Zebby Matthews

Matthews was a fast-rising prospect last season who rose from High-A to the majors based on his impeccable control and strong strikeout rates but struggled in his first trip to the majors. Matthews had a 1.84 ERA with a 10.5 K/9 and just six walks in 78 innings between High-A and Double-A. After four starts at Triple-A, he was called up in August and had a 3.00 ERA in his first three starts, before struggling in his next six outings (9.13 ERA). He had good (2.6 BB/9) but not elite control in the majors but struggled to keep the ball in the park (2.6 HR/9). He also failed to pitch more than five innings in any start, though the Twins may have been limiting his workload. Matthews could win a spot in the rotation this spring and he has promising signs given his miniscule walk rate (1.0 BB/9 career in minors), strong strikeout rates (10.2 K/9 career in minors) and velocity (94.9 average mph fastball in the majors). Read Past Outlooks