Dakota Watts

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Minnesota Twins #22 prospect in 2011
  Watts pitched at three California schools in his college years, at Feather River JC, San Joaquin Delta JC and NCAA Division II Cal State Stanislaus. The Twins had an eye on him the whole time, both when scouting director Deron Johnson was their West Coast crosschecker, then when he ran his second draft in 2009. Minnesota signed him for $15,000 as a 16th-round pick. Johnson saw Watts throw 93-95 mph as an amateur, and he continues to sit in that range as a pro while touching as high as 99. He has the best raw arm strength in the system and used it to reach Double-A in his first full season. Watts showed excellent durability throughout 2010, working with quality velocity even in back-to-back outings. His fastball has some armside run and he likes to elevate it for strikeouts. He also has a power curveball that comes in at around 80 mph with tight spin and good depth, allowing him to change hitters' eye levels. Watts' stiff front leg and herky-jerky delivery cost him command and extension out front. The Twins have several vacancies in their bullpen, and Watts has the arm to force himself into the picture. More than likely, he'll return to New Britain to open 2011.