Yoniel Curet

Curet came into the year known as the Rays pitching prospect with the best pure stuff, but whose poor control would likely eventually relegate him to high-leverage bullpen duty. Things played out as expected through the first couple months, with Curet striking out 53 and walking 31 through 45.1 innings (11 starts). However, from June 11 on, Curet logged a 1.10 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and a 106:29 K:BB in 73.2 innings across his final 15 starts split between High-A and Double-A. He had three double-digit strikeout starts over that stretch and had a couple eight-K/zero-walk starts down the stretch at Double-A. Curet has really easy mid-90s fastball velocity with good movement to go with a plus slider and an improving changeup. The fastball is what could make him a really special pitcher, as long as his improved control over the final three months was legitimate. Curet won't be rushed to the majors, but he is already on the 40-man roster, so he could be up sometime this summer if he stays healthy and handles a return to the upper levels. Read Past Outlooks