Alex Burnett

Burnett had a nice season in a middle relief role for the Twins last season with a 3.52 ERA and 10 holds, but almost all of his peripheral stats suggest his success is not sustainable. Burnett had a poor strikeout rate (4.5 K/9) without a low walk rate (3.3 BB/9) or outstanding groundball rate (52 percent). Much of his success was likely due to a low BABIP (.279) and unsustainable home run rate (0.5 HR/9). With the mediocre strikeout rates he has had in his career along with a lack of outstanding velocity (92 mph average fastball), he could be set for a significant decline. Still, he will begin the spring with a setup role in the Minnesota bullpen.