In what looks like a major steal, the Twins have traded light-hitting Triple-A catcher John Ryan Murphy to the Diamondbacks for Southern League All-Star reliever Gabriel Moya.
Moya, according to Baseball America, is “arguably the most dominant relief prospect in the minors.” Here’s how they describe him.
Moya is on an historic run, having not allowed an earned run since May 2 as Double-A Jackson’s closer. That’s a stretch of 24 appearances and 30.2 innings. The 6-foot, 175-pound lefthander does it with a deceptive low 90s fastball that looks like it pops out of his ear in his delivery and a plus-plus changeup regarded by many as the best in the Southern League this year. He also has a slider and curveball he can mix in to provide a different look, throws strikes and earns raves for his competitiveness. With deception, an out pitch, and a closer mentality, Moya is a perfect 17-for-17 in saves this year and has a chance to be in a big league bullpen shortly.
Moya, 22, has basically dominated his entire minor league career. Combined at all levels he’s 20-10 with a 2.68 ERA, 71 walks and 317 strikeouts in 248.1 innings.
The Twins got Murphy from the Yankees for Aaron Hicks a couple of years ago.
