With spring training upon us, it’s time to talk prospects — and we’re not taking half-measures. Here is the fourth and final installment of my epic ranking of the top 200 prospects in baseball. (Read Part 1 here, Part 2 here and Part 3 here).
The rankings are based on a combination of opinions from GMs, other front office executives, scouts, minor league managers, coaches, evaluators and my own personal experiences with scouting these players. I also factored in actual performance based on their statistics, metrics and trends, as well as other miscellaneous information such as health, off-field behavior and character.
Scouting Grades Key:
* ARM=Throwing arm, FLD=Fielding, PWR=Power, HIT=Hitting, RUN=Running
* FB=Fastball, SF=Splitter, SLI=Slider, CB=Curveball, CH=Changeup, SC: Screwball, CTL=Control, CMND=Command
* Scale is 20-80; 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average and 70-80 is well above average
50. Yusniel Diaz, OF, Baltimore Orioles
Age: 22 Height: 6-1 Weight: 198 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 60 FLD: 50 HIT: 55 PWR: 60 RUN: 55
Stats (AA)
Slash: .285/.392/.449 2B: 15 HR: 11 RBI: 45 SB: 12
Diaz was the headliner in the blockbuster trade last July that sent Manny Machado to the Dodgers. He is a toolsy player who showed off his arm, hitting ability and power in last summer’s Futures Game in Washington, D.C. In batting practice, Diaz shows 20-home run type power, but he’s never hit more than 11 homers in a minor league season. He has a plus arm that profiles him as a right fielder, but he could play either corner. And while he’s an average runner, he has above-average instincts on the base paths.
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49. Jonathan India, 3B, Cincinnati Reds
Age: 22 Height: 6-1 Weight: 200 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 55 FLD: 55 HIT: 60 PWR: 55 RUN: 50
Stats (Rookie/A)
Slash: .240/.380/.433 2B: 9 HR: 1 RBI: 23 SB: 6
India was the Reds’ first-round pick and the fifth player taken overall in last year’s amateur draft. He’s a pure hitter with above-average plate discipline and pitch recognition skills. He has average raw power and should be a 15-20 home run hitter in time. He’s a strong defender at third base with a plus arm, but could end up being blocked by Eugenio Suárez and Nick Senzel at the major-league level, so either a position change or a trade are eventual possibilities.
48. Peter Alonso, 1B, New York Mets
Age: 24 Height: 6-3 Weight: 245 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 45 FLD: 40 HIT: 45 PWR: 70 RUN: 40
Stats (AA/AAA)
Slash: .285/.395/.579 2B: 31 HR: 36 RBI: 119 SB: 0
Alonso led all minor leaguers with 36 home runs and 119 RBI last year combined across Double A and Triple A. There is no question his power is real and will translate to the major leagues. He’s a well below-average defender at first base, but once he becomes at least adequate there, he’ll be ready to do damage for the Mets in the fifth or sixth spot in their lineup. He still struggles a bit against secondary pitches, but continues to improve in that area.
47. Carter Kieboom, 2B, Washington Nationals
Age: 21 Height: 6-2 Weight: 193 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 55 FLD: 50 HIT: 55 PWR: 50 RUN: 50
(Stats A/AA)
Slash: .280/.357/.444 2B: 31 HR: 16 RBI: 69 SB: 9
The Nationals signed free agent Brian Dozier to play second base this offseason, but they refused to give a multi-year offer to anyone at that position — the plan is for Kieboom to take over at second for good in 2020. Kieboom has good first-step quickness and soft hands, profiling as an average defensive player. He has above-average bat speed with 30 doubles and 12-15 home run type power.
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46. Alex Verdugo, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Age: 22 Height: 6-0 Weight: 205 Bats: L Throws: L
Scouting Grades
ARM: 60 FLD: 50 HIT: 60 PWR: 50 RUN: 50
Stats (AAA)
Slash: .329/.391/.472 2B: 19 HR: 10 RBI: 44 SB: 8
Verdugo has a short, quick stroke from the left side with the ability to spread line drives all over the outfield. His smooth but level swing accounts for his power barely grading out at average, and he’ll have to learn to improve his launch angle if he wants to belt 20 or more homers. If you squint, you might be able to call his running speed “average” — which makes him profile best in left field rather than center or right, despite the fact he does have a plus-plus right fielder’s arm.
45. Triston McKenzie, RHP, Cleveland Indians
Age: 21 Height: 6-5 Weight: 165 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
FB: 60 CB: 60 CH: 55 CTL: 60 CMND: 55
Stats (AA)
W-L: 7-4 ERA: 2.68 IP: 90.2 H: 63 BB: 28 SO: 87
McKenzie doesn’t have overwhelming stuff, but what he does have is a low-90s fastball, an Uncle Charlie that buckles hitters’ knees and a quality dead-fish changeup he emphasizes to left-handed batters. He knows how to mix his pitches and has deception in his delivery, with extra reach that makes his fastball look harder than it really is.
44. Justus Sheffield, LHP, Seattle Mariners
Age: 22 Height: 6-0 Weight: 200 Bats: L Throws: L
Scouting Grades
FB: 60 SLI: 55 CH: 55 CTL: 50 CMND: 45
Stats (AA/AAA)
W-L: 7-6 ERA: 2.48 IP: 116 H: 87 BB: 50 SO: 123
The Mariners traded their best pitcher, James Paxton, to the Yankees in the offseason and Sheffield was the headliner coming back. The Mariners are convinced he’ll develop into a No. 2 or No. 3 type starter and I agree, although many in the industry think he might end up in the bullpen. His frame is similar to former major leaguer Mike Hampton, and like Hampton, he gets good downward plane despite his height. He has a mid-90s fastball with a late-breaking slider that flashes above average. His changeup is a solid offering but he needs to be more consistent with it.
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43. Chris Paddack, RHP, San Diego Padres
Age: 23 Height: 6-4 Weight: 195 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
FB: 55 CH: 60 CB: 55 CTL: 50 CMND: 50
Stats (A/AA)
W-L: 7-3 ERA: 2.10 IP: 90 H: 66 BB: 8 SO: 120
Paddack punched out an impressive 120 batters in only 90 innings of work while walking just eight batters last year at Double A San Antonio of the Texas League and High A Lake Elsinore in the California League. His fastball comes in around the mid-90s and his arm speed doesn’t change for his best secondary pitch, an incredibly deceptive fading changeup that has most hitters on their front foot when it arrives. The next key to his development will be the refinement of his curveball, and when that happens, he’ll be flying up these rankings.
42. A.J. Puk, LHP, Oakland Athletics
Age: 23 Height: 6-7 Weight: 221 Bats: L Throws: L
Scouting Grades
FB: 65 SLI: 60 CH: 45 CTL: 50 CMND: 50
Stats
Did not pitch due to ulnar collateral ligament elbow surgery
Puk was the A’s first-round pick (and sixth overall) in the 2016 draft and his first two years in the minors did not disappoint, as evidenced by his 224 strikeouts in 157 2/3 innings pitched. Unfortunately, he had to undergo Tommy John surgery this past year. When he’s healthy, he throws in the high-90s with a nasty but inconsistent slider and a changeup that remains a work in progress. His frame makes it difficult for him to repeat his delivery, which in turn hurts the command and control of his pitches.
41. Luis Urias, 2B, San Diego Padres
Age: 21 Height: 5-9 Weight: 185 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 55 FLD: 55 HIT: 65 PWR: 40 RUN: 45
Stats (AAA)
Slash: .296/.398/.447 2B: 30 HR: 8 RBI: 45 SB: 2
There is no doubt that Urias is going to hit, thanks to a quick, short, level swing and sweet-spot contact that allows him to hit line drives all over the park. He’s also an above-average defender at second base with soft hands, quick wrists, fast feet, special horizontal and vertical jumping ability to go along with his above-average arm. His best spot in the Padres’ lineup will be the No. 2 hole due to his ability to spit on pitches out of the zone and his ability to manipulate the barrel.
40. Kyle Wright, RHP, Atlanta Braves
Age: 23 Height: 6-4 Weight: 200 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
FB: 60 CB: 60 SLI: 55 CTL: 55 CMND: 50
Stats (AA/AAA)
W-L: 8-9 ERA: 3.46 IP: 138.0 H: 118 BB: 51 SO: 133
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Wright is a complete pitcher with a four-pitch mix. His fastball is in the mid-90s and he has two above-average breaking balls; his curveball is the best of his secondary offerings, but his hard slider can also be used as a wipeout pitch. His changeup is impressive, too, with fade and deception. He could be a can’t-miss, top-of-the-rotation type starter or a lights-out reliever depending on how the Braves decide to use him.
39. Hunter Greene, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
Age: 19 Height: 6-4 Weight: 216 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
FB: 75 SLI: 60 CH: 50 CTL: 45 CMND: 45
Stats (A)
W-L: 3-7 ERA: 4.48 IP: 68.1 H: 66 BB: 23 SO: 89
Greene has an unlimited ceiling as a pitcher, with a fastball in the 98-101 mph range and an impressively clean and easy delivery. He flashes an above-average slider but needs to work on the consistency of the pitch. His changeup is a work in progress. The raw skills and athleticism get you excited about his potential, but he needs to lower his walks allowed and improve his command in the zone. The Reds need to show patience and take care of his arm — rushing him would be a huge mistake.
38. Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B, Pittsburgh Pirates
Age: 22 Height: 6-1 Weight: 210 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 60 FLD: 75 HIT: 55 PWR: 45 RUN: 50
Stats
Slash: .293/.375/.444 2B: 31 HR: 7 RBI: 47 SB: 12
The son of former major league third baseman Charlie Hayes, Ke’Bryan continues to make significant improvements in all aspects of his game, specifically on offense. He’s improved in both his pitch recognition and ability to draw walks, while cutting down on his strikeouts. Defensively, he’s in much better physical condition than he used to be, which has led to better range and more accurate throws. His home run power will be the deciding factor on what kind of major league player he becomes, but there is no doubt he’ll be an above-average defensive third baseman and should be the long-term answer at the hot corner for the Pirates.
37. Jazz Chisholm, SS, Arizona Diamondbacks
Age: 21 Height: 5-11 Weight: 168 Bats: L Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 55 FLD: 50 HIT: 45 PWR: 55 RUN: 60
Stats (A)
Slash: .272/.329/.513 2B: 17 HR: 25 RBI: 70 SB: 17
Chisholm flew up prospect ranking boards this past season after he hit 25 home runs and stole 17 bags while playing stellar defense and making scouts drool over his five tools. Chisholm has good enough range to both sides and a plus arm, along with well above-average bat speed, and he plays with an extra jump. As he continues to develop, he might even be in the conversation as a 30/30 type middle infielder someday.
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36. Nolan Jones, 3B, Cleveland Indians
Age: 20 Height: 6-4 Weight: 185 Bats: L Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 60 FLD: 50 HIT: 55 PWR: 60 RUN: 50
Stats (A)
Slash: .283/.405/.466 2B: 21 HR: 19 RBI: 66 SB: 2
Jones made the transition from shortstop to third base look easy. His raw power finally translated into game power this past season, when he belted 19 home runs in 427 at-bats between Low A Lake County in the Midwest League and High A Lynchburg in the Carolina League. He has been an on-base machine, as shown by his .410 OBP in his first three minor league seasons. He should be able to make the jump to Double A this year and reach the majors sometime in 2020.
35. Andres Gimenez, SS, New York Mets
Age: 20 Height: 5-11 Weight: 165 Bats: L Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 60 FLD: 60 HIT: 55 PWR: 50 RUN: 50
Stats (A/AA)
Slash: .281/.347/.409 2B: 29 HR: 6 RBI: 46 SB: 38
Gimenez has really good hitting mechanics and a short, quick path to the ball, but he will need to add strength if he’s ever going to have anything more than gap power. He is a plus defender at shortstop with above-average range to both sides and a plus-plus arm from the hole. He has above-average speed and even better baserunning instincts, which allowed him to swipe 36 bases last year. The Mets front office raves about his makeup and attitude.
34. Dylan Cease, RHP, Chicago White Sox
Age: 23 Height: 6-2 Weight: 190 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
FB: 75 CB: 60 SLI: 50 CH: 50 CTL: 50 CMND: 50
Stats
W-L: 12-2 ERA: 2.40 IP: 124.0 H: 82 BB: 50 SO: 160
Cease appears ready to help the White Sox win this year, thanks to a mid- to high-90s fastball and a nasty hammer that is a clear put-the-hitter-to-bed pitch when it’s on. His other secondary pitches are a work in progress, with his changeup being his third pitch. He’s probably just one or two small adjustments away from being ready for the majors.
33. Keibert Ruiz, C, Los Angeles Dodgers
Age: 20 Height: 6-0 Weight: 200 Bats: B Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 55 FLD: 55 HIT: 55 PWR: 45 RUN: 40
Stats (AA)
Slash: .268/.328/.401 2B: 14 HR: 12 RBI: 47
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I have Ruiz as the best prospect in the Dodgers organization, over Verdugo. Ruiz is an above-average defensive catcher with an average arm that is enhanced by his quick release. He has soft hands, quick feet and plays with energy and enthusiasm. At the plate, he’s a switch hitter with line-drive gap power and he makes contact and puts the ball in play. There is no doubt he’s the Dodgers’ future catcher. The only question left is, will it happen this September or sometime next year?
32. Nick Madrigal, 2B, Chicago White Sox
Age: 21 Height: 5-7 Weight: 165 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 50 FLD: 60 HIT: 60 PWR: 40 RUN: 60
Stats (Rookie/A)
Slash: .303/.353/.348 2B: 7 HR: 0 RBI: 16 SB: 8
Madrigal was arguably the prospect with the best hit tool coming out of the 2018 draft. He has a line-drive swing with gap power and uses the whole field. He’s an above-average runner and is capable of playing second base (likely his best position), shortstop or third base. He profiles as a No. 2 type hitter and should come fast through the White Sox system. A solid, low-risk everyday major league player.
31. Joey Bart, C, San Francisco Giants
Age: 22 Height: 6-3 Weight: 220 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 60 FLD: 55 HIT: 50 PWR: 60 RUN: 40
Stats (Rookie/A)
Slash: .294/.364/.588 2B: 15 HR: 13 RBI: 40
The Giants took Bart with the second overall pick in the first round of the 2018 draft, and are hoping to do as well as they did the last time they took a catcher in the first round — back in 2008 when they drafted six-time All-Star Buster Posey. Bart has developed into an above-average defensive catcher over the last few years, with an arm that can shut down the running game. His bat has also improved, and his raw power — due to the strength in his hands, wrists, forearms and core — should result in 25-30 home runs.
30. Mitch Keller, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Age: 22 Height: 6-2 Weight: 215 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
FB: 70 CB: 60 CH: 50 CTL: 55 CMND: 55
Stats (A/AAA/AAA)
W-L: 12-4 ERA: 3.48 IP: 142.1 H: 130 BB: 55 SO: 135
Keller has a 94-96-mph fastball with sinking life that he can pinpoint on the black on both sides of the plate. His curveball has more of an 11-5 break than a 12-6 break, but it’s a plus pitch at times. His changeup still needs work but it’s improving. The key to Keller is the command and control of all his pitches. He profiles as a solid No. 2 type starter.
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29. Mike Soroka, RHP, Atlanta Braves
Age: 21 Height: 6-5 Weight: 225 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
FB: 60 SLI: 55 CH: 50 CTL: 65 CMND: 65
Stats (A/AAA)
W-L: 2-1 ERA: 1.76 IP: 153.2 H: 133 BB: 34 SO: 125
Soroka was the Braves’ best pitching prospect last summer when he was called to the major leagues, but a shoulder strain in August curtailed his development. If he can stay healthy this year, he’ll move up this list fast. Soroka is all about command, control, pitchability, and touch and feel which separates him from the rest. His stuff is not elite, but he does have a 92-94-mph fastball with an above-average slider and changeup. He can live at the bottom of the zone to result in groundballs and elevate to the top of the zone when he needs a strikeout. Soroka fills up the strike zone, adds, subtracts, goes in, goes out, goes down, goes up and just plain wins.
28. Francisco Mejía, C/OF/3B, San Diego Padres
Age: 23 Height: 5-10 Weight: 182 Bats: B Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 70 FLD: 45 HIT: 60 PWR: 50 RUN: 40
Stats (AAA)
Slash: .293/.338/.471 2B: 30 HR: 14 RBI: 68 SB: 0
The Padres acquired Mejía last July in a trade that sent closer Brad Hand and set-up reliever Adam Cimber to Cleveland. Mejía is one of the best offensive catching prospects in baseball because his bat easily profiles as a .300 hitter with 15-20 home run power. However, there are questions if he’ll ever be good enough defensively to be an everyday catcher, which is why both the Indians and Padres have spent precious development time working him both in left field and at third base.
27. Brendan McKay, LHP/DH, Tampa Bay Rays
Age: 23 Height: 6-2 Weight: 210 Bats: L Throws: L
Scouting Grades
FB: 60 CB: 50 CH: 50 CT: 55 CTL: 50 CMND: 45
ARM: 60 FLD: 45 HIT: 50 PWR: 50 RUN: 40
Stats (Rookie/A)
Slash: .214/.368/.359 2B: 8 HR: 6 RBI: 39 SB: 0
W-L: 5-2 ERA: 2.41 IP: 78.1 H: 55 BB: 14 SO: 103
McKay is a two-way player, but I think he should focus on pitching, where he has the most upside. McKay has a mid-90s fastball with an above-average curveball and developing cutter. He has a good feel for his average changeup. As a position player, he does have a sweet swing with at least average power. The Rays announced just prior to the start of spring training that he will no longer play in the field and will only DH, in an effort to simplify his pre-game schedule and focus on his performance at the plate.
26. Ian Anderson, RHP, Atlanta Braves
Age: 20 Height: 6-3 Weight: 170 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
FB: 65 CB: 60 CH: 55 CTL: 50 CMND: 50
Stats (A/AA)
W-L: 4-7 ERA: 2.49 IP: 119.1 H: 87 BB: 49 SO: 142
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Anderson is one of the most underrated pitching prospects in baseball and I won’t be surprised if he eventually passes Soroka, Wright, Sean Newcomb and even Mike Foltynewicz and becomes the ace of the Braves staff. His fastball ranges from 93-97 mph and comes at hitters with an impressive downhill angle. Both his curveball and changeup are above-average. He knows how to add and subtract and can put the ball anywhere in the strike zone. He does need to throw more strikes and improve his command in the zone, but when that control and command arrives — which could be this year — watch out.
25. Austin Riley, 3B, Atlanta Braves
Age: 21 Height: 6-3 Weight: 220 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 65 FLD: 55 HIT: 55 PWR: 60 RUN: 40
Stats (Rookie/AA/AAA)
Slash: .294/.360/.522 2B: 30 HR: 19 RBI: 70 SB: 1
His stock is rising so fast that the Braves turned down a Riley-for-J.T. Realmuto trade earlier this offseason. Riley has improved his defense, and his above-average arm is getting raves. The bat is also starting to break out and he’s now quicker and shorter to the ball than ever before. Thanks to his athleticism, he seems to do everything better than you’d think, as his tools, outside of his lack of speed, are all above average. The Braves are planning on him being their everyday third baseman in 2020.
24. Yusei Kikuchi, LHP, Seattle Mariners
Age: 27 Height: 6-0 Weight: 195 Bats: L Throws: L
Scouting Grades
FB: 55 CB: 50 SLI: 55 CH: 45 CTL: 60 CMND: 55
Stats (Japan Pacific League)
W-L: 14-4 ERA: 3.08 IP: 163.2 H: 124 BB: 45 SO: 153
The Mariners are so convinced about Kikuchi that they were willing to guarantee him $43 million over three years, along with an option year he can trigger in 2022 for another $13 million. On top of that, the Mariners can trigger a four-year, $66 million extension after the 2021 season. So what makes Kikuchi worth this much in guaranteed dollars? The southpaw has a 91-94-mph fastball to go along with a plus slider, but it’s his command and control of his pitches that have the Mariners most excited.
23. Brent Honeywell, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
Age: 23 Height: 6-2 Weight: 184 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
FB: 60 SC: 75 CB: 55 SLI: 55 CH: 60 CTL: 60 CMND: 55
Stats
Did not pitch due to ulnar collateral ligament surgery to right elbow
Honeywell was major-league ready before he underwent Tommy John surgery last February and was knocked out for the year. He should be ready to resume his career sometime this spring, and if he comes back to form, he could quickly become one of the top rookie pitchers in the AL. His calling card is his screwball, one of the best in baseball. His fastball, when healthy, is mid-90s with life and his slider and changeup are both above average as well. I love this kid’s athleticism and poise.
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22. Alex Reyes, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals
Age: 24 Height: 6-3 Weight: 175 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
FB: 75 CB: 65 SLI: 55 CH: 65 CTL: 45 CMND: 45
Stats (A/AA/AAA)
W-L: 3-0 ERA: 0.00 IP: 23 H: 7 BB: 7 SO: 44
Reyes, when healthy, is one of the best young starters in baseball. He underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2017 and when he finally came back last spring, he went right back on the disabled list with a season-ending right lat injury. But he has the talent to become an ace. He has a high-90s fastball go to along with a wipeout curve and changeup. When his command and control arrive, it will be showtime. Reyes also has special makeup and intelligence, and is a sponge when it comes to learning.
21. Keston Hiura, 2B, Milwaukee Brewers
Age: 22 Height: 5-11 Weight: 193 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 45 FLD: 40 HIT: 70 PWR: 55 RUN: 50
Stats (A/AA)
Slash: .293/.357/.464 2B: 34 HR: 13 RBI: 43 SB: 15
I would rank Hiura’s hit tool as the third best of any current prospect, behind only Vlad Guerrero’s and Alex Kirilloff’s. He has a short, straight-to-the-ball compact stroke with tremendous barrel awareness and electric bat speed — another loud bat who uses the whole field. His power, which is average now, should turn into 20-25-home run type production in a few years. He’s an average runner but an above-average base runner. The biggest question in his game is his defense. He’s well below-average at second base, and there are many who think he might end up in left field. He only has to become adequate at second to be an All-Star player on the strength of his bat.
20. MacKenzie Gore, LHP, San Diego Padres
Age: 19 Height: 6-3 Weight: 190 Bats: L Throws: L
Scouting Grades
FB: 60 CB: 60 SLI: 55 CH: 55 CTL: 65 CMND: 60
Stats (A)
W-L: 2-5 ERA: 4.45 IP: 60.2 H: 61 BB: 18 SO: 74
Gore has the highest ceiling of all the left-handed pitching prospects in baseball, thanks to a mid-90s fastball and three above-average secondary pitches including a curveball, slider and changeup. His curve is well above average and he can get strike one with it or use it to put hitters away. He has a deceptive delivery and is very athletic on the mound, and should come along quickly for a 19-year-old.
19. Nolan Gorman, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals
Age: 18 Height: 6-1 Weight: 210 Bats: L Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 55 FLD: 50 HIT: 50 PWR: 70 RUN: 45
Stats (Rookie/A)
Slash: .291/.380/.579 2B: 13 HR: 17 RBI: 44 SB: 1
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Last year I had Juan Soto of the Nationals and Wander Franco of the Rays higher on my prospect rankings than every other publication; this year, Nolan Gorman will be one of those players that I like more than most evaluators. Actually, I love this left-handed power bat, and feel that he will eventually develop into a dominating middle-of-the-lineup hitter with potentially 30-35 home runs. He profiles as an average defender at the hot corner with a plus-plus arm. The power is what will carry him, and although he’ll need to cut down on his strikeouts, he does understand the strike zone and has above-average pitch recognition, even if he still struggles against off-speed pitches. His power is unforgiving and is clearly his best tool — when he makes contact, the noise is louder than fireworks on the 4th of July. I look forward to covering him in All-Star Games starting in 2023 or 2024.
18. Sixto Sanchez, RHP, Miami Marlins
Age: 20 Height: 6-0 Weight: 188 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
FB: 75 CB: 60 CH: 45 CTL: 65 CMND: 60
Stats (A)
W-L: 4-3 ERA: 2.51 IP: 46.2 H: 39 BB: 11 SO: 45
Sanchez has an overall electric arm, reminding me of a young Pedro Martínez at the same age. His fastball is overpowering at 98-99 mph with above-average life and a heavy sink. He also flashes an above-average power curveball, which can be a wipeout pitch when it’s on, and has a developing changeup. His 6-foot frame is not a concern because he gets above-average downward plane. There is no limit to his potential, which is why the Marlins insisted he be the headliner in the Realmuto trade.
17. Jesus Luzardo, LHP, Oakland Athletics
Age: 21 Height: 6-1 Weight: 205 Bats: L Throws: L
Scouting Grades
FB: 60 CB: 60 CH: 75 CTL: 65 CMND: 60
Stats (A/AA/AAA)
W-L: 10-5 ERA: 2.88 IP: 109.1 H: 89 BB: 30 SO: 129
Luzardo is my pick for the best rookie pitcher in the majors this year. Billy Beane, the A’s head of baseball operations, told me that he will be given a chance to make their starting rotation in spring training. If that’s the case, don’t be surprised if he ends up being their most successful starter this year. Luzardo has a mid- to high-90s fastball with a deceptive, late-fading changeup and a curveball that he can add and subtract with. The best parts of his game are his feel for pitching and ability to keep hitters off-balance.
16. Taylor Trammell, OF, Cincinnati Reds
Age: 21 Height: 6-2 Weight: 215 Bats: L Throws: L
Scouting Grades
ARM: 45 FLD: 55 HIT: 60 PWR: 55 RUN: 60
Stats (A)
Slash: .277/.375/.406 2B: 19 HR: 8 RBI: 41 SB: 25
Trammell is a superb athlete who was recruited to play both football and baseball at Georgia Tech. His athleticism has helped him expedite the development of the rest of his game. He does swing and miss too often, but he continues to improve in lowering his strikeouts and increasing his walks and getting on base. He is a threat to steal at all times. He looks like he’ll be able to stay in center field, with his only below-average tool being his arm strength. He’s also a great competitor with strong leadership qualities.
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15. Michael Kopech, RHP, Chicago White Sox
Age: 22 Height: 6-3 Weight: 205 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
FB: 80 CB: 60 SLI: 60 CH: 50 CTL: 50 CMND: 45
Stats (AAA)
W-L: 7-7 ERA: 3.70 IP: 126.1 BB: 60 SO: 170
Kopech was primed to be on the top of this year’s pitcher rankings until the news came out last August that he would undergo Tommy John surgery. The timing couldn’t have been worse, as it looked like he was finally figuring out how to improve his command and control. Kopech, when healthy, has a 100-mph fastball and a wipeout slider. Most scouts compare him to Noah Syndergaard of the Mets, and I’ll concur with that comparison.
14. Casey Mize, RHP, Detroit Tigers
Age: 21 Height: 6-3 Weight: 220 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
FB: 70 SLI: 55 CH: 65 SF: 55 CTL: 55 CMND: 60
Stats (Rookie/A)
W-L: 0-1 ERA: 3.95 IP: 13.2 H: 13 BB: 3 SO: 14
The Tigers took Mize with the first-overall draft pick in June, and he’s on the fast track with an ETA as early as September of this year. Mize has four above-average pitches, and can punch hitters out with three of them. His split-finger is probably his best secondary pitch — it just dives when it reaches the plate. His overpowering fastball has above-average running life, and he lives in the strike zone, with special pinpoint command of his pitches. His ability to repeat his smooth, clean delivery gives us the indication that he’ll live up to where he was picked in the draft.
13. Brendan Rodgers, 2B, Colorado Rockies
Age: 22 Height: 6-0 Weight: 185 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 60 FLD: 55 HIT: 60 PWR: 60 RUN: 50
Stats (AA/AAA)
Slash: .268/.330/.460 2B: 27 HR: 17 RBI: 67 SB: 12
Rodgers was drafted as a shortstop, and although he could stay at that position, the Rockies have played him a lot at second base, with the idea that he could replace DJ LeMahieu (who departed for the Yankees in free agency this offseason). Rodgers probably profiles best at third base rather than second because of his strong arm, but Nolan Arenado, the game’s best defensive third baseman, is already entrenched there. Rodgers has made progress, but still needs to work on his plate discipline and ability to draw walks. Both GM Jeff Bridich and manager Bud Black told me that they will allow him to compete for the second base job in spring training with three other Rockies, but it sounds like they’d like to see him start the year in the minors until he shows more improvement in taking pitches. However, there is no doubt in my mind that he’ll be their regular second baseman sooner rather than later.
12. Bo Bichette, SS, Toronto Blue Jays
Age: 20 Height: 6-0 Weight: 203 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 55 FLD: 50 HIT: 65 PWR: 55 RUN: 50
Stats (AA)
Slash: .286/.343/.453 2B: 43 HR: 11 RBI: 74 SB: 32
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I was amazed last year by the rapid pace of Bichette’s development on both sides of the ball. He has a really short but violent swing, and has the poise and maturity of a 10-year veteran, which is probably the result of being the son of former All-Star Dante Bichette. Bo has better tools than his father, especially on the defensive side of the game, where it looks like he’ll be able to stay at shortstop thanks to above-average first-step quickness and special instincts. His bat and power is what will get him paid, but his intangibles help him in so many different aspects of the game. He stole 32 bases last year with average speed, which is a strong indication of his baseball IQ. The Jays will probably try to keep him down as long as they can to secure an extra year of control, but like his teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr., he’s ready to compete at the major league level right now.
11. Nick Senzel, 3B, Cincinnati Reds
Age: 23 Height: 6-1 Weight: 207 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 55 FLD: 55 HIT: 55 PWR: 55 RUN: 55
Stats (AAA)
Slash: .310/.378/.509 2B: 12 HR: 6 RBI: 25 SB: 8
Senzel’s best position is clearly third base and if it weren’t for Eugenio Suárez blocking him, he would easily be their everyday third baseman right now. He profiles as a 20-home run, 80-90 RBI type bat. He’s athletic and versatile, which is why the Reds have tried him at second, short and even considered him for all three outfield positions. I would think left field is the best spot for him if he’s not going to play third, but I’m hoping they don’t waste his potential by having him play several different positions coming off the bench. Going back to Triple A would be a waste of time. It will be interesting to see how the Reds make room for him.
10. Alex Kirilloff, OF, Minnesota Twins
Age: 21 Height: 6-2 Weight: 219 Bats: L Throws: L
Scouting Grades
ARM: 45 FLD: 50 HIT: 70 PWR: 55 RUN: 50
Stats (A)
Slash: .348/.392/.578 2B: 44 HR: 20 RBI: 101 SB: 4
I fell in love with his swing last summer in the Futures Game, and considered putting him as high as third on this list because of his hit tool alone. The bat is going to play, and I consider him to be the second-best hitting prospect in the game, behind only Guerrero. He also looks to have 25-30-home run raw power. Defensively, he looked solid to me in right field and although I saw a below-average arm, multiple evaluators assured me his arm touches average.
9. Kyle Tucker, OF, Houston Astros
Age: 22 Height: 6-4 Weight: 190 Bats: L Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 55 FLD: 50 HIT: 60 PWR: 60 RUN: 50
Stats (AAA)
Slash: .332/.400/.590 2B: 27 HR: 24 RBI: 93 SB: 20
Astros GM Jeff Luhnow has had both Forrest Whitley and Tucker on his “will not trade” list, even when given the opportunity to trade for star players like Realmuto of the Marlins. There is good reason for that, as Tucker has a special bat with phenomenal speed and quick, loud sweet-spot contact that results in a high rate of hard-hit balls and 25-30-home run power. He’s also an extremely smart baserunner, which helped him steal over 20 bags last season. It’s only a matter of time before he beats out Josh Reddick for one of the Astros’ outfield corner spots, and he should become a fixture in the middle of the Astros’ lineup.
8. Victor Robles, CF, Washington Nationals
Age: 21 Height: 6-0 Weight: 190 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 60 FLD: 75 HIT: 65 PWR: 50 RUN: 75
Stats (Rookie/A/AAA)
Slash: .276/.371/.370 2B: 10 HR: 2 RBI: 14 SB: 19
If Robles gets the opportunity to be the everyday center fielder for the Nationals out of spring training, he will be my pick for NL Rookie of the Year. Robles has been plagued by injuries the last couple of seasons, including a hyperextended left elbow last April. However, he is the epitome of a five-tool outfielder with tremendous athleticism. He profiles out to a .300-type hitter with eventual 15-20 home run power and 35-40 stolen base potential. His defense in center field will put him in Gold Glove conversations, and multiple All-Star games are certainly in his future.
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7. Royce Lewis, SS, Minnesota Twins
Age: 19 Height: 6-2 Weight: 190 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 55 FLD: 60 HIT: 60 PWR: 55 RUN: 65
Stats (A)
Slash: .292/.352/ 451 2B: 29 HR: 14 RBI: 74 SB: 28
Lewis was the first overall pick in the 2017 draft, and after watching him hit 14 home runs, steal 28 bases and improve immensely on defense at shortstop last year, it looks like the Twins got it right. He should be able to make the jump to Double A this year and perhaps make his major league debut around September of 2020. His intelligence and baseball instincts are off the charts, his athleticism a difference-maker and his ability to adjust separates him from the rest.
6. Jo Adell, OF, Los Angeles Angels
Age: 19 Height: 6-3 Weight: 208 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 60 FLD: 60 HIT: 55 PWR: 60 RUN: 65
Stats (A/AA)
Slash: .290/.355/543 2B: 32 HR: 20 RBI: 77 SB: 15
Adell is one of my favorite prospects in baseball. He has all five tools to develop into a perennial All-Star outfielder. Adell has hard line-drive power abilities to all fields and at least 20 home run power to go with it. He is an above-average center fielder with good range and a strong and accurate arm. Beyond that, he’s a smart player who can make in-game adjustments and can beat you by stealing a base, dropping down a bunt, moving a runner or hitting the ball over the fence.
5. Wander Franco, SS, Tampa Bay Rays
Age: 17 Height: 5-10 Weight: 190 Bats: B Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 55 FLD: 55 HIT: 65 PWR: 65 RUN: 50
Stats (Rookie)
Slash: .351/.419/.587 2B: 10 HR: 11 RBI: 57 SB: 4
Franco is the best switch-hitting prospect in baseball with a special hit tool that could potentially earn him a batting championship in time. He has tremendous depth perception, which allows him to recognize pitches early, and has impressive plate discipline for a 17-year-old. At shortstop, he has soft hands, solid range to both sides and plays with high energy and enthusiasm. He has surprising raw power for his frame, thanks to quick and strong hands, wrists and forearms. He should eventually end up with 20 home run game power. A special talent who could land at the top of this list in the next year or two.
4. Forrest Whitley, RHP, Houston Astros
Age: 21 Height: 6-7 Weight: 195 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
FB: 75 CB: 60 SLI: 60 CH: 65 CT: 55 CTL: 55 CMND: 50
Stats (AA)
W-L: 0-2 ERA: 2.42 IP: 26.2 H: 15 BB: 11 SO: 34
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Let’s start with this: He’s the best pitching prospect in baseball. He has an overpowering high-90s fastball with heavy sink and three above-average secondary pitches in his curveball, slider and changeup. I’m expecting his command to arrive this year, and when it does, he’ll immediately start being in the conversation with teammates Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole about who’s the best starter on the team, and who will be the next to win a Cy Young.
3. Eloy Jiménez, OF, Chicago White Sox
Age: 22 Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 50 FLD: 45 HIT: 60 PWR: 70 RUN: 40
Stats (AA/AAA)
Slash: .337/.384/.577 2B: 28 HR: 22 RBI: 77 SB: 0
Jiménez will soon become a staple in the middle of the White Sox lineup. His bat and power cannot be questioned, and comparisons have him somewhere between Carlos Lee and Miguel Cabrera. He has tremendous strength and leverage, and his power plays from foul pole to foul pole. He has shown the ability to adjust and creates great backspin. Jiménez may be the best power prospect in the sport right now. His best position is left field, and that’s where the White Sox should plant him for the next decade, although he does have a good enough arm to play either corner.
2. Fernando Tatís Jr., SS, San Diego Padres
Age: 20 Height: 6-3 Weight: 188 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 60 FLD: 60 HIT: 55 PWR: 60 RUN: 55
Stats (AA)
Slash: .286/.355/.507 2B: 22 HR: 16 RBI: 43 SB: 16
One of the Padres’ top evaluators compared him to Manny Machado a few years ago, and although that might be an exaggeration, there is no doubt he has a chance to develop into a superstar. He has the power and speed to eventually join the 30/30 club. Tatís also profiles as an above-average defensive shortstop and third baseman with an above-average arm, range, glove and first-step quickness enhanced by special athleticism. He’s expected to start the year in the minors, but they won’t be able to keep him down long, and depending on when he’s called up he could win the NL Rookie of the Year Award this year.
1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 3B, Toronto Blue Jays
Age: 19 Height: 6-1 Weight: 200 Bats: R Throws: R
Scouting Grades
ARM: 60 FLD: 45 HIT: 75 PWR: 70 RUN: 45
Stats (A/AA/AAA)
Slash: .381/.437/.636 2B: 29 HR: 20 RBI: 78 SB: 3
Guerrero is the best hitting prospect major league baseball has seen since Mike Trout arrived eight years ago. He has tremendous bat speed with loud, sweet-spot contact and the ability to use the entire field. He doesn’t appear to have a weakness in the strike zone and he can hit the high velocity as well as the nasty breaking balls. He has special pitch recognition and the raw power to eventually be a 30-homer middle-of-the-lineup impact run producer. He’s still a work in progress at third base, but should eventually develop into at least an adequate defender, and if not, he can always be moved to left field in time. He’s my pick for AL Rookie of the Year.
Read the rest of the list:
(Top photo of Guerrero: Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images)