Official MiLB/Prospects Thread

[TheHurl]

When does he becomes a FA?

 

2 Arbitration years.

[Dr. Dinger]

21 people fell off the list from last year.

 

That's not terribly surprising since trade value is directly tied to age, years of control, and salary. By the time you are 30, you are long gone from the list if you're making any kind of money.

[TheHurl]

That's not terribly surprising since trade value is directly tied to age, years of control, and salary. By the time you are 30, you are long gone from the list if you're making any kind of money.

 

A little surprised Archer with 3.5 years of control at $30M isn't on there still though. Hard to believe he turns 30 before the playoffs start

[sdyment]

A little surprised Archer with 3.5 years of control at $30M isn't on there still though. Hard to believe he turns 30 before the playoffs start

 

I think that’s partly because he’s a condescending douchebag. Y’know... kinda like ours.

[King]

What has Archer done to be considered a douche?

[Jonn]

Archer seems awesome personally. Meanwhile Stroman seems angry at the world everyday for no apparent reason.

[TheHurl]

What has Archer done to be considered a douche?

 

[Sammy225]

Archer seems awesome personally. Meanwhile Stroman seems angry at the world everyday for no apparent reason.

 

Seems he has a Napoleon complex

[John_Havok]

Seems he has a Napoleon complex

 

Napoleon wasn't even short. ..

[Dr. Dinger]

Napoleon wasn't even short. ..

 

No, but he was the victim of discrimination which led to a lifelong chip on his shoulder.

[Jonn]

Napoleon wasn't even short. ..

 

5'7 is below average height for a grown man. So you could definitely classify him as short. Anything under 5'10 is generally considered short.

[Dr. Dinger]

5'7 is below average height for a grown man. So you could definitely classify him as short. Anything under 5'10 is generally considered short.

 

There's a big difference between the average height of a North American in 2018 and the average height of a European in the 1800s. It's probably several inches different.

[Jonn]

There's a big difference between the average height of a North American in 2018 and the average height of a European in the 1800s. It's probably several inches different.

 

Apparently it was 5'7 actually lol. So he was average height during his era. I think if we are looking at height in personal opinions most would say any men under 6 foot is short. Especially women.

[Bobthe4th]

Apparently it was 5'7 actually lol. So he was average height during his era. I think if we are looking at height in personal opinions most would say any men under 6 foot is short. Especially women.

 

I take it you’ve never been to South East Asia?

[TBJ12]

Apparently it was 5'7 actually lol. So he was average height during his era. I think if we are looking at height in personal opinions most would say any men under 6 foot is short. Especially women.

 

The average Canadian man is under 5'10. Women don't seem to care how tall you are as long as it's taller than they are.

[TheHurl]

there is nothing hotter than a girl taller than my average ass (probably below average actual ass but I mean I am 5'10.5") and doesn't give a damn about it. I loved it when my ex (5'10") wore heels. Off topic but that is when our threads get good

[jays4life19]

I'm 5'11.5" and never thought as myself as short.

 

I also always lie when someone asks me my height and round up to 6 foot because it sounds so much better.

[Grant77]

I'm 5'11.5" and never thought as myself as short.

 

I also always lie when someone asks me my height and round up to 6 foot because it sounds so much better.

 

I would certainty describe someone your height as short, but I'm 6'6 so it seems like most people are short.

[Abomination]

I'm 5'11.5" and never thought as myself as short.

 

I also always lie when someone asks me my height and round up to 6 foot because it sounds so much better.

 

I'm glad I'm not the only one that does this lol. Wait, I mean I don't have to do this because I'm 6'.

[John_Havok]

There's a big difference between the average height of a North American in 2018 and the average height of a European in the 1800s. It's probably several inches different.

 

There's actually alot of factors in this very common belief in Napoleon's shortness. 1 was exactly was you said, average height now and then are different.

 

2. He was usually surrounded by his personal guards, which were taller than he was, so he seemed short compared to them

 

3. French measurement and English measurement at the time were not quite the same. They both used feet and inches to measure things, but English feet and French feet were not the same. In French units, he was 5 foot 2 inches, which was the equivalent of 5 foot 6.5 inches in British units. So anyone English hearing he was 5 for 2 would definitely think he was short.

Edited July 18, 2018 by John_Havok

[Spanky99]

I think that’s partly because he’s a condescending douchebag. Y’know... kinda like ours.

 

He's one of the nicest guys in baseball?

[Jimcanuck]

BA mid season 100 will be published tomorrow morning

[Bobthe4th]

There's actually alot of factors in this very common belief in Napoleon's shortness. 1 was exactly was you said, average height now and then are different.

 

2. He was usually surrounded by his personal guards, which were taller than he was, so he seemed short compared to them

 

3. French measurement and English measurement at the time were not quite the same. They both used feet and inches to measure things, but English feet and French feet were not the same. In French units, he was 5 foot 2 inches, which was the equivalent of 5 foot 6.5 inches in British units. So anyone English hearing he was 5 for 2 would definitely think he was short.

 

4. English propaganda characterising him as an angry short man - hence the term Napoleon complex.

[Ray]

Sean Reid-Foley: 6.0IP 1H 1ER 2BB 5K

[P2F]

Josh James (Astros) had his 5th double-digit K start in 11 since his promotion to AAA earlier this season.

[P2F]

Could someone please post the updated BA Top 100?

[Krylian]

Vladdy 1

Bo 5

Pearson 74

Jansen 76

Gurriel Jr. 88

Smith 95

[TheHurl]

no cleanup happening.

 

81 - 100

 

81

Jarred Kelenic

Mets OF

Notes:

Hitting: 60 | Power: 55 | Speed: 50 | Defense: 55 | Arm: 60

Scouting Report: Kelenic was the only outfielder in the high school class to unanimously make the first team in Baseball America's Preseason All-America vote, as decided on by major scouting directors. Kelenic achieved that honor as one of the best hitters in the class with a balanced and powerful swing, a track record in the middle of USA Baseball's 18U National Team lineup and a strong arm, as well as athleticism, above-average speed and impressive route running. One of the most intense players in the class, Kelenic has a fiery demeanor on the field that gives pause for some evaluators, while others who know him have no issues and see his passionate personality as a positive indicator. He lives and breathes baseball and is regularly in his dad's training facilities in Waukesha, Wis., and also worked out in the same facility as Houston Texans' defensive end J.J. Watt. One of the more polished hitters in the class, Kelenic has the frame and strength to continue to add more power as he gets into player development and could wind up with plus raw power down the road. As he ages, scouts are mixed on whether he stays in center field or moves to a corner, with his backers pointing to exceptional reads and defensive instincts, and detractors saying that his speed will back up as he gets stronger. He has more than enough arm for the outfield, regularly registering 96 mph readings from the grass and regarded as one of the most accurate arms in the class. The challenge with Kelenic is that he's been difficult for teams to scout this spring in Wisconsin. He's playing with a travel team rather than his high school and he's also been seen indoors more frequently than outdoors. The track record for Wisconsin hitters is also poor, but Kelenic's own track record with Team USA and on the showcase circuit, combined with his natural tools and makeup, could allow him to become the exception. He should be one of the first prep bats to get drafted this June.

 

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Carson Kelly

Cardinals C

Notes:

Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Speed: 20 | Fielding: 70 | Arm: 60

Scouting Report: Kelly remains a defense-first catcher, but the gap between his glove and his bat has shrunk. Behind the plate he shows soft hands, pristine footwork, good flexibility and a plus arm. He excels at game-calling and managing his staff. Kelly's biggest development has come on offense. Early in his career he was overaggressive early in counts, but he has become more patient and better at hunting fastballs he can drive. The result was a career high for home runs and OPS at Triple-A Memphis in 2017. He is still working on finding consistency in his load and timing.

 

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Corbin Martin

Astros RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 55 | Slider: 50 | Curveball: 45 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 55

Scouting Report: Martin was a reliever in the Texas A&M bullpen for two and a half seasons, but in his junior year he moved into the rotation. He became the team's Saturday starter and while his fastball velocity dipped a little, the command and the quality of his breaking balls improved with more work. The Astros signed Martin for $1 million as a second-round pick and used him in their tandem-starter system, something not all that unusual for Martin because of his multi-role background. Martin's 90-94 mph fastball has excellent glove-side life. He also throws an average slider that has bigger shape than most, with its break coming earlier than other sliders. His curve is a little behind the slider, and his changeup is generally below-average but it will flash above-average at times and could develop into a better weapon. Martin has a quick arm but his delivery has some effort and a high back elbow. He has the makings of four pitches and potentially average to above control, so there's no reason to not let him continue starting.

 

VIDEO

84

Luis Garcia

Nationals SS

Notes:

Hitting: 60 | Power: 40 | Speed: 60 | Defense: 55 | Arm: 55

Scouting Report: Garcia was Washington's top international target in a 2016 signing class that included three players ranked among the top 15. He commanded $1.3 million because of his impressive all-around set of tools and simple lefthanded swing geared for line drives. His father of the same name played shortstop for the Tigers in 1999. Garcia lived up to his scouting report in his first season in 2017 in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. He used extremely quick hands and an advanced hitting approach to spray balls all over the field. He can rely on his hands a bit too much at the plate currently, and the next phase of his development will be getting his legs into his swing with more consistency. A plus-plus runner, Garcia gets down the line well and swiped 11 bases in 13 tries in his debut. Defensively, he has above-average arm strength, smooth actions and soft hands at shortstop, but he'll need a few years to continue honing the fundamentals and getting acclimated to the speed of the game. Garcia has moved extremely quickly in 2018 and is one of the youngest players in high Class A.

 

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Sandy Alcantara

Marlins RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 45

Scouting Report: Alcantara packs big velocity but has yet to harness it. His fastball sits 96-97 mph as a starter, touches 100 and has been clocked as high as 102. It's a big pitch, but Alcantara's command and control are below-average, resulting in too many hittable fastballs over the plate or well off of it. He complements his power fastball with flashes of promising secondaries, but they aren't consistent. His curveball and slider run together into an 83-88 mph power breaking ball, but he is learning to separate them, and they both project to average. His 89-91 mph changeup is wildly inconsistent but flashes above-average potential.

 

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Ronaldo Hernandez

Rays C

Notes:

Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Speed: 40 | Fielding: 55 | Arm: 70

Scouting Report: A former infielder who played on Colombia's 18U World Cup team as a 15-year-old in 2013, Hernandez signed for $225,000 and moved behind the plate with the Rays. He emerged as a legitimate dual-threat receiver in 2017 at Rookie-level Princeton after battling a groin injury for two years in the Dominican Summer League. This year has just added to the already-lofty expectations that surrounded him coming into the season as he’s proven to be one of the better hitters in the Midwest League. Scouts are surprised to discover Hernandez's limited experience behind the dish based on his ability. He has plus-plus arm strength. Hernandez does a solid job blocking balls in the dirt. Hernandez is on an upward trajectory that has seen him emerge as one of the organization's premier prospects.

 

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Will Smith

Dodgers

Notes:

Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Speed: 50 | Fielding: 60 | Arm: 55

Scouting Report: The Dodgers have a lengthy history of preferring catchers who combine receiving skills with the athleticism to also handle a spot in the infield. Russ Martin led the way, and Austin Barnes continued down that path. Now Smith has impressed as both a plus defender behind the plate with soft hands and an above-average arm and a capable second and third baseman who earns above-average defensive grades at the hot corner. Smith has retooled his swing as a pro to generate more loft and power. It’s resulted in lower batting average, but his ability to tap into average to above-average productive power makes it a fair trade.

 

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Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Blue Jays 2B

Notes:

Hit 55 | Power 60 | Speed 55 | Field 45 | Arm 60

Scouting Report: A long layoff combined with injury setbacks could explain some of Gurriel's 2017 struggles. At his best, he has shown good strike-zone discipline, though he got too aggressive in 2017, perhaps as he got used to facing better pitchers than he ever faced in Cuba. Gurriel is a long-armed hitter, so his swing will always have some length, but he doesn't strike out excessively and has above-average raw power. In his final season in Cuba, Gurriel improved his speed to above-average, though the leg injury held him back in 2017. Gurriel's range might be stretched at shortstop, but he has a strong arm and could fit well at third base.

 

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Alex Faedo

Tigers RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 60 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 55

Scouting Report: At his best, Faedo has three plus pitches. He manipulates his 90-94 mph fastball and can cut it, sink it or make it run. His low-80s slider was among the best in the college class, and he can toy with its bite and depth. His changeup falls off at the plate, giving him another swing-and-miss pitch. His stuff was not as firm early in the 2017 college season, and he can get too reliant on his slider, but overall he offers a well-honed three-pitch package. While Faedo has a long arm action, he has average to above-average control.

 

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Gavin Lux

Dodgers SS

Notes:

Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Speed: 60 | Fielding: 50 | Arm: 55

Scouting Report: After struggling in the Midwest League, especially early in 2017, Lux worked to continue to fill out and get stronger in his second full pro seasons. That’s paid off in 2018 as he’s shown better power while retaining his ability to make contact and draw walks. Lux looks to be an above-average hitter with above-average power. Lux’s defense at shortstop is still a work in progress, largely because of his struggles with throwing accuracy. He had 17 errors at the season’s midpoint. Lux has played both second base and shortstop this season. Scouts believe he can stick at shortstop, although a team looking for a plus defender at shortstop will slide him to second.

 

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Brandon Marsh

Angels OF

Notes:

Hit: 55 | Power: 55 |Speed: 60 | Fielding: 55 | Arm: 60

Scouting Report: Marsh flashed his five-tool potential as one of the best players in the Pioneer League in his pro debut in 2017, although he missed a month with a sprained thumb. A standout wide receiver who helped his high school team win Georgia AAAA state championships in 2013 and 2014, Marsh is an elite athlete with a strong frame, plus speed and plus arm strength. He looked a little raw offensively in instructional league last fall, but showed advanced plate discipline at Orem, sitting on pitches like a college hitter. Marsh has shown an ability to hit to all fields and could grow into more power as he matures physically. The way the ball comes off his bat leads some scouts to project above-average power in his future. The Angels believe Marsh has the speed and instincts to cover a lot of ground in center field, though he may eventually move to a corner spot.

 

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Jahmai Jones

Angels 2B

Notes:

Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Speed: 60 | Fielding: 55 | Arm: 50

Scouting Report: Pitchers exploited Jones' tendency to chase breaking balls early in 2017, and he hit just .165 at low Class A Burlington in his first 26 games. He rebounded to earn a July 20 promotion to high Class A Inland Empire. Jones makes consistent contact, sprays line drives all over the field, has plus speed and gap-to-gap power-and his defense is improving. His build is thick and strong, and the ball jumps off his bat. A short stroke and plus bat speed indicate that Jones could be an above-average hitter, but there are questions whether he'll be able to manage the strike zone. He doesn't project as a home run hitter but scouts like the adjustments he makes with two strikes, when he widens his stance, chokes up and tries to put the ball in play. An average arm could fit best in left field.

 

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Cal Quantrill

Padres RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 70 | Control: 50

Scouting Report: The Padres streamlined Quantrill's mechanics to help his velocity come easier, and it did in 2017. He now sits comfortably at 93-95 mph and can reach back for 97. He holds that velocity, pitches downhill and commands his fastball, making it a plus pitch. His 81-83 mph changeup is his out pitch and one of the best in the minors. He sells it with identical arm speed as his fastball, and the pitch slows suddenly just in front of the plate. His 81-84 mph slider flashes above-average but lacks consistency, and the Padres are focused on developing his mid-70s curveball. Quantrill throws all his pitches for strikes and has above-average command.

 

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Josh Naylor

Padres 1B

Notes:

Hit: 55 | Power: 60 | Speed: 40 | Fielding: 45 | Arm: 55

 

The Marlins made Naylor the highest-drafted Canadian position player ever when they selected him 12th overall in 2015 and signed him for $2.2 million. One year later the Padres acquired him in the five-player trade that sent Andrew Cashner to Miami. Naylor is stocky with a protruding belly, closer to 260 pounds than his listed 225. Because the Padres have signed Eric Hosmer to a long-term deal, they have tried Naylor in left field this year. Most scouts are skeptical that he can handle left field, but he’s a fringe-average first baseman, which is his true position. Like any first baseman, Naylor has to hit and he’s down so. He’s shown the ability to recognize balls out of the pitcher’s hand, waiting to find a pitch he can drive. With bat speed and pitch recognition, Naylor has the ability to be an above-average hitter with plus power.

 

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Kevin Smith

Blue Jays SS

Notes:

Hit: 45 | Power: 60 | Speed: 45 | Fielding: 55 | Arm: 55

Scouting Report: In three seasons as Maryland’s shortstop, Smith showed excellent defense, bat speed and power potential, but his struggles to make contact meant he never hit for average in college, which explains why he slid to the fourth round in the 2017 draft. Since then, Smith has eliminated a loop in his swing. With a shortened, quicker stroke that helps him better catch up to velocity, Smith has shown both improved contact skills and even better power. At shortstop, Smith stands out for his reliability more than flashy range, but he’s sure-handed and has an above-average arm that should allow him to stay at the position. He has a chance to be an everyday shortstop with above-average to plus power.

 

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Jose Suarez

Angels LHP

Notes:

Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 50 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 55

Scouting Report: Suarez is undersized and portly but has an advanced feel for pitching, and he keeps throwing harder. Suarez's fastball velocity has steadily ticked up from 88-92 in 2016 to 89-93 mph in 2017 to 90-94 this season, and he excels at busting his fastball in on rigthhanders for an uncomfortable at-bat. His changeup is a swing-and-miss pitch that he sells with identical arm speed, drawing foolish swings over the top. He's developing a curveball as a quality third pitch, landing it to his armside well but still learning to put it on the back foot of righthanded hitters. Suarez works with an exceptionally quick pace, commanding the tempo and keeping hitters on the defensive. With his constantly improving stuff, Suarez's strikeouts have increased from 5.7 batters per nine innings in 2015 to 10.7 in 2016 to 11.8 in 2017 to 12.5 in 2018. Suarez doesn't make many mistakes, having allowed only 10 homers in 251.1 minor league innings. He has above-average pitchability and an easy, repeatable high-three quarters delivery with good direction to the plate, allowing him to maintain his velocity and control. Suarez is thick and will have to watch his conditioning, but his continued upward trend gives him a chance to be a mid-rotation starter.

 

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Nick Neidert

Marlins RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 50. | Changeup: 60. | Slider: 50. | Control: 60.

Scouting Report: The Mariners' first selection in 2015, Neidert claimed California League pitcher of the year honors in 2017 after going 10-3, 2.76 at high Class A Modesto. The Marlins acquired Neidert, shortstop Chris Torres and righthander Robert Dugger after the 2017 season in the deal that sent Dee Gordon and international bonus pool money to Seattle. Neidert's aggressive approach allows him to excel. He goes right at hitters, has advanced feel for his secondary pitches and shows good poise on the mound. He effectively sequences his three pitches and throws strikes. Neidert's fastball sits 90-93 mph but plays up with carry through the zone due to a late hop in his delivery. Both of his secondary offerings--an average low-80s slider and future plus changeup at 78-81 mph with deception and fade--play up because of how well he commands them. He repeats his high three-quarters delivery, keeping hitters off balance. Neidert has a high aptitude for his craft with the ability to quickly make adjustments. Some observers don't see a true out pitch in Nediert's arsenal, but he succeeds because of his competitive nature and advanced pitchabilty. He projects as a No. 4 starter.

 

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ONeil Cruz

Pirates SS

Notes:

Hit: 45 | Power: 60 | Speed: 55 | Fielding: 45 | Arm: 70

Scouting Report: Cruz went from being a 6-foot-1 15-year-old to a 6-foot-6 19-year-old. Thanks to his height, Cruz began playing third base for the Dodgers but after being sent to the Pirates in a trade for reliever Tony Watson, he’s focused on shortstop again. Scouts do not believe he will stay there long-term, but he does have some of the best tools in the minors. Scouts describe Cruz’s build as similar to that of NBA small forwards and shooting guards. His athleticism is also impressive as he is an above-average runner once he gets going. Cruz’s raw power is top of the scale with massive batting practice home runs and occasional in-game mammoth shots. His plus-plus arm is equally impressive and will serve him well either at third base or right field. Cruz is still raw at the plate, but he’s made strides at showing better pitch selection and contact ability to go with his massive power. Cruz is a high-risk, high-reward prospect, but he’s one that stands out as one of the higher-ceiling prospects in the minors.

 

99

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Cristian Pache

Braves OF

Notes:

Hitting: 50 | Power: 40 | Speed: 80 | Defense: 70 | Arm: 55

Scouting Report: A top prospect in the 2015 international class, Pache has gotten better since he signed. An above-average runner then, he's now a top-of-the-scale runner. His glove work has similarly improved. Pache's aggressive, almost cocky center field defense will get him to the big leagues. He plays shallow, challenging hitters to hit it over his head. If they do, he proves he can track balls over his head with ease. He's one of the best defensive center fielders in the minors and has Gold Glove potential with an above-average arm. Pache's speed plays on the basepaths, too. At the plate, his swing has some length that leads scouts to see a future average hit tool, but he has shown improved strike-zone recognition and solid bat-to-ball skills. Scouts love his athleticism and believe that once he fills out he'll hit for at least average power, and this year for the first time as a pro he’s starting to drive the ball over the wall. Pache's bat will determine whether he becomes an impact regular or just a useful, speedy outfielder.

 

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Kyle Lewis

Mariners OF

Notes:

Hit: 55 | Power: 60 | Speed: 50 | Fielding: 55 | Arm: 55

Scouting Report: When healthy, Lewis has everything you want to see in a premier, middle-of-the-order outfielder. He plays the game hard and has the strong work ethic that allows him to make the most of his above-average tools. He has solid bat speed and a feel for the barrel, with plus raw power. It was obvious to scouts who saw him in the Cal League that he was not always in rhythm at the plate, with his upper half not syncing with his lower half, but he should get back in the groove when his knee is 100 percent healthy. His hands work well, and he's got a line-drive stroke with loft and home run power to all fields. Lewis' speed hasn't come all the way back, but he should again be an average runner when healthy, perhaps a tick more underway. While Lewis has primarily been a center fielder, scouts don't see the instincts needed to stay there despite his ability to cover plenty of ground. An above-average arm makes him better suited for right field. He's primarily been a DH since returning from his knee injury out of caution.

[TheHurl]

61 - 80

 

 

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Brusdar Graterol

Twins RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 70 | Slider: 60 | Curveball: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50

Scouting Report: Graterol returned in 2017 from Tommy John surgery to rocket up the prospect charts while dominating at two levels. In his final outing of a season capped at 40 innings and 75 pitches in any individual outing, he struck out five in the first three innings of an elimination-game win that sent Rookie-level Elizabethton on its way to a four-game winning streak and the Appalachian League title. After sitting at 87-88 mph with his fastball pre-surgery, Graterol used the rehabilitation process to completely remake his body and his repertoire. Now 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds after packing on nearly 60 pounds of good weight, most noticeably in his legs and hindquarters, he has boosted his fastball to 95-98 mph with flashes up to 101 mph. That enabled him to blow past Double-A righty Fernando Romero for ownership of the best fastball in the system. Graterol also has a late-breaking plus slider at 85-89 mph and a hard curve at 80-83 mph that has a chance to be above-average. His 86-89 mph changeup projects as at least average with good action and feel for his age. With outstanding work ethic and aptitude that point toward continued improvement, Graterol has the highest ceiling of any Twins pitching prospect, projecting rotation-topping potential.

 

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Franklin Barreto

Athletics SS

Notes:

Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Speed: 60 | Fielding: 50 | Arm: 50

Scouting Report: Barreto had two stints in the majors in 2017 and went just 14-for-71 (.197) thanks to a 43 percent strikeout rate. His minor league strikeout rate spiked from 18 percent at Double-A in 2016 to 28 percent at Triple-A in 2017. Developed as a shortstop, Barreto has spent time at second base in the minors and majors. He has the arm and range to play shortstop in the bigs but is better suited for second because his arm at short can be a little erratic. As a hitter, he uses the whole field and has more power than you'd expect from his stature, though he needs to make more contact. His plus speed makes him a base-stealing threat.

 

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Chris Paddack

Padres RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 45 | Changeup: 70 | Control: 70

Scouting Report: Paddack put up insane numbers to start his first full season in 2016, posting a 0.95 ERA with 48 strikeouts and two walks in 28.1 innings for the Marlins low Class A affiliate Greensboro. The Padres acquired him in a one-for-one trade for Fernando Rodney that June. Paddack was similarly dominant for three starts at low Class A Fort Wayne but succumbed to Tommy John surgery in July, ending his season and wiping out all of 2017 as well. He returned in May of 2018 and recommenced his dominance, opening with 24.2 consecutive scoreless innings. Paddack excels with a darting 90-95 mph fastball that explodes late through the zone, a plus-plus mid-80s changeup and elite control. His fastball-changeup combination is his bread-and-butter, but his mid-70s curveball has gradually improved to a usable pitch with 12-to-6 shape and decent depth as he's become more consistent with his release point. Paddack got bigger and stronger during his rehab and shown early hints of a velocity bump, although whether he can maintain it remains to be seen. Health is Paddack's biggest question mark. He missed six weeks with biceps tendinitis even before having Tommy John and has yet to pitch 50 innings in any season.

 

VIDEO

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Brady Singer

Royals RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 60 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 55.

Scouting Report: The 2018 Baseball America College Player of the Year, Singer's fastball sits in the low to mid-90s with impressive natural movement and he also has a sharp slider that has been a weapon for him in the past. Singer's slider can be inconsistent at times, however, because of his low arm slot, which is a point of concern for some evaluators. While Singer doesn't throw many changeups currently, scouts think he has the ability to develop at least an average changeup in pro ball, when he would be able to throw it more frequently. He's flashed an average changeup already, but he was rarely asked to throw it at Florida. Teams more skeptical of Singer will see a two-pitch starter with a concerning arm slot that might lead to the bullpen, while less critical scouting departments might see a potential middle-of-the-rotation arm who has impressive strike-throwing ability and more high-level track record than any pitcher in a deep 2018 class.

 

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Austin Hays

Orioles OF

Notes:

Hit: 55 | Power: 60 | Speed: 50 | Fielding: 55 | Arm: 60

Scouting Report: A baseball rat who has endeared himself to Orioles brass for his lack of batting gloves and a playing style that's energetic-bordering-on-reckless, Hays' compact swing and above-average bat speed help him attack the ball and drive it to all fields, and he has proved to be particularly adept at hitting fastballs in any count. While he controls the barrel and can be a plus hitter with plus power, his aggression in attacking fastballs made him susceptible to major league secondary pitches, an issue that Hays and the Orioles knew of before his stint in the big leagues and believe can be improved with more experience. Hays can be an above-average right fielder thanks to a plus arm and good instincts in the field, and he has played some center field. Though he hasn't stolen many bases as a professional, he runs a tick above average and always hustles out of the box.

 

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Ryan Mountcastle

Orioles 3B

Notes:

Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Speed 45 | Field 45 | Arm 40

Scouting Report: Upon a promotion to Double-A Bowie last year, Mountcastle shifted from shortstop-where he had committed 13 errors in 82 games and showed a well-below-average arm-to third base. Early reports indicate the momentum taking him toward first base on most plays from the hot corner helps his arm tick up to below average. Many scouts believe he's ticketed for left field or first base. Mountcastle's plus raw power, advanced approach and plus hit tool will carry him, but he'll face added pressure because of his defensive profile. He gets good extension in his righthanded swing to attack the ball and hit with power to all fields, and has shown ability to recognize spin and stay with pitches.

 

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Tyler O'Neill

Cardinals OF

Notes:

Hit: 45 | Power: 70 | Speed: 50 | Fielding: 50 | Arm: 55

Scouting Report: O'Neill is short but cut like a bodybuilder with bulging muscles in his arms, legs and backside. He leverages that massive strength with lightning-quick bat speed, producing massive home runs observers recount with disbelief. He packs double-plus power and knows it, which sometimes gets him in trouble when he gets too steep uphill in his swing plane. O'Neill swings and misses enough to not project as more than a fringe-average average hitter, but when right he identifies pitches and draws walks. Despite his bulk, O'Neill is a solid athlete who posts average run times, adequately plays all three outfield positions and packs an above-average arm. He is best in right field.

 

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Andres Gimenez

Mets SS

Notes:

Hit: 55 | Power: 40 | Speed: 50 | Fielding: 60 | Arm: 60

Scouting Report: Described as a "ball of dynamite" by one Mets official, Gimenez has a shorter, thicker build than many shortstops but compensates with twitchy athleticism. Scouts expect him to impact the ball more frequently as his body matures and he gains strength in his 20s. Gimenez pushed his average to .289 on Aug. 2, but he closed the year in an 18-for-91 (.198) skid as he dealt with a jammed thumb and general fatigue. Nothing phases Gimenez at the plate, where he has the attributes to be an above-average hitter. His lefthanded swing is direct to the ball, and he identifies pitches well, doesn't swing and miss often and hangs in versus southpaws. Skeptics question his batting upside potential, however, because he has average present running speed, while his power projects to be below-average because of his level swing plane and spray-hitting approach. Body control and quick actions serve Gimenez at shortstop, where he has above-average range, reliable hands and an arm that plays up to plus thanks to a quick release and accuracy. His instincts and feel for the game will keep him at shortstop-where he has plus defensive potential-as he climbs the ladder, while his arm and reliability would allow him to shift to second or third base as needed.

 

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Jonathan Loaisiga

Yankees RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 60 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50

Scouting Report: Just two years ago, Loaisiga was out of baseball after being released by the Giants. Signed by the Yankees out of a tryout camp, he then was shut down for Tommy John surgery. He returned in 2017 to dominate the short-season New York-Penn League. Nothing on that resume prepared anyone for Loaisiga’s rocket-boosted rise to the Yankees this year. Despite coming into the season with just 2.1 innings of full-season experience, Loaisiga jumped straight to the high Class A Florida State League, then the Double-A Eastern League and then to the Yankees rotation. His near top-of-the-scale stuff (and the fact he was already on the 40-man roster) allowed him to make such a quick jump. His 94-98 mph fastball is a plus-plus pitch that he locates well. His 12-to-6 hard mid-80s curveball gives him a second plus pitch and he mixes in a sinking, hard 87-88 mph changeup is a useful average offering. Loaisiga has had a lengthy injury history, but if he can stay healthy, he has mid-rotation stuff.

 

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Freddy Peralta

Brewers RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 55 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Control 45

Scouting Report: Peralta is confident and aggressive on the mound, challenging hitters with a fastball in the low to mid-90s, with good movement and improved command. He has deception with a bit of a crossfire delivery, and hitters have trouble picking up the ball, leading to plenty of swings and misses. Because of his “disappearing fastball,” many have compared him with former Brewers starter Mike Fiers, who got the job done without an overpowering fastball because hitters picked up the ball so late. Peralta repeats his delivery well and mixes in a slider to keep opponents off his fastball. He also has an above-average changeup he throws for strikes with deceptive arm speed. Peralta strikes out opponents with seeming ease but still issues too many walks and must improve his control. He displays good mound presence and a feel for pitching, particularly given his youth. He's an intelligent pitcher with good instincts. Despite concerns about Peralta's size, the Brewers believe he can be a mid-rotation starter because of his stuff and intangibles

 

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Dylan Cease

White Sox RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 60 | Changeup: 50 | Slider: 45 | Control: 40

Scouting Report: Cease's best pitch is a hard, mid-90s fastball that reaches 98 mph and has tickled triple-digits in the past. It's elite velocity plays up with sink as well. Cease couples his fastball with a hard, 12-to-6 curveball that he uses to get swings-and-misses, and projects as a plus pitch. His changeup has made progress, but it's still a distant third pitch. He's also added a slider to his arsenal. Cease's below-average command and control have improved some, but he still walked 4.2 batters-per-nine innings across the Class A levels the past year. There's some thought, because of his two dominant pitches, Cease might have more success as a high-leverage reliever. It's too early for that move now and the White Sox will continue developing him as a starter.

 

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Luiz Gohara

Braves LHP

Notes:

Fastball: 80 | Slider: 70 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 45

Scouting Report: Gohara's pure stuff compares favorably with anyone. In just 29 big league innings, he threw more 98-plus mph fastballs than any other lefty starter. His 95-99 mph fastball generates top-of-the- scale grades and his 82-85 mph slider is equally impressive because it looks like his fastball coming out of his hand before diving with late tilt. He shows some feel for a changeup, but it lacks late fade and he struggles to keep it on the edges of the plate. Gohara's control is fringe-average at best, but he has made significant strides and should develop average control.

 

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Dane Dunning

White Sox RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 60 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 55

Scouting Report: Dunning operates primarily with a sinker and a slider, but he has a changeup as well. He sits in the low to mid-90s, peaking at 96 mph. When his delivery is clicking, Dunning features heavy sink and will coax hitters into beating the ball into the ground. He struggled at times to get out over his front side, which had a flattening effect on his stuff and resulted in an elevated-and out-of-character-home run rate of 1.1 per nine innings at high Class A Winston-Salem. Dunning's slider and changeup, both thrown in the low to mid-80s, have at least above-average potential. To maintain consistency and crispness on his pitches, he needs to stay tall through his delivery.

 

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Nate Pearson

Blue Jays RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 45

Scouting Report: Pearson gives hitters an uncomfortable at-bat. He attacks them with downhill angle from his 6-foot-6 frame and pitches with a lively, heavy fastball that parked at 92-94 mph and touched 98 regularly in his college starts. In short bursts with the Blue Jays, Pearson sat in the mid- to upper 90s and touched 101 mph, with the fastball life to get swings-and-misses up and down in the zone. His secondary stuff is inconsistent but shows flashes. His changeup is an average pitch with late fade, and he added power to his slider in pro ball. It now reaches the mid- to upper 80s with late tilt, though he's still learning to land it for a strike. He throws a curveball as well but it's behind his other pitches.

 

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Logan Allen

Padres LHP

Notes:

Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 50

Scouting Report: At his best, Allen sits 92-94 mph with his fastball and shows off a potential plus changeup and above-average curveball. At other times he's 89-91 mph with just average secondaries. He shows the poise and pitchability to succeed even when his stuff isn't at his best. Allen is aggressive with his fastball and establishes it early in games. He complements it with a “Vulcan” grip changeup he holds between his middle and ring finger that dives as it approaches the plate for a swing-and-miss offering. Allen still is trying to find a consistent release point on his hard, slurvy curveball, but he shows flashes of snapping it off. He's begun showing an average slider he can land for strikes as well. Allen throws all his pitches for strikes but can get wild in the zone. The Padres have smoothed out his delivery, making it less herky-jerky, and his command and pitch efficiency have improved as a result. Allen looks like a mid-rotation starter at his best, but needs to continue to iron out his command and gain consistency of his stuff.

 

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Danny Jansen

Blue Jays C

Notes:

Hit: 55 | Power: 40 | Speed: 30 | Fielding: 45 | Arm: 50

Scouting Report: A broken left hand sidelined Jansen for three months in 2015 and a broken hamate bone in his left hand in 2016 put him out for two months that season. Healthy in 2017, Jansen broke through, hitting a combined .323/.400/.484 in a season he spent primarily at Double-A New Hampshire but finished at Triple-A Buffalo. Jansen's success stems from excellent strike-zone judgment. He walked (41) more often than he struck out (40) because he tracks pitches well, has a disciplined approach and doesn't chase much off the plate, enabling himself to get into advantageous counts and draw walks to get on base. Jansen makes frequent contact with a pull-minded, line-drive approach and enough power to hit 10-15 home runs, with his value coming more from his on-base skills than his power. Behind the plate, Jansen blocks balls well, but his arm strength is fringe-average and he threw out just 24 percent of baserunners in 2017

 

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Peter Alonso

Mets 1B

Notes:

Hit: 55| Power 60 | Speed 30 | Fielding 30 | Arm: 30

Scouting Report: Alonso generates by far the highest exit velocity and has the most power in the Mets system. He looks for pitches to elevate with his plus-plus raw power, and the ball carries to all fields when he connects. In addition to plus game power, Alonso has a chance for an average to above hit tool because he hits the ball hard with frequency and doesn't swing and miss as much as many sluggers. A well below-average runner and uncoordinated, slow-bodied defender, he committed 19 errors at first base in 2017, the majority of them fielding miscues and dropped catches. He requires a lot of work to be playable in the field. Alonso has crushed lefthanders as a pro, compiling a 1.166 OPS, but he hit a more modest .256/.316/.456 against same-side pitchers in his only full season to date. Regardless, his power will play in the big leagues, perhaps in the second half of 2018, whether as a regular or a platoon masher.

 

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Michel Baez

Padres RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 60

Scouting Report: Baez possesses a power arm and pounds the the strike zone downhill out of his high three-quarters arm slot. He holds his fastball at 94-95 mph and frequently touches 98 to grade as a plus-plus pitch. His fastball comes out easy, and he hides the ball well behind his enormous frame. Baez's upper-80s slider flashes plus but isn't yet consistent. His mid-80s changeup flashes plus with fade away from lefthanders, and he flashes a hammer 11-to-5 curveball in the upper 70s. Most importantly he repeats his delivery to throw frequent strikes, perhaps too many. He allowed as many home runs as walks (eight) in the MWL regular season.

 

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Albert Abreu

Yankees RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 60 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 50

Scouting Report: With another year under his belt, Abreu's fastball has ticked up even more. He now sits in the mid-90s with regularity and touches as high as 101 mph on occasion. He couples his fastball, which has average life, with a curveball and changeup that project to be at least average if not plus in the future. He still needs to refine his command, and some evaluators have seen more of a thrower than a pitcher at this point, but scouts inside and outside the organization see a pitcher with the upside of a No. 2 starter if everything develops.

 

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Matthew Liberatore

Rays LHP

Notes:

Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 60 | Changeup: 60 | Slider: 45 | Control: 55

Scouting Report: During the summer of 2017, Liberatore was an uber-projectable lefthander with great feel for three pitches that scouts could project to become plus down the line. At that time, Liberatore was sitting mostly in the upper 80s and low 90s with his fastball and had a low-70s, 12-to-6 curveball, as well as a changeup in the low to mid-80s. He performed well on the showcase circuit and with USA Baseball's 18U National team, pitching in the USA's 8-0 win over Korea in the gold medal game. During his first outing this spring, however, he was up to 96 mph with his fastball, a sharper curveball and a plus changeup. The 100-plus scouts could confidently leave that game and project three plus pitches on the prep lefthander who stood 6-foot-5. While the stuff hasn't been quite as loud for Liberatore since then, his fastball in particular hasn't held that velocity--he still has the frame and pitchability that teams can dream on, with a fairly clean and quick arm as well as makeup that scouts rave about. The Arizona commit pitches with a bulldog-like mentality on the mound but also brings a cerebral approach to what he's trying to do, with an advanced understanding of how to attack hitters and how to manipulate his pitches. During the spring, Liberatore added a low-80s slider that he showcased to a large group of evaluators at USA Baseball's National High School Invitational. The pitch is currently behind his curveball and changeup--both of which project as plus offerings--but showed some promise.

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Kyle Wright

Braves RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 60 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 50

Scouting Report: Wright's plus-plus fastball ranges from 92-98 mph, with late life at its best to go with excellent angle. His command is better when he's pitching in the lower registers of his velocity range. Wright's curveball and slider both generate potential plus grades, but he often shows a knack for locating one or the other, depending on the day. His curveball is a low- 80s pitch with late break and good depth. His harder mid-80s slider has modest break but plenty of power. His mid-80s changeup is his fourth pitch for now but shows excellent fade and run when he's locked in.

 

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Alec Bohm

Phillies 3B

Notes:

Hitting: 50 | Power: 60 | Speed: 40 | Defense: 45 | Arm: 60

Scouting Report: With a large, 6-foot-5, 240-pound frame, Bohm brings a vast amount of strength to the batter's box, which helps provide some of the best raw power in the country. Bohm got to that power frequently this spring, hitting .339/.436/.625 with 16 home runs. Perhaps more impressive than Bohm's power output--he also hit 11 homers as a sophomore and six as a freshman--is his improved plate discipline this season. He's cut his strikeout rate and significantly improved his walk rate, taking the free pass more frequently than striking out for the first time in his collegiate career. He has an exceptional understanding of the strike zone and always seem to have a plan when he steps in the batter's box, with the ability to make adjustments within an at-bat. His loud spring comes on the heels of a summer in the Cape Cod League, where Bohm was selected to the all-star game and finished second in the league with a .351 average. Bohm has done as much as anyone in the 2018 class to prove himself with the bat, but where the questions will surface for him are on the defensive side. Some scouts think Bohm will eventually have to move to first base due to his lack of range and agility, while others believe his strong arm will be enough for him to stay at the hot corner.

 

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Franklin Perez

Tigers RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 60 | Slider: 45 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 60

Scouting Report: The Tigers have pitching prospects with higher ceilings than Perez, but not one who combines stuff and feel like Perez. While he is less likely to be an ace, Perez also is about as safe a bet as a young pitcher can be to become a big league starter. For a young pitcher, he already understands many of the finer details of his craft. He responds quickly to instruction and shows an aptitude for adjustments. After working on a new grip for his slider in just one side session, he successfully took it into his next game. Perez generally sits 92-94 mph, though he can touch 96. Some scouts believe he may end up throwing a little harder in his 20s because his delivery is clean and he has plenty of athleticism. What's most notable is that Perez commands all four of his pitches. His 75-80 mph curveball is his best secondary pitch. He has long had an ability to spin it with 12-to-6 break, and he has shown he can loosen it as an early-count strike or tighten it up as a swing-and-miss out pitch. His changeup is a potentially average pitch as well, with more deception than late fade. His newly-added slider comes in at 88-89 mph with late movement. Perez hasn’t pitched yet in 2018 due to a right lat strain and he is expected to be out until late June.

 

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Jesus Sanchez

Rays OF

Notes:

Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Speed: 55 | Fielding: 50 | Arm: 50

Scouting Report: Sanchez has shown the ability to perform every aspect of the game at a young age. As a 19-year-old in the MWL, he displayed excellent hand-eye coordination that led to hard and consistent contact, while limiting his strikeouts to 18 percent of the time. He has a smooth and easy, whip-like swing from the left side and quick wrists that allow him to hit velocity and adjust to offspeed pitches. Most of his power has come when he pulls the ball, but given his age and raw strength, Sanchez should be a run producer at higher levels. His greatest need centers on gaining consistency with his leg kick so as not to drift on the front side. He also needs to improve his overall pitch selection. Sanchez has a long running stride that generates above-average speed once he gets moving. He moved from center field to left in 2017 and has the range and arm strength to be above-average at the position.

 

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A.J. Puk

Athletics LHP

Notes:

Fastball: 70 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 45

Scouting Report: Puk looked like he could have made an impact at the major league level in 2018, but he will miss the entire season after having Tommy John surgery in April. Puk's raw stuff has never been questioned. His fastball resides comfortably at 93-96 mph and can reach 98. His vicious side-to-side slider grades easily as plus and his changeup has developed into an potentially above-average pitch. Control has long been an issue, but A's minor league pitching instructor Gil Patterson helped Puk streamline his delivery, focusing mainly on his front leg. The altered motion produced a more consistent release point. With his 6-foot-7 height, Puk gets a pronounced downward angle in his delivery, which can make him both effective and intimidating. He gets a high percentage of swings and misses with all of his pitches. His stuff, competitiveness and pitching sense are all assets. So is his receptiveness to coaching. Over the past two years, the A's have arranged to have Randy Johnson and Al Leiter-two elite lefthanders in their day-give Puk advice.

 

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Jonathan India

Reds 3B

Notes:

Hitting: 60 | Power: 50 | Speed: 50 | Fielding: 60 | Arm: 50

Scouting Report: Scouts have admired the way India plays the game and his overall package of tools since he was a standout shortstop at American Heritage School in Delray Beach, Fla. India was ranked as the No. 82 player in the 2015 class, but after the Brewers drafted him in the 26th round he made his way to Gainesville. India was solid, but unspectacular, in his first two season with the Gators, missing some time with injury during his sophomore campaign in which he hit 274/.354/.429 with 23 strikeouts and 42 walks. He's improved his draft stock substantially this spring, hitting .350/.497/.717 with 21 home runs and more walks (60) than strikeouts (56). Scouts have been extremely happy to see his raw power translate more into games this year. His ultimate role will depend on his defensive position. He played a decent amount of innings at shortstop early this year, but most of his time with Florida has been at third base, where he has solid hands and an average arm. He's likely a third baseman or a second baseman at the next level, with the flexibility to move to shortstop in a pinch or for a team that doesn't prioritize shortstop defense. If third base is the destination, he has more than enough bat to profile there, especially if this year's power display is here to stay.

 

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Yusniel Diaz

Dodgers OF

Notes:

Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Speed: 50 | Fielding: 50 | Arm: 60

Scouting Report: A $15.5 million signee out of Cuba in 2015, Diaz has started to turn his alluring package of strength, tools and athleticism, and he began to translate his raw gifts into consistent skills. Diaz has excellent contact ability and produces excellent exit velocities. He tends to drive the ball on a line from gap to gap rather than in the air, limiting his power production. Diaz expands the zone at times but is improving. He is an average runner but above-average underway on the basepaths and in the outfield. The Dodgers have begun to play him more often in center field this year, which increases his value and versatility. His plus arm allows him to play all three outfield positions. Diaz’s contact-oriented swing makes him more of a top-of-the-order table setter than a middle-of-the-order thumper, but his athleticism and versatility should get him to the big leagues before long.

 

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Carter Kieboom

Nationals SS

Notes:

Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Speed: 50 | Fielding: 45 | Arm: 50

Scouting Report: The 28th overall pick in 2016, Kieboom had his full-season debut at low Class A Hagerstown shortened thanks to a hamstring injury, which forced him to the disabled list in mid-May and ended a torrid 29-game start in which he hit .333/.398/.586 with six home runs. After rehabbing and making his way back to the South Atlantic League, Kieboom hit just .235 the rest of the way--though he managed to show the same selective approach by walking 18 times compared to 15 strikeouts. He has a chance to turn into a middle-of-the order hitter, with impressive bat speed and a short swing. He shows the ability to drive the ball to all fields and could develop above-average power. Kieboom is an average defensive shortstop who projects to be more of a bat-first player. His high baseball IQ should help him in the field, where positioning and solid hands could be enough to make up for a lack of first-step quickness and an average arm. He showed improvement with his throwing in 2017, however. Even if he slides to second base, he could become a big league regular.

 

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Luis Robert

White Sox OF

Notes:

Hit: 55 | Power: 60 | Speed: 70 | Fielding: 50 | Arm: 45

Scouting Report: Eloy Jimenez is the top prospect in the White Sox system and is farther along, but Robert's tools are just as impressive. He boasts a strong, lean frame at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds. His swing is compact and simple, and he produces well above-average bat speed. He's got plus raw power and slugged three homers in limited time in the Dominican Summer League. He does swing and miss on elevated fastballs, but it's not a huge ding on his record. Robert was rated as a solid-average to plus runner as an amateur, but he has gotten faster as he matured and now earns plus-plus grades for his speed. The White Sox believe Robert will be able to maintain enough speed and range to stay in center field. If that doesn't work out, his bat will more than play in a corner.

 

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Leody Taveras

Rangers OF

Notes:

Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Speed: 60 | Fielding: 60 | Arm: 60

Scouting Report: Taveras has a chance for five average to plus tools at a premium position. He has a simple, balanced swing from both sides, uses his hands well to generate bat speed and has a clean swing path. Taveras makes frequent contact and stays through the ball well, which allows him to use the whole field, and he could develop into a plus hitter. His strike-zone discipline continued to improve in 2017, and he started to flash more pop, with a lean, projectable frame that should help him develop average power. Taveras glides around center field with plus speed, good instincts and quick reads off the bat to go with a plus arm that is accurate.

 

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Griffin Canning

Angels RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Curveball: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 50

Scouting Report: A heavy workload as a junior at UCLA and a report of “potential issues” in a pre-draft MRI test didn't scare the Angels off Canning, a projected first-round pick who fell to the second round, No. 47 overall, and signed for $1.459 million. The Angels were comfortable with Canning's medicals, but were still very careful with him. Canning spent the summer in Arizona working on strength and conditioning and didn't pitch for an affiliate–making him one of the few top 50 picks to not get into an official game. Canning's four-pitch mix included a four-seam fastball between 90-94 mph with high spin rate that he commands, and in his pro debut in 2018 it jumped to 93-97. His slider, curveball and changeup all flash above-average potential. His changeup was his go-to secondary pitch as a college sophomore, but he threw more breaking balls as a junior, when he went 7-4, 2.34 in 119 innings over 17 starts, finishing second in the nation with 140 strikeouts, walking 32 and holding opponents to a .213 average. He showed durability under a robust workload in 2017, throwing a 134-pitch shutout of rival Southern California in early May. Canning is a polished and advanced college pitcher who could move quickly through the system, but he needs to show he is healthy. Canning already reached Double-A by April of his first professional season and projects as a mid-rotation starter.

 

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Julio Pablo Martinez

Rangers OF

Notes:

Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Speed: 60 | Fielding: 55 | Arm: 50

Scouting Report: Under the previous Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams were able to blast through their international bonus pools, which is how Cuban outfielder Luis Robert signed with the White Sox for a $26 million bonus in 2017. Martinez is subject to the new rules, which is why he had to settle for $2.8 million from the Rangers. Martinez had been one of the top players left in Cuba, having starred in the country’s junior leagues and then in Cuba’s top league, Serie Nacional, where in his final season he batted .333/.469/.498 in 264 plate appearances with 52 walks, 30 strikeouts, six home runs and 24 stolen bases in 29 attempts. Though he’s not that big, Martinez has a promising combination of power and speed. He’s a center fielder who is plus runner with an average arm. He has whippy bat speed, strong wrists and a tick above-average power. Martinez is a good low-ball hitter, and while his power comes with some swing-and-miss especially up in the zone, his strikeout rate should be manageable. His overall profile has similarities to a smaller version of Curtis Granderson. Martinez is working back into form after a long layoff from competitive baseball activity. He's likely to head to the Dominican Summer League to shake off some rust before coming to the U.S. later this year, likely with one of the Rangers Class A affiliates.

 

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Ryan McMahon

Rockies 1B

Notes:

Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Speed: 45 | Fielding: 50 | Arm: 55

Scouting Report: McMahon possesses soft hands and a strong arm, but his reaction time was a concern at third base. He handled the move to first base well and, while physically large for second base, impressed the Rockies with how he adapted to the position, although opposing scouts are less convinced. Offensively, McMahon has a consistent, short stroke and uses the whole field. He sits fastball and takes advantage of mistakes, with the strength to produce above-average power in Coors Field. Strikeouts were an issue in the past, but McMahon significantly improved his approach and plate discipline and struck out just 97 times in 2017, compared to an average of 153 strikeouts his first three seasons.

 

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Jon Duplantier

D-backs RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 60

Scouting Report: Duplantier has an athletic build and a solid, sturdy frame with room to grow. His arm action is a bit funky because he extends his arm straight behind him just after separation, leading to a delivery that can appear stiff or robotic. But he repeats it well, and coaches say he makes adjustments quickly when he gets out of whack. Duplantier has the potential for a legitimate four-pitch mix. His fastball velocity fluctuated at times in 2017, but he sat mostly 90-94 mph. His stuff ticked up late in the season, when he sat 93-94 mph and topped out at 97. He throws both a four-seamer and a two-seamer and both pitches have armside run. His most consistent secondary pitch is a spike curveball, but coaches believe his new slider has the most upside. He also throws a changeup that generates average to above-average grades. Duplantier is proud that he was able to make all of his starts in 2017, saying he grew more confident in his health as the season progressed. Still, the D-backs proceeded cautiously by waiting until mid-June before promoting him from low Class A Kane County to high Class A Visalia.

 

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Willie Calhoun

Rangers OF

Notes:

Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Speed: 30 | Fielding: 30 | Arm: 40

Scouting Report: Calhoun has a smaller, stocky frame, but frequent reminders he's too small or too slow help fuel his motivation. Calhoun is one of the most talented hitting prospects in game, with an outstanding combination of barrel control and power. He has great rhythm and balance in the batter's box, quick hands and powerful hip rotation. He has good hand-eye coordination and a compact swing that stays on plane through the hitting zone for a long time. He has great plate coverage, with little problem handling premium velocity or barreling breaking pitches. He seldom swings and misses and struck out just 11 percent of the time at Triple-A. He hit 32 home runs in 2017 and could be a 35-plus home run threat in the big leagues. Calhoun's stature gives him a smaller strike zone to cover, and he doesn't expand it by chasing much. He tried playing second base with the Dodgers, but he's a well below-average runner with a below-average arm who didn't show much range at the position and often struggled to make routine plays. Calhoun showed some signs of progress in 2017, but in June the Dodgers started getting him work in left field. After joining the Rangers, Calhoun played left field almost exclusively.

 

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Matt Manning

Tigers RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 60 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 45

Scouting Report: When his mechanics are synced, Manning can dominate, but as with many tall pitchers, that's not always the case. His arm slot varied in 2017 from over the top to more of a high three-quarters delivery. He also varied from being direct to the plate to throwing across his body. He struggled at low Class A West Michigan late in 2017, but when he put it together showed a plus 92-93 mph fastball that touched 96. His fastball has riding life up in the zone and can also be located down and away to righthanders. His above-average 12-to-6 curveball looks like a second future plus pitch. It's a late-count weapon that he doesn't consistently throw for strikes. His changeup is below-average.

 

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Estevan Florial

Yankees OF

Notes:

Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Speed: 70 | Fielding: 60 | Arm: 70

Scouting Report: Florial swings and misses frequently and racked up a 31 percent strikeout rate in 2017, but he impacts the ball when he connects. That's about the only ding on his card, however. Florial hit .298 and drew 50 walks in 2017 and projects to stick in center field, where he has a well above-average arm. He's got above-average raw power that is beginning to play in games. A plus-plus runner, he regularly gets down the line to first base in fewer than four seconds.

 

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Shane Bieber

Indians RHP

Notes:

Fastball 55 | Curveball 55 | Slider 50 | Changeup 50 | Control 70

Scouting Report: Bieber came to pro ball with a reputation for relying more on his command than his stuff to succeed. He has continued to show above-average control as a professional, and his walk rate of 0.5 per nine innings in 2017 led all full-season minor leaguers. But Bieber is starting to outgrow the command-and-control label, because his stuff made a jump in 2017. His fastball, which sat around 90 mph in college, now sits 92-94 and touched 96. His curveball got sharper and more consistent, developing into his best secondary pitch. He also throws a slider and changeup, which can both be average offerings. He has a clean, easy delivery and has shown he can handle a heavy workload--his 173.1 innings led all minor leaguers in 2017.

 

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Corbin Burnes

Brewers RHP

Notes:

Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 55

Scouting Report: Burnes pounds the strike zone with quality stuff and growing confidence. He modified his delivery in 2017 by squaring up to the plate and allowing his lower half to drive toward the plate. At Biloxi, he even switched to a traditional windup instead of a modified stretch. With quick arm action, Burnes throws a 92-95 mph fastball with natural cut. He has three secondary pitches-a 77-80 mph curveball, a mid-80s slider and a high-80s split changeup-none of which grade much above-average, but he commands all three. His curve is his best secondary offering, but his slider is effective as well. Burnes maintains his stuff deep into starts with above-average control.

 

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Sean Murphy

Athletics C

Notes:

Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Speed: 30 | Fielding: 60 | Arm: 70

Scouting Report: Murphy's defense will probably define him as he progresses through the A's system, although he's no slouch offensively. Murphy's arm is universally plus-plus, with some calling it an “80” tool. He's thrown out 41 percent of runners in his pro career, and most teams simply stop running on him. He knows how to call game from behind the plate and is a plus receiver and blocker. Pitchers love throwing to him not only for his defense but also for his baseball intellect. At the plate Murphy has a simple swing with not much of a load. He uses his considerable brute strength to bash the ball up the middle and to his pull side. He doesn't project as much more than a fringe-average hitter, but his power could improve as he learns to better incorporate his lower half.