6f7r y by koledadelosaz

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MONTH

OCTOBER

Leading Off OCTOBER 2021 VOLUME 41, ISSUE 10

“Julio Rodriguez has posted exit velocities that show he can hit the ball as hard as almost anyone in the minors.”

MINOR LEAGUE TOP 10 PROSPECTS Baseball America consults with managers, scouts and executives to bring you Top 10 Prospects rankings for all 13 domestic minor leagues. Each league is listed with its No. 1 prospect.

Triple-A East Wander Franco, SS, Rays West Jarred Kelenic, OF, Mariners

16 18

Double-A Central Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Royals Northeast Adley Rutschman, C, Orioles South Shea Langeliers, C, Braves

20 22 24

High-A Central Spencer Torkelson, 1B, Tigers East Cade Cavalli, RHP, Nationals West Julio Rodriguez, OF, Mariners

26 28 30

Low-A

MIKE JANES/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

East Gunnar Henderson, SS, Orioles Southeast Anthony Volpe, SS, Yankees West Tyler Soderstrom, C, Athletics

32 34 36

Rookie Arizona Complex Elly de la Cruz, 3B, Reds Florida Complex Marcelo Mayer, SS, Red Sox

38 40

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OCTOBER Leading Off OCTOBER 2021 VOLUME 41, ISSUE 10

“Nothing has really sped up on me on defense. I just think of it as the same game I’ve been playing ever since I was little.” BOBBY WITT JR.

MAJORS

EXTRAS

52. Ten Years In

06. Women In Baseball

Taking stock of Bryce Harper, baseball’s most hyped prospect ever, 10 years into his big league career.

COLUMN

RILEY GREENE

09. Crown Jewel

58. Cooper The Rays’ player development machine reaches new heights for winning in 2021.

07. Phenom To Farm Josh Sale takes a second swing, conquers demons that forced him out of baseball.

56. Scout Spotlight A former Rays scout sees a pair of pitchers he evaluated make their MLB debuts.

ON THE COVER

The Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. combines pedigree, upside and performance like few other prospects.

MINOR LEAGUE ALL-STARS 12. Overall All-Stars All the best performances by the best prospects, including a trio of Royals and a pair of Dodgers and Mariners. PLUS: All-stars and players of the year at each classific tion.

PROSPECTS 42. AL Org Reports SPOTLIGHT: The Rays’ Taj Bradley stood out in his first year of full-season ball, for both his stuff and ork ethic.

47. NL Org Reports SPOTLIGHT: The Cubs are enamored of shortstop James Triantos’ feel for hitting and infli ting damage on contact.

BOBBY WITT JR. BY BRACE HEMMELGARN/ FOUR SEAM IMAGES

ON DECK FOR NOVEMBER: Prospect season kicks into high gear with the first wave of organization top 10 rankings, with East divisions batting first. PLUS: Major league awards, including Player and Rookie of the Year. 4

BRACE HEMMELGARN/FOUR SEAM IMAGES; ANDREW WOOLLEY/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

MINOR LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

The first oman to graduate from Syracuse University’s sports analytics program gains valuable experience.

OCTOBER 2021 • BASEBALLAMERICA.COM

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Leading Off

Women In Baseball

ESTABLISHED 1981 - PO BOX 12877, DURHAM, NC 27709 - (800) 845-2726

MEET THE WOMEN WHO ARE BLAZING A TRAIL IN THE INDUSTRY.

Bailie Brown is the first woman to graduate from Syracuse University’s sports analytics program. She immediately landed an apprenticeship with the Astros for the 2021 season.

The first but not the last Recent college grade Bailie Brown gains valuable experience by ALEXIS BRUDNICKI

ailie Brown has experienced a lot of firsts this year. She became the first woman to graduate from Syracuse University’s sport analytics program. She earned her first job in the industry she always dreamed of working within—as a baseball operations apprentice with the Astros—and she got her first glimpse of applying her education to her chosen profession. Brown’s primary hope is that there aren’t any lasts on the horizon. “I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, and I definitely have my professors and peers to thank for helping me get through (the program at Syracuse), but at the same time it saddens me that I was the first one,” Brown said. “That there weren’t girls immediately there with the creation of the program . . .

“While I’m proud to be the first one, I’m glad I’m not the last one.” Since April, Brown has been working with the Astros, mostly within the strategy department. Her job includes but is not limited to internal information sharing and updating, working with the front office and advance scouting team, and is centered around various projects and modeling for 6

multiple areas of the organization and numerous aspects of the season, though specifics are proprietary. Very quickly, Brown’s view of the game shifted. She entered the industry as a fan of the game and then got a peek behind the curtain. “I didn’t have any kind of inside understanding of anything as a fan,” she said. “So

being able to go into work every day, and even if I’m not involved in something directly, just hearing conversations that other people are having, getting to know them, learn about their jobs—I definitely have a much greater understanding of how a front office works and a great appreciation for all the work that goes on behind the scenes.” Heading to Houston after graduation, Brown’s introductory coding classes were put into practice with real-life data sets, and her learning experienced an evolution it only could by harnessing her skills in practice. Her interest in data science has expanded to the point where she is now starting her master’s degree in the subject at Northwestern this fall. Brown has seen her biggest challenge become the area that has most piqued her interest. Even just through one season of big league ball, she has a brand new perspective on what she knows, what she doesn’t, what she wants to, and how to put it all together. “It was easy for me to doubt my skills and the things I was learning at school,” Brown said. “I knew it was beneficial, but I worried it wouldn’t translate, or that it wouldn’t be enough. “But the sport analytics program really did prepare me very well to step into this role and have a good base of knowledge. I am still learning every day, but I didn’t trust that it was going to be enough to step into a role—even as an apprentice—and make a difference, but it was.” While Brown will miss the environment and perspective she’s been given the most when her apprenticeship—which is effectively an internship—comes to an end in Houston, she continues to be inspired by the opportunity and cannot wait for what more may be to come. “I’ve been really excited about seeing my dreams come to life, working for a baseball team and being able to contribute even in a really small way as an apprentice, and succeeding,” Brown said. “It’s been a really exciting experience that keeps me motivated to keep learning more and to be able to contribute even more as I develop in my career.” n

EDITOR IN CHIEF J.J. Cooper @jjcoop36 EXECUTIVE EDITOR Matt Eddy @MattEddyBA DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY Mark Chiarelli @Mark_Chiarelli CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Dan Curvelo EDITORIAL SENIOR EDITOR Josh Norris @jnorris427 SENIOR WRITER Ben Badler @benbadler NATIONAL WRITERS Teddy Cahill @tedcahill, Carlos Collazo @CarlosACollazo, Kyle Glaser @KyleAGlaser ASSOCIATE EDITOR Chris Hilburn-Trenkle @ChrisTrenkle STAFF WRITER Joe Healy @JoeHealyBA WEB EDITOR Kayla Lombardo @KaylaLombardo11 SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR Tim Newcomb @tdnewcomb PRODUCTION CREATIVE DIRECTOR James Alworth BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY MANAGER Brent Lewis MARKETING/OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Angela Lewis CUSTOMER SERVICE Melissa Sunderman WHERE TO DIRECT QUESTIONS BACK ISSUES To order, visit https//www.baseballamerica.com/back-issues/ ADVERTISING jj.cooper@baseballamerica.com COLLEGES ted.cahill@baseballamerica.com DESIGN/PRODUCTION james.alworth@baseballamerica.com DRAFT carlos.collazo@baseballamerica.com HIGH SCHOOLS carlos.collazo@baseballamerica.com INDEPENDENT LEAGUES jj.cooper@baseballamerica.com INTERNATIONAL ben.badler@baseballamerica.com MAJOR LEAGUES kyle.glaser@baseballamerica.com MINOR LEAGUES/BUSINESS josh.norris@baseballamerica.com PROSPECTS kyle.glaser@baseballamerica.com REPRINTS angela.lewis@baseballamerica.com SUBSCRIPTIONS/CUSTOMER SERVICE customerservice@baseballamerica.com WEBSITE mark.chiarelli@baseballamerica.com CORRESPONDENTS GABE BURNS Atlanta Journal-Constitution; TJ COTTERILL Seattle; SHI DAVIDI Sportsnet Canada; MIKE DIGIOVANNA Los Angeles Times; JACK ETKIN Denver; DERRICK GOOLD St. Louis Post-Dispatch; DOUG GRAY RedsMinorLeaguers.com; SCOT GREGOR Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Ill.); TOM HAUDRICOURT Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; JIM INGRAHAM Cleveland; STEVE KRONER San Francisco Chronicle; ROCH KUBATKO MASNSports.com (Baltimore); BRENDAN KUTY NJ.com; LACY LUSK Washington, D.C.; PHIL MILLER Minneapolis Star Tribune; BILL MITCHELL Tempe, Ariz.; PATRICK MOONEY The Athletic Chicago; NICK PIECORO Arizona Republic; BILL PLUNKETT Orange County (Calif.) Register; MIKE PUMA New York Post; CHANDLER ROME Houston Chronicle; JEFF SANDERS San Diego Union-Tribune; JIM SALISBURY NBC Sports Philadelphia; ALEX SPEIER Boston Globe; CASEY TEFERTILLER Santa Cruz, Calif.; MARC TOPKIN Tampa Bay Times; WALTER VILLA Miami Herald; EMILY WALDON Grand Rapids, Mich.; TIM WILLIAMS PiratesProspects.com; JEFF WILSON Fort Worth Star-Telegram. STATISTICAL SERVICE Major League Baseball Advanced Media BASEBALL AMERICA ENTERPRISES

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Leading Off

From Phenom To The Farm FORMER BALLPLAYERS REFLECT ON PRO SUCCESS AND FAILURE

TAKING A SECOND SWING MIKE JANES/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

Slugger Josh Sale conquers demons that forced him out of affiliated ball by KYLE BANDUJO

In 2010, Josh Sale entered professional baseball as a first-round pick with a powerful lefthanded swing. By 2015 he was out of baseball, cast aside as a pariah—undone by his own actions. The outfielder from Seattle’s Bishop Blanchet High entered the 2010 draft lauded for a tenacious work ethic in the weight room, his coachability and diligence. Well-spoken and intelligent, Sale sold the Rays on his character and upside. Tampa Bay made him the 17th overall pick. The scouts might have been sold on Sale’s work ethic, but when he himself looks back, indications of his future struggles were under the radar, but present. “Hindsight being 20/20, there was a lot of stuff that I hadn’t quite figured out off the field,” Sale said. Succeeding in professional baseball is difficult enough, but Sale’s penchant for struggling with his behavior away from the ballpark presented early and often. Sale struggled in his pro debut for Rookielevel Princeton in 2011, and the following season at Low-A Bowling Green ended prematurely with a suspension for a banned stimulant. Slowly but surely his career began to nosedive. Sale was suspended by the Rays for the entire 2013 season for an off-the-field incident, and his 2014 season in High-A ended with a suspension for a drug of abuse. The following spring, the Rays cut ties with Sale, who was still just 23. “When I got the call for my release, I was in a position where I couldn’t stop doing something if you paid me . . . It was bad,” Sale said. Sale began a life without baseball. He didn’t pick up a bat for more than two years, and he continued his fight with addiction and self-destructive tendencies. Motivated by steadfast support from his girlfriend and a desire to be a present father to his

Trap Toon by

PAUL TRAP

young son, Sale began to emerge from his hole in 2018. He began to coach baseball and worked to take back control of his life. That’s when he experienced an epiphany. “Let’s forget baseball for a second,” Sale said. “If I’m going to have any chance at being able to maintain the relationship that I’m in, if I’m going to have any chance of being able to be there for my son, and if there’s going to be any chance to right some wrongs with mainly my parents through all that I did, I’m going to have to do something drastic.” Putting in the work with baseball had always come naturally, but Sale began to finally put that work ethic into his lifestyle. He focused on fatherhood, his relationship with his longtime girlfriend and getting sober. With his life in order for the first time in nearly a decade, Sale got back in the batting cage to

make another run at his big league dreams. After six years away from the game, Sale found himself once again taking his powerful lefthanded swing to a professional baseball lineup with Gastonia of the independent Atlantic League. This time Sale, now 30, was able to take it all in with a clear mind. “It was therapy, to be honest,” he said. Through 92 games, Sale had blasted a league-leading 29 home runs while hitting .277/.382/.604. He lives in Gastonia, N.C., outside Charlotte, with his girlfriend and son, and he relishes his second chance at life and baseball. n

Rays first-round pick Josh Sale’s self-destructive behavior resulted in poor on-field performance and myriad problems off the diamond. This season, the 30-year-old found redemption in the independent Atlantic League.

BA Podcast

From Phenon To The Farm Host Kyle Bandujo talks with two prominent former players each month to reminisce about their playing days and what they learned on their journey from amateur ball to the professional ranks. Bandujo has episodes featuring Billy Butler, Eric O’Flaherty, Russ Ortiz, Will Venable and many more. Subscribe today.

paultrap@BaseballAmerica.com

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MINOR LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR BOBBY WITT JR. COMBINES UPSIDE AND PERFORMANCE LIKE FEW OTHERS by CARLOS COLLAZO

INSIDE CELEBRATING THE MINOR LEAGUE SEASON The top prospects and top performers from every level of the minors in 2021. Minor League Player of the Year . . . . . . 9 The game comes easy to Bobby Witt Jr.—by design

The top performances from top prospects

Classification All-Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 The best years by the best prospects at each level

MINOR LEAGUE TOP 10 PROSPECTS We rank the prospects with the brightest futures in all 13 domestic minor leagues. Star ratings are on a scale of one to fi e and assess overall talent level in each league.

TRIPLE-A

HIGH-A

ROOKIE

East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Central . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Arizona Complex . . . 38 Florida Complex . . . . 40

DOUBLE-A

LOW-A

Central . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Northeast . . . . . . . . . . 22 South . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Southeast . . . . . . . . . 34 West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

BRACE HEMMELGARN/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

Minor League All-Star Team . . . . . . .

OCTOBER 2021 • BASEBALLAMERICA.COM

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BRACE HEMMELGARN/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

performance Alec Zumwalt first saw Bobby Witt Jr. in person, what stood out to him immediately was

his personality.

“Be ready to hit. Be on time. And just hit the ball where it’s pitched, really. That’s kind of been my mantra.” —Bobby Witt Jr.

Whether Witt was in the lineup or slotted in at DH or taking a day off, he was always smiling. There was an easygoing, exciting presence to

done everything we’ve asked of him. He’s hit for

Witt that was infectious to everyone watching

power. He’s played defense. I mean, he’s a true

him and playing with him.

five-tool threat”

But when Zumwalt got more hands-on with

As Thorman mentioned, the game does

Kansas City’s 2019 first-round pick, he quickly

appear to come just a little bit easier to Witt than

realized the immense talent of the high school

other players. When asked about an area where

shortstop from Colleyville, Texas.

he struggled or found difficulties this year,

“The kid’s skill set is amazing,” Zumwalt said. “I have told a lot of people this, but right

But he did eventually find one. “I guess sometimes on the road, after games,

and simplify his mechanics and simplify his approach, it’s just so, so unique.” Witt’s first pro season was limited to 37 games in the Rookie-level Arizona League in 2019, but after losing the 2020 minor league season to the pandemic, he wasted no time getting back on track. After standing out in big league spring train-

it’s kind of tough to find a spot to eat,” Witt said with a chuckle. “That’s about it.”

hat’s not to say Witt has never been challenged or pushed. One just has to dig a bit deeper to find those moments. And given the lack of a 2020 season, the evi-

dence won’t be found in any box score. “During the month of April (in 2020), when he was at the alternate site, he was challenged,”

ing, Witt was assigned to Double-A Northwest

Zumwalt said. “He and I had some really good

Arkansas, where he hit .295/.369/.570 with

conversations through that. He was trying to do

16 home runs, 11 doubles and 14 stolen bases

some things that he didn’t necessarily need to

in 61 games. In mid July, after having recent-

do from a performance standpoint. We just had

ly turned 21, Witt was promoted to Triple-A

to get him back to being Bobby.”

Omaha. He performed even better there, hitting

At the Royals’ alternate training site in 2020,

.295/.361/.606 with 17 home runs, 24 doubles

Witt was facing more advanced arms than he

and 15 stolen bases.

would have faced in a typical season. The Royals

Through 120 total games, Witt had batted

went all-in on college pitchers in the early

.295/.365/.588 with 33 homers, 35 doubles

rounds of the 2018 draft, selecting the likes of

and 29 stolen bases. Omaha had five scheduled

righthanders Brady Singer, Jackson Kowar and

games remaining when this issue went to press.

Jonathan Bowlan and lefthanders Daniel Lynch

Among players 21 or younger who played in the upper minors this season, Witt’s offensive

and Kris Bubic, all before the third round. “He was facing better pitching than he would

production as measured by OPS (.953) stood

have faced during the season last year, every

out. D-backs outfielder Alek Thomas (.959) had

day,” Zumwalt said. “So I think his growth was

slightly edged Witt, but other notables pros-

pushed in the right direction.”

pects stood a pace behind, including the Mets’

There weren’t any mechanical changes that

Mark Vientos (.949), the Dodgers’ Miguel Vargas

Witt needed to make to adjust to the more

(.909) and the Tigers’ duo of Spencer Torkelson

advanced pitchers. He simply needed to contin-

(.906) and Riley Greene (.904).

ue doing what he always did, and let his natural

For his excellence at a young age and advanced level, Witt is the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year.

athleticism and baseball instincts take over. Zumwalt remembers having conversations with Witt, encouraging him to think back to

“He is a complete player,” Omaha manager

when he was a kid hitting with his dad, Bobby

Brian Poldberg said. “He can hit for power. He

Witt Sr., who pitched in the big leagues for 16

can hit for average. He can steal bases. He can

years, and just hitting naturally.

play shortstop. Most of the young guys who we

“I believe, more now than ever before in my

get now think the game owes them. And he plays

life, of the naturalness of a hitter,” Zumwalt

it like he owes the game.”

said. “Bobby has that naturalness to hit. And it

“He has an easiness on the field, but he works

UPPER-LEVELS ALL-STARS The top prospect performers at Triple-A and Double-A Triple-A statistics through Sept. 28, with five games to go

immediately come up with an answer.

was how he could simplify what was so hard for “His cognitive ability to simplify his thoughts

MJ Melendez

after skipping Class A entirely, Witt struggled to

from the start the thing that stood out to me most people—and most hitters.

EDDIE KELLY/PROLOOK PHOTOS

hen Royals director of hitting

would be the worst thing that ever happened to

extremely hard behind the scenes,” Northwest

him for someone to try and take that away or

Arkansas manager Scott Thorman said. “He’s

change that.”

TRIPLE-A

East • West

n Player of the Year: Keibert Ruiz, C, Rochester (Nationals) The Dodgers’ preseason No. 1 prospect delivered on his upside with a career year and was traded to Washington for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner at the deadline. n Pitcher of the Year: Joe Ryan, RHP, St. Paul (Twins) In addition to acing his first taste of Triple-A, Ryan pitched in the Tokyo Olympics, served as the centerpiece of the Nelson Cruz trade and made his MLB debut. os P C 1B 2B 3B SS OF OF OF DH

Player, Team Org Age AB Keibert Ruiz, OKC/Rochester WSH 22 284 Juan Yepez, Memphis STL 23 292 Michael Stefanic, Salt Lake LAA 25 383 Drew Ellis, Reno ARI 25 291 Jose Barrero, Louisville CIN 23 170 Khalil Lee, Syracuse NYM 23 280 Josh Lowe, Durham TB 23 385 Jake Meyers, Sugar Land HOU 25 271 Jose Marmolejos, Tacoma SEA 28 274

HR AVG OBP SLG 21 .310 .377 .616 21 .281 .374 .575 16 .342 .417 .520 20 .296 .402 .615 13 .306 .392 .594 13 .271 .449 .496 21 .291 .380 .538 16 .343 .408 .598 25 .350 .450 .690

os P SP SP SP SP SP RP

Pitcher, Team Jackson Kowar, Omaha Kyle Muller, Gwinnett Tommy Romero, Durham Joe Ryan, Durham/St. Paul Kyle Wright, Gwinnett Tony Santillan, Louisville

BB 34 39 20 12 44 15

DOUBLE-A

Org Age IP KC 24 81 ATL 23 77 TB 23 57 MIN 25 66 ATL 25 130 CIN 24 38

SO WHIP 115 1.24 85 1.32 64 0.98 92 0.79 129 1.20 51 1.05

ERA 3.46 3.40 3.45 3.41 3.18 2.13

Central • Northeast • South

n Player of the Year: MJ Melendez, C, Northwest Arkansas (Royals) Between his time at Double-A and Triple-A, the lefthanded-hitting Melendez reached home run totals typically reserved for journeymen first basemen. n Pitcher of the Year: Grayson Rodriguez, RHP, Bowie (Orioles) Rodriguez’s strikeout rate (41.5%) minus walk rate (6.8%) of 33.7% led all minor league pitchers with 100 innings, a strong indicator of future MLB success. os P C 1B 2B 3B SS OF OF OF DH Pos SP SP SP SP SP RP

Player, Team MJ Melendez, NW Arkansas Nick Pratto, NW Arkansas Jonathan Aranda, Montgomery Miguel Vargas, Tulsa Bobby Witt Jr., NW Arkansas Peyton Burdick, Pensacola Riley Greene, Erie Julio Rodriguez, Arkansas Jose Miranda, Wichita Pitcher, Team Jake Eder, Pensacola Max Meyer, Pensacola Grayson Rodriguez, Bowie Josh Winder, Wichita Cole Winn, Frisco Jovani Moran, Wichita

Org Age AB KC 22 298 KC 22 221 TB 23 274 LAD 21 327 KC 21 244 MIA 24 373 DET 20 326 SEA 20 174 MIN 23 194 Org Age IP MIA 22 71 MIA 22 101 BAL 21 80 MIN 24 55 TEX 21 78 MIN 24 38

HR AVG OBP SLG 28 .285 .372 .628 15 .271 .404 .570 10 .325 .410 .540 16 .321 .386 .523 16 .295 .369 .570 23 .231 .376 .472 16 .298 .381 .525 7 .362 .461 .546 13 .345 .408 .588 BB SO WHIP ERA 27 99 0.98 1.77 40 113 1.23 2.41 22 121 0.87 2.6 10 65 0.93 1.98 26 97 0.82 2.31 14 64 0.74 1.91 9

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9/29/21 10:51 AM

Perhaps the biggest change for Witt between now and when he was drafted second overall two years ago is his strength. He works out with Bobby Stroupe—who also trains Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes—in the MIKE JANES/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

offseason. The physical gains he has made in just a few years are noticeable. He’s less lean and more filled out, and he has noticed those changes in physical maturation in the batter’s box.

Eury Perez

“I am able to drive the ball to right field (and to) center field,” Witt said. “I am able to hit mistakes that might be a ball, but I can use my

CLASS A ALL-STARS

strength just to get it out to left field.”

The top prospect performers at High-A and Low-A Visit BaseballAmerica.com for complete statistics

HIGH-A

Among players 21 or younger this season, Witt’s 33 home runs ranked first. With five

Central • East • West

n Player of the Year: Andy Pages, OF, Great Lakes (Dodgers) The 20-year-old Cuban was the only player his age or younger to top 30 home runs this season. Pages successfully made the jump from Rookie ball in 2019. n Pitcher of the Year: Logan T. Allen, LHP, Lake County (Indians) The 2020 second-rounder out of Florida International dominated High-A Central hitters before moving to Double-A Akron, where he continued to shine. os P C 1B 2B 3B SS OF OF OF DH

Player, Team Org Age AB Francisco Alvarez, Brooklyn NYM 19 279 Vinnie Pasquantino, Quad Cities KC 23 237 Nick Gonzales, Greensboro PIT 22 324 Austin Shenton, Everett SEA 23 224 Anthony Volpe, Hudson Valley NYY 20 213 Matt Fraizer, Greensboro PIT 23 303 Andy Pages, Great Lakes LAD 20 438 George Valera, Lake County CLE 20 199 Griffin Conine, Beloit MIA 23 235

HR AVG OBP SLG 22 .247 .351 .538 13 .291 .384 .565 18 .302 .385 .565 11 .295 .418 .576 15 .286 .391 .587 20 .314 .401 .578 31 .265 .394 .539 16 .256 .430 .548 23 .247 .382 .587

os P SP SP SP SP SP RP

Pitcher, Team Org Age Logan T. Allen, Lake County CLE 22 Xzavion Curry, Lake County CLE 22 Zak Kent, Hickory TEX 23 Louie Varland, Cedar Rapids MIN 23 Ken Waldichuk, Hudson Valley NYY 23 Chris Wright, Eugene SF 22

BB 13 12 15 14 13 18

LOW-A

IP 51 68 60 56 31 37

SO WHIP 67 0.97 80 0.96 78 1.01 66 0.99 55 0.82 62 0.89

ERA 1.58 2.66 2.83 2.10 0.00 0.97

East • Southeast • West

n Player of the Year: Anthony Volpe, SS, Tampa (Yankees) The 2019 first-rounder opened scouts’ eyes in minor league spring training and carried that success through the season as the breakout prospect of 2021. n Pitcher of the Year: Eury Perez, RHP, Jupiter (Marlins) The 6-foot-8 Dominican righty showed uncommon stuff and sharp control, especially so for an 18-year-old who was the youngest pitcher in full-season ball. os P C 1B 2B 3B SS OF OF OF DH Pos SP SP SP SP SP RP

Player, Team Endy Rodriguez, Bradenton Curtis Mead, Charleston Nick Yorke, Salem Orelvis Martinez, Dunedin Anthony Volpe, Tampa Joe Gray Jr., Carolina Robert Hassell, Lake Elsinore Zac Veen, Fresno Jairo Pomares, San Jose Pitcher, Team Taj Bradley, Charleston Joey Estes, Augusta Kyle Harrison, San Jose Ryan Murphy, San Jose Eury Perez, Jupiter Randy Rodriguez, San Jose

Org Age AB PIT 21 377 TB 20 191 BOS 19 294 TOR 19 283 NYY 20 199 MIL 21 190 SD 19 365 COL 19 399 SF 20 199 Org Age IP TB 20 67 ATL 19 99 SF 19 99 SF 21 76 MIA 18 56 SF 21 62

HR AVG OBP SLG 15 .294 .380 .512 7 .356 .408 .586 10 .323 .413 .500 19 .279 .369 .572 12 .302 .455 .623 12 .289 .407 .632 7 .323 .415 .482 15 .301 .399 .501 14 .372 .429 .693 BB SO WHIP ERA 20 81 0.86 1.76 29 127 0.96 2.91 52 157 1.40 3.19 18 116 1.01 2.96 21 82 0.95 1.61 23 101 1.08 1.74

games remaining in the season, he topped the 21U age group at the upper levels with a .588 slugging percentage. He placed third with a .293 isolated slugging percentage. Witt played more games in Triple-A than any other player in his peer group. “The age he’s at, at the level he’s at, to do what he’s doing puts him in a very elite category,” Thorman said.

or as loud as Witt’s statistical performance has been, the people who have been around him don’t rave about his power or his bat speed or his slick

defensive ability. “You could probably ask any player in our organization—any coach or any clubhouse attendant, any trainer or strength and conditioning person—and they won’t even talk about these tools,” Royals scouting director Lonnie Goldberg said. “They will talk about what an incredible human being he is. And he is. He is the ultimate team player first. “When your best player could be your hardest worker and the greatest teammate, you have a chance to do enormous things as an organization. And that’s him to a T . . . He is as humble as you’re ever going to find. I can’t find enough accolades or boxes to check for Bobby Witt Jr. that are out there—he doesn’t leave anything unchecked.” Goldberg first saw Witt as an underclassman with USA Baseball. His athleticism and tools jumped out right away as a premium position player, and quickly afterward it became obvious how skilled he was, on top of his natural ability. Picking second in the 2019 draft, the Royals had a number of high-quality prospects to choose from after the Orioles drafted Oregon State catcher Adley Rutschman No. 1 overall. Kansas City could take a polished college hitter such as California first baseman Andrew Vaughn or Vanderbilt outfielder JJ Bleday. Or it could chase upside with a high school hitter

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such as Florida outfielder Riley Greene and Georgia shortstop CJ Abrams. “It was a good draft,” Goldberg said. “There were several players up at the top, and you have to be open-minded.” Even with a loaded group of high-end talent, it quickly became clear Witt was the Royals’ preferred choice. Opposing scouts would talk for his Colleyville Heritage High team, a Royals scout—or several—would be there and ask them why they were wasting their time.

BILL MITCHELL

about how any time they went to see Witt play Owen Caissie

About a month before the draft, the Royals

ROOKIE-LEVEL ALL-STARS

scouting department wasn’t too concerned with

The top prospect performers in Rookie Complex leagues Visit BaseballAmerica.com for complete statistics

continuing to scout him like a typical draft pick. “It wasn’t that you were totally evaluating him. You were enjoying him,” Goldberg said. “We had scouts from other areas come in and watch, because you want to make sure that as a scout you continue to develop. You want guys to see really good players so they can go back into their area or their region and compare.” While Witt might have indirectly helped scouts improve at their jobs, he directly benefited his teammates this season. He played alongside 2017 first- and second-round picks Nick Pratto and MJ Melendez at both Double-A and Triple-A. Both Pratto and Melendez have had loud bouncebacks after disappointing 2019 seasons at High-A. All three were first-team BA Minor League All-Stars this season. Witt was quick to credit Pratto hitting behind him for his own success, but those in the Royals Drafted out of high school in 2019, Bobby Witt Jr. was up to the challenge of the high minors this season, even without ever suiting up for a Royals’ Class A affiliate because the pandemic wiped away the 2020 season. Witt hit for average and power and showed outstanding speed and defense at shortstop as he climbed from Double-A to Triple-A.

organization think the group has helped elevate each other, given the combination of their talent and camaraderie off the field. The trio of Witt, Pratto and Melendez push each other to get better, and Witt has shown a thirst for reps and more knowledge wherever he

Arizona • Florida

n Player of the Year: Owen Caissie, OF, ACL Cubs Caissie was traded by the Padres to the Cubs as part of the offseason Yu Darvish deal. The 18-year-old Canadian showed huge power in his pro debut in Arizona. n Pitcher of the Year: Yaifer Perdomo, LHP, FCL Blue Jays Toronto signed the 5-foot-10 Venezuelan lefty in 2018 and dealt him to Arizona this year for Joakim Soria. Perdomo pitched his way to Low-A in late August. Pos Player, Team

Org Age

C 1B 2B 3B SS OF OF OF DH

CIN NYY CHC BOS MIA CHC CHC SD BAL

94 66 101 69 92 119 109 86 76

4 8 6 4 1 5 6 3 4

Andruw Salcedo, Reds Anthony Garcia, Yankees James Triantos, Cubs Blaze Jordan, Red Sox Jose Salas, Marlins Kevin Alcantara, Cubs Owen Caissie, Cubs James Wood, Padres Coby Mayo, Orioles

18 20 18 18 18 18 18 18 19

HR AVG OBP SLG .362 .318 .327 .362 .370 .345 .349 .372 .329

.459 .459 .376 .408 .458 .423 .478 .465 .440

.543 .697 .594 .667 .511 .588 .596 .535 .566

Pos Pitcher, Team

Org Age

SO WHIP ERA

SP SP SP SP SP

CIN PIT TB TOR TOR

21 26 33 33 24

4 0 7 14 5

35 29 44 59 39

Gabriel Aguilera, Reds Po-Yu Chen, Pirates Antonio Jimenez, Rays Yaifer Perdomo, Blue Jays Kendry Rojas, Blue Jays

20 19 20 19 18

0.71 0.69 0.92 1.00 0.80

1.29 0.69 1.65 2.45 2.28

DOMINICAN SUMMER LEAGUE

can get it. He’s constantly picking the brains of teammates and coaches and instructors—writing down notes from conversations that others might think of as routine and endlessly preparing for taking that next step. “It’s always in the back of everyone’s head,” Witt said about making his major league debut. “But I just try to be where my feet are at and take everything day by day. I think that’s helped with everything, not trying to look at, ‘Oh, I should be here or I should be here,’ or trying to play GM. “I just have to go out there and do my job and when the time’s right, the time’s right.”

BRACE HEMMELGARN FOUR SEAM IMAGES

COMPLEX LEAGUES

Given Witt’s outstanding 2021 campaign, fans in Kansas City will likely see him penciled into the MLB lineup sooner rather than later. And when Witt does get the call, he’ll be worth the price of admission. Royals fans have seen plenty of homegrown prospect talent blossom in the big leagues. Eric

n Player of the Year: Gabriel Gonzalez, OF, DSL Mariners Signed out of Venezuela in January, Gonzalez is 5-foot-10 corner outfielder with high offensive upside. His .931 OPS ranked fifth among 17-year-olds in the DSL. n Pitcher of the Year: Joel Diaz, RHP, DSL Mets The Dominican righthander completely carved up DSL hitters, striking out onethird of them while allowing just nine walks and two earned runs in 13 starts. Pos Player, Team

Org Age

HR AVG OBP SLG

C 1B 2B 3B SS OF OF OF DH Pos

Onil Perez, Giants SF 18 Daniel Montesino, Padres SD 17 Adrian Pinto, Rockies COL 18 Cristian Santana, Tigers DET 17 Victor Acosta, Padres SD 17 Yanquiel Fernandez, Rockies COL 18 Gabriel Gonzalez, Mariners SEA 17 Samuel Zavala, Padres SD 16 Carlos Jorge, Reds CIN 17 Pitcher, Team Org Age

83 152 143 152 154 150 160 161 133 IP

2 3 2 7 5 5 6 2 3 BB

SP SP SP SP SP

Gabriel Agostini, Nationals Joel Diaz, Mets Fernando Guanare, Angels Victor Juarez, Rockies Adrian Quintana, Mariners

28 43 46 27 48

6 9 1 6 9

WSH NYM LAA COL SEA

16 17 18 18 18

.313 .477 .322 .468 .371 .486 .276 .418 .292 .434 .340 .423 .306 .392 .304 .399 .361 .442 SO WHIP 34 54 49 34 50

0.87 0.76 0.89 0.64 0.69

.422 .513 .545 .507 .506 .547 .556 .503 .586 ERA 0.65 0.42 1.96 0.68 1.88

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MINOR LEAGUE ALL-STAR TEAM The best minor league performances by the best prospects in baseball capsules by KYLE

C M.J. MELENDEZ | ROYALS TRIPLE-A OMAHA

Melendez overhauled his stance, swing and approach at the alternate training site in 2020 and re-emerged this year as one of the minors’ top power hitters. Melendez led the minors with 41 home runs, ranked second with a .628 slugging percentage and fifth with a 1.011 OPS while rising from Double-A to Triple-A. He did it all while playing 79 of his 119 games at catcher, where he threw out 31% of basestealers and impressed with his athleticism behind the plate. 1B NICK PRATTO | ROYALS

TRIPLE-A OMAHA

Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and Alex Gordon were Kansas City first-round picks who helped lead the franchise to a World Series championship in 2015. Poldberg was around when that group was working its way through the minor leagues and didn’t hesitate with where he’d place Witt among them. “In 2010, I had Hosmer and Moustakas, and in 2011, Wil Myers,” Poldberg said. “(Witt) is at the top of that bunch.” For his part, Witt is just trying to keep to his simple approach on both sides of the ball.

2B JOSE MIRANDA | TWINS TRIPLE-A ST. PAUL

A supplemental second-round pick out of Puerto Rico in 2016, Miranda scuffled the first few years of his career before breaking out in 2021. The 23-year-old infielder hit .342/.400/.565 with 29 home runs and 92 RBIs

“Be ready to hit. Be on time. And just hit the ball

DOUBLE-A TULSA

Vargas hit over .300 at every level since signing with the Dodgers out of Cuba and grew into newfound power this year. He hit .319/.380/.526 with a career-high 23 home runs and 76 RBIs while rising from High-A to Double-A and even stole 11 bases in 12 attempts to add to his offensive production. Vargas finished second in the minors in runs scored (98) and ranked third in hits (154) and sixth in total bases (254). SS BOBBY WITT JR. | ROYALS TRIPLE-A OMAHA

After a sensational showing in spring training, Witt tore through Double-A and Triple-A in 2021 to solidify himself as one of the top prospects in the game. He led the minors in extra-base hits (72), finished second in total bases (285), was fourth in home runs (33) and also ranked in the top 10 in hits, runs, doubles and RBIs. Overall Witt hit .295/.365/.588 and also stole 29 bases to approach a 30-30 season with five games to go. OF RILEY GREENE | TIGERS Greene appeared to be on the fast track after the Tigers drafted him fifth overall in 2019. After spending last year at the alternate training site, he picked up right where he left off and zipped through the upper minors at age 20. Greene hit .295/.380/.524 with 23 home runs, 81 RBIs and 15 stolen bases while moving from Double-A Toledo to Triple-A Erie. He ranked eighth in the minors in both hits and total bases, and his .904 OPS was the highest of any player with a baseball age of 20 or younger in the upper levels this season.

been my mantra . . . I try to just make the little things happen. Having that mindset really just makes the game a lot easier. “I learned that I don’t have to do much more than be myself. That was the biggest thing I think I learned this year. I don’t have to take it a step up (in Double-A), go to Triple-A, ‘Oh, I have to make myself even better.’ “No, I just really have to go out there and be Bobby

OF ANDY PAGES | DODGERS

Witt Jr., make things as simple as possible and go out

HIGH-A GREAT LAKES

there and have fun.”

Pages jumped to High-A Great Lakes for his full-season debut and laid waste to opposing pitchers. He showcased prodigious power with 31 home runs, tied for seventh in the minors, and also finished among the minor league leaders in runs (96), RBIs (88) and extrabase hits (57). In addition to his offensive production, Pages recorded nine outfield assists while seeing time in both center and right field.

So far, Witt has lived up to all the hype and expectations that come with being the No. 2 overall draft pick, the BA High School Player of the Year and now the Minor League Player of the Year. It’s hard to say with any certainty what will come next, but those closest to Witt expect that it will be something special. “I’ll be honest with you, I’m not going to tell

OF JULIO RODRIGUEZ | MARINERS

you who he reminds me of, because it’s not fair to

DOUBLE-A ARKANSAS

Bobby,” Zumwalt said. “Bobby Witt Jr. is going to be Bobby Witt Jr . . . I refuse to put a ceiling on what he could be. that it’s going to be a great story.” n

3B MIGUEL VARGAS | DODGERS

TRIPLE-A TOLEDO

where it’s pitched, really,” Witt said. “That’s kind of

“Because he’s going to write that story. And I think

between Double-A and Triple-A. He led the minors in both hits (176) and total bases (292) while emerging as a potential part of the Twins’ future. Drafted as a shortstop, Miranda showcased increased defensive versatility after slimming down and made at least 25 starts at first base, second base and third base.

Nick Pratto

Rodriguez’s season was interrupted four times: the first two times to play for the Dominican Republic in Olympic qualifiers, then for the Futures Game in Denver and finally to represent the D.R. in the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. In between it all, Rodriguez starred

BRACE HEMMELGARN FOUR SEAM IMAGES; MIKE JANES/FOUR SEAM IMAGES; EDDIE KELLY/PROLOOK PHOTOS

The Royals had their pick of several elite talents in the 2019 draft, but they knew early on that Bobby Witt Jr. was their pick at No. 2 overall.

Like Melendez, Pratto overhauled his swing at the Royals’ alternate training site last year and blossomed into a prolific power hitter. He ranked third in the minors with 34 home runs, tied for fourth with 92 RBIs and posted a .974 OPS while splitting the season between Double-A and Triple-A. Pratto added 11 stolen bases and compounded his offensive performance with slick glovework at first base, where he made just two errors the entire season.

GLASER

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BRACE HEMMELGARN FOUR SEAM IMAGES; MIKE JANES/FOUR SEAM IMAGES; EDDIE KELLY/PROLOOK PHOTOS

*All statistics and rankings through Sept. 28, with five days remaining in the Triple-A season.

SP CADE CAVALLI | NATIONALS TRIPLE-A ROCHESTER

Cavalli shot up three levels in his pro debut, blowing hitters away at High-A Wilmington and Double-A Harrisburg before finishing the year at Triple-A Syracuse. He posted a combined 3.08 ERA in 23 starts among the three levels and finished first in the minors with 174 strikeouts. Cavalli had six games of at least 11 strikeouts, including one High-A start in which he threw seven no-hit innings with 15 strikeouts. SP MAX MEYER | MARLINS TRIPLE-A JACKSONVILLE

Cade Cavalli

The third overall pick in the 2020 draft, Meyer made a huge jump to Double-A to begin his pro career and handled it impressively. He rose to Triple-A in September and finished eighth in the minors with a 2.38 ERA. . Even with stuff that wasn’t quite as sharp as it was in college, Meyer held opponents to two runs or fewer in 17 of 21 starts and averaged 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings.

Matt Brash

SP GRAYSON RODRIGUEZ | ORIOLES for High-A Everett and Double-A Arkansas, batting .347/.441/.560 with 13 home runs, 47 RBIs and 21 stolen bases in just 74 games. He also starred on an international stage at the Olympics, batting .417 to lead the Dominicans to a bronze medal.

SP TAJ BRADLEY | RAYS

DOUBLE-A BOWIE

HIGH-A BOWLING GREEN

Rodriguez turned in a dominant first full season in 2019 and earned glowing reviews at instructional league last fall. He continued his rise this year at High-A Aberdeen and Double-A Bowie. Rodriguez held opponents to a .159 average, second-lowest among qualified starters in the minors, tied for second with a 0.83 WHIP and finished seventh with a 2.36 ERA. In perhaps his most amazing feat, he held opponents to one earned run or fewer in 17 of his 23 starts.

Bradley became the latest breakout prospect for the Rays with a dominant season across both Class A levels. The 20-year-old righthander led the minors with a 1.83 ERA, tied for second in wins (12) and was eighth in both opponent average (.180) and WHIP (0.93). He went nearly a month in July and August without allowing a run and allowed only one earned run in his final four starts.

DH ANTHONY VOLPE | YANKEES HIGH-A HUDSON VALLEY

If not for Bobby Witt Jr.’s Minor League Player of the Year campaign, Volpe’s season would represent the best of any shortstop in the minors. We were able to honor both players by slotting Volpe at DH. The 2019 first-round pick broke out loudly at Low-A Tampa and High-A Hudson Valley, batting .294/.423/.604 with 27 home runs, 86 RBIs and 33 stolen bases to finish just shy of a 30-30 season. The 20-year-old led the minors in runs scored (113), tied for the minor league lead in OPS (1.027) and ranked seventh in total bases (249).

SP MATT BRASH | MARINERS DOUBLE-A ARKANSAS

RP CHRIS WRIGHT | GIANTS

The Mariners acquired Brash from the Padres for reliever Taylor Williams last summer. This season, Brash showed some of the nastiest stuff in the minors at High-A Everett and Double-A Arkansas. He finished sixth among minor league starters with a 2.31 ERA, ranked seventh with a .178 opponent average and struck out 35% of all batters faced, good for 10th in the minors.

HIGH-A EUGENE

FIRST TEAM P os Player (Highest Level) C M.J. Melendez, Royals (AAA) 1B Nick Pratto, Royals (AAA) 2B Jose Miranda, Twins (AAA) 3B Miguel Vargas, Dodgers (AA) SS Bobby Witt Jr., Royals (AAA) OF Riley Greene, Tigers (AAA) OF Andy Pages, Dodgers (HiA) OF Julio Rodriguez, Mariners (AA) DH Anthony Volpe, Yankees (HiA)

Wright shut down hitters as the closer for both Low-A San Jose and High-A Eugene. The 22-year-old lefthander tied for second in the minors with 21 saves, and his 1.00 ERA was the lowest of any pitcher who pitched at least 45 innings. His 45.7% strikeout rate was the second-highest of any pitcher with 45 innings. n

SECOND TEAM Age 22 22 23 21 21 20 20 20 20

os Pitcher (Highest Level) P Age SP Taj Bradley, Rays (HiA) 20 SP Matt Brash, Mariners (AA) 23 SP Cade Cavalli, Nationals (AAA) 23 SP Max Meyer, Marlins (AAA) 22 SP Grayson Rodriguez, Orioles (AA) 21 RP Chris Wright, Giants (HiA) 22

AVG .284 .263 .342 .318 .295 .295 .265 .347 .294

OBP .384 .380 .400 .380 .365 .380 .394 .441 .423

SLG .627 .594 .568 .525 .588 .524 .539 .560 .604

W 12 6 7 6 9 4

L ERA 3 1.83 4 2.31 8 3.08 3 2.38 1 2.36 0 1.00

AB 429 433 514 484 485 471 438 291 412

G 23 20 23 21 23 37

H HR RBI BB SO SB 122 41 97 73 110 3 114 34 92 78 152 11 176 29 92 41 73 4 154 23 75 45 89 11 143 33 95 49 127 29 139 23 81 60 149 15 116 31 88 77 132 6 101 13 47 43 66 21 121 27 86 78 101 33

GS 22 19 23 21 23 0

IP 103 97 123 106 103 45

H BB SO WHIP 65 31 123 0.93 63 48 142 1.14 94 57 174 1.23 86 41 123 1.23 58 27 161 0.83 19 21 79 0.89

os Player (Highest Level) P Age AVG OBP SLG AB H HR RBI BB SO SB C Adley Rutschman, Orioles (AAA) 23 .286 .399 .513 433 124 23 75 77 86 3 1B Spencer Torkelson, Tigers (AAA) 22 .267 .380 .554 415 111 29 89 72 111 4 2B Nick Yorke, Red Sox (HiA) 19 .325 .412 .516 378 123 14 62 52 69 13 3B Jordan Walker, Cardinals (HiA) 19 .317 .388 .548 325 103 14 48 33 87 14 SS Jose Barrero, Reds (AAA) 23 .303 .380 .539 330 100 19 66 36 84 16 OF Josh Lowe, Rays (AAA) 23 .291 .380 .538 385 112 21 75 58 118 26 OF Jake Meyers, Astros (AAA) 25 .343 .408 .598 271 93 16 51 25 59 10 OF Joey Wiemer, Brewers (HiA) 22 .295 .403 .556 396 117 27 77 63 105 30 DH Vinnie Pasquantino, Royals (AA) 23 .300 .394 .563 437 131 24 84 64 64 6 os Pitcher (Highest Level) P SP Logan T. Allen, Indians (AA) SP Shane Baz, Rays (AAA) SP Ryne Nelson, D-backs (AA) SP Eury Perez, Marlins (HiA) SP Tommy Romero, Rays (AAA) RP Dauri Moreta, Reds (AAA)

Age 23 22 23 18 24 25

W 9 5 7 3 7 6

L ERA 0 2.26 4 2.06 4 3.17 5 1.96 2 2.73 0 1.02

G 21 17 22 20 22 42

GS IP 19 111 17 79 22 116 20 78 20 105 0 53

H BB SO WHIP 77 26 143 0.93 50 12 113 0.80 87 40 163 1.09 43 26 108 0.89 72 30 139 0.97 31 9 58 0.76 13

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#2 TRIPLE-A EAST #1 DOUBLE-A NORTHEAST

WANDER FRANCO SS, RAYS #1 TRIPLE-A EAST

JULIO RODRIGUEZ OF, MARINERS #2 DOUBLE-A CENTRAL #1 HIGH-A WEST

BRIAN WESTERHOLT/FOUR SEAM IMAGES; MIKE JANES/FOUR SEAM IMAGES; LARRY GOREN/FOUR SEAM IMAGES; MIKE JANES/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

ADLEY RUTSCHMAN C, ORIOLES

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MILB TOP 10 PROSPECTS

Fast-forward to 2021. Minor League Top 10

Even Opening Day was different, pushed back

THE SAME BUT DIFFERENT

Prospects rankings return in the 40th anni-

a month to May 4 by the lingering pandemic.

versary year of BA. They have never been more

Most minor leagues dropped from 140 sched-

welcome after the coronavirus pandemic wiped

uled games to 120, and for the first time the

out the 2020 minor league season.

regular season extended far past Labor Day.

Our signature Minor League Top 10 Prospects rankings return with a new look after a lost season

rankings are the same but different. That’s

19, while Triple-A stretched to Oct. 3, shadow-

because the minor leagues look different in 2021

ing the MLB season.

This year’s Minor League Top 10 Prospects

than they did in 2019.

Despite the changes, Baseball America’s

The biggest change was a product of Major

MATT EDDY

Most leagues completed their schedules on Sept.

aim remains the same. We strive to identify

League Baseball assuming complete control

the most promising prospects in all domestic

hile Minor League Top 10 Prospects rankings aren’t the last

of the minor leagues last offseason, follow-

minor leagues. n

word on future stars, they were the first prospect rankings to

ing the expiration of the Professional Baseball

appear in Baseball America when it launched 40 years ago.

Agreement between MLB and the minors.

Founding editor Allan Simpson had a network of minor

MLB restructured the minor leagues to bet-

league correspondents in place from the beginning in 1981. That October,

ter suit its 30 organizations, both in terms of

in the 10th issue of BA ever printed, the first league-by-league prospect

better facility standards and reduced travel

rankings appeared.

expenditures. It reclassified a number of minor

Those rankings included scouting reports for the top 10 prospects in

league affiliates—while dropping others—and

every full-season minor league, gleaned primarily from conversations

even eliminated the short-season level between

with league managers and scouts. Short-season leagues were incorporated

Rookie ball and Low-A.

into the coverage in 1982.

As a result, the number of domestic minor

The first volume of rankings in 1981 included future Hall of Famers Cal

leagues shrank from 16 to 13. The leagues

Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn, then at Triple-A. That issue also featured

themselves took on bland, unfamiliar names. A

Darryl Strawberry and Don Mattingly as ranked prospects, a few years

new schedule format of six-game series, fol-

before they became two of the biggest stars in the Big Apple.

lowed by an off day, was introduced at all levels.

HOW PLAYERS QUALIFY • All players who entered the season as prospects are eligible for these rankings. That includes all players who had not exceeded 130 MLB at-bats or 50 MLB innings prior to 2021.

• This year we introduced uniform qualifying thresholds for each league that equate to players spending roughly one-third of the season in a league. Players in full-season leagues require 120 plate appearances or 40 innings in that league. Those in the Rookielevel Arizona or Florida complex leagues require 50 PAs or 15 IP.

No. 1 Smash Hits Baseball America has ranked prospects in every minor league for 40 years. A high number of those league No. 1 prospects have gone on to star in the major leagues. Here is a top 10 ranking of Minor League Top 10 Prospects broken down by decade. Consideration is given to prospect esteem, in the form of multiple No. 1 league rankings, which are listed here, and subsequent MLB value.

The abbreviations for minor leagues and levels are as follows: Triple-A Double-A High-A Low-A Short-season Rookie Rookie complex

American Association (AA), International (IL), Pacific Coast (PCL) Eastern (EL), Southern (SL), Texas (TL) California (CAL), Carolina (CAR), Florida State (FSL) Midwest (MWL), South Atlantic (SAL) New York-Penn (NYP), Northwest (NWL) Appalachian (APP), Pioneer (PIO) Arizona (AZL), Gulf Coast (GCL)

BRIAN WESTERHOLT/FOUR SEAM IMAGES; MIKE JANES/FOUR SEAM IMAGES; LARRY GOREN/FOUR SEAM IMAGES; MIKE JANES/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

1980s

1990s

1. Ken Griffey Jr., OF, Mariners

87 NWL, 88 CAL

1. Andruw Jones, OF, Braves

95 SAL, 96 CAR, 96 SL

2. Jose Canseco, OF, Athletics

85 SL, 85 PCL

2. Adrian Beltre, 3B, Dodgers

96 SAL, 97 FSL, 98 TL

85 APP, 86 CAR, 87 TL

3. Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers

90 FSL, 91 TL

88 PIO, 89 CAL, 90 PCL

4. Chipper Jones, SS, Braves

92 CAR, 92 SL

3. Gregg Jefferies, SS, Mets 4. Jose Offerman, SS, Dodgers 5. Ramon Martinez, RHP, Dodgers

5. Alex Rodriguez, SS, Mariners

86 PIO, 87 CAL

6. Rick Ankiel, LHP, Cardinals

7. Juan Samuel, 2B, Phillies

82 CAR, 83 PCL

7. Jim Thome, 3B, Indians

8. Randy Myers, LHP, Mets

84 CAR, 86 IL

9. Steve Avery, LHP, Braves Ken Griffey Jr.

87 FSL, 88 TL

6. Gary Sheffield, SS, Brewers

88 APP, 89 CAR

10. Glenn Braggs, OF, Brewers

83 APP, 84 CAL, 86 PCL

Andruw Jones

2000s

90 APP, 91 EL, 92 IL

8. Miguel Tejada, SS, Athletics

95 NWL, 96 CAL, 97 SL

9. Johnny Damon, OF, Royals

92 GCL, 94 CAR, 95 TL

10. Kerry Wood, RHP, Cubs

96 FSL, 97 AA

2010s

1. Joe Mauer, C, Twins

01 APP, 02 MWL, 03 FSL, 03 EL

1. Mike Trout, OF, Angels

09 AZL, 10 MWL, 10 CAL, 11 TL

2. Felix Hernandez, RHP, Mariners

03 NWL, 04 CAL, 04 TL

2. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 3B, Blue Jays 16 APP, 17 MWL, 17 FSL, 18 EL

3. Josh Beckett, RHP, Marlins

00 MWL, 01 FSL, 01 EL

3. Wander Franco, SS, Rays

4. Jay Bruce, OF, Reds

05 PIO, 06 MWL, 07 FSL, 07 IL, 08 IL

5. Buster Posey, C, Giants 6. Clayton Kershaw, LHP, Dodgers 7. Delmon Young, OF, Rays 8. Justin Upton, OF, D-backs 9. Matt Wieters, C, Orioles Joe Mauer

94 MWL, 95 PCL 98 CAR, 99 TL, 99 PCL

10. Mark Teixeira, 3B, Rangers

18 APP, 19 MWL, 19 FSL, 21 AAA East

4. Bryce Harper, OF, Nationals

11 SAL, 11 EL

09 CAL, 09 PCL, 10 PCL

5. Kris Bryant, 3B, Cubs

06 GCL, 07 MWL, 08 SL

6. Ronald Acuña Jr., OF, Braves

17 SL, 17 IL

04 SAL, 05 SL, 05 IL, 06 IL

7. Francisco Lindor, SS, Indians

13 CAR, 15 IL

07 CAL, 07 SL

8. Giancarlo Stanton, OF, Marlins

08 CAR, 08 EL, 09 IL 02 FSL, 02 TL

9. Byron Buxton, OF, Twins Mike Trout

10. Jose Fernandez, RHP, Marlins

13 NWL, 14 SL, 14 PCL

09 FSL, 10 SL 12 GCL, 12 APP, 13 MWL, 13 FSL 12 SAL, 12 FSL

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TOP 10

PROSPECTS

TRIPLE-A

TRIPLE-A EAST HHHH

BEASTS OF THE TRIPLE-A EAST

The new 20-team Triple-A league featured five of the most elite prospects in baseball by MARK

CHIARELLI

Looking for the game’s brightest young stars in 2021? Just turn your attention to the Triple-A East, the 20-team behemoth that preserved the old 14-team International League while bringing aboard six other franchises, four from what was the Pacific Coast League. By season’s end, four of the game’s five best prospects—Adley Rutschman, Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene—reached Triple-A and qualified for our list. So, too, did Wander Franco, who opened the year as baseball’s No. 1 prospect at Durham before climbing to Tampa Bay in late June. The incredible prospect depth at Triple-A East made it exceptionally difficult for breakout names like Juan Yepez (Cardinals) and Dalton Kelly (Rays) to receive notice. It’s also why multiple Top 100 types, such as Cristian Pache, Drew Waters and Nolan Jones, couldn’t even crack the top 10 after struggling in 2021.

Preseason No. 1 prospect Wander Franco needed just 39 games to earn his first callup to the big leagues.

1. Wander Franco, SS Durham (Rays) AGE: 20. B-T: B-R. HT: 5-10. WT: 189. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2017

2. Adley Rutschman, C Norfolk (Orioles) AGE: 23. B-T: B-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 220. DRAFTED: Oregon State, 2019 (1st round). Double-A managers showered Rutschman with superlatives in Best Tools balloting, and he showed the same qualities upon his arrival at Triple-A with Norfolk. Rutschman pairs easy plus power from both sides of the plate with an advanced, patient approach. He walked nearly as frequently as he struck out, and his chase rate at Triple-A was among the lowest of any prospect to make this list. Rutschman’s plate discipline allows him to hunt mistakes, and his swing is geared to crush them. If there was anything to quibble with—and one truly has to nitpick in this case—it’s that Rutschman’s swing is more lofted from the left side, and Triple-A

pitchers had some early success attacking him both at the top of the strike zone and with sliders. Defensively, Rutschman’s blocking is fundamentally sound and his plus arm strength allows him to make every throw. Baseball’s No. 1 prospect looks every bit of a future franchise cornerstone in Baltimore.

3. Bobby Witt Jr., SS Omaha (Royals) AGE: 21. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 200. DRAFTED: HS—Colleyville, Texas, 2019 (1st round). Witt tormented upper-level pitchers in 2021, which included 17 homers through his first 59 games for Omaha. His overall game is so complete, it’s easy to forget this was his first year in full-season ball. Witt is a true five-tool player. His powerful swing is geared toward lofting pitches a long way, and he crushed fastballs and sliders alike in his time at Triple-A. He’s a dynamic defender, plays with a unique ferocity and made strides to alleviate some of the swing-and-miss concerns in his game. A plus runner, Witt’s speed and athleticism often

surprised both managers and evaluators seeing him for the first time. One rival manager predicted Witt’s stolen base numbers could soon improve once he gains more experience on the basepaths.

4. Riley Greene, OF Toledo (Tigers) AGE: 20. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-3. WT: 200. DRAFTED: HS—Oviedo, Fla., 2019 (1st round). The Tigers promoted both Greene and Spencer Torkelson to Triple-A Toledo in mid August. Greene made an immediate impact, hitting .290 with power through his first 36 games. Greene’s pure hitting ability rivals any prospect in the minors, leading evaluators to speculate he could one day compete for batting titles. He checks all the boxes—ample bat speed, barrel control and a mature all-fields approach—and he takes aggressive swings on pitches in the zone, to the point one Triple-A manager speculated it intimidates opposing pitchers. Greene is an above-average defender in center field despite lacking the top-end speed, and most

BRIAN WESTERHOLT/FOUR SEAM IMAGES; MIKE JANES/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

Wander Franco’s only taste of the upper levels was the 40 games he spent with Durham. He aptly combated older Triple-A pitchers with his discerning plate discipline and exceptional pure hitting ability. Franco’s swing from both sides holds up even against the most stringent scrutiny. His flat bat path allowed him to handle pitches in all areas of the strike zone, particularly punishing offerings in the upper third. Triple-A pitchers rarely generated swings and misses from Franco—14% whiff rate, according to Synergy Sports—and even less so on fastballs, which he missed on just 8% of his swings. Franco proved in batting practice that he has plus power in the tank. Tampa Bay called on Franco, who is younger than every college player selected in the first round of this year’s draft, to aid their pennant push. He appeared ready to become a dark horse American League Rookie of the Year candidate before a hamstring injury sidelined him in early September.

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BRIAN WESTERHOLT/FOUR SEAM IMAGES; MIKE JANES/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

TRIPLE-A EAST TOP 10 PROSPECTS Batters require 120 plate appearances and pitchers 40 innings to qualify for this ranking. give him a shot to stick there. He played all three outfield positions while with Toledo.

No. Player, Pos, Team (Organization)

1. Wander Franco, SS, Durham (Rays)

163 31 51

.313

.372 .583

5. Spencer Torkelson, 1B

2. Adley Rutschman, C, Norfolk (Orioles)

138 22 44

.319

.415 .522

3. Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Omaha (Royals)

241 53 71

60 15

.295

.361 .606

4. Riley Greene, OF, Toledo (Tigers)

145 32 42

.290

.377 .524

5. Spencer Torkelson, 1B, Toledo (Tigers)

131 31 31

.237

.335 .534

7. Vidal Brujan, 2B/OF/SS, Durham (Rays)

372 73 98

67 43

.263

.347 .438

8. Jose Barrero, SS, Louisville (Reds)

170 31 52

.306

.392 .594

9. Jarren Duran, OF, Worcester (Red Sox)

222 42 58

60 15

.261

.355 .536

Toledo (Tigers) AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 220. DRAFTED: Arizona State, 2020 (1st round). Torkelson played at three different levels in 2021, ending in Toledo alongside Riley Greene. Torkelson wasn’t overly productive in his first Triple-A foray, but all the indicators suggesting Torkelson possesses immense hitting upside remain intact. Torkelson has massive power potential and impressive strike-zone judgment. He has a complete package with the potential to hit .300 with 30-plus home runs at his peak. His defensive future also appeared to crystallize at Toledo, where he played strictly first base after spending about half his time at third base at High-A and Double-A.

AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 190. DRAFTED: HS—Tomball, Texas, 2017 (1st round/Pirates). Baz refined his strike-throwing to emerge as one of the game’s top pitching prospects in 2021. Triple-A East managers voted Baz the top pitching prospect in the league, and the righthander now looks far more like a future mid-rotation starter after many projected him as a future power reliever even a year ago. Baz has impressive arm speed and two plus pitches. His fastball sits 96-98 mph, and he can throttle it up or down to manipulate the velocity with ease. He pairs it with a wicked, plus slider, and the Rays were encouraged with the progress of Baz’s changeup, which he’s beginning to trust in higher leverage situations.

2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

W L

ERA

1.76 10 10

28 10

10. Matthew Liberatore, LHP, Memphis (Cardinals)

4.15 21 18

121 122 66

33 119 .261

BY THE NUMBERS

G GS

SV IP

CS AVG OBP SLG

6. Shane Baz, RHP, Durham (Rays)

HR BB SO AVG 64 .173

The number of stolen bases by Rays prospect Vidal Brujan with Durham. That total led all Triple-A players and showcased the 23-year-old’s game-changing speed. *Statistics through Sept. 28. The season had five games remaining when we went to press.

Baz cut his walk rate nearly in half in 2021, an impressive development considering he walked more than four batters per nine innings in 2019.

7. Vidal Brujan, 2B/OF/SS Durham (Rays) AGE: 23. B-T: B-R. HT: 5-9. WT: 180. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2014. Brujan is considered one of the more dynamic players in Tampa Bay’s loaded farm system thanks to an impressive blend of speed, contact ability and versatility. Power potential was never a major component. So when Brujan hit seven homers through his first 22 games for Durham this year after previously never hitting more than nine in a season, eyebrows were raised. Those gains didn’t quite hold up throughout the rest of the season. Brujan posted a .719 OPS with four homers through his next 77 games, sandwiched around a lackluster big league debut when he hit .077 in 26 at-bats. Brujan’s long-term profile remains very much intact. He has game-changing speed he used to lead all Triple-A East players with 43 steals as of Sept. 28. He makes a ton of contact from both sides of the plate, though he makes more impact from the left. His defensive value could ultimately come from his ability to play several positions adequately, and at his best could steal as many as 50 bases while adding 10-15 homers.

8. Jose Barrero, SS Louisville (Reds) AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 175. SIGNED: Cuba, 2017.

Riley Greene didn’t blink at being pushed all the way to Triple-A at age 20. He even showed off batting title upside with a good chance to stick in center field.

No. Pitcher, Pos, Team (Organization)

6. Shane Baz, RHP Durham (Rays)

The Reds turned to Barrero during the shortened 2020 season in dire need of shortstop help despite Barrero having never played in the upper minors. Predictably, he struggled, striking out nearly 38% of the time, but it was clear then Barrero possessed an impressive tool set. Barrero proved it again this year. He made meaningful changes to his approach, posting a career-best 10% walk rate with Louisville as he tried to avoid expanding the zone and chasing offspeed pitches. He does quite a bit of damage when he can square balls up and has all the skills to be a plus defender at shortstop, albeit with more refinement needed. His strides came amid a challenging year. He changed his

last name from Garcia to Barrero at the start of the season to honor his mother, who died from Covid-19 complications.

9. Jarren Duran, OF Worcester (Red Sox) AGE: 25. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 200. DRAFTED: Long Beach State, 2018 (7th round). Duran made significant swing changes in 2020 while stashed away at the Red Sox’s alternate site, dropping his hands and upping his leg kick in pursuit of added loft in his swing to unlock his ample power more regularly. Duran excelled against Triple-A pitchers, hitting .262 with 15 homers through 51 games at hitter-friendly Worcester, while also playing for Team USA during Olympic qualifying. But his MLB debut was far less productive. Boston called up Duran in mid July, installing him as an everyday outfield option. Duran hit just .215 and struck out nearly 36% of the time, continuing to tinker with his swing as MLB pitchers exposed holes at the top of the zone and in his approach. But evaluators most bullish on Duran’s swing changes maintain he has a chance to be a dynamic power-speed option who can stick in center field with more refinement.

10. Matthew Liberatore, LHP Memphis (Cardinals) AGE: 21. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-5. WT: 200. DRAFTED: HS—Glendale, Ariz., 2018 (1st round, Rays). Still just 21, Liberatore has long been regarded as a polished lefthander with mid-rotation upside. He has never had overly loud stuff, but a combination of four average to above-average pitches and strong command allowed Liberatore to succeed at every level. Quietly, though, Liberatore added a few ticks to his fastball down the stretch, touching 97 mph deep into multiple outings in late September. The velo spike was notable after Liberatore mostly sat at 90-93 mph early in the season, and he had success in his new range, posting a 2.83 ERA since Aug. 1. Liberatore’s velocity band has oscillated dating back to his amateur days, so he’ll have to prove he can maintain it. But it’s certainly an intriguing development for an arm who stood to benefit from improving his mostly average four-seamer, and he could soon slot into the middle of the Cardinals’ rotation. n 17

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TOP 10

PROSPECTS

TRIPLE-A

TRIPLE-A WEST HHH

SLIMMER LEAGUE STILL HAS STARS Impact outfielders and catchers headline a thinner prospect crop than old PCL offered by KYLE

GLASER

The Triple-A West got a significant makeover as part of MLB’s restructuring of the minor leagues. Formerly known as the Pacific Coast League, the league dropped from 16 teams to 10. Iowa, Memphis, Nashville and Omaha—all members of the PCL since 1998— moved to the more geographically convenient Triple-A East. San Antonio dropped down to Double-A, as did New Orleans when it relocated to Wichita. Fresno, which had been in the PCL since 1998, dropped to Low-A and was replaced by Sugar Land, a former independent league team that moved to the ranks of the affiliated. The reduction in teams meant a reduction in players, and thus a reduction of talent relative to previous seasons. Standouts such as Jarred Kelenic and Keibert Ruiz ensured the league still had headliners, but the talent dropped off considerably beyond the top tier of prospects. Salt Lake outfielder Brandon Marsh and Tacoma righthander Logan Gilbert headline the players who weren’t in the league long enough to qualify for our ranking.

1. Jarred Kelenic, OF Tacoma (Mariners)

Keibert Ruiz got to more power while maintaining his plus hitting ability. He was the marquee prospect traded to Washington for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner.

AGE: 22. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 190. DRAFTED: HS—Waukesha, Wis., 2018 (1st round, Mets).

2. Keibert Ruiz, C Oklahoma City (Dodgers)

“We had no answer,” Sugar Land manager Mickey Storey said. “With all the advance information, the data, shifts, how to attack him on the mound, none of it worked. He found a way to really do damage.” Ruiz’s receiving, throwing and game-calling continued improving and he grew into a consistently strong pitch-framer this year. He is on track to be an average defender in time.

3. Jo Adell, OF Salt Lake (Angels)

AGE: 23. B-T: B-R. HT: 6-0. WT: 225. SIGNED: Venezuela, 2014.

AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-3. WT: 215. DRAFTED: HS—Louisville, 2017 (1st round).

Ruiz improved his swing path and pitch selection in the offseason and hit for newfound power at Oklahoma City. He hit a career-high 16 home runs in 52 games while maintaining his plus hitting ability. The Nationals acquired him from the Dodgers in the deadline deal for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner. Ruiz added that power without sacrificing his elite strike-zone discipline and had nearly as many walks (23) as strikeouts (27) before the trade. He also improved his righthanded swing, making him a more balanced switch-hitter.

Adell started slowly at Salt Lake but improved each month to earn a callup to Anaheim in August. Even with early strikeout issues, he led Triple-A West in extra-base hits (44) and total bases (184) and ranked second in hits (90) and homers (23) when called up. Managers voted him the league’s best power prospect and most exciting player in Best Tools balloting.

“What stood out the most . . . was his ability to turn on a ball and keep it true to the pull side (and) also use the whole field through the middle and then opposite-field power,” Round Rock manager Kenny Holmberg said. Adell’s growth left an impression beyond his tools. He stopped chasing fastballs in and sliders away as the year went on, leading to both higher averages and a reduced strikeout rate each successive month. His routes, first step and throwing accuracy all progressed to the point he is now a confident, aggressive defender in both outfield corners.

4. Josh Jung, 3B Round Rock (Rangers) AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 214. DRAFTED: Texas Tech, 2019 (1st round) Jung earned a promotion to Round Rock in late August and quickly became one of the league’s most dangerous hitters. He notched 20 extra-base hits in

EDDIE KELLY/PROLLOK PHOTOS

Kelenic received his first big league callup after just six games but returned to Tacoma in early June. He spent another month with the Rainiers and posted a 1.088 OPS to earn another callup to Seattle after the all-star break. Though Kelenic struggled initially in the majors, he flashed immense physical ability with Tacoma. He showed a tight, compact swing with above-average power, ably played all three outfield positions and impacted games with his aggressive baserunning. “He’s a complete, a five-tool player,” former El Paso manager Edwin Rodriguez said. “Eventually he’s going to be one of the best outfielders in the game, period.” Kelenic started pressing and snowballed during his first MLB stint, but he showed growth upon his return to Tacoma. He carried that into his second run with Seattle, where he overcame another slow start and progressively improved.

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TRIPLE-A WEST TOP 10 PROSPECTS Batters require 120 plate appearances and pitchers 40 innings to qualify for this ranking. his first 31 games despite a pitcher-friendly home park. Jung showed exceptional strike-zone awareness, a polished, direct swing and the ability to hit pitches in any part of the zone. He primarily drove balls back up the middle or the opposite way into the right-center gap, but he made adjustments as the year went on and began pulling balls with authority. He punished fastballs and wasn’t fazed by velocity. Jung is occasionally a clunky defender at third base, but he anticipates well and converts routine plays. He is a hard worker who occasionally has to be pulled back so he doesn’t overdo it.

No. Player, Pos, Team (Organization)

1. Jarred Kelenic, OF, Tacoma (Mariners)

125 29 40

.320

.392 .624

2. Keibert Ruiz, C, Oklahoma City (Dodgers)

206 39 64

.311

.381 .631

3. Jo Adell, OF, Salt Lake (Angels)

311 57 90

.289

.342 .592

4. Josh Jung, 3B, Round Rock (Rangers)

122 25 40

.328

.410 .607

5. Alek Thomas, OF, Reno (D-backs)

144 32 54

.375

.441 .674

6. Luis Campusano, C, El Paso (Padres)

292 47 86

.295

.365 .541

7. Joey Bart, C, Sacramento (Giants)

249 37 73

.293

.359 .474

8. Jake Meyers, OF, Sugar Land (Astros)

271 52 93

59 10

.343

.408 .598

9. Cal Raleigh, C, Tacoma (Mariners)

176 34 57

.324

.377 .608

5. Alek Thomas, OF

10. Bryan de la Cruz, OF, Sugar Land (Astros)

272 48 88

.324

.362 .518

Reno (D-backs) AGE: 21. B-T: L-L. HT: 5-11. WT: 175. DRAFTED: HS—Chicago, 2018 (2nd round). Thomas received a promotion to Triple-A in mid August and tore up the league over the final six weeks. While his numbers were aided by the high elevation of Reno, he still showed promising traits even in that context. Thomas demonstrated a balanced, confident approach, used his hands well in his swing and drove the ball from line-to-line. He barreled both fastballs and breaking balls and used his plus-plus speed to fly around the bases. “He kind of hits balls on the ground and runs,” Salt Lake manager Lou Marson said. “With his speed, that might work for him.” Thomas’ home run spike was a product of Reno, but he should continue to rack up extra-base hits with his speed and contact skills. He is a smooth, rangy defender in center field who should stay at the position.

6. Luis Campusano, C

BY THE NUMBERS

.320

AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 5-11. WT: 232. DRAFTED: HS—Cross Creek, Ga., 2017 (2nd round). Campusano started the year in San Diego and took time to round into form after he was sent down to El Paso in May. But

he recovered to hit .320/.386/.613 from June 1 until Aug. 30, when he suffered a strained oblique. Campusano stayed in the strike zone, swung hard and punished mistakes throughout the summer. He crushed all types of pitches, especially fastballs and changeups, and he did so while facing older pitchers almost exclusively. Campusano’s defense remains behind his offense, but he has a chance to get to average. His cost his pitchers strikes with inconsistent receiving and threw out just 22% of basestealers. He did improve his overall game management skills.

7. Joey Bart, C Sacramento (Giants)

Bart shook off his rough MLB debut last year to post a solid first full season at Triple-A. He missed time in May with a groin strain and was out most of August with a quad strain, but he performed on both sides of the ball when healthy. Bart earned solid reviews as a receiver, blocked well and threw out 33% of basestealers. At the plate he showed plus power to all fields, tightened the holes in his swing and did a better job taking advantage of mistakes. “He’s better than what I had heard defensively,” Salt Lake manager Lou Marson said, “and he’s going to drive some balls.” Bart is still prone to chasing sliders down and away and needs to improve his plate discipline. His main tasks behind the plate are to improve his energy level and body language.

Sugar Land (Astros) AGE: 25. B-T: R-L. HT: 6-0. WT: 200. DRAFTED: Nebraska-Omaha, 2017 (13th round)

EDDIE KELLY/PROLLOK PHOTOS

CS AVG OBP SLG

*Statistics through Sept. 28. The season had five games remaining when we went to press.

8. Jake Meyers, OF

After making a rocky MLB debut in 2020, Jo Adell found his footing at Salt Lake, improving every facet of his game before getting called back up in August.

2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

The isolated slugging percentage by Keibert Ruiz, the highest by any Triple-A West player age 24 or younger who qualified for this ranking.

AGE: 24. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 238. DRAFTED: Georgia Tech, 2018 (1st round).

El Paso (Padres)

Meyers had a breakout year at Sugar Land and was called up by the Astros to be their starting center fielder in August. Long a good athlete who had speed, strength and plus defensive ability in center field, Meyers improved his approach to make better swing decisions and exploded offensively. He led the league in batting average (.343), ranked second in total bases (162) and was third in OPS (1.006) at the time of his promotion. Managers voted him the league’s best hitting prospect and best defensive outfielder in Best Tools voting. “He was by far the most consistent player that we saw,”

Round Rock manager Kenny Holmberg said. “He could beat you in a number of ways. He can run, he’s got some pop, makes contact, he was a tough two-strike hitter, he controlled the strike zone, he catches fly balls, hits the cutoff man. He’s very fundamentally sound. Just a winning type of player.” Meyers’ swing length and bat path cause some concern he’ll struggle against righthanders and be more of a platoon outfielder. He projects to be a steady major leaguer regardless.

9. Cal Raleigh, C Tacoma (Mariners) AGE: 24. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-3. WT: 215. DRAFTED: Florida State, 2018 (3rd round). Raleigh was the most well-rounded catcher in a league that included Keibert Ruiz, Luis Campusano and Joey Bart. He ranked sixth in the league batting average (.324) and eighth in OPS (.985) when got called up on July 11 and drew plaudits for his receiving, game-calling and arm strength. The switch-hitter had few holes in his swing from either side of the plate, stayed in the strike zone and was a durable, reliable defender behind the plate. “Not only is he an offensive switch-hitting catcher, but also his ability to catch and throw,” former El Paso manager Edwin Rodriguez said. “I liked the way he handled the pitching and handled the game. I liked what I saw.” Raleigh is an early-count swinger whose ambush approach was exploited in the majors. Improving that is his next step toward becoming the Mariners’ regular catcher.

10. Bryan de la Cruz, OF Sugar Land (Astros) AGE: 24. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 175. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2013. De la Cruz returned from the coronavirus shutdown significantly stronger and made swing adjustments to get the ball in the air more. The result was new career highs in batting average (.324), slugging (.518) and homers (12) before the Astros dealt him to the Marlins for Yimi Garcia at the trade deadline. De la Cruz immediately seized a starting job in Miami and hit .314/.376/.463 in his first 51 games. De la Cruz is an above-average runner with a plus arm and can play all three outfield positions. Some see him as a future fourth outfielder, but his offensive gains give him a chance to remain a starter. n 19

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TOP 10

PROSPECTS

DOUBLE-A

DOUBLE-A CENTRAL HHHHH

AT THE CENTER OF PROSPECT WORLD Former Texas League boasts three of top 10 talents in baseball in Witt, Rodriguez, Abrams by J.J.

COOPER

The Texas League was renamed Double-A Central and added two teams, both of them coming from Triple-A. San Antonio and Wichita joined the league, the latter after relocating from New Orleans. The league had two of the most talented teams in the minors this year. In the first half of the season, Northwest Arkansas’ roster stood out thanks to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., first baseman Nick Pratto and catcher MJ Melendez. After the Royals prospects moved to Triple-A, the Mariners’ affiliate in Arkansas became the team to watch thanks to the promotions of outfielder Julio Rodriguez, righthanders Matt Brash and George Kirby and lefthander Brandon Williamson. Northwest Arkansas managed to win the Double-A Central championship even after losing so many stars to in-season promotions. The league as a whole was filled with impressive prospects. So much so that top-notch prospects like Pratto, Tulsa’s Michael Busch and Ryan Pepiot and Amarillo’s Ryne Nelson and Drey Jameson couldn’t crack the top 10.

Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. already has mastered the art of hitting the ball hard and at the ideal angle to do damage.

1. Bobby Witt Jr., SS Northwest Arkansas (Royals) AGE: 21. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 200. DRAFTED: HS—Colleyville, TX, 2019 (1st rd).

2. Julio Rodriguez, OF Arkansas (Mariners) AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-3. WT: 180. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2017. Rodriguez has posted 115-plus mph exit velocities, showing he can consistently hit the ball as hard as almost anyone in the minors. But because he doesn’t loft the ball consistently, he’s more likely to hit a stinging single or double than a home run. That is similar to what Wander Franco and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. did in the minors. Not coincidentally, Rodriguez’s .329 career batting average is comparable to Franco (.332) and Guerrero (.331). The bigger revelation has been Rodriguez’s speed. He has gotten faster, to the point where he was a consistent threat to beat out infield hits. He finished the

year with 15 infield hits, including 10 In the final two months of the season. The Mariners also moved him to center field for 12 of the final 24 games in the season, and while he’s likely still a future right fielder, he showed at least the ability to play there in a pinch.

3. CJ Abrams, SS

power. He has a chance to hit .300 in the majors thanks to excellent hands and an adaptable swing that makes it hard to beat him with the same approach twice. There’s some pop in his bat as well, and his speed and aggressive, intelligent approach helps him to turn some singles into doubles.

San Antonio (Padres)

4. Alek Thomas, OF

AGE: 20. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 185. DRAFTED: HS—Roswell, Ga., 2019 (1st round).

Amarillo (D-backs)

Abrams didn’t get nearly as much of a chance to show what he could do as Bobby Witt Jr. or Julio Rodriguez, but until he broke his leg and strained a knee ligament in a collision on June 30, he was one of the most dynamic players in the league. Witt is the league’s shortstop with the best power, but Abrams is a smoother shortstop. He has plus-plus range and the kind of easy fluidity that makes him a future impact defender if his knee and leg injury don’t slow him down. The Padres played him at both shortstop and second base to increase his versatility. At the plate, Abrams is a pure hitter with average

AGE: 21. B-T: L-L HT: 5-11. WT: 175. DRAFTED: HS—Chicago, 2018 (2nd round). Thomas is the type of player who puts a clubbie to work. He gets a lot of dirt and grass stains on his uniform thanks to an aggressive, hard-nosed approach. A lefthanded hitter, Thomas has never had much trouble facing southpaws. Righthanders actually gave him a little more trouble, but he should be a pesky at-bat for pitchers as he advances, thanks to a solid approach and enough power to do some damage if a pitcher makes a mistake. Thomas could be an Adam Eaton type of player in the majors one day. He’s capable of playing center

EDDIE KELLY/PROLOOK PHOTOS

Picking the top prospect in a league with two of the three best prospects in baseball is never going to be easy. Someone has to be No. 1 and someone else has to rank No. 2. In talking to managers around the league, there’s not really a significant distinction between Witt and Arkansas outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Both are outstanding prospects who are expected to be long-time impact big leaguers with solid chances to be stars. Witt has a better chance to play up the middle than Rodriguez, but there is a chance he ends up eventually outgrowing shortstop and moving to third base. He has plus range now, and his above-average arm is extremely accurate. Both Rodriguez and Witt hit the ball extremely hard. Rodriguez is a better hitter than Witt, but Witt does a better job of getting to his power. He’s a middle-of-theorder hitter who will trade some strikeouts for the chance to hit 35-plus homers.

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DOUBLE-A CENTRAL TOP 10 PROSPECTS Batters require 120 plate appearances and pitchers 40 innings to qualify for this ranking. field, but like Eaton he may end up as a plus defender in the corners. His ability to hit for average, spray doubles around the outfield and get on base should make him an MLB asset.

No. Player, Pos, Team (Organization)

1. Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Northwest Arkansas (Royals)

244 44 72

67 14

.295

.369 .570

2. Julio Rodriguez, OF, Arkansas (Mariners)

174 35 63

37 16

.362

.461 .546

5. MJ Melendez, C

3. CJ Abrams, SS, San Antonio (Padres)

162 26 48

36 13

.296

.363 .420

5. MJ Melendez, C, Northwest Arkansas (Royals)

298 58 85

.285

.372 .628

6. Alek Thomas, OF, Amarillo (D-backs)

286 54 81

.283

.374 .507

7. Josh Jung, 3B, Frisco (Rangers)

169 25 52

.308

.366 .544

8. Nolan Gorman, 2B/3B, Springfield (Cardinals)

177 26 51

.288

.354 .508

10. Miguel Vargas, 3B/2B, Tulsa (Dodgers)

327 67 105 16

.321

.386 .523

Northwest Arkansas (Royals) AGE: 22. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 190. DRAFTED: HS—Miami, 2017 (2nd round). Two seasons ago, Melendez had a .163 batting average at High-A Wilmington while piling up 165 strikeouts. Armed with a shorter swing, a toned down leg kick, a better stance and a much-improved approach, Melendez completed one of the most dramatic transformations seen in years. He went from being one of the worst hitters in the minors to one of the best. His 28 home runs were second most in Double-A Central despite being promoted to Triple-A on Aug. 11. “He’s understanding more what pitchers are doing and not missing his pitch,” Northwest Arkansas manager Scott Thorman said. Melendez still projects as a fringe-average hitter in the majors, but his improvements make it likely he’ll get to the 25-30 home run power that once seemed out of reach. Melendez has work to do defensively, but he has a plus-plus arm and the athleticism to develop into a solid receiver.

6. Matt Brash, RHP Arkansas (Mariners) AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 170. DRAFTED: Niagara, 2019 (4th round/Padres) He may not even be the best pitching prospect on his own Arkansas team—George Kirby didn’t throw enough innings to qualify for this list—but at his best, Brash was the most overwhelming pitcher in the league. He threw the first six innings

W L

ERA

6. Matt Brash, RHP, Arkansas (Mariners)

2.13 10 10

9. Cole Winn, RHP, Frisco (Rangers)

2.31 19 19

BY THE NUMBERS

G GS

SV IP

CS AVG OBP SLG

HR BB SO AVG

32 15

80 .162

38 21

97 .144

The total number of home runs hit by MJ Melendez in just 79 games in Double-A Central. He became the rare minor league catcher to top 40, counting his Triple-A time.

of a combined no-hitter on Sept. 2, which was part of a threestart stretch when he struck out 32 of the 58 batters he faced while allowing four hits and six walks in 18 innings. Brash throws a 94-98 mph riding fastball and a knuckle curveball. He’ll mix in a changeup as well, but it’s his plus-plus slider that hitters step into the box fearing. And it’s often that same slider that leaves them swinging feebly at strike three. Brash’s mid-80s slider has as much sweeping movement as any slider in the majors—20 inches or more—leaving hitters with little recourse if he’s locating it.

7. Josh Jung, 3B Frisco (Rangers) AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 214. DRAFTED: Texas Tech, 2019 (1st round).

8. Nolan Gorman, 3B/2B Springfield (Cardinals) AGE: 21. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 210. DRAFTED: HS—Phoenix, 2018 (1st round).

EDDIE KELLY/PROLOOK PHOTOS

2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

No. Pitcher, Pos, Team (Organization)

Frisco finished tied for the second-best record in the league, but it missed the playoffs by virtue of a 5-6 head-to-head record against Northwest Arkansas. Jung was the team’s best pure hitter until he was promoted to Triple-A Round Rock. Jung is best at driving the ball up the middle. Eight of his 10 Double-A home runs were hit to center field, ranging from the left- to right-center power alleys. That up-the-middle approach also helps him avoid getting pull-happy and chasing pitches off the plate. Multiple evaluators noted how impressed they were with his ability to lay off borderline pitches. Defensively, Jung is average at third base already and has a chance to eventually be an above-average defender.

D-backs outfielder Alek Thomas does a lot of things to help a club win, profiling as a pesky, top-of-the-order hitter with the power to keep pitchers honest.

Gorman was one of the best sluggers in the league during his two months in Springfield. His 11 home runs in just 195 plate appearances—one home run every 17 PAs—was one of the best home run rates in the league. As a hitter, Gorman could be induced to expand his zone and chase by pitchers who preferred to stay away from giving him pitches to drive. The 21-year-old is a work in progress defensively, but that’s partly because Gorman is trying to learn a new position. With Nolan Arenado likely entrenched at third base in St. Louis,

Gorman split time between second and third at Springfield before focusing mostly on second base in Triple-A. Gorman’s legs are already thickening , which limits his range, but he makes the routine plays.

9. Cole Winn, RHP Frisco (Rangers) AGE: 21. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 190. DRAFTED: HS—Orange, Calif., 2018 (1st round). There were flashier pitchers in the league, but few came close to being as well-rounded as Winn. He didn’t throw enough innings to qualify for the Double-A Central leaderboards, but his WHIP (0.82), opponent’s batting average (.144) and ERA (2.31) were easily the best among the league’s pitchers with 75 or more innings. One opposing manager described Winn as having the league’s best command. Winn attacked hitters with a trio of above-average pitches. His fastball can touch 95-96 mph and he has the potential to add a little more to that as he gets older and stronger. He shows plenty of confidence in his above-average changeup and mixes in an average slider and a future above-average curveball. Because Winn has confidence in his ability to spot four pitches, he often found himself a step ahead of Double-A hitters.

10. Miguel Vargas, 3B/2B Tulsa (Dodgers) AGE: 21. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-3. WT: 205. SIGNED: Cuba, 2017. On a Tulsa team loaded with prospects, Vargas’ ability to make hitting look easy stood out. The 21-year-old led the league with a .321 average, becoming one of just two qualifying players to top .300 in a league where the league batting average was .248. Vargas is a pure hitter who is much more likely to threaten for batting titles than home run crowns, but he has started to tap into his power potential as well. His approach is to drive the ball back up the middle or go the other way if a pitcher stays away from him, but he hit 23 home runs this year between High-A and Double-A after never hitting more than seven in any previous season. Vargas is a fringe-average third baseman who could also play a below-average second base and an average first. n 21

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TOP 10

PROSPECTS

DOUBLE-A

DOUBLE-A NORTHEAST HHHH

BOWIE, ERIE BRIM WITH TOP TALENT Elite prospects for the Orioles and Tigers portend better days ahead for those clubs by MIKE

ASHMORE

Eleven teams in Double-A Northeast were holdovers from the Eastern League. The exception was Somerset, which the Yankees plucked from the independent Atlantic League to supplant Trenton. The league featured some of the premier prospects in baseball. Bowie and Erie were of particular interest because each featured a recent No. 1 overall pick. Adley Rutschman, the top pick in 2019, formed a battery with top pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez for much of the year in Bowie, while 2020 top pick Spencer Torkelson drew plenty of interest in Erie alongside Riley Greene. Even past the top names, Double-A Northeast featured extraordinary depth. Sixteen players on the end-of-season Top 100 Prospects qualified for the list.

Bowie (Orioles) AGE: 23. B-T: B-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 216. DRAFTED: Oregon State, 2019 (1st round). Rutschman was the consensus top prospect in the league this season, impressing managers with his maturity and presence both behind and at the plate before being promoted to Triple-A Norfolk in early August. Rutschman mashed 18 home runs for Bowie, but evaluators also pointed to the carryover of his plate discipline from his college days. His walk rate of nearly 16% ranked fourth-best in the league among qualified hitters. While Rutschman played 20 games at first base with Bowie, there were no concerns about his ability to stick at catcher, and he made big strides in both his pitch-framing and game-calling. “He’s phenomenal,” Bowie teammate Grayson Rodriguez said. “When we have our postgame reports of all the pitches we made, and you see the pitches and where they’re at, it’s crazy to see how many balls he stole for strikes. The way he calls the game, and stuff like that, it’s elite.”

2. Spencer Torkelson, 1B/3B Erie (Tigers) AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 220. DRAFTED: Arizona State, 2020 (1st round). Selected first overall in 2020, Torkelson was never going to be long for any minor league stop this year. He played in 50 games for Erie after a mid-June promotion from High-A. He was sent to Triple-A Toledo two months later. Torkelson’s 80-grade raw power translated to the pro game to the tune of 14 homers and a .560 slugging percentage in 50 games for Erie. Long-time observers at Somerset’s TD Bank Ballpark could not ever recall a player hitting a ball completely over the batter’s eye in a game, as Torkelson did in early July. Torkelson split his time between first base and third base nearly evenly but committed to first at Triple-A, but it’s his bat that will make him an MLB regular sooner than later. One manager compared Torkelson to Paul Goldschmidt, noting the gap-to-gap approach, average running ability and pop to all fields.

Not only is Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman a disciplined, powerful hitter, but his work behind the plate calling games and framing pitches also stands out.

3. Riley Greene, OF

4. Grayson Rodriguez, RHP

Erie (Tigers)

Bowie (Orioles)

AGE: 20. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-3. WT: 200. DRAFTED: HS—Oviedo, Fla., 2019 (1st round).

AGE: 21. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-5. WT: 220. DRAFTED: HS—Nacogdoches, TX, 2018 (1st round).

Greene did not shrink from the challenge of sharing the Erie stage with Spencer Torkelson, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft. Greene shined brightly in a season spent mostly at Double-A, making the BA Minor League All-Star Team. Greene appeared most often in center field at Double-A before seeing more corner work after a mid-August promotion to Triple-A Toledo. Some evaluators think he’ll end up as an everyday big league right fielder given how much ground there is to cover at Comerica Park and Greene’s average to slightly above-average speed. Greene showed power to match a corner profile by connecting for 16 home runs in 84 games with Erie. Several managers spoke highly of Greene’s work ethic, especially given his young age at just 20 years old, and were impressed by an even-keel approach off the field.

Despite not making his Double-A debut until June 2 after beginning the year in High-A Aberdeen, Rodriguez was Double-A Northeast’s strikeout king, racking up 121 in just 79.2 innings. Most managers around the league considered Rodriguez to be the top pitcher in the league, edging out Harrisburg righthander Cade Cavalli. Scouts believe the 21-year-old has a floor of No. 2 starter in the major leagues, with precision within the zone at times still slightly holding him back from reaching his potential. At his best, Rodriguez could be a future ace. “He can pitch as a big leaguer right now,” one National League scout said. “He has four pitches that are plus or better, and he knows what he’s doing with them and can locate them. When he’s on, he’s going to dominate the game. And when he’s not, he can still out-stuff hitters.”

DUSTIN BRADFORD/GETTY IMAGES; MIKE JANES/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

1. Adley Rutschman, C

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DOUBLE-A NORTHEAST TOP 10 PROSPECTS Batters require 120 plate appearances and pitchers 40 innings to qualify for this ranking.

5. Gabriel Moreno, C

No. Player, Pos, Team (Organization)

1. Adley Rutschman, C, Bowie (Orioles)

295 61 80

.271

.392 .508

AGE: 21. B-T: R-R. HT: 5-11. WT: 170. SIGNED: Venezuela, 2016.

2. Spencer Torkelson, 1B/3B, Erie (Tigers)

175 33 46

.263

.373 .560

One American League scout said Moreno was the best player he saw this year at any level and believed that Moreno would have been the Blue Jays’ regular catcher this season if he had stayed healthy. That’s how impressive the 21-year-old catcher was this season, albeit in a relatively small sample thanks to a thumb fracture suffered on a hit by pitch in late June that cost him nearly the rest of the season until a late cameo with Triple-A Buffalo. Evaluators believe Moreno shows exceptional feel to hit but were perhaps more blown away by his skills behind the plate. The Venezuela native is a plus defender, and he put that on full display by throwing out 44% of basestealers this season, showing a near-complete tool set and high upside. “The question isn’t if he’s going to get the big leagues or how good he’s going to be in the big leagues. It’s how many All-Star Games is he going to be in for the next 10 years,” one National League talent evaluator said.

3. Riley Greene, OF, Erie (Tigers)

326 59 97

41 102 12

.298

.381 .525

5. Gabriel Moreno, C, New Hampshire (Blue Jays)

126 29 47

.373

.441 .651

7. Oneil Cruz, SS, Altoona (Pirates)

250 51 73

64 18

.292

.346 .536

8. Brayan Rocchio, SS, Akron (Indians)

184 34 54

.293

.360 .505

9. Triston Casas, 1B, Portland (Red Sox)

275 57 78

.284

.395 .484

10. Austin Martin, SS/OF, New Hampshire (Blue Jays) 134 43 55

.281

.424 .383

New Hampshire (Blue Jays)

6. Cade Cavalli, RHP Harrisburg (Nationals) AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-4. WT: 226. DRAFTED: Oklahoma, 2020 (1st round). Cavalli lived up to his reputation as a power pitcher as he tore through Double-A Northeast in short order after an early-season promotion from High-A Wilmington. Opposing managers liked Cavalli’s mix of a high-90s fastball that touches 101 mph, a curveball he uses to get hitters to chase, a changeup and a plus slider but were concerned that he can be a little erratic at times. He issued four or more walks in four of his 11 Double-A outings before a late-August promotion to Triple-A Rochester, where he struggled to replicate his success with the Senators.

W L

ERA

4. Grayson Rodriguez, RHP, Bowie (Orioles)

2.60 18 18

6. Cade Cavalli, RHP, Harrisburg (Nationals)

2.80 11 11

BY THE NUMBERS

.414

G GS

SV IP

CS AVG OBP SLG

HR BB SO AVG

47 26

22 121 .165

39 19

80 .188

Austin Martin’s on-base percentage, the highest for any qualified Double-A hitter. The Blue Jays traded Martin to the Twins in July to acquire Jose Berrios.

Several evaluators thought Cavalli might have better command working a few ticks down in his velocity range, and that he struggled most when approaching triple-digits. Most had his ceiling as a No. 1 or 2 starter if hs command progresses. “He’s the kind of guy who’s going to be a leader and dominant personality in the clubhouse,” Harrisburg manager Tripp Keister said. “He’s going to make sure things are done properly and we’re playing the game right. He’s got a great team concept. He’s a special kid.”

7. Oneil Cruz, SS Altoona (Pirates) AGE: 22. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-7. WT: 210. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2015 (Dodgers). League managers walked away impressed by Cruz this year. At least those who got to see him felt that way. A physical specimen at 6-foot-7, 210 pounds, Cruz missed seven weeks due to what the Pirates described as a mild right forearm strain, but he didn’t seem to miss a beat upon coming back, racking up seven multi-hit games after his Aug. 20 return. Preseason plans to get Cruz some time in center field ultimately never materialized, and evaluators varied in their concern about his ability to stick at shortstop at his height. Opposing managers spoke glowingly about Cruz’s confidence at the plate, with several using the term “game changer” to describe the impact he’ll make in the big leagues with his power potential.

Akron (Indians) AGE: 20. B-T: B-R. HT: 5-10. WT: 150. SIGNED: Venezuela, 2017

DUSTIN BRADFORD/GETTY IMAGES; MIKE JANES/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

No. Pitcher, Pos, Team (Organization)

8. Brayan Rocchio, SS

Bowie righthander Grayson Rodriguez spotted the rest of the league a month and still led in strikeouts. He could be the Orioles’ future ace.

One of the youngest players in the league at just 20, Rocchio made an immediate impact for Akron after a July promotion from High-A was necessitated by a Tyler Freeman injury. Multiple evaluators compared the switch-hitting shortstop with Francisco Lindor. “If you told me Rocchio ended up being that good, it would be a little surprising, but it wouldn’t be very surprising,” one American League scout said. Not considered to be the best athlete—he is an average runner at best—Rocchio dazzles in the field with his both his range up the middle and ability to quickly get rid of the ball in an accurate fashion, but has also shown a significant increase

in power at the plate. He went deep six times with Akron, but hit 15 overall between his two stops this year.

9. Triston Casas, 1B Portland (Red Sox) AGE: 21. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-5. WT: 245. DRAFTED: HS—Plantation, Fla., 2018 (1st round). Casas spent nearly the entire season in Portland, save for a trip to Tokyo to play in the Olympics and then a late-September promotion to Triple-A Worcester. He showed improvements in several significant metrics. Key among those improvements was an improvement in strikeout rate. Casas cut that rate from 23.5% in 2019 to 19.1% this year as he rose from Low-A to Double-A. Some expressed concern that Casas’ lefthanded power stroke didn’t really seem to translate into games until late in the year, with six of his 13 home runs coming in September, including five over a stretch of three straight games in New Hampshire. But scouts were impressed by his athletic ability at first base with his 6-foot-5, 245-pound frame.

10. Austin Martin, SS/OF New Hampshire (Blue Jays) AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-0. WT: 185. DRAFTED: Vanderbilt, 2020 (1st round). Drafted fifth overall in 2020 out of Vanderbilt and signed for $7 million, Martin received an ambitious assignment to Double-A to start his pro career, which perhaps resulted in what a mixed bag it ended up being. Scouts expressed significant concerns about Martin’s ability to remain at shortstop because of a below-average arm and average footwork. They also weren’t sold on his ability to stick in center field. Martin played both positions equally as often. That trend continued with the Twins after the organization acquired him and Simeon Woods Richardson at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Jose Berrios to the Blue Jays. Left field may ultimately suit Martin’s skill set best, and his .424 on-base percentage could make him a future table-setter. Evaluators would like to see him develop more power to profile on a corner. He hit just two home runs in 196 at-bats for the Fisher Cats and ended up with five on the season after finishing his year in Double-A Wichita. n 23

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TOP 10

PROSPECTS

DOUBLE-A

DOUBLE-A SOUTH H

LOFTY LEFTIES RULE THE ROOST

In a league short on position talent, a trio of talented lefthanders stand above the crowd by MATT

EDDY

The Southern League dropped two franchises and became Double-A South but was otherwise the same hot, humid, pitcher-friendly league it has always been. No affiliated league saw fewer runs scored per game in 2021. Dropped from the league were Jacksonville, which moved to Triple-A, and Jackson, which lost its affiliation. Mobile relocated to Rocket City in Madison, Ala., where the park played small. Just two Double-A parks saw more home runs. The prospect depth in the league was below-average, even for an eight-team league, though a number of pitchers stood out to scouts. In particular, the crop of lefthanders was strong, led by the Reds’ Nick Lodolo, the Angels’ Reid Detmers and the Marlins’ Jake Eder. Braves catcher Shea Langeliers and Reds shortstop Jose Barrero have the type of up-the-middle upside to start for many seasons. Among the first-round picks who played in the league long enough to qualify for this ranking, but who didn’t make the final cut were Marlins outfielder JJ Bleday, Braves shortstop Braden Shewmake and lefthander Ethan Small, shortstop Brice Turang and outfielder Garrett Mitchell, all three of the Brewers.

Braves catcher Shea Langeliers wowed managers with his power, defensive chops behind the plate and outstanding arm.

1. Shea Langeliers, C Mississippi (Braves) Langeliers made a big impression on league managers with his combination of advanced catching ability and impact potential in the batter’s box. His plus arm stands out most. His quick transfer and throwing accuracy contribute to consistent above-average pop times on throws to second base. He is a clean receiver and advanced game-caller to whom pitchers like to throw. He is a team leader who is working to improve his framing skill. Langeliers showed off big power in the league’s biggest park in Mississippi. His swing is geared to do damage with plus power and the strike-zone management to get to that power regularly. He should hit near the MLB average and contribute 20-plus home runs with above-average defense behind the plate.

2. Jose Barrero, SS Chattanooga (Reds) AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-2. WT.: 175. SIGNED: Cuba, 2017. After finishing strong in High-A in 2019 and then opening eyes at big league spring training and making his MLB debut in 2020, Barrero put together a strong top-to-bottom season at Double-A and Triple-A. He hit .303/.380/.539 with 19 home runs in 85 games at the two levels, also seeing time in Cincinnati. Barrero, who previously played as Jose Garcia, has a well-rounded skill set on both sides of the ball. He hits the ball to all fields and has cut his chase rate to unlock average offensive potential. His raw power is plus and he could begin to tap into it more as he matures. Barrero’s defensive instincts elevate his average range and plus arm.

3. Nick Lodolo, LHP

4. Reid Detmers, LHP

Chattanooga (Reds)

Rocket City (Angels)

AGE: 23. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-6. WT: 202. DRAFTED: Texas Christian, 2019 (1st round).

AGE: 22. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-2. WT: 210. DRAFTED: Louisville, 2020 (1st round).

Lodolo made a loud pro debut in 2019 by striking out 30 and walking none in 18.1 innings. His encore had to wait until 2021 because of the pandemic, but he made the most of it by dominating Double-A and reaching Triple-A for three appearances before shutting down with shoulder fatigue. Lodolo’s slider was described as “disgusting” by one league manager. He adds and subtracts from the pitch and has uncanny command of his slider, enabling him to throw the pitch to get back into counts. His slider darts under the bats of righthanded hitters, while lefthanders have almost no chance against the sweepier version. His wide arm slot adds deception. Lodolo’s fastball peaks in the mid 90s and is effective against hitters who have guard against his slider. He doesn’t throw a changeup much. Lodolo also missed time with blisters on his pitching hand, limiting him to 50.2 total innings.

The Angels pounced when Detmers, a polished college lefthander, fell to them with the 10th pick in the 2020 draft. He proved to be up for the challenge of pro ball, debuting at Double-A this season, reaching Triple-A for two starts and then Anaheim in August. Detmers’ MLB debut was interrupted in early September when he tested positive for Covid. Detmers showed firmer than expected stuff in his debut, striking out 43% of batters he faced, more than any minor league starter with at least 60 innings. He pitches at 93 mph and tops near 98 but already has a modern pitch mix in which he works north-south and prioritizes his secondary weapons. Detmers refined a mid-80s slider last year at the alternate site to complement his slow, big-breaking curveball in the low 70s. Both his fastball and curve are plus pitches, while his slider and changeup grade near average.

EDDIE KELLY/PROLOOK PHOTOS; DANNY PARKER/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-0. WT.: 205. DRAFTED: Baylor, 2019 (1st round).

24 OCTOBER 2021 • BASEBALLAMERICA.COM

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DOUBLE-A SOUTH TOP 10 PROSPECTS 5. Hunter Greene, RHP Chattanooga (Reds) AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-4. WT: 215. DRAFTED: HS—Sherman Oaks, Calif., 2017 (1st round). Greene had a lot to prove in 2021 and made good by dominating Double-A competition and quickly moving to Triple-A. Drafted No. 2 overall in 2017, Greene had not advanced past Low-A when Tommy John surgery wiped out his 2019 season and the pandemic scuttled his 2020 comeback. Greene’s elite velocity came all the way back, and managers regarded his fastball as the best in the league. He fires easy triple-digits heat with a peak of 103 mph from a smooth, athletic delivery. His fastball command can be scattered, which hurt him more at Triple-A than with Chattanooga. The biggest positive development for Greene was getting more of a handle on his slider to upset opponents’ timing. It’s a bigger, sweepier pitch in the low-to-mid 80s that flashes plus. He doesn’t throw much of a changeup, which could hinder his development as a starter but wouldn’t prevent him from becoming an elite closer.

6. Brennen Davis, OF Tennessee (Cubs) AGE: 21. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-4. WT.: 175. DRAFTED: HS—Chandler, Ariz., 2018 (2nd round). After abbreviated seasons in 2018 and 2019 and the lost pandemic year of 2020, Davis gave the Cubs a long look this season. Hit by pitch that broke his nose in spring training, Davis got a late start at High-A before moving quickly to Tennessee and finishing with a few weeks at Triple-A. Davis was one of a handful of 21-year-old regulars in Double-A South and did damage when he connected, but he struggled to pick up spin, which led to a strikeout rate

Batters require 120 plate appearances and pitchers 40 innings to qualify for this ranking. No. Player, Pos, Team (Organization)

1. Shea Langeliers, C, Mississippi (Braves)

329 56 85

.258

.338 .498

2. Jose Barrero, SS, Chattanooga (Reds)

160 31 48

.300

.367 .481

6. Brennen Davis, OF, Tennessee (Cubs)

266 50 67

.252

.367 .474

9. Peyton Burdick, OF, Pensacola (Marlins)

373 71 86

76 135 9

.231

.376 .472

10. Jonathan Aranda, 1B/2B/3B, Montgomery (Rays) 274 53 89

.325

.410 .540

CS AVG OBP SLG

W L

ERA

3. Nick Lodolo, LHP, Chattanooga (Reds)

1.84 10 10

68 .196

4. Reid Detmers, LHP, Rocket City (Angels)

3.50 12 12

45 24

97 .223

5. Hunter Greene, RHP, Chattanooga (Reds)

1.98

60 .186

7. Jake Eder, LHP, Pensacola (Marlins)

1.77 15 15

43 19

99 .169

8. Max Meyer, RHP, Pensacola (Marlins)

2.41 20 20

101 84 35

40 113 .226

BY THE NUMBERS

.950

G GS

SV IP

HR BB SO AVG

The OPS by Jonathan Aranda, which in the pitcher-friendly Southern League ranks eighth highest by a qualified hitter since 2006, according to FanGraphs.

near 31%. Davis shows good barrel control and an all-fields approach when he’s going well, and his raw power is plus. Davis plays center field now but profiles more as a corner outfielder for most scouts with average speed and arm strength. Better swing decisions will complete the package.

7. Jake Eder, LHP Pensacola (Marlins) AGE: 22. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-4. WT: 215. DRAFTED: Vanderbilt, 2020 (4th round). Eder helped Vanderbilt win the 2019 College World Series as a reliever and moved into the rotation as a junior in 2020 when the season was truncated by the pandemic. The Marlins liked what they saw and drafted Eder in the fourth round that year. The pick paid off when the lefthander made Pensacola’s Opening Day roster and thrived. Eder pitched in the Futures Game and cracked the Top 100 Prospects, but his ride came to an end in late August when he had Tommy John surgery. Eder sits 92 mph and reaches 95 with life on his fastball that helps the pitch play up. He backs it with two above-average secondaries: a mid-80s changeup and curveball with late bite. He showed feel to use all pitches in all situations. As a three-pitch lefty who locates his stuff and attacks all zones, Eder has a high floor and, for scouts who like him, a No. 2 starter ceiling.

Pensacola (Marlins) AGE: 22. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-0. WT: 196. DRAFTED: Minnesota, 2020 (1st round).

EDDIE KELLY/PROLOOK PHOTOS; DANNY PARKER/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

No. Pitcher, Pos, Team (Organization)

8. Max Meyer, RHP

Angels lefty Reid Detmers struck out the highest rate of batters among minor league starters. He showed firmer stuff in his pro debut and reached the big leagues.

Meyer moved into the rotation for good as a college junior in 2020, just in time for the season to be shortened by the pandemic. The Marlins liked what they saw and drafted him third overall. Meyer shined at instructional league last fall and moved fast to Double-A to make his pro debut this season. Meyer stayed healthy and in the rotation all season, reaching Triple-A in late September when Pensacola’s season ended. His slider earned consistent plus grades for his ability to command it, if not necessarily wipeout, two-plane break. His low-90s fastball tended to play down when he missed his spots, and his changeup is merely functional.

Meyer battled the strike zone early and tended to nibble, but his control sharpened later in the season.

9. Peyton Burdick, OF Pensacola (Marlins) AGE: 24. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-0. WT.: 205. DRAFTED: Wright State, 2019 (3rd round). Burdick has made a habit of exceeding expectations. He tore up the Low-A Midwest League in his pro debut and then jumped to Double-A South this year after the lost 2020 season. He led the league with 23 home runs, 76 walks and 71 runs. One scout referred to Burdick as the “sleeper of the league.” His bat came to life late in the season, and his 1.036 OPS in August and September was tops in the league. Burdick does everything well but lacks a true plus, aside from his outstanding competitive makeup. Burdick works deep counts, and while he needs to improve his two-strike approach to limit strikeouts, he hits for impact to all fields and takes walks. He is a capable center fielder who probably shifts to left field. Burdick moved to Triple-A when Pensacola’s season ended, and Marlins general manager Kim Ng mentioned him as a candidate to be Miami’s center fielder of the future.

10. Jonathan Aranda, 1B/2B/3B Montgomery (Rays) AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT.: 5-10. WT.: 173. SIGNED: Mexico, 2015. Aranda entered the 2021 season having played just a handful of games above Low-A. He exited it as a bona fide prospect after wowing league managers and scouts with his hitting ability. Aranda led Double-A South in average (.325), on-base percentage (.410) and slugging (.540) and hit a career high 14 homers, counting his 21 games in High-A. Aranda takes good at-bats and unleashes his short, compact lefthanded swing to frequently find the sweet spot on his bat. He hit the ball harder in 2021 and has sneaky pull power, but his strength is barreling the ball gap to gap. He’s a tough twostrike hitter who has learned to punish mistakes with improved bat speed and leverage. Aranda’s defensive profile is a limiting factor, but not a disqualifying one. At 5-foot-10, he is on the short side for first base, his best position, and too heavy-footed to stand out at second or third base. n 25

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TOP 10

PROSPECTS

HIGH-A

HIGH-A CENTRAL HHH

NEW NAME, SAME GREAT TALENT Four of the Dodgers’ top prospects lend star power to the new, smaller Midwest League by EMILY

WALDON

A lot changed in the minor leagues between the last pitch of 2019 and Opening Day 2021. The entire player development apparatus was overhauled, teams were cut and leagues took on new names and classifications. The former Midwest League became High-A Central, it’s classification changing from Low-A to High-A. The league dropped from 16 teams to 12. One constant was the high talent level in the league, topped by Spencer Torkelson, the first overall pick in the 2020 draft. Torkelson started slowly but quickly lived up to his billing as an advanced hitter with huge power. He wasn’t the only high-end prospect to spend time in High-A Central. The Dodgers sent more prospects through the league than any organization. Great Lakes featured four top 10 prospects: third baseman Miguel Vargas, righthander Bobby Miller, outfielder Andy Pages and infielder Eddys Leonard. The league’s name and classification were different, but the talent that crossed through High-A Central made it seem like business as usual.

1. Spencer Torkelson, 1B/3B

No. 1 overall pick Spencer Torkelson started slow in High-A Central but quickly righted the ship on his way up the ladder.

West Michigan (Tigers) Drafted No. 1 overall in 2020, Torkelson stumbled through the early days of his debut assignment at West Michigan, batting 1-for-16 in his first four games. “You always knew he just needed time to get settled,” a scout said. “The pedigree was always there, but people forget how hard the jump can be to pro ball, especially right to High-A.” Torkelson is built for power. He expertly handles the strike zone with advanced barrel control and plus-plus raw power. Light footwork and confident throwing accuracy in the field make Torkelson a capable fit for either infield corner, but given the Tigers’ eventual need to replace Miguel Cabrera, it’s easy to see Torkelson eventually landing at first base. “You’d never know he struggled now,” the scout added. “He’s built like a big leaguer and now he’s hitting like one.”

2. Miguel Vargas, 3B Great Lakes (Dodgers) AGE: 21. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-3. WT: 205. SIGNED: Cuba, 2017. Vargas has gradually turned himself into one of the Dodgers’ best prospects. “He might have hit as consistently well as any player I saw in High-A this season,” a scout said, “seemingly always producing when needed.” Vargas advanced to Double-A in mid June and kept up the pace. He hit .319/.380/.526 with a career-high 23 home runs between the two stops. Defensively, Vargas has received praise for his work ethic at third base, though there are still questions as to whether the Dodgers will hold him there or eventually move him across the field to first base.

3. Jordan Walker, 3B

4. Bobby Miller, RHP

Peoria (Cardinals)

Great Lakes (Dodgers)

AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-5. WT: 220. DRAFTED: HS—Decatur, Ga., 2020 (1st round).

AGE: 22. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-5. WT: 220. DRAFTED: Louisville, 2020 (1st round).

“Big power” is just one of the many accolades applied to Walker, the 21st overall pick in 2020. The 19-year-old required just 27 games at Low-A Palm Beach before joining High-A in late June. It’s rare for a high school draftee to spend most of his full-season debut in High-A, but it didn’t seem to faze Walker. He hit 317/.388/.548 with 14 homers in 82 games between the two Class A levels. “He’s impressive,” a scout said. “Big power, with feel for hitting, though he’ll have his struggles versus same-side spin due to over-aggressiveness and longer limbs.” While Walker’s strikeout rate spiked from 17% to 26% after the promotion to High-A, that didn’t concern scouts. His defense is more of an issue. “I’m not sold on his third base defense,” a scout said. “(I think) he likely moves to right field at some point.”

Drafted 29th overall in 2020, Miller got his feet wet at the Dodgers’ alternate training site in 2020. He quickly became a force to be reckoned with in his pro debut with Great Lakes with a potentially plus-plus fastball and a plus slider, complemented by advanced mixing of an above-average curve and changeup. “He’s one of the next Dodgers’ starting pitchers for years to come, I think,” an opposing High-A Central manager said. “I’m just very impressed with his ability to throw strikes with his fastball and breaking ball at a young age. It’s definitely plus stuff. “I mean, he’s running (his fastball) up there close to 100 miles an hour as a starting pitcher.” A 1.91 ERA and 0.87 WHIP over 47 innings earned the 22-year-old a jump to Double-A Tulsa, and scouts aren’t expecting Miller’s progress to slow down any time soon.

BRAD KRAUSE/FOUR SEAM IMAGES; ANDREW WOOLLEY/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 220. DRAFTED: Arizona State, 2020 (1st round).

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HIGH-A CENTRAL TOP 10 PROSPECTS Batters require 120 plate appearances and pitchers 40 innings to qualify for this ranking.

5. Andy Pages, OF

No. Player, Pos, Team (Organization)

Great Lakes (Dodgers)

2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

CS AVG OBP SLG

1. Spencer Torkelson, 3B/1B, West Michigan (Tigers) 109 21 34

.312

.440 .569

AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 212. SIGNED: Cuba, 2018.

2. Miguel Vargas, 3B, Great Lakes (Dodgers)

156 31 49

.314

.366 .532

The Dodgers’ top two prospects in High-A Central both hail from Cuba. While Miguel Vargas moved to Double-A in June, Pages, who is a year younger, continued to dominate High-A. “(Pages) is a guy you want in your clubhouse,” a scout said. “He’s a fiercely loyal teammate and doesn’t like to lose.” “Pages can flat-out hit,” another scout added. “At first glance, he doesn’t look like he should hit with the power he does (he led the league with 31 home runs), but if Andy finds out you doubt him in anything, he’ll work to prove you wrong.” Pages’ route-running and instincts could help him stick in center field, but his plus-plus arm could be an asset in right.

3. Jordan Walker, 3B, Peoria (Cardinals)

215 38 65

62 13

.302

.353 .502

5. Andy Pages, OF, Great Lakes (Dodgers)

428 95 115 24

73 126 6

.269

.394 .547

7. Brayan Rocchio, SS/2B, Lake County (Indians)

257 45 68

65 14

.265

.337 .428

8. George Valera, OF, Lake County (Indians)

199 45 51

58 10

.256

.430 .548

9. Eddys Leonard, 2B/SS/OF, Great Lakes (Dodgers) 164 30 49

.299

.375 .530

10. Joey Wiemer, OF, Wisconsin (Brewers)

.336

.428 .719

6. Daniel Espino, RHP

o. Pitcher, Pos, Team (Organization) N 4. Bobby Miller, RHP, Great Lakes (Dodgers)

W L 2 2

ERA G GS 1.91 14 11

6. Daniel Espino, RHP, Lake County (Indians)

4.04 10 10

BY THE NUMBERS

Lake County (Indians) AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 205. DRAFTED: HS—Statesboro, Ga., 2019 (1st round). Viewed as one of the most exciting prep arms in the 2019 draft, Espino’s power arsenal has demanded attention for years. He kept his foot on the accelerator in 2021, when he struck out 152 in 91.2 innings at two Class A stops. “When you hit the league as young as Danny, you deserve some room to figure everything out,” a scout said. “Big heater and a big IQ. If you can start to get a feel for how this works at that age, there’s a place for you. He still has some spotty consistency, but that’s to be expected. Not a red flag in my book.” Espino mixes a two- and four-seam fastball, and regularly hits triple-digits. His plus-plus fastball complements a pitch mix which also features a plus slider and above-average changeup and curveball. While Espino is still refining some arm action wrinkles, his pure stuff will buy him plenty of time.

128 33 43

7. Brayan Rocchio, SS/2B Lake County (Indians) AGE: 20. B-T: B-R. HT: 5-10. WT: 170. SIGNED: Venezuela, 2017. Under normal circumstances, Rocchio’s season would be viewed as outstanding. When you consider that he spent the entire 2020 shutdown in Venezuela, away from any in-person development, his year becomes exemplary. “He’s probably one of the best defensive players I’ve had a chance to work with in my career,” Lake County manager Greg DiCenzo said. “His situational awareness, maturity and decision-making as a young player is continuing to grow.” While many switch-hitters tend to lean towards a strength on one side of the plate as opposed to the other, DiCenzo and some scouts see potential for impact on both sides. With an above-average hit tool, fringe-average power and plus speed, Rocchio has quickly made up for the time he lost in 2020. He advanced to Double-A in late July as a 20-year-old, and between the levels hit .277/.346/.460 with 15 home runs.

Lake County (Indians) AGE: 20. B-T: L-L. HT: 5-11. WT: 185. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2017.

BRAD KRAUSE/FOUR SEAM IMAGES; ANDREW WOOLLEY/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

H R 30 16

ER 10

30 23

HR BB SO AVG 1 11 56 .178 7

88 .170

The number of home runs hit by Andy Pages, the most by any minor leaguer 20 or younger this season. His 77 walks trailed Anthony Volpe by one in the 20U group.

8. George Valera, OF

Righthander Bobby Miller has the type of power stuff to become the Dodgers’ next frontline starter. He ranked as the top pitching prospect in High-A Central.

SV IP 0 47

After his first few years were marred by injuries, Valera used 2021 to show exactly what he can do when healthy. “He hasn’t moved quickly, but he’s moving at a pace I like,” one scout said. “One of the things I like about him is that he’s mentally matured. He’s putting in the effort to get better, and that’s all you can ask for.” Valera’s .910 OPS ranked eighth in the minors among players 20 or younger who batted at least 350 times. Scouts agree that Valera’s offensive and defensive skills will likely land him in left field, where he has the power to profile. “He really started to realize that he can positively affect games on the defensive side of the baseball, not just offensively,” an Indians player development member said.

9. Eddys Leonard, 2B/SS/OF Great Lakes (Dodgers) AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-0. WT: 160. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2017. Leonard was a relative unknown entering 2021. That’s no

longer the case. The 20-year-old impressed all season at both levels of Class A and now appears to be one of the latest additions to the Dodgers’ collection of high-upside prospects. Leonard blends athleticism and hard contact, which helped him hit .296/.390/.539 with 22 home runs, 29 doubles and 51 walks at a pair of Class A stops. His skills now are impressive enough, but what they could become once he’s done growing is tantalizing. “I really, really like this kid,” a scout said. “He’s raw, sure, but he gets it and you have to get it early to stick out. He’ll need an intentional eye kept on him, but that’s the type of profile you want to invest in.” Leonard has a blend of confidence and plate discipline. He’s also gained experience at a variety of defensive spots, having started multiple games for Great Lakes at third base (14), center field (11), second base (10) and shortstop (six). A multi-positional role is likely in his future.

10. Joey Wiemer, OF Wisconsin (Brewers) AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-5. WT: 215. DRAFTED: Cincinnati, 2020 (4th round). If you saw Wiemer early in the season, you saw a big man with a big swing who swung and missed a lot. After ditching a leg kick for a toe tap, he made much more contact and started damaging baseballs like few others in the minors. He closed his time at Low-A with four home runs in as many games, including a pair of extra-inning walk-offs. That stretch earned him a promotion to High-A, where he only continued his rampage. “He screams raw power,” a scout said. “That’s the profile teams love at the plate, but it’s not to say that the pieces (don’t) still need to come together. Big bodies need time to fit all the moving parts together, but if he connects, watch out.” Wiemer blasted 14 home runs with Wisconsin, good enough for 17th in High-A Central despite playing just 36 games. He’s not solely one-dimensional, either. Wiemer has an extremely strong arm in right field, and his combination of speed and instincts helped him become one of just three players in the minors to top 20 homers and 30 stolen bases. “He’s capable of playing center, but I think the odds of him sticking in right field are more of a likely fit. That arm is a thing of beauty,” the scout added. n 27

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TOP 10

PROSPECTS

HIGH-A

HIGH-A EAST HHHH

SPOTLIGHT ON SHORTSTOPS

A total of five high-upside shortstops make the final cut in the new 12-team league by CHRIS

HILBURN-TRENKLE

The High-A East featured an embarrassment of prospect riches this season. Ten Top 100 Prospects ranked among the league’s top 10 prospects and two more just missed the list: Astros catcher Korey Lee and Pirates righthander Quinn Priester. Cade Cavalli and Anthony Volpe stood out the most to league managers, with Cavalli having the arsenal and poise of a frontline starter and Volpe showcasing the tools and instincts of a future above-average middle infielder. Brooklyn led the way with three top 10 prospects—Francisco Alvarez, Ronny Mauricio and Brett Baty—a trio that stood out to managers for the players’ impressive tools as well as in-game performance. Righthander Taj Bradley, the No. 3 prospect in the Low-A East, just missed the innings threshold to qualify for the list, as did Hudson Valley hurlers Ken Waldichuk and Luis Medina, who drew notice from managers after lighting up the league over the first month of the season. Bowling Green, the team with the best record in the league, had an impressive assortment of talent, with catcher Blake Hunt, shortstop Greg Jones and righthander Jayden Murray headlining the group of players managers praised.

The Mets’ Francisco Alvarez homered at the Futures Game and showed big power in High-A East as a potential all-star catcher.

1. Cade Cavalli, RHP Wilmington (Nationals) AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-4. WT: 230. DRAFTED: Oklahoma, 2020 (1st round).

2. Anthony Volpe, SS Hudson Valley (Yankees) AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 5-11. WT: 180. DRAFTED: HS—Morristown, N.J., 2019 (1st). Few prospects had a better season than Volpe, who conquered Low-A by mid July and looked just as impressive for Hudson Valley in his first full pro season. Coming out of the 2019 draft, Volpe was known for making plenty of contact

with quick hands and a short swing, but he had well below-average power at the time. He spent the 2020 shutdown adding muscle to his frame, translating to 27 homers and 35 doubles between the Class A levels. Volpe, who split time between shortstop and second base this season, was lauded for his instincts and intelligence, as well as having an innate sense of the moment in high-pressure situations. The 20-year-old isn’t the most tooled-up prospect, but he makes the most out of his ability and his work ethic has led to consistent improvement.

3. Francisco Alvarez, C Brooklyn (Mets) AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT: 5-10. WT: 233. SIGNED: Venezuela, 2018. The Mets’ No. 1 prospect has some of the most impressive raw power in the minors and it was on full display during the Futures Game. In addition to hitting a home run during the game, Alvarez launched shot after shot to center field in batting practice.

Alvarez has had no trouble making consistent hard contact as one of the younger players in High-A East, with 22 home runs in just 84 games at 19 years old, though his power has come with a high rate of swing and miss. Alvarez showed improvement behind the plate this season, getting more confident in his ability to work with pitchers while earning praise for his receiving ability. He has a plus arm, but will need to continue to work on his balance, setup and game calling.

4. Michael Harris, OF Rome (Braves) AGE: 20. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-0. WT: 195. DRAFTED: HS—Stockbridge, Ga., 2019 (3rd round). The 2019 third-rounder came into the season with high expectations after a standout spring training. Harris turned in a performance that matched his lofty tools by hitting .294/.362/.436 with seven home runs and 27 stolen bases in his first full pro year. Harris impressed league managers with his batto-ball skills, baserunning ability, defense and arm

DUSTIN BRADFORD/GETTY IMAGES; TOM PRIDDY/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

Cavalli wasn’t in High-A for long, but he certainly made his presence felt over his seven starts at the level, striking out 71 and walking 12 over 40.2 innings. He was voted the High-A East’s top pitching prospect by league managers. The 2020 first-rounder from Oklahoma had perhaps the best pro debut of any player in his draft class. He showed off a high-octane fastball that comfortably sat in the upper 90s and touched triple-digits to go with a plus upper-80s slider and a pair of above-average secondaries in his curveball and changeup. Cavalli earned rave reviews for the polish he showed at the level, with one evaluator noting he wouldn’t look out of place in the big leagues right now, and he had no trouble throwing strikes consistently—a concern coming out of college. “His last outing against us was right before he went up to Double-A . . . That day he was 97-100 (mph) and throwing breaking balls for strikes whenever he wanted,” Jersey Shore manager Chris Adamson said. “That was super impressive to see.” Cavalli has all the ingredients needed to be a frontline starter and could sit atop the Nationals’ rotation by the start of the 2023 season.

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HIGH-A EAST TOP 10 PROSPECTS Batters require 120 plate appearances and pitchers 40 innings to qualify for this ranking. strength, and he has exhibited impressive plus raw power in batting practice that should eventually lead to more homers in games. Harris was voted the league’s top defensive outfielder by managers, as well as having the best arm, a 60-grade tool. With five above-average or better tools, Harris has as good of a skill set as any prospect in the league.

No. Player, Pos, Team (Organization)

2. Anthony Volpe, SS, Hudson Valley (Yankees)

213 57 61

58 12

.286

.391 .587

3. Francisco Alvarez, C, Brooklyn (Mets)

279 55 69

.247

.351 .538

4. Michael Harris, OF, Rome (Braves)

374 55 110 26

76 27

.294

.362 .436

5. Ronny Mauricio, SS, Brooklyn (Mets)

392 55 95

24 101 9

.242

.290 .449

6. Oswald Peraza, SS, Hudson Valley (Yankees)

111 20 34

24 16

.306

.386 .532

5. Ronny Mauricio, SS

7. Brett Baty, 3B, Brooklyn (Mets)

181 27 56

.309

.397 .514

8. Nick Gonzales, 2B, Greensboro (Pirates)

324 53 98

40 101 7

.302

.385 .565

9. Gunnar Henderson, SS/3B, Aberdeen (Orioles)

243 34 56

87 11

.230

.343 .432

10. Liover Peguero, SS, Greensboro (Pirates)

374 67 101 19

33 105 28

.270

.332 .444

Brooklyn (Mets) AGE: 20. B-T: B-R. HT: 6-3. WT: 166. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2017. Mauricio added strength to his frame, which helped him take a step forward at High-A this season. He set career highs in home runs, RBIs, walks, slugging percentage and OPS while standing out on both sides of the ball for Brooklyn. The toolsy 20-year-old shortstop was voted the league’s most exciting player, as well as the best defensive shortstop and the infielder with the best arm. Mauricio earned positive reviews from league managers for his big-time power from both sides of the plate, hitting ability and defensive acumen, in addition to impressive maturity for his age. “His maturity from pre-Covid to now, handling the ups and downs of offensive baseball and his hitting and not letting it affect his ability to defend has become, to me, a consistency in his game,” Brooklyn manager Ed Blankmeyer said. He will need to cut down on his chase rate, but there’s little doubt Mauricio is a future big leaguer with a lofty ceiling.

6. Oswald Peraza, SS Hudson Valley (Yankees) AGE: 21. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-0. WT: 165. SIGNED: Venezuela, 2016. Peraza didn’t look rusty at all in his return to play this season despite not being included in the Yankees’ 60-man player pool for the alternate training site in 2020. Peraza’s tools across the board stood out to league managers. He received praise for his patience at the plate, knowledge

o. Pitcher, Pos, Team (Organization) N 1. Cade Cavalli, RHP, Wilmington (Nationals)

BY THE NUMBERS

.941

W L 3 1

of the strike zone and ability to stay on fastballs. He showed impressive range at shortstop, with good actions and a strong arm, and was lauded for his polished approach to the game. “I thought he defended very well, I thought he showed an above-average arm, I thought his range was very good,” Brooklyn manager Ed Blankmeyer said. Before this season, Peraza worked with instructors on hitting the ball in the air and it paid off, with a career-high 17 home runs and 26 doubles between High-A and Double-A, adding another element to a skill set that now includes five average or better tools.

7. Brett Baty, 3B Brooklyn (Mets) AGE: 21. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-3. WT: 210. DRAFTED: HS—Austin, Texas, 2019 (1st round). No player received as much praise from league managers for the way he carried himself on the field as Baty, who only needed 51 games at High-A before a promotion to Double-A Binghamton in mid July. The 2019 first-rounder always had huge raw power, but this season he made significant gains with his discipline at the plate, with good strike-zone awareness, as well as showing improved athleticism to become a better runner. Baty was lauded by managers for taking a step forward defensively at third base, strengthening his ability to throw from multiple angles, increasing his first-step quickness and playing the ball better. He needs to more consistently hit to his pull side, which should lead to more home runs in the future.

Greensboro (Pirates)

DUSTIN BRADFORD/GETTY IMAGES; TOM PRIDDY/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

ERA 1.77

G GS 7 7

SV IP 0 41

H 24

R 9

CS AVG OBP SLG

ER 8

HR BB SO AVG 1 12 71 .171

Mets prospect catcher Francisco Alvarez’s OPS at two Class A levels, the highest in the minors for any teenager with at least 350 plate appearances.

8. Nick Gonzales, 2B AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 5-10. WT: 195. DRAFTED: New Mexico State, 2020 (1st round).

Braves outfielder Michael Harris showed all five tools in his full-season debut. Scouts expect he will grow into more power as his body and hitting approach mature.

Gonzales missed a month with a broken right pinkie and struggled to get back into form, hitting .265 in July, but he turned in an exceptional August, with 10 homers and 28 RBIs while showing the same approach and ability as a hitter that led the Pirates to draft him seventh overall in 2020. Gonzales earned positive reviews from league managers for his plate discipline. He cut down on the pitches he chased out of the zone, and used his all-fields approach to rack up 98 hits

in just 80 games. Gonzales showed improvement defensively at second base as well, but his bat will always be his carrying tool. He will make his upper-minors debut next season after spending the entirety of 2021 at High-A.

9. Gunnar Henderson, SS/3B Aberdeen (Orioles) AGE: 20. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 210. DRAFTED: HS—Selma, Ala., 2019 (2nd round). Henderson, the No. 1 prospect in Low-A East, had a bumpy transition to High-A after dominating the lower level. He collected only one hit in his first 31 at-bats, but he impressed league managers all the same. The 20-year-old shortstop has stood out for his plus raw power, defensive ability, reactions and arm strength, with managers highlighting his play at shortstop specifically. One manager pointed out Henderson’s growth in maturity at the plate over a one-month period, something the Orioles organization also noticed. They promoted Henderson to Double-A on Sept. 13 while he was riding an eight-game hitting streak. Henderson has quick hands and good bat control, and he learned how to stay within his strengths as he got more accustomed to High-A pitching.

10. Liover Peguero, SS Greensboro (Pirates) AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 200. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2017 (D-backs). One of the most exciting players in the league, Peguero has impressive tools but struggled at times to get to them in games in his first year of full-season ball. That was evidenced by a good amount of swing and miss. Peguero drew plaudits for his defense at shortstop, with above-average speed and improving reactions to go with an average arm. He also showed added pop as one of the younger players in High-A East, with a career-high 14 home runs in 90 games after hitting just six in his previous 101 games. Peguero drew notice from league managers for his knowledge of the game, ability to battle through at-bats and his approach at the plate, an area of emphasis for him over the last two years. n 29

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TOP 10

PROSPECTS

HIGH-A

HIGH-A WEST HH

AQUASOX ROCK THE NORTHWEST

The Mariners’ talented Everett affiliate boasts elite prospects Rodriguez and Kirby by JOSH

NORRIS

Major League Baseball eliminated the short-season level of the minor leagues but kept the Northwest League to serve its West organizations. The league was elevated in classification and renamed High-A West. Six of the eight NWL affiliates survived, the exceptions were Salem-Keizer and Boise, which were dropped. The pandemic threw High-A West an added wrinkle, because the league has the only international affiliate in the minors. Because the Canadian border remained closed deep into the season, Vancouver used Hillsboro as its home park all year. Though six teams may not be an ideal long-term setup, it meant that High-A West fans got plenty of chances to see some of the circuit’s top talent. That was especially true in the early going, when Everett boasted a roster that could easily make up part of the core of the Mariners’ next playoff team. Outfielder Julio Rodriguez and righthander George Kirby were at the forefront, but they weren’t the only attractions. The AquaSox roster also had a host of high-end pitchers like Matt Brash, Levi Stoudt, Brandon Williamson and Emerson Hancock, though the last two names fell just shy of qualifying for this list.

Few pitchers can match Mariners righthander George Kirby in terms of his strikes and stuff. He has top-of-the-rotation upside.

1. Julio Rodriguez, OF Everett (Mariners) Though his time in the league was brief and fractured by a pair of stints with the Dominican Republic Olympic team, Rodriguez established himself as the clearcut best prospect in the league. He was so feared that rival teams sent out grateful messages on social media when the Mariners promoted Rodriguez to Double-A. The precocious Rodriguez has a chance to hit for high doses of average and power because exceptional bat speed, strength and a strong knowledge of the strike zone. He kept on hitting once he got to the upper levels, further establishing himself as one of the very best prospects in the game. Rodriguez does need to clean up some aspects of his game away from the plate, with some evaluators noting the need for cleaner routes and more consistent concentration overall on defense. His arm is close to average, and he should settle in as an ideally molded right fielder.

2. George Kirby, RHP Everett (Mariners) AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-4. WT: 215. DRAFTED: Elon, 2019 (1st round). When he was drafted, Kirby’s reputation was as a pitcher whose very good stuff was accentuated by sublime control and command. This year, his stuff took huge steps forward without sacrificing his ability to pound the edges of the strike zone. Kirby’s fastball took a huge leap forward. It regularly parked in the upper 90s and peaked as high as 102 mph. It heads a four-pitch arsenal with three secondaries that grade at least above-average. His slider, which was reshaped to feature sweepier break, is a favorite of scouts. His changeup has plenty of admirers, too.

About the only blip on Kirby’s ledger was a bout of shoulder discomfort that cost him roughly a month before his promotion to Double-A. Kirby’s mix of strikes and stuff is one of the best in the minors.

Brash still needs to iron out his command, and some scouts are wary of both his injury history and arm action, but his dominant season put him squarely on the map.

3. Matt Brash, RHP

4. Brandon Pfaadt, RHP

Everett (Mariners)

Hillsboro (D-backs)

AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 170. DRAFTED: Niagara, 2019 (4th round/Padres).

AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-4. WT: 220. DRAFTED: Bellarmine, 2020 (5th round).

Brash was acquired by the Mariners in the deal that sent reliever Taylor Williams to San Diego in the Padres’ flurry of moves at the 2020 trade deadline. Williams has already been designated for assignment twice since the trade, while Brash was one of the biggest revelations in the minors in 2021. Scouts were struck by Brash’s vicious slider, which featured hard, sharp dive out of the strike zone and got hitters to chase all summer. The pitch was such a weapon that it allowed him to throw his fastball less than 50% of the time. His fastball sits between 93-97 mph with high spin for swings and misses. His changeup is less consistent, but could be a future plus.

On a star-studded Hillsboro pitching staff, Pfaadt entered the season with the most anonymity. He finished the year with his name squarely among the best prospects in a pitcher-heavy Arizona system. Pfaadt showed an excellent combination of pitchabilty and stuff, with an arsenal that relied heavily on a fastball which peaked at 95 mph and a potentially plus slider as its complement. Pfaadt has a changeup as well, but it has further to come along. Pfaadt proved adept at studying an opposing lineup, then adhering to his plan all game long. If things went awry, he also showed a strong ability to make adjustments during the game.

PATRICK KROHN/FOUR SEAM IMAGES; RYAN HOPPES

AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-3. WT: 180. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2017.

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HIGH-A WEST TOP 10 PROSPECTS Batters require 120 plate appearances and pitchers 40 innings to qualify for this ranking. Pfaadt’s stuff isn’t as explosive as D-backs organization-mates Ryne Nelson, Luis Frias or Drey Jameson, but his pitchability accentuated his arsenal enough that he could rack up 160 strikeouts in 131.2 innings up to Double-A.

No. Player, Pos, Team (Organization)

1. Julio Rodriguez, OF, Everett (Mariners)

117 29 38

.325

.410 .581

5. Marco Luciano, SS, Eugene (Giants)

129 16 28

.217

.283 .295

6. Orelvis Martinez, SS/3B, Vancouver (Blue Jays)

112 17 24

.214

.282 .491

5. Marco Luciano, SS

7. Ezequiel Tovar, SS, Spokane (Rockies)

134 19 32

.239

.266 .396

8. Michael Toglia, 1B, Spokane (Rockies)

282 50 66

.234

.333 .465

Eugene (Giants)

2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

CS AVG OBP SLG

AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 178. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2018.

No. Pitcher, Pos, Team (Organization)

W L

ERA

G GS

2. George Kirby, RHP, Everett (Mariners)

2.38

33 15

52 .214

Though Luciano’s performance at High-A didn’t jump off the page, evaluators around the league were clearly impressed by his tools, especially his immense raw power. Luciano generates that power with plenty of strength, but also lightning-quick hands that allow him to turn on fastballs of any velocity. To get to that power more often, and to sharpen his overall hitting ability, Luciano must refine his approach. When he did connect, his power led to screaming line drives to the deepest recesses of ballparks. But he often got over-eager and chased pitches out of the zone. Shortstop isn’t out of the question for Luciano, but he’ll have to do plenty of work to stick there. He has the quickness and arm strength to stay there but needs to improve his instincts and reads off the bat.

3. Matt Brash, RHP, Everett (Mariners) 4. Brandon Pfaadt, RHP, Hillsboro (D-backs)

3 5

2 4

2.55 10 2.48 9

9 9

0 0

42 58

31 16 39 19

12 16

3 5

25 14

62 .204 67 .186

9. Levi Stoudt, RHP, Everett (Mariners) 10. Drey Jameson, RHP, Hillsboro (D-backs)

6 2

1 4

3.52 12 12 3.92 13 12

0 0

64 64

47 28 60 31

25 28

6 9

29 18

67 .204 77 .246

BY THE NUMBERS

Vancouver (Blue Jays) AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 188. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2018.

7. Ezequiel Tovar, SS

Martinez was part of a pack of talented shortstop prospects—along with Marco Luciano, Ezequiel Tovar and Noelvi Marte—who took over the league late in the season. Martinez, who earned his way to High-A by bashing 19 home runs in Low-A, is one of the Blue Jays’ most prodigious power hitters.

Spokane (Rockies) AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-0. WT: 162. SIGNED: Venezuela, 2017. Tovar came to Spokane late in the season but showed glimpses of the tools that made him a standout at Low-A and earned him that promotion at just 20 years old. Unlike the other 20-year-old shortstops on this list—Marco Luciano and Orelvis Martinez—Tovar has an excellent chance to stick at the position depending on how his body fills out. Tovar is an instinctual player who turns anything hit his way into an out with the help of a strong internal clock and an above-average arm. Tovar is no slouch at the plate. He shows surprising power for someone with his build and hit 15 homers between both Class A levels. He’s likely more of a doubles hitter who can hit toward the top of the order but should provide a potentially plus bat with near-average power while sticking up the middle.

8. Michael Toglia, 1B Spokane (Rockies)

PATRICK KROHN/FOUR SEAM IMAGES; RYAN HOPPES

AGE: 23. B-T: B-L. HT: 6-5. WT: 226. DRAFTED: UCLA, 2019 (1st round).

Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez has prototype right field tools, including the type of offensive upside that could make him a regular all-star.

HR BB SO AVG

The number of Everett pitchers—George Kirby, Matt Brash, Levi Stoudt—who rank in the top 10. Two other rotation-mates might have ranked if they pitched enough to qualify.

That thump showed up after the promotion, but not without some growing pains. Martinez worked hard all season to control at-bats and work counts until he got pitches he could drive, but adjusting to a new league and more advanced pitchers takes time, and he never got fully on track at High-A. The Blue Jays anticipate Martinez will add more strength as he gets older, which will amplify his power but lessen his chances of sticking at shortstop.

6. Orelvis Martinez, SS/3B

SV IP

Toglia introduced himself to the masses when he swatted a long, loud home run in the Futures Game at Coors Field, home of his parent organization. The blast painted an accurate picture of Toglia, a switch-hitting, smooth-fielding first baseman with power to spare from both sides of the plate. Toglia is not likely to hit for a particularly high average, but scouts think he could get to even more power by becoming more aggressive and ambushing early-count fastballs. Some evaluators believe Toglia would be better suited hitting solely from the left side, while others believe changing the way he sets his hands might allow him to hit for a higher average. Toglia is a graceful defender with a huge wingspan that

allows him to get to plenty of balls and scoop low throws to save errors for his infielders.

9. Levi Stoudt, RHP Everett (Mariners) AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 195. DRAFTED: Lehigh, 2019 (3rd round). For the first portion of the season, the Everett rotation was absolutely stacked. Three of its members appear on this list and two more—Brandon Williamson and Emerson Hancock— fell a few innings short of qualifying. Of the trio who made the cut, Stoudt is probably the least known name. His dynamite arsenal could change that quickly. Stoudt, who had Tommy John surgery in his draft year of 2019, features mix of three potentially plus pitches. His fastball ranges from 94-98 mph with carrying action through the zone. His headlining second pitch is a Vulcan-grip changeup with trap-door drop. He also throws a sweeper slider with up to 20 inches of break to give him something with lateral movement. Stoudt still has command and control issues to iron out, but he showcased enough pure stuff in his first test as a professional to give the Mariners another potential future rotation piece.

10. Drey Jameson, RHP Hillsboro (D-backs) AGE: 24. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-0. WT: 165. DRAFTED: Ball State, 2019 (1st round). Of all Hillsboro’s high-upside arms—which also included Brandon Pfaadt, Blake Walston, Ryne Nelson, Slade Cecconi and Bryce Jarvis—Jameson’s stuff was the loudest. The Ball State product boasted two- and four-seam fastballs which sat in the mid 90s and peaked at 99 mph. Jameson paired the fastballs primarily with a sharp, darting slider to get swings and misses. He’s working to refine his changeup, which has plenty of separation and fading action but needs to be thrown with more consistency. Jameson learned throughout the year how to better pace himself. The progress was evident in a pair of August starts at Double-A, when Jameson went a combined 14.1 innings and allowed one run on eight hits and two walks and struck out 22. If Jameson’s changeup continues to develop, he could be a mid-rotation starter. If not, his fastball/slider combo would play in the bullpen. n 31

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TOP 10

PROSPECTS

LOW-A

LOW-A EAST HH

YOUNG PITCHERS BREAK THROUGH Young starters Bradley, Espino and Estes break through with strong Low-A debuts by CHRIS

HILBURN-TRENKLE

The Low-A East featured four Top 100 Prospects among its top 10 prospects— Gunnar Henderson, Nick Yorke, Taj Bradley and Daniel Espino—and an impressive group of players who took big steps forward and raised their stock during the 2021 season. Joey Estes, Dustin Harris and DJ Herz were not highly touted coming out of the 2019 draft, yet all three turned in impressive seasons and earned praise from league managers for their play. Charleston, the top team in the league with an 82-38 record, finished tied for the most prospects in the top 10 with two (Bradley, Curtis Mead), along with Delmarva (Henderson, Colton Cowser) and Down East (Harris, Luisangel Acuña). Due to the depth of talent in the league, there were notable omissions from the list, such as Carolina outfielder Joe Gray Jr., whose power, running ability and athleticism stood out; Lynchburg first baseman Jhonkensy Noel, who posted a 1.119 OPS in 38 Low-A games; and Down East outfielder Evan Carter, who missed significant time with injury but showed an impressive tool set.

Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, pictured here with High-A Aberdeen, impressed with his overall play.

1. Gunnar Henderson, SS/3B Delmarva (Orioles) AGE: 20. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 210. DRAFTED: HS—Selma, Ala., 2019 (2nd round).

2. Nick Yorke, 2B Salem (Red Sox) AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-0. WT: 200. DRAFTED: HS—San Jose, 2020 (1st round). Yorke was the surprise pick of the 2020 draft at No. 17 overall but proved Red Sox evaluators prescient with an excellent pro debut. He showed off a plus hit tool with quick bat speed and the ability to hit the ball to all fields. Yorke stood out to league managers for his patient approach at the plate, consistently delivering quality at-bats, running the bases well and playing solid defense at second base, though he needs to improve on the double play turn. Yorke added 15 pounds to his frame as a prep senior, and it translated to solid extra-base pop, with 14 home runs and 20 doubles in 2021. Yorke’s bat will lead

the way for him, and in his first pro season it more than delivered. “Swung the bat great, ran the bases, stole bases,” Delmarva manager Dave Anderson said. “He was a fun guy to watch play.”

3. Taj Bradley, RHP Charleston (Rays) AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 190. DRAFTED: HS—Stone Mountain, Ga., 2018 (5th round). Drafted in the fifth round in 2018 out of high school in the Atlanta area, Bradley spent his first two seasons in Rookie ball before working at home during the canceled 2020 season. Working remotely, Bradley improved his fastball velocity to sitting in the mid 90s and topping out at 98 mph with life after topping out at 93 in his draft season. Armed with his improved fastball this season, Bradley overpowered Low-A hitters en route to a promotion to High-A in early August. Bradley struck out 10.9 per nine innings in Low-A and showed a tighter breaking ball, a more consis-

tent delivery and maturity beyond his years on the mound. Bradley rounds out his arsenal with a changeup, and he throws all three pitches for strikes.

4. Daniel Espino, RHP Lynchburg (Indians) AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 205. DRAFTED: HS—Statesboro, Ga., 2019 (1st round). Espino didn’t stay in Low-A for long, barely surpassing the 40-inning threshold for this list, but league managers didn’t forget the way his fastball played, with one manager calling it the best heater in the league. Espino’s fastball sat in the upper 90s and touched triple-digits, with mostly straight movement. League managers were less impressed with his offspeed offerings, which included a plus slider and two average pitches in his curveball and changeup. The 20-year-old righthander struggled somewhat with his control at Low-A, walking 23 in 42.2 innings, but he began to right the ship at High-A, walking just 16 through 49 innings after a promotion.

BRIAN WESTERHOLT/FOUR SEAM IMAGES;

Henderson was only in the Low-A East for a month and a half, but he drew plenty of notice during his time there, standing out for his bat control, bat speed and plus power with the ability to hit the ball out of the park to all fields. Henderson stood out defensively as well, both at shortstop and third base, with advanced instincts and plus arm strength. League managers were confident that he can stick at shortstop, even with his larger frame. He needs to cut down on his swing and miss after striking out 29.3% of the time, but he showed a better approach at the plate after spending the 2020 season against advanced competition at the alternate training site. “He was probably the best player in our division for a while,” Fredericksburg manager Mario Lisson said. “He can swing it. He can play short and third base. The bat I liked a lot.”

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LOW-A EAST TOP 10 PROSPECTS Batters require 120 plate appearances and pitchers 40 innings to qualify for this ranking.

5. Joey Estes, RHP Augusta (Braves) AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 190. DRAFTED: HS—Lancaster, Calif., 2019 (16th round). Although Estes’ season ended prematurely when he went on the injured list Sept. 9, he still had a breakthrough year and shot onto the prospect scene. The 19-year-old righthander had no trouble with Low-A in his full-season debut, impressing league managers with a three-pitch mix headlined by a fastball that sat 93-94 mph, and he could continue to add velocity as he matures. He worked in the offseason on improving his changeup and has gained confidence in it while turning it into a solid pitch. He has enough confidence in his average to above-average slider that he will throw it in any count. Estes worked deliberately, pounding the strike zone and posting 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings compared to 2.6 walks per nine. “The biggest thing for me was his mentality,” Augusta broadcaster Rylan Kobre said. “Obviously the changeup is nice . . . but he goes at guys. He’s a bulldog.”

No. Player, Pos, Team (Organization)

1. Gunnar Henderson, SS, Delmarva (Orioles)

141 30 44

.312

.369 .574

2. Nick Yorke, 2B, Salem (Red Sox)

294 59 95

47 11

.323

.413 .500

6. Dustin Harris, 1B/3B, Down East (Rangers)

259 54 78

48 20

.301

.389 .483

7. Curtis Mead, 1B/3B, Charleston (Rays)

191 36 68

.356

.408 .586

8. Colton Cowser, OF, Delmarva (Orioles)

19 .347

.476 .429

9. Luisangel Acuña, SS/2B, Down East (Rangers)

413 77 110 15

49 110 44

11 .266

.345 .404

W L

ERA

3. Taj Bradley, RHP, Charleston (Rays)

1.76 15 14

37 17

81 .165

4. Daniel Espino, RHP, Lynchburg (Indians)

3.38 10 10

34 17

64 .217

5. Joey Estes, RHP, Augusta (Braves)

2.91 20 20

66 39

29 127 .184

10. DJ Herz, LHP, Myrtle Beach (Cubs)

3.43 17 17

32 25

38 105 .152

BY THE NUMBERS

103.1

7. Curtis Mead, 1B/3B Charleston (Rays) AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 171. SIGNED: Australia, 2018 (Phillies). Acquired from the Phillies for lefthander Cristopher Sanchez in November 2019, Mead took a big step forward in his full-season debut. The 20-year-old Australian hit .356/.408/.586 with seven homers in 47 games at Low-A. Mead was promoted to High-A on July 6, but before he left he stood out to league managers for improving his bat-to-ball skills and showing the ability to make contact against velocity and offspeed pitches while hitting the ball from line to line. It’s mostly gap power currently, but some of those doubles should translate to home runs as Mead matures. Mead fared well at third base, but there are questions remaining about whether he can stick there due to fringe-average range.

8. Colton Cowser, OF Delmarva (Orioles) AGE: 21. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-3. WT: 195. DRAFTED: Sam Houston State, 2021 (1st round).

BRIAN WESTERHOLT/FOUR SEAM IMAGES;

G GS

SV IP

HR BB SO AVG

The innings total by the Rays’ Taj Bradley, the highest by a minor leaguer age 20 or younger. The Blue Jays’ Adam Kloffenstein also topped 100.

AGE: 22. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 185. DRAFTED: St. Petersburg (Fla.) JC, 2019 (11th round/Athletics).

Red Sox second baseman Nick Yorke started slow in Low-A but hit .368/.459/.606 in his final 50 games at the level to earn a bump to High-A in late August.

CS AVG OBP SLG

No. Pitcher, Pos, Team (Organization)

Down East (Rangers)

Acquired from the Athletics as part of the trade for Mike Minor in 2020, Harris broke out in his new organization, standing out for his ability to make hard contact and barrel the ball consistently. Harris’ uptick in power that is most impressive. The 22-yearold corner infielder crushed 20 home runs in 110 games after hitting only one in 58 games in 2019. Harris stood out to league managers for his bat speed, baserunning ability (25 sto-

2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

22 34

len bases in 27 attempts between the Class A levels), defense at first base and power production. Thanks to his sneaky athleticism, Harris could also handle an outfield corner if the Rangers decide to move him there.

6. Dustin Harris, 1B/3B

The first-rounder from Sam Houston State had one of the more impressive pro debuts of any 2021 draftee. Cowser advanced quickly to Low-A, where he stood out to Delmarva manager Dave Anderson. “Another guy with a lot of tools—can run, can throw,” he said. “Commands the strike zone really well. He’s hit the ball all over the place . . . Just all-around play. He’s been here three weeks and we’ve seen a lot of different things from him.” In addition to his plus hit tool and plus running ability, Cowser has line drive power that’s mostly led to doubles, but the organization is confident that it will translate to more homers as he adds strength. Cowser also stood out in Low-A for his baserunning ability, defense in center field and an above-average arm to give him five average or better tools.

9. Luisangel Acuña, SS/2B Down East (Rangers) AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT: 5-10. WT: 181. SIGNED: Venezuela, 2018. The younger brother of Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr., Luisangel impressed in his first season in the U.S. at 19 years old. He showcased strong defense at shortstop, with quick actions, good speed and the range to stick at the position as well as plus arm strength and the versatility to handle second or third base. The Rangers were hoping to see Acuña grow into more power, and it happened sooner than expected with 12 home runs in 111 games. Acuña’s power and hit tool stood out to Charleston manager Blake Butera. “He’s a very intriguing kid who can run and is explosive,” Butera said. “The swing is whippy, there’s a lot of juice there. He’s a good defender, but the bat will carry him.” Acuña also has plus speed and good baserunning ability. He stole 44 bags to finish third in the league. He has four average or better tools, and with added strength, his improving power could tick up to average or better as well.

10. DJ Herz, LHP Myrtle Beach (Cubs) AGE: 20. B-T: R-L. HT: 6-2. WT: 175. DRAFTED: HS—Fayetteville, N.C., 2019 (8th round). Herz pitched just 10.1 innings in his pro debut in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic canceled the 2020 season, but he didn’t look rusty in his first full season. The 20-year-old lefthander excelled with Myrtle Beach before a promotion to High-A on Sept. 2. He used his threepitch mix to overmatch Low-A hitters while striking out 14.4 per nine innings. Herz uses a crossfire delivery that gives his fastball deception, and he sits in the low-to-mid 90s, with one manager calling the pitch electric. Herz’s changeup is his best secondary offering, and it’s a pitch that earns plus grades. He has worked to improve his curveball, turning the pitch into an average offering. The main area of emphasis for Herz is throwing strikes more consistently and pitching deeper into games. He threw five or more innings just four times in 17 Low-A starts, while walking 5.2 per nine innings. n 33

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TOP 10

PROSPECTS

LOW-A

LOW-A SOUTHEAST HH

YOUTH IS SERVED IN NEW LEAGUE The old Florida State League saw many fresh faces as it moved down in classification by JOSH

NORRIS

The last time the Low-A Southeast League took the field, it was called the Florida State League. And it was High-A. And it had 12 teams. And balls and strikes were called exclusively by humans. All of that changed in 2021, a year after the pandemic wiped out the season and MLB realigned the minor leagues. Low-A Southeast lost two teams to contraction and served this season as a testing ground for the automated ball-strike system, which went through tweaks as the season went along. A number of players stood head and shoulders above the rest. In the early going, that group included Tampa shortstop Anthony Volpe and Palm Beach third baseman Jordan Walker, first-round picks in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Dunedin shortstop Orelvis Martinez mashed in the middle months, and Daytona shortstop Elly de la Cruz took the league by storm as soon as he arrived in mid July.

1. Anthony Volpe, SS Tampa (Yankees)

Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe burst on the scene with a mature hitting approach and a powerspeed game few can match.

AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 5-11. WT: 180. DRAFTED: HS—Morristown, N.J., 2019 (1st rd).

2. Jordan Walker, 3B Palm Beach (Cardinals) AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-5. WT: 220. DRAFTED: HS—Decatur, Ga., 2020 (1st round) Walker was undoubtedly an excellent draft prospect, but his early success caught evaluators off guard because of the sheer violence he inflicted on baseballs. He left the league with average and maximum exit velocities of 93.2 and 116.2 mph, with the latter being the hardest-hit ball all year on the circuit. “It’s stupid power,” one league manager said. “For a 19-year-old kid, the man strength he has is rare.” Evaluators were also impressed with the way Walker quickly adjusted at the plate. Specifically, if he got beat by a pitch in one at-bat, he wasn’t likely to let the same pitch beat him a second time.

While Walker’s offensive potential is unquestioned, some doubt he will stick at third base. He’s already a big-bodied player and is still growing, and league managers noted that his footwork and reaction time will have to improve to stay at the hot corner. Even if he has to move, his bat will profile in another corner.

3. Orelvis Martinez, SS/3B Dunedin (Blue Jays) AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-1. WT.: 188. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2018. Martinez entered the year as one of the best prospects in Toronto’s system and spent the early part of the season in Low-A showing exactly why. He was particularly potent in July, when he hit .313/.420/.798 with 13 home runs in 26 games. He was promoted to High-A in early August. The 19-year-old generates his power thanks to a strong frame and electric bat speed. Both of those elements combined to produce average and maximum exit velocities of 88.5 and 110.8 mph, respectively. His 28 total home runs were the most by any

teenager in the minor leagues this season. Martinez has improved his first-step quickness, moves well and has a strong throwing arm, but he’s still likely to move to third base if he continues to get bigger as he matures.

4. Mick Abel, RHP Clearwater (Phillies) AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-4. WT: 190. DRAFTED: HS—Portland, Ore., 2020 (1st round). The Phillies’ 2020 first-rounder was a classic case of a pitcher whose numbers didn’t match the stuff. Though Abel’s 4.43 ERA was higher than expected, and his control and command were spotty, scouts were effusive in their praise. In Abel, scouts see the potential for a true No. 1 starter who shows a full complement of four pitches that each have the potential to be plus. His fastball sat in the mid 90s and regularly touched the 98-99 mph range. His slider and curveball, each thrown in the low 80s, generated swings and misses, and his high-80s changeup showed excellent fading action.

MIKE JANES/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

Volpe’s 2019 season—muted by a bout of mononucleosis—left plenty of questions about what the Yankees had in their first-round pick. After using the lost 2020 season to gain strength, Volpe put together one of the finest seasons in the minors. Volpe shined brightly at the plate, where he used an mature approach to work his way into advantageous counts and force pitchers to give him pitches to drive. Scouts and opposing managers rave about Volpe’s combination of hitting ability and power, which helped him become the only player in the minor leagues with more than 25 home runs and more than 30 stolen bases. There are questions about whether Volpe will stick at shortstop, mostly because his arm strength might be better suited at second base. The same exceptional makeup he showed working remotely in 2020 could help keep him at shortstop.

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LOW-A SOUTHEAST TOP 10 PROSPECTS Batters require 120 plate appearances and pitchers 40 innings to qualify for this ranking. The biggest problems at this point are his command and control, as well as a shoulder injury which cost him the last two months of the season.

5. Eury Perez, RHP Jupiter (Marlins) AGE: 18. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-8. WT: 200. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2019. Perez was the youngest player in the minor leagues on Opening Day, but he spent the season pitching with the poise of a veteran. His combination of stuff, athleticism and youth opened evaluators’ eyes and established Perez as the latest in the Marlins’ stockpile of high-end arms. Combined with a late-season promotion to High-A, Perez whiffed 108 hitters in 78 innings, the most by any 18-year-old pitcher this season. He comes by his strikeouts with a threepitch arsenal that starts with a mid-90s fastball and a potentially plus changeup as his two best weapons. His slider has a chance to get to above-average or better, but it needs the most work at this point. Even more impressive, Perez showed the athleticism to control his long levers and pound the strike zone with his arsenal.

6. Elly de la Cruz, 3B/SS Daytona (Reds) AGE: 19. B-T: B-R. HT: 6-5. WT: 195. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2018. Nearly as soon as he debuted in the Arizona Complex League, de la Cruz became the talk of the minor leagues. His frame, tool set and knack for making consistent, loud contact, made him one of the quickest-rising prospects in the game. De la Cruz quickly moved to Low-A, where he continued wowing scouts and managers alike. His maximum exit velocity

No. Player, Pos, Team (Organization)

1. Anthony Volpe, SS, Tampa (Yankees)

199 56 60

43 21

.302

.455 .623

2. Jordan Walker, 3B, Palm Beach (Cardinals)

24 37

.374

.475 .687

3. Orelvis Martinez, SS/3B, Dunedin (Blue Jays)

283 49 79

.279

.369 .572

6. Elly de la Cruz, 3B/SS, Daytona (Reds)

197 22 53

.269

.305 .477

7. Jasson Dominguez, OF, Tampa (Yankees)

186 26 48

.258

.346 .398

9. Endy Rodriguez, C/1B, Bradenton (Pirates)

377 73 111 25

.294

.380 .512

10. Alex Ramirez, OF, St. Lucie (Mets)

302 41 78

23 104 16

.258

.326 .384

W L

ERA

4.43 14 14

27 23

66 .174

5. Eury Perez, RHP, Jupiter (Marlins)

1.61 15 15

32 14

82 .163

8. Jared Jones, RHP, Bradenton (Pirates)

4.64 18 15

63 44

34 103 .245

BY THE NUMBERS

G GS

SV IP

CS AVG OBP SLG

4. Mick Abel, RHP, Clearwater (Phillies)

HR BB SO AVG

The age of Eury Perez, Jasson Dominguez and Alex Ramirez, three of the youngest players in full-season ball. All three signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2019.

of 112.2 mph was among the best in the league, and his average of 89.3 mph wasn’t far off, either. In addition to his power, de la Cruz also impressed evaluators with his speed, which showed up more in how quickly he went from first to third than on stolen base tries, on which he went 10-for-15. De la Cruz needs to polish his command of the strike zone, but managers noticed confidence, a high baseball IQ and smoothness to his game that belied his age and inexperience.

7. Jasson Dominguez, OF Tampa (Yankees) AGE: 18. B-T: B-R. HT: 5-10. WT: 190. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2019. The No. 1 international prospect signed in 2019, Dominguez held his own in his long-awaited pro debut, spent mostly at Low-A. He even earned a spot in the Futures Game. Those impressed with Dominguez cited the fluidity to his movements and the impact he made when he made contact. He posted an average and maximum exit velocities of 85.8 and 111.7 mph. He also showed a strong work ethic, as well as an even keel during the ups and downs of the season. Evaluators showed concern about how thick and stocky his body has become, leading to questions whether he can stick in center field. He still shows enough speed to play there but needs to continue to add polish to his jumps and routes. His above-average arm would fit in right field.

Bradenton (Pirates) AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 180. DRAFTED: HS—La Mirada, Calif., 2020 (2nd round).

MIKE JANES/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

No. Pitcher, Pos, Team (Organization)

8. Jared Jones, RHP

Blue Jays shortstop Orelvis Martinez thumped 28 home runs in his full-season debut, more than any other teen. He played his way to High-A in early August.

Jones ranked as the fifth-best high school righthander in the 2020 draft. He lived up to the hype in his pro debut, ranking fifth in the league with 103 strikeouts. Jones’ arsenal starts with a fastball that sat in the mid 90s and frequently touched the high 90s. Jones backs his fastball with a pair of breaking balls with plus potential. He has better command of his slider but his curveball gets more swings and misses. Jones throws his changeup with conviction to both sides of the plate and it has average potential. Jones’ command and control must improve—he walked nearly five per nine innings—but his pure stuff is outstanding.

9. Endy Rodriguez, C/1B Bradenton (Pirates) AGE: 21. B-T: B-R. HT: 6-0. WT: 170. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2018 (Mets). The Pirates acquired Rodriguez from the Mets as part of the three-team deal that sent Joe Musgrove to the Padres and Joey Lucchesi to New York. Now, he’s part of the deep and rapidly improving Pittsburgh farm system. Rodriguez’s .294 average led the league, his on-base and slugging percentages each ranked among the top five, and his 15 home runs were just four off of Orelvis Martinez’s league lead. Those highest on Rodriguez see a potentially plus hitter with plus raw power who has a ceiling as an everyday catcher. On the defensive side, scouts see a solid receiver who can handle big velocity and plays with a tremendous amount of energy. There are some areas to polish in terms of the way he presents pitches, and he threw out just 17% of basestealers. If Rodriguez did have to move out from behind the plate, especially after the Pirates drafted Louisville catcher Henry Davis No. 1 overall this year, he has the athleticism to play first base or left field, and he dabbled at both spots in 2021.

10. Alex Ramirez, OF St. Lucie (Mets) AGE: 18. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-3. WT: 170. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2019. Ramirez was the jewel of the Mets’ 2019 international signing class, then had his debut season scuttled by the coronavirus pandemic. He impressed the Mets at extended spring training and forced his way onto the St. Lucie roster, where he held his own as one of Low-A Southeast’s youngest players. Ramirez’s profile comes with plenty of risk, but also plenty of upside. His .258 average was fourth highest in the pitcher-friendly league, and he has the bat speed and barrel control to hit for both average and power if he can rein in his chase rate. He struck out 31% of the time, though he made more contact as the season progressed and he got used to the automated strike zone. Ramirez is an above-average runner and an excellent athlete, so he has a chance to stick in center field. If he has to move to a corner, his plus arm would play in right field. Ramirez is a boom or bust prospect who made good progress in 2021. n 35

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TOP 10

PROSPECTS

LOW-A

LOW-A WEST HHHHH

SMALL LEAGUE, HUGE TALENT

Eight-team league boasts an incredible array of young hitters and lefthanders with upside by KYLE

GLASER

Everything changed in 2021 for the league formerly known as the California League. The league’s name changed to Low-A West. The level changed from High-A to Low-A. The composition of the league changed, with Fresno replacing Lancaster as the league’s eighth team as part of MLB’s minor league restructuring. The rules of the league changed, too. Low-A West was used as a testing ground for experimental rule changes designed to increase the place of play, with 15-second pitch clocks instituted in June and pitchers limited to two pickoff attempts per plate appearance. With the rule changes in place, the league’s average time of game was 2 hours, 43 minutes, a reduction of 20 minutes compared to 2019. Against that backdrop, the talent in the league was as strong as ever. Firstround picks Tyler Soderstrom, Robert Hassell and Zac Veen all starred in their professional debuts and a standout crop of international signees, led by Marco Luciano and Noelvi Marte, shined in their first tastes of full-season ball.

1. Tyler Soderstrom, C/1B

Thanks to his hitting upside, Athletics catcher Tyler Soderstrom was viewed as the top prospect in a stacked league.

Stockton (Athletics) AGE: 19. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 200. DRAFTED: HS—Turlock, Calif., 2020 (1st rd).

2. Marco Luciano, SS San Jose (Giants) AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 178. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2018. Luciano entered the season considered the league’s best prospect and largely lived up to the billing. He finished second in the league with 18 home runs despite being promoted to High-A in early August. Luciano’s short, fast, balanced swing generated tremendous power and loft to all fields, especially the opposite way. He had holes in his swing that could be exploited, particularly high and low, but he showed the ability to adjust and frequently delivered in clutch situations. Luciano flashed impressive athleticism to go with good hands and plus arm

strength at shortstop, but other times he was a stiff, upright defender with poor throwing accuracy. How his body develops will determine whether he remains at the position.

3. Robert Hassell, OF Lake Elsinore (Padres) AGE: 20. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-2. WT: 195. DRAFTED: HS—Thompson’s Station, Tenn., 2020 (1st round). Hassell emerged as arguably the most complete player in the league, showing special ability as a hitter, baserunner and defender. He finished third in batting (.323) and second in on-base percentage (.482), stole 31 bases in 37 attempts and was voted the league’s best defensive outfielder by managers. Hassell demonstrated elite strike-zone discipline and consistently lined balls hard with a smooth, quick swing from the left side. “The thing that really stood out is (how well he hit) against lefties,” Inland Empire manager Jack Howell said. “When he’s staying in on lefties and hitting the ball the other way, I know he’s got a great approach.”

Hassell has room to gain strength and add power, and his contact skills, above-average speed and excellent baserunning instincts should make him a well-rounded offensive threat. He proved a natural defender in center field with light feet, clean routes and plus arm strength.

4. Zac Veen, OF Fresno (Rockies) AGE: 19. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-4. WT: 190. DRAFTED: HS—Port Orange, Fla., 2020 (1st round). Veen electrified the league with his combination of power, speed and athleticism. He laced balls hard to all fields, showed above-average power to his pull side and menaced pitchers with aggressive leads and baserunning. He was one of four players in the minors with at least 15 homers and 35 stolen bases. In addition to Veen’s offensive exploits, he added eight outfield assists while playing above-average defense in both corners. Managers voted him the league’s most exciting player. Veen is a bit of a free swinger at times and needs to

BILL MITCHELL; LARRY GOREN/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

Soderstrom separated himself as one of the best pure hitters in Low-A West while showing better than expected defense behind the plate with Stockton. He ranked fourth in the league with a .957 OPS when he took a foul ball off his collarbone July 23 and missed the rest of the season. When healthy, Soderstrom showed a picturesque lefthanded swing, a sharp eye for the strike zone and the ability to slow the game down. He showcased plus power to all fields and made such hard contact that defenders often took a step back when he came to the plate. “Best hitting prospect in the league,” Fresno manager Robinson Cancel said. “His bat path is really good. His swing looks like a polished swing for his age.” Soderstrom showed enough defensively to hold off a long-predicted move off catcher. He was surprisingly agile for his big frame, kept pitches in the strike zone and showed the hands and arm strength to project potentially average defense.

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LOW-A WEST TOP 10 PROSPECTS Batters require 120 plate appearances and pitchers 40 innings to qualify for this ranking. improve his arm strength a tick. His well-rounded tool set and high effort level should make him an impact player regardless.

5. Diego Cartaya, C Rancho Cucamonga (Dodgers)

No. Player, Pos, Team (Organization)

1. Tyler Soderstrom, C/1B, Stockton (Athletics)

222 39 68

2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB 20

CS AVG OBP SLG 1

.306

.390 .568

2. Marco Luciano, SS, San Jose (Giants)

266 52 74

.278

.373 .556

3. Robert Hassell, OF, Lake Elsinore (Padres)

365 77 118 31

74 31

.323

.415 .482

4. Zac Veen, OF, Fresno (Rockies)

399 83 120 27

64 126 36

17 .301

.399 .501

AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-3. WT: 219. SIGNED: Venezuela, 2018.

5. Diego Cartaya, C, Rancho Cucamonga (Dodgers) 137 31 34

.298

.409 .614

6. Luis Matos, OF, San Jose (Giants)

451 84 141 35

61 21

.313

.358 .494

Cartaya played less than two months in the league but made a loud impression in that short time. He had 10 home runs and 31 RBIs in 31 games and consistently made some of the hardest contact of any player. Lauded for his maturity, Cartaya showed advanced pitch recognition and plate discipline to go with booming, all-fields power. Cartaya presented a good target for pitchers, framed well at the bottom of the strike zone and drew raves for his game-planning and leadership behind the plate. The only concern was his health. Cartaya missed the start of the season with a back injury, suffered a hamstring injury in July and was shut down in early August after his back issues flared up again.

7. Noelvi Marte, SS, Modesto (Mariners)

413 87 112 24

58 106 23

.271

.368 .462

9. Drew Romo, C, Fresno (Rockies)

312 48 98

.314

.345 .439

6. Luis Matos, OF San Jose (Giants) AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT: 5-11. WT: 160. SIGNED: Venezuela, 2018. Matos earned rave reviews at instructional league last fall and showed it wasn’t a fluke this season. He hit .313 with a league-leading 51 extra-base hits despite a cavernous home park. Managers voted him the league’s best batting prospect. Matos’ quick hands and excellent bat speed allowed him to jump on fastballs and crush them with eye-popping exit velocities. He had three hitting streaks of at least 10 games and repeatedly topped 105 mph off the bat.

W L

ERA

G GS

8. Blake Walston, LHP, Visalia (D-backs)

3.32

34 18

10. Kyle Harrison, LHP, San Jose (Giants)

3.19 23 23

86 43

52 157 .232

BY THE NUMBERS

HR BB SO AVG 60 .200

The league-leading total of extra-base hits by the Giants’ Luis Matos, who also led the league in hits, doubles and total bases despite his cavernous home park.

Matos struggled against better breaking pitches, particularly sliders down and away, and will have to show he can lay off them at higher levels. He played a solid center field with quick reads and reactions off the bat, but his average speed may push him to a corner as he matures.

7. Noelvi Marte, SS Modesto (Mariners) AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 181. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2018. Marte struggled with consistency during an up-and-down season, but he was an offensive force at his best. He finished tied for third in the league with 17 home runs and also ranked in the top 10 in hits, runs, doubles, RBIs, walks and stolen bases. Marte destroyed fastballs and generated plus-plus power out of a smooth, easy swing. His power played to all fields and his sound swing mechanics allowed him to project him as a future above-average hitter. Marte still has work to do on the mental side of the game. The quality of his at-bats often wavered and he tied for a league-worst 29 errors on defense, mostly due to sloppy footwork and poor throwing mechanics. He has the ability to stay at shortstop if he improves his focus.

Visalia (D-backs) AGE: 20. B-T: L-L. HT: 6-5. WT: 175. DRAFTED: HS—Wilmington, N.C., 2020 (1st round).

BILL MITCHELL; LARRY GOREN/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

SV IP

50 23

No. Pitcher, Pos, Team (Organization)

8. Blake Walston, LHP

Padres outfielder Robert Hassell was the most complete player in the league, capable of winning games with his bat, his speed or his defensive skill.

Walston cruised through the Low-A West for the season’s first six weeks before being promoted to High-A Hillsboro. He ranked third in Low-A West in strikeouts at the time of his promotion. Walston sat 91-94 mph with his fastball and powered it downhill out of his long 6-foot-5 frame. He landed his mid-70s curveball for strikes, used his mid-80s slider as an effective chase pitch and his mid-80s changeup was voted best in the league by managers. Walston pitched with a quick tempo and aggressively challenged hitters, keeping them from getting comfortable. Walston’s velocity tended to drop in the middle innings and he still needs to add strength to maintain his stuff deeper into games. Once he does, he could become a mid-rotation starter.

9. Drew Romo, C Fresno (Rockies) AGE: 20. B-T: B-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 205. DRAFTED: HS—The Woodlands, Texas, 2020 (1st round supp). Romo lived up to his reputation as an elite defensive catcher in his pro debut. He showed soft hands in receiving, impressed with his game-calling and was exceptionally quick on his footwork and transfers behind the plate. He shut down running games with his above-average, accurate arm. Managers overwhelmingly voted him the league’s best defensive catcher. Romo’s offensive production was more of a surprise. He finished fourth in the league with a .314 average and even stole 23 bases. The switch-hitter showed a sharp eye for the strike zone, had above-average bat speed and rarely missed pitches in the zone. He hit significantly better lefthanded but showed the ability to make contact from both sides. Romo’s power is just fringy despite his strong, muscular build. His defensive acumen and contact skills nonetheless make him a potential everyday catcher.

10. Kyle Harrison, LHP San Jose (Giants) AGE: 20. B-T: R-L. HT: 6-2. WT: 200. DRAFTED: HS—Concord, Calif., 2020 (3rd round). Harrison showed some of the best stuff in Low-A West, though he is still learning to harness it. He led the league with 14.3 strikeouts per nine innings but also led the league with 15 hit batters and had the fifth-most walks. Harrison’s fastball sat 93-96 mph, and he backed it up with a potential plus slider in the low 80s and a tumbling mid-80s changeup. He reached his best stuff out of loose, easy delivery, kept a good tempo and showed the ability to regroup in tough situations. Harrison lasted fewer than five innings in 14 of his 23 starts, mostly due to elevated pitch counts. He often fell in love with velocity at the expense of control and will need to throttle down to become even an average strike-thrower. He has the delivery and athleticism to do so if he adjusts his intent. “He’s only going to get better with experience,” Rancho Cucamonga manager John Shoemaker said. “. . . As long as this guy continues to develop and work and gain confidence, he’s going to be real good.” n 37

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TOP 10

PROSPECTS

ROOKIE

ARIZONA COMPLEX LEAGUE H

A TALE OF TWO SEASONS

The Rookie complex league received a late infusion of talent with the later July draft by BILL

MITCHELL

The Arizona League was renamed the Arizona Complex League following MLB’s restructuring of the minor leagues. The Rookie classification remained the same, but the number of teams shrunk from 21 in 2019 to 18 this season, with the Giants, Brewers and Royals each fielding two squads. With the draft moving from June to July, the ACL was a tale of two seasons. Rosters in the first half consisted mostly of Latin American players, making the league feel more like an extension of the Dominican Summer League. As draft picks signed and joined the league in the second half, league more closely resembled a cross between Rookie ball and the old half-season level. Eleven first-round picks from the 2021 draft made their professional debuts in the ACL. In order of selection, they were: Jordan Lawlar (D-backs), Benny Montgomery (Rockies), Harry Ford (Mariners), Will Bednar (Giants), Sal Frelick (Brewers), Matt McLain (Reds), Colson Montgomery (White Sox), Max Muncy (Athletics), Jackson Merrill (Padres), Maddux Bruns (Dodgers) and Jay Allen (Reds).

1. Elly de la Cruz, 3B/SS

The Padres handed out their largest 2021 draft bonus to second-round outfielder James Wood, who unlocked more power by tweaking his hitting setup.

Reds AGE: 19. B-T: B-R. HT: 6-5. WT: 195. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2018.

2. James Wood, OF Padres

Wood has an intriguing mix of size and speed, with plus-plus raw power and good instincts and bat-toball skills at the plate. “He’s a very cerebral hitter,” said Chris Kemp, the Padres’ vice president of international scouting and field coordinator. “He’s very smart in the box with a low pulse.” Much larger than the prototype center fielder, Wood may be able to stay up the middle because of the ground he covers with his long strides and plus speed. His above-average arm would fit in right field.

3. Owen Caissie, OF Cubs

AGE: 18. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-7. WT: 240. DRAFTED: HS—Bradenton, Fla., 2021 (2nd rd).

AGE: 19. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-4. WT: 190. DRAFTED: HS—Burlington, Ont., 2020 (2nd/Padres).

The Padres selected Wood with the 62nd overall pick and signed the IMG Academy product for a well above-slot $2.6 million. Coming off a disappointing senior season with a higher-than-expected strikeout rate, Wood was encouraged by the Padres’ coaching staff to widen his stance to use his legs more and get more upright in the box to flatten out his swing. The results of the new setup contributed to Wood going 12 for his last 23 (.522) while hitting two of his three homers in the final week.

Drafted by the Padres in 2020 and traded to the Cubs that offseason as part of the return for Yu Darvish, Caissie made a loud statement as one of the best hitters in Arizona before a late-August promotion to Low-A Myrtle Beach. Caissie stands out for his approach at the plate, with feel to hit, a compact bat path and ability to use

the whole field. He can hit breaking pitches and projects to have plus power. ”The way he can go oppo with damage is super impressive for his young age,” Cubs manager Lance Rymel said, “and he has a great baseball mind. He loves the game. No one will work harder.”

4. Kevin Alcantara, OF Cubs AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-6. WT: 188. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2018 (Yankees). Alcantara began the season in the Florida Complex League as a member of the Yankees organization but joined the Cubs at the trade deadline when Chicago traded Anthony Rizzo to New York. The lean, lanky Alcantara joined the Cubs and quickly posted an outstanding 1.024 OPS in 34 games. Alcantara projects to be a total package of tools and performance, with the ceiling of an all-star-caliber center fielder. His swing is balanced and works well despite his long limbs, and he should add more power to what already grades as plus when he

BILL MITCHELL

De la Cruz, who signed for just $65,000, was an unknown commodity coming into extended spring training, but it didn’t take long for scouts covering the Arizona backfields to notice the tall, lanky switch-hitting athlete with a plethora of plus tools. The 19-year-old played just 11 games in the ACL, producing a batting line of .400/.455/.780 before being promoted to Low-A Daytona. Drawing frequent comparisons to Pirates prospect Oneil Cruz as an extra tall and strong infielder with a sky-high ceiling, de la Cruz is a plus-plus athlete and has plus-plus speed and plus raw power. He may wind up at third base or even the outfield, where his plus arm will be more than enough. De la Cruz is an aggressive hitter able to manage his long levers at the plate and make adjustments during at-bats, but he expands his zone and needs to learn to wait for pitches he can drive. “Power, speed, character—he’s just got tons of upside,” Reds manager Bryan LaHair said.

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ARIZONA COMPLEX LEAGUE TOP 10 PROSPECTS Batters require 50 plate appearances and pitchers 15 innings to qualify for this ranking. fills out his frame. With instincts and confidence in the field Alcantara could become a plus defender with a plus arm, giving him a good chance to stay in the middle of the outfield.

5. Pedro Piñeda, OF Athletics AGE: 18. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 170. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2021 Piñeda signed with the Athletics in January and soon impressed on the backfields in the spring. After making his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League, he made it back to Arizona in late July. Playing most of the season as a 17-year-old, Piñeda showcased his impressive set of tools and instincts for the game. He has a good approach at the plate to go with plenty of bat speed and an ability to hit to all fields, but he needs to improve his pitch selection. Piñeda has plus raw power now and should get stronger with maturity, and he’s a plus runner. He is still raw in the outfield, getting by now with athleticism over instincts. “There’s no ceiling on how good this kid can be,” Athletics manager Adam Rosales said. “His attitude is fantastic, and his work ethic is on point . . . He’s always hungry to get better.”

6. James Triantos, SS/2B Cubs AGE: 18. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 195. DRAFTED: HS—Vienna, Va., 2021 (2nd round). The Cubs selected Triantos in the second round and went over slot to sign him for $2.1 million. The Virginia high school

No. Player, Pos, Team (Organization)

1. Elly de la Cruz, 3B/SS, Reds

13 20

.400

.455 .780

2. James Wood, OF, Padres

18 32

32 10

.372

.465 .535

3. Owen Caissie, OF, Cubs

109 20 38

.349

.478 .596

4. Kevin Alcantara, OF, Cubs

27 31

.337

.415 .609

5. Pedro Piñeda, OF, Athletics

15 16

.258

.403 .403

6. James Triantos, SS/2B, Cubs

101 27 33

.327

.376 .594

7. Aeverson Arteaga, SS, Giants

197 42 58

.294

.367 .503

8. Benny Montgomery, OF, Rockies

.340

.404 .383

9. Harry Ford, C, Mariners

12 16

.291

.400 .582

10. Jay Allen, OF, Reds

12 14

.328

.440 .557

BY THE NUMBERS

1.235

product looked overmatched in his first couple of ACL games but quickly adjusted to the speed of the game, showing off his plus bat with a strong swing capable of driving balls to all fields with average to above-average power. Triantos saved the best for last, posting a 1.199 OPS in September with a two-homer game in the season finale. Scouts observed that defensively the game still got too fast for Triantos, questioning whether he will be better suited to second base or third base, but he’s athletic enough to improve as his career progresses. He showed average speed in his first pro season.

7. Aeverson Arteaga, SS AGE: 18. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 170. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2019 The top prospect from the Giants’ 2019 international class, Arteaga skipped over the Dominican Summer League to make his pro debut in Arizona, leading the league in RBIs and finishing third in home runs. He can be an impact player on both sides of the ball, with more power in his stroke than expected, and he is a plus defender at shortstop with good hands, range and a solid internal clock. Arteaga has bat-to-ball skills and showed the ability to make adjustments at the plate, with the expectation that he’ll become more selective and cut down on his chase rate. In addition to being a plus defender, Arteaga has a plus arm and a natural ability to pick up the baseball. He’s a below-average runner out of the box due to a long finish to his swing.

8. Benny Montgomery, OF Rockies AGE: 18. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-4. WT: 200. DRAFTED: HS—Lewisberry, Pa., 2021 (1st round).

BILL MITCHELL

2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

CS AVG OBP SLG

The OPS compiled by the Reds’ Elly de la Cruz, which was the highest mark for any batter who qualified for the ACL top prospects ranking.

Giants

The Cubs landed three of the league’s top six prospects, one of whom was outfielder Kevin Alcantara, who was acquired from the Yankees in the Anthony Rizzo trade.

One of the toolsiest players in the 2021 draft, Montgomery was selected by the Rockies with the eighth overall pick and signed for $5 million. His brief appearances in the ACL left scouts unsure how to project him. He showed impressive raw power in batting practice but struggled to get to it in games with his swing. Montgomery has an athletic, coordinated swing with some feel to hit, but can get long and a bit off time, resulting in a high groundball rate. The Rockies didn’t make any swing adjustments after Montgomery arrived in the ACL. He missed time with several

nagging injuries, so his hitting development will continue in instructional league. Montgomery is a 70-grade runner with a plus arm who projects to be at least an above-average defender.

9. Harry Ford, C Mariners AGE: 18. B-T: R-R. HT: 5-10. WT: 200. DRAFTED: HS—Kennesaw, Ga., 2021 (1st round). The Mariners used the 12th overall pick this year to select Ford, the ultra-rare catcher who is a plus runner. With a strong body giving him plenty of bat speed, he uses a strong linedrive swing with the power to put the ball out of the park, and all three of his home runs came in his last five ACL games. Ford sees the ball well and has a good idea of which pitches to take and which pitches to swing at. He still has work to do behind the plate to fine-tune his catching technique, but he has a strong arm and blocks well. “As a catcher, you’re a leader. You’re the guy who the entire field can see,” Mariners manager Austin Knight said, “so him embracing how important that selfless mentality is has been good to see.”

10. Jay Allen, OF Reds AGE: 18. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-3. WT: 190. DRAFTED: HS—Fort Pierce, Fla., 2021 (1st round) The second of the Reds’ two first-round picks this year started his career with a special game. Allen stole third base after walking in his first pro plate appearance and then hit a tape measure home run in his next at-bat. An elite athlete, Allen played three sports in high school. He’s an aggressive baserunner with plus speed who stole 14 bases in just 19 games in the ACL. Like most first-year pros, Allen struggled at times with breaking pitches but projects to be an above-average hitter with at least average power. An average defender now, he should be able to stay in center field and should progress in all areas now that his focus is baseball. What stands out most about Allen is his ability to take instruction. “He’s trusting his coaching staff. He’s listening to what we feel needs to improve and really trying to master that,” Reds manager Bryan LaHair said, “like just his overall defensive play and the little intangibles of what we’re looking for . . . He’s listening, he’s learning, he’s adapting.” n 39

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TOP 10

PROSPECTS

ROOKIE

FLORIDA COMPLEX LEAGUE HHH

YOUNG INFIELDERS SHINE IN FLORIDA A host of recent draft picks and international signees make their pro debuts in new FCL by BEN

BADLER

It was an unusual year in the Florida Complex League. The league formerly known as the Gulf Coast League retained its Rookie classification and kept the same number of teams: 18. While the flavor of the league was similar, it was also different. With the lost 2020 season and MLB cutting out short-season leagues, players from both the 2020 and 2021 draft classes were in the FCL making their pro debuts, while multiple signing classes of international players filled the league for their first official pro action or their United States debuts. Several prominent 2021 draft picks do not appear on this list because they didn’t meet the playing time cutoffs to be eligible, including Marlins shortstop Kahlil Watson, Phillies righthander Andrew Painter, Rays shortstop Carson Williams and Pirates outfielder Lonnie White Jr.

1. Marcelo Mayer, SS Red Sox

Southern California high school shortstop Marcelo Mayer fell to the Red Sox at No. 4 overall this year and stood out in his debut.

AGE: 18. B-T: L-R. HT.: 6-3. WT.: 188. DRAFTED: HS—Chula Vista, CA, 2021 (1st rd).

2. Brady House, SS Nationals AGE: 18. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-4. WT.: 215. DRAFTED: HS—Winder, Ga., 2021 (1st rd). Even early in his high school years, House looked like a man among boys, with a combination of physicality, hitting ability and power that made him the 11th overall pick in the 2021 draft. House has plus raw power that he showed off immediately upon signing. He has a shorter swing for someone his size, with the torque, bat speed and strength which could grow into plus-plus power and the feel for hitting to tap into that juice in games. His offensive approach is advanced for his age. He shows a solid grasp of the strike zone and the ability to drive the ball with impact to the middle of the field. House is a shortstop for now and will continue to develop there, though many scouts expect him to slide over to third base. He would profile well there both

offensively and defensively as a good athlete for his size with an outstanding arm, solid hands and reactions off the bat.

3. Jose Salas, SS Marlins AGE: 18. B-T: B-R. HT.: 6-2. WT.: 191. SIGNED: Venezuela, 2019. Salas grew up in Orlando but signed out of Venezuela in 2019 as the Marlins’ top international target that year. He made his pro debut this year and didn’t spend much time in the FCL before the Marlins promoted him to Low-A Jupiter in mid August. Salas has a good blend of size, quick-twitch athleticism and tools that translate in games. He’s a physical shortstop who moves well for his size, with plus speed now, though some of that could back up as he fills out. He could stick at shortstop, where he reacts well off the bat and has a strong arm, though there’s a chance he could outgrow the position and end up at third base, and some scouts think he could fit in center field.

Salas performed well in the FCL. He barreled the ball consistently in games, though his pitch recognition could improve. He’s a switch-hitter who drives the ball well from gap to gap, with the bat speed and strength projection for at least average future power.

4. Coby Mayo, 3B Orioles AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-5. WT.: 215. DRAFTED: HS—Parkland, Fla., 2020 (4th round). Mayo was a well above-slot signing for the Orioles out of high school in 2020, landing a $1.75 million bonus as a fourth-round pick. After Mayo had a knee injury in the spring, the Orioles held him back from full-season ball to begin the year in the FCL. He hit so well in the league that in mid August the Orioles jumped him to Low-A Delmarva. Mayo has a huge 6-foot-5 frame with at least plus raw power, a tool he was able to tap into in games. With his long levers, there will probably always be some swing-and-miss, but he kept that in check and showed impressive patience to go with his power.

TOM DIPACE

The fourth overall pick in the 2021 draft, Mayer makes the game look easy on both sides of the ball. He’s calm and balanced in the batter’s box with a smooth, fluid lefthanded swing. He makes frequent contact with good bat control and an advanced approach for his age to drive the ball to all fields. Mayer has a tall, lean frame with good strength projection remaining, with power that continues to trend up and could be an above-average tool as he fills out. Mayer is a below-average runner with a bigger frame, but he projects to stick at shortstop because of his easy actions, soft hands, nimble feet and a strong arm. He has a good internal clock, too, with a knack for slowing the game down. If everything clicks, Mayer has a chance to be a plus hitter in the middle of a lineup who can stick at a premium position.

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FLORIDA COMPLEX LEAGUE TOP 10 PROSPECTS Batters require 50 plate appearances and pitchers 15 innings to qualify for this ranking. Coming off a knee injury, Mayo didn’t look 100% with his movements at third base. He has a plus arm, though there’s some risk he could end up at first base.

5. Blaze Jordan, 3B Red Sox AGE: 18. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-2. WT.: 220. DRAFTED: HS—Southaven, Miss., 2020 (3rd round). Jordan was originally in the 2021 high school class, but he reclassified to become eligible for the 2020 draft and at 17 signed for $1.75 million as a third-round pick. His official pro debut came in the FCL, where he hit massive home runs and quickly earned a promotion to Low-A Salem in early August. Jordan has outstanding bat speed and a physically mature frame for his age. That combination of bat speed and strength helps him produce plus-plus raw power, and while he has an aggressive approach, he taps into that power in games. He’s able to make adjustments in games with a knack for driving the ball for power to right-center field as well. Jordan’s fielding was a liability coming out of high school, with a lot of scouts figuring he would end up at first base, but he surprised some who saw him with better than expected defense, showing hands that should work in the infield and plenty of arm for third base.

6. Ian Lewis, 2B Marlins AGE: 18. B-T: B-R. HT.: 5-10. WT.: 177. SIGNED: Bahamas, 2019. Lewis was the top prospect from Bahamas when the Marlins

No. Player, Pos, Team (Organization)

1. Marcelo Mayer, SS, Red Sox

25 25

.275

.377 .440

2. Brady House, SS, Nationals

14 19

.322

.394 .576

3. Jose Salas, SS, Marlins

14 34

.370

.458 .511

4. Coby Mayo, 3B, Orioles

19 25

.329

.440 .566

5. Blaze Jordan, 3B, Red Sox

12 25

.362

.408 .667

6. Ian Lewis, 2B, Marlins

149 24 45

.302

.354 .497

7. Joe Mack, C, Marlins

.132

.373 .208

8. Izaac Pacheco, SS, Tigers

106 16 24

.226

.339 .330

9. Manuel Sequera, SS, Tigers

171 31 42

.246

.314 .509

10. Antonio Gomez, C, Yankees

.305

.416 .474

BY THE NUMBERS

18 29

signed him in what is looking like a stacked 2019 international class for Miami that also included with righthander Eury Perez and shortstop Jose Salas. Lewis is a quick-burst athlete with explosive movements, both in the field and in the batter’s box. A wiry 5-foot-10 when he signed, Lewis has added considerable strength to his frame over the last two years with more room to fill out while staying lean and athletic. Lewis has good hand-eye coordination to make frequent contact from both sides of the plate, with the additional strength helping him drive the ball with more impact with a lot of damage against fastballs. With Jose Salas and 2021 first-rounder Kahlil Watson on the team, Lewis primarily played second base, which is where he probably fits best, though he did get time at third and a little bit at shortstop, too. He’s a plus runner who has quick feet and good body control in the field with smooth double play turns.

Marlins AGE: 18. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 210. DRAFTED: HS—East Amherst, N.Y., 2021 (1st round supp). One of the top offensive performers on the summer showcase circuit throughout his high school years, Mack’s 2021 spring season got off to a late start in Western New York, with Mack going straight from his high school team’s volleyball playoffs to the baseball field. Mack never seemed to quite get his timing right during the spring, and that carried over into his pro debut. Still, there is a lot to like with Mack, who at his best looked like one of the top hitters in the 2021 prep class with a patient approach, good bat speed and a chance for average or better power. Mack will need to quiet his receiving technique and do a better job with his blocking from his one-knee stance, but he has an explosive lower half with at least a plus arm, regularly recording pop times in the 1.9s in games and as low as 1.81 seconds on a caught stealing at second base.

TOM DIPACE

2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

CS AVG OBP SLG

The number of shortstops who rank on this list, tying a record for most shortstops in a Gulf Coast League top 10. This is the first time shortstops are in the top three spots.

7. Joe Mack, C

Nationals shortstop Brady House combines torque, bat speed and strength—and an ability to make contact and hit with authority to the middle of the field.

8. Manuel Sequera, SS Tigers AGE: 18. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 200. SIGNED: Venezuela, 2019. The Tigers’ top two international signings in their 2019 class were outfielder Roberto Campos and Sequera, both of whom posted big power numbers in their pro debuts in the FCL. While Campos signed in part because of his power, Sequera

has grown into considerably more power over the last two years. Coming out of Venezuela, Sequera was more of a linedrive hitter with doubles power, but he showed the bat speed and ample strength projection in his frame to project more power, which is what happened. Sequera earned praise for his swing mechanics, approach and power, though he did strike out 29% of the time. Sequera has a plus arm, but his range and infield actions will probably push him to third base.

9. Izaac Pacheco, SS Tigers AGE: 18. B-T: L-R. HT: 6-4. WT: 225. DRAFTED: HS—Friendswood, Texas 2020 (2nd round). Pacheco stood out for his size and power coming out of high school, with the Tigers signing him for $2.75 million, well above slot for the 39th overall pick. Pacheco has plus raw power, but he showed swing-and-miss tendencies in high school which continued in the FCL, where he struck out 34% of the time. Pacheco uses his hands well at the plate with a fluid swing and a solid sense of the strike zone, but he will need to make more contact. Pacheco has a high baseball IQ that helps him defensively, especially at his size at shortstop. Scouts generally see him as a future third baseman, with some chance he ends up in an outfield corner. His hands and plus arm strength should fit at third.

10. Antonio Gomez, C Yankees AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 210. SIGNED: Venezuela, 2018. Gomez was one of the top catchers in the 2018 international class, though health and the loss of the 2020 season had limited him to just 15 pro games entering 2021. Gomez opened the year in the FCL, hit well there, then slowed down when he got to Low-A Tampa in August. The best tool Gomez has is his arm. It rivals the best arm for a catcher at any level of professional baseball, with some giving it an 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale. Gomez put in considerable work to improve his receiving over the last two years, which was evident in games in 2021. Gomez hit well in the FCL, though he is more of a defensive-oriented catcher at this point. He has a good plan at the plate, but he projects to likely hit toward the bottom of the order if he develops into a big league regular. n 41

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Organization Reports

American League ● An Astros shortstop returned from wrist surgery to see time at Triple-A as he auditioned for 2022 PAGE 44 ● Draft pick Michael Morales impressed the Mariners with his understanding of pitching PAGE 45

Rays righthander PAGE 39 Taj Bradley stood out in his first year of fullseason ball, both for his stuff and work ethic.

BRIAN WESTERHOLT/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

● Dustin Harris has hitting traits that authenticate him as the Rangers’ top breakout prospect PAGE 46

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AMERICAN LEAGUE

BALTIMORE ORIOLES Rylan Bannon knew he had to make up significant ground during the season, with a prolonged slump and oblique injury threatening to ruin any chance of a callup. The wisest approach was to just get back to being himself. And hit lots of home runs in the process. Bannon, primarily a third baseman at Triple-A Norfolk, belted 10 homers in a span of 10 games beginning Aug. 11. “It’s no secret that I’ve been going through some struggles the past month or so,” said Bannon, acquired from the Dodgers in the July 2018 Manny Machado trade. “To see some hard work paying off, trusting the process of going through all those struggles and learning from it, it’s been awesome.” Norfolk hitting coach Tim Gibbons has worked on the mental and mechanical sides of the 5-foot-8, 180-pound Bannon’s game to unlock his power. “He comes in with the same attitude and effort every single day,” Gibbons said. “You would not know by his demeanor and his cage work ethic and everything he does hitting-wise that he’s having that type of season with those numbers.” The 25-year-old Bannon missed a month with an oblique injury sustained while making a tag play on May 27 and had not been able to lift his season average to .200. But he slashed .356/.431/1.044 in a 12-game stretch in August to get hot at the right time. “He’s on the 40-man (roster) and he’s swinging the bat better as of late, which is good to see,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “I hope Rylan can keep hitting. “I love seeing guys being able to dominate before they come here and graduate before they get here.” The Orioles opted not to call Bannon up in September. —ROCH KUBATKO

BOSTON RED SOX In the summer of 2017, one inning into his career after being taken out of Florida Gulf Coast as a 16th-round pick, Kutter Crawford experienced elbow discomfort. It was enough to shut the righthander down for the duration of his first pro summer, but not enough for surgery. Crawford impressed with his pitchability across three levels in 2018 and 2019. His four-pitch mix, anchored by a fastball and— yes—cutter projected as that of a potential big league depth option.

But he was pitching through discomfort that steadily grew and ultimately forced him to have Tommy John surgery after the 2019 season. Crawford used the rehab not just to restore himself but to alter his mechanics. He’d been extremely closed off in his delivery, forcing him to redirect his body to get over his front side. He worked to straighten his line to the plate. In the process the 25-year-old gained more true spin and an improved ability to command his fastball, cutter, curveball and splitter, while also showing an uptick in velocity to 93-96 mph. “It was a four-pitch usable mix and he knew how to pitch (before the injury), but there were some wrinkles he had to iron out,” Triple-A Worcester pitching coach Paul Abbott said. “Getting hurt, he used that time the best he could to get his mechanics right, get better direction. And now that he’s healthy, we’re seeing a guy with better pitches because he ironed out those wrinkles.” Crawford opened eyes with his performance at Double-A Portland and Worcester in 2021. In 19 appearances he recorded a 4.15 ERA with 128 strikeouts and just 18 walks in 91 innings. Evaluators like him as a multi-inning reliever with a chance to emerge as a rotation depth option. The Red Sox called him up to take a spot start on Sept. 5 amid a team Covid outbreak. “I was excited about him two years ago,” Abbott said, “but I’m really excited now.” —ALEX SPEIER

CHICAGO WHITE SOX Pitching competitive baseball this season for the first time since 2019, righthander Norge Vera has definitely been worth the wait for the White Sox. “There are plenty of indications that we’ve got ourselves a future starter in Norge Vera,” White Sox assistant general manager/ director of player development Chris Getz said. “We look forward to continuing his development.” Signed in February for $1.5 million, Vera defected in the summer of 2019 while playing for the Cuban National Team in the Canadian-American League. With Cuban stars such as Jose Abreu, Yoan Moncada and Luis Robert on the major league roster, the White Sox were an obvious fit for the righthanded pitcher. “I’ve been following the team for a

Orioles third baseman Rylan Bannon had struggled at Triple-A but flashed power in August that could be well timed.

couple of years because of all the Cuban players they have,” the 21-year-old Vera said through a translator. A starter at age 18 for Santiago de Cuba in the Cuban major league, Vera quickly drew comparisons to his father, former Cuban legend Norge Luis Vera. “I started playing baseball when I was 8 years old and my dad has been my mentor,” Vera said. “He’s been the biggest influence in my life and my career. He’s been always telling me how to do stuff.” While he was more than ready to pitch at Low-A, the 21-year-old Vera got started in the Dominican Summer League for tax purposes. At his best, the 6-foot-4, 185-pound righthander pitched at 96-99 mph with a good breaking ball and changeup. Vera made seven DSL appearances, striking out 27 and walking four in 15.2 innings. “He’s got power within how his body moves, so I can’t say that I’m too surprised with his progress,” Getz said. “We’re still getting to know him as a person and player, but all signs point to a workhorse-type righthanded starter.” —SCOT GREGOR

CLEVELAND INDIANS When the Indians drafted Richard Palacios in the third round out of Towson in 2018, they knew they were getting a hitter. In his pro debut that summer, the second

baseman hit his way to Low-A for 20 games. All told, Palacios batted .361/.421/.538 with six home runs in 45 games. Palacios can hit. The question is, where does he play? The Indians are still working out that part. But when a player’s No. 1 tool is his bat, teams will find a spot for him. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound lefthanded hitter began this season at Double-A Akron, where he hit .299/.389/.496 with six homers in 66 games. That earned him a promotion to Triple-A Columbus on July 31. In 99 total games he hit .294/.399/.471 with seven home runs and 20 stolen bases. “Richie has excelled this season thanks to his ability to consistently make contact and swing at good pitches,” Indians vice president of player development James Harris said. “He is an advanced hitter and has had success at every level.” The 24-year-old Palacios is primarily a second baseman but also plays all three outfield spots. Versatility and flexibility are valued traits in the organization. Regardless of position or minor league level, Palacios has always hit. Not even a two-year interruption could set him back. He missed all of the 2019 season after having right shoulder surgery, and the pandemic wiped out the 2020 minor league season. The long layoff hasn’t hurt Palacios’ swing, and whichever position(s) he plays, his track record indicates that he will hit. —JIM INGRAHAM 43

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Organization Reports

DETROIT TIGERS

—EMILY WALDON

HOUSTON ASTROS Perhaps no prospect in baseball has a more meaningful September than Jeremy Peña. Left wrist surgery in April stalled what was supposed to be his season-long audition to take over for Carlos Correa. Peña recovered in time to take advantage of the extended Triple-A season. The 23-year-old shortstop played his first game for Sugar Land on Aug. 28 and raked after a 1-for-14 start. Through 25 games he hit .333/.393/.676 with nine homers and five stolen base. “He can get a bunch of games in,” Astros general manager James Click said. “At a

—BILL MITCHELL

Royals lefthander Emilio Marquez lacks a dominant pitch but has the command and mental toughness to reach MLB.

position like shortstop, the game reps are so valuable because you’re involved in so many different situations . . . “It’s very difficult to simulate that in a controlled environment. You have to have experience in the game.” Peña’s results won’t solely determine the Astros’ actions this winter, but may offer Click and his front office a better glimpse of what he may be in the major leagues. The team has always loved Peña’s defense and makeup, but questions remain about his bat in the major leagues. Peña’s return coincides with Correa’s reiteration of what’s been obvious since March: He is headed for free agency and views this as his last season in Houston. Replacing him is an unenviable task. Houston will explore the free agent market, but it lost a chance to look at two of its most logical internal options. Peña injured his left wrist diving for a ground ball in April. Pedro Leon fractured his pinkie finger in July just after receiving a promotion to Triple-A. The Astros must add Peña to their 40-man roster this winter to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. Houston made him a 2018 third-rounder out of Maine. The Astros were considering sending Peña back to the Dominican League—he won rookie of the year honors there last year—or to the Arizona Fall League, too, for more game experience. —CHANDLER ROME

KANSAS CITY ROYALS Emilio Marquez is a 5-foot-8 lefthander who opened the season as a 23-year-old at Low-A Columbia. He has never appeared on a Royals top prospects list. In other words, the Venezuelan is the epitome of an under-the-radar prospect. Marquez’s statistics tell a different story. He has been consistently effective at every level and is the kind of overachiever who will eventually show up in the big leagues. Fans will undoubtedly ask, “Who is this guy?” Before being promoted to High-A Quad Cities, Marquez dazzled at Low-A, posting a 1.86 ERA in 20 games, including five starts. His 87-to-16 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 63 innings was consistent with past work. The Royals signed Marquez early in 2018, just two months shy of his 20th birthday after a tryout at the their academy in the Dominican Republic. “This kid was so appreciative that tears came out of him,” Royals vice president and head of international operations Rene Francisco said. “Very, very happy to be given the opportunity.” Marquez’s success can be attributed to how he commands his three pitches. None of his offerings grades better than average, but they all play up because of his advanced pitchability and how well he commands his 88-92 mph fastball, curveball and changeup.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS Lefthander Ky Bush was a baseball nomad for three years, going from Washington State in 2019 to Central Arizona JC—where his season was wiped out by the coronavirus—in 2020 to St. Mary’s in 2021. “This was really the first full year for him to get his legs under him and log a full season of innings,” Angels scouting director Matt Swanson said. “He hasn’t had the opportunities that are traditionally afforded a 21-year-old pitcher.” The 6-foot-6, 240-pound Bush made the most of the opportunities he had, going 7-5, 2.99 in 14 starts for St. Mary’s this season, striking out 112 and walking 19 in 78.1 innings en route to being selected in the second round in July. Bush, the 45th overall pick, signed for an over-slot $1.75 million and made five appearances for High-A Tri-City. “He’s just scratching the surface of what he’s going to become,” Swanson said. “It’s a good blend of ‘now’ stuff and feel and command with some projection. It’s a real exciting pick for us. “And hats off to the kid. He’s been to three colleges in three years and made a massive jump this year at St. Mary’s.” Bush throws four pitches—fastball, slider, curveball and changeup—from a high three-quarters slot. His fastball sits at 94 mph and touches 96 with some late run and, thanks to his high release point, some deception. A slider with more top-to-bottom than

BILL MITCHELL; MIKE JANES/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

For 2021 supplemental first-round righthander Ty Madden, draft attention is nothing new. Madden pitched for a loaded Cypress Ranch High team in Texas and was drafted in the 34th round in 2018 by the Royals. He opted not to sign and attended the University of Texas. “I think it was one of the best decisions I could’ve made,” Madden said. “In high school, I think mentally and physically, I wasn’t quite ready for a pro season” A 6-foot-3, 215-pound righthander, Madden’s exposure to collegiate postseason competition helped to set the stage for how he plans to introduce himself in pro ball. The 21-year-old features a two-seam fastball that he uses to sit comfortably between 94-96 mph with some deceptive sink that makes it a potential plus pitch. “I’d say my fastball is definitely getting there,” Madden said, “but I would still give my slider the edge for sure.” Madden’s slider became something to write home about very early. “There’s a visible confidence in (his slider),” a National League scout said. “It’s already an easy (plus) and only stands to get better.” Madden’s curveball may be his least-discussed element, but the upper-70s pitch already displays good shape. Madden’s changeup has already received a slight facelift since he arrived at the Tigers’ facility in Lakeland, Fla. “I altered my changeup grip a little bit and I’ve started to see pretty good success with it,” Madden said. “We’ve made a couple changes that have really helped with my arm speed and selling the pitch.”

“His strengths are his strike-throwing ability,” Royals director of pitching performance said Paul Gibson said. “He mixes his pitches really well, throws his curveball for strikes, and he’s not afraid to throw his secondary pitches when he’s behind in the count.” Marquez is talented but also resilient. He and his Venezuelan teammates spent last summer working out in Surprise, Ariz., after their home country shut its borders. Marquez has primarily been used in a tandem-starter system in the low minors, with his long-term projection being a multi-inning swingman or back-of-the-rotation starter. Regardless of Marquez’s ultimate role, Gibson sees a major league contributor. “This kid’s a warrior, a plus makeup kid,” Gibson said. “He does anything we ask him to do, and he does it with a smile.”

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AMERICAN LEAGUE

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

side-to-side break is Bush’s best secondary pitch, followed by a slow curve. His changeup might be his most improved pitch. “It was a work in progress early on, then I got comfortable with it as the season went along,” Bush said. Bush struggled with control at Washington State in 2019, when he went 0-5, 12.69 in 19 games while walking 21 in 39 innings, but he turned into a strike-thrower at St. Mary’s. With his body, repertoire, athleticism and aggressive mindset, he projects as a mid-rotation starter. —MIKE DIGIOVANNA

MINNESOTA TWINS Like a lot of teams, the Twins have a tradition of holding a last-look workout with the radar technology in their big league ballpark, just to make sure they haven’t missed something. “Normally, they’re a little silly, because we have so much information on (draft prospects) by that time. You don’t really learn very much,” Twins assistant general managers Daniel Adler said. “But when we invited Louie Varland (to a three-player workout in 2019), we learned some things we didn’t know.” Things like, that slider the righthander was using to whiff batters for Division II Concordia, just down the road in St. Paul? “When he throws it hard, it’s a really good pitch, an advanced pitch,” Adler said. “Our movement (scouting) team thought it was a usable pitch (at the) upper levels.” And his fastball? “He could hit 99 (mph), we knew that, but he sits at 95 or so, and he has really decent carry at that speed. Again, this was information we didn’t have.” That’s because Concordia doesn’t have much of a baseball heritage and has never produced a big leaguer. But that may change, thanks to that three-player Target Field workout in 2019, which convinced the Twins to draft Varland in the 15th round. The Athletics had drafted his brother Gus the year before in the 14th round out of Concordia. The pandemic has delayed Louie Varland’s progress, but the early signs were positive for the 23-year-old. After getting just eight Rookie-level innings in 2019 and then sitting out the pandemic season of 2020, Varland has finally earned attention. He opened 2021 at Low-A Fort Myers, where he struck out 76 in 47.1 innings and especially impressed the Twins by walking

A predraft workout convinced the Twins to draft local product Louie Varland in 2019. He was making them look smart.

just 16 batters in a league using automated ball-strike technology. “Walk rates are way up in Florida, but he’s at 8%,” Adler said. Through 20 games (18 starts), including time at High-A Cedar Rapids, Varland recorded a 2.10 ERA while striking out 142 and walking 30 in 103 innings. “We don’t have a lot of (advanced) data from his college career, but he has sharpened everything,” Adler said. “Yeah, we’re glad we held that workout.” —PHIL MILLER

NEW YORK YANKEES Quietly, Jake Sanford’s loud bat has become one to watch in the Yankees’ system. The 23-year-old right fielder was among the organization’s most impressive lower-level hitters. In 101 games Low-A Tampa and High-A Hudson Valley he hit .285/.356/.467 with 16 home runs, 13 doubles and five triples. “He’s easy to love,” Yankees hitting coordinator Dillon Lawson said. Of course, Lawson was talking about Sanford’s easygoing, funny and coachable nature. But there’s a lot to like about what the 2019 third-round pick out of Western Kentucky brings to the diamond, too. The Yankees signed Sanford for $600,000 and were banking on refining the lefthand-

ed hitter’s best tool. “Jake has always had big power,” Lawson said. “He needed to improve his swing decisions and contact rate, though. One adjustment that helped both was cutting down some of the big moves in his swing that caused his head to move too much and his path to be too long.” It worked. Sanford struck out nearly 33% of the time for short-season Staten Island in 2019. This season that rate had fallen to 26%. To Lawson, it’s just been a matter of Sanford getting reps. Like most minor leaguers, he lost the 2020 season to the pandemic. And like many baseball players out of Canada, he played multiple sports, taking away precious development time. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Sanford has always looked the part of someone who could punish at the plate in the majors. He just needed at-bats. All that considered, “it makes his performance this year that much more impressive,” Lawson said. He added that he’s always enjoyed working with Sanford, who worked closely with minor league hitting coach Rachel Balkovec during the shutdown. “He’s fun to be around,” Lawson said. “He’s a big, physical guy. Super easy to get along with, talk with and coach.” —BRENDAN KUTY

When Colin Peluse needed to reshape his slider, the 23-year-old righthander went to the logical place—the Athletics’ staff astrophysicist. That would be Samantha Schultz, an analyst whose work assists in finding the most effective angles for breaking balls. “She has been able to help us look at his vertical and horizontal breaks,” A’s pitching coordinator Gil Patterson said. “We’re able to look at the metrics and educate ourselves on how to shape the ball a little differently. “With Colin’s work ethic and aptitude, he has really used it to his advantage. His slider and change have both gotten better.” With the improved weapons, Peluse put together a breakthrough season at High-A Lansing plus three starts for Double-A Midland. He went 9-3, 3.39 with 109 strikeouts and 26 walks in 101 innings. “Colin has improved in every area month to month,” Patterson said. Peluse averages 94 mph on his fastball. While the pitch doesn’t have much life, he has shown good command and the ability to move it around the strike zone. With the new shape of his two secondary pitches, he has made at-bats tougher for hitters. In one start, he threw 22 of 23 first-pitch strikes. A 2019 ninth-rounder from Wake Forest, Peluse pitched effectively out of the bullpen as a freshman, then thrived as the Sunday starter as a sophomore. As a junior, he tried to make changes in his delivery and endured a tough year as the Friday starter, going 3-8, 5.74, which lowered his draft status. Oakland drafted him in the ninth round in 2019. Peluse quickly became a favorite among A’s coaches because of his intense desire to improve. At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, he earned the nickname “The Beast,” and he has been excellent in both the workout room and with his studying of analytics. Patterson says that what Peluse needs now are more innings and experience to continue to develop those astrophysically shaped pitches against advanced hitters. When that happens, he could have a shot at a big league career. —CASEY TEFERTILLER

SEATTLE MARINERS If so many other clubs were spooked from spending a top draft pick on a Pennsylvania high school pitcher with slipping velocity, why weren’t the Mariners? 45

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—TJ COTTERILL

TAMPA BAY RAYS The Rays talked a lot this summer about righthander Taj Bradley, the 2018 fifth-rounder from Redan High in Stone Mountain, Ga., who has put together an impressive season at the Class A levels. But the best indication of how the 20-year-old Bradley has emerged was the number of times his name came up in conversations with other teams leading up to the July 30 trade deadline. After pitching in the Rookie-level Gulf

In 110 games, Harris hit .327/.401/.542 with 20 home runs, 25 stolen bases and 47 walks to go with 73 strikeouts. He has also answered any doubts about his defense at first base, has convinced the Rangers he could play third base, and has them thinking he could handle right field. “He’s an athletic kid who can hit,” Kruger said. “. . . He’s starting to open eyes because (he has) an upper-level approach for someone a lot of people didn’t know about.” —JEFF WILSON

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

The Rangers’ Dustin Harris showed an advanced hitting approach and ability to barrel the ball in a breakthrough season.

Coast and Appalachian leagues in 2018 and 2019, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Bradley spent the 2020 shutdown at home in Georgia but continued to work hard at his game. That improvement showed when he reported to instructional league last fall. Even moreso this season. “He’s just shown a lot of growth and maturity really in all facets of his game,’’ Rays vice president of player development and international scouting Carlos Rodriguez said. “From making a lot of the delivery improvements, to just being able to slow the game down, controlling and repeating his delivery. “And his stuff has been really explosive. He made a lot of progress as well with his breaking ball—shortened it, tightened it.’’ That showed this season. In 23 games (22 starts) he recorded a 1.83 ERA with 123 strikeouts and 31 walks in 103.1 innings. Credit goes to Bradley most of all for the work he continued to do during the shutdown, when he took advantage of the outreach offered by the minor league coaches. “You talk about projection,” Rodriguez said. “(He’s) a really great athlete, tremendous makeup, awesome human being and guy who had really good components coming in, the type of athletes that our pitching guys and our player development system really enjoy working with.” —MARC TOPKIN

TEXAS RANGERS When the Rangers traded lefthander Mike Minor to the Athletics at the 2020 trade deadline, outfielder Marcus Smith was viewed as the prize of the haul. The other player in the deal was Dustin Harris, a first baseman who hit for average and controlled the zone but didn’t show much power. One year later, Harris has been one of the biggest surprises and best development stories in the Rangers’ system. After hitting .301/.389/.482 in 73 games for Low-A Down East, Harris swatted a pair of two-run homers in his High-A Hickory debut and hit safely in his first six games. After one hitless game, he then rattled off an 11-game hitting streak. “What he does very, very well is keep things simple and not try to do too much and do what the game asks,” Rangers farm director Paul Kruger said. “We didn’t see him on the player-development side until he came to spring training this year. What we heard was he had a really good bat. He just has the ability to do great things with the barrel.” The 22-year-old Harris has an advanced approach for his experience level and makes hard contact. He has figured out when he can take his shots at the long ball, which is what was missing in 2019.

Righthander Trent Palmer likes to keep things loose, so five innings into his Aug. 19 outing, he was trying to chat up his Low-A Dunedin teammates when he suddenly struggled to find an audience. “I asked somebody a question and got a one-word response, and then I went walking along and nobody was saying anything,” Palmer said. “I was like, ‘That’s odd.’ ” A glance up at the scoreboard solved the mystery for the 22-year-old, who had put up zeros across the board to that point. Once what was happening dawned on him, he locked in and finished up a seven-inning no-hitter in the nightcap of a doubleheader. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Palmer walked three and struck out 10 in the best outing of his pro debut. The 2020 third-rounder from Jacksonville tossed a second seven-inning no-hitter in his final start, on Sept. 15. “Honestly, it was shock,” he said of his first-ever no-no. “I didn’t really realize what had happened until the ice bucket got dumped on me. ” Since overcoming some biceps soreness in the spring that delayed the start of his season, Palmer logged 63 innings over 16 starts, allowing 33 hits while striking out 83 batters, though he walked 42. He attributes some of that to mechanical adjustments made earlier in the season in pursuit of an effective four-seam fastball. When that didn’t work, he reverted to the mechanics he used in college, relying on a sinker, slider, curveball and changeup. The Blue Jays have urged Palmer to throw his changeup 30% of the time. Developing a four-seamer will be an offseason focal point. “The biggest thing me and our pitching coach (Drew Hayes) have been talking about is just keep trying to separate the strikeouts to walks,” Palmer said. “He’s (told me) to trust my stuff.” —SHI DAVIDI

TOM PRIDDY/FOUR SEAM IMAGES; BILL MITCHELL

Maybe because, as hesitant as Mariners scouting director Scott Hunter was to share this publicly, righthander and former Vanderbilt commit Michael Morales bears a striking resemblance to a past Commodores recruit. “I don’t want to put this much pressure on him,” Hunter said, “but there are some comparisons from our guys that this is what Walker Buehler looked like in high school—an 88-92 (mph) guy with a ton of strikes, can really spin a breaking ball. “And if you dream on the athleticism and projection, we believe the velocity will either come back or be even better as he gets into our high-performance program.” Hunter wasn’t wrong to point out their prospect development program, with Logan Gilbert making his big league debut this year and tantalizing arms George Kirby, Emerson Hancock, Brandon Williamson, Matt Brash and Levi Stoudt seemingly well on their way. That pitching depth was part of why the Mariners felt they could be more aggressive in seeking Morales to lead the next wave. Seattle drafted him from East Pennsboro High in Enola, Pa., in the third round. What stood out equally about the 6-foot2, 205-pound righthander was his mature understanding of pitching. Hunter said the 19-year-old impressed the Mariners staff with his in-depth analysis of pitch shapes, pitch design, spin rates and overload as if he worked for the Seattlebased Driveline Baseball facility. Morales topped out at 95 mph and sat 92-93 last summer, but this year he dipped to 88-90. The Mariners believe it had to do with Covid outbreaks and the Pennsylvania cold, but Morales wasn’t concerned. “One thing with me is we never really chased the velocity,” Morales said. “We always kind of chase more of understanding the body.”

AMERICAN LEAGUE

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● The D-backs paused Geraldo Perdomo’s season for a month to rework his swing PAGE 48 ● Ditching a high leg kick helped the Brewers’ Joey Wiemer unlock his vast power potential PAGE 49

The Cubs were enamored of Virginia prep shortstop James Triantos’ feel for hitting and damage on contact when they drafted him in the second round.

PAGE 48

TOM PRIDDY/FOUR SEAM IMAGES; BILL MITCHELL

● The Padres’ Euribiel Angeles has produced big results after signing for a lower bonus PAGE 51

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Shortstop Geraldo Perdomo wasn’t just back to looking like his old self. The 21-yearold shortstop looked better than ever. Perdomo struggled badly with Double-A Amarillo through early July, hitting just .151 in 47 games. That prompted the D-backs to transfer him to the development list and bring him back to their spring training facility in Scottsdale, Ariz. For nearly a month, Perdomo worked to revamp his swing and regain his confidence. It appeared to be a successful stint. Upon returning to Double-A on Aug. 5, the switch-hitting Perdomo slashed .321/.406/.530 in 35 games, marrying his strong approach with a newfound ability to drive the ball with power. D-backs farm director Josh Barfield said Perdomo’s high-end exit velocity is up 6 mph from its previous peak. As a member of the 40-man roster, Perdomo had to agree to go on the development list. Barfield said Perdomo wasn’t excited about it initially but eventually said he trusted the organization. “We told him this is going to be the best thing that could ever happen to you,” Barfield said. “You’re going to get a chance to go work on some things and not have to figure it out while trying to get hits and survive in Double-A. This is going to allow you to reach the potential we all see in you.” Perdomo, who has always been known for his bat-to-ball skills, had seen his strikeout rate spike to 22% upon his return. While Barfield said that would be a fair trade-off for the extra power, he expects the strikeouts to come back down as Perdomo gets more accustomed to his new swing. D-backs assistant general manager Mike Fitzgerald said the club was working to get Perdomo to use his legs more to make his swing more powerful and more efficient. “The season kind of wore him down with the struggles early on,” Barfield said. “It was nice to be able to hit reset. He made some physical changes and mechanical changes in his swing that are allowing him to drive the ball really like he never has before.” —NICK PIECORO

ATLANTA BRAVES Just a few starts into his professional career, Ryan Cusick was showing why he was a first-round pick in July. The 6-foot-6, 235-pound righthander from Wake Forest struck out 34 while walk-

ing four across 16.1 innings over six starts for Low-A Augusta. His fastball touched triple-digits. Cusick and lefthander Jared Shuster, both drafted in the first round out of Wake Forest the past two years, headline the Braves’ group of pitching prospects. “You have to fish where the fish are,” Braves vice president of scouting Dana Brown said of taking back-to-back Demon Deacons. Cusick’s went just 3-5, 4.24 in 12 starts as a junior this spring, but Atlanta coveted his physical build and strikeout numbers—108 in 70 innings. His ascension will depend on the development of his third pitch. Cusick possesses an effective fastball/ curveball combination and the 21-year-old was working on a changeup and slider. He began developing his changeup during quarantine last year. It’s since come “a long way,” according to Cusick. Following the draft, Brown acknowledged the changeup was a work in progress but felt the pitch would make massive strides under professional guidance. “I think the third pitch is going to be huge for me,” Cusick said. “I had six weeks between (the college season) and the draft to work on the changeup and also the slider, which is more of a hard cutter/slider.” How his repertoire develops, and if Cusick continues demonstrating the command he’s shown to begin his career, will determine his long-term future as a starter and what he can achieve at his peak. —GABE BURNS

CHICAGO CUBS A picture emerged as the Cubs continued to track James Triantos and evaluate the 18-year-old shortstop’s offensive game. This is what the best college hitters in the draft look like in high school. That realization prompted the Cubs to draft Triantos in the second round and go well over slot to sign the North Carolina commit for $2.1 million. He attended Madison High in Vienna, Va. Triantos was originally eligible to be drafted in 2022 but reclassified for this year. The Cubs counted eight scouts who got eyes on Triantos, who also went through a private workout in Myrtle Beach, S.C., home of the organization’s Low-A affiliate. “A lot’s been said about the hit tool,” Cubs vice president of scouting Dan Kantrovitz said. “The quality of contact, how loud the contact is, just how advanced his awareness

NL Cut 2 Goes Here Here and Here

Reds righthander Bryce Bonnin has added movement and velocity this season after signing as a 2020 third-rounder.

of the strike zone is at a young age. It’s at a level where he should dominate. “But to the extent that he did—where there are so few swings and misses and so much quality contact that he was making— it really stood out.” The Cubs are keeping an open mind about Triantos’ position, hoping to develop his versatility around the infield and perhaps outfield and capitalize on his athleticism. This is someone who can dunk a basketball and do Ozzie Smith-style back flips. Triantos’ rise culminated in a spectacular performance in a Virginia state championship game, where he almost threw a perfect game and hit the go-ahead homer in front of a crowd that included Kantrovitz and longtime Cubs area scout Billy Swoope. In 25 games in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League, Triantos hit .327/.376/.594 with six homers and seven doubles. “When you’re taking a high school player, you expect them to dominate against the competition,” Kantrovitz said. “That’s reasonable if they’re going to be able to compete in a pro setting. “But James really took that to a different level, and one that we don’t see very often.” —PATRICK MOONEY

CINCINNATI REDS The canceled 2020 season kept righthander Bryce Bonnin off the mound last year after the Reds drafted him in the third round out of Texas Tech.

This year, an injury in spring training delayed his debut until June. Once he took the mound, the 22-yearold Bonnin had a different look than the last time he was on the mound in spring 2020. “His fastball is very different this year,” Reds director of pitching Kyle Boddy said. “He now has a high vertical carry fastball. Basically, he only threw cutters last year.” Boddy and the Reds parted ways after the season. It isn’t just that the fastball moves differently now, but it’s also got more velocity. The pitch has averaged 96 mph this season and topped out at 99. Both the movement and uptick in velocity seem to be coming from mechanical changes the 6-foot-2, 190pound Bonnin made in 2021. “Delivery changes led to that as well as much higher fastball velocity,” Boddy said. “So he is adding the old fastball back in as an actual cutter.” Along with his fastball, the righthander relies on his slider as his main secondary offering. With velocity in the mid-to-upper 80s, it’s a second quality pitch. With two potentially plus pitches in his fastball and slider, Bonnin found plenty of success in his pro debut, reaching High-A Dayton. It hasn’t left much room for him to throw his changeup or cutter, though. “Bryce’s fastball and slider are both far ahead of his other pitches—they’re both potential big league offerings,” Boddy said. “It makes it hard to get to his cutter or changeup, but he’s finding spots to do so.” —DOUG GRAY

BILL MITCHELL; LARRY GOREN/FOUR SEAM IMAGES

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

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NATIONAL LEAGUE

COLORADO ROCKIES His ability to adjust, his confidence, determination and all he has endured helped 20-year-old shortstop Ezequiel Tovar transition quickly to High-A. After hitting .309/.346/.510 at Low-A Fresno with 11 home runs in 72 games, Tovar moved to High-A Spokane in August. In 32 games at that level, he hit .239/.266/.396 with four home runs, nine doubles, three walks and 19 strikeouts. “I feel that when guys are on base, the problem is basically the pitcher’s,” Tovar said through Fresno manager Robinson Cancel. “He has the problem, not me. So I try to relax and just try to get a good pitch to hit . . . If I don’t get a good pitch to hit, I’ll take my base and let somebody else try.” Tovar has been unable to return to his native Venezuela since the pandemic caused the abrupt closure of spring training in March 2020. He remained in Scottsdale, Ariz., where the Rockies train, until breaking camp with Fresno. Tovar worked diligently and now stands 6 feet, 185 pounds, up 25 pounds from when he signed in 2017. “The maturity is something we always wait on,” Rockies assistant farm director Chris Forbes said. “You can’t ever speed it up. This is something where he had to tighten his belt and be extremely mature about. It was a circumstance well beyond his control. And, personally, I think he made the best of it.” The Rockies expected Tovar’s bat to develop, but not this soon. Now, the switch-hitter has offensive prowess and sublime defense. “There’s not one shred of flash to him,” Rockies pro scout Ty Coslow said. “He knows where he’s supposed to be. He reads hops. He does all the things you’re hoping a 24- or 25-year-old figures out. He’s (20) and plays the game like he’s 30. He’s really comfortable out there.” —JACK ETKIN

LOS ANGELES DODGERS Clayton Beeter has been in the Dodgers’ organization for just over a year. He had been on the mound in professional games for just four months. But he is clearly a pitcher on the move. “We knew when we drafted him that he had two major league pitches that day, and I think both have improved,” Dodgers farm director Will Rhymes said. Beeter, a 2020 supplemental sec-

But that was his last start before the pandemic canceled the season. Suddenly, he had 43 offers as a graduate transfer. Monteverde chose Texas Tech, and he proved himself by going 7-4, 3.75 in a team-high 16 starts. He struck out 101 and walked 21 in 86.1 innings. Texas Tech pitching coach Matt Gardner said Monteverde, who is 24, throws his changeup 40% of the time. Monteverde also has a fastball that sits 89-92 mph, an occasional curveball and a putaway slider. —WALTER VILLA

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar showed the defensive instincts of a veteran as he advanced to High-A at age 20.

ond-rounder from Texas Tech, redshirted in 2018 as he recovered from Tommy John surgery. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound righthander was eased back in as the closer in 2019 before starting in 2020 for just four games before Covid-19 shut the season down. After spending time at the alternate training site last summer, Beeter made his delayed pro debut at High-A Great Lakes this season. But he didn’t stay there long. Beeter held High-A hitters to a .212 average, striking out 55 in 37.1 innings before an August promotion to Double-A Tulsa. He made five starts there, allowing 10 hits and seven walks while striking out 23 in 15 innings over five starts. At the time of the draft, the key question about Beeter’s future centered on his control. In his first year at Texas Tech, he walked 20 in 20.2 innings. But Rhymes credits the Dodgers’ performance coaches with giving Beeter direction in his offseason work last winter. Beeter took the direction and ran with it. The 22-year-old cut his walk rate in his brief 2020 college season—four in 21 innings—and walked 17 in his first 43.2 innings this season, gaining better command of some of the best pure stuff in the Dodgers’ system. “I really tip my cap to our pitching guys and our performance group,” Rhymes said. “They did a really terrific job. But at the end of the day, this is a really talented guy who had a lot of initiative. It could not have gone any better.” —BILL PLUNKETT

MIAMI MARLINS When lefthander Pat Monteverde started Texas Tech’s 2021 season opener with four scoreless innings, he saw something familiar waving in the stands. It was a yellow-and-black Pittsburgh Steelers “Terrible Towel”, and it was brought there by his cousin. As Monteverde, a Pittsburgh native, kept pitching well, the Terrible Towels caught on, and there were about 300 of them the next month for his start against Oklahoma State. By the time he beat North Carolina in a regional, Monteverde estimates there were 1,000 Terrible Towels in the stands. “It was incredible,” Monteverde said. “The fans were chanting my name.” Incredible is a good way to describe Monteverde’s story. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound lefty went from Division III to D-II to D-I and then became the Marlins’ eighth-round pick this year, overcoming elbow surgery along the way. Unwanted by D-I schools out of high school, he went 7-2, 1.96 in his one year at D-III Virginia Wesleyan in 2017. Looking for a tougher test, he transferred to D-II Seton Hill in Pennsylvania. In a start during his second year there, he heard his elbow pop as he threw a fastball. He threw one more pitch, but it went about 40 feet. Pain flooded his arm. Monteverde had Tommy John surgery and returned in 2020, throwing 30 pitches on March 6.

When the Brewers drafted Joey Wiemer out of the University of Cincinnati in the fourth round in 2020, they zeroed in on the 6-foot-5 outfielder’s many physical tools. At the top of the list was Wiemer’s raw power, and this season he was showing what all that fuss was about. Wiemer was on a home run binge when the Brewers promoted him from Low-A Carolina to High-A Wisconsin on Aug. 9. He homered four times in his last four games with the Mudcats, a tally that included two extra-inning walk-offs. Wiemer’s power spree continued in High-A Central, where the righthanded hitter blasted 14 homers and slugged .719 in 34 games at the level. In 109 games, Wiemer hit .295/.403/.556 with 27 home runs, 30 stolen bases, 63 walks and 105 strikeouts. Not too shabby for a player who signed for $150,000, far below $473,700 slot value. Wiemer’s power surge occurred after he made some adjustments to his swing mechanics. The big alteration was going from a big leg kick to more of a toe tap. “Our scouts identified raw power, but at the same time realized it might take some time to see if he could tap into it,” Brewers farm director Tom Flanagan said. “He made the adjustment to pro ball after those first 200 or so at-bats and has really found it.” Wiemer is a very good athlete with a powerful arm and good speed on the bases. He has the talent to play center field and the arm for right. “Joey has very good tools, arguably as good or better than anyone (in the system),” Flanagan said. “He can really throw and run, and the hard contact was always there. “At this point, he is making really good decisions at the plate and squaring up pitches often.” —TOM HAUDRICOURT 49

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Righthander Calvin Ziegler’s professional baseball aspirations hinged largely on remaining across the border from his native Ontario during the pandemic. That allowed him to showcase his ability to scouts, while his fellow Canadians remained on tighter Covid protocols. After finding residence in New York in 2021, Ziegler enrolled in The Next Level Academy—a charter school in Ocoee, Fla.— for his senior year and began commuting back and forth in regular intervals. “You have to give the kid credit—he was bouncing all over the place,” Mets scouting director Marc Tramuta said. The logistical shuffling paid dividends this summer, when the 18-year-old Ziegler was drafted by the Mets in the second round. He signed for $910,000—less than the 46th pick’s slot value of $1.62 million. “Much is made about the slot and what we gave him, but I had teams texting me afterward that had seen him and they saw what we saw too,” Tramuta said. “We felt very comfortable about what we had him internally evaluated as, to catch him in the second round.” The Mets had intended to use the savings on Ziegler to sign first-rounder Kumar Rocker, but no deal was struck with the former Vanderbilt ace after his physical turned up something that concerned the Mets. Now, Ziegler moves forward with perhaps more scrutiny now that he is the organization’s top signed draft pick from 2021. Ziegler, who checks in at 6 feet, 195 pounds, throws his fastball in the 93-97 mph range and also relies on a power curveball. “We really liked (Ziegler’s) delivery, he had a lot of athletic movements and he was throwing 95-96 (mph) in the sixth inning when I saw him,” Tramuta said. “He was commanding his fastball.” “Had teams had more time to scout him—because he was on a screwy type of schedule—I think he got better, which a lot of high school kids do. He gained momentum throughout the spring. “I felt very strongly about taking him in the second round.” —MIKE PUMA

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES Jhailyn Ortiz has been under a microscope since the day he arrived in the Phillies’ organization as a 16-year-old in 2015. That’s just the way it is when you receive

A more selective hitting approach had helped 22-year-old Phillies outfielder Jhailyn Ortiz have a breakout season.

a franchise-record signing bonus of just over $4 million. Phillies officials have seen progress from the hulking outfielder in 2021. “He has most definitely taken a step forward in all areas of the game,” said assistant general manager Jorge Velandia, who saw Ortiz as a young amateur in the Dominican Republic. “He’s (always) had the tools to eventually be a big leaguer. It takes time for players to develop, and Jhailyn is on a good track.” Ortiz was 6-foot-2, 260 pounds when he signed. He’s 6-foot-3, 249 pounds now. He still has huge power and he’s showing it more than ever thanks to improved conditioning, swing decisions and pitch recognition. In 95 games between High-A Jersey Shore and Double-A Reading, the 22-yearold outfielder hit .250/.346/.488 with 23 home runs. His strikeout rate was still high at 29%, but it had improved slightly from previous seasons. “His overall selectivity is better,” Velandia said. “He’s understanding himself better as a hitter. “They pitch him tough. He hits three, four, five (in the lineup). Other teams watch BP. They hear the different sound it makes. Like any other high-profile guys, people know who you are. But he’s responding.” For a big man, Ortiz continues to show surprising athleticism. He projects as a right fielder but has spent significant time in cen-

ter field this season. “We like to move our outfielders around,” Velandia said. “It’s part of the development process. He’s got a plus arm and he moves well. He’s very agile.” Ortiz’s power could give teams something to think about in the Rule 5 draft this winter—unless the Phillies protect him. They have not the last two winters. “As a group, we’ve always thought there was a lot there,” Velandia said. “Jhailyn just needs to continue to play.” —JIM SALISBURY

PITTSBURGH PIRATES The Pirates welcomed outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba back to Double-A Altoona on Sept. 10, following a six-week absence with a right thigh injury. The 22-year-old hit .274/.398/.406 with six home runs and 13 stolen bases in 66 games. Even when sidelined, his leadership role was valuable. “He’s a big influence on (righthander Roansy) Contreras,” Altoona manager Miguel Perez said. “They’re coming from the Yankees. There’s a great relationship there. They feed off of each other.” The offseason trade of Jameson Taillon to the Yankees brought in Smith-Njigba, Contreras, righthander Miguel Yajure and shortstop Maikol Escotto—all potential future major league players.

That deal has helped to boost the Pirates’ rebuild, and Smith-Njigba wasn’t surprised to be part of that plan. “I know my value,” Smith-Njigba said. “I’m just happy another team saw it, and I’m happy the Pirates . . . saw my worth.” The 2017 fourth-rounder out of high school in Texas has a thick frame with power potential, though his offense is highlighted by his ability to get on base. “At the plate, he’s outstanding with his discipline,” Perez said. “He’s going to run, he’s going to steal bases. His arm is good, hits jump off the bat. He’s a clubhouse guy and team player.” Smith-Njigba has worked this year with Altoona hitting coach David Newhan on hitting the ball with more authority, and driving the ball the opposite way. The former prep catcher moved to the outfield to start his pro career. Smith-Njigba’s upcoming offseason work is going to be focused on making that final development push to become a big leaguer by getting “bigger, stronger, faster.” “I know it’s cliché, but it’s the honest truth,” Smith-Njigba said. “Just being ready to be a big leaguer. That’s just something that I’m going to take into this offseason. I’m going to train like I’m going to the big leagues next year.” —TIM WILLIAMS

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS The Cardinals did not have a spot in the field, and the Braves had a sudden need for a first baseman. So it was just a matter of working out which minor leaguer from deep in Atlanta’s system would complete the trade for Matt Adams in May 2017. As the Cardinals scanned their options, one player stood out for one number. It wasn’t his OPS or strikeout rate or exit velocity. It was Juan Yepez’s age. In 2015 he competed in two domestic Rookie leagues as a 17-year-old, hitting .299/.364/.458 with four home runs in 59 games. If St. Louis was going to take a swing at a minor leaguer, it might as well go young. “Young enough to get a lot of rolls of the dice,” one Cardinals official said. Yepez is still just 23, but now he has augmented his résumé with production at the highest level of the minor leagues. The corner infielder leaped to Triple-A Memphis early in 2021 and hit .281/.374/.575 through 89 games.

BRIAN WESTERHOLT/FOUR SEAM IMAGES; BILL MITCHELL

NEW YORK METS

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NATIONAL LEAGUE

He had 21 homers and 44 extra-base hits, showing a gap-to-gap, level righthanded swing that the Cardinals have seen before from hitters who emerge at Memphis. Hitters like Allen Craig and David Freese. In previous Septembers, Yepez would have been called up as an option off the bench from an expanded roster. Instead, the Cardinals veered toward pitching and eyeballed Yepez for targeted use late in the month if needed. Ultimately, Yepez will secure a spot on the 40-man roster by November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. Yepez, whom Atlanta signed out of Venezuela in 2014, came to the Cardinals as a third baseman, but he has spent most of this season at first base. He could see some cameo work in left field as St. Louis explores his versatility. Yepez’s first spring training will bring his time with the Cardinals to a familiar point. The player who was acquired for a bat without a position will now be that bat without a clear position. He still has age on his side. And bigger numbers getting harder to ignore. —DERRICK GOOLD

SAN DIEGO PADRES The Padres were barred from signing any prospect for more than $300,000 in the 2018-19 international window, their penance for blowing past their bonus pool two years earlier. Not a problem. Padres head of international scouting Chris Kemp knew he’d turn up value anyway, and he was right. Case in point: 19-year-old Dominican middle infielder Euribiel Angeles, who in his first assignment in the U.S. led Low-A West in batting average prior to a late-August promotion to High-A Fort Wayne. Before moving up a level, Angeles had hit .343/.397/.461 with three home runs and 18 stolen bases in 87 games for Low-A Lake Elsinore. That was not surprising given how the righthanded hitter first popped onto Kemp’s radar in the Dominican Republic. “He just continued to have quality at-bats,” Kemp said. “He was always working counts. He was spraying the ball all over the field. He gave you the feeling where it just seemed like he was going to hit.” And even hit for power despite a 5-foot11, 175-pound frame. It’s an unofficial stat, but Angeles remains the only prospect to homer twice

steady kid,” Haines said. Sakata said Pomares is “serene. Nothing seems to bother him.” Of course, Pomares’ bat speaks loudly and clearly. “This guy’s just one of those natural-born hitters,” Haines said. —STEVE KRONER

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

Giants outfielder Jairo Pomares hit the ground running at Low-A San Jose, showing both power and an all-fields approach.

in a tryout game since Kemp took over the Padres’ international operation. After signing for $300,000 in July 2018, Angeles flexed his muscles a bit more with a home run in the Dominican Summer League all-star game while penning a .301/.359/.376 batting line across 44 games. Angeles was signed as a shortstop but profiles as a utility type in the mold of the since-traded Tucupita Marcano or Double-A infielder Eguy Rosario. Angeles’ advanced baseball IQ is one reason the Padres didn’t hesitate to jump him from the DSL directly into full-season baseball after losing 2020 to the pandemic. The belief that he’ll continue to grow into more power, as he’s showcasing with 31 extra-base hits at Lake Elsinore, was another. “He’s always hit, ever since we started scouting him in games,” Kemp said. “He’s always had a knack to barrel the ball up” —JEFF SANDERS

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS Through Aug. 15, corner outfielder Jairo Pomares had put together numbers with Low-A San Jose that ranked somewhere between ridiculous and sublime. He had hit .372/.429/.693 with 14 home runs in 51 games. During an Aug. 16 phone interview, Giants farm director Kyle Haines was asked

how quickly the lefthanded hitter could progress through the organization’s system. “You just never know with guys like this,” Haines said. “He’s probably going to run into levels that slow him down a little bit, but nothing that Pomares does with the bat would surprise me.” Sure enough, Pomares got promoted to High-A Eugene on Aug. 17, and—no surprise—he went 3-for-4 with a double in his first game with the Emeralds. “He just seems to barrel up everything really hard,” Haines said. The Giants signed Pomares out of Cuba in 2018. He tore through Rookie ball in 2019, but between the pandemic and visa issues, he was limited to Dominican instructional league in 2020. A back problem slowed him in spring training this year, and he didn’t make his debut with San Jose until June 15. Listed at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, Pomares quickly made an impression on San Jose manager Lenn Sakata. “He’s a definite power guy and also finds ways to get hits,” Sakata said. “. . . He’s had a hit to every part of the baseball field.” Pomares had many offensive highlights with San Jose, but his production leveled off in High-A. He hit .262/.269/.505 with 12 extra-base hits in 26 games for Eugene. Sakata termed Pomares’ play in the outfield as “tentative at the beginning” but improving. The 21-year-old Pomares is a “a quiet,

To Jake Alu, it doesn’t seem that unusual that he’s thriving at Double-A two years after being drafted in the 24th round. “I always felt like I was a good fielder and hitter,” the 5-foot-10, 175-pound Alu said. “I’m just playing how I always play.” Alu has played third base, second base and first base for Harrisburg. The 24-yearold hit .264/.315/.411 through 56 games for the Senators after spending his first 39 games with High-A Wilmington. Overall, Alu hit 10 home runs and was 13-for-16 in stolen bases while batting .281/.332/.444. He went on the injured list Aug. 24 with a knee injury, but he returned to rack up 13 games in September A four-year player at Boston College, Alu played at short-season Auburn in 2019. Last year he had just three days at minor league spring training before being sent home to Hamilton, N.J., for the spring and summer. “The big thing with the Covid year was that I got in the gym and got stronger while working on my swing,” Alu said. Alu also took stock of what it would take to succeed on the mental side of the game. “When you get to pro ball, you have to make adjustments as soon as you can,” he said. “Instead of doing that each at-bat to the next at-bat, I’m trying to adjust to each pitch.” Harrisburg manager Tripp Keister typically starts the lefthanded-hitting Alu against lefties and righties. “He’s just continued to hit, continued to have good at-bats every day,” Keister said. “That’s a credit to him and a credit to our scouts. He’s an interesting kid because he just comes to the plate every night and puts up numbers.” Alu, who was signed by scout John Malzone, thrived on the competition in the Atlantic Coast Conference and now is doing the same in the minor leagues. “I’ve always sort of been an underdog in my head growing up,” Alu said, “but I knew that it comes down to performance. I just love being one of the nine guys out there.” —LACY LUSK 51

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DECADE BRYCE HARPER

DREW HALLOWELL/GETTY IMAGES; GREG FIUME/GETTY IMAGES

Taking stock of baseball’s most hyped prospect ever 10 years into his career

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KYLE GLASER

n the fall of 2005, Mitch Sokol got a call from his Las Vegas-based associate scout Glen Evans. There was a player he had to see. There was only one drawback. The player was in the seventh grade. “I said, ‘Whoa, I mean, jeez, Glen, I don’t really go see seventh

graders,’ ” said Sokol, the Nationals’ area scout for the Four Corners region and Las Vegas. “And he goes, ‘Just trust me. Come see this kid.’ ” Bryce Harper was worth the trip. Harper has been in the spotlight since his earliest teenage years. Baseball America highlighted him as “possibly the country’s best hitter” for his age when he was 12. Scouts labeled him a prodigy at 15, and he

At the 10-season mark of his career, Harper

What’s more, Harper is still in his prime. He

was dubbed “Baseball’s Chosen One” when he graced the cover of Sports

ranks in the top 10 in home runs, runs scored,

was leading the majors in OPS heading into the

Illustrated at 16.

walks, on-base percentage, slugging percentage

final weekend, and has become significantly

and OPS and FanGraphs wins above replace-

more consistent as he’s aged. Harper’s batting

ment among players with at least 3,000 plate

average fluctuated more than 50 points and

appearances since he entered the league in 2012.

his OPS swung by more than 115 points every

When the Nationals selected Harper first overall in the 2010 draft, with Sokol as his signing scout, he was still just 17 years old. At every step of his youth, Harper shouldered the burden of colossal expectations. Becoming a superstar was the expected outcome. Anything

Harper has made six all-star teams, won a

else would be a disappointment.

Rookie of the Year award and an MVP award by

Harper has now finished his 10th major league season. He has not been

age 28. He is more than halfway to 500 career

season from 2014 to 2018, with his best seasons frequently followed by underwhelming ones. Since signing with the Phillies for 13 years

the perennial MVP or unquestioned best player in baseball many predicted.

home runs and is on track to reach that mark in

and $330 million before the 2019 season, his

And yet, at the same time, his career can hardly be called disappointing.

his late 30s if he can maintain his current pace.

production has steadily increased each year.

The tenth edition of the Captain’s Catcher Award presented by All-Star has come down to three finalists: The Mets’ Francisco Alvarez, Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman and Kansas City’s MJ Melendez. All three solidified themselves as some of the best backstops in the minors with exceptional years, and positioned themselves to break into the majors in the coming years, with 2022 a possibility for Rutschman and Melendez. At 19 years old, Alvarez quickly overwhelmed the competition at Low-A before spending the rest of the season at High-A Brooklyn. He showed a blend of gifts on both sides of the ball. Rutschman is the game’s No. 1 prospect and showed why at both upper-level stops. He’s a likely plus defender and a switch-hitter who should be an offensive force as the centerpiece to Baltimore’s rebuild. Melendez’s 41 homers led the minors and provided a fantastic rebound story.

THE

FRANCISCO

ALVAREZ NEW YORK METS

AWARD The Captain’s Catcher’s Award recognizes the defensive qualities of minor league catchers.Inspired by the catching skills and character of Jason Varitek, this award is only about catching and who plays the position to the fullest. The best catchers are detail oriented and driven to improve their performance behind the plate. Leadership,dedication, the ability to call a game, blocking, receiving, and making plays are the primary qualities sought after—with the ultimate goal of protecting home.

#MFRA

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ADLEY

RUTSCHMAN BALTIMORE ORIOLES

ALEJANDRA VILLA LOARCA/NEWSDAY RM VIA GETTY IMAGES; MARY DECICCO/MLB PHOTOS VIA GETTY IMAGES; JENNIFER STEWART/MLB PHOTOS VIA GETTY IMAGES

DREW HALLOWELL/GETTY IMAGES; GREG FIUME/GETTY IMAGES

Bryce Harper has been a big league star since debuting at age 19, but because of the hype that preceded him, he has not widely been viewed as one of the top MLB players, despite offensive production that puts him in the conversation.

MELENDEZ

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

2021 CAPTAIN’S CATCHER AWARD WATCH LIST Player, Team PCT G E PB SBA Adley Rutschman, Baltimore .992 53 5 3 46 MJ Melendez, Kansas City .982 52 10 3 51 Francisco Alvarez, New York Mets .979 59 12 14 88

CS 13 17 19

PCT .283 .333 .216

MOVE FORWARD RISE ABOVE™ 9/28/21 4:00 PM53

9/29/21 10:30 AM

A Decade of Bryce Harper “I knew a lot of eyes were on me, big expectations, all that type of stuff, and his was mag-

in San Diego. “I think the biggest thing is

nified so much more than mine at a younger

understanding failure. Understanding success.

age,” said Wheeler, who was also a top 10 draft

Not getting too high. Not getting too low.

pick and four-time Top 100 Prospect. “For him

“Just understand that ride that you go

to stay humble and live up to those expectations

through for that whole season. No matter where

is pretty wild, and I don’t think he gets enough

you’re at, you play 162 games and try to finish

credit for that because it’s not easy, especially

and end the way you want to. Some years are

at a young age.”

going to be good. Some years are going to be

It hasn’t been easy, even if Harper has often

bad. You’ve just gotta try to ride it out as best as

made it look that way. He famously earned his

possible.”

general equivalency diploma to skip his final

In many ways, Harper represents a conun-

two seasons at Las Vegas High and enroll early

drum. He was hyped as one of the best pros-

at College of Southern Nevada. He promptly

pects ever and has become a star by almost any

blasted 31 home runs and led the Coyotes to a

measure. At his current pace, he has a legiti-

third-place finish at the Junior College World

mate chance for induction into the Hall of Fame.

Series, all at the age of a high school junior.

And yet, precisely because of how high expec-

CSN games became one of the hottest attrac-

tations were in his youth, perceptions of his

tions in Las Vegas, a city with no shortage of

career at times undersell just how successful he

entertainment options. The school, for its part,

has been.

took advantage of the business opportunity.

Harper received MVP votes just three times in

“CSN’s prices went up,” Sokol said. “I’m dead

his first nine full seasons. Prior to this season,

serious. They started charging more money just

he barely cracked the top 25 in ESPN’s (No. 25)

to get in the ballgame and I think they made a

and MLB Network’s (22) rankings of the top

killing. Bryce brought people to the ballpark.”

players in the majors. There is some justification for those percep-

Outwardly, Harper reveled in the attention. He projected flashiness and confidence, earn-

tions. The top-of-the-scale power Harper pro-

ing a reputation in some circles as cocky and

jected to have as a prospect has led to only one

self-centered. Inwardly, the truth was very

home run crown. He’s finished in the top 10 in

different.

the National League in home runs just twice. Outside of his MVP year in 2015, when he led

“I think that was probably the most pressure I’ve ever felt in my life,” Harper said. “It defi-

the NL in home runs, OBP, slugging and runs

nitely makes the game today a little bit easier,

scored, the only category he’s led the league in

just knowing what I went through at that age.

is walks, which he did in 2018 and 2020.

Understanding that it was kind of, ‘You’ve gotta

As far as team success, Harper has yet to play in a postseason series beyond the Division

be the No. 1 pick or it’s kind of a bust.’ You have

level of competitiveness that the kid had and

nothing else really.

level of leadership he had.”

“You could go back to college, but there’s

Whatever pressure Harper felt, he excelled.

appearances. The year after he left Washington,

a lot of people around you counting on you to

That was true at 17 when he led his team to the

the Nationals won the World Series.

get to that level. That’s just how it was. I got

Junior College World Series and became the No.

through it.”

1 pick in the draft. That was true at 19 when he

Series and struggled in three of his four NLDS

Those are all facts of his career that can’t be entirely discounted. At the same time, the

Sokol had a unique insight into Harper that

became the second-youngest player to ever win

totality of his career still cements him as one

allowed him to understand him more deeply

the NL Rookie of the Year award. That was true

of the top 10 position players in the game since

than most others. In addition to seeing Harper

at 22 when he became the third-youngest play-

he debuted, a fact that isn’t lost on his peers on

play since he was in seventh grade, Sokol

er to ever win an MVP award.

the field.

drafted Harper’s older brother Bryan for the

“He’s one of the best players in the game,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “There’s only a handful of people in modern day base-

That’s been true since, too. After signing

Nationals in the 31st round out of high school in

what was then the largest free agent contract

2008, when Bryce was a high school freshman.

in major league history before the 2019 season,

Bryan didn’t sign with Washington, but Sokol

he’s posted the fourth-highest OPS. Harper still has 10 more years left on that

ball who can sort of talk about trying to live up

got to know the Harper family, including Bryce

to expectations and anticipation. I can think

and his brother, and understand the competi-

contract. He still has plenty of time to live up to

of Ken Griffey Jr., certainly Bryce, maybe Alex

tiveness that runs through Harper’s veins.

expectations, and he was doing just that in 2021

(Rodriguez). “There are very few guys who were that

“Everybody made it kind of like he was all about Bryce, and really it wasn’t about Bryce,”

as he put up an MVP-caliber season. He’s not focused on any of that, though. He only has one thing on his mind.

young coming into the game and to have that

Sokol said. “Bryce was always about winning.

pressure to be the face of an organization, the

That’s it. Bryce wanted to win. He made his

“I just wanna win,” Harper said. “That’s it,

face of an industry, and to perform . . . He’s

teammates better. He made his club better.

man. All the stuff on the field, it will take care

great for the game and I love watching him compete.” Harper’s Phillies teammate Zack Wheeler can relate to the expectations—on a smaller scale.

Bryce Harper’s production has trended up since he signed his 13-year, $330 million deal with the Phillies in 2019. His 2021 season was one of his best and could result in his second National League MVP trophy.

“He raised the bar, and you had to jump on

of itself. I’ll play as many games as I can and try

the wagon and, mind you, he’s a junior in high

to be the best out there and try to help my team

school and he’s playing with college guys, and

win each night. I think at the end of the day

they were following him. Kind of shows you the

that’s all I want to do.” n

RICH SCHULTZ/GETTY IMAGES

“I’ve just gotten older,” Harper told Baseball America during the Phillies’ August road series

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BRYCE HARPER CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Harper blasts 31 home runs as a 17-year-old 2010 hitting with wood at JC of Southern Nevada. His “top-of-the-scale power” and strong personality help make him the most celebrated prospect in the 45-year history of the draft. The Nationals select him No. 1 overall. Harper enters the season as the No. 1 prospect in baseball despite no professional experience outside the Arizona Fall League. The 18-year-old lives up to the advance billing by ranking as the No. 1 prospect in the Low-A South Atlantic and Double-A Eastern leagues.

2011

Harper opens the season in Triple-A but quickly 2012 gets called to Washington at age 19. He hits .270/.340/.477 with 22 home runs and 18 stolen bases to capture National League Rookie the Year honors. Harper turns in his signature season by winning the National League MVP award as a 22-year-old. Only Johnny Bench in 1970 and Stan Musial in 1943 were younger MVP winners. Harper leads the NL with 42 home

In his free agent platform season, Harper hits .249/.393/.496 with 34 homers, 100 RBIs and a league-leading 130 walks. He makes his sixth National League all-star team and wins the Home Run Derby at home in Nationals Park. After the season, Harper becomes one of the youngest and most accomplished free agents ever at age 25.

2018

Bryce Harper won Rookie of the Year, an MVP award and helped the Nationals reach the postseason four times in his seven seasons in Washington.

Harper signs a record 13-year, $330 million deal with the Phillies. In his first season in Philadelphia, he turns in one of his best power seasons with 35 home runs and 114 RBIs in 157 games.

2019

Harper achieves his best offensive season since his MVP campaign of 2015, hitting for power, drawing walks and getting his strikeout rate under control at 21% after it had spiked to 24% from 2018 to 2020. He was a strong contender for another National League MVP award. While Harper failed to make an all-star team during his first three seasons in Philadelphia, his OPS+ from 2019 to 2021 ranked fourth highest in baseball among those who batted at least 1,000 times. —Matt Eddy

2021

RICH SCHULTZ/GETTY IMAGES

2015

runs, 118 runs, a .460 on-base percentage, a .649 slugging percentage and a 1.109 OPS.

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Scout Spotlight

SCOUTS IN THEIR OWN WORDS. THE PLAYERS. THE JOURNEY. THE STATE OF THE GAME. Joe Ryan pitched collegiately for Division II Cal State Stanislaus, but his arm talent was obvious even in that setting. The Rays drafted him in 2018. He made his MLB debut this year, after a trade to the Twins.

MLB debuts with their signing scouts

Former Rays scout sees a pair of pitchers make MLB debuts

We highlight the scouts who signed this year’s major league debuts, with this installment covering the period Aug. 16 to Sept. 15.

by KYLE GLASER

minor league video coordinator, moved up to a video scout for the Blue Jays, became the Rays’ area scout for Northern California and now works as the Braves’ crosschecker for the Northwest. Among the players he scouted for the

Rays were Joe Ryan and Sammy Long, both of whom made their major league debuts this year. Hull joined the Baseball America podcast to discuss signing both pitchers and the emotion of having his first two major leaguers debut in the same season.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. You can listen to the full podcast at BaseballAmerica.com. Baseball America: You scouted and signed Sammy Long for the Rays in 2016 (in the 18th round out of Sacramento State) and he became your first major leaguer when he debuted with the Giants this year. What was the emotion of having your first big leaguer like? Alan Hull: I actually saw it on Twitter for the first time and I got kind of emotional. This is my seventh year as a full-time scout and I’ve been scouting for 10, if you include my time doing video. It was kind of this culmination of all these years of work. All the credit of course goes to Sam and the coaches who he had along the way. But just to say that I was a small part of that was really cool. It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever been a part of. BA: Your second big leaguer was Joe Ryan, who you scouted and signed out of Cal State Stanislaus (in the seventh round in 2018). What did you see in Joe? AH: I went out to Stanislaus and got there early, like I always do, and went down the line to see him warm up. Right away, I mean, two, three throws in, it was really clear this guy had really good arm talent. The ball was just flying out of his hand. And then he got started doing his long toss and it was really, really good. He’s throwing lasers from 250 to 300 feet away, and it was like,

“I haven’t seen very many guys do that.” So, I was kind of excited before the game even started . . . And then he pitched a really good game, and his fastball was really explosive and it showed a variety of different types of life. There were times where it would ride. There were other times it would bore in on righthanders. There were other times where he would throw it to his glove side and it would cut back to the far side of the plate. It was just very unusual how it came out of his hand, and it was really clear that he had a good fastball. BA: Joe had a lot of dominant outings, but it was against Division II competition. How did you balance what you were seeing with the level of competition? AH: It’s challenging for sure. With pitchers, it’s a little easier when you’re scouting at small colleges because stuff is kind of stuff. We’re visually assessing that stuff. I would say in his case, he has some physicality to him. He is a pretty big guy. He’s got a long wingspan, and his actions are very good—his delivery, his arm action—(so) he checks a lot of the scouting boxes. And then as far as velo, there was velo there. If you see a guy whose fastball gets a lot of swings and misses in the zone, almost at any level that tells you something. n

Date

Dodgers Blue Jays

Aug. 16 Aug. 17

Signing Scout(s) Brian Compton Sandy Rosario/Lorenzo Perez/Alexis De La Cruz

Kevin Smith, 3B Jose Marte, RHP

Blue Jays Angels

Aug. 18 Aug. 20

Doug Witt Ruddy Moreta (Giants)

Nick Snyder, RHP Jake Latz, LHP

Rangers Rangers

Aug. 21 Aug. 25

Cliff Terracuso Roger Coryell

Edward Cabrera, RHP Elvis Peguero, RHP

Marlins Angels

Aug. 25 Aug. 26

Albert Gonzalez/Sandy Nin/Domingo Ortega Arturo Peña (Yankees)

Ryan Dorow, 3B Glenn Otto, RHP

Rangers Rangers

Aug. 26 Aug. 27

Chris Collias Brian Rhees (Yankees)

Jake McCarthy, OF Cooper Criswell, RHP

D-backs Angels

Aug. 27 Aug. 27

Rick Matsko Chris McAlpin

Alfonso Rivas, 1B/OF Scott Effross, RHP

Cubs Cubs

Aug. 29 Aug. 29

Scott Cousins (Athletics) Stan Zielinski

Raynel Espinal, RHP A.J. Alexy, RHP

Red Sox Rangers

Aug. 30 Aug. 30

Arturo Peña (Yankees) Rich DeLucia (Dodgers)

Joe Ryan, RHP Jack Lopez, 2B

Twins Red Sox

Sept. 1 Sept. 1

Alan Hull (Rays) Colin Gonzales (Royals)

Alberto Baldonado, LHP Jose Siri, OF

Nationals Astros

Sept. 2 Sept. 3

Rafael Perez/Ismael Cruz/Alex Zapata (Mets) Richard Jimenez (Reds)

Romy Gonzalez, 3B/SS Drew Carlton, RHP

White Sox Tigers

Sept. 3 Sept. 4

Jose Ortega RJ Burgess

Kyle Tyler, RHP Henry Ramos, OF

Angels D-backs

Sept. 5 Sept. 5

Billy Lipari Edgar Perez (Red Sox)

Janson Junk, RHP Julian Fernandez, RHP

Angels Rockies

Sept. 5 Sept. 5

Mike Thurman (Yankees) Rolando Fernandez/Jhonathan Leyba

Ryan Feltner, RHP Kutter Crawford, RHP

Rockies Red Sox

Sept. 5 Sept. 5

Ed Santa Willie Romay

Bryan Baker, RHP Kervin Castro, RHP

Blue Jays Giants

Sept. 5 Sept. 7

Sean Gamble (Rockies) Edgar Fernandez

Mike Baumann, RHP Colton Welker, 3B

Orioles Rockies

Sept. 7 Sept. 8

Arthur McConnehead Rafael Reyes

Brandyn Sittinger, RHP Oliver Ortega, RHP

D-backs Angels

Sept. 8 Sept. 8

Jeff Kunkel (Tigers) Domingo Garcia/Alfredo Ulloa

Josh Lowe, OF Manny Barreda, RHP

Rays Orioles

Sept. 8 Sept. 8

Milt Hill Steve Kmetko (Yankees)

Seth Beer, 1B Connor Seabold, RHP

D-backs Red Sox

Sept. 10 Sept. 11

Gavin Dickey (Astros) Demerius Pittman (Phillies)

Jovani Moran, LHP Kaleb Ort, RHP

Twins Red Sox

Sept. 12 Sept. 13

Freddie Thon Chris Carminucci (D-backs)

RON SCHWANE/GETTY IMAGES; FOCUS ON SPORT/GETTY IMAGES

Player, Pos lan Hull has spent more than a decade working in baseball. He began as a

Team

Andre Jackson, RHP Otto Lopez, 2B/OF

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FOR THE RECORD

Obituaries BILLY BOWMAN, a righthander who pitched in the

minor leagues in 1953 and from 1955-59 before later serving as a coach for the Astros, died Aug. 21. He was 90. AUDREY HAINE DANIELS, who starred in the AllAmerican Girls Professional Baseball League, threw multiple no-hitters and was later inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, died Sept. 11 in North Ridgeville, Ohio. She was 94. BILL FREEHAN, a catcher who played in the major leagues in 1961 and from 1963-76, spending his entire career with the Tigers, died Aug. 19 in Petoskey, Mich. He was 79. Freehan made 11 all-star teams during his career, won five Gold Gloves, finished top three in MVP voting twice and won a World Series in 1968. He posted a .262/.340/.412 slash line with 200 home runs and 1,591 hits.

Talton collected 112 at-bats during his career, mostly as a pinch-hitter. He hit .295 and homered twice. JAMES TOOKE, who signed with the Pirates but didn’t appear in a professional game, died Sept. 14. He was 88.

Bill Freehan made 11 all-star teams and won five Gold Gloves during his 15-year career with the Tigers. He was the starting catcher for the World Series champion 1968 Tigers.

VITO VALENTINETTI, a righthander who pitched in the major leagues for five seasons in 1954 and from 1956 to ’59 with the Senators, White Sox, Cubs, Indians and Tigers, died Aug. 5 in New York. He was 92. Valentinetti posted a career 13-14, 4.73 mark. He appeared in 108 games and made 15 starts, striking out 94 batters over 257 innings. STAN WILLIAMS, a righthander who pitched in the major leagues for 14 seasons from 1958-65 and from 1967-72, primarily with the Dodgers and Indians, died Feb. 20 in Laughlin, Nev. He was 84. Williams posted a 109-94, 3.48 career mark, making one all-star team and winning a World Series in 1959 with the Dodgers. n

JIM GOODWIN, a righthander who was selected by the Phillies in the second round of the 1970 draft and played one season in the minor leagues, died Sept. 13. He was 74. JEFF HAINLINE, a first baseman who played in the minor leagues in 1988, died Aug. 12 in Spokane, Wash. He was 56. JOAN MARIE KNEBL, an outfielder/middle infielder who played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1950-54 with the Grand Rapids Chicks and Rockford Peaches, died Sept. 11. She was 87. MORRIS MACK, a third baseman who played in the minor leagues from 1951-53, died Nov. 6. He was 91. KEVIN MILLICAN, a catcher and first baseman who played in the minor leagues for two seasons in 1994 and ’95, died July 21. He was 49. ROBERT MILLS, a third baseman, shortstop and first baseman who played in the minor leagues from 198387, died Sept. 12 in Hamilton, Ohio. He was 57. LARRY MIMS, a second baseman and shortstop who was drafted five times and played in the minor leagues from 1986-89, died Aug. 17. He was 57. J.R. RICHARD, a righthander who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 1969 draft and pitched in the major leagues from 1971-1980 with the Astros, died Aug. 4 in Houston. He was 71. Richard posted a career 107-71, 3.15 mark with 1,493 strikeouts in 1,606 innings. He led the majors in strikeouts twice, ERA once and made one all-star team. STAN SANDERS, who pitched in the minor leagues in 1960 and served as head baseball coach at Toledo in two stints from 1970-81 and from 1983-92, posting a 534-447 record, died July 23. He was 81. WILLIAM SCHUDLICH, who worked in professional baseball as a scout for 54 years, primarily with the Tigers and Indians, died Sept. 19. He was 81. JOHN SHIER, who played in the minor leagues in 1951, died Sept. 11 in McFarland, Wis. He was 91. TIM TALTON, who played in the major leagues for two seasons with the Athletics in 1966 and ’67, died July 22 in Goldsboro, N.C. He was 82. JUNIOR.indd 1

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STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

Column Rookie complex level. They then came one win short of a perfect sweep of the play-

The Rays’ domestic minor league affiliates won 65% of their games, a rate unparalleled in recent history. Tampa Bay affiliates were able to win so frequently even while graduating to prospects like Wander Franco.

offs. The Rays’ five domestic minor league teams won four league titles. Only Double-A Montgomery missed out. It lost its title by one run in Game 5 of a best-of-5 finals. It’s remarkable. It’s astounding. I think the argument can be made that the 2021 Rays completed the greatest minor league season by an organization we have ever seen. The Rays’ High-A Bowling Green affiliate posted a .695 winning percentage, the best of a full-season club since West Michigan posted a .702 mark in 1997. The Rays’ Low-A Charleston affiliate was right behind with a .683 winning percentage. Three minor league teams won more than 80 games this season. All three were Rays affiliates. As an organization, the Rays’ minor league teams outscored their opponents by

PERSPECTIVE

THE GOLD STANDARD The Rays organization won in the minor leagues like no other we have ever seen

@ JJCOOP36

games of the Triple-A season with an organizational winning percentage of .652 across all five domestic minor league levels. Of the 116 non-Rays full-season minor league teams, only High-A Central champion Quad Cities (.653) had a winning percentage better than the Rays’ cumulative mark.

aseball is a sport with a constant,

Baseball America has tracked overall orga-

inexorable gravitational pull toward

nization standings since 1989. The only other

equilibrium.

winning percentages above .600 over that

There have been multiple NFL

span were the 2009 Giants with a .603 win-

teams that have gone undefeated for an entire

ning percentage and the 2017 Yankees with a

regular season, and others that have gone

.602 mark.

winless. In the NBA, the best teams of all time

There are fewer minor league teams in the

have won nearly 90% of their games, while

reorganized minors, so it’s fair to wonder

the worst have won just more than 10% of the

if that played a factor in the Rays blowing

time. In soccer, there have been teams that

away any and all past precedents. But I don’t

have avoided losing for an entire 38-game

think so. Even if the Rays added two subpar

Premier League season and others who have

short-season teams who each went 30-40 to

won only once.

the organization, it would still have the best

But baseball is different. No MLB team has won 75% of its regular season games in a

winning percentage since 1989. “I think we’re most proud of what it says

season in more than a century, and winning

about the work we’re doing,” Rays farm

70% of the time places a team among the

director Jeff McLerran said, who then quoted

all-time greats. Similarly, the 1962 Mets won

longtime Rays farm director Mitch Lukevics.

25% of their games, a mark that remains the gold standard of baseball futility. It’s not just the majors. Even in the minor

“Our mission statement of winning is a byproduct of good development.” Tampa Bay did this while graduating

leagues, the greatest teams of all time are

Top 100 Prospects Wander Franco, Randy

those that manage to post a .700 or better

Arozarena, Luis Patiño and Shane McLanahan

winning percentage, and any club that tops

to the big league club. Many of the team’s

.600 can be considered special. Since 2010,

minor leaguers will be eligible for multiple

there had been just four minor league teams

championship rings because they started the

to top a .650 winning percentage, led by San

year at one level and were promoted.

Antonio’s .671 mark in 2011. All that makes what the Rays organization did this year seem unfathomable.

The Rays still have many issues when it comes to attendance and their long-term future in St. Petersburg, but when it comes

They just won everywhere. The Rays had

to winning at all levels of pro baseball, the

the best winning percentages of all 30 teams

organization seems to have discovered an

at the Triple-A, High-A, Low-A and the

anti-gravity machine. n

MIKE CARLSON/GETTY IMAGES

J.J. COOPER

905 runs. The Rays entered the final five

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