Prospect Spotlight: Roansy Contreras (NYY)

Robert Pimpsner | Pinstriped Prospects

Matt Linder

Contreras was considered the top pitching prospect in the Dominican Republic during the 2016-17 signing period and signed with the Yankees for $300,000 as a 16-year-old.  Across Short Season A ball and Low-A, Contreras threw 63.1 innings with a 2.42 ERA and a K/BB ratio of 60/21.  I saw him pitch three times this season for the Staten Island Yankees.

The 19-year old does not have prototypical pitcher size, listed at 6’0” and 175 lbs.  However, his lack of size does not limit his stuff.  Contreras’ fastball sits between 93-to-95 mph, while touching 97.  The pitch has late life that really gets on the hitter due to his quick arm and smooth delivery.  He couples his plus fastball with an excellent curveball that ranges 77-to-81 mph.  His feel for the pitch is very advanced for someone his age.  Contreras has the ability to throw his hook for a strike and bury it in the dirt as a chase pitch.  The teenager also throws a changeup that while still raw, shows promise.  It sits 85-to-88 mph and exhibits good fading action when at its best.  His simple, repeatable delivery allows him to consistently throw strikes.  However, as a teenager, it’s not surprising that he currently demonstrates more control than command and occasionally loses the plate when he overthrows.

While Contreras is still a long way from making an impact at the major league level, reaching a full-season affiliate as an 18-year-old is very impressive.  The raw stuff is evident. With continued improvement to his changeup and overall consistency, I think Contreras has the ceiling of a FV 55 player – a middle of the rotation starter.

If you have any questions, comments or criticisms feel free to reach out to me at mattlinder2@gmail.com