New York - Penn League 2015 Pitching Prospects

2015 was a year filled with fantastic pitching. There were top prospects and breakout performers across the league making an impact. Last week we took a look at the top offensive prospects in the NYPL in 2015, now let’s take a look at the top pitching prospects.

Starters

Mitch Gueller, RHP, Williamsport Crosscutters

Key Stats: GS- 12, 10-1, 2.23 ERA, 68.2 IP, BAA- .229

In his third season in the NYPL, Gueller finally broke out. Gueller spent the prior two years pitching for Williamsport and 2015 was an important year for him. At the age of 21, it was time for Gueller to prove he was worth the Compensation A draft pick by the Phillies. He had a 44/23 K/BB ratio in a career high 68.2 innings. Gueller led the NYPL in Wins and tied with Spenser Watkins of the Connecticut Tigers for the lead in ERA. He even threw a CG-SO against Batavia. (The game was shortened to seven innings.)  Overall, Gueller had one of the best seasons from a pitcher in the NYPL and he is an arm to watch in 2016 as he moves through the Phillies system.

Franklyn Kilome, RHP, Williamsport Crosscutters

Key Stats: GS- 11, 3-2, 3.28 ERA, 49.1 IP, BAA- .230

The Crosscutters get another pitching prospect on the list and it is Franklyn KIlome, the seventh ranked prospect in the Phillies system. Kilome was one of the most impressive arms I saw this season. He threw three shutout innings in Hudson Valley with an above average fastball. He threw 93-95 mph consistently with average off-speed pitches. If Kilome, only 20 years old, continues to develop there is potential for a top of the rotation arm.

Brett Lilek, LHP, Batavia Muckdogs

Key Stats: GS- 10, 1-2, 3.34 ERA, 35.0 IP, K/BB- 43/7, BAA- .231

Brett Lilek put together a wonderful debut professional season. A 2^nd round pick out of Arizona State, Lilek had a K/BB ratio that needs to be looked at twice to make sure there is no mistake. In 35 innings, Lilek only walked seven batters, a walk every five innings, which is exceptional control. If there is any negative, it is his mechanics, which I do not like. However, in his first professional season he has shown his windup has the potential to work. Lilek is ranked as the sixth prospect in the Marlins’ system.

Domingo Acevedo, RHP, Staten Island Yankees

Key Stats: GS- 11, 3-0, I.69 ERA, 48.0 IP, K/BB- 53/15, BAA- .207

Acevedo is an arm that is loaded with potential. His stuff can translate in many ways and open opportunities for him with the Yankees. Acevedo’s fastball is electric with an ability to hit triple digits. The 6’7 right-hander has the potential to be a top of the rotation starter, but the makeup to be a dominant arm out of the bullpen. In today’s game teams are always looking for hard throwing strikeout arms and Acevedo fits that mold. Further development of his off-speed pitches is needed to strengthen the arsenal of Acevedo. As I saw Acevedo, I saw a comp to Michael Pineda, but with better command.

Tyler Alexander, LHP, Connecticut Tigers

Key Stats: GS- 12, 0-2, 0.97 ERA, 37.0 IP, K/BB- 33/5, BAA- .133

Tyler Alexander, a 2015 second round draft pick from TCU, started his professional career in a significant way. Alexander only gave up four earned runs in 37 innings. His velocity on his fastball sits in the upper 80s with great command. Alexander joins Brett Lilek in having an exceptional K/BB ratio. A college arm, Alexander should make waves in 2016 with a full season in pro ball under his belt.

Honorable Mentions: James Kaprielian, Staten Island Yankees and Erick Fedde, Auburn Doubledays

Relievers

Alex Palsha, RHP, Brooklyn Cyclones

Key Stats: G- 22, 0-0, 0.36 ERA, SV- 13, 24.2 IP, K/BB- 34/9, BAA- .125

Palsha is one of the more exciting pitchers I saw this summer. I saw him pitch against the Lowell Spinners and came away impressed with his stuff. His command improved from 2014, but it is an area he can continue to improve, as well as his off speed pitches. When I saw Palsha his fastball say in the mid to low 90s. He was a solid closer for Brooklyn in 2015 and I think he can move quickly through the Mets system. At the end of the season, Palsha made two appearances in high A for the Savannah Sand Gnats.

Robert Tasin, RHP, Williamsport Crosscutters

Key Stats: G- 25, 0-0, 1.84 ERA, SV- 17, 29.1 IP, K/BB- 24/6, BAA- .176

Robert Tasin had the task of closing for the first place Williamsport Crosscutters and did an exceptional job. He led the NYPL in saves with 17. Tasin, a 19^th round draft pick in 2015, looks like a solid bullpen arm in the Phillies system.  A college arm and 24 years old, Tasin should move through the Phillies system quick with seasons like 2015.

Honorable Mention: Drew Smith, Connecticut Tigers