Official MiLB/Prospects Thread

[Jonn]

Top 100 prospect Nick Frasso

 

Put some f***ing respect on his name.

[Spanky__99]

Headshot of Kyle Harrison

26. Kyle Harrison

San Francisco Giants

LHP

 

Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 200 | B-T: R-L

 

Age: null

 

The top prospect in San Francisco’s system showed flashes of his ability in his first big league run. With a touch better command, he could pitch toward the top of the GIants’ rotation for years to come.

 

Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 40 | Cut: 50 | Control: 45

 

Headshot of Robby Snelling

27. Robby Snelling

San Diego Padres

LHP

 

Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 210 | B-T: R-L

 

Age: null

 

Few organizations navigate the draft better than the Padres, who snagged Snelling with the 39th pick in the 2022 draft. He climbed to Double-A with ease as an 18-year-old in his pro debut and now stands as one of the top lefthanded prospects in the game. The scary thing is that he has room to become even more effective if he sharpens his changeup.

 

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

 

Headshot of Colt Keith

28. Colt Keith

Detroit Tigers

3B

 

Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 211 | B-T: L-R

 

Age: null

 

The Tigers have done a better job in recent years of acquiring and developing well-rounded hitters like Keith. Keith is a .300 hitter for his minor league career, but his power is even more impressive. He hit 27 home runs last year and finished third in the minors with 68 extra-base hits.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Run: 45 | Field: 40 | Arm: 50

 

Headshot of Chase DeLauter

29. Chase DeLauter

Cleveland Guardians

OF

 

Ht: 6'4" | Wt: 235 | B-T: L-L

 

Age: null

 

DeLauter could be one solution in the Guardians’ quest to add impact hitters. Drafted 16th overall in 2022, he rocketed to Double-A late in 2023 and showed the type of production and batted-ball metrics that point to a bright future.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 60 | Run: 55 | Field: 50 | Arm: 60

 

Headshot of Jett Williams

30. Jett Williams

New York Mets

SS

 

Ht: 5'6" | Wt: 175 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

Williams packs a lot of punch in a 5-foot-6 frame, with mature swing decisions and lots of hard contact. He is a basestealing threat whose value is enhanced by a high on-base percentage. Scouts are less convinced in his shortstop glove, but his speed and athleticism will fit in center field.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 50 | Run: 60 | Field: 50 | Arm: 55

 

31. Matt Shaw

Chicago Cubs

SS

 

Ht: 5'11" | Wt: 185 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: 22

 

Shaw set Maryland’s all-time career home run record and was named Big Ten player of the year in 2023. He quickly raced to Double-A Tennessee after being drafted and is already nearing his major league debut. He’s a polished hitter who makes consistent hard contact and has the maturity and work ethic to get the most from his natural ability.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Field: 45 | Arm: 45

 

Headshot of Jacob Misiorowski

32. Jacob Misiorowski

Milwaukee Brewers

RHP

 

Ht: 6'7" | Wt: 190 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

Some scouts view Misiorowski as a future reliever—and his light workload (71.1 innings over 20 starts) means he has yet to prove his durability. But Misiorowski’s stuff is among the best in the minors, as his 110 strikeouts last year illustrated.

 

Scouting Grades Fastball: 80 | Curveball: 60 | Slider: 70 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 40

 

Headshot of Jeferson Quero

33. Jeferson Quero

Milwaukee Brewers

C

 

Ht: 5'11" | Wt: 215 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

Quero has rare defensive acumen for a young catcher and is poised to make his MLB debut at the tender age of 21 years old. He will begin the season at Triple-A, working to embellish his frequency and quality of contact. It could take Quero a few seasons to reach his hitting upside in MLB, but the wait will be worth it based on his potentially gold glove.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 40 | Field: 70 | Arm: 60

 

Headshot of Colton Cowser

34. Colton Cowser

Baltimore Orioles

OF

 

Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 220 | B-T: L-R

 

Age: null

 

The fifth overall pick in the 2021 draft made his major league debut in 2023, but struggled over 26 games. Despite the struggles Cowser showcased plate discipline, contact and power throughout 2023 and looks like a major part of the Orioles future.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 55 | Field: 50 | Arm: 55

 

Headshot of Brooks Lee

35. Brooks Lee

Minnesota Twins

SS

 

Ht: 5'11" | Wt: 205 | B-T: S-R

 

Age: null

 

Scouts see Lee as more likely to be good than great, but that’s not a criticism as much as an appreciation about how likely he is to be a solid big leaguer. Lee can hit, he’ll be fine at second or third base and he seems destined to log many years in the big leagues.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50

 

Headshot of Adael Amador

36. Adael Amador

Colorado Rockies

SS

 

Ht: 6'0" | Wt: 160 | B-T: S-R

 

Age: null

 

Amador’s advanced bat-to-ball skills and refined plate approach culminates in one of the best hit tools in the minor leagues. Amador dealt with a hamate injury that required surgery in July, but returned in late August, reaching Double-A by season’s end. Amador is likely to move to second base long term, where he should form a formidable double-play combo with Ezequiel Tovar.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 70 | Power: 50 | Run: 55 | Field: 50 | Arm: 45

 

Headshot of Carson Williams

37. Carson Williams

Tampa Bay Rays

SS

 

Ht: 6'1" | Wt: 180 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

Williams is a wizard defensively at shortstop, which has become a position of need for the Rays. He has present productive power as well. His ultimate ceiling will depend on how much further he can develop as a hitter.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 40 | Power: 60 | Run: 55 | Field: 65 | Arm: 70

 

Headshot of Dylan Lesko

38. Dylan Lesko

San Diego Padres

RHP

 

Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 195 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

The way scouts talked about Lesko in the 2022 draft indicated special potential for a high school righthander. Tommy John surgery pushed back his pro debut by a year, but Lesko emerged with his velocity and otherworldly changeup intact. His curveball also had its moments, and if his feel and command take the expected steps forward post-surgery, he could be a prime breakout candidate.

 

Scouting Grades Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 55 | Changeup: 70 | Control: 60

 

Headshot of Masyn Winn

39. Masyn Winn

St. Louis Cardinals

SS

 

Ht: 5'11" | Wt: 180 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

After a difficult first month of the season, Winn locked in and hit .310/.383/.529 over his next 78 games before he was called up to the major leagues. Winn shows plus bat-to-ball skills, with developing power at the plate, solid shortstop defense and a true 80-grade arm in the field.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 60 | Field: 55 | Arm: 80

 

Headshot of Noah Schultz

40. Noah Schultz

Chicago White Sox

LHP

 

Ht: 6'9" | Wt: 220 | B-T: L-L

 

Age: null

 

Schultz’s 2023 season was bookended by injuries, but when he was healthy, he was a force of nature. The lefthander combined size, stuff and deception into an extremely nasty presence on the mound, who can cut up a lineup with a sinker and a slider. He allowed four earned runs all season—all of which came in a single hiccup of a start.

 

Scouting Grades Fastball: 65 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 60

 

Headshot of Heston Kjerstad

41. Heston Kjerstad

Baltimore Orioles

OF

 

Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 205 | B-T: L-R

 

Age: null

 

The second overall pick in the 2020 draft had a rocky entrance to his professional career, dealing with a bout of myocarditis that sidelined him for all of 2021. In his first full season in 2023, Kjerstad hit .303/.376/.528 with 22 home runs across Double-A and Triple-A before promotion. Kjerstad has a strong combination of bat-to-ball skills and plus power that he gets to consistently in games.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 60 | Run: 45 | Field: 45 | Arm: 55

 

Headshot of AJ Smith-Shawver

42. AJ Smith-Shawver

Atlanta Braves

RHP

 

Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 205 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

Smith-Shawver was the first prep pitching prospect from the 2021 class to make the majors. His electric fastball and feel to spin multiple breaking balls give him mid-rotation upside if he can sharpen his command. And he could have the athleticism to make that happen.

 

Scouting Grades Fastball: 65 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 55

 

Headshot of Michael Busch

43. Michael Busch

Chicago Cubs

3B

 

Ht: 6'1" | Wt: 210 | B-T: L-R

 

Age: null

 

Busch won Most Valuable Player of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League last year in his latest offensive outburst. He’s a patient, powerful hitter who projects to hit in the middle of the order, and he now has a path to playing time in the major leagues after being traded from the Dodgers to the Cubs.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 60 | Run: 45 | Field: 40 | Arm: 40

 

Headshot of Cole Young

44. Cole Young

Seattle Mariners

SS

 

Ht: 6'0" | Wt: 180 | B-T: L-R

 

Age: null

 

Young showed impressive plate discipline and contact skills from the left side in his first full season across the Class A levels. He’s a pure hitter who projects to remain in the middle of the diamond and has the instincts to surpass more physically gifted players.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 45 | Run: 50 | Field: 55 | Arm: 50

 

Headshot of Mason Miller

45. Mason Miller

Oakland Athletics

RHP

 

Ht: 6'5" | Wt: 200 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

Miller’s lengthy injury history is a concern and Oakland will likely limit him to a late-inning relief role in 2024 to alleviate risk. His stuff belongs at the front of the rotation if he can stay healthy in the long run, headlined by a fastball that touched 102 mph last year and two other plus offerings.

 

Scouting Grades Fastball: 70 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 50 | Cut: 60 | Control: 50

 

Headshot of Spencer Jones

46. Spencer Jones

New York Yankees

OF

 

Ht: 6'6" | Wt: 225 | B-T: L-L

 

Age: null

 

Jones is one of the most athletic prospects in the minors and has an extremely high upside both at the plate and in center field. To reach his full potential, he’ll need to show much better plate discipline and cut down on his strikeouts.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 40 | Power: 60 | Run: 55 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50

 

Headshot of Owen Caissie

47. Owen Caissie

Chicago Cubs

OF

 

Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 190 | B-T: L-R

 

Age: null

 

The big Canadian has enormous power and is capable of launching towering home runs at any time. He is still working to cut down on the holes his long levers create in his swing, but he is rapidly progressing and has a chance to be a middle-of-the-order masher.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 40 | Power: 60 | Run: 55 | Field: 55 | Arm: 60

 

Headshot of Noble Meyer

48. Noble Meyer

Miami Marlins

RHP

 

Ht: 6'5" | Wt: 185 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

The first prep arm off the board in this year’s draft, Meyer pitched his way to a 4.09 ERA with 15 strikeouts across 11 innings (five starts) between the Complex League and Single-A. Armed with a mid-90s fastball, lethal sweeping slider and a potentially plus changeup, Meyer has front-end starter upside.

 

Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Slider: 70 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 55

 

Headshot of Hurston Waldrep

49. Hurston Waldrep

Atlanta Braves

RHP

 

Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 205 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

Waldrep showed some of the best pure stuff in the 2023 draft class, then turned in perhaps the most impressive pro pitching debut of the group by flying to Triple-A and striking out 49 batters in 29.1 total innings. His command could be improved, but his slider and split-change are both easy plus pitches.

 

Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 65 | Control: 40

 

Headshot of Dalton Rushing

50. Dalton Rushing

Los Angeles Dodgers

C

 

Ht: 6'1" | Wt: 220 | B-T: L-R

 

Age: null

 

Rushing replaced 2021 No. 1 overall pick Henry Davis as Louisville’s catcher in 2022, hitting 23 home runs before the Dodgers drafted Rushing with the 40th pick in the 2022 draft. Rushing is a standout offensive catcher with bat speed, approach and impact. Behind the plate, he’s still refining his technique but has the above-average arm needed to quell the modern running game.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 45 | Power: 65 | Run: 45 | Field: 45 | Arm: 55

[Spanky__99]

Headshot of Jackson Holliday

1. Jackson Holliday

Baltimore Orioles

SS

 

Ht: 6'0" | Wt: 185 | B-T: L-R

 

Age: null

 

There may be other prospects in the Top 10 who have more power than Holliday, but Holliday is an exceptionally advanced hitter for his age. He should be able to make an impact defensively as well, although his arm strength may lead to him playing second base rather than shortstop. The Orioles have seen Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson quickly become team leaders. Holliday is not far away from joining them.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 70 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Field: 55 | Arm: 50

 

Headshot of Jackson Chourio

2. Jackson Chourio

Milwaukee Brewers

OF

 

Ht: 5'11" | Wt: 165 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

The Brewers’ eight-year, $82 million deal with Chourio further illustrates what anyone who’s seen Chourio the past couple years has known—he’s a cornerstone for Milwaukee for the rest of this decade and beyond as a well-rounded center fielder with power and speed.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 70 | Run: 70 | Field: 60 | Arm: 45

 

Headshot of Junior Caminero

3. Junior Caminero

Tampa Bay Rays

3B

 

Ht: 6'1" | Wt: 157 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

Caminero rocketed from High-A to the majors in 2023, and should spend much of 2024 in the Rays’ lineup. He has exceptional power and bat speed, and he’s shown a more advanced hit tool than expected as well.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 80 | Run: 55 | Field: 50 | Arm: 60

 

Headshot of Evan Carter

4. Evan Carter

Texas Rangers

OF

 

Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 190 | B-T: L-R

 

Age: null

 

It’s hard to have a more storybook career than the one Carter has produced. From anonymous amateur to World Series star, the 2020 second-rounder has shown the all-around game to become a force in Arlington for a long, long time.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 65 | Power: 50 | Run: 80 | Field: 60 | Arm: 50

 

Headshot of Wyatt Langford

5. Wyatt Langford

Texas Rangers

OF

 

Ht: 6'1" | Wt: 225 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

Langford had one of the best debuts of any 2023 draftee. He bullied his way through the minor leagues, finishing the regular year in Triple-A before earning a spot on Texas’ postseason taxi squad. He’s neck and neck with Evan Carter for the top spot in the Rangers’ system and gives the team the arguable best one-two prospect punch in the sport.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 70 | Run: 50 | Field: 45 | Arm: 45

 

Headshot of Dylan Crews

6. Dylan Crews

Washington Nationals

OF

 

Ht: 6'0" | Wt: 203 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

Crews came into 2023 viewed as the best hitter in the draft class. He hit .426/.567/.713 to lead LSU to a national title, and immediately becomes the focal point of the Nationals’ rebuilding effort. He should hit for average, power and play solid outfield defense.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 65 | Power: 65 | Run: 55 | Field: 55 | Arm: 60

 

Headshot of Jordan Lawlar

7. Jordan Lawlar

Arizona Diamondbacks

SS

 

Ht: 6'1" | Wt: 190 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

Lawlar hit the ball harder in 2023 and cleaned up his defensive play at shortstop, leading to a September callup. He produced a .966 OPS in his final 70 minor league games and has a chance to bring his power-speed mix to MLB in 2024 as one of the game’s youngest regulars.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Run: 70 | Field: 55 | Arm: 60

 

Headshot of Ethan Salas

8. Ethan Salas

San Diego Padres

C

 

Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 185 | B-T: L-R

 

Age: null

 

Salas made his pro debut a few days shy of his 17th birthday and finished the season in the Double-A Texas League. Few prospects have as much potential on both sides of the ball as Salas, who could be a middle-order hitter who also shines defensively at catcher. A full season of reps could have him ready for MLB as a 19-year-old in 2025.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Run: 45 | Field: 70 | Arm: 60

 

Headshot of Paul Skenes

9. Paul Skenes

Pittsburgh Pirates

RHP

 

Ht: 6'6" | Wt: 235 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft was an easy choice for the top spot in the Pirates’ system and has one of the highest ceilings of any pitching prospect in the sport. There might be a few tweaks required, but he has the stuff and pedigree to lead Pittsburgh’s next generation.

 

Scouting Grades Fastball: 70 | Slider: 70 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 60

 

Headshot of Samuel Basallo

10. Samuel Basallo

Baltimore Orioles

C

 

Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 180 | B-T: L-R

 

Age: null

 

The Orioles have gotten almost nothing from the international amateur market over the past decade, but the club has refocused on bringing in impact talent from all avenues, and Basallo is the biggest and best example. Basallo has big-time power and a big arm. The biggest concern is whether he can catch well enough to stay behind the plate.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 70 | Run: 40 | Field: 45 | Arm: 70

 

Headshot of James Wood

11. James Wood

Washington Nationals

OF

 

Ht: 6'6" | Wt: 240 | B-T: L-R

 

Age: null

 

Wood’s jump to Double-A in 2023 saw his strikeouit rate rise, but he continued to hit for power while displaying his athleticism in the outfield and on the bases. The combination of Wood and Dylan Crews gives the Nationals an outfield duo to envy.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 65 | Run: 55 | Field: 50 | Arm: 55

 

Headshot of Andrew Painter

12. Andrew Painter

Philadelphia Phillies

RHP

 

Ht: 6'7" | Wt: 215 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

Before having Tommy John surgery, Painter ranked as one of the sport’s elite pitching prospects. Even after the surgery, little has changed. If his stuff returns intact, he could give Philly its next homegrown ace.

 

Scouting Grades Fastball: 70 | Slider: 70 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 60

 

Headshot of Walker Jenkins

13. Walker Jenkins

Minnesota Twins

OF

 

Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 205 | B-T: L-R

 

Age: null

 

Injuries had slowed Jenkins at times on the showcase circuit, but he showed last spring that he’s exactly what teams look for in a young, promising right fielder. He had an excellent pro debut, and could quickly leap into our Top 10.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 65 | Run: 55 | Field: 55 | Arm: 60

 

Headshot of Marcelo Mayer

14. Marcelo Mayer

Boston Red Sox

SS

 

Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 188 | B-T: L-R

 

Age: null

 

A shoulder injury derailed much of Mayer’s 2023 season, but it did give him a chance to show how polished he is defensively. Healthy again in 2024, he should find a spot in Boston’s lineup late this season or early in 2025.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 60 | Run: 40 | Field: 60 | Arm: 60

 

Headshot of Colson Montgomery

15. Colson Montgomery

Chicago White Sox

SS

 

Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 205 | B-T: L-R

 

Age: null

 

Montgomery’s 2023 season was delayed by an oblique injury, but when he returned he showed one of the best combinations of hittability and power in the minor leagues. He’s plenty athletic, too, and could give the White Sox a centerpiece in the middle of the diamond for years to come.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 60 | Run: 45 | Field: 55 | Arm: 55

 

Headshot of Jasson Dominguez

16. Jasson Dominguez

New York Yankees

OF

 

Ht: 5'9" | Wt: 190 | B-T: S-R

 

Age: null

 

After a slow start in 2023 at Double-A, Dominguez turned it on the second half and rocketed to the big leagues. He opened his big league career with a bang by homering off of Justin Verlander, but then suffered an injury that required season-ending Tommy John surgery.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 60 | Run: 60 | Field: 50 | Arm: 60

 

Headshot of Jackson Merrill

17. Jackson Merrill

San Diego Padres

SS

 

Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 195 | B-T: L-R

 

Age: null

 

A sweet lefthanded swing and plus hitting potential are Merrill’s carrying attributes, but he’s also an athletic shortstop who has added positional versatility in anticipation of a 2024 callup. He added a lot of good weight as a high school senior and has enhanced his power game in pro ball to the point where he could be good for 20-plus homers annually.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Field: 55 | Arm: 55

 

Headshot of Pete Crow-Armstrong

18. Pete Crow-Armstrong

Chicago Cubs

OF

 

Ht: 5'11" | Wt: 184 | B-T: L-L

 

Age: null

 

The son of two Hollywood actors, Crow-Armstrong is one of the best defensive center fielders to come through the minors in years with graceful actions, elite instincts and the closing speed to run down any ball. He makes plenty of contact at the plate from the left side and projects to be an anchor of the Cubs roster as a Gold Glove–winning, leadoff-hitting center fielder.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 60 | Field: 80 | Arm: 55

 

Headshot of Max Clark

19. Max Clark

Detroit Tigers

OF

 

Ht: 6'1" | Wt: 190 | B-T: L-L

 

Age: null

 

Clark has been one of the best high school hitters at draft showcases for several years. He should be a plus defender in center field to go with an ability to hit for average and get on base. If his power also develops as hoped, he could be a star.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 50 | Run: 70 | Field: 60 | Arm: 70

 

Headshot of Jackson Jobe

20. Jackson Jobe

Detroit Tigers

RHP

 

Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 190 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

Jobe missed the first half of the 2023 season with a back injury, but once he returned, he was every bit as dominant as the Tigers had hoped for when they picked him third overall in 2021. Jobe has multiple ways to get hitters out, as well as some of the best pure stuff in the minors.

 

Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Slider: 70 | Changeup: 60 | Cut: 50 | Control: 60

 

Headshot of Roman Anthony

21. Roman Anthony

Boston Red Sox

OF

 

Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 200 | B-T: L-R

 

Age: null

 

Even if his slash line at Low-A Salem didn’t seem to indicate it, the Red Sox were impressed with Anthony’s ability to string together professional at-bats. He dominated the South Atlantic League after a quick promotion and reached Double-A for a brief cameo. He has the skills to be a well-rounded corner outfielder.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 60 | Run: 50 | Field: 55 | Arm: 55

 

Headshot of Ricky Tiedemann

22. Ricky Tiedemann

Toronto Blue Jays

LHP

 

Ht: 6'4" | Wt: 220 | B-T: L-L

 

Age: null

 

An early May biceps injury robbed Tiedemann of the majority of his 2023, but he returned late in the season and impressed in the Arizona Fall League. He’s a low-slot lefthander with a chance to develop three plus pitches with above-average command. Health is the biggest question mark facing the Blue Jays top prospect.

 

Scouting Grades Fastball: 65 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 55

 

Headshot of Noelvi Marte

23. Noelvi Marte

Cincinnati Reds

3B

 

Ht: 6'0" | Wt: 216 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

In 2023, the Reds graduated multiple rookies who stepped right into the lineup and rotation. Marte is next up, although the team’s depth at third base (his best position) could mean he spends some time in Triple-A Louisville. He’s more athletic than he looks, with big power and solid patience at the plate.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 60 | Run: 55 | Field: 45 | Arm: 60

 

Headshot of Cade Horton

24. Cade Horton

Chicago Cubs

RHP

 

Ht: 6'1" | Wt: 211 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

Horton bounced back from Tommy John surgery to carry Oklahoma to the College World Series finals in 2022 and was drafted seventh overall by the Cubs. He raced to Double-A in his pro debut and projects to be a frontline starter with a mid-90s fastball, devastating slider and rapidly improving curveball and changeup.

 

Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 65 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50

 

Headshot of Coby Mayo

25. Coby Mayo

Baltimore Orioles

3B

 

Ht: 6'5" | Wt: 230 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 draft out of Florida powerhouse Stoneman Douglas HS, Mayo has developed into one of the best power-hitting prospects in the minor leagues. Mayo hit .290/.410/.563 with 29 home runs across Double-A and Triple-A in 2023 and has a chance to debut for the Orioles in 2024.

 

Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 70 | Run: 45 | Field: 50 | Arm: 70

[Spanky__99]

The first version of Baseball America’s 2024 Top 100 has arrived. The list is the result of lengthy discussions among the members of BA’s prospect team and feedback from scouts and executives throughout the industry.

 

The list will change plenty throughout the season, and the process that led to the list included far more than just 100 players. Below are 15 players who could find themselves on the list later in the season, especially when the major league season kicks off and players begin graduating from prospect consideration.

 

We’ve also included a complete list of every prospect beyond the Top 100 who received a vote from a member of the prospect team.

 

 

Anthony Solometo, LHP, Pirates

Pitching is the strength of Pittsburgh’s system, and Solometo is part of a strong wave of arms brewing in the upper levels. The lefthander mixes deception and stuff in a manner that allowed him to carve hitters in a season spent between High-A and Double-A in 2023. His control improved drastically upon a move to Altoona, where he whiffed 50 hitters and walked just 14 in 52 innings.

 

Daniel Espino, RHP, Guardians

When he’s been healthy, Espino has shown some of the best pure stuff in the minor leagues. The problem is, he hasn’t been healthy in a long while. His last start came in April 2022 and he’s dealt with injuries to his shoulder, elbow and hamstring in the duration. Espino will try to rebound again in 2024. If his stuff returns intact, he’ll prove to be worth the wait.

 

Josue De Paula, OF, Dodgers

Teams have become more aggressive in recent years when it comes to moving talented youngsters in and out of the complex leagues. De Paula skipped the Arizona Complex League entirely in 2023 and instead jumped directly to Low-A, where he posted a .769 OPS as an 18-year-old. De Paula is a talented hitter who should produce a blend of contact and impact as part of an offense-driven profile.

 

Joey Ortiz, SS, Orioles

Ortiz is a gifted defender who made his big league debut in 2023. He’s a standout shortstop who projects as a double-plus defender with an above-average arm. Ortiz makes plenty of contact but could stand to improve his swing decisions in order to up the quality of his contact. His defense should give him a solid big league floor, and offensive improvement would be icing on the cake and help him get playing time in a crowded Baltimore infield.

 

Nick Nastrini, RHP, White Sox

Nastrini was part of the package the White Sox landed at the 2023 trade deadline in exchange for righthanders Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly. The UCLA product struggled in college but saw his stock jump once he joined the Dodgers’ vaunted pitching program. All three of his pitches project as above average or better, and his fastball borders on double-plus. If he improves his control, he could fit as a nasty piece of a rotation. If not, he should be a weapon out of the bullpen.

 

Kyle Manzardo, 1B, Guardians

Manzardo moved from the Rays to the Guardians in the deal that sent Aaron Civale to Tampa Bay. The Washington State product burst onto the scene in 2022 with a season that made him one of the sport’s elite prospects at first base. He wasn’t quite as good in 2023, but also missed a hunk of time with a shoulder injury. He reignited some of his prospect stock in the Arizona Fall League, where his six home runs tied for second on the circuit. In a system bursting with contact-oriented skill sets, Manzardo adds a dose of thump.

 

River Ryan, RHP, Dodgers

Ryan was a two-way prospect coming out of North Carolina-Pembroke in 2021 and was a hitter in San Diego’s system when they traded him to the Dodgers as the return for outfielder Matt Beaty. He impressed on the mound in fall instructional league and has been a pitcher ever since. The athletic righty boasts four above-average or better pitches but control that projects as only fringe-average. Ryan is understandably raw and has never lasted more than five innings in a start but has considerable upside.

 

Ty Madden, RHP, Tigers

Madden answered questions he faced as a collegian by altering his fastball shape and finding quick success as a professional. The righthander earns 60 grades on his fastball and slider and complements those pitches with a potentially average changeup and a fringy cutter into a mix that should give him a future in the Tigers’ rotation. His debut could come as soon as the 2024 season.

 

Tommy Troy, 2B, D-backs

Troy was one of the most polished hitters available in the 2023 college class, and the D-backs popped him in the first round. He hits the ball hard and often, and could eventually get to above-average grades for both hittability and power. Troy’s defensive home is less certain, but if he hits the way scouts believe he can then he’ll find a way into Arizona’s lineup one way or another.

 

Moises Ballesteros, C, Cubs

The biggest question facing Ballesteros is whether he can stay in good enough shape to continue to produce the way he has in the early portion of his career. In 2023, he hit his way from Low-A to Double-A as a 19-year-old, and produced an .824 OPS with 14 home runs and 71 RBIs. He’s got soft hands and impressive mobility behind the plate, but he’ll absolutely have to keep his weight in check to avoid a permanent move to first base or DH.

 

Luisangel Acuña, 2B, Mets

Acuña was part of the return the Mets got from the Rangers in exchange for righthander Max Scherzer at the 2023 trade deadline. The younger brother of superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. has explosive hands and can put a charge into a baseball, but needs to become more selective at the plate and alter his swing to pull the ball in the air more often to help his natural juice play up. Severely blocked on the infield in Texas, Acuña has a chance to stick at second base in New York but has the speed and athleticism to move to the outfield if needed.

 

Ryan Clifford, OF, Mets

Clifford was part of the Mets’ summer system overhaul in 2023, when they dealt the best pieces of their roster to contenders for hauls of prospects. Clifford came from the Astros as part of the return for ace righty Justin Verlander. The powerful outfielder projects to be an above-average hitter with above-average juice, though he struggled mightily at High-A after the trade. His double-plus throwing arm would be an asset in right field, but he’s also seen time at first base during the course of his young career.

 

Bryan Ramos, 3B, White Sox

Ramos has shown hints of his potential in each of the last two years, each of which featured time at Double-A Birmingham. He spent the bulk of his 2023 season at the level and hit 14 home runs in 77 games. The Cuban missed time early with a groin injury and made up at-bats in the Arizona Fall League. All of his tools but his speed project to be above average, and he has the standout makeup to continue to work on closing the holes in his game.

 

Justyn-Henry Malloy, OF, Tigers

Malloy moved from Atlanta to Detroit after the 2022 season in exchange for righthander Joe Jimenez. The outfielder has an outstanding knowledge of the strike zone that helps get the most out of what projects to be above-average power. Malloy’s game is centered around his offense but he could be a fringe-average defender in the outfield, where his 55-grade throwing arm would nestle in nicely in right field. He could make his big league debut in 2024.

 

Kevin Alcantara, OF, Cubs

When everything is going right, Alcantara is one of the most aesthetically pleasing prospects in the sport. The lithe, lanky outfielder has a whip-quick swing that produces light tower power to all sectors, but his long limbs can lead to a disconnected swing, and he struggles against spin. Alcantara is a surefire center fielder who uses his long limbs and plus speed to gracefully cover large swaths of ground, though it can take a little while for him to get to full speed. He earns plus grades for his throwing arm as well.

 

Here are the rest of the prospects who received at least one vote for the Top 100 from our prospect team.

 

Arizona: Druw Jones, Ivan Melendez, Jansel Luis

Atlanta: J.R. Ritchie, Owen Murphy

Baltimore: Connor Norby, Enrique Bradfield Jr., Chayce McDermott, Dylan Beavers, Seth Johnson, Cade Povich

Boston: Yoeilin Cespedes, Wilyer Abreu, Miguel Bleis, Wikelman Gonzalez, Richard Fitts

Chicago Cubs: Jordan Wicks, Jefferson Rojas Alexander Canario, Ben Brown

Chicago White Sox: Edgar Quero, Jacob Gonzalez, Jake Eder

 

Cincinnati: Edwin Arroyo, Chase Petty, Carlos Jorge, Alfredo Duno, Sal Stewart, Leo Balcazar, Cam Collier

Cleveland: Ralphy Velasquez, Juan Brito, Welbyn Francisca, Alexander Clemmey, George Valera

Colorado: Jordan Beck, Sterlin Thompson, Zac Veen, Robert Calaz

Detroit: Kevin McGonigle, Parker Meadows

Houston: Luis Baez, Spencer Arrighetti

 

Kansas City: Blake Mitchell

Los Angeles Dodgers: Kyle Hurt, Thayron Liranzo, Diego Cartaya, Joendry Vargas

Miami: Thomas White, Xavier Edwards

Milwaukee: Garrett Mitchell, Yophery Rodriguez, Brock Wilken

Minnesota: David Festa, Marco Raya, Charlee Soto

New York Mets: Christian Scott, Blade Tidwell, Colin Houck

 

New York Yankees: Henry Lalane, George Lombard Jr., Will Warren, Brando Mayea

Oakland: Denzel Clarke, Joe Boyle, Lawrence Butler

Philadelphia: Aidan Miller, Starlyn Caba, Eduardo Tait, Orion Kerkering

Pittsburgh: Quinn Priester, Thomas Harrington

 

San Diego: Samuel Zavala, Jairo Iriarte, Dillon Head San Francisco: Carson Whisenhunt, Walker Martin, Rayner Arias, Hayden Birdsong

Seattle: Gabriel Gonzalez, Tyler Locklear, Jeter Martinez, Felnin Celesten

St. Louis: Ivan Herrera, Chase Davis

Texas: Justin Foscue, Owen White, Brock Porter, Dustin Harris, Kumar Rocker

Toronto: Arjun Nimmala

Washington: Cade Cavalli, Yohandy Morales

[Laika]

Welp. At least Orelvis is back in there.

[Spanky__99]

Pipeline is doing their top 10 @ positions, so far they've done RHP/LHP/C and 1B will be unveiled today...

 

https://www.mlb.com/news/top-right-handed-pitching-prospects-for-2024?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage

[metafour]

Top 100 prospect Nick Frasso

 

Joke inclusion. All you need as proof is to see BA's 70 grade on his FB. I looked at pretty much all of his starts on Statcast once he hit AAA. He had a very pedestrian whiff rate on his fastball, doesn't hold his velocity at all (ie: he'd routinely drop down to 92-93 after like 30 pitches), and was generally hittable. There is no chance his FB is a 70, otherwise the actual AAA performance makes no sense. This is typical failure to adjust from a prospect-writing perspective as they are cemented to back when he was hitting triple digits as a Blue Jay, so his FB "must" be a 70. Factor in the fact that he's a Dodgers prospect now and poof there is your Top 100 rating despite the fact that Frasso is old, his stuff has clearly declined, and his AAA performance isn't even impressive.

 

I'm not making this up: after Mitch White cleared waivers and was sent back to AAA, he was actually throwing harder than Frasso AND getting more whiffs across the board.

[Eat My Shatkins]

I remember in 2021 the jays had 7 top 100 prospects and most of them haven't done anything in MLB except get the jays MLB players from other teams in trades.

 

Pearson, Martin, SWR, Groshans, Orelvis, Kirk and Moreno.

[Krylian]

I'm a little surprised BA still has Tiedemann at 22 given his spotty 2023. They must really be putting a lot of weight behind the "stuff".

[metafour]

I'm a little surprised BA still has Tiedemann at 22 given his spotty 2023. They must really be putting a lot of weight behind the "stuff".

 

What was spotty about his 2023 apart from his injury? Yeah he had some outings with some wildness, but he was mowing down guys across all levels when he did actually pitch. Then he went to the AFL to conclude the season and won Pitcher of the Year.

 

Tiedemann had a 16.31 K/9 in AA my guy. Worth noting is that hitters had a .415 BABIP against him which is an obvious fluke.

[Jimcanuck]

Total of 60 IP for Tiedemann in 2023, 42 in MiLB and 18 in AFL. That's after 78.2 IP in 2022.

 

He's MLB ready, so what do you do with him?

[max silver]

What was spotty about his 2023 apart from his injury? Yeah he had some outings with some wildness, but he was mowing down guys across all levels when he did actually pitch. Then he went to the AFL to conclude the season and won Pitcher of the Year.

 

Tiedemann had a 16.31 K/9 in AA my guy. Worth noting is that hitters had a .415 BABIP against him which is an obvious fluke.

 

The command and 2023 injuries are certainly concerns but the overall results are still off the charts. Despite the inflated BABIP AA opponents only slugged .286 against him as most of the hits were singles.

[Spanky__99]

I'm a little surprised BA still has Tiedemann at 22 given his spotty 2023. They must really be putting a lot of weight behind the "stuff".

 

BA loves him, they think if it weren't for injury he'd likely be the best arm in the minors, I'm certain Tiedemann moved up this season, the AFL helped. Yeah he did from 33 to 22.

[RustyTrombone]

Total of 60 IP for Tiedemann in 2023, 42 in MiLB and 18 in AFL. That's after 78.2 IP in 2022.

 

He's MLB ready, so what do you do with him?

 

80 IP at AAA in the first half and then 40 IP with the Jays in the second half as a multi inning reliever. Then he takes a rotation spot in 2025 and throws around 160 innings.

 

That would be perfect case scenario if there are no injuries or poor performances at the MLB level in 2024 and Tiedemann himself doesnt get hurt or underperform.

[Jimcanuck]

80 IP at AAA in the first half and then 40 IP with the Jays in the second half as a multi inning reliever. Then he takes a rotation spot in 2025 and throws around 160 innings.

 

That would be perfect case scenario if there are no injuries or poor performances at the MLB level in 2024 and Tiedemann himself doesnt get hurt or underperform.

 

Probably what does happen. I'd rather see him expend those 80 IP or most of it with the Jays, myself.

[Carlos Danger]

Texas wins the WS and has three of the top 100 and two off the top 5 prospects with a bunch more on the cusp of top 100...

[wamco]

80 IP at AAA in the first half and then 40 IP with the Jays in the second half as a multi inning reliever. Then he takes a rotation spot in 2025 and throws around 160 innings.

 

That would be perfect case scenario if there are no injuries or poor performances at the MLB level in 2024 and Tiedemann himself doesnt get hurt or underperform.

 

 

Similar plan for the Cuban?

[Spanky__99]

I updated all that and received one like, so there goes that, lol.

[Jimcanuck]

I updated all that and received one like, so there goes that, lol.

 

You count your likes? Are you a teenager?

 

Nice job anyway.

[Spanky__99]

You count your likes? Are you a teenager?

 

Nice job anyway.

 

Hi Jim, go f*** yourself, first I don't have to share to the community nor edit it all to make it readable, thanks.

[RustyTrombone]

Similar plan for the Cuban?

 

I have a feeling that the Jays got him to sign saying they will let him start while secretly having no intention of actually letting him start in the big leagues.

[Krylian]

What was spotty about his 2023 apart from his injury? Yeah he had some outings with some wildness, but he was mowing down guys across all levels when he did actually pitch. Then he went to the AFL to conclude the season and won Pitcher of the Year.

 

Tiedemann had a 16.31 K/9 in AA my guy. Worth noting is that hitters had a .415 BABIP against him which is an obvious fluke.

 

His health is what I was most referring to. Wildness wasn't the best, but not terrible.

[Laika]

I updated all that and received one like, so there goes that, lol.

 

I like you, Sprinkles

[Terminator]

Top 100 prospect Nick Frasso

 

Giving hope to his fellow 40 FV's all across the globe that they can also crack the Top 100 list someday so long as they put up a 6.5 xFIP in AAA just prior to their 10 year high school reunion.

[Sorrow]

I appreciate the posts Spanks but can’t thank on mobile.

[Spanky__99]

Pipeline dropped their top 100 on Friday night, Skenes seems too high to me...

 

https://www.mlb.com/prospects/top100/

[Jimcanuck]

Skenes goes #1 and then pipeline has him #1 of the new guys. Maybe he actually is a Strasburg level

[Spanky__99]

Skenes goes #1 and then pipeline has him #1 of the new guys. Maybe he actually is a Strasburg level

 

I keep reading that comp.

[The Cats Ass]

Pipeline dropped their top 100 on Friday night, Skenes seems too high to me...

 

https://www.mlb.com/prospects/top100/

 

MLB Pipeline always seems to have recent draftees ranked higher than most.

[Brownie19]

Pipeline dropped their top 100 on Friday night, Skenes seems too high to me...

 

https://www.mlb.com/prospects/top100/

 

I'm seeing this narrative a lot. What's the concern with this guy? Shape on his fastball?