MLB Rookie Profile: Reyes Moronta, RHP, San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants have promoted right-handed pitcher Reyes Moronta to the major league roster. Here’s a quick take on what to expect.

The Giants signed Moronta in 2010 out of the Dominican Republic. He struggled with significant control problems at first, but took a large step forward in 2016 when he posted a 2.59 ERA in 59 innings for High-A San Jose in the California League, fanning a stunning 93 while walking 20.

Moronta ranked 16th on the San Francisco Giants Top 20 prospects for 2017 list with the following comment:

16) Reyes Moronta, RHP, Grade C+: Age 23, signed out of Dominican Republic in 2010; posted 2.59 ERA in 59 innings in High-A, 93/20 K/BB, 43 hits, 14 saves; note insane K/IP ratio, generated with 96-99 with plus slider; doesn’t have a true change-up and command is erratic but could move rapidly as fireballing reliever if he throws enough strikes. ETA late 2018.

Obviously the ETA was way off.

Moronta has maintained his improved control this year, posting a 17/4 K/BB in 11.1 innings with just seven hits allowed and a 3.18 ERA for Double-A Richmond. He’s maintained the excellent strikeout pace from last year without any loss of control against more experienced hitters.

Officially listed at 6-0, 170, he’s more like 6-1, 230 these days. He throws extremely hard and has a plus slider, and with even average command he could be a dominating bullpen force. He’s ahead of schedule and has closer-worthy stuff. Keep a close eye on him.