Official MiLB/Prospects Thread

[Slade]

2020-21 MLB International Reviews: Toronto Blue Jays

 

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2020-21-mlb-international-reviews-toronto-blue-jays/

 

 

When the Blue Jays have taken a big swing in the Dominican Republic in recent years, the returns have been good. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reached the big leagues as a 20-year-old, while Orelvis Martinez was the No. 1 prospect in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League as a 17-year-old after his pro debut in 2019. They added another high-end hitter from the Dominican Republic in their 2020-2021 class with shortstop Manuel Beltre, boosting a farm system with promising international prospects at all levels of the system, including a Top 100 prospect in catcher Alejandro Kirk and another potential future Top 100 prospect in catcher Gabriel Moreno.

 

Top Of The Class

 

The headliner of Toronto's international signing class is Manuel Beltre, a shortstop who was one of the best hitters in games from the Dominican Republic. Beltre is an indefatigable baseball rat, chronicling his daily training and highlights for years on his Instagram account of nearly 70,000 followers. He has ample game experience, including regular travel to the United States for tournaments, and it shows in his instincts and advanced understanding of the game for his age. Beltre doesn't have one tool that jumps out as plus, but his game skills and pure hitting ability do. His swing is short and simple with a direct path to the ball, with an understanding of his swing mechanics that's rare for a 16-year-old hitter. Beltre hits well in games, making frequent contact with a good eye at the plate and the ability to control the strike zone. He has good leverage in his swing and can drive the ball out to his pull side, but his offensive game is built more around his on-base skills than slugging. Beltre has transformed his body as he's grown to 5-foot-11, 165 pounds with more strength and athleticism than he showed early on. He's an average runner who should play somewhere in the middle infield, where he's a fundamentally sound defender with soft hands, good footwork and a chance for an average to a tick better arm with good accuracy. Beltre is also a fluent English speaker who is already a leader among his teammates. He trained with Jaime Ramos.

 

 

The Blue Jays also signed Martin Gimenez, a shortstop from Venezuela who trained with Alexis Quiroz. Gimenez has a long, skinny build at 6-foot-3, 160 pounds with a ton of space to fill out. His value still depends a lot on that long-term physical projection, with some scouts believing he could develop into a power hitter with a good swing and approach, though others had reservations about his pure hitting ability translating against live pitching. Gimenez has a strong arm for the left side of the infield, and while he's going to start out as a shortstop, he seems likely to outgrow the position and slide over to third base, with some chance he could end up in an outfield corner down the road.

 

 

Names To Know

 

Yhoangel Aponte, OF, Venezuela: Aponte could end up one of the better values of the 2020 class, signing for a mid-level price with talent commensurate with some of the top outfielders available. He has a chance for five average or better tools that play up because of his instincts, especially in center field. With solid-average speed and arm strength, Aponte is a diligent, focused worker when it comes to his defensive craft and it shows in games. He's not a burner, but he reads the ball well off the bat, has a quick first step and glides to balls in both gaps with efficient routes and diving catches. He has performed well against live pitching too, making frequent contact with good strike-zone judgment, a lot of line drives and surprising power from his 5-foot-11 frame.

 

 

Luis Garcia, SS, Venezuela: Garcia stands out in the field, where he's a slick defender who projects to stick at the position with plus speed and a strong arm that projects to be another plus tool. Garcia, who trained with Yasser Mendez, is a defensive-minded player who will need to get stronger to develop his offensive game.

 

Jonathan Peguero, C, Dominican Republic: A lefthanded hitter who trained with Niche, Peguero is young for the class and has started to develop over-the-fence power and an above-average arm as he's added more strength to his 5-foot-11 frame over the past couple of years. He still needs more work on the defensive side but has made considerable progress with his receiving over the past year to be able to stay behind the plate.

 

 

Yeuni Muñoz, OF, Dominican Republic: Muñoz, who trained with Hector Evertz, is 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, and hits with a high hand setup and a toe tap and has a chance to be a strong, physical outfielder who hits for power. He moves around well for his size in the outfield, so he might see time in center field, but he most likely projects as a right field with a good arm.

 

 

Sleeper Watch

 

Venezuelan righthander Neiyerber Obeso isn't a hard thrower now, but has plenty of positive projection indicators. He throws 85-88 mph now, with a long, lean frame that suggests he could one day throw in the mid 90s. Obeso is athletic with a loose arm, a good delivery and extremely tight rotation on a low-70s curveball with spin rates up to 2,900 rpm, giving him a swing-and-miss pitch.

 

[G-Snarls]

I like how we're stealthily keeping Manoah off the top 100 list

[BlueRocky]

With half the pitching staff on the IL, how soon do you guys think we see Manoah and SWR?

[Eat My Shatkins]

With half the pitching staff on the IL, how soon do you guys think we see Manoah and SWR?

 

Hopefully long before we see some bag of crap like Waguespack, but I have my doubts.

 

They still have guys like Bergen, Snead, Tice, Cole and maybe even guys like Baker, Rees, Jimenez and Hobie Harris as possible options before they give Manoah or SWR a look.

 

I'd love to be wrong though.

[Jimcanuck]

With half the pitching staff on the IL, how soon do you guys think we see Manoah and SWR?

 

I suspect like other teams the plan was to limit their innings in the first half and build up for an unrestricted 2nd half usage. Nothing is going according to plan this year, though.

 

Before June we will see both of them, even if just for a few days each of emergency work.

[Krylian]

With half the pitching staff on the IL, how soon do you guys think we see Manoah and SWR?

 

Historically I'd say very little chance but since Covid it seems like teams are willing to fast track players a bit more than in the past.

[BlueRocky]

[BlueRocky]

6. Orelvis Martinez | SS

 

Born: Nov 19, 2001

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'1" Wt.: 190

Drafted/Signed: Dominican Republic, 2018.

Signed By: Alexis de la Cruz/Sandy Rosario.

 

Hitting: 60. Power: 60. Run: 45. Fielding: 40. Arm: 60.

Track Record: Martinez signed out of the Dominican Republic for $3.51 million, the largest bonus for any 16-year-old in the 2018-19 international class, and ranked as the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League’s No. 1 prospect in his first season. After training at home in the Dominican Republic. Last summer, he joined the alternate site for a week, homered there, then hit four homers in his first two weeks of instructional league.

 

Scouting Report: Like several other Blue Jays prospects, Martinez does a good job incorporating his whole body into his swing. He has to keep those moving parts in sync, but generally does so to generate fast bat speed and easy plus power. He uses his hands well at the plate, driving the ball with impressive carry to all fields. Martinez makes frequent contact and has an advanced approach for his age, shrinking his lower-half movement when he gets to two strikes. He gets himself in trouble when he’s too aggressive early in the count. Martinez has a plus arm and good hands at shortstop, but he needs to improve his footwork. The Blue Jays still think he has a chance to play shortstop, but his range is already iffy there, and with how much bigger he’s likely to get, his best fit long term is probably third base.

 

The Future: Martinez has the upside to develop into an all-star on the left side of the infield, but he is still a teenager yet to make his full-season debut. He is likely to begin in low Class A in 2021.

 

This kid's got some serious bat speed and looks like his hit tool is more advanced than initially advertised.

He's always had good raw power but if it starts translating into game power he'll tear up the lower minors.

[Slade]

I highlighted the Jays signing.

 

 

2021-22 International Big Board

Internationalbigboard

Below is our bonus board of the 2021-22 international signing class, sorting the prospects in the class based on their expected signing bonus.

 

Technically, the signing period start date hasn't moved yet from July 2, 2021.

 

Realistically, the signing period will probably begin on Jan. 15, 2022.

 

Last year Major League Baseball delayed the start of the current 2020-21 signing period from July 2, 2020 to Jan. 15, 2021, with the period open through Dec. 15, 2021. Based on what would otherwise be an overlap in the two signing periods and what MLB told clubs last year, the players who are in the upcoming "2021" class likely will have their signing period start on Jan. 15, 2022.

 

The players are lined up on the big board based only on their expected bonus amounts, rather than a traditional talent ranking. It's the same approach we took last year, one that I think is the most honest and fair thing we can do for our readers, the players and the clubs.

 

The top players in a class are typically committing to teams multiple years before they're officially eligible to sign, which means they're no longer being closely scouted by the other 29 teams. From age 14 to 16, players can change tremendously. We see players who grow a few inches taller, get stronger and having their tools jump multiple grades. Or, in some cases, they don't progress as projected.

 

With the pandemic, the challenges to scout these players are even greater. Major League Baseball banned all in-person scouting last year for six months. Restrictions are still in place on bringing 2021 players to a club academy. Many clubs—either for health or budget reasons—have limited their travel. The reality is that, in many cases, teams right now have less of a feel for even the players they're planning to sign compared to what they would in a normal year.

 

Our board, though, is the best guide available to know the big international prospects in the upcoming class, with reports on each player, where they're expected to sign and videos throughout from seeing these players over the past few years. Some Cuban free agents are not on the board yet because it's not clear yet which team will sign them, so we will update it as that changes and expand our board to include more players in the coming months.

 

Any player in the 2021-22 class who is expected to wait for the following year (the 2022-23 period) to sign isn't on this board either, since they won't be signing during this upcoming period. See a note under the No. 1 player on the board for more information on one player in that situation.

 

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Updated on: 4/20/2021

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Cristian Vaquero 2021Headshot

Cristian Vaquero

CubaOF

Notes:

Born: Sept. 13, 2004. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 180.

 

The Nationals paid the top bonus for a 16-year-old international prospect in the 2020-21 signing class, when they spent most of their bonus pool money on Dominican shortstop Armando Cruz. In the next signing period, it looks like they're going to invest most of their pool space into one player again, this time with Vaquero the headliner. Vaquero is a dynamic center fielder with plus speed, a strong arm and good defensive instincts for his age. At the plate he has a sound lefthanded swing and a chance to grow into plus power, with a lean, projectable frame for those already impressive tools to get better as he gets stronger. More recently, Vaquero has also started switch-hitting. He's obviously not as advanced from the right side yet, but he has shown enough that it could continue after signing. Vaquero trains with Javier Rodriguez. The Nationals are also linked to Venezuelan outfielder Anthony Gutierrez, who would also fit into this area on the board, but he's expected to wait for the next signing period (2022-23) to sign.

 

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Roderick Arias 2021

Roderick Arias

Dominican RepublicSS

Notes:

Born: Sept. 9, 2004. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 175.

 

The Yankees are expected to sign Arias, one of the best all-around players in the class with a promising mix of tools and skills across the board. He's a switch-hitter whose swing is quick, compact and adjustable, with the ability to recognize spin well for his age and good performances against live pitching. He makes hard contact for his age, with more power now from the right side, and a chance to grow into above-average power once he fills out his lean, athletic frame. He's also an above-average runner with the athleticism, hands and footwork to handle shortstop, along with his best tool, a plus-plus arm. Arias, who trains with Daniel Paulino and Luis Schecker, is expected to sign with the Yankees for a bonus that could be in the $4 million neighborhood.

 

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Ricardo Cabrera 2021

Ricardo Cabrera

VenezuelaSS

Notes:

Born: Oct. 31, 2004. B-T: R-R. Ht. 6-1. Wt.: 184.

 

Cabrera stood out early in the scouting process, when as a 2021 prospect he was one of the top performers on the field playing against 2019 and 2020 players. While training with Dennis Suarez, Cabrera has continued to develop into one of the most complete players in the class, with the Reds expected to sign him. Cabrera has a quick, direct swing and good feel for the barrel with a knack for using the whole field. As he has gotten stronger, his power has started to emerge as well. He's also a good athlete with a chance to stick at shortstop with plus speed and a strong arm.

 

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Dyan Jorge 2021

Dyan Jorge

CubaSS

Notes:

Born: March 18, 2003. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 170.

 

Jorge was one of the top players in his age group in Cuba before he left the country to train in the Dominican Republic. He's eligible to sign now, but with teams having already spent most or all of their pool space for the current signing period, he's waiting until the 2021-22 signing period opens to sign, with the Rockies expected to pay him close to $3 million. Jorge has a slender, wiry build and is an excellent athlete with plus-plus speed. Scouts highest on Jorge thought he projects to stick at shortstop, where he has easy actions, a good internal clock and a plus arm. Jorge's hitting ability drew a split camp among scouts, but he performed well in Cuba and has generally shown good instincts for the game.

 

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Oscar Colas Headshot

Oscar Colas

CubaOF

Notes:

Born: Sept. 17, 1998. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 220.

 

The White Sox? Signing a Cuban free agent? One of the least surprising moves in the next international class is that the White Sox are expected to sign Colas, a 22-year-old Cuban outfielder who is eligible to sign now, but with teams mostly tapped out of bonus pool money for the current 2020-21 signing period, he's going to wait to sign when the 2021-22 period opens and the bonus pools reset. Colas has some experience on the mound as well, but his main draw is his big raw power from the left side. He showed that power with home runs in live batting practice sessions and simulated games working out for clubs in the Dominican Republic. Colas has improved his physical conditioning since he got to the Dominican Republic, but his body type, range and athleticism will likely limit him to either left field or first base, with what he does in the batter's box driving his value.

 

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Lazaro Montes 2021

Lazaro Montes

CubaOF/1B

Notes:

Born: Oct. 22, 2004. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 210.

 

Montes trains in the Dominican Republic with Aldo Marrero, who also trained Yordan Alvarez when he left Cuba. Like Alvarez, Montes is a physically imposing slugger, still 16 but with plus-plus raw power and good bat speed. For a hitter with such a large frame, Montes has a relatively compact swing with good path and leverage that helps him translate that power in games, with the ability to hit home runs to all fields against live pitching. Defensively, he is limited to either a corner outfield spot and possibly first base as he fills out, but the upside is a middle-of-the-lineup slugger. The Mariners are expected to land Montes.

 

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Diego Benitez 2021

Diego Benitez

VenezuelaSS

Notes:

Born: Nov. 19, 2004.B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 183.

 

After multiple years of penalties from Major League Baseball for their international signing violations, the Braves are entering their first signing period free from those restrictions. Their top target is Benitez, one of the top infielders in Venezuela. He has a large, athletic build with fluid actions both in the box and in the field. His hitting ability stands out the most, with excellent bat speed and a smooth swing that stays through the hitting zone for a long time. He has gap power now with a chance to grow into average or better power as he gets stronger. Benitez is a sound defender, though his range and future size could lead him to third base. He trains with Emiro Barboza.

 

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William Bergolla 2021

William Bergolla Jr.

VenezuelaSS

Notes:

Born: Oct. 20, 2004. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 5-10. Wt.: 155.

 

William Bergolla was a Reds Top 30 prospect for five years from 2002-2006 and played in 17 big league games for Cincinnati in 2005. The former middle infielder's son, William Bergolla Jr., is now one of the top prospects in Venezuela for the next international signing class. Bergolla Jr. has a sound swing and makes frequent contact in games with a line-drive approach and gap power. He's an instinctive player who projects to stick in the middle infield, with plus speed and an arm that earns 50 to 55 grades on the 20-80 scale. He trains with Yasser Mendez and is expected to sign with the Phillies.

 

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Ryan Reckley 2021

Ryan Reckley

BahamasSS

Notes:

Born: Sept. 6, 2004. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 5-10. Wt.: 170.

 

The Bahamas continues to grow as an emerging source of talent for major league clubs, with Marlins shortstop Jazz Chisholm and D-backs outfielder Kristian Robinson both currently ranked among the game's Top 100 prospects. The top player in the 2021-22 class from the Bahamas is Reckley, who trains in the Max D Sports Company with Greg Burrows and is expected to sign with the Giants for more than $2 million. Reckley has plus or better speed with quick, athletic actions at shortstop. If everything clicks, he could be a switch-hitting shortstop who hits at the top of a lineup, with a quick stroke that's more efficient from the right side and geared for line drives with gap power.

 

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Javier Osorio 2021

Javier Osorio

VenezuelaSS

Notes:

Born: March 29, 2005. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 172.

 

Osorio was an early standout in the scouting process as one of the most advanced players in the 2021 class. He has high-end bat speed for his age, with quick wrists and an aggressive swing that he snaps through the zone quickly. That bat speed helps him drive the ball with impact and gives him a chance to develop into a power-hitting shortstop as he fills out. Osorio's best tools are on the offensive side, but he has the actions, athleticism and arm strength that could allow him to stay at shortstop. He trains at the Dream Team Academy with Wilfredo Polidor and is expected to sign with the Tigers.

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Luis Meza 2021

Luis Meza

VenezuelaC

Notes:

Born: Sept. 11, 2004. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 185.

 

Venezuela consistently is home to top international catchers, with Diego Cartaya (Dodgers), Francisco Alvarez (Mets) and Ronnier Quintero (Cubs) in the most recent signing classes. Meza fits into that tier of players as a catcher who projects to stick behind the plate and is one of the better hitters in Venezuela. He has a loose, easy swing with a knack for being on time and strong game performance. He's a high-contact hitter who uses the whole field, with room on his broad-shouldered frame to fill out and drive the ball with more impact as he gets stronger. Meza's catch-and-throw skills are also advanced for his age. The Blue Jays are expected to sign Meza, who trains with Kander Depablos and Reynaldo Gonzalez.

 

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Tony Blanco Jr 2021

Tony Blanco Jr.

Dominican RepublicOF

Notes:

Born: May 14, 2005. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-5. Wt.: 210.

 

Tony Blanco was a Baseball America Top 100 prospect two years in a row and played briefly for the Nationals in 2005 before spending several years as a slugger in Japan, including three seasons with 30-plus homers. His son, Tony Blanco Jr, is an even more physically imposing power threat. He's big, strong has high-end bat speed and plus-plus raw power. Some scouts had reservations about his pure hitting ability, but others saw him perform well against live pitching and see him as a potential middle-of-the-order hitter. Blanco Jr. has an average arm, but his size limits his defensive value, with a chance he can move around well enough for a corner outfield spot but some first base risk as he gets bigger. Blanco Jr. trains with Ivan Noboa and is expected to sign with the Rays.

 

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Jonathan Mejia 2021

Jonathan Mejia

Dominican RepublicSS

Notes:

Born: April 12, 2005. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 185.

 

Mejia attracted a lot of attention from scouts at Major League Baseball's Trainer Partnership Program showcase in November 2019, where he put on an impressive display in the batter's box. He's a switch-hitter with good bat speed from both sides of the plate, enabling him to drive the ball for damage when he connects. He has a sound swing and generally plays under control in games to make consistent contact. Mejia has a plus arm, and while some he might end up at third base, his improved footwork has helped on the defensive side. The Cardinals are expected to sign Mejia, who trains with Nercy Brito.

 

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Simon Juan 2021

Simon Juan

Dominican RepublicOF

Notes:

Born: July 13, 2005. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 165.

 

Training with former major league shortstop Rafael Furcal, Juan is an athletic center fielder with speed and power. He's on the younger end of the class, but he's already a plus or better runner with an explosive first step that should fit well in center field. He has good bat speed and already drives the ball with impact during batting practice, with a projectable frame that points to more power coming. He doesn't have the cleanest swing, so there is some risk on his pure hitting ability, but if everything clicks he has a chance to be a power/speed threat in the middle of the diamond. The Mets are expected to sign Juan for close to $2 million.

 

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Nelson Rada 2021

Nelson Rada

VenezuelaOF

Notes:

Born: Aug. 24, 2005. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 168.

 

If Rada had been born eight days later, he would be in the 2022-23 class instead, so he is one of the younger player in the upcoming 2021-22 class. Rada stood out playing for Venezuela at the U-15 World Cup Americas Qualifier in Sept. 2019 in Mexico. He was 5-foot-9 early on, but he's the son of a former professional basketball player in Venezuela and has grown a few inches leading up to his signing date. He's an instinctive player, especially in center field where he gets good reads off the bat with a quick first step and at least solid-average speed. Rada has a fairly short stroke from the left side with a good eye for the strike zone and mostly gap power that has trended up as he's gotten stronger. He trains with Felix Olivo, who also had Angels shortstop Arol Vera, and the Angels are expected to sign Rada as well.

 

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Yasser Mercedes 2021

Yasser Mercedes

Dominican RepublicOF

Notes:

Born: Nov. 16, 2004. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 180.

 

Mercedes, who was born in Puerto Rico and has grown up in the Dominican Republic, is one of the best power/speed threats in the class. He's an excellent athlete with a lean, well-proportioned build and flashes of above-average raw power that could tick up as he gets stronger. Mercedes has shown some swing-and-miss risk, but he has also hit big home runs in games with a chance to be a power-hitting center fielder. The Twins are expected to sign Mercedes, who trains with Hector Evertz.

 

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Jarlin Susana 2021

Jarlin Susana

Dominican RepublicRHP

Notes:

Born: March 23, 2004. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-5. Wt.: 195.

 

Susana is old enough to be eligible to sign right now, but he instead looks like he's going to wait until the 2021-22 signing period starts to sign with the Padres, with a bonus that could end up being the biggest in the class for a pitcher. Susana stood out early on when he threw 85-87 mph at 14 at a showcase during the winter meetings in Las Vegas in December 2018. At one point, he looked like he would sign with the Cardinals during the 2020-21 signing period, but that never materialized. With Major League Baseball's ban on scouting players in person during the pandemic ended in September 2020, Susana emerged showing electric stuff for a 16-year-old, with a fastball that touched 96 mph along with a sharp breaking ball. He trains with Ysbel Medina.

 

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Braylin Tavera 2021

Braylin Tavera

Dominican RepublicOF

Notes:

Born: Feb. 19, 2005. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 175.

 

With the Orioles joining the rest of Major League Baseball in competing for top players from Latin America, their top expected signing in the upcoming class is expected to be Tavera, likely for a bonus in the $1.5 to $2 million range. Tavera is a center fielder who ran the 60-yard dash in 6.47 seconds at a Dominican Prospect League showcase in October 2019, and while he might slow down some as he fills out, he should be able to stay in center. He has a mix of average-ish tools across the rest of his skill set. He trains at the Zorrilla Baseball Academy.

 

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Martin Gonzales 2021

Martin Gonzales

Dominican RepublicSS

Notes:

Born: Sept. 28, 2004. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 160.

 

Gonzales trains with Jaime Ramos, whose program for the 2020-21 class produced Hans Montero, a Dominican shortstop who signed with the Yankees for $1.6 million. Gonzales is a similar player and is expected to sign for similar money with the Mariners. He's not a speedster but he is quick and athletic, with the actions and attributes to remain at shortstop. Gonzales has a short, level swing plane through the zone, which should lead to a high contact rate. He has mostly been a line-drive hitter with gap power, though he is starting to drive the ball with more impact as he's gained strength over the past year.

 

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Johan Barrios 2021

Johan Barrios

VenezuelaSS

Notes:

Born: Jan. 8, 2005. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 170.

 

The Brewers have been aggressive in signing top talent from Venezuela in their recent signing classes, including their 2020-21 group with shortstops Jackson Bryan Chourio, Gregory Barrios and Daniel Guilarte. That trend that should continue in the next class with Barrios (no relation Gregory Barrios), who trains with Carlos Yanez. Barrios has a long, projectable frame with a lot of space to fill out. He's quick, athletic and has good body control with a plus arm, giving him a chance to stay at shortstop if he stays lean and agile enough, though depending on his physical development he could outgrow the position and end up at third base. Scouts highest on Barrios liked his hitting ability as well, with a lot more power that should come once he fills out.

 

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Samuel Gil 2021

Samuel Gil

VenezuelaSS

Notes:

Born: Nov. 1, 2004. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 5-9. Wt.: 154.

 

Gil drew a lot of attention from scouts, more so for his in-game skills than his raw tools. He's an instinctive, high baseball IQ player who puts together consistent quality at-bats with an easy swing, good contact skills and an all-fields approach to get on base frequently. Gil isn't a huge power threat, but he puts a surprising charge into the ball for his smaller, slender size. His game savvy also shows up in the field, where he has a good internal clock, plays under control and has a strong arm. The Tigers are expected to sign Gil, who trains with Francisco Ortiz.

 

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Adan Sanchez Headshot

Adan Sanchez

PanamaC/3B

Notes:

Born: May 24, 2005. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 200.

 

 

Sanchez became famous in Panama early. He made the all-tournament team at the U-12 World Cup in Taiwan in 2017, then the next year he played for Panama at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa. He hit a home run there with current Cubs manager David Ross on the ESPN broadcast, and it's the Cubs who are expected to land Sanchez. He's an instinctive player who has an advanced offensive approach for his age, which he showed by hitting well against older competition while playing in Panama's youth national league at 14 in 2020. He makes consistent hard contact to all fields with home run power to his pull side now, with a chance to develop into a strong, physical hitter with more power as he fills out. Sanchez has the attributes to catch, with a strong arm and a high baseball IQ. He should be able to play there long term, but he has also spent time at third base, where his hands and feet work well.

 

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Jhonny Severino Headshot

Jhonny Severino

Dominican RepublicSS

Notes:

Born: Nov. 8, 2004. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 175.

 

Severino is an offensive-oriented infielder with good bat speed from both sides of the plate. He's a more advanced hitter from the right side and makes hard contact when he connects, with the combination of bat speed and physical upside to potentially grow into above-average power. He has solid hitting instincts for his age and has shown the ability to work his way into favorable counts. Severino is more comfortable in the batter's box than he is in the infield, but he has made progress on the defensive side and has the arm strength that would fit at third base. Severino trains at the Elite Baseball Camp and is expected to sign with the Brewers.

 

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Michael Arroyo Headshot

Michael Arroyo

ColombiaSS

Notes:

Born: Nov. 3, 2004. B-T: R-R. Ht.:5-10. Wt.: 165.

 

Arroyo will likely be the top paid player in the class out of Colombia, with the Mariners expected to sign him. He has hit well in games, both at home in Colombia and traveling abroad for different events, including in the United States. His fast hands allow him to accelerate the barrel into the hitting zone quickly, producing a high contact rate against live pitching. He has a good sense of the strike zone for his age and uses the whole field, with a likely hit-over-power profile and a chance to grow into average pop in the future. Arroyo is athletic but his defense may be stretched thin at shortstop, so some scouts think he could move to second base or possibly third base. Arroyo trains with Jorge Oquendo.

 

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Yendry Rojas Headshot

Yendry Rojas

CubaINF/OF

Notes:

Born: Jan. 27, 2005. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 179.

 

Rojas is one of the better pure hitters in the class. He has a quiet, compact swing that's quick and balanced from the left side with an innate ability to manipulate the barrel. Rojas has performed well in games, tracking and recognizing pitches well with the patience to take walks. He can drive the ball for extra-base damage to all fields in games, with a chance for future above-average power. An average runner underway, Rojas is a bat-first prospect who has spent time in both the infield and the outfield. Some scouts think he could handle third or second base, while others think he fits better in an outfield corner. Rojas trains with Ysbel Medina and is expected to sign with the Padres.

[43211234]

Minor league rosters ought to be released soon.

 

AAA is supposed to start a week from tomorrow and I don't see why it would be pushed back.

[BlueRocky]

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/one-mlb-prospect-in-each-organization-were-anxious-to-see-in-2021/

 

One MLB Prospect In Each Organization We're Anxious To See In 2021

 

Toronto Blue Jays

 

Jordan Groshans, SS

 

Groshans was primed to jump back on the map in 2020 after missing most of 2019 with a foot injury. Instead, the pandemic happened. Groshans led all Blue Jays players in home runs at Toronto’s alternate site, which suggests the 2018 first-rounder still projects as an impact hitter. The Blue Jays are full of high-upside infield prospects, with Groshans near the top of the heap.

[JG34]

From Jim Bowden’s Must Watch Prospects for the Minor League season from The Athletic:

 

Austin Martin, INF/OF, Toronto Blue Jays

 

Age: 22 B: R T: R

Height: 6-0 Weight: 183

TOOLS: HIT: 65 PWR: 50 RUN: 55 ARM: 55 FLD: 55

 

The Blue Jays, with the No. 5 pick in 2020, somehow ended up with the second-best player in the draft in Austin Martin. The Vanderbilt product had the best hit tool of any player in that draft, and by a large margin. Versatility is the best part of his game; he can play second base, shortstop, third base, center field and left field. This gives the Blue Jays a lot of flexibility. But his best fit is at second base, and I won’t be surprised if Martin takes over the big-league job as early as 2022 Opening Day, if Marcus Semien departs in free agency after this season. Martin has tremendous bat speed, athleticism and plate discipline, along with off-the-charts pitch recognition. He has a high baseball IQ and special instincts. He is a flat-out winner, with the swag to match his future teammates such as Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

[43211234]

 

Groshans to New Hampshire

[G-Snarls]

I have cherished these words ever since

 

"The Blue Jays, with the No. 5 pick in 2020, somehow ended up with the second-best player in the draft in Austin Martin."

[Jimcanuck]

 

Groshans to New Hampshire

 

Groshans to AA is huge. He must have shown enough at the alternate site and through ST for the Jays to have this confidence. It's aggressive, but trust in Shatkins.

[Krylian]

I have cherished these words ever since

 

"The Blue Jays, with the No. 5 pick in 2020, somehow ended up with the second-best player in the draft in Austin Martin."

 

And at the time we debating between Zac Veen, Asa Lacy, Emerson Hancock, Max Meyer, Nick Gonzales...no one in their right mind thought Austin Martin could possibly be there at 5.

[G-Snarls]

And at the time we debating between Zac Veen, Asa Lacy, Emerson Hancock, Max Meyer, Nick Gonzales...no one in their right mind thought Austin Martin could possibly be there at 5.

 

Ross Atkins, Mark Shapiro and Shane Farrell after the Royals pick on draft day 2020

 

[BlueRocky]

 

Groshans to New Hampshire

 

Very aggressive indeed considering he only had 23 games in Lansing.

Leading all Blue Jays in home runs at the alt site probably means he can hit high-A pitching. I expect Martin to at least have a taste of A+ with Vancouver before heading to NH. Moreno and Otto probably starts A+ VAN. Not confirmed yet.

 

Expecting Orelvis and Hiraldo to start at Dunedin.

[43211234]

Very aggressive indeed considering he only had 23 games in Lansing.

Leading all Blue Jays in home runs at the alt site probably means he can hit high-A pitching. I expect Martin to at least have a taste of A+ with Vancouver before heading to NH. Moreno and Otto probably starts A+ VAN. Not confirmed yet.

 

Expecting Orelvis and Hiraldo to start at Dunedin.

Manoah's gotta be at AA too (he's actually older than Bichette lol). I don't think you can send him to A+ given his age and his spring showing.

 

Since SWR was at A+ two years ago I think he starts in AA as well.

[Eat My Shatkins]

Not sure if that's the plan, but the thought of Groshans, Martin, Moreno, Manoah and SWR all at AA this season is drool worthy.

[Krylian]

Not sure if that's the plan, but the thought of Groshans, Martin, Moreno, Manoah and SWR all at AA this season is drool worthy.

 

Almost worth eating your Shatkins

[jerb]

 

Ben Wagner

@benwag247

 

Pitching prospect, RHP Alek Manoah will start in Triple-A this season. He’s one of the #BlueJays minor league headliners, who racked up 15K over 7-innings (3G, oppt 1-21, 0BB, 3HBP) in his first Big League spring training. 2019: 6 starts (VAN) after being drafted 11th overall.

 

Ben Wagner

@benwag247

 

Sources: RHP Simeon Woods Richardson, a consensus Top-10 prospect will begin at Double-A. He was acquired from the Mets in the Marcus Stroman deal, July 2019. #bluejays

[BlueRocky]

Alek Manoah in the rotation by August?

[THANOS]

Manoah at AAA!!? Wow!!

 

He's going to join the rotation by the ASB if he kills it, I'm now certain.

[43211234]

Manoah in AAA sounds like the front office saying that he's completely in play for the majors this year.

[z3r0s]

Don't waste those bullets in a guy like Manoah.

[Brownie19]

Manoah in AAA sounds like the front office saying that he's completely in play for the majors this year.

 

I think he's in AAA simply so they can monitor and manipulate this workload this year. I have no doubt he's coming to the Jays at some point this season - when that is depends on how many innings they want him to throw this year.

[Laika]

Manoah in AAA sounds like the front office saying that he's completely in play for the majors this year.

 

If they are in the postseason picture there is no question. He is at least in the bullpen later in the year.

[Jimcanuck]

It appears that, for the Jays at least, 2020 did not hinder prospect progression all that much.

[BlueRocky]

Time to bring New Hampshire another championship, it’s been a long drought since 2018.