Kevin Gadea

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #25 prospect in 2017
  Gadea was eligible to sign during the 2011 international signing period as a third baseman, but converted to pitching and delayed signing for a year. The Mariners ultimately signed him for $42,000 in November 2012 out of Dennis Martinez's academy. Gadea took time to develop but progressively grew bigger and stronger with two above-average pitches out of his 6-foot-5 frame and at least plus control. Despite the fact Gadea had never pitched above low Class A, the Rays loved his total package and took him with the fourth pick in the 2016 Rule 5 draft. Gadea's fastball sits 91-94 mph and touches 95, and it plays exceptionally well with his mid-80s changeup that presently grades above-average and flashes plus. He also mixes in an upper-70s curveball that is a work in progress. Lean and athletic, Gadea repeats his delivery well and pounds the strike zone. His 95-to-14 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 2016 is indicative of his pinpoint control. The Rays will try to keep him as the last man in their bullpen in 2017 before sending him back to the minors to develop as a possible mid-rotation starter in 2018.