Hansel Robles Stats & Scouting Report

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None of the Mets' top Dominican pitching prospects signed at age 16. Robles turned pro as an 18-year-old and spent four years in short-season ball. His development took a quantum leap forward in 2012, when he led the New York-Penn League in ERA (1.11) and WHIP (0.78). He finished the year by authoring 45 straight innings without allowing an earned run, including a four-hit shutout of Hudson Valley in the playoffs. Robles shows supreme fastball command, and the pitch features more sinking life than any other fastball in the system. He ranges from 92-96 mph, throwing the ball to both sides of the plate. Robles repeats his simple delivery and quick arm action, yet he doesn't always get the results with his secondary stuff that one would expect from clean mechanics. His mid-80s slider features more slurvy break than hard tilt, but it plays up because he busts righties inside so well with his heater. He throws a firm, mid-80s changeup that probably will be solid in time. Despite his short stature, he profiles as a starter because of his command and ability to read opposing hitters. The Mets hope Robles shows the same confidence in 2013 that he did down the stretch last year. If he does, he could skip a level and begin the season in high Class A.

Brooklyn's staff was loaded with strike-throwing power pitchers. Robles made the biggest improvement from the start of the year to the end, allowing just two unearned runs in 33 innings in August and leading the NY-P in ERA (1.11) and WHIP (0.78). "In March, he was a loose cannon on the mound--you never knew what he'd do," Donnelly said. "He'd throw 3-2 changeups to the No. 9 hitter with a five-run lead. He didn't even know how to spell composure. By the end of the year, he threw strikes, worked the quickest and changed speeds, and his composure was A-plus. I've never seen a guy grow up that quick. In my mind he was as good as anybody I've ever seen at that level."" Robles pitches off a 92-96 mph fastball with sink, spotting it effectively to both sides. While he has some some success getting hitters to chase his 83-85 mph slider out of the zone, it lacks depth at times. He showed limited feel for his mid-80s changeup early in the season but looked comfortable throwing it against righthanders in August.

Tacoma Rainiers placed RHP Hansel Robles on the 60-day injured list.
Seattle Mariners signed free agent RHP Hansel Robles to a minor league contract.
RHP Hansel Robles assigned to Toros de Tijuana.
Toros de Tijuana activated RHP Hansel Robles.