buttrey must find some consistency in execution and show at least modest command feel to be fully trusted in high leverage set-up work.”
After performing well in AAA, Buttrey didn’t hesitate for a second coming into the MLB. In 16 appearances, Buttrey had a 3.31 ERA, backed by a 1.63 FIP, 2.54 xFIP, and 2.67 SIERA. Buttrey had always been able to get strikeouts and continued to do so similarly to the rate that Joshua James did. Despite never being a ground ball pitcher, he produced well over 50% ground balls, and despite command being an earlier question mark, that didn’t seem to hold him back at all. Although it’s likely that some of that is due to small sample size, he is still projected to have a 3.71 ERA from Steamer. There’s a decent chance that Buttrey locks down the 9th inning role from Brad Ausmus and becomes a staple of the Angels bullpen for years to come.
Oakland Athletics: Jorge Mateo, SS
Unlike the last 2, it’s not clear that Jorge Mateo will be given MLB playing time for much of the 2019 season. With Jurickson Profar, Marcus Semien, and Ramon Laureano slotted in Mateo’s 3 potential positions, he’ll need to greatly improve on his 62 wRC+ from AAA in 2018. Nonetheless, the former Yankees prospect did play 131 games in AAA, so if the Athletics happened to need either a shortstop, second baseman, or even center fielder, Mateo represents an option.
Even with serious struggles at the plate last season, Mateo hasn’t dropped that far down prospect lists this offseason, and for good reason. Mateo is well known for his elite speed. Just about every scouting report grades him at 80 speed, and he has used it to steal many bases. His range and strong arm make him a very strong defender at the shortstop position, and he has the versatility to play elsewhere.
With the bat, Mateo struggles the most with plate discipline, as his overly aggressive approach has led to a poor walk and strikeout rates. On the bright side, Mateo can bring some pop despite his size. He has had an ISO of at least .110 in every minor league season. If Mateo is able to control his plate discipline issues, he could become a player similar to Trea Turner. If he can’t, he may end up a utility player instead.
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