Michael Tonkin

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Minnesota Twins #15 prospect in 2014
  Tall and wiry strong, Tonkin made 83 appearances across three seasons at low Class A Beloit before finally getting to pitch above Class A in 2013, his sixth professional season. Once the light went on for the lanky righty, however, he moved quickly through the system. The brother-in-law of big league outfielder Jason Kubel, Tonkin passed up Southern California and signed for $230,000 in 2008. He converted 21 of 25 save opportunities at the top two minor league levels in 2013, and he handled himself well in three separate big league auditions. He throws a heavy two-seamer at 92-94 mph and has a riding fastball he can pump past the likes of Evan Longoria (his first strikeout victim) at 94-96 mph. They key to Tonkin's emergence, however, has been his sharp-breaking slider. When he remembers to use it, especially early in the count, he has more than enough stuff to become a key part of the Twins bullpen in 2014. He could improve at holding runners and his long levers keep him from being quick to the plate, but the Twins are intrigued with what Tonkin has shown them thus far.
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  Ranked Minnesota Twins #28 prospect in 2013
  Tonkin's sister is married to former Twins outfielder Jason Kubel, now with the Diamondbacks. Signed for $230,000 as a 30th-round pick in 2008, Tonkin seemed like a longshot to ever join Kubel in the majors until he finally found his footing in a full-time relief role last year. He led the system's relievers in strikeout rate (12.6 per nine innings), picking up 12 saves while finally getting out of low Class A, where he spent parts of three seasons. His development landed him a spot on Minnesota's 40-man roster. Tonkin uses a three-quarters arm slot and generates one of the system's hardest fastballs, working at 91-94 mph, hitting 96 regularly and touching 97 in the Midwest League all-star game. He has a strong body with some effort in his delivery, though some scouts said improved direction to the plate was what helped him take off. His solid slider has power in the low 80s and made significant improvement as well in 2012. For Tonkin to become a big league closer or set-up man, he'll have to make his slider more of a swing-and-miss pitch in the strike zone, not just a chase pitch. He continued to throw well in the Arizona Fall League as well and could move quickly now that he's found confidence. He'll start 2013 in Double-A.
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  Ranked Minnesota Twins #30 prospect in 2009
  Tonkin has ties to the Twins before they drafted him last June, as his sister is married to Jason Kubel. He dropped to the 30th round because teams thought it would be difficult to sign him away from a commitment to Southern California, but he spurned the Trojans for a $230,000 bonus. Tonkin gets good sinking life and armside run on his two-seam fastball from a low three-quarters arm slot, sitting at 89-91 mph and touching 94 consistently. He also has shown a feel for a changeup, which has above-average potential with good sinking movement that mirrors his fastball. Tonkin threw a curveball with tilt and some sweep as an amateur, but his slot lends itself more to a slider down the line. He'll need some time to develop, as he's still growing into his lanky 6-foot-6 frame. He could earn a rotation spot in low Class A this year, but but a numbers crunch could hold him back in extended spring training.