Jorge Alcala

Alcala's campaign ended just as soon as it started. The right-hander experienced a significant drop in his velocity during his second appearance and was subsequently placed on the IL with right elbow inflammation. The 26-year-old attempted to return from the injury multiple times, but continuous shut downs and the decision to undergo arthroscopic debridement surgery ended his season in August after just 2.1 innings. Alcala is expected to be ready for spring training and will be working towards reclaiming a high-leverage role for the Twins.

Alcala earned his first career save on the final day of the 2021 season, perhaps setting the stage for the hard-throwing righty to take the closer job and run with it in Minnesota in 2022. He pumps his four-seam fastball in at 97 mph on average, though it's the slider that he leans on more heavily than anything else, throwing it 40.7% of the time last season. His 26.6 K% from 2021 might not be what you would hope for given the stuff, but the improvement Alcala showed with his control last season was good to see, with his walk rate falling to just 5.7%. Alcala was primarily a starter in the minor leagues as recently as 2019, and it's possible the Twins could look to stretch Alcala back out given where they are in their competitive cycle and the fact he has a viable third pitch in the changeup. His quickest path to fantasy stardom is in the bullpen, but Alcala has endgame appeal regardless.

Alcala could be a force at the end of ballgames for the Twins after a breakout 2020 season. Alcala was called up in August and showed off his rocket arm with a 97 average mph fastball that topped out at 100.7 mph. He had a 2.63 ERA with a 30% strikeout rate and respectable 8.9% walk rate. His fastball was complemented by a quality slider (which he threw 44.7% of the time) that limited batters to a .247 wOBA, according to Baseball Savant. He was left off the playoff roster, which could indicate he needs to earn more trust from the coaching staff. He could also have some growing pains as before last season he had just 9.1 innings above the Double-A level. However, his electric stuff could quickly put him competition for a prominent setup role and even challenge for save opportunities.