Randall Delgado, SP, Atlanta Braves
02/09/1990
Height: 6’3″ Weight: 200
Perhaps the least talked about Atlanta Braves pitching prospect is Randall Delgado. The Braves signed Delgado as an International Free Agent out of Panama in 2006. Delgado really started to shine in his 18-year-old season in the Appalachian League. Since then, he has elevated himself to the top of prospect lists and will reportedly be starting for the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday.
We ranked Delgado #22 in our Top 100 MLB Prospects list. Here’s what we had to say about him:
22. Randall Delgado SP ATL – Another talented young Braves righty, Delgado is a step behind Teheran in every facet but still has plus tools at his disposal and might be the better bet to remain in the rotation. While Teheran has #1 stuff, Delgado has #2 stuff with a better bet long term to fulfill his potential.
Randall Delgado, RHP Atlanta Braves (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
That is a capsule I am happy to stick by. In fairness, Delgado has given some reasons to pull back on his long-term projections this season. It is starting to become harder to ignore that Delgado’s components are dropping as he moves up levels. His K/9 has gone from over 9 in High-A ball to 8.4 in AA this year. Over the same time frame, Delgado’s FIP has risen from a 2.93 to a 3.82. Now, of course it only makes sense that pitching gets more difficult as you move up in levels. Otherwise, Delgado would project to be an elite #1 starter. But it is something to watch going forward.
Stuff
Stuff-wise, Delgado throws a fastball, curveball, and changeup. The fastball is a plus pitch that sits in the low-to-mid 90s. The curveball and change have plus potential but aren’t there yet. You have to remember that Delgado is still only 21. While we are in a time in baseball where lots of young guys are finding themselves already in the majors, it is actually perfectly acceptable for Delgado to be right where he is at 21.
So what’s the issue with Delgado? It’s command. Not only does he walk a few more guys than you’d really like to see, he can’t necessarily always put his pitches where he wants to put them. Again, this will come with age and maturity.
Our Instinct
We still see Delgado as a #2 starter. What is important is how Atlanta handles him at this point. Delgado started last year in High-A ball and he is already coming up to the majors? That is too fast. There is a real danger in rushing young pitchers. If I were the Braves, I’d let Delgado finish out this year in AA and send him to AAA for the entire 2012 season, or perhaps bring him up in September 2012. August 2011 is too soon for the 21-year-old kid. Developmentally, he is not there yet. Delgado has the stuff and ability to be a #2 starter. Will Atlanta let him develop to that point? With where he is now, Delgado shifts more toward the back end of the rotation. Will he be able to develop successfully at the major league level? That is to be seen. For his sake, I hope this is a short-term thing and Delgado quickly gets back to the minors to continue his development. It will serve the Braves better in the long run.
With the 2011 MLB Signing Deadline just hours past, check out our own Geo Utter’s article on some of the top signs including the one that told Scouts via letter that there was no way he was going to sign and asked that they did not draft him, Josh Bell. Thanks for checking Baseball Instinct. We’re working hard to bring you the best of the minor leagues and make the site the best experience it can be. So don’t hesitate to tell us what you would like to read about. Email me now at Tom@baseballinstinct.com.
