Atlanta Braves Newcomer Review: Gabe Speier What Should We Expect

Sep 10, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; A tarp covers the field during a rain delay before a game between the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

New Atlanta Braves Lefty Gabe Speier

Who Is He?

Gabe Speier was drafted in the 19th round of the 2013 draft by the Boston Red Sox out of high school in California. The 6′, 175 pound lefty was then traded last offseason to Detroit as part of the deal that moved Yoenis Cespedes and Alex Wilson to Detroit and Rick Porcello to Boston. He is now a member of the Atlanta Braves after he and Ian Krol were acquired by the Braves in exchange for Cameron Maybin.

The Red Sox started Speier in the Gulf Coast League, and he made only 3 appearances, totaling 4 innings in that first season. He only allowed one earned run and struck out 6 over those first four innings, however. That short season was due to Speier succumbing to Tommy John surgery to end his 2013 season and eat significantly into his 2014 season. The Red Sox sent Speier back to the Gulf Coast League in 2014, and he pitched in 9 games, 6 of them starts. He pitched very well in that limited action, accumulating a 1.55 ERA and 0.79 WHIP over 29 innings while amassing a 1/26 BB/K ratio.

After acquiring him in the offseason, the Tigers moved the slight Speier to the bullpen in 2015 and moved him to full-season low-A West Michigan of the Midwest League. He appeared in 33 games, throwing 44 innings. His final numbers were a 2.86 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 12/36 BB/K ratio.

Next: Speier's scouting report

Speier is the nephew of longtime major league infielder Chris Speier and the cousin of long time reliever Justin Speier.