Welcome to this 12 months’s rating of the highest 100 prospects in baseball. I’ve been compiling and writing such rankings for 17 years now, and people of you who’ve learn them earlier than will discover the format right here much like these from the latest previous. My farm stories masking at the least 20 prospects in every crew’s system, and notes on prospects who may seem within the majors this 12 months, or who may be breakout prospects for the 2025 rankings, will seem beginning the week of Feb. 12.
This 12 months’s record has extra gamers from the newest draft than any top-100 I’ve ever executed (I believe), with 20 p.c of the record — that’s 20 gamers, in case you’re struggling to do the maths right here — on this record being 2023 draftees. That’s a mix of what may be the most effective draft class of my profession since I left the Blue Jays and a excessive diploma of turnover from the 2023 top-100 record. We had a ton of graduations from final 12 months’s record: seven of the highest 10, plus 25 extra from the remainder of the record. And we had a number of face-plants, too, together with one man who went from the highest 10 final 12 months to fully off the record this 12 months, though, in my protection, he had it coming. 5 others fell off the record as a result of damage or sickness that both impacted their long-term outlook or damage their efficiency a lot that they have been merely handed by different, wholesome gamers.
To be eligible for this record, a participant should nonetheless retain Rookie of the 12 months eligibility for 2024, and haven’t any expertise in NPB/KBO, as these are main leagues and calling, say, Yoshinobu Yamamoto a “prospect” is fairly foolish (to not point out it takes up the area I’d somewhat use on an precise prospect). I additionally don’t embody the worldwide free brokers who simply signed in January, since in practically all circumstances these guys haven’t been scouted by different groups in a 12 months or extra.
I are likely to favor upside in prospects greater than certainty, however there may be worth in each. A participant who’s all ceiling and no ground isn’t as helpful, within the commerce market now or in contemplating his anticipated worth in the long run, as one who has a considerably decrease ceiling however a a lot increased ground. I would like gamers who may be stars, and after that I would like gamers who may be above-average huge leaguers — however I additionally attempt to needless to say many of those prospects received’t attain their ceilings, and to think about what different eventualities exist for his or her futures.
I exploit “seasonal age” for gamers (listed as “Age” on the participant bios beneath), which is their age on July 1, 2024, the midpoint of the calendar. I exploit the 20-80 scale for instruments (or 2-8 — similar scale, totally different dialect), the place 50 is common, 60 is plus, 40 is effectively beneath common, 80 is Ke’Bryan Hayes’ protection, and 20 is Yasmani Grandal’s foot velocity. I attempt to focus on gamers’ instruments, their frames, their stage of athleticism and different bodily attributes, in addition to their expertise, their aptitude, and different psychological or mental attributes as effectively. That is akin to how major-league groups consider gamers, though they may at all times have the benefit of entry to extra and higher information than these of us on the surface can get. The least I can do is attempt to mirror how the business thinks about gamers, and provide the most correct attainable image of the prospects in these rankings by means of each the lens of my very own evaluations and people of the folks inside the business whom I most belief.
When referring to starters, I acknowledge that that function continues to be evolving and we don’t have 200-inning guys anymore, with numerous “five-and-dive” (throw 5 innings and hit the showers) or twice-through-the-order guys, however I’ll nonetheless discuss league-average starters and typically seek advice from back-end (fourth or fifth) starters or above-average (ace, No. 2, and a few No. 3) starters. Keep in mind that there’s a vary round any projection or prediction for a participant — if I say I believe somebody’s a No. 4 starter, he may need a ceiling as a No. 3 or extra, and the ground of a center reliever or a bulk reliever, the place the No. 4 starter projection is the probably or median end result I see.
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Holliday went from “possibly he’s a first-rounder” within the fall of 2021, his senior 12 months of highschool, to “oh my God he’s the most effective prospect in baseball” by Could of 2023, an unbelievable rise — you would say meteoric, however I choose to keep away from such clichés — that’s a testomony to each his pure expertise and his unimaginable really feel for the sport. He performed in any respect 4 full-season ranges of the minors in 2023, dominating the primary three earlier than a strong stint at Triple-A Norfolk to finish the 12 months, with a composite line of .323/.442/.499 on the season and 101 walks in opposition to 118 strikeouts. He has distinctive hand-eye coordination, so even when he’s fooled by a pitch he typically manages to make contact with it, even arduous contact. I do suppose major-league pitchers will pressure him to shorten up his swing typically, as he practically at all times swings full bore and nobody has given him any cause to do in any other case. He’s a 50/55 runner, prone to find yourself common as soon as he fills out, a course of that can start as quickly as he begins shaving daily. Holliday is a pure shortstop whose place wouldn’t be doubtful if the Orioles didn’t have already got an incumbent there — and Holliday is a greater defender than Gunnar Henderson at quick — however he’s moved across the infield a bit of and will come up at third or second if Baltimore doesn’t need to dislodge the AL Rookie of the 12 months. He jogs my memory in a number of methods of Troy Tulowitzki, however has the benefit of the left-handed bat and has a greater really feel for the strike zone. I believe he’ll hit .280-.300 with robust stroll charges and 25+ homers a 12 months to go together with above-average protection at shortstop, and that’s a profile that may win an MVP award.
Chourio got here into the 12 months as my No. 3 prospect, behind the 2 eventual Rookie of the 12 months winners, however then bought off to a sluggish begin when the Brewers began him in Double-A Biloxi regardless of simply 31 video games in Excessive A and 6 in Double A the 12 months earlier than. Whether or not he was urgent or simply adjusting to the harder stage, when the solar rose on June 1, Chourio was hitting .254/.308/.418 and had punched out in 1 / 4 of his plate appearances. The remainder of the season, he hit .297/.353/.492 with a 15 p.c strikeout price and spent the ultimate week with Triple-A Nashville. That week went fairly effectively, as Chourio put 21 balls in play, eight of them with exit velocities of 100 mph or higher, peaking at 107.2 mph, and simply 5 beneath 91 mph. Chourio nonetheless completed fifth within the Double-A Southern League in steals and tied for fourth in homers, and has barely begun to fill out bodily, attending to that energy and arduous contact with robust wrists and unimaginable bat velocity. It’s a easy swing with simply sufficient loft in that follow-through for line-drive energy, and he tasks to hit for top averages as effectively. He’s a plus runner and at the least a 60 defender in middle already, prone to find yourself extra. You can also make a case for him over Holliday, as Chourio additionally performs a place up the center, provides plus protection, has extra velocity, and is general a twitchier, extra athletic participant. I believe Holliday has the upper ground, between his place and higher really feel proper now for the strike zone, however, as with the top-two prospects Gunnar Henderson and Corbin Carroll final 12 months, I believe each of those guys are superstars.
Salas signed final January when he was 16, was catching Joe Musgrove in a simulated recreation in spring coaching in March. He debuted in Low A on Could 30, simply two days earlier than he turned 17, which, amongst different issues, makes him the primary participant I’ve ever scouted who was youthful than my daughter is. (That is extraordinarily vital info, to me, at the least.) Salas went off in 48 video games within the California League, hitting .267/.350/.487, so the Padres promoted him to Excessive A for 9 video games, then to Double A to be with the majority of their prospects for a playoff push for 9 extra video games, after which a minor knee damage ended his season. Salas was born in Kissimmee, Fla., and is the youthful brother of Twins farmhand Jose Salas, however spent components of his childhood within the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, so he’s bilingual and really superior for his age on each side of the ball. He’s a easy catcher who has game-calling expertise and is snug catching premium velocity already, with a plus arm and fast launch, as effectively. On the plate, he’s surprisingly quick to the ball for a 6-foot-2 hitter with simple energy already. He has sufficient pitch recognition that he has an concept of when to achieve again a bit of for a more durable however longer swing. Catching’s robust on the physique and thoughts, with prospects behind the dish basically doing a double main, studying all the expertise for a backstop (receiving, blocking, framing, throwing, game-calling, being good to umps) whereas additionally growing as a hitter. Salas is as superior on the first main, being a catcher, as any 17 12 months outdated I can keep in mind seeing, and he appears to be able to at the least survive in Double A as a hitter already. It’s a possible bat that might play at first base hooked up to a catcher who may be plus in each significant side of the place. If he retains hitting, Krylon may put him of their commercials.
Lawlar was the sixth choose within the 2021 draft out of a Dallas highschool, however injured his shoulder on a swing — the identical damage that befell Corbin Carroll earlier than him and Druw Jones afterward, so I hope Tommy Troy has insurance coverage — and performed simply two video games after signing. Even with out a actual first summer season, he’s raced as much as the majors in two seasons, reaching Triple A only a few weeks after he turned 21. He’s bought nice instincts on each side of the ball and has now improved his footwork and his throwing to the purpose the place he may be a 55 defender at quick, and no worse than common. On offense, he’ll present plus bat velocity and will get to 15-20 homer energy at his peak, though the 20 homers he hit final 12 months have been inflated by taking part in in two insane hitters’ parks in Amarillo and Reno. When he’s proper, he’s very quick to the ball however nonetheless makes strong contact due to that bat velocity and wrist energy, with a swing path that can produce extra low line drives than huge flies. He’s a simple plus runner who’s an actual base-stealing menace, with an 87 p.c success price within the minors. My one concern is that he can come out of his swing at instances, lunging and over-rotating to attempt to pressure energy that isn’t there, which may result in whiffs or simply poor contact, like topping the ball proper into the bottom. So long as he stays again and sticks to what’s labored so effectively for him, he ought to be a star someplace on the infield, even when he strikes off quick for a superior defender.
Acquired by the Rays in a commerce that Guardians followers would like I by no means point out once more, Caminero began 2023 in Excessive A and completed it within the majors whereas getting common at bats for a playoff crew — and smoking the ball, too. Caminero’s an incredible hitter, combining really feel for the barrel, stability, and brute energy to supply a ton of arduous contact, peaking at 112 mph in his transient stint within the majors. His swing is straightforward however nonetheless highly effective between that higher physique energy and his fast hand acceleration, whereas he doesn’t chase a lot and doesn’t miss many pitches within the zone, with some vulnerability to breaking stuff down and away that’s typical for lots of younger hitters. Caminero has primarily performed third base within the minors and labored himself into a median glove there, with some expertise at quick, second, and even first, though that final place shouldn’t be obligatory given how a lot progress he’s made on the scorching nook. He hit 31 homers in complete final 12 months in 117 video games throughout three ranges, and this sort of hard-contact talent and really feel to hit ought to produce that type of 30+ homer energy within the majors too, with .300ish averages in the most effective outcomes, sufficient for him to be the impression bat the Rays have wanted for ages.
Few draft gamers have had debuts pretty much as good as Langford’s, as he performed at 4 ranges final season, hitting .360/.480/.677 in 200 skilled PA, and ended the 12 months in Triple A, the place he reached base 14 instances in 26 journeys to the plate. Langford was my preseason No. 1 prospect for the 2023 draft and was No. 2 on draft day after a ruptured testicle took him out for about two weeks within the spring, stopping him from answering scouts’ questions on his outfield protection. He’s an electrical offensive participant, a 70 runner underway who boasts a easy, highly effective right-handed swing the place he stays very regular by means of contact, rotating his hips on time to switch his weight with out turning into unbalanced, placing the ball within the air with numerous juice. He’s quick sufficient for middle however performed left in Florida, partly as a result of they’d a plus defender in middle however extra as a result of Langford has but to indicate even strong instincts within the outfield. That stated, if what he did in a modest pattern in professional ball is any indication, he might play sixth base or prime area or wherever else and nonetheless be an impression participant, as a result of he appears to be like like he’s actually going to hit and put 25-30 balls within the seats, too.
Crews was already on scouts’ radar as a highschool junior for his superior hit device and potential for energy, however a tough begin to his senior 12 months adopted by a worldwide pandemic that ended the 2020 season and reduce the draft quick. Nicely, he ended up at LSU, and issues labored out simply effective, as he mashed for 3 years as a Tiger and ended up the second choose within the 2023 draft. Crews can actually hit, going .426/.567/.713 final spring for LSU, then hitting .355/.423/.645 in 14 video games in Low A after he signed, though an aggressive two-level promotion to Double A lastly slowed him down. His swing is admittedly easy and when he’s on time, it’s quick and direct and the contact is loud. He’s a median to a tick above-average runner, however thus far he’s seemed superb in centerfield due to nice reads, though he could find yourself pushed to a nook by a superior defender as soon as he’s within the majors. When he was taking part in with Double-A Harrisburg, pitchers have been in a position to mess along with his timing by altering speeds, even getting him to chop by means of some fastballs within the higher half of the zone, so there are some changes for him to make earlier than he races to the majors. It would sluggish his progress by a number of weeks, however his ceiling as a hitter who’s among the many league leaders in all three triple-slash classes whereas taking part in up the center or taking part in plus protection in a nook continues to be there.
Mayer was the fourth choose within the 2021 draft and No. 1 on my ultimate draft board that 12 months. His 2023 season didn’t go in response to plan, as Boston’s prime prospect damage his shoulder in Could, ultimately happening the injured record for the impingement in early August, ending his season. When wholesome, Mayer has a ravishing left-handed swing and tasks to plus energy in his peak years, with loads of loft in his end to place the ball over the fence, however he hasn’t been wholesome all that usually in his two full years within the minors, coping with some wrist soreness in 2022, as effectively. He’s bought the athleticism and first-step motion to be a plus defender at quick, exhibiting the power to make tough or distant performs, and must work extra on consistency to turn out to be a 60 or higher within the area. He’s a below-average runner and never prone to be a base-stealing menace within the majors. Mayer’s shoulder was already damage when he bought to Double A final 12 months, so his dismal line there (.189/.254/.355, 26 p.c Okay price) might be simply noise. He wants a full season on the sector now to indicate the large upside that made him Boston’s first choose in 2021.
Carter’s ascent to the majors during the last two years rivals that of anybody apart from maybe Junior Caminero’s, and in some methods is extra beautiful provided that Carter began the 2022 season with simply 32 video games performed past highschool. The Rangers’ second-round choose in 2020, much-maligned in these quarters as space scouts questioned his contact expertise in highschool, Carter has proven excellent plate self-discipline at each stage, together with the majors, and the power to handle an at bat like a major-league veteran. He’s a plus defender and runner who may find yourself with a 6 hit device as effectively, which might make him an All-Star in that case. There are some beige flags right here; he’s by no means hit left-handed pitching within the minors or majors, his swing most likely isn’t going to supply greater than common pull energy, and he’s proven extra propensity to chase now that he’s dealing with higher high quality pitching. Brandon Nimmo didn’t hit lefties a lot in any respect till he was 25 or 26, and he’s already produced 21 WAR and made himself a ton of cash, so the platoon cut up challenge is way from deadly. Carter’s bought a really excessive ground — the worst-case situation would seem like that he’s a high-average/OBP platoon outfielder with plus protection — with the ceiling of a star if he hits southpaws higher and will get towards 20-ish homers a 12 months.
Skenes was the primary choose in final 12 months’s draft, coming off a spring the place he was practically unhittable because the Friday evening starter for the eventual nationwide champion LSU Tigers, punching out 45 p.c of batters he confronted and pitching often at 96-102 mph with a wipeout slider. He’s a pitcher of bizarre dimension, already 6-6 and doubtless 260 lbs or so, and hides the ball extraordinarily effectively behind his physique due to a compact arm motion, permitting him to get away with some iffy fastball command and below-average life on the pitch. He provides ace ceiling, with dimension and arm energy you may’t train, however has a number of changes to make to get there, together with ramping up use of a changeup he by no means bothered to make use of in faculty (why would he do hitters the favor) and dealing on a two-seamer so hitters don’t cheat and sit on the straight four-seamer as a substitute. His command might be a forty five or so, though he throws the fastball for strikes sufficient that I’d be stunned if walks have been a problem earlier than he reaches Triple A, the place they use the automated ball-strike system (ABS). He’ll must take a number of extra steps ahead to offer the Pirates an actual top-of-the-rotation resolution, however Pirates followers can take coronary heart in Skenes’ observe report of enhancements, as he went from a two-way participant with an above-average fastball at Air Pressure in 2022 to the dominant starter we noticed final spring at LSU. Search for him to achieve Pittsburgh in some unspecified time in the future this summer season.
The highest left-handed pitching prospect in baseball, Harrison had a tough go in his Triple-A debut final 12 months, strolling 16.3 p.c of hitters — at the least a few of which was probably attributable to the automated ball-strike system that’s utilized in some Triple-A video games — and lacking a month with a hamstring damage, however he confirmed significantly better in his seven major-league begins, together with throwing much more strikes than anticipated. Harrison comes from a low three-quarters arm slot that makes him very robust on left-handed hitters, working 92-97 mph with arduous working life, together with a tough slurve that largely breaks downward and a changeup that’s doubtlessly plus and has good separation from the fastball. It’s not a simple supply to repeat, so his command will most likely at all times be a query, however the improved management within the majors was an excellent signal, and his sudden bother with the longball (eight homers allowed in 34 2/3 major-league innings, 4 of them in a single begin) appears fluky with three coming from left-handed batters. Everybody desires to make pitchers who throw like Harrison into Chris Sale, however I believe that’s unfair to each guys; the White Sox gave Sale a brand new grip that turned his slider right into a 70, whereas Harrison could find yourself relying rather more on the fastball/changeup and saving his breaker for left-on-left crime. No matter how he places it collectively, he appears to be like like a No. 2 starter and has that ace upside if the command takes a leap or he can tighten up the slurve.
Quero spent all the 2023 season in Double A at age 20, the youngest catcher to get even 300 PA at both of the highest two ranges of the minors. He confirmed huge progress throughout the board, together with an enormous enchancment in his conditioning from 2022 to 2023. He’s in approach higher form now to deal with a full season of labor behind the plate, so whereas he at all times had the palms and arm for the place, he’s much more constant and will find yourself a 60 defender there throughout. On the plate, he’s bought nice really feel for the barrel, with a swing that’s quick to the ball and lengthy by means of contact, with future 20-homer seasons a chance when he’s in his mid-20s. He can swing too arduous at instances however will get away with it as a result of he has such good barrel management inside the zone. He did have a reverse platoon cut up final 12 months, struggling particularly when lefties threw him changeups, whereas right-handers would assault him with spin down and away that he’s nonetheless studying to put off. Apart from working, he’s bought the potential for above-average or higher instruments throughout the board, and he’s already superior as a catcher for his age. The Brewers don’t want a catcher now, similar to they don’t want a middle fielder, however they’ve a future two-way star right here in Quero.
That is Rocchio’s fourth 12 months on my top-100, and I presume his ultimate one, as he debuted within the majors final 12 months and the Guardians seem to have cleared the trail for him to be their opening-day shortstop. Rocchio’s excellent really feel for the sport was evident even when he signed at 16, whereas he’s developed right into a plus defender at shortstop and improved his pitch recognition and swing selections as he’s moved up the chain. He’s a real switch-hitter who hits from each side of the plate, and he’s turn out to be extraordinarily tough to strike out, rating within the prime 4 p.c of all full-season gamers (minimal 400 PA) final 12 months involved price. He’s proven energy up to now, with 33 homers in 2021-22 mixed, and hits the ball arduous for a smaller hitter, with top-end exit velocities increased than Alex Bregman’s have been at ages 22-23, though I’d challenge a extra conservative 15-18 homers a 12 months for Rocchio. It’s plus protection, doubtlessly elite plate self-discipline, high quality contact already, and a observe report of constant enhancements. Cleveland’s commerce of Francisco Lindor ought to damage a bit much less now that his successor is right here.
Clark might have been the primary choose in lots of drafts, however the 2023 draft was loaded on the prime, so Clark ended up going third to the Tigers. He’s an precise five-tool prospect, by which I imply he’s or tasks to be above-average or higher in all 5 instruments — hit, energy, run, area, throw — not only a nice prospect who will get known as “5 device” as a result of it sounds good. He’s a 70 runner who performs simple plus protection in middle with a robust sufficient arm for proper, and he’s bought a reasonably but highly effective left-handed swing that will get to plus energy already. He begins with a large base on the plate with simply sufficient room left for a small step ahead with out a lot weight switch, then begins his palms extraordinarily rapidly to generate that plus energy. The one query about his instruments is how good a hitter he’s at present, as he didn’t face any respectable pitching amongst Indiana excessive faculties; his professional debut included numerous contact even when he was clearly gassed taking part in in Low A in September. He’s already robust for his age and dimension and doesn’t provide a ton of projection, but in addition doesn’t want it to profile as an above-average common or higher — a 30/30 man who performs plus protection in middle and at the least has OBPs within the higher .300s.
Jenkins was the fifth choose final 12 months and a part of the quintet of prospects who might have gone first general in a typical draft, so the Twins picked the proper 12 months to pick fifth within the draft. Jenkins earns numerous comparisons to Larry Walker for his dimension, athleticism, and candy left-handed swing, resulting in hopes he may be one other power-hitting proper fielder with robust on-base expertise and a few velocity as effectively. It’s about as textbook a swing as you’ll see, with elite bat velocity and nice hip rotation for arduous contact and what ought to find yourself as 25-30 homer energy, if no more. He had zero points in professional ball with contact or plate self-discipline, though he didn’t present a lot of the facility, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he took a 12 months or two to develop into that a part of his recreation. He performed middle in each recreation when he performed the sector aside from one in proper, however given his dimension I believe he’s going to finish up in a nook, similar to his namesake. It is probably not a straight line to stardom however I imagine Jenkins’ swing and bat velocity will carry him for now whereas we look ahead to the facility to reach.
Winn reached the majors final 12 months at age 21 and simply barely nonetheless qualifies for this record — yet one more day on the roster or 9 extra at bats would have value him his ROY eligibility for 2024. He’s an elite defender at quick with an 80 arm, registering 100.5 mph on a throw on the 2022 Futures Sport that set a brand new Statcast report for velocity for a throw by any infielder. He has excellent plate self-discipline for his age, throughout all dimensions of that time period — his pitch choice, his pitch sort recognition, and his ball/strike recognition are all above-average or higher for somebody who’s been younger for each stage he’s performed at in professional ball. He’s additionally a 70 runner with an 88.4 p.c success price on 104 stolen base makes an attempt within the minors. And he has excellent bat velocity on prime of that, hardly ever lacking even plus fastballs, though in his case his bat could also be out and in of the zone too rapidly for it to translate as plus energy and even excessive exit velocities. That provides as much as a reasonably excessive ground: plus protection, excessive contact charges, strong to plus on-base percentages, added worth on the bases, and also you hope a bit of energy. Except his method fully collapses within the majors, which I’ve a tough time imagining, he’ll be at the least a median common at quick for a very long time. The Playing cards seem to have cleared the best way for him to win the job out of spring coaching, and I don’t suppose there’s any actual profit to sending him again to Triple A at this level anyway. Simply let his protection carry him whereas he adjusts to big-league pitching and benefit from the present.
Marte has at all times hit although he’s been younger for the extent in every single place he’s performed, reaching the majors final 12 months at age 21 and hitting .316/.366/.456 in his cup of espresso with only a 20.3 p.c strikeout price and a peak exit velocity over 115 mph. Acquired within the huge swap that despatched Luis Castillo to Seattle for 4 gamers, Marte had fallen out of favor with the Mariners as a result of he’d gotten so huge there was — and nonetheless is — some query over whether or not he’ll keep on the grime, and I believe there isn’t any actual shot for him to remain at shortstop. To his credit score, he’s maintained a few of his athleticism and velocity at the same time as he’s crammed out so rapidly, and whereas he most likely received’t be a rangy third baseman he ought to make all the obligatory performs to be at the least common there. His bat isn’t a giant query, as he has nice instincts on the plate and makes use of the entire area effectively, with energy from his pull facet all the best way over to right-center. Enjoying half his video games in Cincinnati ought to get him to 20-25 homers a 12 months, if no more. His final offensive ceiling is determined by his method, which proper now’s appropriately aggressive — he doesn’t whiff a lot or stroll a lot, however chases a bit of too typically proper now to challenge as a star at his peak, with extra of a .280/.330/.500 form of ceiling. That’s an excellent common who makes some All-Star groups, with the prospect to turn out to be one thing extra if he makes higher swing selections even unbiased of simply strolling extra. He’s prepared for a major-league job proper now, and the Reds have one to offer him at third; if he wins it, he’s a contender for Rookie of the 12 months.
Crow-Armstrong hadn’t performed above A-ball coming into 2023, however hit a mixed .283/.365/.511 between Double A and Triple A to achieve the majors in September, the place then Cubs supervisor David Ross performed him solely when each of Earth’s moons have been in Sagittarius, presumably contributing to the truth that Crow-Armstrong nonetheless has but to get his first major-league hit. He’ll get that and extra this 12 months, as he ought to spend the season because the Cubs’ middle fielder, offering plus protection and I hope some robust on-base expertise. Crow-Armstrong may be a 70 defender in middle and is actually plus, sufficient to offer him a excessive ground as a fourth outfielder within the unlikely occasion that his bat doesn’t pan out. One cause that may occur is that he’s come into extra energy than anticipated, and it’s affected his method, as he sells out to get to that energy typically, typically reducing throughout the ball and slicing it to left area. He’s robust sufficient to hit 20 homers, as he did final 12 months within the minors, and a ok hitter general to hit .300+, however he’s most likely not going to have the ability to do each along with his swing and his dimension. He’s higher served going for contact and letting some energy come naturally, within the 10-12 homer a 12 months vary, and maybe in doing so he’ll see his stroll price and thus his OBP creep again up. After a tricky, if very transient, stint within the majors, Crow-Armstrong has a bit of extra cause to search out that offensive center floor, and added to the worth he’ll present on protection he might be a 5 WAR participant for a number of years by means of his peak.
Wooden has turned out to be the jewel within the commerce that despatched Juan Soto to San Diego. Wooden has proven a number of elite instruments already and reached Double A final 12 months at age 20, but in addition carries some actual dangers associated primarily to the strike zone. Wooden is an impressive athlete with 70 velocity and 80 uncooked energy, and if something he’s improved his conditioning in professional ball to get much more out of his bodily presents. He can play plus protection in middle and I’ve gotten occasional run instances from him that grade out at 80. He began final 12 months in Excessive-A Wilmington, usually a tricky place for energy, and hit .293/.392/.580; his eight homers in 42 video games ended up second on the crew for the season. When the Nats bumped him to Double-A Harrisburg, which is a greater dwelling run park, the facility stayed however the sheer dimension of his strike zone and a few of his pitch recognition each led to a giant leap in his strikeout price, from 27 p.c to 34 p.c, with fastballs up and sliders within the decrease third each turning into points for him. He’s each little bit of 6-6, possibly even 6-7 at this level, and between his top and the way arduous he swings, he’s going to have some whiff; the problem for him and the Nats might be reducing it all the way down to a manageable stage so he hits sufficient to get to that 40-homer energy and isn’t an OBP legal responsibility. My guess is there isn’t a lot center floor right here; the ceiling is that middle-of-the-order offense in a plus proper fielder or 50/55 centerfielder, whereas the ground is one other man who can’t reduce his Okay price beneath 30 p.c and bounces round for years as groups hope to catch lightning in a tall bottle.
The Orioles refused to take part within the annual Latin American free-agent donnybrook for greater than a decade, which continues to harm their farm system even now that they’ve jumped again in due to the lag between when these gamers signal (sometimes at age 16) and once they emerge as prospects. Basallo was considered one of their first huge signings in that market, incomes a $1.3 million bonus in 2021. He debuted in full-season ball this 12 months, hitting so effectively in Low A after which Excessive A that he even bought a four-game cup of espresso with Double-A Bowie to complete the season. Basallo turned 19 in August and his bat is already very superior, with a really quick however highly effective swing and what seems to be superb pitch recognition. Whereas his offense is forward of his protection, he does challenge as a catcher, with a cannon of an arm and the palms and athleticism to deal with the place; the chance is that his bat may be so superior that it’s higher to maneuver him to a different place so he can get to the majors, à la Bryce Harper, Wil Myers or Paul Konerko. The Orioles even have a reasonably good younger catcher forward of Basallo, which could change Basallo’s trajectory, though it isn’t related for the needs of this rating — Basallo tasks as a power-hitting catcher with a robust OBP and the power to regulate the working recreation, making him one of many prime catching prospects in all of baseball.
Domínguez reached the majors final 12 months, simply 4 years faraway from signing for a $5.1 million bonus and extra hype than any Dominican newbie participant since Miguel Sanó a decade earlier, solely to have his season finish prematurely when he wanted Tommy John surgical procedure on his throwing elbow. Earlier than that, nonetheless, he confirmed why he was so extremely touted, with loads of arduous contact within the majors and in Triple A, topping out round 110 mph and hammering fastballs of any velocity. He has excellent bat velocity and straightforward plus energy, whereas he’s a 70 runner underway and appears like he’ll be a plus defender in middle if he is given the chance on the market. He’s a real switch-hitter, though he’s higher from the left facet, with sufficient platoon cut up final 12 months to at the least bear watching. He’s improved his pitch recognition by leaps and bounds since he started his professional profession in 2021, and whereas he reached the majors ahead of anybody anticipated, he wasn’t overmatched and his batted-ball information was even higher than the stat line. He’ll most likely miss at the least the primary third of the 2024 season, possibly half, based mostly on typical restoration instances for place gamers with TJ surgical procedures, and maybe that offers the Yankees cowl to let him go mash in Triple A for a month earlier than he returns to the majors. As soon as he’s wholesome, he provides 20/20 upside with robust batting averages as effectively and the potential for plus protection in middle or, if he loses any throwing energy, possibly 65-70 protection in left. The hype could have died down a bit however he appears to be like like he’s going to be a star proper on schedule.
Anthony boasts one of many best-looking swings within the minors, making quite a lot of changes between when the Pink Sox took him within the second spherical in 2022 and the beginning of 2023, turning him into one of many recreation’s prime offensive prospects. These changes included liberating up his palms and serving to him preserve his lead arm looser by means of contact for extra energy, whereas additionally utilizing his decrease half extra to supply more durable contact — one thing Boston cited when selling him out of Low A regardless of a mediocre stat line of .228/.376/.316 on the stage. He responded by hitting .301/.422/.565 the remainder of the best way between Excessive A and a 10-game stint in Double A, so, hey, sorry I doubted you guys! He struck out round 28 p.c of the time after the promotion however doesn’t chase typically in any respect till he will get to 2 strikes, so the method is sound, and the facility is already exhibiting up with extra to come back as he fills out. He’s taking part in extra middle now and Boston is working with him to enhance his routes and his first-step quickness to offer him an opportunity to stay there, with plus protection in a nook one other potential end result if he has to maneuver. The Pink Sox beforehand had the Greek God of Walks; possibly quickly they’ll have Roman, God of Swings.
In any other case generally known as Jackson Barrel as a result of, effectively, it’s not as a result of he likes cognac. Merrill remodeled his physique within the 2021-22 offseason and has spent the final two years making a ton of contact whereas taking part in glorious protection at quick, working his approach as much as Double A earlier than his twenty first birthday. Solely 14 minor-league hitters who performed sufficient to qualify in full-season ball struck out much less typically than Merrill’s 12.1 p.c price final season, and he truly struck out barely much less in Double A than he had in Excessive A — and approach lower than he did in 2022. He’s gotten fairly a bit stronger since highschool, however thus far that hasn’t translated into arduous contact or excessive BABIPs, as he was below .300 at each stops final 12 months. Merrill’s typical swing could be very quick, permitting him to make contact at excessive charges however at a price of a few of that impression, so the Padres have labored to assist him get his decrease half concerned extra and keep again higher in order that he can at the least begin to present extra pull energy. In the event you have a look at the physique, the swing path by means of contact, and the texture for the zone, you may challenge 20+ homers in time, particularly if he can begin driving the ball the opposite approach in addition to to his pull facet. He’s a 55 defender at quick now who’ll probably find yourself plus, whereas he’s quick sufficient to deal with centerfield if that turned an possibility and shouldn’t have any bother at third or second. He has a variety of outcomes regardless of a excessive ground; at worst he’s a low-OBP utilityman who performs eternally as a result of he can put the ball in play and deal with six or seven positions. If the facility comes, although, he might be a shortstop with a bat that might profile in proper area, hitting for common even with low stroll charges and attending to that 20-25 dwelling run upside.
Johnson has actual plate self-discipline and glorious really feel to hit, main the full-season minors in stroll price and ending fifth in complete walks drawn with 101. He has glorious pitch choice and growing energy however some cracks within the method and the protection that weren’t obvious earlier than this 12 months. Johnson cleared up the hitch he would flash in highschool and his bat path is clear and lets him get to that rising energy, with 18 homers in 2023 after he hit only one in 23 video games in his professional debut the 12 months earlier than. He doesn’t chase, a talent that was extra evident after he was promoted out of the Florida State League, the place the league makes use of automated ball-strike system for some video games, which has produced increased stroll charges when it’s in place. Nonetheless, he’s proven extra propensity to whiff within the zone, and a late load appears to be impairing his timing, so even when he picks up the pitch sort he’s nonetheless exhibiting some swing and miss. Defensively, he is moved to second base and scouts are very combined on whether or not that’s going to be a long-term resolution for him, as his footwork isn’t nice and he’s getting by on his unimaginable instincts and baseball IQ — which isn’t a foul factor, thoughts you, however may not preserve him on the place until his mechanics enhance. His vary of outcomes has widened in each instructions since final offseason; he might be a high-OBP, 18-22 homer second baseman, making numerous All-Star groups and taking part in for a very long time, however he might additionally find yourself in left area and/or miss an excessive amount of within the zone to get to the excessive averages and OBPs everybody foresaw in highschool.
De Paula signed for just below $400,000 as a world free agent in January 2022, and he’s since proven unimaginable really feel for the strike zone as a teen in Low A together with some high-end exit velocities already that time to a really huge OBP/energy upside. Born in Brooklyn however signed out of the Dominican Republic, De Paula — who’s cousins with Stephon Marbury (tastefully executed) — has excellent bat velocity and actually controls the zone, with each ball/strike and pitch recognition that led to stroll and strikeout charges effectively above the Low-A common final 12 months. The primary concern with him is that he’s a effectively below-average runner already at age 18, and has a lot projection left to his physique that he may develop himself proper into first base. The mix of bat velocity, selectivity, current energy, and large bodily projection might make him among the many finest hitters in baseball at his peak, and in that case, whether or not it’s at first base or in an outfield nook received’t actually matter.
Shaw was No. 7 on my 2023 pre-draft rankings after a spring when he hit every little thing arduous for the College of Maryland, barreling up balls for a .341/.445/.697 line with among the finest batted-ball information within the class. The Cubs have been overjoyed when he fell to the 14th choose, and have been aggressive with him after he signed, getting him to Double A in September after he hit .393/.427/.655 in his 20-game stint in Excessive A. Shaw’s swing already places the ball within the air on a line, within the vary that maximizes energy and manufacturing on contact, with a median launch angle of 26 levels final spring. He’s additionally proven the power to acknowledge balls and strikes and thus restrict his chase price. He performed shortstop in faculty however struggled with among the more durable throws, so he was at all times anticipated to maneuver to second base or possibly the outfield; the Cubs have a extra vital want at third base now, so he’s prone to see numerous time there this 12 months as they attempt to see if he can present them with a long-term resolution. Wherever he performs, he appears very, very prone to hit, and to finish up hitting for extra recreation energy than his uncooked energy grades (I’d say 55) may point out.
Mayo hits the ball actually, actually arduous, and he additionally hits it fairly typically, which is a good start line for any bat-first prospect; he drew 93 walks final 12 months between Double A and Triple A to go together with 29 homers and a 24 p.c strikeout price, which I believe demonstrates his ground as “simply” a 3 true outcomes hitter already. He’s 6-5 and listed at 230 kilos, so he’s bought a giant strike zone and a few innate size to the swing simply from the dimensions of his arms. To his credit score, he’s developed his eye on the plate during the last three years, with assist from the Orioles’ employees, permitting him to make higher swing selections and look extra for pitches he can drive to make the most of that pure energy. There could at all times be some swing and miss right here, notably on breaking stuff within the zone, as a result of his dimension and his broad setup on the plate, however a crew might reside with it as a result of what he does on contact is so good — he hits it arduous, and within the air, and may go the opposite approach a bit of bit although his energy is generally to his pull facet. He’s bought a 70 arm that might enable him to play wherever, however third base might be an uphill battle due to his dimension — he’s athletic sufficient for it, however it’s arduous for guys that tall to remain on the grime and persistently get down for groundballs. He might actually play first proper now and I’d prefer to see him in proper area. The left facet of the Orioles’ infield is essentially the most densely populated place in America, so a place swap may serve everybody’s wants anyway. He most likely received’t add a lot worth on protection, however received’t damage you, and a 30-homer, 80-walks man who posts excessive BABIPs as a result of every little thing off the bat is 90 mph or higher is an above-average common who performs for each crew.
Alcántara was a part of the return from the Yankees for Anthony Rizzo on the 2021 commerce deadline. The commerce got here proper after he turned 19, and turned him nearly instantly into one of many Cubs’ prime prospects regardless of his inexperience to that time and the quantity of bodily projection he nonetheless had remaining. He’s nonetheless bought a good quantity of progress forward of him, and his recreation general stays inconsistent, however he has superstar-level instruments and has days the place he’s clearly the most effective participant on the sector. The ball flies off his bat already, with 20-25 homer energy now and the potential for 35-40 when he fills out, whereas he’s additionally a plus runner who performs at the least solid-average protection in middle. After a tough begin to final 12 months (together with a 21:1 strikeout to stroll ratio in Could), he hit .329/.404/.551 from June 1 onward round a stint on the injured record and a promotion to Double A for the ultimate 5 video games of his season. Regardless of his 6-6 body and a swing that typically appears to be like prefer it’s uncontrolled, he’s saved his strikeout price round 24 p.c, a wonderful signal for his long-term outlook given the sheer dimension of his strike zone. He’s not the Cubs’ No. 1 prospect as a result of he provides a lot threat, however he has 30/30 upside in the course of the sector and numerous different methods he might develop that might nonetheless make him an above-average or higher on a regular basis participant.
Jobe missed the primary half of 2023 with a again damage, however when he returned, he threw higher than he had in all of 2022, throwing 64 innings throughout 4 ranges, hanging out 84, and strolling simply six batters. Jobe works at 94-98 mph with a four-pitch combine that incorporates a plus changeup, an above-average curveball within the low 80s, and a tough however quick slider at 89-92, with enormous spin charges on the heater and breaking balls. I’ve the slower pitch as the higher one now and suppose that if he focuses on it he can get it to plus, because it already has tight rotation and big vertical break. His supply has effort to it although it’s compact, with some head-whack at launch, and he whips by means of the supply so rapidly he may not be producing sufficient of that velocity from his decrease half. He’s an excellent athlete, nonetheless, and will have the ability to make some changes if the Tigers need to attempt to scale back the trouble concerned. It’s No. 1 starter stuff and he at the least has proven the type of management to pitch atop a rotation, so long as he can keep wholesome.
Listed at simply 5-6, 175, Williams had an impressive full-season debut final 12 months, hitting .263/.425/.451 throughout three ranges whereas taking part in solid-ish protection at shortstop and exhibiting plus velocity on the bases. Williams has stunning energy for his dimension, which I assume is extra correct than the claimed 5-8 when he was in highschool, and hits the ball arduous sufficient to maintain his averages up and produce 10-15 homers a 12 months. It’s a compact swing — how might or not it’s in any other case? — that places the ball within the air a ton, and he makes use of the entire area effectively. His shortstop protection will get combined opinions, with some perception he’ll keep on the place, though it’s simple to think about him sliding to second base if he can’t keep there.
Lee was the eighth choose within the 2022 draft, a really superior hitter who’d been on scouts’ radar as a prime prospect since he was in highschool. He confirmed that by going to Double A to begin his first full professional season and hitting .292/.365/.476 there earlier than an August promotion to Triple A, setting him as much as attain the majors this 12 months. He’s a switch-hitter with some effort to the swing, exhibiting a giant cut up final 12 months between his manufacturing from the left facet (.287/.366/.494) and proper facet (.231/.266/.337), with a historical past of excessive contact charges, particularly on fastballs within the zone. He’s boosted his contact high quality within the final 12 months and hits a ton of line drives, as his swing finishes with sufficient loft to typically put him within the superb launch-angle vary for line-drive contact. He’s largely performed shortstop within the minors, getting simply seven begins on the scorching nook final 12 months, however his long-term place is extra prone to be off shortstop — most likely third base, as he has loads of arm for the left facet of the infield and delicate sufficient palms for third. He ought to hit for a .280-.300 common with robust OBPs and homer totals within the teenagers, taking part in above-average or higher protection at third or second base, or 45 protection at shortstop if he’s pressured to remain there by accidents or different circumstances.
Rafaela’s one of the crucial fascinating prospects within the minors, a 5-9 infielder/middle fielder from Curaçao who hits the ball more durable than you’d count on from somebody his dimension, performs among the finest center-field protection wherever in skilled baseball, and may swing at a butterfly if it flew inside 10 ft of him. He began his professional profession at shortstop and third base, however he’s too inconsistent for brief and ended up transferring to second, the place he’s plus, and middle, the place he may be an 80, with simple routes and at the least 70 velocity to cowl enormous tracts of land. As a hitter, he boasts nice bat velocity and may join with numerous pitches out of the strike zone, which labored effectively sufficient within the minors however was an space that major-league pitchers exploited throughout his 28-game MLB debut. He’ll most likely by no means be a lot for the free cross, but when he simply cuts down on the chase, he has the energy and the loft in his end to at the least hit for line-drive energy — balls to the gaps that can turn out to be doubles and triples along with his velocity, plus most likely 12-18 homers a 12 months, though he did hit 22 final 12 months throughout three ranges. He’s not the form of participant I sometimes like along with his undisciplined method, however I believe he has an opportunity to be essentially the most helpful defensive outfielder in baseball, giving him a excessive ground and thus time to wash up the method sufficient for the swing and velocity to play.
A pitcher and infielder at UNC Pembroke when the Padres drafted him within the eleventh spherical in 2021, Ryan got here to the Dodgers in a commerce that despatched Matt Beaty to San Diego. As soon as within the Dodgers’ system, Ryan turned a full-time pitcher. He’s taken off since then, reaching Triple A final 12 months in his second professional season, hanging out nearly 1 / 4 of the batters he confronted, and throwing 4 pitches that each one at the least flash plus. He’s as much as 99 mph and pitches at 94-97 with a hammer curveball, sweepy slider, and arduous fading changeup, dominating right-handed batters final 12 months whereas exhibiting some platoon cut up, notably in OBP (he allowed a .388 OBP to lefties final 12 months as a result of a 13 p.c stroll price in opposition to them). He’s an outstanding athlete, as you’d count on from a former center infielder, and his physique appears to be like able to step right into a major-league rotation now. He wants reps, as he nonetheless has simply 152 skilled innings on his resume, and in these reps he must proceed to work on command of all of his pitches in addition to his really feel for the changeup. Ryan might be a No. 2 starter, and whereas I don’t suppose he’s prepared for a major-league function simply but, he’s superior so rapidly he might simply make one other huge leap this spring and see Chavez Ravine earlier than September.
I wrote final 12 months that the one factor that might cease Painter’s march to the majors was his damage threat, which sadly turned out to be extra true than I anticipated — I believed it was only a chance given his age, how arduous he throws, and a few very minor mechanical points, however he ended up lacking the 12 months with a torn UCL, present process Tommy John surgical procedure in July that can most likely preserve him out till this fall. When wholesome, Painter reveals No. 1 starter stuff, bumping 99 mph and sitting 94-97 with a hammer to make Thor jealous in his curveball, together with an above-average changeup he hadn’t begun to make use of sufficient and a slider that’s most likely an pointless fourth pitch proper now. He comes from a excessive three-quarters arm slot that, mixed along with his 6-7 top, makes it a really uncomfortable search for hitters on each side of the plate. He’d additionally proven higher management in his time in A-ball than he had at the same time as an newbie, together with the power to separate these two breaking balls within the curve and slider and use them in several spots. There’s threat with TJ surgical procedure, from the slight likelihood he loses some velocity to the considerably higher likelihood that his curveball isn’t the identical afterwards (Lucas Giolito and Jay Groome had this occur). If all goes effectively along with his rehab, maybe he can throw in instructs or — and I admit to some self-interest right here — the Arizona Fall League, which might set him as much as begin 2025 on one thing approaching a daily schedule. The ace upside continues to be there, simply with extra unknowns till we see him again on a mound and at full energy.
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Philadelphia Phillies
Lesko was cruising in the direction of being a top-10 choose in 2022, possibly even one of many prime 5, when he tore his UCL and underwent Tommy John surgical procedure after an electrical (however, alas, injury-shortened) outing on the NHSI match on the USA Baseball complicated in Cary, NC. Lesko had been as much as 97 mph with a grade-70 changeup and a a lot improved curveball with extremely excessive spin charges, stunning for somebody who got here into the spring with severe questions on whether or not he’d ever have a usable breaking ball. He returned in the course of 2023 and completed the 12 months in Excessive A, throwing 33 innings in complete to set him up for a full season of labor in 2024. He had most of his stuff again, working 94-98 briefly outings with that 70 changeup, whereas the breaking ball was inconsistent however might flash plus with huge depth and that tight rotation once more. His supply has at all times been repeatable and he ought to have the ability to throw strikes and get to above-average command in time, though in his first 12 months again he wasn’t near common in both class. You may dream on him a bit of and see an ace due to the three pitches, one a no-doubt swing-and-miss pitch, and a supply that works for a starter. I’d similar to to see what his stuff and command appear to be over a fuller season in 2023 earlier than going that far, and I’m extra snug saying he’s a mid-rotation man with an opportunity to be a No. 2 starter if he stays wholesome.
Keith was the Tigers’ fifth-round choose within the 2020 draft, that means he was their final one, and he has an excellent likelihood to finish up their finest participant from that class — even higher than No. 1 choose Spencer Torkelson. Keith has nice really feel for the barrel and makes a ton of arduous contact, enhancing his typical launch angle this previous 12 months to get the ball within the air extra. That allowed him to go from 11 homers in 113 video games in 2021-22 to 27 homers in 126 video games final season. He’s topped 110 mph already regardless of a brief swing that you simply may suppose would restrict his impression. He’s turned himself right into a succesful third baseman, ok to remain there, though he might additionally find yourself at second base to attenuate any considerations in regards to the arm energy not taking part in on the scorching nook. I don’t suppose it issues a lot; even when he’s at first base, which now appears to be like like an actual worst-case situation, he’ll hit sufficient to be at the least an excellent common with .280-.300 averages and 25-35 homer energy. He’s athletic sufficient to be a median defender at second base with some work, although, and that might make him a simple 5-win participant.
There’s at all times at the least one man from each draft who goes out for a month or so after signing and makes folks ask why he wasn’t drafted increased — Dalton Dashing was that man in 2022, Zack Gelof in 2021 — and Emerson actually did that final summer season. The twenty second choose in 2023 went 15 for 28 in every week within the ACL after which hit .302/.436/.444 in 16 video games within the Cal League when he was barely 18 years outdated, wowing scouts along with his really feel to hit for such a younger participant from an Ohio highschool. Emerson has a free, simple left-handed swing, favoring contact over energy, with out numerous work coming from his decrease half but to drive the ball — one thing I think about the Mariners will work on straight away — though he already makes solid-average contact high quality. He’s a forty five or barely 50 runner, not prone to keep at shortstop, and cut up time between there and second in his few weeks within the minors. Earlier than the draft, I stated he had the upside of a “high-average, 15 to 20-homer form of hitter at second base,” and professional scouts and analysts appear to agree with that after his professional debut, however with extra confidence than I had pre-draft that he’ll get there. It’s early days, however Seattle may need a steal on their palms.
Williams was Tampa’s first-round choose in 2021, however on the time there have been questions on a number of points of his recreation, together with his energy and even his working. He’s improved in nearly each approach since then, altering his gait to turn out to be a plus runner, constructing energy to hit 42 homers during the last two years, and growing into a simple plus defender at shortstop. What he doesn’t do, nonetheless, is make sufficient contact, with a 31.4 p.c strikeout price throughout the common season in 2023 after which a 36.5 p.c price within the hitter-friendly (and pitching-starved) Arizona Fall League. It’s a pitch recognition challenge, as he actually struggles in opposition to offspeed stuff even within the zone, but doesn’t chase pitches all that usually. When he makes contact, it’s usually prime quality, so he doesn’t should make an enormous adjustment to turn out to be a star, simply higher distinguish non-fastballs and maybe to cease swinging so arduous at them. If he performed on the opposite finish of the defensive spectrum, he wouldn’t be on the highest 100. As it’s, although, he’s bought 4 instruments which can be 6s or higher, and if the hit device simply will get to 45, he’s going to be an excellent huge leaguer.
Jones was the Pirates’ second-round choose within the 2020 draft, a highschool pitcher with arm energy and athleticism however an extended solution to go as a pitcher. Their endurance is paying off, as he reached Triple A final 12 months as a four-pitch man who appears to be like like he’ll at the least be a league-average starter with extra room to develop. He’s sitting mid-90s now, touching 100 mph, with a slider that’s gone from a 40 to presently near a 60, moving into the low 90s with excessive spin and a few sharp downward break. He throws all 4 pitches for strikes, with a changeup that’s ok to maintain lefties in examine. His stuff did taper off because the season progressed, not excessively however sufficient to say, and he could must work on pacing himself within the earlier a part of the 12 months to remain robust by means of September within the longer big-league season. He’s essentially the most polished of Pittsburgh’s upper-level pitching prospects and the probably to come back up and assist in the majors this 12 months. Whether or not his ceiling extends past that of a mid-rotation man could come all the way down to his in-season sturdiness greater than something along with his stuff or method.
Signed final January for a $3.2 million bonus, Walcott, who born in The Bahamas, spent most of his first professional season within the U.S., incomes enormous raves from scouts who noticed him launch seven homers in 35 video games within the ACL as a 17-year-old. He’s bought the potential for 70 energy as soon as he fills out, relying on how the hit device develops from right here. He swings very arduous, producing the arduous contact you’d count on from his swing, however he additionally struck out 32.3 p.c of the time between rookie ball and 4 video games in Low A (he additionally performed 9 video games within the Dominican Summer time League). Scouts felt like he made progress even inside the summer season in enhancing his swing selections, and he did drop his strikeout price considerably from July (49 p.c) to August (22 p.c), though that’s some fairly skinny slicing there. He’s a median runner and undoubtedly not a shortstop, although he’ll most likely play there a number of extra years till he outgrows it, with third base the probably place long-term. There’s the potential he will get so huge he simply leads to an outfield nook. He’s the second-youngest participant on the highest 100, after Ethan Salas, and has the chance you’d count on from a teen with so little expertise. The truth that he did in addition to he did is a good signal, nonetheless, and he has the energy and energy to again up the hype.
It has been about as fast a fall from grace as you’ll see for Jones, who was the second choose in 2022 and No. 1 on many draft boards (together with my very own), however who required shoulder surgical procedure earlier than he even bought into a professional recreation that summer season and performed simply 41 video games in 2023, struggling by means of a lot of it. Jones is rather a lot like his father, Andruw Jones, taking part in elite protection in middle and exhibiting plus energy and velocity on offense, however the comparability doesn’t assist the son when the dad was already taking part in within the World Collection at this age. Jones did hit the ball arduous when he performed final 12 months, however an excessive amount of of it was on the bottom as a result of his swing was a large number after the surgical procedure and an offseason of rehab throughout which he couldn’t swing a bat. He didn’t look proper in spring coaching, both in his mechanics or his conditioning, stepping within the bucket and barely getting his decrease half concerned in any respect. He performed simply 10 video games in Low A in April earlier than hurting his quad, after which damage his hamstring whereas rehabbing in June, lastly returning to Low-A Visalia on Aug. 15, 118 days after his final recreation on the stage. He hit .296/.412/.437 within the final 19 video games earlier than he ran out of season, with a 23.5 p.c strikeout price, which got here in a tiny pattern however is much more in line with the participant everybody thought he’d be popping out of highschool. I heard from scouts who buried him off their 2023 appears to be like, and I can perceive why. I additionally don’t suppose it’s cheap to surrender on a participant who is that this gifted and was so good in highschool when he had 14 months of accidents and by no means bought prolonged taking part in time to appropriate what he was doing mistaken on the plate. I’m inclined to name it a misplaced 12 months and see how he appears to be like this spring when he’s had a correct offseason to work on his physique and swing.
Montgomery missed the primary half of 2023 with an indirect pressure after which a strained muscle in his mid-back, lastly returning to full-season ball on July 4 and to Double A (the place he’d completed the earlier season) on Aug. 1. He carried out effectively at each stage however by no means fairly seemed like he did in his torrid 2022 season, when he earned some comps to Corey Seager — one other huge shortstop who outlasted predictions that he’d transfer to 3rd, together with some from yours really. Montgomery has an excellent method on the plate, strolling as a lot as he struck out final 12 months, however the damage appeared to restrict his flexibility and impacted his swing, making him rather more dead-pull and inflicting him to roll over numerous pitches he may need taken the opposite approach in 2022. The consensus on his protection has shifted for the higher, and it’s most likely about even-money that he stays there within the eyes of the business, with good reads and delicate palms together with loads of arm for that facet of the grime. I’m betting that the model Montgomery we noticed final 12 months, together with the tight, sluggish look within the Arizona Fall League, is the results of rust and continued restoration. Given the prospect to reset and are available again because the high-contact, all-fields hitter we noticed in his first full professional season, he ought to resume his march to Chicago and find yourself their on a regular basis resolution at quick or third, with 4-5 WAR upside due to the hit device and place.
Crawford was the Phillies’ first-round choose in 2022 out of a Las Vegas highschool; he’s the son of Carl Crawford and cousin of J.P. Crawford. He’s a good distance from being a completed product, however his instruments are so good that he can outplay numerous his deficiencies. He’s a 70 runner who can actually play middle area, whereas on the plate he’s already posted excessive exit velocities and may present huge energy the opposite approach in BP that’s beginning to emerge in video games. He spent most of final 12 months with Low-A Clearwater and hit .344/.399/.478 in 69 video games with 40 steals earlier than a late-season promotion to Excessive A. He posted these strong numbers even with numerous inconsistency within the swing that may trigger him to get on prime of the ball too typically. He’s nonetheless bought 10-15 kilos of room to fill out, which might make him a 20-homer, 50-steal man who performs plus or higher protection in middle. He may be a level-a-year man, although, because it takes time for him to fill out.
Black is the form of participant you like if he’s in your crew and hate if he’s within the different dugout, as he performs arduous on a regular basis, and can combat for each out and each ball or strike till the sport ends. Drafted thirty third in 2021 out of Wright State, Black has actual plate self-discipline and nice really feel for the barrel, with a .400+ OBP at Excessive A, Double A, and Triple A during the last two seasons. His palms are fast and he’s quick to the ball and thru contact, so the swing is extra conducive to low line drives and a few groundballs than to energy. He’s a 70 runner who ought to have the ability to play middle and is satisfactory at second, though since shoulder surgical procedure his arm hasn’t been nice and the left facet of the infield may be out of attain. It’s an uncommon profile for first base, however I believe he can produce a .400 OBP with 10-15 homers and a ton of worth on the bases, which might be sufficient offense for the place even with out enormous energy, after which the one actual query could be if his top holds him again. His ground is a super-utility man who nonetheless will get 400-500 PA a 12 months taking part in all around the diamond, however I’m within the camp that claims he’s a starter at second, in left or — if he’s not with Milwaukee — in middle, and he’ll be a favourite of hometown followers as soon as they see how he performs.
Acuña is the youthful brother of reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. and went to the Mets as a part of the return for Max Scherzer this previous July. He’s solely 5-8 however he’s ultra-twitchy and reveals 60 uncooked energy in BP and 65-70 working velocity, though in video games he can present extra contact than energy and may want a small swing adjustment to get to greater than 12-15 homers a 12 months. His contact high quality improved from 2022 to 2023, which at the least units him as much as be a excessive doubles man and provides him a robust ground as a daily at some place up the center. He’s a shortstop now and tasks to remain there, with the velocity and lateral vary to deal with it or transfer to middle area if want be. As is, he’s most likely a high-average, high-doubles shortstop who steals 40-50 luggage a 12 months, though I might see him buying and selling some contact for extra energy and getting to twenty jacks. Both approach, he’s bought an above-average common’s ceiling and a ground that ought to make Mets followers be ok with the commerce.
Younger was Seattle’s first-round choose in 2022, going twenty first out of a Pittsburgh-area highschool, and was their prime prospect till Colt Emerson took the sector in August. Younger can be a left-handed-hitting center infielder, however it’s a special profile, as Younger’s a greater athlete, higher runner, and has a considerably higher likelihood to remain at shortstop in the long term. He’s bought an excellent really feel for the barrel, with a strikeout price final season below 15 p.c. There have been 13 minor leaguers who had 600+ plate appearances in 2023, and Younger had the bottom strikeout price of any of them, which is particularly spectacular because it was his first full professional season and he even moved as much as Excessive A after the All-Star break. He’s bought a reasonably easy swing and loads of bat velocity, though with out numerous loft in his end he may peak round common energy. It might be an elite hit device, although, and even 8-12 homers a 12 months could be a lot for a high-average, high-OBP shortstop to be an All-Star.
Rodriguez missed about 2/3 of the 2022 season after a knee damage, however he impressed scouts along with his energy and method within the restricted time he performed. He confirmed extra of the identical in a full season of labor in 2023, transferring to Excessive A as a 20-year-old and hitting .240/.400/.463 with 92 walks in 99 video games, though now it’s time for him to swing extra typically and convert these good counts into harm. He began out 2023 in horrific style, with a .163 common and 38.5 p.c strikeout price by means of the top of Could, so the season line could not do him justice. He’s bought a giant leg kick, and when he swings, he swings fairly arduous, with plus recreation energy already and excessive exit velocities for his age, providing the opportunity of a 30-homer nook bat with excessive stroll totals. He’s a 55 runner who performs middle now, with a physique that’s most likely going to decelerate and push him to a nook as he will get into his 20s, with possibly common vary up the center as it’s. He doesn’t chase a lot, along with his excessive strikeout complete extra a operate of working deep counts than poor recognition — he noticed 4.29 pitches per PA final 12 months, placing him within the prime 5 p.c of all minor leaguers with at the least 400 PA, however must swing a bit of extra at good strikes. There’s actual upside with the bat if he interprets the selectivity into extra of the arduous contact he’s already making when he does deign to swing.
Chandler lastly gave up making an attempt to be a two-way participant, and it’s most likely not stunning that he made rather more progress in 2023 simply making an attempt to pitch than he had the 12 months earlier than. Chandler has an unimaginable fastball, 94-98 mph with enormous induced vertical, a pitch that, when he stops making an attempt to be too effective in finding it, might be a wipeout providing. He pairs it with a 70 changeup and may spin two distinct breaking balls, though touchdown both of them continues to be a piece in progress. As you may count on from a former shortstop/pitcher and highschool quarterback, he’s an impressive athlete and his supply doesn’t have a ton of effort for the rate it generates. He had some management points early within the 12 months, however completed strongly — his ultimate 9 begins, considered one of which got here in Double A, had him throwing 48 2/3 innings with 51 strikeouts, 13 walks, and a 1.66 ERA. He’s bought the very best ceiling of the Pirates’ trio of starter prospects (not named Paul Skenes) together with Jared Jones and lefty Anthony Solometo.
In 2022, Horton was about as late a pop-up man as you’ll ever discover within the draft; he missed 2021 with Tommy John surgical procedure, didn’t be part of the College of Oklahoma’s rotation till partway by means of the spring, and adjusted his breaking ball proper earlier than their postseason, turning into among the finest pitchers within the NCAA match area. The Cubs took him with the seventh-overall choose, a range I believed was very dangerous given his scant observe report of success, however he’s saved enhancing since they signed him and proper now the choose appears to be like sensible. Horton was a two-pitch man in faculty with out something for lefties, counting on an out-pitch slider as much as 89 mph that had very sharp, late downward break, whereas touching 98 with the fastball. The Cubs helped him mud off his seldom-used changeup, and with extra reps it’s turn out to be a plus pitch for him and may enable him to get by with a fastball that doesn’t have great motion. He’ll should work extra on fastball command, however the truth that he completed his first full professional 12 months in Double A, simply 16 months after his season ERA for Oklahoma hit 7.94 when he bought crushed within the Large 10 Event, is kind of a narrative for him and for the Cubs. He appears to be like like a mid-rotation starter, though with the velocity of his growth thus far I would nonetheless be promoting him quick.
Collier was the 18th choose within the 2022 draft out of Chipola School, the place he’d performed as a 17-year-old after graduating early from highschool and transferring to the junior faculty to enter the draft a 12 months sooner. The son of former huge leaguer Lou Collier, Cam is already pushing 6-3 and previous his listed 210 kilos, sufficient that he’ll most likely should work on conditioning now somewhat than gaining energy so he can keep at third base. He’s a bat-first man and tasks to hit for common and energy, exhibiting good really feel for the strike zone regardless of his youth and really hardly ever lacking on pitches within the zone final 12 months (with the caveat that the Florida State League has the ABS in place). After a sluggish begin as one of many youngest gamers wherever in full-season ball, Collier picked it up within the second half, hitting .290/.389/.395 with loads of arduous contact, topping out over 110 mph. He’s youthful than 5 of the 11 highschool place gamers taken within the first 30 picks of the 2023 draft, but already has a full 12 months of professional ball expertise. He can nonetheless reduce by means of the ball too typically, hitting it on the bottom far more than he ought to final 12 months (53 p.c in Low A) as he made contact on some pitches he ought to have let go by, and he has to keep away from getting any larger so he doesn’t find yourself transferring to the outfield. He makes greater than sufficient arduous contact to challenge 25+ homers and robust batting averages so long as he continues to make changes as he faces higher pitching up the ladder.
Luis hadn’t performed within the U.S. earlier than 2023 however completed his season in Low A, hitting 4 homers in 36 video games for Visalia with a .257/.310/.417 line as a real 18 12 months outdated. He already reveals great bat velocity and makes robust contact for his age and dimension, as he’s about 6 ft and nonetheless lean, with plus or higher energy projection when he fills out. He’s bought an excellent swing for each common and energy from each side of the plate, exhibiting strong swing selections for his age with room for enchancment as he will get older, particularly as he faces higher offspeed stuff. He’s a shortstop now, most likely a forty five defender there when it’s all stated and executed and higher off transferring to second base, the place he nonetheless has All-Star upside due to the bat.
Tiedemann threw simply 44 innings within the common season round accidents to his left shoulder and biceps, making 4 begins within the AFL to attempt to make up for among the misplaced time. He did regain the rate that had been lacking on the finish of 2022, bumping 98 mph and pitching at 93-96 within the outing I noticed within the desert, with a plus changeup and a big-breaking slider that wasn’t as much as its previous normal that day. The slider’s fairly excessive spin and has good tilt, giving him two actual weapons, one for lefties and one for righties, which additionally helps as his fastball doesn’t have a ton of life or motion and hitters sq. it up greater than the rate may indicate. His supply isn’t superb for sturdiness, as his shoulder stays open late, with some sling to the arm stroke, and that may be placing undue stress on the joint. You must begin a man with these weapons, and if he stays wholesome sufficient for it he’s a mid-rotation starter or higher relying on the management (possibly 45 now, however he’s proven higher) and command (40). Two years of missed time and suboptimal mechanics give him numerous reliever threat, although.
Home was the Nats’ first-round choose in 2021, then he missed greater than half of his first full professional season with a again damage and COVID-19, so this previous season was extra of a correct debut for the slugging third baseman. He hit .297 or higher at three totally different ranges, from Low A to Double A, and struck out lower than 1 / 4 of the time on the season as he confirmed significantly better offspeed recognition than he had beforehand. He even flashed some energy, with 12 homers in 88 video games, though I believe the expectation for him is even increased than that. Sadly, Home is over-aggressive on the plate, swinging first and asking questions later, strolling lower than 5 p.c of the time between Excessive A and Double A, so his batting common, whereas not empty, was additionally lower than full: he hit .312/.365/.497 on the 12 months. He’s awkward at third base at instances as a result of he’s so huge, however he’s bought loads of arm and after I’ve seen him he’s made the routine performs. He doesn’t should turn out to be a high-walk man to be an above-average common — keep at third and up the in-game energy and he’ll get there even with a 5 p.c stroll price, as a result of he already hits the ball fairly arduous and may get the ball within the air, if typically an excessive amount of. There are a selection of paths to success right here so long as he can tighten up the pitch recognition.
Teel was the most effective catcher within the 2023 draft class, a three-year starter at UVA who most likely would have gotten first-round cash out of highschool had the pandemic not worn out his senior season in New Jersey. He’s an unusually good athlete and runner for a backstop, with glorious bat velocity and a swing that produces line drives to the gaps with occasional over-the-fence energy, though in faculty he did rather more harm in opposition to right-handers, with softer contact versus southpaws. He was a solid-average defender in faculty, very energetic behind the plate with a plus arm, however was not good in Double A when Boston despatched him there on the finish of the season — fairly probably drained from an extended season but in addition exhibiting he must simplify his actions again there to catch higher high quality stuff than he needed to deal with in Charlottesville. He might come into some pull-side energy with a number of small changes on the plate, relying on how Boston desires to develop him; a catcher who hits a ton of line drives and is at the least a median receiver is sweet sufficient to make some All-Star groups, and he’d remedy an issue the Pink Sox have had for years at that place.
Scott performed three years at West Virginia, hitting a composite .254/.368/.419 and by no means hitting .300 in any of his seasons there, which might be how an 80 runner at a major-conference faculty finally ends up a fifth-round choose. He took off in his full-season debut final 12 months, hitting for the next common at Excessive A, Double A, and within the Arizona Fall League than he did in any season for the Mountaineers, whereas additionally stealing 94 luggage to tie for the skilled lead. He’s a plus defender in middle, nearer to a 70 than a 60, and he’s been very arduous to strike out within the minors, with only a 15.6 p.c strikeout price between Excessive A and Double A, one thing that notably issues when you may flip nearly any groundball into a success. He’s small, however not feeble like numerous guys who run like he does, and über-athletic, which is a part of how he’s been in a position to make such fast changes on each side of the ball. The ground right here appears very excessive — a plus defender in middle who provides this sort of worth on the bases must be positively anemic with the bat to haven’t any actual worth — whereas he might have an extended, future as an on a regular basis man even with simply 8-12-homer-a-year energy, which I believe is already inside attain.
The Rays took Taylor with the nineteenth choose within the 2023 draft after a strong 12 months at TCU the place he hit a career-high 23 homers however slumped some in the course of the spring, maybe pushing him down in a draft loaded with faculty place gamers. He has a ravishing left-handed swing with glorious loft in his end, so he barrels numerous balls and tasks to get to above-average energy at his peak. He’s a solid-average defender at third proper now and may need a 60 arm, whereas he’s athletic sufficient to enhance there with work or transfer to second base. He’s a median runner however a wise base stealer who hasn’t been caught stealing since 2021, going 36 for 36 throughout faculty, summer season ball, and the minors within the final two calendar years. His low BABIP final spring in faculty (.307) appeared very fluky based mostly on his arduous contact charges and typical launch angles, so it’s attainable, even probably, that the Rays landed a top-10 expertise right here as a result of he had an unfortunate spring. I see a median common who will get to the majors fairly rapidly, with the potential to be a 55 or extra if the protection improves and he reaches his 20-25 homer ceiling.
The Jays challenged Martinez with an task to Double A to begin 2022 when he was simply 20 years outdated and had solely 27 video games of Excessive-A expertise, so it wasn’t an enormous shock that he struggled, hitting .203/.286/.446 with a 28.4 p.c strikeout price. The Jays returned him to Double-A New Hampshire in 2023 and he seemed like a special man, enhancing his swing selections throughout the board, posting the most effective stroll price of his profession and his lowest strikeout price since Rookie ball. He’s at all times had the uncooked energy, with 86 homers throughout the final three seasons, however wanted to hit sufficient to get to it, so enhancing not simply the uncooked contact and stroll numbers however moving into higher counts and selecting higher pitches to assault was and nonetheless is the important thing for him to be greater than an additional man within the majors. He can deal with shortstop if want be however at finest he’ll be a median defender there; I’ve seen him at third and suppose he may be above-average on the scorching nook, whereas some scouts suppose second base might be his eventual dwelling. A 30-homer, .320-330 OBP hitter at both spot is an on a regular basis participant on nearly any membership, and that’s his upside if he retains engaged on his method.
Earlier than he was traded to the Brewers within the Corbin Burnes deal final week, I wrote that Ortiz ought to be somebody’s beginning shortstop now, however he has the misfortune to play in a corporation that has shortstops popping out of its ears — which ought to make him a really helpful participant for warm range functions, as he can step right into a big-league function straight away. He’s a plus defender at quick with a robust and correct arm and he remade his swing and his physique throughout the pandemic, returning a lot stronger and with a swing that drives the ball successfully to the gaps and provides him an opportunity for 15-20 homers a 12 months. His exit velocity peaked round 115 mph in Triple A final 12 months, and he makes contact at persistently excessive charges, below 20 p.c strikeout charges in every single place he’s performed aside from his 34 scattered PA within the majors. A .280/.340/.450-ish hitter who provides 5 or so runs of worth on protection is a reasonably helpful participant, I believe, and whereas there’s no additional ceiling or projection right here, that must be sufficient to get him a beginning job.
Nimmala was one of many youngest gamers within the 2023 draft class, turning 18 this previous October; he fell to the twentieth choose, the place the Blue Jays have been ecstatic to get a participant I’d ranked as a top-10 expertise. Nimmala provides the upside of a real shortstop with 25+ homer energy, with good actions at quick and a plus arm, whereas he can present a strong and environment friendly right-handed swing that ought to launch balls as he fills out. He’s nonetheless bodily immature, hardly stunning for his age, and as he will get stronger he may begin to run a bit of higher and drive the ball more durable whereas additionally getting extra constant across the bag at quick. He confirmed a bit of swing and miss in highschool, however in a short stint within the complicated league he truly displayed extra endurance and little or no tendency to chase. He’s going to be youthful this season than some guys within the upcoming draft, and there’s no rush to ship him proper to full-season ball. Now that commissioner Rob Manfred has axed the short-season stage between Low A and the complexes, there isn’t an excellent spot for a man like Nimmala, however I hope the Jays play it conservatively given his age and his upside.
Lowder was the second pitcher taken within the 2023 draft, going seventh to the Reds after an incredible spring for Wake Forest the place he completed fourth in Division I with 143 strikeouts. He’s bought a cool, misleading supply and reveals three common or higher pitches, with a fastball that may be plus however will most likely be extra 55 when he’s engaged on 5 days’ relaxation, a 70 changeup that was among the many finest within the class, and a solid-average slider. Hitters don’t see the ball effectively out of his hand, so his stuff performs up, and he additionally was in a position to get away with 45 command at finest within the newbie ranks. There’s a restrict to how far he can go together with that supply, because it’s going to be arduous for him to be an excellent command man and he may see his very low stroll charges creep up as he will get to Double A and above, however he must also get to the majors rapidly and will pitch for a decade or extra as a No. 3 or 4 starter who soaks up innings.
The Mariners have had an excellent run of first-round picks the final six years; beginning in 2018, they took Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Emerson Hancock, Ford, Cole Younger, and Colt Emerson, in order that’s two above-average big-league starters and three guys at present on this top-100. Ford has at all times been a work-in-progress as a catcher, as he’s tremendous athletic however was actually tough on the place as an newbie. He’s made sufficient progress that it looks like he might keep on the place, though he’s most likely nonetheless on the low facet of common in the case of receiving and blocking. He can also hit his approach off the place, as he reveals elite strike zone judgment, rating third within the minors in walks final 12 months with 103 and hanging out lower than 20 p.c of the time — though even that’s stunning given how occasionally he chases. He may be higher off sacrificing some contact for extra energy, as he’s robust sufficient to at the least be a 40 doubles/15 homers man, however his swing is extremely quick to the ball and proper now it’s below-average recreation energy in consequence. He hits rather a lot like he’s at all times making an attempt to maintain his palms contained in the ball, which is a good talent to have however not helpful for all pitches in all areas. There are a number of paths for Ford to turn out to be a big-league starter — he might simply enhance his protection to the purpose the place he stays there, after which the bat will play instantly; he might transfer to someplace on the infield, the place the bat would play however you’d like a bit of extra energy; or he might take his athleticism and velocity to the outfield, easing the defensive considerations and pressure on his physique however then nearly requiring extra in-game energy. I’ll wager on an athlete who is aware of the strike zone, although.
Kjerstad reached the majors final 12 months in simply his second professional season, and I don’t suppose sufficient consideration has been paid to how robust a street he had from draft day to the massive leagues. Kjerstad developed myocarditis after a bout with COVID-19 in 2020, lacking all of 2021 whereas recovering from the situation, and when he returned in 2022 he seemed rusty and had bother catching as much as good velocity — nothing just like the participant he was at Arkansas in 2019-20. Final 12 months, he was all the best way again after which some, making constant arduous contact and extra of it than earlier than; when the O’s picked him second in 2020, his excessive strikeout charges in opposition to SEC pitching stood out as a crimson flag, however final 12 months he confirmed the most effective two-strike method of his profession and saved his season strikeout price below 20 p.c till he reached the majors. There’s nonetheless extra chase than you’d prefer to see in a nook outfielder whose worth is generally within the bat, and lefties are going to assault him with spin till he reveals he can lay off it. As a result of he hits the ball so arduous, so typically, I believe he may be an above-average hitter even when his strikeout price drifts north of 25 p.c, most likely attending to 20-25 homers a 12 months and a excessive BABIP as effectively. And possibly then I’ll cease joking about how his title sounds just like the lead singer of a melodic dying metallic band or a storage unit you’d purchase at IKEA.
Pereira wasn’t prepared for the majors final 12 months, however that doesn’t dim his long-term outlook as a possible common for somebody, possibly as a middle fielder who can get to 30 homers as soon as his method catches up along with his instruments. He has excellent bat velocity, producing a ton of arduous contact with a swing that ought to produce plus energy over time and could be very quick to the ball however explosive as soon as he begins, then with good loft in his end for some huge flies. He’s a 55 runner now with a plus arm and may play middle area, though it’s attainable that he’ll be pushed to a nook if he loses some velocity as he finishes filling out. He struggled with offspeed recognition even within the minors, notably changeups, and that prompted him additional bother within the huge leagues, as did his behavior of increasing the zone too rapidly. The Juan Soto commerce may be the most effective factor for him, because it’ll give him loads of time in Triple A to work on his plan on the plate, shedding extra of these pitches out of the zone and higher figuring out non-fastballs. There’s threat right here but when he each stays up the center and will get to his energy peak, he’ll be an All-Star.
Bradfield is an 80 runner and both a 70 or 80 defender in middle, relying on who you ask and maybe once you see him, not that it issues that a lot in the long run — he’s bought two top-end instruments, and that offers him a excessive ground and numerous runway to work on the opposite points of his recreation. Bradfield appeared like a lock for a top-10 choose after his freshman 12 months at Vanderbilt, when he hit .336/.451/.414 as a 19-year-old within the SEC, stealing 47 bases in 53 makes an attempt, however someplace, somebody satisfied him to vary his swing to attempt to hit for energy, and whereas he did go from 1 homer as a freshman to hitting 14 the subsequent two seasons, his general hitting went backward and I believe helped Baltimore land him at choose 15 final season. (It didn’t assist that Bradfield continually tried to bunt for hits, placing himself behind within the depend and doing nothing to proper his swing. I’ve numerous emotions about this.) He’s not an influence hitter, however he’s not powerless, if that is smart — he’s able to placing 5-10 balls within the seats a 12 months, however the extra he tries to take action, the more serious he’ll be as a hitter. Final spring, he was loading his palms extraordinarily deep, taking an enormous stride, opening his hips approach too early, then collapsing his again facet to attempt to carry — or will — the ball out of the park. He wants an easier method, just like the one he had as a freshman, that focuses on placing the ball in play, as he’ll find yourself with numerous additional bases due to his velocity, and he does have sufficient energy to drive balls to the gaps and catch as much as major-league fastballs. I don’t change gamers’ rankings or evaluations based mostly on their guardian organizations, since that might change at any time, however I believe Bradfield is in a corporation that can work out what to do with him in a short time. At worst, you’ve bought an elite fourth outfielder/pinch runner, whereas the ceiling right here is large defensive impression with a median bat.
Troy was the twelfth choose in 2023 after a robust junior 12 months at Stanford the place he hit .394/.478/.699 because the Cardinal’s main third baseman — and he did it taking part in many of the season with a damaged bone in his foot that he didn’t get mounted till the autumn. He’s a complicated hitter who confirmed robust exit velocities this spring, though he wanted to get the ball within the air extra typically (once more, making an allowance for the damaged foot). His larger query is his final place; he’s athletic sufficient for the infield, third base or second probably, however his footwork isn’t nice and he could find yourself within the outfield. The bat ought to profile wherever, though he’s fairly a bit extra helpful if he can simply be a forty five defender at second base than he could be in left area.
Manzardo was the Rays’ second-round choose in 2021 out of Washington State, the place he confirmed excellent really feel to hit however didn’t put the ball over the fence as a lot as you’d count on for his dimension or need for his lack of defensive worth. Traded to Cleveland this previous July for Aaron Civale, Manzardo began turning on the ball much more after he got here off the injured record (for a shoulder challenge) in August, with six homers in 21 video games for Triple-A Columbus and 6 extra in 22 video games within the Arizona Fall League. He’s an especially disciplined hitter who doesn’t chase a lot and nearly by no means misses on fastballs, destroying right-handed pitching with some bother with lefties — he makes sufficient contact however had a .195 BABIP in opposition to them final 12 months, which feels fluky given how arduous he sometimes hits the ball. His finest place is within the batter’s field and also you’ll should reside with some restricted protection at first base, which caps his ceiling considerably, but when he closes that platoon cut up (or if it seems to be at the least partly dangerous luck) he’s bought a .380-.400 OBP, 30 homer ceiling that can play wherever.
Quero went from the Angels to the White Sox within the Lucas Giolito commerce, giving Chicago a bona fide catching prospect for the primary time since … Josh Phegley, possibly? It’s been a minute, however they landed an excellent one in Quero, who has proven distinctive zone consciousness for his age and has very actual bat-to-ball expertise already. He’s a real switch-hitter with excessive stroll and speak to charges from each side, flashing a bit of pull energy however most likely maxing out at 10-15 homers a 12 months. He placed on a bit of an excessive amount of lower-body weight final 12 months, presumably an effort to get him extra juice on the plate, however it appeared to sluggish him down a bit of defensively. He’s a solid-average catcher general, enhancing a bit of every year and able to turning into a 55 or higher if he continues to work on consistency in receiving and blocking. He has simply a median arm, which may be the one downside to his recreation. In any other case, you may challenge an on a regular basis catcher with 50-55 protection, an OBP north of .350, and a bit of pop, which is a starter on the vast majority of MLB groups.
Busch is the oldest man on the record this 12 months and simply barely nonetheless qualifies — yet one more day on an MLB roster would have put him over the rookie-eligibility restrict — however he’s prepared for on a regular basis responsibility within the majors proper now, and after this winter’s commerce to the Cubs, it appears to be like like he’ll get that chance. He’s hit just about in every single place he’s performed, exhibiting energy and arduous contact during the last three seasons between Double A and Triple A, whereas reducing his Okay-rate considerably whereas repeating Triple A this previous 12 months (26 p.c to 19 p.c). Even with 61 homers during the last two years, although, he doesn’t challenge as a 25-30 homer man within the majors, with a swing that’s extra geared in the direction of low line drives. In his 81 PA with the Dodgers final 12 months, that swing resulted in an uncharacteristically excessive ground-ball price (58.7 p.c, in comparison with 38.5 p.c in his Triple-A time). He’s performed first, second, third, and left area in professional ball, wanting tough at third however playable at second, whereas first base is his finest place and, thankfully, it’s the place the Cubs will ask him to play. I believe he’ll find yourself with an OBP within the .340-350 vary and 18-22 homers a 12 months with 30+ doubles, which might make him a strong to above-average common at first so long as his protection is true round common.
Ramos missed many of the first two months of the 2023 season with a decrease stomach damage and took a short time to get rolling, however ended up with a .271/.369/.457 line as a 21-year-old in Double A. He hit 14 homers in 77 Double-A video games, peaking at 111 mph with persistently arduous contact. He swings a technique, arduous, and it’s very rotational, in order that may be how the ab damage occurred within the first place. Sustaining that core energy might be key for him going ahead; he may naturally come into a bit of extra energy however he’s robust sufficient now for 25 homers, so growing the remainder of his recreation is extra vital. His method is strong for his age, as he doesn’t broaden the zone too simply and saved his strikeout price in Double A to simply below 22 p.c, although he does swing arduous just about on a regular basis. He’s additionally a solid-average defender at third with a 55 arm, and will transfer to second if want be. Ramos might find yourself doing a bit of of every little thing, hitting for common with a ten p.c stroll price and 20-25 homers, and if the model from late within the Arizona Fall League — utilizing the entire area whereas in search of pitches to drag — carries over, he may be extra of a 30-homer man who cracks some All-Star groups.
Thompson was Colorado’s second choose within the 2022 draft at No. 31. He arrived in professional ball as a complicated hitter from the College of Florida with an unsure positional profile. The Rockies have moved him across the diamond a bunch, making an attempt him at third and second whereas giving him a while within the outfield, though in the long run it’s his bat that can carry him. Thompson may need a real plus hit device already, with a reasonably easy swing and glorious bat velocity, rotating his hips sufficient to get to at the least common energy, and he’s proven he can hit left-handed pitching thus far in professional ball. He’s finest in an outfield nook who has proven he could make the routine performs at second or third to offer him some versatility and open up extra paths to the majors. There was concern when he was an newbie that he’d should play first base and may not have the facility to profile there; I don’t suppose both of these issues is true at this level, particularly not the positional questions, as he’s effective within the outfield and appears like he’ll at the least have the common/doubles energy to be a robust common there. He ought to see the majors in some unspecified time in the future this 12 months and will in a short time turn out to be the Rockies’ finest hitter for common.
Wilken was the Brewers’ first-round choose in 2023 from a loaded Wake Forest crew that had two first-rounders and three extra guys taken within the second/third rounds final 12 months, and that may have as many as 5 first-rounders this upcoming 12 months. Even with a giant hunch in the course of final spring, Wilken nonetheless hit 31 homers for the Deacons — whose dwelling park is homer-friendly — and reveals 55 energy proper now, with glorious stability and hip rotation that time to the potential for extra down the street. He’s a hitter first with very excessive barrel charges in faculty and strong ball/strike recognition, so he’s snug working deep counts. I’m not saying he’s Jeff Bagwell, however that’s the archetype of the younger hitter who hits the ball fairly arduous, is aware of the strike zone, and has to develop into extra energy, so I might see Wilken turning into a 25-homer man who nonetheless posts excessive OBPs. He is a solid-average defender at third with a 55 arm, able to making some tough performs however needing extra consistency on routine ones, with some concern that as the sport accelerates he may need bother sustaining the glove. Even at first base, the place the Brewers do have a long-term want anyway, his bat ought to nonetheless make him a strong common or extra.
Snelling was the thirty ninth choose within the 2022 draft, a pitcher-quarterback-linebacker who enticed scouts along with his dimension, athleticism, and arm energy. He made his full-season debut final 12 months and confirmed excellent management at Low A and Excessive A earlier than a late promotion to Double A, the place he walked extra guys however remained arduous to hit. He’s a really robust, bodily child, not overly muscled up though he’ll should work to stay that approach, working 92-96 mph more often than not with a 55 slider and 55 changeup, however nothing clearly plus proper now. There’s some effort to his supply and head-jerk at launch, whereas he can sluggish his arm down when he isn’t throwing his fastball, one thing hitters will choose up sooner somewhat than later. He’s additionally barely 20 and cut up his time in highschool between two sports activities, so he ought to have extra room to develop than the standard second-year pitcher would. There’s reliever threat, however a No. 2 or 3 starter ceiling, with the median end result most likely extra round a fourth starter who’s bought some above-average years and a few below-average ones.
Therefore was a slight 17-year-old when the Cardinals drafted him within the second spherical in 2020 — the identical draft class that landed them Jordan Walker, Masyn Winn, and Alec Burleson. He pitched simply eight innings in 2021 round some minor damage stuff and common workload administration, however he took off in 2022 and adopted that up with a career-high 96 innings in 2023. Therefore is a wonderful athlete and has a lightning-quick arm, though it hasn’t translated right into a plus breaking ball of any type but. He sits 94-96 mph and may attain 98, with a plus or plus-plus changeup already and a slurvy low-80s breaker that’s efficient now however that he doesn’t command or end that effectively. He’s extraordinarily athletic and has continued to fill out and get stronger to carry his stuff and work deeper into video games, so there’s hope he can discover a higher third pitch, however thus far he hasn’t proven a lot skill to spin or manipulate the ball and the slurve works partly as a result of the fastball/changeup discombobulate hitters (besides on the Milwaukee airport). Therefore has a really excessive ground in reduction, as he has nice arm velocity on the changeup and it falls proper off the desk because it approaches the plate, so he has the 2 pitches to dominate briefly bursts. The hope is he can tighten up the breaking ball or strive one other one, even a cutter, to offer him sufficient of a 3rd weapon to show a lineup over thrice and be a mid-rotation man.
Cavalli reached the majors on the finish of 2022, making one begin earlier than hitting the injured record and ultimately present process Tommy John surgical procedure final March that worn out his 2023 season. Previous to the damage, he confirmed dimension, stuff, athleticism, and the necessity to work on command and sequencing, issues that you simply hope would include extra repetitions. He’s bought simple plus velocity on the fastball and works with a four-pitch combine highlighted by a curveball that has energy and depth and strikes in a special route than his different pitches, permitting him to play extra with sequencing to vary hitters’ eye ranges and expectations. He has a strong changeup that he makes use of primarily in opposition to left-handed batters, with nearly no platoon cut up in 2022, and a brief slider that’s arduous and cutter-like in form and performance. As soon as he returns in some unspecified time in the future this spring, he’ll be working to regain his really feel, but in addition to pound the zone extra and work on mixing his pitches extra successfully. He nonetheless has that mid-rotation, innings-eater upside, assuming anybody even remembers what which means at this level.
Seldom has there been a greater match between a participant within the draft and the crew that took him. Dollander was the most effective pitcher in faculty baseball as a sophomore, with a 2.39 ERA for Tennessee that was constructed on a 35 p.c strikeout price, 4 p.c stroll price, and a wipeout slider that seemed like it will put him in play for the primary choose in 2023. Alas, he modified his grip on the slider to attempt to make it extra of a sweeper — I’ve heard he did it, Tennessee’s coaches did it, some third get together advised him to do it, and don’t actually know the reality — making it not simply worse however typically ineffective, as he’d go complete begins with out getting a swing and miss on it. The excellent news is that he’s conscious of it and, with the Rockies’ assist, the plan is to revive his 2022 slider, which might make him a steal — the form of high-end starter the crew wants, somebody who’s most likely a No. 2 starter with some small however non-zero likelihood of turning into an ace. He’s 93-97 mph and fills up the zone with it, touching 99, and if there’s a silver lining to the lack of his slider final 12 months it’s that he used his changeup extra, enhancing his really feel to the purpose the place it’s a solid-average third pitch for him. The slider was a legit 70 in 2022, with very tight rotation and late downward break, the other of sweep — and hey, I do know the “sweeper” is all the fad proper now, however conventional sliders are folks too, proper? I’m very hopeful that he’ll exit to Excessive A to begin the 12 months and dominate between that out pitch and the management he’d proven previous to 2023, attending to Double-A Hartford by midyear and banging on the door of the massive leagues.
Nastrini went to the White Sox within the commerce that despatched Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly to the Dodgers, an incredible deal for the Sox that additionally netted them power-armed reduction prospect Jordan Leasure. Nastrini was the Dodgers’ fourth-round choose in 2021 off a spring at UCLA the place he walked 38 guys in 31 innings, a hell of a job by Los Angeles’ newbie scouting group, as he’s improved a ton because the second he signed and tasks as a fourth starter or higher relying on how a lot additional his command and management develop. He works with 4 pitches, sitting 93-96 mph with a plus changeup and plus slider. He has a reasonably constant supply and conventional three-quarters arm slot that doesn’t give him a ton of deception; he offers up numerous contact within the air, so there’s a threat he turns into homer-prone or at the least vulnerable to extra-base hits as he strikes up the ladder. The fastball may be his worst pitch, however he has three different weapons to make use of, with the changeup presumably a 70 given how a lot bother hitters have with it. It doesn’t have terrific motion, however it appears to be like similar to the heater popping out of his hand, and hitters missed it greater than half the time they swung at it final 12 months. There’s nonetheless some reduction threat as he walked about 11 p.c of batters he confronted final 12 months and must work to restrict arduous contact. His 2023 season had extra positives than negatives, nonetheless, and the chances of him remaining a starter went over 50 p.c for the primary time.
A humorous factor occurred whereas Mead was working his solution to the majors final 12 months: The man the Rays traded to amass him, lefty Cristopher Sánchez, moved into the rotation and threw up a 2.2 WAR season for the Phillies, so now that commerce doesn’t look as lopsided because it did when the Phillies dealt a top-100 prospect for a fringy reliever. Mead was hit by a pitch on his wrist on the finish of April in Triple A, so whereas he did debut within the majors later within the 12 months he didn’t present the constant contact high quality he’d proven in earlier years, though his exit velocity did nonetheless peak at 108 mph within the majors. He seemed tough defensively at third and second within the majors however didn’t grade out as badly as you’d count on by defensive metrics; I doubt he’ll ever be greater than fringy at third, but when he’s simply satisfactory there — no worse than 2-3 runs beneath common a 12 months — the bat ought to play. Count on strong averages with a ton of doubles, low stroll and strikeout charges, and doubtless extra complaints about his protection than it truly deserves.
Arroyo had a so-so marketing campaign as a 19-year-old in Excessive A final season, hitting .248/.321/.427 in 119 video games with numerous contact (21 p.c strikeout price) however with none actual progress within the high quality of contact or his recreation energy over 2022. He’s a bat-first prospect who can deal with shortstop, flashing above-average vary however grading out round common general by different groups’ analysts, providing true switch-hit potential and the upside of 15 or so homers a 12 months if he fills out as anticipated. He’s bought a reside bat with fast palms and handles fastballs effectively for somebody who isn’t that robust but, however he has bother with spin on each side of the plate, particularly when he’s batting left-handed — that’s, the extra vital facet. He’s an above-average runner who has good instincts on the bases and will rack up 30 steals a 12 months within the majors. It’s much more projection at present than it appeared like a 12 months in the past, after the Reds added him within the Luis Castillo commerce and he hit effectively in two stops in Low A. He must get stronger, to select up breaking pitches extra simply, and to at the least get extra consistency on protection. He’s additionally simply 20 years outdated and able to go to Double A, so his efficiency appears to be like rather a lot higher in context. The upside of an on a regular basis shortstop and switch-hitter with a bit of pop continues to be there; I believe he’s simply additional away from it than I believed he was final offseason.
Schultz was Chicago’s first-round choose in 2022, an area child who’d missed a lot of that spring with mono however supplied a ton of projection on velocity and his slider — to not point out the upside of a 6-9 lefty with nice extension. The projection began to indicate up in 2023 as he typically labored 93-96 mph with enormous sink and tail together with a plus slider that, from his decrease arm slot, makes him lethal to left-handed batters, with apparent comparisons to Chris Sale, who modified his hand place on his slider after signing and have become, effectively, Chris Sale. There’s a ton of threat right here between Schultz’s damage historical past and his dimension, so it’s possibly 50/50 whether or not he stays a starter. Schultz’s 2023 season led to late August when he suffered a shoulder impingement, though he ought to be able to go for spring coaching, and the historical past of 6-9 or taller pitchers generally isn’t nice for well being or command. You may see No. 1 starter upside, or top-end reliever potential, relying on his well being and the way his coordination improves as he fills out his enormous body.
Waldrep’s splitter was among the finest pitches within the draft final 12 months, serving to him rank third in Division I with 156 strikeouts, however he used the pitch too typically and his general line suffered a bit of, which can be how a man who touched 99 mph with a bona fide out-pitch slid to the twenty fourth choose within the draft. Atlanta grabbed him and, bucking each business development, had him throw 29 1/3 innings in professional ball in his debut, ending with a single begin in Triple A. The splitter is simply sick — it appears to be like like a fastball out of his hand, has good velo separation from the heater at 85-89, and has enormous backside to it, yanked downward by some invisible zombie hand popping out of the bottom like within the “Thriller” video. It additionally finishes out of the zone too typically to be his go-to pitch — it’s a chase pitch, and an excellent one, however that’s all, and he’ll want to make use of all 4 pitches collectively to be a big-league starter. He has a curve and slider, both of which might probably enhance with use, as in faculty he wouldn’t end them out entrance, whereas his fastball sits 95 however doesn’t have nice experience or life. He could by no means have greater than common management, so he’ll actually have to combine the 4 pitches to maintain hitters off stability and generate extra swings and misses. If not, he’s a simple man to maneuver to the bullpen, the place he might junk one of many breaking balls and could be effective utilizing the splitter at the next price than he can as a starter.
Delauter missed 15 months with a damaged foot he suffered in faculty in 2022, re-aggravating the damage whereas rehabbing. He didn’t make his professional debut till a 12 months after the Guardians took him with the sixteenth choose within the 2022 draft. He’s solely performed in 57 professional video games, plus 23 extra within the AFL, however to his credit score he’s hit at each stage up by means of a six-game stint in Double A, even with an unsightly swing that doesn’t appear to be it’ll produce energy and even let him be persistently on time. He’s a wonderful athlete who may be a plus runner at full well being and undoubtedly has a plus arm, with the potential for large defensive worth in proper area. He’s proven nice really feel for the strike zone in every single place he’s ever performed, together with his time at James Madison and a summer season on Cape Cod, the place he was considered one of simply 4 regulars to stroll greater than he struck out. It’s a actually unlucky swing, although; he opens his hips early and all however drags the bat to the zone that makes it appear to be he’s making an attempt to scoop the ball with the bat head and poke it to proper area. He hasn’t seen a lot velocity but in professional ball, so he is probably not examined till this 12 months when he is taking part in in Double A or Triple A. There’s actual upside right here along with his protection and the contact expertise he’s demonstrated, however the dangerous swing and damage historical past level to the draw back threat that he’s simply an additional outfielder. He jogs my memory a few of Brett Jackson, one other first-rounder with an ungainly swing however nice athleticism who hit in every single place he performed till the majors.
Fernandez destroyed Excessive A final 12 months in simply his second season within the U.S., because the Cuban outfielder signed in 2019 and debuted in 2021 within the DSL, lastly seeing full-season ball in 2022 within the Cal League. In 2023, he hit .319/.355/.605 for Excessive-A Spokane in 58 video games, then struggled after a promotion to Double A, hitting .206/.262/.362 within the extra pitcher-friendly Jap League. He makes very arduous contact and tasks to 30-homer energy in a impartial atmosphere, whereas he has the simple plus arm to deal with proper area, though his vary will most likely be 45ish in both nook. It comes all the way down to self-discipline, as he chases too many pitches out of the zone, and Double-A arms have been in a position to exploit this with breaking stuff the place A-ball guys weren’t. He’s a ok bad-ball hitter to get away with increasing the zone a bit of, simply to not the extent that he did after his promotion. There’s an excessive amount of energy and energy right here to disregard, and the environments he’ll face in Triple A and the majors will assist him even when he by no means will get previous 45 plate self-discipline, with .300+ averages and 30 homers fairly attainable with Coors Discipline as his dwelling park.
Lin barely cracked my top-20 Diamondbacks prospects final 12 months, as he wasn’t throwing that arduous (round 89-90 mph) and bought inexperienced hitters out as a result of he had such good offspeed stuff. He topped out in 2023 at 94, and the secondaries are nonetheless there, whereas he retains including and tinkering along with his arsenal, throwing a real screwball (which already makes me a fan), a plus changeup, a curve, a slider, and now a cutter as effectively. He’s very athletic and fiercely aggressive, fielding his place extraordinarily effectively, and now that he’s bought a big-league fastball it’s rather a lot simpler to see him staying within the rotation. He doesn’t stroll guys as a result of he’s aggressive when he will get to 3-ball counts, however it’s 45 management proper now as he will get numerous chases on the secondaries. He dominated Excessive A and moved as much as Double-A Amarillo — an excessive hitter’s park — midseason, turning into homer-prone at dwelling (6 HRA in 34 2/3 innings) however not on the street (1 HRA in 26 1/3 innings). Lin goes to face numerous bias as a result of he’s small (listed at 5-11, 160, however top don’t measure coronary heart … or changeups) and since he’s from Taiwan, which thus far has produced solely two profitable MLB starters, Chien-Ming Wang and Wei-Yin Chen. Neither of these is an actual challenge right here — he’s bought the weapons, the poise, the competitiveness, and the athleticism to begin, and if he holds these things whereas enhancing his command and management, he has mid-rotation potential.
Luciano began the 12 months on the IL whereas recovering from a stress fracture in his decrease again, lastly bought rolling after a while in Double A, then ended up within the huge leagues and was largely overmatched. He did hit the ball very arduous within the majors, as he’s executed in every single place when wholesome, and he’s in a position to sustain with fastballs, however offspeed stuff was a problem even in Double A, and killed him on the subsequent two stops — he went from a 30 p.c strikeout price in Double A to 35 p.c in Triple A to 37 p.c within the huge leagues, which is all an argument that he ought to have stayed at Double A till he confirmed higher non-fastball recognition. He’s additionally not a shortstop, and I believe transferring him to left area may enable him to focus extra on growing the bat whereas additionally maybe conserving him wholesome. He’s nonetheless fairly younger, simply 22 all season with barely 300 skilled video games on his resume, and he’s bought a robust swing that’s geared for 25-30 homers. I by no means purchased him as a shortstop, or actually even a second baseman, however I believed the bat could be extra superior than this. He can nonetheless be an above-average common if the Giants give him the time to develop his pitch recognition.
Eldridge was a two-way prospect in highschool who was 91-95 mph off the mound however with out a median second pitch, so his future at all times appeared to be within the batter’s field. He’s 6-7 and may present you the large energy that you simply affiliate with these taller guys, however not like most hitters his dimension, he has a really quick swing and there’s cause to hope he’ll be an outlier amongst his friends in the case of contact price. His approach is geared towards placing the ball in play somewhat than a dead-pull method to indicate off his energy, so he goes the opposite approach comfortably and hits the ball very arduous when he does so. He was bothered by an ankle damage for the latter half of the spring and wasn’t working that effectively even over the summer season when the Giants moved him to proper area from his highschool place of first base, though I’d reserve judgment on his outfield protection till this season after we see him at full go. There’s undoubtedly threat right here, because the historical past of hitters 6-7 and up isn’t nice as a result of their dimension sometimes means they swing and miss too typically; the exceptions have executed it with enormous energy, like Aaron Choose and the late Frank Howard. Eldridge’s ceiling is one the place the facility comes, however he additionally maintains the next contact price than different lowercase-g giants due to the form of his swing.
Dashing was the Dodgers’ second-round choose in 2022, once they didn’t have a first-round choice. After signing, he hit .424/.539/.778 in 28 video games in Low A — a small pattern, certain, however early stories from professional scouts have been of the “how did the Dodgers get this man within the second spherical?” selection. The College of Louisville alum’s full-season debut was extra of a combined bag, as he moved to Excessive A and hit .228/.404/.452 in 89 video games, taking part in common protection with a median arm and dealing effectively with pitchers. The low common is a shock for an ACC product in Excessive A, as he wasn’t younger for the extent, and among the considerations from his faculty days that he had bother hitting velocity popped again up final 12 months — he didn’t see a ton of massive velo, however struggled in opposition to it when he did. On the plus facet, he has a really disciplined method with robust ball/strike recognition and a commensurately low chase price, and he makes arduous sufficient contact that his .276 BABIP could embody some dangerous luck. The bar is low for an on a regular basis catcher; in case you can hit 20 homers and draw a bunch of walks with common protection, you might be able to begin within the huge leagues. I’m just a bit extra involved about Dashing’s bat than I used to be a 12 months in the past.
Jung was the twelfth choose within the 2022 draft after two improbable years hitting for Texas Tech. He did convey questions on his place and his unorthodox setup on the plate to professional ball, considered one of which I believe has been answered. Jung begins along with his palms approach again and above his rear shoulder, which you’d count on to trigger timing issues, however thus far he’s at the least proven he could make arduous contact, with 28 homers between Excessive A and Double A final 12 months with strong (however not elite) exit velocities. He did present some holes after he moved to Double A, notably lacking fastballs up within the zone and sliders in and beneath it, which reawakened these considerations about his hand setup and timing, though the Tigers have some optimistic expertise serving to hitters simplify their swings (notably Parker Meadows) to cut back these considerations. Of extra import is Jung’s want for a place — he’s heavy-footed, way more so than his brother Josh, and whereas his protection at second graded out effectively by some crew metrics, he’s not very cellular and I don’t suppose he’ll ever provide a lot vary. If he’s a forty five defender at second with this form of 60-70 extra-base-hits-a-year profile, he’s an above-average common. He nonetheless has those self same two inquiries to reply this 12 months in Double A, nonetheless.
It was a misplaced 12 months for Bleis in 2023, as he hit .230/.282/.325 in his first style of Low A, however damage his shoulder after 31 video games and underwent season-ending surgical procedure. He’d had earlier subluxations in that shoulder, so the hope is the surgical procedure will clear that challenge up completely and let him get again to hitting. He’ll present 5 instruments, with 60 uncooked energy and 55 velocity that might enable him to remain in middle long-term if he doesn’t lose velocity as he fills out, and he has nice bat velocity that’s undermined by a poor method and a few additional motion earlier than he will get the barrel going towards the zone. He’s wanting fastball too typically, so he struggled with pitch and ball/strike recognition in 2022 and his transient stint in 2023, chasing secondary stuff out of the zone greater than he ought to, however that’s the form of factor that solely improves with taking part in time. I wrote final 12 months that I wouldn’t “be shocked or too dismayed if he struggles early in Low A as an inexperienced 19-year-old,” and that did occur, however he by no means bought an opportunity to make changes. There’s nonetheless high-average/25-homer potential in a middle fielder right here. Relying on his shoulder energy — he’s presupposed to be full go for spring coaching, at the least — and the way a lot time he must shake off the rust, nonetheless, any progress may not come till later within the 12 months.
Miller had an opportunity to go within the prime half of the primary spherical in 2023, however a damaged hamate bone took him out for nearly all the spring, so he needed to make up some floor in pre-draft exercises and ended up going to the Phillies at choose No. 27. He has huge energy already even with a reasonably easy swing, impressing a number of groups in these exercises with how the facility performed in big-league stadiums, though the sense is that the facility device could also be forward of the hit device. He likes the ball middle-away so he can get his arms prolonged, and he had issue with pitches on the inner-third when he was taking part in in video games the earlier summer season. He performed shortstop in 18 video games after the Phillies signed him, however he’s going to be a 3rd baseman, as he doesn’t have near the agility or vary for brief whereas his palms and arm would play effectively at third. By spring coaching he’ll be a 12 months off the hamate damage and will have his full energy again, at which level we’ll see if the Phillies bought a steal — possibly an on a regular basis third baseman with 25-30 homer energy.
I don’t sometimes put pure reduction prospects on my prime 100; the exceptions have been, effectively, distinctive, most not too long ago Josh Hader, who has produced over 11 WAR in six-plus seasons within the majors. Misiorowski is working as a starter now and will proceed to take action, however the supply screams reliever, as he can’t repeat it and received’t get near common command the best way all of it works now. He additionally boasts among the finest two-pitch mixtures in baseball, along with his fastball and slider at the least 7s and you would make an argument both or each is an 8. He can contact 100 mph and often works within the higher 90s with excessive spin and glorious stick with it the pitch. The slider has tilt, angle, depth, and tight rotation, working 84-90 after I noticed him in a begin in Could. He doesn’t have a viable pitch for lefties but, and the supply, with seen effort, a excessive elbow, and a head-whack at launch, isn’t conducive to strike-throwing or sturdiness; he walked greater than 13 p.c of batters on the entire in 2023, together with 15 p.c in his ultimate cease in Double A. The Brewers are dealing with him fastidiously, as he didn’t face greater than 20 batters or throw greater than 97 pitches in any outing final 12 months. That’s the proper method even in case you suppose his future is within the bullpen, as he nonetheless must work on throwing strikes, determining the proper weapon for lefties and possibly not throwing one hundred pc on each pitch as a result of his stuff strikes so effectively. Multi-inning reduction work is coming again into style, lastly, and Misiorowski actually has the potential to be an excellent reliever in that function. I might see him posting a few 3-WAR seasons that approach if his management improves.
Schanuel was the eleventh choose within the 2023 draft and have become the primary participant from that draft to achieve the majors when the Angels known as him up on Aug. 18. He acquitted himself fairly effectively in his major-league debut with a .275/.402/.330 line and extra walks than strikeouts. Schanuel’s plate self-discipline is actual, as he hardly ever chases out of the zone and hammers fastballs, so the query is whether or not he can get to extra energy from such a giant body. His palms begin excessive above his head, however that doesn’t inhibit his timing, and he appears to get his hips and legs concerned in his swing sufficient, but thus far it hasn’t resulted in both huge in-game energy or excessive exit velocities. He’s most likely restricted to first base as effectively, so he might have a Dave Magadan-like profession even with out extra energy output (Magadan produced 21.1 WAR and performed 16 seasons), but when I’m the Angels I’m all about making an attempt to get a 6-4, 220+ pound hitter to hit like one.
The worst factor you may say about Meyer is that he was a highschool pitcher taken within the first spherical, and in case you’ve learn something I’ve written within the final 10 years you most likely know I’m going to say that’s about as high-risk a class as you’ll discover within the draft. He’s nonetheless simply 19 and has to remain wholesome the subsequent few years although he’s already throwing fairly arduous, however the pure stuff right here is fairly spectacular, with 4 pitches that you simply may grade out as plus relying on once you see him. He hit 101 mph in highschool and labored as much as 96 in his transient time in professional ball, exhibiting a really high-spin breaking ball that’s his finest pitch now together with a good slider and a changeup that confirmed very effectively within the minors after he barely used it within the spring. He comes from a bit of beneath three-quarters and his fastball can experience flat up within the zone, so he’ll should work extra along with his offspeed stuff and/or tighten up his command considerably. He’s nonetheless younger and appears like he’s barely begun to mature bodily, whereas on the mound he’s been in a position to out-stuff hitters and has to work on the opposite points of pitching, from command to sequencing to ancillary issues like fielding his place. I had a scout name it a “prime of the rotation look,” which sums him up effectively: That is what a future top-of-the-rotation starter may appear to be at age 19, though guys who appear to be Meyer does at age 19 don’t at all times find yourself top-of-the-rotation starters.
Stewart was considered one of solely two youngsters to stroll greater than he struck out in full-season ball final 12 months — the opposite, Pittsburgh’s Jesus Castillo, slugged .251 on the season. Stewart was the Reds’ second choose, thirty second within the 2022 draft, a refined highschool first baseman who wanted to get stronger for extra in-game energy. The Reds moved him to 3rd base, the place the outcomes have been satisfactory, sufficient to suppose he could be a 45 defender there, though his worth continues to be going to reside in his bat. He’s bought actual plate self-discipline, choosing up balls/strikes in addition to recognizing pitch sorts, and he’s hitting the ball more durable already, topping 106 mph within the Florida State League with 5 of his 12 homers on the season going to the other area. He’s very selective, even when forward within the depend, searching particularly for stuff middle-up he can drive, and he can get away with that as a result of he so hardly ever whiffs with two strikes. If Stewart retains getting stronger, and maybe tries to drag a number of extra pitches, he’ll be a simple 20-homer man with excessive OBPs, which makes him a strong common at first and a borderline star if he can simply keep at third base.
Mauricio tore his ACL in winter ball, so he’s prone to miss most, if not all, of the 2024 season, which is a disgrace on two ranges — he had a shot at common taking part in time in Queens, and he wants at-bats to maintain growing. Regardless that he reached the majors final 12 months, he stays an unfinished product on each side of the ball. The ball comes off Mauricio’s bat a lot more durable than you’d count on from his body, however he has very robust wrists and generates a ton of bat velocity, hitting a ball 117 mph within the majors and averaging simply over 90 mph on his batted balls on the stage. If he had any form of plate self-discipline, he’d be a top-10 prospect, however he chases stuff out of the zone, particularly offspeed, approach too typically, and may’t make up for it even with a good price of contact on these pitches. Main-league pitchers who can throw stuff simply off the plate or simply above/beneath the zone may have a area day with him till he tightens up his command of the zone — and that can solely occur with extra time within the batter’s field. He’s a pure shortstop however too erratic to play there within the majors. He seemed promising at second base within the majors, and he might most likely deal with third if he bought extra time there, with solely 22 skilled video games, a 3rd between the minors and winter ball, in his profession. He at all times had some volatility due to the dearth of polish in his recreation, and now he’s shedding as much as a 12 months of taking part in time, however I nonetheless maintain out hope he may be an above-average common at his peak — possibly simply later than we’d in any other case thought.
It was not the MLB debut Stone or the Dodgers have been hoping for, because the crew’s fifth-round choose from 2020 was hit arduous in 31 innings, with major-league hitters throughout his fastball and his supposed out pitch, his changeup, which was extraordinarily efficient all the best way up by means of Triple A. The changeup wasn’t fairly as devastating because it had been within the minors, however it seems he was tipping the pitch as effectively, permitting a forty five p.c hard-hit price with the pitch within the big-league stint. That in flip allowed hitters to look fastball, and his four-seamer, which was 93-95 mph however has by no means had a ton of motion, was near ineffective. He’s rather a lot higher than that, by his stuff and by his minor-league outcomes, the place his changeup would generate whiff charges close to 50 p.c or higher at each stage. He’s bought at the least a median fastball and slider with a changeup that seemed prefer it’d be a 70 earlier than major-league hitters deemed it considerably unworthy of that grade. His debut was regarding, however I’m not giving up on his promise after such a small pattern.
Gonzalez went to the Twins within the January commerce that despatched Jorge Polanco to Seattle, the one important prospect heading to Minnesota in that swap. Gonzalez provides some actual upside with the bat if he can cease swinging at every little thing inside a half-mile of the strike zone. He’s up there to do harm and has such good hand-eye coordination and really feel for the barrel that he can hit pitches wherever within the zone and, to some extent, simply outdoors of it, so he swings early and sometimes. He mashed in Low A, hitting .348/.403/.530 with only a 13.7 p.c strikeout price. When he reached Excessive A, nonetheless, pitchers exploited his tendency to chase outdoors the zone, and he slipped to .215/.290/.387 — nonetheless exhibiting energy and arduous contact, but in addition swinging at greater than a 3rd of non-strikes he noticed. His contact high quality improved final 12 months over 2022, and he did hit for extra energy (ISO .147 to .178), though that has to proceed to enhance so he can get to that 25+ homer vary, as he’s a below-average runner and might be restricted to a nook outfield spot. There’s above-average upside right here given the pure hit skill and potential for 60 or higher energy; along with his defensive limitations and the chances that he’ll by no means stroll 50 instances in a season, although, he has to get there to be greater than an additional outfielder.
Meadows reached the majors final 12 months and gave a reasonably good indication of the type of participant he’ll be in a bigger pattern — plus protection in middle, plus velocity, some energy, some walks, sufficient swing and miss to maintain him from being a star. A second-round choose in 2018, Meadows — the youthful brother of former Tigers outfielder Austin Meadows — had huge instruments as a excessive schooler however had an enormous hitch in his swing that made it arduous for him to get to the ball on time, and he had OBPs beneath .300 for his first three seasons in professional ball. The Tigers helped him do away with the massive hitch earlier than 2022 and he’s been a special hitter since then, with a .340 OBP throughout the previous two seasons due to significantly better outcomes on balls in play together with a small bump in his stroll charges. He’s each little bit of 6-5 and has a giant strike zone, so there’s going to be some swing and miss, however he doesn’t chase excessively and he makes sufficient contact in-zone to get to a .240ish common and 15-20 homers a 12 months. His glove and arm have been value 5 runs above common by Statcast final 12 months in lower than 1 / 4 of a season, and I imagine he’s going to be value +10 or extra if he will get to play 150 video games on the market this 12 months. Large velocity may find yourself his important weak spot and the impediment to him turning into a 4+ win participant; the protection offers him an excellent basis and even when he punches out 30 p.c of the time, one thing he’s by no means executed within the minors, he’d nonetheless be a delicate common with the opposite instruments he brings to the desk.
The Yankees signed Arias in January 2022 for a $4 million bonus, their largest bonus since they signed Jasson Domínguez in 2019 for $5.1 million, which was the biggest bonus the crew has ever given to a world newbie free agent. Arias is probably not from Mars, however he turned in a really robust stateside debut final 12 months, hitting .267/.423/.505 within the Florida Advanced League final 12 months as an 18-year-old with a 22 p.c strikeout price, effectively beneath the league common of 27 p.c. It’s excellent bat velocity for an 18-year-old, particularly from the left facet, the place his palms go from 0 to 60 in a flash, though I fear that he’s bought a little bit of a grooved, uphill swing that’s going to stop him from squaring up the ball as typically as he ought to. He’s a simple plus runner who ought to keep at shortstop, with a plus arm that performs up even above that as a result of he’s bought such a fast switch and launch; there’s some query of whether or not his physique will keep lithe sufficient for the place, though the consensus leans towards not simply remaining at quick however turning into an above-average one. He’s farther from the majors than among the Yanks’ extra well-known prospects, however apart from Domínguez he could provide essentially the most upside between offense and protection of anybody within the system.
I assume it wouldn’t be a top-100 with out at the least two Dodgers catching prospects on it. Liranzo is their newest phenom behind the plate, a switch-hitter who hit .273/.400/.562 in Low A final 12 months with a 26.7 p.c strikeout price, higher from the left facet, with energy both approach. He’s bought a giant body with plus bat velocity already. He’s prone to find yourself with 30+ homer energy as he will get ever stronger. He must work to remain agile sufficient behind the plate, the place proper now he’s a piece in progress, exhibiting sufficient aptitude although he’s not very fluid in his actions when receiving or blocking. If he have been a sure-thing catcher, he may be a top-50 prospect as a result of the facility is actual and he’s bought an concept on the plate. He’ll transfer to Excessive-A Nice Lakes this 12 months, and the Midwest League is a lesser hitters’ atmosphere than the Cal League, so we’ll get a greater learn on how superior his method is together with seeing how the catching progresses. The high-walks, high-power upside in a switch-hitting catcher might make him shoot up this record in a 12 months.
Gilbert was Houston’s first-round choose in 2022 out of the College of Tennessee, then headed to the Mets within the Justin Verlander commerce this previous July together with power-hitting prospect Ryan Clifford. Gilbert’s the extra superior participant of the 2 and took off after the commerce, hitting .325/.423/.561 for Double-A Binghamton after scuffling for the Astros’ Double-A affiliate, Corpus Christi, the earlier two months. These struggles are most likely simply noise however did find yourself altering how his season seemed general — particularly in opposition to lefties, the place he had a good platoon cut up within the first half however ended the 12 months with a barely increased OPS in opposition to southpaws. Gilbert’s a 55 or 60 defender in middle, relying on who you ask, with a simple plus arm — he was a two-way participant in highschool — that might enable him to maneuver to proper, the place he ought to be a 65 or 70 defender if he has to do it. He’s a hitter with a bit of pop, the other of the development in the direction of power-over-hit guys, and that’s even along with his occasional tendency to attempt to pull pitches he ought to simply go together with somewhat than sacrificing some hit for energy. He’s been a fan favourite already within the minors for his all-out model of play, which I count on to hold over to the majors once they see his 5-9 body flying all around the area. At worst, he’s a fourth/platoon outfielder who can play all three spots, however after that robust end I really feel significantly better about him hitting lefties sufficient to play daily and hit .280-.300 with a stroll price over 10 p.c and 15ish homers a 12 months, whether or not that’s as an above-average defender in middle or a simple plus one in proper.
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