Toronto Blue Jays 2015 Rule 5 Options: Bullpen arms

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Reymin Guduan LHP

The 23-years-old out of San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic is a left-handed, throws a fastball that touches 99 mph and a slider with excellent movement and flashes plus potential.

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Reymin bounced between starting and relieving throughout his minor league career. He spent 2015 entirely in a relief role across three levels of the Houston Astros organization (Lo-A, Hi-A, and Double-A affiliates).  Despite being roughed up in Double-A , Reymin managed to strike out 10.68 batters per 9IP while primarily working out of the back end of the bullpen.

Guduan struggled to find his control in 2015, getting worse as he moved up the ladder. During his time in Lo-A he posted 2.25 BB/9, then 5.82 BB/9 in Hi-A, and finally 10.68 BB/9 in AA.

Reymin has shown the ability to consistently induce ground balls. Over three levels he finished with a 1.58 GO/AO ratio, gave up 3 home runs over 45.2IP and a 1.55 WHIP which was inflated by a terrible 2.39 WHIP in Double-A.

Next: Austin Adams

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Austin Adams RHP

Adams was taken in the 8th round of the 2012 draft by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He’s got a quick arm which allows his 4-seam fastball to hit the high-90’s; unfortunately, struggles to find the strike zone have slowed his progress.

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Austin excelled at Advanced-A and Double-A in 2015 before struggling in his brief audition at Triple-A. He produced 13.5 and 12.3 K/9 at Advanced -A and Double-A respectively, but also walked batters at a high rate, 4.5 and 7.75 BB/9.

It’s unlikely that a change of scenery will help the 24-year-old iron out the control problems that have plagued him throughout his minor league career, having never posted a BB/9 under 4.30. Any team willing to take a flier on Adams will under the knowledge that Adams will dominate with his fastball/slider combo but other nights will not be able to find the strike zone.

Overall, Austin Adams finished 2015 with 3-2 record, 3.27 ERA, 47 BB, 71 K’s, 1.45 WHIP and 1.31 GO/AO while holding opponents to a 1.79 batting average.

Next: Zach Jones

Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Jones RHP

A 4th round pick of the Minnesota Twins in 2012, Baseball America ranked Jones as high as #25 on Minnesota’s Top Prospect list in 2014. In 2012 Baseball America also rated his fastball as the best in the Twins system.

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Jones split his year 24 season between Advanced-A and Double-A. Zach got off to a strong start with his Double-A club in April (1.29 ERA, one walk and 13 K’s) and May (3-1, 1.74 ERA, 4 walks, and 9 K’s), but struggled in June before going on the 7-day DL on  June 30th. Upon his return on July 7th, Jones continued to struggle and was demoted after two less than spectacular outings.

The product of San Jose State took his 95-97 mph fastball and low 80’s slider down to Advanced-A and dominated. He produced 13.9 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 while finishing with a 2-2 record, 2.19 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 10 BB, and 38 K in 24.2IP at the lower level.

Jones could help the back end of many bullpens right now, but could frustrate manager and fans with his inability to consistently throw strikes.

Next: Blue Jays Top MiLB Prospects Wrap: The Injured

There’s always an element of risk when selecting minor league players that their current team don’t feel are worth protecting, but the rewards out weigh the risks. The three guys listed above could just easily become mainstays at the back end of the pen as end up pitching in Hi-A in 2016, but if they didn’t have control issues they wouldn’t be available in the Draft.