Chih-Wei Hu | Rank: 7 (Preseason: 13)
Team: Montgomery Biscuits (AA) ETA: 2017
Position: RHP
Age: 22 DOB: 11/04/1993
Bats: R Throws: R Height: 6' 1" Weight: 230 lb.
Signed: Aug. 3, 2012 - MIN
Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Palmball: 50 |
Control: 55 | Overall: 50
Signed out of Taiwan for $220,000 in 2012, Hu blew past expectations in '14
by not only reaching full-season ball, but pitching exceptionally well there.
He continued his strong pitching in the Florida State League last season and
shined in an impressive spot start for Triple-A Rochester in May. The Rays
took notice of the right-hander's development and acquired him from Minnesota
as part of the Kevin Jepsen deal at the Trade Deadline. Hu's advanced feel
for pitching was on display last season as he excelled against older hitters
at age 21. The right-hander has been even better this year at Double-A
Montgomery, earning Southern League All-Star honors while once again making a
Triple-A spot start.
Hu's fastball will be plus at times but typically sits in the low 90s with
good life, while his changeup and palmball both project to be at least
average. Hu also has a usable curveball, but it's taken a back seat to his
slider, which flashes above-average potential despite being relatively new to
his arsenal.
The biggest knock on Hu is that, at 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, he lacks physical
projection. However, the right-hander's stuff and command are good enough for
him to develop into a back-of-the-rotation starter in the big leagues.