Prospect Nation 2016: #11 RHP Jimmy Cordero

Acquired last season from Toronto as part of the Ben Revere trade, righty hurler Jimmy Cordero looks to be a promising arm that could become a top contributor to the Phillies’ big league bullpen very soon.  Sporting an overpowering fastball as part of his electric arsenal, Cordero is as promising a reliever as the Phils have in their minor league system.

Originally signed as an international free agent by the Blue Jays in 2012, the six-foot-three 215-pounder made his professional debut that year in the Dominican Summer League.  In seven games (three starts) there, he tallied a 1-3 record with a 5.60 ERA and .203 batting average against.

The following year, Cordero combined to post a 4-2 record with a 5.47 ERA and a .275 batting average against in 16 total games (two starts) for the rookie level Gulf Coast League Blue Jays and Bluefield of the Appalachian League.

In 2014, with Class A Lansing, the Dominican native notched a 3-2 record with a 3.06 ERA and a 9.5 K/9 mark in 25 appearances.

He opened the 2015 season with Dunedin in the Class A Advanced Dunedin, where he was 0-1 with a save and a 2.49 ERA in 16 outings.  Cordero was promoted to Double-A New Hampshire in late May, posting a 0-1 record with a save and a 2.92 ERA in 17 games.  Following the deadline trade, Cordero joined Double-A Reading, where he helped the team reach the post-season, sporting a 2.12 ERA with no decisions in 13 games.  With those three teams, Cordero struck out 64 and walked 24 in 67 innings pitched.

This off-season in 10 relief appearances for the Leones in the Dominican Winter League, Cordero posted a 1.93 ERA, striking out 10 and walking seven in 9 1/3 innings.

In his aresenal, the fastball is key.  He has big time velocity that regularly can clock in triple digits.   His slider is a nasty pitch with plus potential.  He also throws a pretty good curve ball that his coaches like.  With a great feel for his off-speed offerings, Cordero’s fastball is even more devastating.

The 24-year-old is able to throw first-pitch strikes on a consistent basis in order to get ahead of the opposition as well.

It would not be far-fetched to anticipate Cordero making his big league debut in 2016.  However, it is most likely that he could open the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, manning a key role in their bullpen.

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