Gifted with a live fastball that averages over 96 mph and a nasty curve, Yordano Ventura possesses ace stuff. He burst on the scene as a 23-year-old rookie in 2014, going 14-10 with a 3.20 ERA. Ventura also pitched the Royals past the Giants in game 6 with Kansas City facing elimination.
Kansas CIty Royals catcher Salvador Perez told ESPN’s Buster Olney about Ventura’s stuff:
“Ninety-eight [mph], with movement,” Perez said, emphasizing the difference between Ventura’s sinker and those of mere mortals.
He disappointed in 2015 with a 13-8 record and 4.