Prospect Retrospective: Brent Headrick

The Twins drafted Brent Headrick in the ninth round of the 2019 MLB Draft from Illinois State University. He spent three years as a starter in college with a 4.55 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. In 205 2/3 innings, he posted a 193-to-70 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Even without overall outstanding numbers, Twins scouts felt that he had the potential to be even better after getting into the organization and working with the minor league coaches. 

Headrick’s pro debut came in limited action with the Elizabethton Twins. He made three appearances (two starts) while not allowing an earned run over 3 2/3 innings. There were some struggles with control, as he had five walks compared to two strikeouts. He was coming off a collegiate season where he pitched nearly 100 innings, so there might have been some fatigue in the rookie leagues. 

The Twins sent Headrick to Fort Myers after the non-existent 2020 minor league season. He was over a year older than the average age of the competition with the Mighty Mussels. In 63 innings, he posted a 3.71 ERA with a 1.59 WHIP and an 88-to-35 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His strikeout rate had jumped from 8.4 K/9 in college to 12.6 K/9, a sign of even better numbers during the 2022 season. 

Headrick began last season at High-A and dominated for the Kernels. In 15 starts (65 1/3 innings), he had a 2.34 ERA with a 0.89 WHIP and a 77-to-13 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The Twins promoted him to Double-A, where he was younger than the average age of the competition for the first time in his career. He allowed 23 earned runs in 43 innings but increased his strikeout rate from 10.6 K/9 in High-A to 12.3 K/9. The Twins were impressed enough with his performance to add him to the 40-man roster this past offseason. 

Since joining the Twins organization, Headrick has increased his fastball velocity from 88 mph in college to the low-90s during the 2022 season. His slider resulted in a 48 percent whiff rate after being promoted to Double-A last season. Headrick continues to work on his changeup, and he can miss bats with the pitch when he throws it consistently for strikes. At Triple-A, he pitched nine innings and allowed six earned runs on 12 hits with 12 strikeouts and two walks. 

It remains to be seen how the Twins will utilize Headrick in 2023. He’s been a starter throughout his professional career, but he seems more likely to be utilized out of the bullpen. Cole Sands is no longer on the roster, so Headrick can serve as the long man. Headrick’s ceiling might be limited at the big-league level, but his fastball and slider combination makes him an intriguing bullpen option. 

What do you think Headrick’s ceiling is at the big leagues? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

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