Edgar Osuna

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Kansas City Royals #27 prospect in 2010
  Osuna may not be able to break bottles at the county fair, not to mention light up a radar gun, but he knows how to pitch. He keeps batters off balance with curveballs and one of the best changeups in the game. The Braves made him a full-time starter for the first time in his five pro seasons last year, and his performances seemed to be either outstanding or mediocre, with little in between. At his best, Osuna has a Bugs Bunny changeup that he mixes with a mid-80s fastball and a plus curveball. He does a good job of locating his pitches and despite his lack of velocity, he's not afraid to challenge hitters. Osuna gets in trouble when his pitches lack bite, causing them to hang and become in-game batting practice. The Royals picked him in the major league Rule 5 draft with the hope of using him out of the bullpen, though he's more suited to pitching multiple innings than serving as a one-out lefty because he succeeds by mixing his assortment of pitches. He had success as a reliever in the Mexican Pacific League over the winter and has a decent shot at sticking in Kansas City. If he doesn't, he has to clear waivers and get offered back to Atlanta for half of his $50,000 draft price.
• 
  Ranked Atlanta Braves #17 prospect in 2009
  Osuna has flown under the radar since signing out of Mexico in 2004, but that's starting to change as he climbs through the lower minors. He ranked third in the Appalachian League with a 2.47 ERA in 2007, then was named Rome's pitcher of the year in 2008. He moved into the rotation in the second half and went 7-3, 3.32 with two complete games in 14 starts. He also has proven himself against more experienced hitters by pitching well in the Mexican Pacific League the last two winters. Osuna challenges hitters with an assortment of pitches that he mixes well. He spots his mid-80s fastball with precision and uses it to set up a plus curveball and the best changeup in the system. He has fine control and does a good job of locating his pitches. Osuna doesn't project off the charts physically, and his modest velocity makes him the quintessential crafty lefthander. But based on his ability and pitching knowledge, he has a strong chance of finding a role in the majors. A promotion to high Class A is in the immediate offing.