Jhoan Duran - 2018

[goulik]

Jhoan Manuel Duran

RHP-Starter

6’5” 175 lbs

 

BORN:

Jan 8, 1998 (20 years old)

Esperanza, Dominican Republic

 

Acquired:

Trade: July 27, 2018 with OFs Ernie De La Trinidad and Gabriel Maciel from the Diamondbacks for Eduardo Escobar.

Signed: December 2014 Arizona Diamondbacks for 65,000, International Free Agent

 

Duran is an interesting prospect with a lot of potential that is not showing up in ERA or WHiP yet. He has started every game he has appeared in as a pro and the hope is he will develop the pitches to remain a starter. He has a sinking fastball that he can dial up to 98 but usually sits in the 93-95 range. Scouts believe he will eventually hit triple digits. He also has a slider and a change up. You can read the rest of this to look at his history first or you can check out this article...

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/elgin-courier-news/sports/ct-abn-spt-baseball-cougars-jhoan-duran-st-0611-story.html

 

Duran began his pro career as a 17 year old in the DSL. He pitched 63.2 innings in 12 games posting his career best ERA (so far) 3.25. He struck out 44 for a 6.2 K/9 while walking only 22.

 

In 2016 he was 18 and in the pioneer league rookie ball for the first 3 games then he was moved up to the Arizona league for 4 more games. He had a 3.55 ERA before the promotion but 5.85 after. He threw a combined 32.2 innings with a 1.469 WHiP. He maintained a 6.1 K/9 while walking only 10 batters.

 

He got 11 more innings in the Arizona league over 3 starts in 2017. He had a 7.15 ERA but moved up to short season A ball anyway. There he had more success posting a 4.24 ERA and 1.196 WHiP in 11 games and 51 innings. He finished with a season combined 49 Ks or a 7.1 K/9 while allowing just 21 walks.

 

That brings us to 2018 and the Midwest League. He has tossed 64.2 innings already and has a 4.73 ERA with a 1.500 WHiP but his K/9 is at 9.9. He’s given up 28 walks.

 

Rest of his stats can be found here...

 

https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=duran-000jho

 

In summary, I think we found a diamond in the rough with a LOT of potential but some big question marks. His command and arm have front line starter potential but he needs to develop those other pitches or he will end up becoming a reliever. Remember, he is just 20 years old still. Not excited yet? Read this...

 

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/extended-spring-notebook-jhoan-duran-is-appointment-viewing/