Arizona Diamondbacks Spring Training Roster Report: Relief Pitchers

TOP MINOR LEAGUE RELIEVER

Feb 19, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Jake Barrett poses for a portrait during photo day at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Jake Barrett

The No. 5 overall prospect in the Diamondbacks system could be the setup man or closer of the future. Barrett is a local guy who went to Desert Ridge High School, then played at Arizona State University and showed great proficiency in the closing role. As a minor leaguer, he struggled badly in his first season, going 0-3 with a 5.84 ERA in 2012 at South Bend (A level). Then, something clicked.

In 2013, Barrett dominated, going 3-2 with a 1.21 ERA in 52 innings. When he got promoted from A+ Visalia to AA Mobile, he got that much better. At Mobile, he was 1-1 with a 0.36 ERA in 24.2 innings. He walked just three hitters, struck out 22 and saved 14 games.

At 6’3″ and 230 pounds, he has the imposing size and power that a closer needs. Scouts rank his fastball as a 6/6, as it tops out in the upper-90’s. Keep an eye on Barrett when those September roster expansion spots come open.