UPDATED Prospect Profile: Blas Castano shows velocity increase

 


5-foot-10

 

162-pounds

 

Right-handed starting pitcher

 

24-years-old

 

Signed: 2018 out of the Dominican Republic

 

The key to being successful in minor league baseball is to show improvement every season. Blas Castano has done just that. Most recently he improved his ERA to 3.86 and set career highs in innings pitched (107.1), strikeouts (103), and average against (.256). He is a control pitcher, with just 34 BB in 107.1 innings.

 

The story of Castano’s career came from humble beginnings, but he has slowly but surely put himself on the map. Though not tall in stature, Castano has a bulldog mentality and tons of deception in his delivery. With a couple of tweaks, Castano could be in for a big season in Double-A.

 

Castano sports a 92-95 mph fastball and filthy secondary pitches. His slider and curveball have big spin, and the changeup has excellent fade. As previously mentioned, his delivery has deception. Still just 162-pounds as of last year, Castano can increase his velocity and ceiling if he is able to gain some weight. We could see him creep into the mid-90’s and improve the spin rates even more.

 

Though not a marquee name in the system, Castano has the potential to turn some heads as he reaches the upper minors. He should begin the year in Double-A. If he has shown up to camp with some improvements in his back pocket, the opposing hitters may be in for an unpleasant surprise this year.

 

If his career trajectory is any indication, 2023 should be better than 2022 for Castano. He could have some more career bests in store for us this year. As of now, he projects as a back end starter, or a knockout reliever if his stuff can tick up in relief.

 

Castano had his first start of the season this evening. He did not disappoint. He had 6 K : 0 BB and 0 ER in 5 IP. He was hitting 95 mph with regularity, whereas previously he would max out at this level. This is a good sign.

 

Many would be surprised if Blas puts up eye-popping numbers this year. I will not be.

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