BA GRADE
50
Risk: High
FB: 55.
CB: 50.
CHG: 60.
CTL: 60.
Born: May 3, 1999. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 160. Signed: Venezuela, 2016. Signed by: Alex Requena/Eddie Romero.
Signed for $25,000, Mata has stood out since entering the system for the maturity of both his stuff and demeanor, traits that earned him a late-May assignment at low Class A Greenville, making him the youngest pitcher in the South Atlantic League.
Mata’s clean delivery allows him to attack the strike zone with a three-pitch mix anchored by a four-seamer that typically sits at 91-92 mph, tops out at 94 mph, and has a chance to gain additional ticks as he fills out. His arm speed and consistent release point create good sell on a changeup that has late fade, creating the potential for a plus offering that he uses for swings and misses. Though his 77-78 mph curveball hasn’t been a swing-and-miss offering, it has depth and he can throw it for strikes., giving him a potential mix of three pitches that are average or better. Projected above-average command will allow his pitch mix to play up. As an 18-year-old, Mata showed the potential to advance quickly. If his breaking ball doesn’t progress, then his future may be in the bullpen.
But if Mata gains more consistency with the pitch while gaining additional power on his fastball, he has the upside of a No. 3 or No. 4 starter.
Year |
Club (League) |
Class |
W |
L |
ERA |
G |
GS |
2016 |
Red Sox2 (DSL) |
R |
4 |
4 |
2.80 |
14 |
14 |
2017 |
Greenville (SAL) |
LoA |
5 |
6 |
3.74 |
17 |
17 |
Minor League Totals |
9 |
10 |
3.33 |
31 |
31 |
||
Year |
Club (League) |
CG |
SV |
IP |
H |
HR |
2016 |
Red Sox2 (DSL) |
0 |
0 |
61 |
54 |
2 |
2017 |
Greenville (SAL) |
1 |
0 |
77 |
75 |
3 |
Minor League Totals |
1 |
0 |
138 |
129 |
5 |
|
Year |
Club (League) |
BB |
SO |
K/9 |
WHIP |
AVG |
2016 |
Red Sox2 (DSL) |
19 |
61 |
9.0 |
1.20 |
.242 |
2017 |
Greenville (SAL) |
26 |
74 |
8.6 |
1.31 |
.259 |
Minor League Totals |
45 |
135 |
8.8 |
1.26 |
.251 |
|