Toronto Blue Jays 2015 Rule 5 Options: Bullpen arms

Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Are there any arms available in the upcoming Rule 5 Draft that could help fill vacancies in the Toronto Blue Jays bullpen?

There were 10 players selected in the 2014 Rule 5 Draft to stick with their respective teams, making it one the most successful draft in recent years. One example of those picks is Delino Deshields Jr. taken from the Houston Astros by the Texas Rangers. Deshields Jr. impacted games with his speed and defense, giving the Rangers an game changers at the top of their lineup and in premium position in CF.

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The Blue Jays have some holes to fill in their bullpen, holes that they could fill by taking a chance on one or two arms exposed to the Rule 5 Draft.  Many of the arms available have yet to crack Hi-A ball or have some serious control issues, making it unlikely they will be selected by another team; however, there are some intriguing prospects on this years list.

Would the Jays be interested in re-acquiring Alberto Tirado who they included in the Ben Revere trade at this years Trade Deadline? Tirado has huge upside with a fast ball that touches 100mph but has struggled with his control. Could Tirado be given the same chance as Roberto Osuna and Miguel Castro were given out of Spring Training last year?

Maybe, but probably not.

Here are three arms that could attract some attention from major league teams in the upcoming draft: Reymin Guduan, Austin Adams, and Zach Jones

Next: Reymin Guduan

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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