Official MiLB/Prospects Thread

[RustyTrombone]

Baseball America had him 91st

 

Oh well im proven an idiot

[max silver]

His value has no doubt gone up but even before his horrible 2019 he wasnt a top 100 guy, he was probably close but a quick check of mlb pipeline after the 2018 season shows he was our 6th ranked prospect but probably in the 150 range overall. Hes obviously having a great bounce back season but dont think its good enough to move him back into top 100 range.

 

I don't think you really could have hoped for a better bounce back season than Smith has been having. He is producing career best walk and power numbers, while also having significantly cut down on his strikeouts at the same time.

 

Smith didn't really have any questions about his defensive ability, his ultimate ceiling was all based on whether he could improve his results at the plate. His success doesn't appear to be based on an unsustainable BABIP hot streak, and seems to be due to improved approach and plate discipline. This bodes very well for his chances to translate some of this into major league success. Smith may be a little old now, but you need to factor in the lost season due to covid.

[JFD]

Hopefully they are teaching better fundamentals to the next wave of kids...

[Ray]

[RustyTrombone]

I don't think you really could have hoped for a better bounce back season than Smith has been having. He is producing career best walk and power numbers, while also having significantly cut down on his strikeouts at the same time.

 

Smith didn't really have any questions about his defensive ability, his ultimate ceiling was all based on whether he could improve his results at the plate. His success doesn't appear to be based on an unsustainable BABIP hot streak, and seems to be due to improved approach and plate discipline. This bodes very well for his chances to translate some of this into major league success. Smith may be a little old now, but you need to factor in the lost season due to covid.

 

Im not questioning his skills at all, hes clearly got the tools to be a big leaguer. He can hit for power, doesnt strike out that much, draw a walk, average to above average speed, good glove and versatility. I really like him and think he should be on the club today in Espinals role. All I was trying to say was that it would be really tough for him to crack the top 100 again due to his age.

[Jimcanuck]

Guys like Smith that break out in AAA at a bit of an older age often turn into bonafide MLB players. There are examples everywhere. He probably next for a callup if there is an IF injury.

[gruber92]

Kevin Smith bangs out HR number 18.

[Eat My Shatkins]

Kevin Smith bangs out HR number 18.

 

Top 4 in wRC+ in AAA and he's supposedly got a glove to go with it.

 

Above average speed too it would seem.

[max silver]

Im not questioning his skills at all, hes clearly got the tools to be a big leaguer. He can hit for power, doesnt strike out that much, draw a walk, average to above average speed, good glove and versatility. I really like him and think he should be on the club today in Espinals role. All I was trying to say was that it would be really tough for him to crack the top 100 again due to his age.

 

I took a quick glance at MLB Pipeline's top 100 prospect list and I saw a good sampling of 24 year olds on the list and a handful of 25 year olds as well. I don't think Smith is so old that it will impact his prospect standing to a great degree.

[gruber92]

Top 4 in wRC+ in AAA and he's supposedly got a glove to go with it.

 

Above average speed too it would seem.

 

He could be a better option than Biggio. I'd like for us to keep Smith and call him up somehow to see what he's got.

[RustyTrombone]

I took a quick glance at MLB Pipeline's top 100 prospect list and I saw a good sampling of 24 year olds on the list and a handful of 25 year olds as well. I don't think Smith is so old that it will impact his prospect standing to a great degree.

 

I guess your right. s*** even Pearson is like 25 at this point and still a consensus top 50 prospect.

[connorp]

Guys like Smith that break out in AAA at a bit of an older age often turn into bonafide MLB players. There are examples everywhere. He probably next for a callup if there is an IF injury.

 

He was a late bloomer in school ball too. Got cut from varsity in the 10th grade, where in Section II Upstate NY the good kids typically always make it. Wasn’t on any great travel team to that point. Then blew up playing JV ball. Think he got DI scholarship before he even played Varsity

[Slade]

[Brownie19]

 

That's not much of an endorsement. If Zeuch is ranked ahead of you on the prospect list you may want to consider another profession.

[vaff]

That's not much of an endorsement. If Zeuch is ranked ahead of you on the prospect list you may want to consider another profession.

 

I think Zeuch was actually ahead of Kevin Smith, too, iirc lol. They need to put out their updated rankings.

[TwistedLogic]

Baseball America's midseason update is out. Can someone post?

 

https://www.baseballamerica.com/rankings/2021-top-100-prospects/

[P2F]

1. Wander Franco

Rays, SS

 

2. Adley Rutschman

Orioles, C

 

3. Julio Rodriguez

Mariners, OF

 

4. Jarred Kelenic

Mariners, OF

 

5. Bobby Witt Jr.

Last: 8

Royals, SS

 

6. Spencer Torkelson

Last: 5

Tigers, 1B

 

7. Riley Greene

Last: 9

Tigers, OF

 

8. Marco Luciano

Last: 7

Giants, SS

 

9. CJ Abrams

Last: 6

Padres, SS

 

10. Noelvi Marte

Last: 16

Mariners, SS

 

11. Grayson Rodriguez

Last: 10

Orioles, RHP

 

12. Gabriel Moreno

Last: 30

Blue Jays, C

 

13. Alek Manoah

Last: 31

Blue Jays, RHP

 

14. George Kirby

Last: 79

Mariners, RHP

 

15. Shane Baz

Last: 53

Rays, RHP

 

16. Keibert Ruiz

Last: 39

Dodgers, C

 

17. Luis Patino

Last: 15

Rays, RHP

 

18. Francisco Alvarez

Last: 19

Mets, C

 

19. Jose Barrero

Last: 63

Reds, SS

 

20. Nick Lodolo

Last: 88

Reds, LHP

 

21. Austin Martin

Last: 12

Blue Jays, SS/OF

 

22. Joey Bart

Last: 25

Giants, C

 

23. Triston Casas

Last: 22

Red Sox, 1B

 

24. Reid Detmers

Last: 93

Angels, LHP

 

25. Jarren Duran

Last: 23

Red Sox, OF

 

26. Brandon Marsh

Last: 55

Angels, OF

 

27. Cade Cavalli

Last: 29

Nationals, RHP

 

28. Vidal Bruijan

Last: 11

Rays, 2B

 

29. Jasson Dominguez

Last: 24

Yankees, OF

 

30. Daniel Lynch

Last: 20

Royals, LHP

 

31. Brennen Davis

Last: 62

Cubs, OF

 

32. Oneil Cruz

Last: 36

Pirates, SS

 

33. Corbin Carroll

Last: 41

D-backs, OF

 

34. Jordan Lawlar

D-backs, SS

 

35. Marcelo Mayer

Red Sox, SS

 

36. Sixto Sanchez

Last: 13

Marlins, RHP

 

37. Jack Leiter

Rangers, RHP

 

38. Max Meyer

Last: 26

Marlins, RHP

 

39. Matthew Liberatore

Last: 42

Cardinals, LHP

 

40. Alek Thomas

Last: 29

D-backs, OF

 

41. Jo Adell

Last: 14

Angels, OF

 

42. Tyler Soderstrom

Last: 44

Athletics, C

 

43. Josh Jung

Last: 35

Rangers, 3B

 

44. Tyler Freeman

Last: 21

Indians, SS

 

45. Jordan Walker

Last: 75

Cardinals, 3B

 

46. Nolan Gorman

Last: 40

Cardinals, 3B

 

47. DL Hall

Last: 38

Orioles LHP

 

48. Hunter Greene

Last: 54

Reds, RHP

 

49. Luis Campusano

Last: 59

Padres, C

 

50. Robert Hassell

Last: 45

Padres, OF

 

51. Henry Davis

Pirates, C

 

52. Cristian Pache

Last: 17

Braves, OF

 

53. Drew Waters

Last: 19

Braves, OF

 

54. Emerson Hancock

Last: 47

Mariners, RHP

 

55. Nate Pearson

Last: 32

Blue Jays, RHP

 

56. Bobby Miller

Last: 98

Dodgers, RHP

 

57. Diego Cartaya

Last: 87

Dodgers, C

 

58. Orelvis Martinez

Last: 74

Blue Jays, SS

 

59. Josiah Gray

Last: 52

Dodgers, RHP

 

60. Royce Lewis

Last: 43

Twins, SS

 

61. Jesus Sanchez

Last: 86

Marlins, OF

 

62. Quinn Priester

Last: 56

Pirates, RHP

 

63. Garrett Mitchell

Last: 71

Brewers, OF

 

64. Nick Gonzales

Last: 37

Pirates, 2B/SS

 

65. Brett Baty

Last: 94

Mets, 3B

 

66. Kumar Rocker

Mets, RHP

 

67. Matt Manning

Last: 28

Tigers, RHP

 

68. Michael Harris

Last: 90

Braves, OF

 

69. Heliot Ramos

Last: 64

Giants, OF

 

70. Luis Matos

Last: 78

Giants, OF

 

71. Ronny Mauricio

Last: 50

Mets, SS

 

72. Shea Langeliers

Last: 85

Braves, C

 

73. Asa Lacy

Last: 68

Royals, LHP

 

74. Nick Pratto

Last: 92

Royals, 1B

 

75. Nolan Jones

Last: 48

Indians, 3B/RF

 

76. Jake Eder

Last: 100

Marlins, LHP

 

77. Jackson Kowar

Last: 66

Royals, RHP

 

78. Mick Abel

Last: 77

Phillies, RHP

 

79. Spencer Howard

Last: 34

Phillies, RHP

 

80. Michael Busch

Last: 67

Dodgers, 2B

 

81. Brice Turang

Last: 70

Brewers, SS

 

82. Edward Cabrera

Last: 72

Marlins, RHP

 

83. Jordan Groshans

Last: 49

Blue Jays, SS

 

84. MacKenzie Gore

Last: 33

Padres, LHP

 

85. Alejandro Kirk

Last: 57

Blue Jays, C

 

86. Anthony Volpe

Last: 97

Yankees, SS

 

87. Kahlil Watson

Marlins, SS

 

88. Liover Peguero

Last: 83

Pirates, SS

 

89. Cole Winn

Last: 99

Rangers, RHP

 

90. Xavier Edwards

Last: 96

Rays, SS

 

91. Gunnar Henderson

Last: 81

Orioles, SS

 

92. Oswald Peraza

Last: 89

Yankees, SS

 

93. Brady House

Nationals, SS

 

94. Zac Veen

Rockies, OF

 

95. Kyle Harrison

Last: 84

Giants, LHP

 

96. Jackson Jobe

Tigers, RHP

 

97. Mark Vientos

Mets, 3B

 

98. Jordan Balazovic

Twins, RHP

 

99. Daniel Espino

Indians, RHP

 

100. Josh Lowe

Rays, OF

Edited July 26, 2021 by P2F

[Eat My Shatkins]

1. Wander Franco

Rays, SS

 

2. Adley Rutschman

Orioles, C

 

3. Julio Rodriguez

Mariners, OF

 

4. Jarred Kelenic

Mariners, OF

 

5. Bobby Witt Jr.

Last: 8

Royals, SS

 

6. Spencer Torkelson

Last: 5

Tigers, 1B

 

7. Riley Greene

Last: 9

Tigers, OF

 

8. Marco Luciano

Last: 7

Giants, SS

 

9. CJ Abrams

Last: 6

Padres, SS

 

10. Noelvi Marte

Last: 16

Mariners, SS

 

11. Gryason Rodriguez

Last: 10

Orioles, RHP

 

12. Gabriel Moreno

Last: 30

Blue Jays, C

 

13. Alek Manoah

Last: 31

Blue Jays, RHP

 

14. George Kirby

Last: 79

Mariners, RHP

 

15. Shane Baz

Last: 53

Rays, RHP

 

16. Keibert Ruiz

Last: 39

Dodgers, C

 

17. Luis Patino

Last: 15

Rays, RHP

 

18. Francisco Alvarez

Last: 19

Mets, C

 

19. Jose Barrero

Last: 63

Reds, SS

 

20. Nick Lodolo

Last: 88

Reds, LHP

 

21

Last: 12

Austin Martin 2021

Austin Martin

Blue JaysSS/OF

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22

Last: 25

Joey Bart 2021

Joey Bart

GiantsC

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23

Last: 22

Headshot 2021 Triston Casas 99007 Mlb

Triston Casas

Red Sox1B

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24

Last: 93

Reid Detmers Headshot

Reid Detmers

AngelsLHP

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25

Last: 23

Headshot 2021 Jarren Duran 98823 Mlb

Jarren Duran

Red SoxOF

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26

Last: 55

Headshot 2021 Brandon Marsh 9791 Mlb

Brandon Marsh

AngelsOF

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27

Last: 29

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Cade Cavalli

NationalsRHP

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28

Last: 11

Headshot 2021 Vidal Brujan 8181 Mlb

Vidal Brujan

Rays2B

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29

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Jasson Dominguez 2021

Jasson Dominguez

YankeesOF

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30

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Headshot 2021 Daniel Lynch 8910 Milb

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31

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Headshot 2021 Brennen Davis 98606 Milb

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32

Last: 36

Headshot 2021 Oneil Cruz 10535 Milb

Oneil Cruz

PiratesSS

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33

Last: 41

Headshot 2021 Corbin Carroll 102339 Mlb

Corbin Carroll

D-backsOF

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34

Lawlar, Jordan 2006 (Mitchell)

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D-backsSS

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35

Mayer, Marcelo 2011 (Mitchell)

Marcelo Mayer

Red SoxSS

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36

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Sixto Sanchez 2021

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37

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Jack Leiter

RangersRHP

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38

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Meyer Max

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MarlinsRHP

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39

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Headshot 2021 Matthew Liberatore 98693 Mlb

Matthew Liberatore

CardinalsLHP

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40

Last: 29

Headshot 2021 Alek Thomas 98916 Mlb

Alek Thomas

D-backsOF

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41

Last: 14

Jo Adell 2021

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AngelsOF

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42

Last: 44

Tyler Soderstrom 2021

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43

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Headshot 2021 Josh Jung 105022 Milb

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44

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Headshot 2021 Tyler Freeman 99363 Milb

Tyler Freeman

IndiansSS

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45

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Cardinals3B

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46

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Headshot 2021 Nolan Gorman 98981 Mlb

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Cardinals3B

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47

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Headshot 2021 Dl Hall 99311 Mlb

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48

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Headshot 2021 Hunter Greene 99305 Milb

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RedsRHP

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49

Last: 59

Headshot 2021 Luis Campusano 99332 Mlb

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PadresC

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50

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Headshot 2021 Robert Hassell 103865 Mlb

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51

Henry Davis Headshot

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PiratesC

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52

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Cristian Pache 2021

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53

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Headshot 2021 Drew Waters 99324 Mlb

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54

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Emerson Hancock

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MarinersRHP

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55

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Nate Pearson 2021

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56

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Bobby Miller

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57

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dodgers-900x635

Diego Cartaya

DodgersC

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58

Last: 74

Orelvis Martinez 2021

Orelvis Martinez

Blue JaysSS

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59

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Headshot 2021 Josiah Gray 98750 Mlb

Josiah Gray

DodgersRHP

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60

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Headshot 2021 Royce Lewis 99307 Mlb

Royce Lewis

TwinsSS

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61

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Jesus Sanchez

Jesús Sánchez

MarlinsOF

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62

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Quinn Priester 2021

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PiratesRHP

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63

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Mitchell Garrett

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BrewersOF

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64

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Nick Gonzales 2021

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65

Last: 94

Headshot 2021 Brett Baty 105343 Milb

Brett Baty

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66

Kumar Rocker

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MetsRHP

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67

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Headshot 2021 Matt Manning 9763 Milb

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68

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Michael Harris Headshot (1)

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BravesOF

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69

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Headshot 2021 Heliot Ramos 99318 Milb

Heliot Ramos

GiantsOF

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70

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Matos, Luis 2003 (Mitchell)

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71

Last: 50

Headshot 2021 Ronny Mauricio 100109 Milb

Ronny Mauricio

MetsSS

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72

Last: 85

Headshot 2021 Shea Langeliers 11488 Mlb

Shea Langeliers

BravesC

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73

Last: 68

Asa Lacy Texasa&M

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RoyalsLHP

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74

Last: 92

Nick Pratto

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Royals1B

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75

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76

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77

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Jackson Kowar

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78

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2021 Mick Abel

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79

Last: 34

Headshot 2021 Spencer Howard 99401 Mlb

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PhilliesRHP

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80

Last: 67

Headshot 2021 Michael Busch 11269 Milb

Michael Busch

Dodgers2B

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81

Last: 70

Headshot 2021 Brice Turang 98935 Milb

Brice Turang

BrewersSS

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82

Last: 72

Headshot 2021 Edward Cabrera 29403 Milb

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MarlinsRHP

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83

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Headshot 2021 Jordan Groshans 99124 Milb

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Blue JaysSS

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84

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Headshot 2021 Mackenzie Gore 99306 Mlb

MacKenzie Gore

PadresLHP

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85

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Headshot 2021 Alejandro Kirk 97027 Mlb

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86

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Anthony Volpeheadshot

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YankeesSS

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87

Kahlil Watson Headshot

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MarlinsSS

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88

Last: 83

Headshot 2021 Liover Peguero 100620 Milb

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PiratesSS

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89

Last: 99

Headshot 2021 Cole Winn 99047 Milb

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RangersRHP

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90

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Headshot 2021 Xavier Edwards 98984 Mlb

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RaysSS

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91

Last: 81

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OriolesSS

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92

Last: 89

Oswald Peraza Headshot

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93

Brady House Headshot

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94

Zac Veen 2021

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95

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Kyle Harrison Headshot

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96

Jackson Jobe Headshot

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97

Mark Vientos

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98

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99

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100

Josh Lowe

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[Eat My Shatkins]

7 Jays in their top 85

[Laika]

The didn't really update most written reports though, if anyone is wondering. Not sure if they updated tools grades at all.

 

Gabriel Moreno

Blue JaysC

Notes:

Tools: Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 30 | Fielding: 50 | Arm: 55

Skinny: On a team littered with Top 100 prospects, Moreno’s start to the season has been loud. Moreno has always been a good athlete with the hand-eye coordination to make a lot of contact, but swing adjustments and more strength have helped his power show up more in games.

 

Alek Manoah

Blue JaysRHP

Notes:

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

Skinny: After only ascending as high as the short-season level in his pro debut, Manoah reintroduced himself with authority during big league spring training. Using a powerful mixture of four- and two-seam fastballs and a slider and changeup, Manoah struck out 15 over seven one-hit innings spread across two outings. Scouts were especially impressed by the slider, which flashed as high as a 70-grade offering during one outing. The Blue Jays have pumped out a steady stream of hard-throwers in recent years, and Manoah could be next up.

 

Austin Martin

Blue JaysSS/OF

Notes:

Tools: Hit: 70 | Power: 55 | Run: 55 | Fielding: 50 | Arm: 50

Skinny: The fifth overall pick in 2020 is an impressive young hitter, although his future position is up in the air.

 

Nate Pearson

Blue JaysRHP

Notes:

Tools: Fastball: 80 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 70 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 55

Skinny: Pearson has arguably the best pure stuff of any pitching prospect. Staying healthy and improving his control are his next steps to fulfilling his frontline potential. So far, that’s not happening this year, as Pearson re-aggravated a strain of his right groin during spring training.

 

Orelvis

Notes:

Tools: Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Run: 45 | Fielding: 40 | Arm: 60

Skinny: Martinez might have to move to third base, but potentially plus hittability and power will help him profile there.

 

Jordan Groshans

Blue JaysSS

Notes:

Tools: Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Run: 50 | Fielding: 50 | Arm: 60

Skinny: There is a strong belief in Groshans' bat, but both the Blue Jays and general observers are more than ready to see him return to playing games that count.

 

Alejandro Kirk

Blue JaysC

Notes:

Tools: Hit: 70 | Power: 50 | Run: 20 | Fielding: 45 | Arm: 50

Skinny: Evaluators are split on whether Kirk can stay behind the plate, but he should hit for average and power.

[Eat My Shatkins]

SWR used to be in the top 100 did he not?

 

If so it looks like he got bumped out.

[Grant77]

The main criticism of Groshans going into the season was a limited track record.

 

He has a very strong debut at AA and drops significantly in the rankings. That's a very puzzling decision on their part.

[Laika]

I don't see the rationale for the Groshans drop either. Perhaps they just think they overrated him before. I'm sure there will be a chat soon where someone will confront them about it.

[Jimcanuck]

The main criticism of Groshans going into the season was a limited track record.

 

He has a very strong debut at AA and drops significantly in the rankings. That's a very puzzling decision on their part.

 

The updating process started some time ago, and may not reflect Groshans recently catching fire. There's always a lag to these things.

[vaff]

Why does Manoah qualify in their rankings, but not on MLB Pipeline?

[Jimcanuck]

Why does Manoah qualify in their rankings, but not on MLB Pipeline?

 

They all use different criteria on who is a prospect and who isnt

[G-Snarls]

SWR used to be in the top 100 did he not?

 

If so it looks like he got bumped out.

 

He was at #60 this spring

 

And Pearson was at #16

 

Both have fallen down a lot

[Jimcanuck]

He was at #60 this spring

 

And Pearson was at #16

 

Both have fallen down a lot

 

The rankings are quite volatile, understandable given the absence of MiLB in 2020. Not having numbers from 2020 really affects the assessments.

[vaff]

MacKenzie Gore has gone from the best pitching prospect in baseball last year, all the way down to 84.

[Daniel Labude]

The Jose Barrero ranking stands out the most imo