Jose Almonte
| IP | 453 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 3.616 |
| WHIP | 1.338 |
| BB/9 | 4.45 |
| SO/9 | 9.079 |
- Full name Jose Ramon Almonte
- Born 09/08/1995 in Santo Domingo Centro, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
Acquired as part of the 2016 deadline deal that sent Brad Ziegler to the Red Sox, Almonte put together a solid first full season in the D-backs organization in 2017. He finished the year with the most strikeouts (162) and second-lowest ERA (3.55) in the high Class A California League. Almonte's calling card is a fastball ranging from 88-94 mph with natural cutting action––a pitch that moves so much and acted so much like a slider that it left opposing hitters unsure of what type of pitch he was throwing. He also throws a true slider, curveball and changeup, and coaches like his ability to spin the ball. Almonte's fastball command needs to improve--he walked 4.3 batters per nine innings in 2017--as does his level of maturity on the mound––both in terms of controlling emotions and finishing hitters. The D-backs believe the movement on his fastball gives him a weapon that would play at the big league level, perhaps in the bullpen if not as a back-of-the-rotation starter. -
One of the top international signings by the Red Sox in 2012, Almonte signed for $610,000 and worked his way to low Class A in 2016 before being traded to the Diamondbacks (along with second baseman Luis Alejandro Basabe) for veteran reliever Brad Ziegler. Finishing the season at low Class A in Kane County, Almonte combined for a 3.56 ERA and a 104-to-35 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 108.2 innings. With a projectable body and good arm speed, he projects as a starter with good feel for both pitching and spin. He aggressively attacks hitters with his three-pitch mix, highlighted by an above-average fastball coming in at 89-94 mph, and he should be able to add more velocity with more strength. His 74-79 mph curveball projects as an above-average pitch and his average changeup has good fade, though he needs to use it more often. Almonte should be ready for the challenge of the hitter-friendly California League in 2017.
