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Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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BA Grade/Risk: 45/High.
Track Record: Baumann signed a $747,500 deal as a fourth-rounder in 2023 as one of the most physically imposing players available. He made a brief pro debut at Low-A Augusta after signing, and in his first full season in 2024 he made 19 starts, posting a 3.18 ERA and finishing fourth among minor league pitchers 19 years old or younger with 99 innings.
Scouting Report: An imposing 6-foot-8, 245-pound righthander, Baumann has a smooth, easy operation and attacks hitters from a higher-than-average release point. He dominated Low-A hitters with a fastball that sits 93-94 mph and has been up to 98 with above-average, heavy life and occasional armside run. Baumann threw the pitch for strikes 71% of the time and creates a steep angle with it thanks to his height. He adjusted his grip on the pitch in an attempt to impart more vertical ride, but given his angle and release height, it would be unsurprising if he also developed a strong two-seamer in the future. Baumann had such natural success with his fastball that the Braves had to encourage him to simply throw his slider and changeup more, which need work to become consistent swing-and-miss offerings. His mid-80s slider varies in shape between a firm, cutter-like breaker and a slower, slurvy variant. His upper-80s changeup was his least-used offering but a focal point after the season during instructional league, and the Braves were happy with the progress he made with it. Secondary development will be key for Baumann to miss bats at the upper levels, but he’s an above-average strike-thrower, and his strikeout rate jumped from 19% in the first half to 24% in the second.
The Future: Baumann will attempt to build on his excellent 2024 campaign in 2025 with High-A Rome. He has the look of a workhorse-like back-end starter.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 55 | Slider: 45 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 55 -
BA Grade/Risk: 45/Medium.
Track Record: Braun signed for $347,500 as a sixth-rounder in 2023 and impressed with his control and command as he reached High-A in his pro debut. In his first full pro season in 2024, he split time between High-A Rome and Double-A Mississippi. He led all Braves minor leaguers with 143.2 innings and 162 strikeouts while posting a 3.26 ERA and 7.2% walk rate.
Scouting Report: Braun is a 6-foot, 185-pound righthander who creates some deception thanks to a low release height and the angle created by a crossfire landing from the extreme third-base side of the rubber. He fills up the zone with a deep mix, but impresses more for his command and pitchability than any loud, bat-missing traits. Braun averaged 93 mph on a fastball that will touch 95-96. He likes to establish the pitch in the upper third of the zone where his release height can help amplify the pitch’s shape. He gets ahead in counts consistently and threw the pitch for strikes nearly 70% of the time in 2024. Braun also has advanced feel to land both a mid-80s slider and 78-82 mph curveball. His slider flashes average when he hits on it but will need to rely on location down in the zone to be effective. The curveball is a soft roller with two-plane action that could serve as a change of pace or occasional chase pitch below the zone. Braun uses a mid-80s changeup to lefties that is serviceable but unspectacular. His advanced command is the key to his arsenal and could allow him to pitch above the level of his stuff.
The Future: Braun should pitch exclusively in the upper minors in 2025. If he keeps missing bats at a decent clip, he could start to earn big league opportunities.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 60 -
BA Grade/Risk: 45/Medium.
Track Record: Hackenberg signed for $1,997,500 with the Braves as a draft-eligible sophomore in the second round of the 2023 draft after serving as a steady starter for Virginia Tech in back-to-back seasons. He pitched at three levels in his first full pro season, finishing with four strong starts at Triple-A Gwinnett. He ranked second in the Braves’ system with 144 strikeouts and third among Atlanta farmhands with 50-plus innings with a 53.9% groundball rate.
Scouting Report: Hackenberg has a broad and filled-out 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame, and he attacks hitters with a deep mix of five pitches. He throws both a four- and two-seam fastball with the four-seamer averaging 94 mph and the two-seamer a tick slower at 93, though he can run both pitches up to 96. His two-seamer is a groundball offering to righties with above-average life and around 15 inches of armside movement. The Braves were encouraged with how his four-seamer played against both righties and lefties despite below-average carry. Hackenberg’s 82-85 mph curveball is his best swing-and-miss offering, and potentially one of the better curves in the system. He previously threw an in-between breaking ball but now has a distinct curve and harder 88-91 mph cutter he can mix in, though neither is a true plus offering. Improving his upper-80s changeup was a focus for Hackenberg in 2024, and while it still lacks significant velocity separation from his fastball, he did pull the string on a few while adding a bit more tumble to the pitch overall, which will help against lefties. Hackenberg is a control-over-command pitcher who runs into bouts of wildness that could limit him against big league hitters.
The Future: Hackenberg’s diverse pitch mix should allow him to carve out a back-of-the-rotation or swingman role. He’s knocking on the major league door.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 55 | Changeup: 45. | Cutter: 40 | Control: 40 -
BA Grade/Risk: 50/High.
Track Record: Ritchie signed for $2.4 million as the 35th overall pick in 2022 after the Braves acquired the pick in a trade with the Royals. He pitched minimally but effectively in his first two pro seasons and missed parts of 2023 and 2024 recovering from Tommy John surgery. Ritchie got back on the mound in June and threw 49.2 innings across three levels with a 2.90 ERA.
Scouting Report: Ritchie has a lean, 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame and a clean delivery with a three-quarters slot he repeats consistently. His velocity was down about a tick and a half on average in his return from TJ, but his feel for pitching snapped back after a few tuneup games in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League. Pre-injury, Ritchie averaged 93-94 mph and touched 97-98 with his fastball, but in 2024 he averaged 92 mph and got up to 96. The Braves expect that velocity will return as he gets further away from surgery, and in 2024 he focused on tweaking his delivery to add a bit more vertical break on the pitch. Ritchie’s slider also backed up after looking like one of the better breaking balls in the system a year ago, though adding more power could allow it to return to form just like his fastball. It’s a high-spin breaker in the low 80s that had a more of a loose, slurvy action at times this season. Ritchie made progress with a low-to-mid-80s changeup that was his most consistent swing-and-miss pitch in 2024 and looks like a real weapon versus lefties with plenty of fading life to his arm side.
The Future: Ritchie’s well-rounded arsenal and above-average control should give him midrotation starter upside if he can rediscover his previous velocity. He will likely be exposed to upper-minors competition for the first time in 2025.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 50 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 55 -
BA Grade/Risk: 55/Extreme.
Track Record: Murphy signed out of high school for $2,556,900 when the Braves selected the former two-way player 20th overall in the 2022 draft. He pitched well in 21 starts in the lower levels of the minors in 2023 and was en route to a breakout 2024 season through seven excellent starts with Low-A Rome before Tommy John surgery ended his season.
Scouting Report: Pre-injury, Murphy was making a compelling case to be Atlanta’s top pitching prospect. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound righthander works from the first-base side of the rubber and employs a simple delivery with a clean three-quarters slot. He throws a fastball that averages 90-92 mph and will touch 94, but it plays up thanks to a lower release height and elite riding life highlighted by nearly 20 inches of induced vertical break. Murphy uses the pitch to dominate the upper third of the zone and, despite below-average velocity, it’s one of the better fastballs in the system. He generated a 15% swinging-strike rate and used the pitch around 62% of the time. When Murphy’s not attacking with his riding four-seamer, he throws a mid-80s slider and mid-70s curveball. He added more power to the slider in 2024 and used the pitch more against righties, while his 12-to-6 curveball is used more to lefties. Both pitches have solid-average potential—though his slider might get the edge thanks to its power—and will be keys for his development moving forward. Murphy has proven to be a strong strike-thrower who can establish his fastball and slider at a high rate with confidence.
The Future: Murphy raised his ceiling and added more volatility to his profile in 2024. A 2026 return from injury seems most likely. If he comes back with similar stuff and feel, he has No. 3 or 4 starter potential.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 55 | Control: 50 -
BA Grade/Risk: 45/Medium.
Track Record: Waldrep was drafted with the 24th pick in 2023, signed for an under-slot deal of $2,997,500 and raced to Triple-A that summer. In his first full pro season in 2024, Waldrep posted a 3.47 ERA across four levels, though most of his time came at Double-A and Triple-A. He also made his MLB debut but struggled in two starts.
Scouting Report: Waldrep is an impressive athlete with quick arm speed and a high-effort delivery which features a steep slot and significant head whack in his finish. His three-pitch mix includes a 94-96 mph fastball that touches 98-99, as well as an upper-80s slider and mid-80s split-changeup. While his fastball has plenty of power, it doesn’t have the shape of a true bat-misser in the majors. There’s a bit of cutting action, but not much carry. Waldrep also hasn’t shown the sort of fastball command necessary to avoid damage in the zone. Instead, he’ll need to rely on his secondaries, which are both solid. Waldrep throws his slider in the 85-90 mph range, and it’s an above-average pitch at times. His real weapon is a plummeting, mid-80s split-change. The pitch parachutes out of his hand and is equally effective against lefties and righties, and in 2024 it generated a 26% swinging-strike rate. Waldrep is an erratic strike thrower with an 11.4% career walk rate, and his reliance on a splitter that is typically difficult to throw for strikes adds to his reliever risk.
The Future: Waldrep could find success as a big league starter with high slider and splitter usage, but he’ll need to throw more strikes to do so. If not, he should have the stuff to carve out a mid-leverage reliever role.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 50 | Slider: 55 | Split: 60 | Control: 40 -
BA Grade/Risk: 45/Medium
Track Record: The Braves liked Alvarez more than most scouts out of junior college and signed him for $500,000 in the fifth round in 2022. He quickly turned into one of Atlanta’s most impressive contact hitters, excelling at High-A Rome in 2023 and spending the entirety of the 2024 season in the upper minors, where he maintained that reputation. In late July, Alvarez made his MLB debut as a 21-year-old filling in for injured Ozzie Albies at second base but went just 3-for-30 in eight games before returning to the minors.
Scouting Report: Alvarez has quieted some of the noise in his swing and now has much less bat waggle in his pre-pitch setup and quieter footwork, but he still uses a toe tap and deep hand press to get started. Despite that, he makes tons of contact and is the best pure hitter in the Braves’ system. He rarely expands the zone and makes plenty of contact within it, including a low 13.5% in-zone miss rate in 2024. Alvarez continues to look like a hit-over-power player who will have more doubles than home run power. His 90th percentile exit velocity of 101.5 mph in 2024 was a step back from 2023 and is an average mark for a 21-year-old minor leaguer. He’s a below-average runner who lacks the range for shortstop, though the Braves remain quite bullish on his defensive upside at third base, citing his reliable hands, body control, instincts and arm strength. Some scouts see him as more of a solid-average defender.
The Future: Alvarez has carrying tools with his contact skills and batting eye, but his lack of range and power creates a tweener infield profile that falls short of a first-division regular. He’ll need to add more pop but is still young and will play his age-22 season in 2025.
Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 40 | Fielding: 50 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade/Risk: 55/Extreme.
Track Record: Caminiti ranked as the top high school pitcher in the 2024 draft class and signed with the Braves for $3,553,800 at pick No. 24. A two-way player in high school, Caminiti boasted one of the better fastballs in the prep class despite being just 17 years old on draft day. He’s the nephew of three-time all-star and 1996 National League MVP Ken Caminiti.
Scouting Report: Caminiti has a lean frame at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds and features a loose, easy and athletic delivery which also includes a crossfire landing. His fastball is his main weapon and earned future 70-grade evaluations from amateur scouts. He throws the pitch in the mid 90s consistently, and it has been up to 98 mph with great natural life that dominated high school hitters, especially up in the zone. The Braves are working with Caminiti to optimize his fastball shape to further enhance the pitch, while simultaneously refocusing his secondaries. As an amateur, Caminiti threw a slider, curveball and changeup, but the Braves tend to focus on one breaking ball with their young pitchers, which will likely be the case for Caminiti. Feel for spin was a question mark with Caminiti, as both his slider and curveball were inconsistent pitches, but he’ll focus on adding power and bite to his slider and will continue to rely on a mid-to-upper-80s changeup with solid fade and above-average potential. Caminiti is a solid strike-thrower, and between his clean delivery and athleticism, he could develop above-average control.
The Future: Caminiti should pitch weekly at Low-A Augusta in 2025 where he’ll focus exclusively on his craft on the mound for the first time in his career. He’s a long way from the majors, but his upside is as high as any arm in the Braves’ system.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 40 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 55 -
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Medium.
Track Record: Smith-Shawver signed for an over-slot deal of $997,500 in the seventh round of the 2021 draft out of high school, then became the Braves’ top overall prospect a few years later and made his major league debut in 2023 as a 20-year-old. He continued to show flashes of dominance in 2024, but made just two big league starts—including an NLCS start against the Padres in which he was knocked around—as he dealt with an oblique injury.
Scouting Report: Smith-Shawver is a power-armed righthander who generates easy velocity. He averages 95 mph and touches 100, though the riding life on his fastball has regressed a bit. Against Triple-A and big league hitters, his fastball often played down, looking flat and hittable in the zone. Smith-Shawver throws a mid-80s slider that also backed up, but it still has above-average potential with bat-missing, biting action at its best. The offering has a cutter look at the top of its velocity band when he shortens it to find the zone. Smith-Shawver’s mid-70s curveball is an 11-to-5 downer with more viability against lefties but is often picked up out of his hand and looks like a fringe-average pitch. He dialed up the usage of his mid-80s split-changeup, which was his most consistent swing-and-miss offering, as evidenced by a 22.5% swinging-strike rate. Command remains a sticking point for Smith-Shawver. He’s too often effectively wild overall, not precise with his fastball location and not economical enough to pitch deep into games. Still, the Braves were encouraged with his progress late in the season.
The Future: Smith-Shawver has the pure stuff to start, but his command and consistency have held him back. External scouts are beginning to view him as a solid setup reliever.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 45 -
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Medium.
Track Record: Baldwin was a multi-sport athlete in high school who played baseball and was also an all-state hockey player who as a junior led the state of Wisconsin in goals scored. He played three years at Missouri State and had a power surge as a junior when he homered 19 times and ranked as the No. 143 prospect in the 2022 draft class. The Braves signed him for $633,300 in the third round and in his first full pro season in 2023 he moved from High-A Rome to Triple-A Gwinnett as one of Atlanta’s most productive minor league hitters. Baldwin replicated that performance in Double-A and Triple-A in 2024, when he led qualified Braves minor leaguers with a .423 slugging percentage, homered 16 times, doubled 19 times and posted a 119 wRC+.
Scouting Report: Baldwin is a filled-out 6-foot, 210-pound, lefthanded hitter who employs an open setup and high leg kick to start his swing. He quieted his hands in 2024 with a lower handset in his load which should help him get into a more consistent launch position. He’s a well-rounded hitter who hits the ball hard, understands the strike zone and improved his contact skills year-over-year against upper-level minor league pitching—particularly against secondaries. Baldwin produced a 90th percentile exit velocity of 105.9 mph in 2024, which was among the best in Atlanta’s system. Simultaneously, he boasts one of the keener batting eyes of the group. He owns a 13.9% career minor league walk rate and in his 72-game stint with Triple-A Gwinnett walked nearly as often as he struck out. While Baldwin’s power and swing decisions stand out more than his pure bat-to-ball skills, he’s proven to be a more adaptive hitter than the most bearish scouts expected him to be and should provide solid hittability to go with strong on-base percentages and 20-plus home run potential. Baldwin is a steady, reliable defender behind the plate who works from a one-knee setup and receives the ball cleanly. His pure arm strength is below-average with throws that lack carry at times, but his quick release and solid accuracy help. Baldwin threw out 20% of basestealers in 2024, an average rate. The Braves were excited about the strides Baldwin made in his relationships with pitchers, and some external scouts view his ability to manage a staff as his carrying defensive tool. He’s a well below-average runner, which shouldn’t be a problem for the position.
The Future: Baldwin’s continued offensive performance and strides in the batter’s box have taken him from a likely backup catcher to a potential first-division regular. He checks plenty of boxes as a lefthanded-hitting catcher with power, on-base skills and minor league track record. He could make his MLB debut in 2025, and seems well-positioned to pair with Sean Murphy as Atlanta’s catching tandem from 2026 onward.
Scouting Grades Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 30 | Fielding: 50 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 40/Very High
Track Record: Calabrese reclassified to become draft eligible in 2020, but was sparsely seen by scouts that spring because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Angels liked his tools and youth, and signed him to a $744,200 bonus in the third round to keep him from an Arkansas commitment. Injuries and the pandemic slowed the start of his career, but he turned a corner in 2022, hitting .301 with an .843 OPS in his final 57 games with Low-A Inland Empire. The Angels assigned him aggressively to Double-A in 2023 at 20 years old and he performed poorly.
Scouting Report: Calabrese is an athletic lefthanded-hitting outfielder with intriguing tools. He has a loose and rhythmic swing that has been altered throughout development to make him more upright and get his hands in a better hitting position to drive the ball with more authority. Calabrese is a patient hitter, but also deals with significant swing-and-miss. He has sacrificed contact to tap into his fringe-average power as he has physically matured. He is a plus-plus runner who uses his instincts well on the basepaths. He is a plus defender at all three outfield positions with an accurate arm.
The Future: His speed and defense make him a candidate for a bench role, but Calabrese needs to hit to unlock more. He’s only 21 years old, but the clock is ticking as he approaches Rule 5 eligibility following the 2024 season.
Scouting Grades Hit: 40 | Power: 45 | Run: 70 | Field: 60 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 40/Very High
Track Record: Ortiz signed for $125,000 during the 2022 international signing period and made his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League later that summer, finishing strong after early struggles. During his stateside debut in 2023, he hit .273 while learning to switch-hit in the Arizona Complex League, while setting a new single-season affiliate record with 30 stolen bases.
Scouting Report: Ortiz is an athletic, undersized and speedy shortstop. He’s a natural righthanded hitter, but began switch-hitting midway through the 2023 complex league season. He’s more of a slap-and-dash hitter with solid bat-to-ball skills and well below-average power. Ortiz infrequently shows a line drive swing more geared to drive the ball from both sides. He can be strikeout prone and struggles to make adjustments to his aggressive approach, but he causes havoc when putting the ball in play with game-changing speed. He is a 70-grade runner with the ability and aggression to use that speed on the basepaths. He has quick feet and an average arm at shortstop but will have to improve his actions to stick there in the long run. He has the athleticism to stay up the middle and played center field as an amateur.
The Future: Ortiz needs serious strength gains and a more consistent swing to see any offensive impact, but his defensive upside and elite speed give him a strong chance at a super utility type bench role. He will make his full-season affiliate debut in 2024 at 19 years old.
Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 30 | Run: 70 | Field: 55 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 45/Extreme
Track Record: Although Joswa Lugo is the big-ticket signing of the Angels’ 2024 international class, Alvarez is an excellent complimentary piece. He signed for $685,000.
Scouting Report: Alvarez is a lean, athletic center fielder with a well-rounded skill set. He’s a relatively advanced hitter with a compact swing and an advanced understanding of the strike zone for his age. He moves well for his size and has good instincts in center field, where he has a chance to stick, though depending how he develops physically, there’s a chance he could outgrow the position and shift to right field.
The Future: Alvarez became one of the Angels’ best outfield prospects the moment he signed, although he’s years away from the big leagues in the best scenarios.
Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 40/Very High
Track Record: The Angels signed Acosta for a modest $10,000 late in the 2022 international signing period. He remained unheralded as a swingman in his Dominican Summer League debut. But he showed improved fastball command and an uptick in velocity in 2023, blossoming in a full-time starting role. Acosta led the DSL with a 1.17 ERA and started the league’s all-star game, earning the victory.
Scouting Report: Acosta is a strong and athletic 6-foot-1 righthander with two above-average pitches. He has drastically improved the command of his fastball, which sits 92-95 and touches 96, and could tick up even more in relief. He shows good feel for a low-to-mid-80s sweeping slider that has become his bat-missing out pitch. Acosta’s sparsely-used changeup is in the rudimentary stages of development and is a distant third pitch with fringy potential. He has shown below-average command, but has a sound delivery and the athletic markers to suggest his command could improve over time. Acosta’s natural strength gives him the ability to hold velocity deep into outings.
The Future: Acosta will have to develop his changeup and improve his command to keep his backend rotation upside. He will make his U.S. debut in 2024 as a teenager.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 45 -
BA Grade: 40/High
Track Record: The son of 19-year Cuban major league star Antonio Scull, Anthony signed with the Angels late in the 2021 international signing period for $235,000. He hit .306 in his brief Arizona Complex League debut in 2022, but a shoulder injury limited him to 13 games. He returned to the ACL with a clean bill of health and hit .300 with an .830 OPS, then earned MVP honors at the Angels’ instructional league series at Angel Stadium.
Scouting Report: Scull is an athletic lefthanded-hitting outfielder with a well-rounded toolset. He has a compact swing from the left side with solid bat speed that allows him to make optimal contact and drive the ball to the gaps with authority. He has the ability to do damage, while his flat swing plane doesn’t always allow him to tap into his above-average pull side raw power. An aggressive hitter, he is working on finding a more balanced approach while making better swing decisions and keeping his strikeouts in check. He is an above-average runner which helps him steal the occasional base and cover ground across all three outfield positions, while his athleticism and aggression could keep him in center field long term. He has an average arm.
The Future: Scull’s physical maturation will dictate whether he can grow into enough power to fit a corner profile. He will make his full-season affiliate debut in 2024 at 20 years old.
Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 55 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 40/High
Track Record: Blakely missed his senior season at Detroit-area Edison Academy because of the pandemic. But the Angels were enticed enough by his tools to sign him for $900,000 in the fourth round of the 2020 draft to buy him out of an Auburn commitment. Fluky injuries have limited Blakely to just 211 professional games through three seasons, where he has hit .227/.358/.356 but shown promising signs during stretches of good health.
Scouting Report: Blakely is a tall and athletic infielder with intriguing power and speed tools. He has a loose and whippy swing from the left side with plus bat speed that allows him to tap into his plus raw power as he grows into his lean 6-foot-3 frame. He hasn’t seen quality pitches regularly, though, because of lost reps due to injury, resulting in poor chase and strikeout rates. Still, he’s shown the ability to make adjustments in the box. He has improved his defensive consistency at third base with better footwork and range to his glove side. There’s confidence he can stick at third, where his plus arm plays, but he’s athletic enough to maneuver center field and the Angels may opt to develop him there. He’s a plus runner.
The Future: Blakely has impact tools and is trending in the right direction but will need to be healthy to make up for lost reps and find consistency to reach his substantial upside.
Scouting Grades Hit: 40 | Power: 50 | Run: 60 | Field: 50 | Arm: 55 -
BA Grade: 40/High
Track Record: Ruiz has hit ever since signing for $10,000 four months into the 2021 international signing period. He fell two points shy of the Arizona Complex League batting title in 2022 and followed that with a standout performance at Angels instructs. Ruiz went on to hit .304 through 73 games with Low-A Inland Empire in 2023 until an ankle injury sustained while sliding for a ball in the outfield required season-ending surgery.
Scouting Report: Despite being undersized, Ruiz is an offensive-minded outfielder. He has a slap-and-dash swing from the left side with excellent barrel control and zone coverage. A highly aggressive hitter, he believes he can hit any pitch and has done so thus far in his career. He will need to be more selective as he continues developing. Ruiz is also lacking physically and needs strength gains to prove he can turn on the ball to project more than well below-average power. He is an above-average runner who can steal bases and cover ground in the outfield, but played left field strictly in 2023 in deference to fellow prospect nelson Rada. His fringe arm and inexperience in center field may one day make him a better fit for left field anyway.
The Future: Ruiz projects as an offense-first bench outfielder with the chance to become more if he adds strengths and shows he can handle center field.
Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 30 | Run: 55 | Field: 50 | Arm: 45 -
BA Grade: 40/Medium
Track Record: The Angels banked on the athleticism of Adams, a three-sport athlete committed to play football and baseball at north Carolina, when they drafted him no. 17 overall in 2018 and signed him to an over-slot $4.1 million bonus. He impressed in his first two seasons in the low minors, but struggled mightily upon returning from the 2020 shutdown. Adams hit enough with Triple-A Salt Lake (.817 OPS) to earn a big league callup in August, where he hit .128 with 16 strikeouts in 17 games.
Scouting Report: Adams is a premium athlete with game-changing speed. He has tinkered with multiple swing alterations during his development, even showing irregularities from swing to swing. Adams’ tinkering led to weak contact and erratic swing-and-miss. He made adjustments that returned his natural athleticism and strength to his swing, allowing him to hit the ball harder and tap into his power more consistently. He doesn’t have a bad approach and swings at strikes, but swing-and-miss will likely always be part of his game. Adams is an 80-grade runner both on the basepaths and in center field. He tracks flyballs like a wide receiver and his closing speed makes him a plus defender at a premium defensive position.
The Future: Adams will have to hit more consistently to be more than a late-inning pinch runner and defensive replacement. He has an opportunity to carve out a big league role in 2024.
Scouting Grades Hit: 30 | Power: 40 | Run: 80 | Field: 60 | Arm: 45 -
BA Grade: 40/Medium
Track Record: Minacci secured Wake Forest’s closer role as a sophomore and spent two years as one of the top closers in college. He saved 13 games and pitched to a 2.78 ERA his junior year. The Angels liked his fire and energy, drafting him in the sixth round and signing him to a $328,500 bonus in 2023. Minacci pitched to a 5.40 ERA and allowed 18 hits in 8.1 innings with Low-A Inland Empire.
Scouting Report: A strong righty, Minacci is a relief-only pitching prospect with two plus pitches. He sets up and attacks hitters with his fastball that sits 93-96 mph and touches 99 with notable ride. His mid-to-upper-80s slider is a swing-and-miss offering that flashes plus when he stays on top of it, with more vertical depth than sweep that he will work away from righthanders and around the hands of lefthanders. Though his highly active delivery results in fringe-average control, he has steadily improved his fastball command. He keeps his heater around the zone and allows his slider to tunnel well off of it. Minacci has a fearless approach and shows a high intensity on the mound.
The Future: Minacci has the aptitude and arsenal suited for a role in middle relief. He could move quickly and has a shot to reach the majors at some point in 2024.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Slider: 60 | Control: 45 -
BA Grade: 40/Medium
Track Record: Angels international scouts discovered the 21-year-old Hurtado late in the 2022 signing period and the team signed him for just $10,000. Hurtado was passable in his Dominican Summer League pro debut in 2022, but struggled stateside in 2023 with Low-A Inland Empire.
Scouting Report: Hurtado is a strong, lean righthanded pitcher with two above-average pitches. He works primarily off his power sinker that sits 95-99 mph with considerable armside run, with the ability to hold peak velocity deep into outings. Still maturing physically, he could add more strength to his lean frame and see his fastball flirt with triple digits more regularly in shorter stints. His mid-to-upper-80s slider flashes plus and is his primary swing-and-miss offering. The pitch dramatically improved under the tutelage of Angels development coach Elmer Dessens, showing more depth than sweep. He’ll alter the shape and velocity of his breaking ball, turning it into a fringe-average downer curve that he uses in lieu of a changeup. With a basic three-quarters delivery, Hurtado operates around the zone with fringe-average control, while improvements to his breaking ball command could turn his control into average.
The Future: Hurtado has back-of-the-rotation upside if he can find a true third pitch, but his two above-average pitchers provide a fallback as a potential quick-moving, multi-inning power reliever.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 55 | Control: 45 -
BA Grade: 40/Medium
Track Record: The Puerto Rico native had a quiet pro debut after signing an above-slot $300,000 bonus in 2019. He hit .297 over 21 games in a stint with Low-A Clearwater in 2021, but struggled to replicate those results at the same level in 2022. The Angels acquired Sanchez along with Mickey Moniak at the 2022 trade deadline in exchange for noah Syndergaard. Lower body soft tissue injuries hindered the start of his Angels tenure, but he sustained more success in 2023, hitting .304 with a .903 OPS between May and September with Low-A Inland Empire.
Scouting Report: Sanchez is a physically talented switch-hitting outfielder with interesting offensive tools. He has an aesthetically pleasing swing from both sides of the plate with solid bat-to-ball skills despite an immense bat wrap. He’ll show above-average raw power in batting practice and has started to tap into that power in games to his pull side as he’s physically matured, but his contact-driven mindset deteriorates from his overall power projection. His zone coverage make him a rare strikeout victim, while he is a patient hitter from the right side and much more aggressive from the left. An average runner, he lacks the range and athleticism for center field but is capable in corner outfield spots with a plus arm.
The Future: A fifth-year pro who is 22 years old with no experience above Low-A, Sanchez will have to continue gaining regular reps and hitting at a high clip to meet his bat-first bench bat projection.
Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 50 | Field: 50 | Arm: 60 -
BA Grade: 40/Medium
Track Record: Caceres signed for $10,000 near the end of the 2017-18 signing period and was a pedestrian performer in a swingman role early in his pro career. He moved to the bullpen almost exclusively in 2022 and missed enough bats with Low-A Inland Empire to earn a trip to the Arizona Fall League. Caceres went unselected in the Rule 5 draft and continued to pitch well in relief in 2023 across three levels. He earned a big league callup and a spot on the 40-man roster during the final week of the season, making a pair of relief appearances.
Scouting Report: Caceres is a smaller righthanded reliever with a full swing-and-miss arsenal. Both versions of his fastball miss bats. His power four-seamer sits 96-98 mph and flirts with triple digits. But Caceres prefers to use his 95-97 mph two-seamer that induces groundballs at a high clip. His two-plane, low-80s curveball is a swing-and-miss offering that flashes plus and generates 3,000-3,200 rpm of spin. He occasionally throws a changeup that flashes above-average and the Angels hope he utilizes it more often in 2024. Caceres still possesses below-average control despite improving his general strike-throwing in 2023. He’s a solid athlete, so there’s a chance his control could improve, but his herky-jerky delivery may always keep it fringe-average or worse.
The Future: Caceres will see time in the upper minors and could reach the majors at some point in 2024. His power swing-and-miss arsenal could play in high-leverage situations if he throws more strikes.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 60 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 40 -
BA Grade: 40/Medium
Track Record: A two-year starter for Sacramento City (Calif.) JC, Costeiu transferred to Arkansas for his junior season where he worked as a high-leverage reliever. The Angels liked his data-driven arsenal in the seventh round of the 2021 draft and signed him to a near-slot $220,500 bonus. Costeiu struck out 41.9% of hitters in his pro debut between Class A affiliates. He returned to High-A in 2022 with solid results until a mid-July elbow injury required Tommy John surgery and ended his season. He missed all of 2023 and did not throw off a mound before instructional league play.
Scouting Report: The 6-foot Costeiu is a pitchability righty. He works primarily off his high-spin fastball that sits 92-94 and can reach 95. He works the ball north-to-south with top-of-the-scale carry. His low-80s circle changeup regularly grades plus as a swing-and-miss or weak contact weapon in his arsenal. He has confidence in an upper-70s, big-breaking curveball that he uses as a setup pitch, though its shape--which he had started to alter before the injury--makes it a fringe-average offering. He works around the zone with fringe-average control, with fastball command improvements needed to keep his rotation upside.
The Future: The Angels will keep Costeiu on a starter track, but his size and limited track record of health could ultimately push him to a middle relief role, where his two above-average pitches could be effective against both righties and lefties. He’s expected to make a fully healthy return in 2024.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 45 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 45 -
BA Grade: 40/Medium
Track Record: Viewed as one of Venezuela’s best defensive amateur catchers in his class, the Angels signed Flores for $280,000 at the start of the 2023 international signing period. He struggled during the first two weeks of his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League before finishing strong, posting a .767 OPS and 112 wRC+ with six homers in his final 40 games. His 53.1% caught-stealing percentage ranked second in the DSL in 2023.
Scouting Report: Flores is a small but strong defense-first teenage catcher. He has made harder contact than expected early in development, with a rhythmic line-drive swing from the right side. His swing isn’t always synced up and can be upper-body heavy, leading to swinging over the top of balls. When he stays on plane, he can create some over-the-fence impact. He has good hitting instincts with a fine approach and will draw his share of walks while keeping his strikeouts limited, but he’ll likely always be power-over-hit with a well below-average hit tool. His calling card will always be his big-league caliber defense behind the plate. Flores has quiet receiving skills, lateral mobility and a plus-plus arm, regularly posting pop times under two seconds. He is a below-average runner. He is praised highly for his makeup.
The Future: Flores has a chance to be a major league backup on the strength of his defensive ability, but further hitting development could increase his upside. The Angels may challenge his advanced defensive skill set at a full-season affiliate in 2024.
Scouting Grades Hit: 30 | Power: 50 | Run: 40 | Field: 60 | Arm: 70 -
BA Grade: 45/High
Track Record: Morrobel was one of the top infield prospects in the Dominican Republic and was the Angels’ primary target when he signed for $900,000 in the 2023 international signing period. He performed well in his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League, hitting .286 with 11 stolen bases.
Scouting Report: Morrobel is an athletic, switch-hitting shortstop with solid tools across the board. He has a line-drive swing from both sides of the plate with excellent barrel control. He makes hard gap-to-gap power but has virtually nonexistent home run power because of a lack of strength. He has a chance for below-average power as he grows. A highly aggressive hitter, he rarely walked or struck out in his pro debut. He has a solid eye, but also a strong desire to swing because of his ability to make frequent contact. He will have to become more selective as he climbs the development ladder. An average runner, he is an instinctual baserunner who will steal the occasional base. He is an above-average defender at shortstop with good actions and a natural feel for the position that allow him to slow the pace of the game, while his quick release and average arm give him long-term defensive projection at a premium position.
The Future: Morrobel’s defense and ability to hit for average give him utility infield projection, and even below-average power could turn him into a table-setting regular if he adds strength.
Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 50 | Field: 55 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 45/High
Track Record: Urena signed for $140,000 two months into the 2021 international signing period, but arm injuries delayed his debut by a year. He raised his stock by regularly touching 100 mph during extended spring training and in the Arizona Complex League in 2022, although walks dogged his performance. Walks continued to hinder his performance with Low-A Inland Empire in 2023 until Urena incorporated a sinker and began throwing more strikes, leading to a 3.68 ERA over his final 13 starts.
Scouting Report: Urena is a lean, undersized righty with special arm strength and velocity. His fastball touches 102 mph and sits 98, but the shape needs work. He added a sinker that sits 94-98 mph and improved his shaky fastball command to fringe-average in the process. Urena could ultimately sit in the triple digits in short stints if he adds strength to his lean frame. He tinkered with multiple grips to find semblance of a real breaking ball, eventually landing on a fringe-average mid-80s slider with depth. His mid-to-upper 80s changeup will flash plus with fade, though the feel for his off-speed needs work. Urena has a basic delivery and shows on-mound athleticism. His control has improved with more reps and confidence throwing strikes, though it may never be better than below-average.
The Future: Urena has to throw more strikes and find a true breaking ball to reach his immense upside, but his premium velocity and small-stature point toward a future as a power reliever.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 70 | Slider: 45 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 40 -
BA Grade: 45/High
Track Record: Placencia was one of the youngest players in the 2019-20 international class when he signed with the Angels for $1.1 million, but his pro debut stalled a year due to the coronavirus pandemic. After struggling in the Arizona Complex League in 2021, he had a standout season with Low-A Inland Empire in 2022, posting an .814 OPS with 13 home runs while also striking out in 30.3% of his plate appearances. He performed around league average with a 96 wRC+ with High-A Tri-City in 2023 before finishing his season with brief stints in Double-A and the Arizona Fall League.
Scouting Report: Placencia is an undersized switch-hitting middle infielder. He shows a feel for hitting from both sides of the plate with quick hands and fair barrel control. He knows the strike zone and will draw walks but will get anxious leading to poor pitch selection and swing-and-miss on both breaking balls and moderate-velocity fastballs. He needs to develop his approach to limit mistakes that lead to easy outs. He has solid strength and plus bat speed with sneaky pop and hard contact, but his diminutive frame limits his power. Signed as a shortstop, he lacks the actions and arm to stick on the left side of the infield. His range could make him an above-average defender at second base if he maintains his athleticism while physically maturing. He is an instinctual baserunner with below-average speed.
The Future: Just 20 years old entering 2024, Placencia is trending in a positive direction offensively. He’ll start the season at Double-A and projects as a future second-division regular at second base.
Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 40 | Field: 55 | Arm: 45 -
BA Grade: 45/High
Track Record: Laverde signed with the Angels out of Venezuela for $350,000 at the start of the 2022 international signing period. He performed well in his pro debut that summer in the Dominican Summer League, posting an .807 OPS while throwing out 41% of basestealers. He carried his performance into a standout showing at instructs. Laverde again impressed in his stateside debut in 2023, slashing .306/.419/.455 in the Arizona Complex League with 28 walks to 31 strikeouts, flashing shades of former Angels catching prospect Edgar Quero.
Scouting Report: Laverde is a well-rounded, athletic lefthanded-hitting catcher. He has a flat plane, line-drive swing with high in-zone contact and the ability to manipulate the barrel. A patient hitter who focuses on contact, he has shown an advanced ability to make adjustments and rarely chases out of the zone. Laverde is strong and has a mature frame. He can impact the ball to the gaps with hopes of tapping into more over-the-fence power as he grows. A converted outfielder, Laverde is new to catching. His hands and feet worked well while honing his technique in his setup with Angels catching coordinators. He has a good foundation for lateral movement and receives well. Laverde has above-average arm strength, but his throwing mechanics and release need work. He is an near-average runner with aggressive baserunning instincts and is praised for his elite makeup.
The Future: Laverde has a lot of work to become an everyday catcher, but his hitting ability gives him a chance to be on the strong side of a platoon. He will make his full-season debut as a teenager in 2024.
Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 45 | Field: 45 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 45/High
Track Record: Rios spent his first two years at Stanford as a bullpen catcher who accumulated just eight plate appearances. He earned a starting role in left field with Stanford his junior year and went on to slash .384/.485/.707, leading to Pacific-12 Conference player of the year honors. Angels scout Scott Richardson followed his progress closely, and the team selected him in the third round of the 2023 draft, signing him under slot for $847,500. After the draft, he struggled offensively with Low-A Inland Empire before hitting well at instructs while catching.
Scouting Report: Rios has a short and compact stroke from the right side with great balance and feel for the barrel. Not selling out for power, he swings with intent, allowing his natural strength to help make hard contact to the gaps with near-average power projection. He is a disciplined hitter with good pitch recognition and zone awareness, giving more confidence to his ability to hit for average and reach base with limited swing-and-miss. He is a serviceable defender at best in the outfield who played left field exclusively his junior year and early pro career. He continued catching at instructs, with promising raw traits and glimpses of a fine arm, but his throwing mechanics need attention to stick behind the plate and control the running game. His defensive home is in question, and he’ll play multiple positions during development with catching and left field being the focus.
The Future: With a limited track record, Rios needs more offensive reps to reach his above-average offensive upside while also needing to find a true defensive home. If he can catch, his profile will grow significantly with his offensive prowess.
Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 45 | Field: 40 | Arm: 40 -
BA Grade: 45/High
Track Record: A touted Florida high school arm, Mederos’ strong commitment to Miami landed him on campus, where he was immediately thrown into the Hurricanes’ rotation. He transferred to Oklahoma State as a draft-eligible sophomore in 2022. Mederos ran up a 5.40 ERA in two college seasons, but the Angels liked his premium arsenal and drafted him in the sixth round in 2022 and signed him for an under-slot $227,750. Assigned to Double-A Rocket City in 2023, Mederos struggled with the pre-tacked baseball in the Southern League. The Angels again took a flier by calling him up twice over the summer. He made three bumpy relief appearances.
Scouting Report: Mederos is a strong, tall righthander with multiple swing-and-miss weapons. His fastball has ticked up in pro ball and now sits 94-98 mph and peaks at 99. He has improved his command while adding powerful sink and armside run. Mederos’ primary out pitch is a mid-to-upper-80s, two-plane slider that flashes plus and is effective against hitters on both sides of the plate. He has added power to his downer curveball, which now ranges from 80-86 mph, though he needs to throw it for more strikes to make it an effective swing-and-miss pitch. He has a firm, upper-80s changeup with fade that he rarely uses. Praised for his makeup and leadership, Mederos is working on harnessing his emotions. He gets into trouble while getting into hitters’ counts too often. With a high-effort delivery, his projected control is limited and may never be more than fringe-average.
The Future: Mederos’ power sinker and bat-missing breaking stuff could play in high-leverage relief role, though the Angels see his upside as a groundball-heavy back-end rotation arm.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 45 -
BA Grade: 45/High
Track Record: Guzman signed with the Angels for $2 million in January 2021. Following a mediocre pro debut in the Dominican Summer League, he hit well in his U.S. debut in the Arizona Complex League and was the biggest standout at instructional league following the 2022 season. Assigned to Low-A Inland Empire in 2023, Guzman struggled offensively against older competition as one of the youngest players in the California League, posting a .680 OPS.
Scouting Report: Guzman is a young, glove-first shortstop with some feel for hitting. He is a rhythmic hitter with a simple line-drive swing from the right side who has a natural feel for the barrel. He consistently makes hard contact to his pull side and to the gaps, with most of his power coming from hard doubles as opposed to over-the-fence authority. Guzman handles fastballs well, with his biggest hurdles coming from recognizing and adjusting to offspeed pitches from righthanders. His solid approach and eye for the zone means could help him improve as he gains more experience, and doing so will be the biggest marker in his future offensive impact. Guzman is a fringe-average runner who is better underway than in quick bursts, making him an extra-base threat more than a basestealer. He is an above-average defender at shortstop with the rhythm and cadence for longevity at a premium defensive position. He maintained his agility and athleticism while physically maturing, allowing him to keep his solid range up the middle with improved footwork, backed by a plus arm.
The Future: Guzman will need reps and success against non-fastballs to prove his bat can handle an everyday starting spot near the back of a lineup. His glove will carry him to utility consideration at minimum.
Scouting Grades Hit: 40 | Power: 30 | Run: 45 | Field: 55 | Arm: 60 -
BA Grade: 45/High
Track Record: Kochanowicz was a projectable high school pitcher from Pennsylvania when the Angels drafted him in the third round in 2019. They signed him for nearly double slot value at $1,247,500. Part of the Angels’ alternate training site in 2020, Kochanowicz’s pro debut was slowed by the pandemic and an oblique injury before having two rocky seasons with Low-A Inland Empire. Altering his delivery and arm slot at the end of spring training 2023 helped him find new velocity and early season success at High-A Tri-City, earning a May promotion to Double-A Rocket City where he ran up a 6.53 ERA in 70.1 innings.
Scouting Report: Kochanowicz is a 6-foot-7, strike-throwing righthander with a groundball-inducing repertoire. Lowering his arm slot to low three-quarters at the end of spring training helped him become more confident in his fastball. Kochanowicz favors a two-seam fastball to a four-seam grip with which he began his pro career. While altering the shape of how his fastball approaches the plate, he added 3-4 ticks to his heater which now sits 95-97 mph and touches 99. That makes him tough for righthanded hitters to square up and yields a high rate of ground balls. Kochanowicz’s velo gains added separation to his sinking changeup, making it a swing-and-miss weapon in the upper 80s. He has mostly scrapped a loopy curveball in the early stages of development, instead favoring a sweeping slider in the mid-to-upper 80s that will flash above-average. Kochanowicz throws strikes at a high clip but will need to expand the zone, because he throws too many pitches over the heart of the plate.
The Future: Kochanowicz has the makings of a groundball-oriented back-end rotation arm or possible reliever. Added to the 40-man roster in november, he could get an opportunity in Anaheim in 2024.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 55 -
BA Grade: 50/Extreme
Track Record: The younger brother of infielder Dawel Lugo, who played three years for the Tigers from 2018-2020, Joswa Lugo signed for $2.3 million, one of the largest bonuses the Angels have ever handed out for an international amateur.
Scouting Report: Lugo has above-average power potential with the ability to turn on a quality fastball. Like many young hitters he isn’t as comfortable when a pitcher keeps feeding him sliders, but Lugo has some feel for hitting. Lugo’s above-average arm should potentially help him stay at third base, but he may eventually outgrow the position. His power may be enough to handle a move to a corner outfield spot as well.
The Future: Lugo immediately becomes one of the more prominent hitting prospects in a somewhat thin Angels’ system, and the bellwether of the most recent Angels’ international signing class.
Scouting Grades Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Field: 45 | Arm: 55 -
BA Grade: 50/Extreme
Track Record: Kent was a standout on the summer showcase circuit before seeing his velocity and performance waver as a Texas high school senior in 2023. The Angels followed his progress over the spring and were impressed during a private workout, enough to draft him in the eighth round and sign him for $997,500, which is third-round money. Kent performed well after the draft, pitching 8.2 scoreless innings. He spent time in the offseason working on strength and conditioning, with a focus on his lower half.
Scouting Report: Kent is a tall, projectable righthander with a solid four-pitch mix. He works primarily off his 92-94 mph fastball. The pitch ranges from 94-96 early in outings while touching 98 with good armside run. Kent’s primarily developmental focus is to add strength to his lower half, with hopes of holding velocity through his whole workload. His low-80s slider is an above-average offering with two-plane action that drifts away from righthanded hitters. The pitch plays well off his fastball, which has similar plane. He is working on a high-arching, upper-70s curveball that shows glimpses of promise, but he has not used it in games. Kent has decent feel for a low-80s changeup that is thrown with conviction and flashes above-average potential with fade. Most of his repertoire works downhill and plays up to his arm side, but he will need to use the rest of the zone to make his arsenal more well-rounded. An easy operator on the mound, Kent has solid control for a young pitcher, with good command of his fastball and slider. Strength gains should improve his ability to repeat and hold velocity.
The Future: Kent has a rotation future with four pitches he can land for strikes. Strength gains could allow him to reach his no. 4 starter upside.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 -
BA Grade: 45/High
Track Record: Joyce spent two seasons at Walters State (Tenn.) JC before transferring to Tennessee. Growth-plate issues, arm injuries and the pandemic limited him to just five appearances from 2019-21. Returning from Tommy John surgery in 2022, Joyce averaged 101 mph, touched 105 and stayed healthy enough to strike out 53 in 32.1 innings and be drafted by the Angels in the third round. He missed bats in his pro debut in Double-A and did much of the same for the first two months of 2023 before earning a May 29 callup. Suffering ulnar neuritis after five appearances with the Angels, he spent three months on the injured list before returning in September.
Scouting Report: Joyce has unicorn-like velocity with a fastball that averaged 100.8 mph in MLB in 2023 and surpassed 103 multiple times. His fastball can flatten when not properly executed but shows armside run down in the zone and is hard to barrel in the upper quadrants. The pitch plays up from Joyce’s low three-quarters arm slot. His fastball usage hovers around 80%, with the remainder going to a hard-sweeping slider that flashes plus in the mid-to-upper 80s with a peak of 90 mph. Joyce’s feel for his slider has improved with an ability to front-door righthanded hitters, but his offspeed command is well below-average. He generally works around the zone but will never be much of a strike-thrower. His premier stuff would fit as a closer, but to reach that designation he will have to show durability enough to pitch on back-to-back days, which he has not done as a collegian or a pro.
The Future: Joyce has top-of-the-scale velocity that would fit in a closing role, but he will have to throw more strikes and remain healthy to be an impact reliever. He is ready for a full season in Anaheim.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 80 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 30 | Control: 40 -
BA Grade: 45/Medium
Track Record: A three-year starter for Miami (Ohio), Bachman saw a velocity spike and improved control his junior season that led to first-round chatter. Angels general manager Perry Minasian attended Bachman’s final college start and saw enough for the club to draft him ninth overall in 2021 and sign him for $3,847,500, about 22% under slot. Much of Bachman’s first full season at Double-A in 2022 was lost to back spasms and bicep inflammation, which led to inconsistent command and velocity. Returned to Rocket City in 2023, he got off to a strong start that earned him a late-May callup to Anaheim before shoulder inflammation ended his season in early July.
Scouting Report: Bachman is a burly righthander with a two-pitch power arsenal. His fastball sits 96-97 mph and touches 99, with immense armside run and sink from a low three-quarters arm slot. His slider is a plus, swing-and-miss pitch despite its odd shape. It’s a low-spin, mid-to-upper-80s breaker that works more as a cutter in the upper register, with late dive to his glove side. His slider-heavy approach works in relief, because the opposing movement of his slider and fastball play well from his arm slot. His changeup shows glimpses of being an effective pitch against lefthanded hitters with sink to his arm side, though he’ll need to throw it more frequently with better command. Bachman has poor control, though his high-effort delivery, arm action and injury history would indicate a future relief role.
The Future: The Angels will continue developing Bachman as a starter, though he’ll have to remain healthy and improve his changeup to see a contact-management, rotation future. His two plus-plus pitches and aptitude could lead to a late-inning relief role with closer upside.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 40 -
BA Grade: 45/Medium
Track Record: The Angels drafted Paris 55th overall in 2019 as one of the youngest players in the class and signed him for an over-slot $1.4 million. After breaking his hamate three games into his pro career, Paris lost game reps to the pandemic and a broken tibia that held him to just 50 games from 2019 to 2021. In his first full healthy season in 2022, he struggled initially at High-A before hitting .299 in July and August to earn a promotion to Double-A Rocket City. In 2023, he struggled with strikeouts during the first half of the Southern League season, when the league experimented with a pre-tacked baseball, before posting an .840 OPS in the 40 games following. That earned Paris a September callup that saw him appear in 15 games.
Scouting Report: Paris is an athletic, versatile infielder with roughly average tools. He has a strong, compact swing from the right side which helps him make hard contact on pitches in the zone. Swing-and-miss is a big part of his offensive package, though he has started to get into better counts and has always been able to draw walks. His surprising power helped pay off a 29% strikeout rate at Double-A in 2023. If he can continue making better swing decisions, he could have enough power and on-base prowess to be a regular. An aggressive baserunner with plus speed, Paris is a constant stolen base threat. He showed dramatic improvements in his footwork and throwing at shortstop in 2023. Experience at both middle infield positions and brief time in center field gives him defensive versatility.
The Future: Paris’ ability to limit his swing-and-miss will dictate whether he becomes a regular or more of a utility player. He is part of the Angels’ MLB middle infield picture for 2024.
Scouting Grades Hit: 40 | Power: 50 | Run: 60 | Field: 55 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 50/High
Track Record: Dana was an advanced New Jersey prep with physicality when the Angels drafted him in the 11th round in 2022. They signed him for a post-10th round record $1,497,500 bonus. They also drafted older brother Casey in the 16th round. Caden performed well in his pro debut in the Arizona Complex League with one late-season start in Low-A, where he returned to start 2023. He earned a late-April promotion to High-A Tri-City, where he performed modestly as the youngest pitcher in the northwest League before the Angels shut him down in mid July because of workload limitations and arm fatigue.
Scouting Report: Dana is a physical, 6-foot-4 righthander who has taken a step forward toward his midrotation upside. With an uncanny ability to backspin his fastball, he added carry to its natural high spin while sitting 93-95 mph and touching 97. It’s a swing-and-miss weapon for Dana, who improved his arm strength to hold velocity through outings. He added a mid-80s slider in pro ball that is now his best offspeed offering with good sweep and depth that hitters from both sides of the plate swung through. He uses his curveball against lefthanders in lieu of his changeup. It is a high-spin breaker that he sometimes struggles to feel. His fading changeup was believed to be his best future offspeed offering, though he barely used it in 2023. Dana has advanced ability to regain feel for his pitches when his command lapses. An easy operator on the mound, he works in and out of the zone well with a build and physicality for long-term rotation projection.
The Future: Dana has the ingredients to be an innings-eating no. 4 starter. He needs to continue building his workload, adding touch to his repertoire and getting comfortable in different situations.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 50 -
BA Grade: 50/High
Track Record: One week shy of being ineligible for the 2022 international signing period, Rada signed with the Angels for $1.85 million as a high-profile prospect. He was among the offensive league leaders in his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League later that summer. The Angels aggressively assigned him to Low-A Inland Empire as a 17-year-old in 2023 as the youngest player on any full-season Opening Day roster. Rada performed honorably, slashing .276/.395/.346 while leading the California League with 55 stolen bases.
Scouting Report: Rada is an advanced lefthanded hitter with everyday upside. His short, line-drive swing allows him to make contact to all fields with innate bat-to-ball skills and feel for the barrel. Though his lean, 5-foot-10 frame doesn’t permit much physical projection, any muscle gains could give him fringe-average power with his ability to frequently find the barrel. It may take years for him to become stronger naturally, but his ability to make barrel adjustments and drive the ball in the air more consistently will help. A highly selective hitter who handled the zone against older pitchers, Rada rarely swings and misses. He occasionally gets beat on the inner half, which should improve as he shortens up and gains barrel strength. With above-average speed, Rada’s instinctual baserunning aggression gives him a plus run tool and makes him a basestealing threat. He makes good reads and is a smooth defender in center field, where he has plus potential at a premium position. Rada is the same age as players in the 2024 high school class, so most of his everyday projection rests in his physical maturity.
The Future: Rada is on track to be a table-setting everyday center fielder but will need to get stronger to maximize his upside.
Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 60 | Field: 60 | Arm: 55 -
BA Grade: 50/Medium
Track Record: Schanuel was a three-year starter for Florida Atlantic who regularly posted video game numbers. Following his sophomore year, he struggled in the Cape Cod League, which led to an eye doctor appointment where he was diagnosed with an astigmatism. He had a corrective lens placed in his right eye in January 2023. Schanuel went on to a huge junior season, slashing .447/.615/.868 with 71 walks to 14 strikeouts and a Division I-leading 1.483 OPS. The Angels loved his performance and mental aptitude for hitting and drafted him 11th overall in 2023. They signed him for the slot value of $5.253 million. Schanuel hit well at Double-A in his pro debut, and the Angels called him up after just 22 minor league games. Schanuel’s 40 days between draft day and MLB debut is the fifth-shortest timeline in history. He rewarded the Angels by reaching base in each of his 29 games. He drew 20 walks against 19 strikeouts on his way to a .402 on-base percentage. He drew the most MLB plate appearances in his draft year since the Braves’ Bob Horner in 1978.
Scouting Report: Schanuel is a lefthanded-hitting first baseman with substantial offensive upside. His operation starts with an unorthodox setup, with his hands held high over his head while incorporating a high leg kick as he loads. Despite an atypical setup, Schanuel keeps his body and swing in sync and remains balanced. He has an innate feel for hitting and understanding of the hitting process, aided by excellent barrel control and zone coverage. Schanuel’s power has yet to appear in pro ball--he hit two home runs in 51 games after signing--though he made the unorthodox setup to help tap into power by creating better separation. He shows above-average raw power in batting practice but used more of a downhill swing in pro ball. His swing lacks explosiveness, leaving him reliant on his contact skills and swing decisions to get to average power production. He has an inherent aptitude for hitting with an advanced approach which results in high walk rates and minimal swing-and-miss. Schanuel’s corrected vision enhanced his feel for the strike zone and he profiles as a high-average, on-base threat. He is an aggressive and high-energy runner making him an occasional basestealer, though his speed is just below-average. After playing first base exclusively in college and pro ball, he handles the position with ease and may be athletic enough to test in the corner outfield.
The Future: Schanuel is viewed as the Angels’ everyday first baseman starting in 2024. If he grows into more natural power, he could develop into a first-division starter. But without enhanced power, he faces a future as a hit-over-power first baseman. N
Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 50 | Run: 40 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 40/High
Track Record: Lightly recruited out of high school, Krob pitched mostly out of the bullpen in his one season at Kirkwood (Iowa) JC and his first year at Texas Christian. He moved into the Horned Frogs’ rotation as a junior and impressed before falling back as a senior. The Padres saw enough to draft him in the 12th round and sign him for $125,000. Krob got back on track in his first full professional season and cruised to a 2.72 ERA in 22 appearances (21 starts) across the Class A levels. He joined Double-A San Antonio’s bullpen for the Texas League playoffs.
Scouting Report: Krob is a crafty lefthander who keeps hitters off-balance with his ability to mix and match. His two-seam fastball sits 91-92 mph and touches 95 with natural sink to induce a heavy dose of grounders. His low-80s slider is fringy but effective against lefties and his straight, 84-88 mph is fringy but plays against righthanders. Krob has an easy, simple delivery and effectively moves the ball around the strike zone. Almost everything to lefties is either in or on their hands. Krob has a solid feel for pitching and thrives under pressure. His control is average and improving.
The Future: Krob is already 24 years old and doesn’t have much room for growth. He projects to be a swingman or mop-up reliever who is particularly effective against lefties.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 50 | Slider: 45 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 50 -
BA Grade: 45/Extreme
Track Record: A 6-foot-5, 230-pound Saskatchewan native, Hawkins saw his junior season at British Columbia wiped out by Canada’s Covid-19 protocols. He impressed with a 2.63 ERA in six starts in the MLB Draft League and was drafted by the Padres in the ninth round, signing for a below-slot $75,000. Hawkins showed loud stuff in his first full seasons and was viewed as a potential breakout candidate in 2023. He made only four starts before suffering a season-ending elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery in August.
Scouting Report: Hawkins is a tall righthander with incredibly long arms and gets significant extension down the mound. His high-spin fastball sits 93-96 mph and gets on hitters faster than they expect thanks to his extension. He generates impressive carry with his ability to backspin the ball and gets swings and misses with his heater in all quadrants of the strike zone. Hawkins’ secondaries are much more raw. His best secondary pitch is an 82-84 split-changeup that flashes average but is inconsistent. His downward-breaking, 81-84 mph slider is a fringy offering that gets slurvy. Hawkins throws his fastball for strikes with above-average control and has slowly improved his walk rate. He has a durable frame and showed the ability to log innings before getting hurt.
The Future: Hawkins will miss all of 2024 recovering. He projects to be a middle reliever who dominates with his fastball.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Slider: 45 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 55 -
BA Grade: 40/High
Track Record: Valenzuela enjoyed a growth spurt after the Padres purchased his rights from the Mexican League’s Mexico City franchise for $100,000. He rose quickly up the minors but regressed across the board in 2022, leading him to buy into the organization’s wishes for him to improve his conditioning. Valenzuela arrived at 2023 spring training with 12 pounds and 4-5% of body fat shaved off his frame and had a bounceback season. He hit his way to Double-A San Antonio before having season-ending surgery on his MCL in his left knee in August.
Scouting Report: Valenzuela is a thick, physical catcher who looks the part of a big league backstop. A switch-hitter, Valenzuela doesn’t possess great bat speed but knows the strike zone and which pitches to attack. He sprays line drives all over the field with a short, sound swing from both sides and has developed a newfound aggressiveness that allows him to do damage. Valenzuela is a highly advanced catcher who stands head and shoulders above his peer group in his ability to call a game, learn hitters’ tendencies and manage a pitching staff. He has an above-average arm and is a plus receiver and blocker, especially with a better body helping to improve his agility.
The Future: Valenzuela is set to return in 2024. He projects to be a dependable backup catcher.
Scouting Grades Hit: 45 | Power: 30 | Run: 30 | Field: 60 | Arm: 55 -
BA Grade: 45/Extreme
Track Record: Haynes played just one game his senior year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but then-Padres minor leaguer Seth Frankoff worked out with Haynes during the shutdown and recommended him to the club. The Padres drafted Haynes in the fifth round in 2020 and signed him for an above-slot $300,000. Haynes has struggled to stay healthy since signing. He had Tommy John surgery that delayed his pro debut until 2023 and pitched only 25.1 innings at Low-A Lake Elsinore while being hampered by blisters. He was scheduled to pitch in the Arizona Fall League after the season but was shut down with a balky shoulder.
Scouting Report: A tall, lanky lefthander, Haynes got stronger during his Tommy John rehab and saw his fastball velocity jump. His fastball sits 92-95, up from 87-91 mph in high school, and projects to be an above-average pitch as he gets stronger. His slurvy, 83-86 mph curveball flashes average, and he effectively sells his average, mid-80s changeup with fade. Haynes is a good athlete with a repeatable delivery and projects to have fringe-average control.
The Future: Haynes is talented but has to stay healthy to fulfill his back-of-the-rotation potential. He’ll move to High-A Fort Wayne in 2024.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 50 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 45 -
BA Grade: 40/High
Track Record: Castanon has been an overachiever since his time in high school, where he frequently outperformed higher profile players in Southern California. He left Carter High in Rialto as the career hits leader and hit .404/.492/.716 his final year at UC Santa Barbara despite missing nearly two months with a broken hand. He signed for $125,000 as a 12th-round pick, was a California League all-star in 2022 and finished second in the system in hits (142) and total bases (234) as he rose to Double-A in 2023.
Scouting Report: Strong at a sturdy 6 feet, 195 pounds, Castanon has solid bat speed and natural timing, controls the strike zone and has a keen ability to put the barrel on the ball. He uses the big part of the field well and has begun tapping into more power with a swing adjustment that keeps him from pulling off of pitches. Castanon is a smart baserunner, but he has a thick lower half and well below-average speed. He’s a well below-average defender who lacks the range for second base or the arm strength for third base and will have to find a position. Castanon’s athleticism is lacking, but he’s scrappy and has always hit.
The Future: Castanon has a chance to develop into at least a platoon hitter who crushes lefties. He should see Triple-A El Paso in 2024.
Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 30 | Field: 30 | Arm: 40 -
BA Grade: 40/Medium
Track Record: Jacob threw just 84-88 mph at Gonzaga but was watched closely by the Padres because their analytics staff identified his changeup as a potential outlier. He threw a no-hitter against Pepperdine and a shutout against Louisiana State in the NCAA Tournament as a senior to convince skeptical evaluators. The Padres drafted him in the 16th round and signed him for $75,000. Jacob continued to confound hitters at every level of the minors and received his first big league callup in July, He made three scoreless appearances before he suffered a season-ending flexor and ulnar collateral ligament strain.
Scouting Report: Jacob is a throwback reliever who succeeds on deception. His fastball sits 85-87 mph with late sink out of a whippy, sidearm slot. His fastball plays up because it pairs well with his plus-plus, 70-74 mph changeup with heavy fade and sink. He hides the ball well and sells his changeup to make it difficult for hitters to recognize pitches out of his hand. Jacob also has an average, sweeping slider in the low 70s that he commands well. He varies his delivery and attacks the zone with the confidence of someone who throws much harder.
The Future: Jacob will get every opportunity to win a middle-relief job in spring training if he’s healthy. He earns frequent comparisons to former Padres reliever Adam Cimber.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 30 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 70 | Control: 70 -
BA Grade: 40/Medium
Track Record: Waldron spent four years in Nebraska’s rotation and signed with the Guardians for just $5,000 after they made him an 18th-round pick in 2019. The Padres acquired him the following year in the deal that brought Mike Clevinger to San Diego. Waldron began to set himself apart by toying with a knuckleball the following spring and became a full-fledged knuckleballer during the season. His confidence in the pitch wavered in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, but he overcame it to make his big league debut in 2023 and finished the year in the Padres rotation.
Scouting Report: Waldron’s repertoire is rather nondescript aside from his knuckleball. His fringy fastball sits 91-93 mph with sink, his soft slider is a fringy offering at 79-81 mph and his mid-80s cutter doesn’t fool big leaguers. Waldron’s knuckleball, however, gives him a chance to stand out. He throws it harder than most traditional knuckleballs at 75-78 mph and it consistently fools hitters. He had his most success in the majors when he increased his usage of the pitch and is particularly effective against younger hitters, many of whom have never seen a knuckleball. He is still working to control his knuckler but throws enough strikes with fringe-average control.
The Future: Waldron projects to be a long reliever or spot starter used to mess with hitters’ timing. He’ll head into 2024 in contention for an Opening Day roster spot.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 45 | Slider: 45 | Knuckleball: 55 | Cutter: 40 | Control: 45 -
BA Grade: 50/Extreme
Track Record: A late-bloomer on the mound, Kemp didn’t start pitching until eighth grade and was a reliever his sophomore year at Weatherford (Texas) High. He blossomed into a top pitching prospect as an upperclassman and was committed to Oklahoma before the Padres drafted him in the eighth round and signed him for $625,000, nearly triple the recommended slot amount. Kemp didn’t pitch in an official game after signing but began throwing at the Padres’ complex during instructional league.
Scouting Report: Large and physical at 6-foot-6, 225 pounds, Kemp sat 88-92 mph in high school but had already began pushing his 94-96 mph after getting on a throwing program with the Padres. It projects to be a borderline plus-plus pitch as he continues to mature. Kemp’s secondaries are still raw. He has the makings of a high-spin slider that sits 78-82 mph and he flashes a good feel for a mid-80s changeup with two-seam action, but both are fringy to below-average pitches that need improvement. Despite his size, Kemp has a compact delivery and fast arm speed out a three-quarters slot. He fills up the strike zone with above-average control and shows the ability to manipulate and cut his fastball.
The Future: Kemp is on track to make his pro debut at Low-A Lake Elsinore in 2024. He projects to be a No. 4 starter with continued velocity gains and secondary development.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 65 | Slider: 45 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 55 -
BA Grade: 50/Extreme
Track Record: Dickerson struggled with his control while pitching for USA Baseball’s 18U National team but took a star turn at the WWBA World Championships in the fall. He fell in the draft due to a strong commitment to Virginia Tech, but the Padres were confident they could sign him and selected him in the 12th round. They signed him for a $500,000 bonus--equivalent to fourth-round money--and sent him out for his first game action in instructional league.
Scouting Report: Dickerson is a lean, projectable 6-foot-6 lefthander His fastball sits between 89-91 mph and is too straight, but he projects to add a lot of velocity as he adds strength. His best secondary pitch is a 79-83 mph slider with late bite that projects to be above-average as he fills out and adds power. He also has a below-average, mid-80s changeup that he rarely throws and needs to refine. Despite his size and long levers, Dickerson moves well through an easy delivery and shows fast arm speed out of a three-quarters slot. He has a good feel for pitching and throws strikes with average control, although he deals with bouts of inconsistency.
The Future: Dickerson has a chance to jump straight to Low-A Lake Elsinore for his pro debut in 2023. He projects to be a No. 4 or 5 starter who has a fallback as a middle reliever if his changeup doesn’t develop.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 50 -
BA Grade: 50/Extreme
Track Record: The Padres considered taking Lowe as early as the fourth or fifth round in 2022 and believe they netted a steal when they grabbed him in the 11th round and signed him for an over-slot bonus of $400,000. Lowe made his pro debut at Low-A Lake Elsinore in 2023 and impressed in three starts before shoulder fatigue forced him to the injured list. He tried to come back in August and during instructional league after the season, but both times had to shelve his comeback due to shoulder setbacks.
Scouting Report: Lowe is a strong, physical 6-foot-1 righthander with a sturdy lower half. His fastball sits between 93-95 mph and reaches 97 with carry at the top of the zone out of a three-quarters arm slot. He generates excellent extension in his delivery to help his fastball jump on batters faster than they expect. Lowe’s best secondary offering is a sweepy slider that he lands for strikes and projects to be an above-average pitch. He also has a firm but deceptive changeup that flashes average. Lowe has demonstrated a good feel for pitching despite his lack of mound time and throws strikes with average control.
The Future: Lowe profiles as a back-end starter or a middle reliever if he can stay healthy. He’s avoided surgery so far and is expected to be ready for 2024 Opening Day.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 65 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 -
BA Grade: 50/Extreme
Track Record: Post-pandemic, the Padres have prized themselves on adding to smaller draft classes with undrafted free agents. Nett is quickly becoming the best of the bunch. Nett did not pitch in college, recorded just two outs in the Appalachian League and posted a 6.48 ERA in the MLB Draft League, but the Padres saw enough raw stuff to sign him for $10,000 after the 2022 draft. Shoulder weakness limited Nett’s first pro summer and he was inconsistent in the complex league and Low-A Lake Elsinore in 2023, but his command took a leap forward in the Arizona Fall League. He emerged as one of the AFL’s breakout prospects, was selected for the Fall Stars Game and started the league’s championship game.
Scouting Report: Nett is a wiry, 6-foot-3 righthander with a fresh, emerging arm. His fastball sits between 94-96 mph and touches 98 with late explosion and carry at the top of the strike zone. It’s a borderline plus-plus pitch he can blow by hitters. Nett’s best secondary offering is sweepy breaking ball with tight spin and good shape that projects to be an above-average pitch, although it’s inconsistent. He also flashes a below-average, rarely used changeup that is a bit firm in the low 90s. Nett’s effectiveness comes down to control. He jumps forward in an effortful delivery and is prone to losing his hat. His stuff plays with even below-average control, but it is often worse than that.
The Future: Nett projects to be a hard-throwing reliever if he can throw enough strikes. He’ll see High-A Fort Wayne in 2024.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 65 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 40 -
BA Grade: 45/High
Track Record: Lizarraga ranked as Mexico’s best pitching prospect in the 2021 international class and signed with the Padres for $1 million. Highly advanced for his age, he jumped straight to the Arizona Complex League at 17 years old and started a California League playoff game at 18. Lizarraga hit his first speed bump at High-A Fort Wayne in 2023 as the Midwest League’s youngest player on Opening Day. He had a 5.02 ERA through early August but adjusted to hold opponents scoreless in three of his final four starts.
Scouting Report: Lizarraga boasts a long, lean, athletic 6-foot-3 frame and is a good bet to add strength and velocity as he gets older. His fastball presently sits between 90-94 mph and projects to be an above-average pitch when he is fully mature. His best secondary offering is an upper-70s curveball that projects to be an out pitch. He rounds out his arsenal with a hard, fading changeup that flashes average but doesn’t have enough separation from his fastball at times. None of Lizarraga’s pitches projects to be a plus offering, but he reads swings well and is a good competitor who outlasts opposing hitters. He has average control and should gain body control as he gets stronger.
The Future: Lizarraga’s stuff has to tick up for him to be more than a long reliever, but he’s young and has plenty of time to get stronger. He is bound for Double-A as a 20 year old.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 -
BA Grade: 45/High
Track Record: An unsigned 30th-round pick of the Red Sox out of high school, Martorella became a three-year starter at California and posted a .430 on-base percentage with Cotuit in the Cape Cod League. He hit a career-best .333 with 11 home runs and a .977 OPS as a junior, leading the Padres to draft him in the fifth round and sign him for $325,000. After an impressive pro debut, Martorella climbed to Double-A in his first full season in 2023. He finished tied for second in the Padres’ system with 19 home runs and went to the Arizona Fall League after the season.
Scouting Report: A physical lefthanded hitter who gets into a low crouch similar to former Padres slugger Phil Plantier, Martorella will go as far as his bat takes him. He is an all-fields masher who overpowers balls with his brute strength and has average power. Martorella’s bat speed is merely average and his swing path can be flat, but he manages the strike zone well enough to hold his own against advanced pitching. Martorella is a 20-grade runner who has to improve defensively. He is a below-average defender at first base and left field with slow reaction times. He has an exceptional makeup and work ethic that should allow him to improve.
The Future: Martorella’s lack of athleticism limits his ceiling, but his bat gives him a path to the majors as a power-hitting reserve. He’ll open 2024 back at Double-A.
Scouting Grades Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 20 | Field: 40 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 40/Medium
Track Record: Rosario signed with the Padres for $300,000 on his 16th birthday and was among the youngest players in his league every year. He was overmatched early but broke out in Double-A and was added to the Padres’ 40-man roster after the 2021 season. Rosario made his major league debut in 2022 and was primed to contend for a 2023 Opening Day roster spot before he fractured his ankle training in the Dominican Republic. He returned to the majors in September and became the Padres’ primary third baseman while Manny Machado battled tennis elbow down the stretch.
Scouting Report: Rosario is built like a fire hydrant at 5-foot-9, 204 pounds but is surprisingly twitchy and athletic despite his stocky build. He has a short, quick righthanded swing that shoots balls from gap to gap when his approach is locked into the middle of the field. Rosario gets too big in his swing at times, but he makes enough contact to be a fringy hitter with double-digit home run production. He is an above-average runner who has improved his ability to put that speed to use on the bases. Rosario is playable at shortstop, but his range and actions fit better at second base and third base. His plus arm is the best among infielders in the Padres’ system.
The Future: Rosario projects to be a reserve utilityman who can play around the infield. He’ll contend for an Opening Day roster spot in 2024.
Scouting Grades Hit: 45 | Power: 45 | Run: 55 | Field: 50 | Arm: 60 -
BA Grade: 45/High
Track Record: The son of former Padres prospect and longtime major leaguer Homer Bush, the younger Bush was limited by a hamstring injury in high school and the coronavirus pandemic in college at Grand Canyon. With scouts flocking to see GCU shortstop and eventual first-round pick Jacob Wilson, Bush hit .370/.478/.500 while showing the elite athleticism to become a top draft prospect himself. The Padres drafted him in the fourth round and signed him for $511,600. Bush moved quickly in his pro debut and finished the year on Double-A San Antonio’s postseason roster.
Scouting Report: Bush is an 80-grade runner whose game revolves around his legs. He puts balls in play with a quick, level swing and uses his legs to beat out grounders and stretch singles into doubles. The Padres have asked him to improve his bunting to give him another weapon. Bush has a good sense of the strike zone and walked nearly as often as he struck out after being drafted. He hit just four home runs in three years in college, but the Padres believe he could reach double-digit home runs as he learns to backspin balls. Bush’s defense in center field is raw, but his speed allows him to outrun his mistakes and gives him a chance to be an above-average center fielder. He has exceptional makeup that provides optimism he’ll get the most from his abilities.
The Future: Bush has the potential to challenge for an everyday job as the Padres center fielder. He’ll open 2024 back at Double-A.
Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 80 | Field: 55 | Arm: 45 -
BA Grade: 50/Extreme
Track Record: Gonzalez impressed during Perfect Game’s WWBA World Championship in the fall of his senior year, but a knee injury limited his exposure in the spring. He regained his draft helium with a strong showing at the draft combine and was selected by the Padres in the third round in 2023. He signed for a below-slot $550,000 to forgo an Indiana State commitment. Gonzalez did not play in an official game after signing, but he stood out in instructional league and briefly played winter ball in Puerto Rico as an 18 year old.
Scouting Report: Gonzalez is a raw, projectable catcher with a chance to make an impact on both sides of the ball. He makes solid contact with a quick, whippy swing and flashes above-average power. He can get a little pull-happy at times, but he has the foundation to be an average hitter. Though Gonzalez is a below-average runner, he moves well behind the plate and has a chance to be an above-average defender as he improves his footwork. He has tremendous arm speed and plus-plus arm strength that has the potential to shut down running games as he fine-tunes his accuracy.
The Future: Gonzalez will make his pro debut in the Arizona Complex League in 2024. He projects to be a starting catcher but will require time and patience to fulfill his potential.
Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 40 | Field: 55 | Arm: 70 -
BA Grade: 50/High
Track Record: Bergert mostly pitched in the bullpen as a freshman at West Virginia in 2020 and made just four starts as a sophomore before the coronavirus pandemic canceled the season. He continued to trend upward in the collegiate summer Northwoods League but had Tommy John surgery and missed his junior season. The Padres considered him a second-round talent in 2021 and snagged him in the sixth round, signing him for an above-slot $500,000. Bergert struggled in his first season back from surgery, but he flourished in 2023. He posted a 2.73 ERA over 105.2 innings and finished the year in Double-A San Antonio’s playoff rotation.
Scouting Report: Bergert features a classic four-pitch mix and continues to improve the further he moves away from surgery. His above-average fastball sits between 93-94 mph and touches 97-98 with extreme horizontal break after he lowered his arm slot to take advantage of its natural east-west movement. His sweeping 82-85 mph slider flashes above-average and is his primary secondary pitch. Bergert’s 84-87 mph changeup flashes average with late dive but is inconsistent. His 80-83 mph curveball is a below-average pitch he’ll occasionally flip in for an early strike. Bergert commands his fastball and moves it around to keep hitters guessing and has average control overall. He rarely allows hard contact in the air and has gotten more consistent in his delivery as he’s gained mound time.
The Future: Bergert keeps trending up and improving every year. He has mid-to-back-of-the-rotation potential as long as he continues in his current direction.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 40 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 50 -
BA Grade: 45/Medium
Track Record: Vasquez signed with the Yankees in 2018 out of the Dominican Republic and was nearly traded to the Rangers as part of the deal for Joey Gallo. He instead remained in the system as part of a rearranged deal and finished the 2022 season on a high note by throwing the first eight innings of a combined no-hitter that sealed Double-A Somerset’s Eastern League championship. Vasquez made his big league debut in 2023 and posted a 2.87 ERA in 37.2 innings while working as a spot starter and long reliever for the Yankees. The Padres acquired him as one of five players for Juan Soto after the season.
Scouting Report: Vasquez is an athletic righthander who works with a deep arsenal. He throws four-seam, two-seam and cut fastballs that are above-average, has an average changeup and rounds out his arsenal with a plus, sweeping breaking ball that he calls a curveball but moves like a slider. None of his pitches got a large amount of swings and misses, but he generally does a good job of keeping them off the barrel. Vasquez’s main goal is to add polish. He needs to be more aggressive in setting hitters up with his fastball so he can use his breaking pitches in advantage counts. He could also stand to move the ball around more. Vasquez walked more than four hitters per nine innings in his big league debut and needs to tighten his control.
The Future: Vasquez projects to be a No. 5 starter if he reaches his ceiling. At worst, he’ll fit on a staff as a bulk reliever or spot starter.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 60 | Changeup: 50 | Cutter: 50 | Control: 45 -
BA Grade: 45/Medium
Track Record: Marsee lettered in baseball, football and basketball at Allen Park (Mich.) High but was not drafted out of high school. He largely went under the radar at Central Michigan while hitting .345/.467/.550 with seven homers and 18 steals in 2022. The Padres went slightly under slot to sign him for $250,000 in the sixth round. Marsee finished his first summer in pro ball as the leadoff hitter for Low-A Lake Elsinore’s championship team and remained in that role while moving from High-A Fort Wayne to Double-A San Antonio in 2023. Along the way, Marsee led the system with 46 steals, added power to his profile and continued to flash both tools in the Arizona Fall League.
Scouting Report: A blue-collar baseball rat, Marsee wears out pitchers with a discerning eye at the plate, plus bat-to-ball skills and the ability to handle velocity. While he entered the system with below-average power, he took a step forward in that department in 2023. The organization asked for an uptick in aggression--picking out pitches to damage--and Marsee hit four homers over his final 12 games at High-A Fort Wayne and three more in 16 games to close the season at Double-A San Antonio. Even better, Marsee accomplished this while walking more than he struck out for a second year in a row. He has average speed but a good baseball IQ has made him the best baserunner in the system. He has an average arm, and a knack for reads and correct first steps makes him a quality defender. Plus makeup also gives Marsee a good chance to outperform his tools.
The Future: Presently viewed as an extra outfielder, Marsee will have to continue to show that his power uptick is real. He finished 2023 strong at Double-A and will likely return there to start 2024.
Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Field: 60 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 50/High
Track Record: Covid barred Pauley from the field entirely at Duke in 2020, and the backlog of players going to college when the majors shortened the draft limited his playing time his sophomore season. Rather than transferring, Pauley used that as fuel in seizing a starting job as a junior, and the limited exposure may have landed the Padres a steal in the 13th round in 2022. His first summer in pro ball was halted just before the California League playoffs as Pauley returned to Duke to finish his economics degree, but he breezed through three levels in 2023 as the organization’s hitter of the year, finishing the regular season in Double-A San Antonio.
Scouting Report: A slightly open stance allows Pauley to get a longer look at pitches, and his strike-zone discipline is a strength. He also tapped into more power than even the Padres expected. He led the system with 23 home runs, including 16 in 45 games after a promotion to High-A Fort Wayne. He uses a short lefthanded swing with some loft. He made a point of keeping his front shoulder closed in 2023, and the change allowed him to hit lefthanders better than he had at any point in his career. His aptitude for picking out pitches to damage has also improved as a professional. He’s an average defender with the ability to move around the diamond. He saw time at third base, second base and both corner outfield spots in 2023. He’s athletic and smart enough to steal some bases, but first-step quickness and agility are points of emphasis moving forward in the field. He is a natural leader with an exemplary work ethic, one the Padres highlighted for Pauley’s younger teammates to mirror at each of his stops.
The Future: At first glance, Pauley profiles as a utilityman in the majors, but off-the-charts makeup will allow him to squeeze every ounce out of his ability--and then some.
Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 45 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 50/High
Track Record: Mazur began moving up draft boards with an impressive stay as an all-star in the Cape Cod League, where he posted a 1.55 ERA and 0.83 WHIP with 34 strikeouts in 29 innings in 2021. He followed up as the Big Ten Conference pitcher of the year in 2022, when the Padres went slightly under slot to sign him for $1.25 million as the 53rd overall pick. Mazur made his professional debut in 2023 in the High-A Midwest League and finished a standout first full year in pro ball in Double-A San Antonio’s postseason rotation.
Scouting Report: Mazur added 10 pounds after signing and could probably still stand to add mass if he’s going to withstand a starter’s workload. His fastball sits 92-96 mph, and his tight slider has been up to 90 mph in becoming a plus power pitch. Mazur also has a mid-80s changeup with two-seam action and armside life as well as a 12-to-6 curveball that keep hitters off-balance. Both breaking pitches fetch swings and misses in and out of the zone. It all comes together out of a loose, easy delivery with a three-quarters arm slot that adds deception to the total package. Mazur also boasts a double-plus ability to fill up the zone. It’s everything you want in a starter. Mazur’s stuff figures to play up even more if he falls into a bullpen role, and the Padres experimented with that look a bit after his promotion to San Antonio while managing his workload in his first full year as a pro. Mazur has projection left in his wiry build.
The Future: The Padres need homegrown options in the upper levels, and Mazur has done nothing but thrive so far in the system. He looks to return to Double-A to build upon last year’s innings base and see if he can indeed develop into a midrotation starter.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 70 -
BA Grade: 50/High
Track Record: Standing at 6-foot-2 and 160 pounds when he signed for $75,000 in 2018, Iriarte has matured into an imposing figure. The bullpen has long been a fallback option, but shaving nearly two runs off his ERA in his second full year in full-season ball will keep him in the rotation for at least another year. He shined at High-A Fort Wayne and flashed well in spurts in his first taste of Double-A, which included a stint in relief to both manage his workload and see what it looked like as the big league team sorted through bullpen issues over the summer.
Scouting Report: Iriarte’s growth spurt pushed his fastball to 95-97 mph, and there’s little doubt that it would touch triple-digits regularly in short bursts. It plays up with carry through the top of the zone and teams with a mid-80s slider to produce silly swings and misses. Iriarte’s changeup has late fading action and could be a future plus offering, but it’s a bit firm and is clearly the third pitch in a bullpen-ready mix. Averaging more than four walks per nine innings as a pro, Iriarte might have already moved to relief if it weren’t for the gains he made in 2023. He’s added strength and strengthened his shoulders to better withstand a starter’s workload and made tremendous strides in repeating a loose delivery with huge extension. He was in the zone more in Fort Wayne than he was at San Antonio but also pushed his strikeout rate to 40.5% in the Texas League.
The Future: Iriarte continues to intrigue in the rotation, but the Padres could need him sooner as a reliever as they look to replace high-priced arms over the next couple of seasons. He’ll head back to Double-A San Antonio to start the year and could be the first man up when a need arises in the rotation or the bullpen.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 45 -
BA Grade: 55/Extreme
Track Record: The Padres certainly have an amateur type under general manager A.J. Preller--young, toolsy and plays up the middle. See: Jackson Merrill and James Wood in the 2021 draft, Robert Hassell III in 2020 and CJ Abrams in 2019. Head, the Padres’ first-rounder in 2023, fits the bill. He was the best position prospect in Homewood-Flossmoor High history as he hit .485/.568/.814 as a senior while striking out just five times in 118 plate appearances and going 31-for-31 in stolen bases. The Padres signed Head for a slightly-under slot $2.8 million as the 25th overall pick, and he finished his first pro summer at Low-A Lake Elsinore after dominating the Arizona Complex League in 14 games.
Scouting Report: Blessed with a ton of natural athletic ability, Head has plus-plus speed. The Padres clocked him at 6.3 seconds in the 60-yard dash ahead of the draft. That will serve Head well on the bases as he gets more comfortable reading pitchers, as well as in the outfield, where he has good instincts and solid arm strength. Presently, Head is a gap-to-gap hitter with a hit-it-where-it’s-pitched approach that allows him to put the ball in play and showcase his wheels. The lefthanded hitter cut down a high leg kick heading into the draft, improving his timing and balance. His hit tool is well ahead of the power, but the Padres believe Head could develop 15-20 homer power as he fills out a wiry strong frame. He showed strong swing decisions with 15 walks, 19 strikeouts and an elite in-zone chase rate of 7.6%.
The Future: Head is a good bet to develop into an everyday center fielder and could impact games with menacing speed and surprising pop for a leadoff hitter. He finished his first summer in pro ball in Lake Elsinore and will likely return to the California League to start 2024.
Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 40 | Run: 70 | Field: 60 | Arm: 55 -
BA Grade: 55/Very High
Track Record: Regarded as one of the best pure hitters in the 2020-21 international class, Zavala signed for $1.2 million and has been pushed aggressively each year in the system. With injuries dogging Zavala early in his career, the Padres challenged him to stay on the field in 2023 and he did just that as a Low-A California League all-star. He finished one home run shy of joining a rare list of teenagers to log 20 doubles, 15 homers and 20 steals in a season. Zavala spiraled after a late promotion to High-A Fort Wayne, though he was playing through an oblique injury at the end of the season.
Scouting Report: Zavala has been young for the level at every stop, so it’s taken time for strength to catch up to natural gifts that include a smooth, whip-like swing. He has a knack for putting the barrel on the ball, though the Padres would like Zavala to continue to add muscle in the hope that he regularly unlocks average power. He does not chase much, but there’s a bit of swing-and-miss in the zone, the result of a leg kick that can get big. An above-average runner, Zavala makes up for a lack of closing speed in center field with good reads, a good first step and fluid movement. Above-average arm strength would likely push him to left field if he outgrows center. Bilingual and a heady player, Zavala has also taken well to coaching and the examples of older teammates when it came to finding a routine that allowed him to get his legs under him after a slow start in Lake Elsinore.
The Future: Still the best true outfield prospect in the system, Zavala should begin his age-19 season back at Fort Wayne, where he’ll be one of the younger players in the Midwest League. He could develop into a starting-caliber corner outfielder with across-the-board skills.
Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 55 | Field: 55 | Arm: 55 -
BA Grade: 60/Extreme
Track Record: De Vries was the most talented prospect in the 2024 international class. When the signing period opened on Jan. 15, 2024, the Padres signed him for $4.2 million, the highest bonus for a Dominican prospect that year and second in the class behind only Braves shortstop Jose Perdomo ($5 million).
Scouting Report: De Vries is a polished hitter for 17, with significant game experience and a knack for consistently getting on base. He uses his hands well at the plate with a compact, adjustable swing that has good path through the hitting zone and enables him to cover the plate well with a low swing-and-miss rate. It’s a mature offensive approach for his age, with the ability to slow the game down at the plate, comfort using the opposite field with backspin or turning on pitches on the inner third. It’s a good mix of high contact and impact, with De Vries showing the bat speed and loft to drive the ball out of the park in games with potential above-average power. De Vries generates plenty of attention for his offensive game, but his hand-eye coordination and heady, instinctive play are evident at shortstop as well. He’s a tick above-average runner who has the hands and actions for shortstop, along with an average arm that has a chance to tick up. Some scouts think De Vries could end up at second or third base, with the offensive upside to develop into an impact player at those spots as well, but he should continue to develop at shortstop and has the athleticism that could allow him to stick there long term.
The Future: De Vries is advanced enough that he could come to Arizona for spring training with a chance to debut in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League. If he’s hitting well during extended spring training, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Padres be even more aggressive with him after the way they pushed catcher Ethan Salas a year ago.
Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 50 | Run: 55 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 55/High
Track Record: A college standout who starred in both the Cape Cod League and for USA Baseball’s Collegiate National team, Thorpe finished second in the nation with 149 strikeouts his junior year at Cal Poly and was drafted by the Yankees in the second round. He worked to gain velocity in their system and continued to rack up whiffs with a dominant pro debut in 2023. Thorpe went 14-2, 2.52 and led the minors with 182 strikeouts as he climbed to Double-A. The Padres acquired him as one of five players in the trade for Juan Soto after the season.
Scouting Report: Thorpe is a big, sturdy righthander who operates with a five-pitch mix. His average fastball sits 92 mph and tops out at 94, but it plays up with riding life and Thorpe’s outstanding command. He gained 2-4 mph of velocity in his first season under the Yankees instruction and could potentially add more. Thorpe’s best pitch is a plus-plus, 82-84 mph changeup that gets swings and misses en masse. It is a true out pitch batters swing through even when they know it’s coming. Thorpe’s mid-80s bullet slider is an average third offering he throws almost as frequently as his fastball. He also mixes in a high-80s cutter and low-80s sweeping curveball to steal strikes early in counts. Thorpe ties everything together with plus control. He is a strong, durable competitor who frequently completes seven to eight innings in a start.
The Future: Thorpe doesn’t light up a radar gun, but he’s an accomplished pitcher who knows how to get the most from his stuff. He projects to be a No. 3 or 4 starter and could be more if he continues to add velocity.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 40 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 60 | Cutter: 40 | Control: 60 -
BA Grade: 60/Extreme
Track Record: Lesko was the 2021 Gatorade National Player of the Year after striking out 112 in 60 innings with a 0.35 ERA as a high school junior. He appeared ticketed for a top-five selection in the 2022 draft before Tommy John surgery ended his senior season months ahead of the draft. The Padres drafted him 15th overall and signed him for $3.9 million and unveiled him in the Arizona Complex League in June 2023. Lesko made four starts in the ACL, five at Low-A Lake Elsinore and three at High-A Fort Wayne, flashing upside at each level of his progression. The highlight was striking out nine over five shutout innings of one-hit ball in his second-to-last start of the season in the Midwest League.
Scouting Report: As with most Tommy John rehabbers, Lesko’s command fluctuated throughout his first year back on the mound. When he was right, he still boasts a four-seamer that touches 98 mph with carry at the top of the zone. Lesko’s dastardly low-80s, fading changeup also still grades as a plus-plus pitch and perhaps the best offering of any pitcher in the system. There’s power to his 12-to-6 curveball that can push 3,000 rpm, though it’s a pitch he will need to refine with the repetition it didn’t get as an afterthought in his prep career. Given Lesko’s work ethic and aptitude for spinning a baseball, the Padres are optimistic that his curve will continue to improve as he moves further away from Tommy John surgery.
The Future: Lesko could become a No. 3 starter--and perhaps more--based on his repertoire and assuming his command sharpens as he moves further past surgery. Look for him to start 2024 back at Fort Wayne and catch up with Robby Snelling as the two race toward San Diego.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 55 | Changeup: 70 | Control: 60 -
BA Grade: 60/High
Track Record: The Padres lured Snelling away from a commitment to Louisiana State in 2022 with a $3 million bonus, which was $1 million over slot for the 39th pick. In high school he starred in baseball and was a four-star recruit as a linebacker in football. Snelling was worth every penny. He breezed through 11 starts in his pro debut at Low-A Lake Elsinore with a 1.57 ERA, then made seven starts at High-A Fort Wayne and four more at Double-A San Antonio, including five no-hit innings in his second Texas League start. Snelling’s 1.82 ERA was the lowest of any minor league pitcher with at least 100 innings. He finished his first season in pro ball as the BA Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
Scouting Report: Broad shouldered with a thick, muscular lower half, Snelling shed roughly 10 pounds in the offseason following his draft year to become more whippy with his delivery. A spike-grip, 11-to-5 curveball was one of the better breakers in his prep class, but it has played up because of the way he locates and tunnels it off of a 95-96 mph fastball with ride. His curve velocity ranges from the mid 70s to the mid 80s. Snelling began developing a changeup after the draft and it has some bottom, even if it is a bit firm at 4-5 mph slower than his heater. He also began throwing a tight, above-average slider in 2023, another weapon against lefthanded hitters. Still very much a linebacker on the mound, Snelling is an intense competitor who is unfazed by umpires’ questionable calls and the plays that do not go his way, which contributes to his profile as a sum-of-his-parts pitcher.
The Future: A dominant first season cemented Snelling’s floor as at least a No. 3 starter. He should receive an invite to big league spring training and could be on the MLB radar as soon as 2024.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 60 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 60 -
BA Grade: 60/High
Track Record: The flu and a subsequent stomach bug slowed Merrill to start the 2023 season at High-A Fort Wayne, then a hamstring strain hobbled him late in his time at Double-A San Antonio. The latter injury kept him from the field in the Texas League playoffs. In between, Merrill continued to return surplus value as a below-slot signee as the 27th overall pick in the 2021 draft. He finished the first half strong at Fort Wayne heading into his Futures Game appearance, helping him earn a move to Double-A afterward. The front office even kicked around the idea of bringing Merrill to San Diego as a multi-positional piece for their late-season postseason push before opting to leave him in San Antonio to develop alongside the next talent wave.
Scouting Report: A growth spurt added nearly 30 pounds to Merrill’s frame in the months leading up to the 2021 draft, boosting the raw power that was one of his calling cards. He’s since developed advanced offspeed coverage for his age and an impressive left-on-left approach, reasons that many in the organization believe a smooth swing will eventually produce 30 homers annually in the majors. Merrill has also improved his range, agility and arm strength at shortstop since turning pro. Though he’s an average runner, his first-step efficiency contributes to his overall profile as a smooth defender. More than that, internal evaluators rave about culture-changing makeup that will be an asset in a big league clubhouse.
The Future: Merrill continues to show he can stick at shortstop, though his ultimate landing spot likely depends on the big league roster. That decision may come as soon as 2024, because he is poised to make his MLB debut as a 21-year-old. Merrill’s athleticism will be an asset wherever he plays, and his bat will ultimately help him profile as a middle-of-the-order threat.
Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Field: 55 | Arm: 55 -
BA Grade: 70/Very High
Track Record: The Padres had $5.8 million to spend in the 2023 international signing class and they gave almost all of it--$5.6 million, tops among all international bonuses last year--to Salas. He is a rare five-tool catcher and a third-generation talent from one of his country’s best-known baseball families. Salas landed on the Padres’ radar while they courted his older brother Jose, who signed with the Marlins for $2.8 million in 2019, and they expected him to move quickly given his bloodlines, familiarity with professional baseball and pure talent. A sore throwing shoulder delayed the start of Salas’ pro debut season in 2023, but the Padres still assigned him to Low-A Lake Elsinore in late May while he was still a few days shy of his 17th birthday. A 16-year-old playing in full-season ball is exceedingly rare. The only others in recent history are Adrian Beltre in 1996 and Edgar Renteria in 1993, two players who, it was later learned, were illegally signed at age 15. Salas hit the ground running in the California League, winning the league’s player of the month award for July, which played into the Padres’ decision to aggressively promote him to High-A Fort Wayne in early August. Salas put up just a .472 OPS in nine games, but the Padres believed in his makeup and skill enough to promote him to Double-A San Antonio well before the Midwest League season ended. The move kept Salas developing alongside the organization’s next wave of talent. A knee sprain ended Salas’ season after nine games in the Texas League, but he should be ready by spring training.
Scouting Report: Salas boasts a quick, compact swing and keeps his barrel in the hitting zone for a long time. He doesn’t yet have the raw power that Francisco Alvarez or Gary Sanchez showed as prospects, but he was already taking 97 mph fastballs over the wall as a teenager during his pro debut and is easy to project for more over-the-fence pop as he matures. Salas also already shows the ability to make adjustments on the fly. For example, he got back in the zone for a standout July after chasing early in his stay in Lake Elsinore. That’s an excellent profile for a corner outfielder, but what makes Salas’ potential even greater is that he’s an excellent defensive catcher for his age, showcasing soft hands, athletic blocking ability and outstanding receiving and exchanges. He also has a slightly above-average arm that should tick up to at least plus with natural strength progression. His arm already plays up because of his efficient transfer and release, leading to pop times under 1.9 seconds on throws to second base. Salas’ maturity showed as he emerged as a proactive partner in game-planning with older pitchers after getting his legs under him in pro ball.
The Future: The Padres’ unquestioned catcher of the future--and perhaps sooner than many realize--Salas is a superstar in the making who could one day earn MVP votes, a la Buster Posey, for his ability to impact the game with his bat, defense and leadership skills with a pitching staff. n
Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Run: 45 | Field: 70 | Arm: 60 -
BA Grade: 40/High
Track Record: After three seasons at Division III Randolph-Macon (Va.), Selby was selected by the Pirates in the 16th round of the 2018 draft. The team had plans for him to develop as a starter, but Tommy John surgery during the 2020 shutdown led to his conversion into a reliever. He’s been outstanding over the last two seasons at the upper levels, made his big league debut on Aug. 9 and pitched in 21 games. He struck out 30 in that time, but also walked 15 hitters in 24 innings.
Scouting Report: Selby works with a mix of velocity and spin, and his three-pitch mix is fronted by a two-seamer that averaged 97 mph. He backed the pitch with a slider in the high 80s and a curveball in the low 80s. Both breaking balls feature spin rates in the 2,600 rpm range. In the big leagues, Selby favored the slider over the curveball. His curveball is well below-average, however, and he issued far too many walks at both Triple-A and in the big leagues.
The Future: Simply put, Selby needs to throw more strikes. His stuff is excellent, but it will make no difference if he cannot find the zone with much greater frequency. If he does, he fits as a late-inning reliever. If he doesn’t, he will ride the shuttle back and forth to Indianapolis.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 30 | Slider: 60 | Control: 30 -
BA Grade: 45/Extreme
Track Record: Bidois signed with the Pirates out of Australia in 2019 but has had his career severely stymied in the proceeding years. He lost the 2020 season to the pandemic, then missed the 2022 season after having Tommy John surgery. Bidois re-emerged in 2023 with a full season out of the Low-A Bradenton bullpen. He dominated with the Marauders, going 3-0, 1.99 with 42 strikeouts in 22.2 innings.
Scouting Report: After working as a starter in the Florida Complex League in 2021, Bidois shifted to the pen in full-season ball after recovering from his surgery. He showed a powerful arsenal dominated by a four-seam fastball that averaged 95 mph and touched 99. The pitch has excellent life through the zone and got whiffs at a 30% clip. He backs the fastball with a curveball in the mid 70s that averaged nearly 3,000 rpm of spin that projects to be average. At its best, the pitch shows 1-to-7 shape with hard finish. He rounds out his mix with a nasty cutter with plenty of life that appears like a sweeping slider. The pitch has lots of spin and gets whiffs at a high rate and should be at least above-average. Bidois’ control was spotty in his first year post-surgery, and he’ll need to show improvement in that regard to reach his ceiling as a late-inning reliever.
The Future: Bidois will move to High-A Greensboro in 2024, when he’ll look to improve his command to help his excellent arsenal become even nastier. If he succeeds early, he could see Double-A.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 50 | Cutter: 55 | Control: 40 -
BA Grade: 40/High
Track Record: In three seasons at Georgia Tech and a stint in the Cape Cod League, Gonzalez earned a rep as a professional hitter with an outstanding feel for the strike zone. He had more walks (91) than strikeouts (74) in college, though those numbers came without much power. The Pirates took him in the fifth round of the 2022 draft and signed him for $347,500. He spent most of the 2023 season at High-A Greensboro, where continued to show solid plate skills but without the impact needed for a corner outfield spot.
Scouting Report: Gonzalez’s offensive game is predicated on his strong idea of the strike zone. His exit velocities are below-average, but he does a nice job connecting with pitches in the zone. His barrel accuracy could stand to improve, and his bat path doesn’t keep the barrel in the zone long enough. Gonzalez is a fringy defender with a fringy arm who fits in a corner, which adds more pressure to develop the power necessary to profile at the position. Gonzalez is an average runner.
The Future: Gonzalez will head to Double-A in 2024. At Altoona, his developmental goals will involve cleanup of his bat path in order to tap into more impact. He’s likely a backup outfielder whose value is in the batter’s box.
Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 40 | Run: 50 | Field: 45 | Arm: 45 -
BA Grade: 40/High
Track Record: Bowen was taken by the Pirates in the 11th round of the 2019 draft. He played baseball and football in high school and was a three-star prospect as a wide receiver. He chose baseball and earned a $392,500 bonus to break his commitment to Michigan State. He got his feet wet in the Florida Complex League before the pandemic pushed back his first full season until 2021. He made it to Double-A for the first time in 2023 and then spent six weeks in the Arizona Fall League.
Scouting Report: Bowen has plenty of tools but will need to make much more contact to put everything together. The righthander hits the ball plenty hard--his 90th percentile exit velocity was 102.7 mph, maxed out at 112 mph and he led the system with 23 home runs--but he needs to make more contact. He missed at pitches both in and out of the zone and chased at a worse-than-average rate as well. He’s a plus runner and is one of the system’s best outfield defenders.
The Future: Bowen has plenty of tools and remaining upside to fit into a power-speed profile. If he can make more contact, he has a chance to move up this list in 2024, when he’ll spend most of the season in Double-A against much craftier pitchers than he faced in Class A.
Scouting Grades Hit: 30 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Field: 60 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 40/High
Track Record: Reed has an ideal pitcher’s build and remaining projection, which intrigued Pittsburgh enough to call his name in the fourth round of the 2023 draft. Reed worked exclusively as a reliever in his draft year, then signed for $597,500. He pitched in the Cape Cod League before his junior year and then in the MLB Draft League afterward. Reed made his pro debut with four outings in the Florida Complex League.
Scouting Report: Reed is almost certainly a relief-only prospect as a professional, but he has the big-time arsenal to be solid in that role. His fastball sits in the mid 90s and touches 98 with heavy sinking action. The velocity is amplified by the extension he gets from his lanky frame. Reed backs the fastball with a potentially plus slider in the low 80s and a changeup in the mid 80s that flashed average in his early pro outings. He has plenty of room on his frame to add more strength and velocity and might get to 100 mph on his fastball one day. His long arm action suggests that command and control will never be big parts of his game and will keep him in a reliever’s role long-term.
The Future: Reed will move to High-A in 2024 and could move quickly as a bullpen arm.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 35 -
BA Grade: 40/High
Track Record: In three seasons at Oregon State, Forrester proved himself as one of the Pac-12’s best hitters. He was part of the conference’s all-freshman team in 2021 and finished his career with 26 home runs in 177 games. The Pirates selected him in the third round, signed him for $772,500 and assigned him to Low-A Bradenton to begin his career. Forrester’s father played three seasons as a Dodgers minor leaguer.
Scouting Report: Forrester doesn’t have the skills for a prototype first baseman, but he can hit. He’s got solid bat-to-ball abilities and a keen eye for the strike zone. He walked more than he struck out during his college career, then did the same thing in his first test as a pro. Forrester shows an all-fields approach and should get to average power in time, and he posted an average exit velocity of 88 mph during his junior season with the Beavers. The righthanded hitter is an average defender with an average arm, though teams tried him at catcher in a few workouts before the draft.
The Future: Forrester will move to High-A in 2024 and will need to boost his power to profile as a first baseman. Greensboro’s cozy confines should help him in that regard.
Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Run: 40 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 50/Extreme
Track Record: Brazoban was the highest-dollar signing ($2 million) in the Pirates’ most recent international class, which opened on Jan. 15, 2024. He was lauded for his potential combination of power and speed.
Scouting Report: Brazoban has enviable size, loud tools and a shot to stick in center field. His lean frame has room to take more strength, which could amplify his raw and in-game power as he matures. Evaluators who saw Brazoban in games were less bullish on his bat-to-ball skills and could lead to a profile centered around power over hittability. He has enough speed now to stick in center field, but if he slows down he might get pushed to a corner.
The Future: Brazoban will begin his career in the DSL, where he’ll work to add hittability to his skill set.
Scouting Grades Hit: 40 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 50/Extreme
Track Record: Suero was part of the Padres’ 2022 international signing class that has already produced players who figured into two trades. Massive righthander Jarlin Susana was shipped to the Nationals in the Juan Soto deal, and Suero was dealt to the Pirates in the deal that brought Rich Hill and Ji-Man Choi to the Padres. Suero opened eyes during spring training and is one of the more intriguing prospects in the lower levels of Pittsburgh’s system.
Scouting Report: Suero is a classic tool shed who has a ceiling that needs plenty of time to develop. He’s a twitchy athlete with smooth swings from both sides of the plate and the potential for above-average power. His frame is loose and lanky, but there’s plenty of room to add more bulk. If that happens, his impact should be amplified. As it is, he produced below-average exit velocities and swung and missed a touch too often. He gets good reads in the outfield and can play center field for now but might move to a corner as his body fills out. Scouts who saw him this spring believe enough in his body’s future to project plus raw power one day.
The Future: When they dealt for him, the Pirates were betting on Suero’s upside. It will take years to reach that ceiling, but it might be worth the wait. He’ll head to Low-A Bradenton in 2024.
Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 55 | Field: 50 | Arm: 60 -
BA Grade: 40/Medium
Track Record: Williams was part of a star-studded Arizona State infield that in 2020 produced five draft picks, including four within the first 102 selections and No. 1 overall pick Spencer Torkelson. Williams went to Tampa Bay in the supplemental first round on the strength of standout defense that has been the hallmark of his career. He was dealt in 2023 in the deal that brought Robert Stephenson to the Rays.
Scouting Report: Six weeks after being traded, Williams made his big league debut. With Pittsburgh, he played to script and provided solid defense at shortstop with almost no offensive impact. He’s got excellent range and can make all the plays at shortstop, although his arm strength in the big leagues was below-average. He’s a plus runner, which helps him provide range to his right and left. He’s a passive hitter who makes solid contact on pitches in the zone but chased a bit too much during his time in the minor leagues. Despite decent exit velocities, his power is well below-average and he’s unlikely to produce double-digit home runs even if given regular playing time.
The Future: Williams stanched a wound left by the season-ending injury to Oneil Cruz. Once he returns, Williams’ playing time is likely to diminish and he’ll settle in as a defensive replacement in the late innings with a start every now and again.
Scouting Grades Hit: 30 | Power: 30 | Run: 60 | Field: 60 | Arm: 45 -
BA Grade: 40/Medium
Track Record: Wolf was drafted out of West Virginia in the fourth round of the 2021 draft and signed for $300,000. He lost most of his draft year when the pandemic cut short the 2020 college season, then returned for his senior campaign after going unselected. He was traded in 2023 as part of a three-player package that brought Rich Hill and Ji-Man Choi to San Diego. Wolf made his big league debut on July 22, when he was still with the Padres. He went five innings against the Tigers that day and earned his first big league win.
Scouting Report: Wolf’s raw stuff isn’t overpowering, but he gets his outs on the strength of his long levers and excellent extension. His fastball averages around 91 mph, and he backs the pitch with a slurvy slider in the mid 70s and a low-80s split-changeup. The changeup is his best secondary for swings and misses, while the breaking ball is a pitch he can land for strikes early in counts. He throws plenty of strikes and can deftly move his pitches around the zone to induce weak contact.
The Future: Aside from the spot start, Wolf spent his season at Double-A with both of his clubs. He’ll move to Triple-A in 2024 and fits best as a bulk reliever or a No. 5 starter on a second-division club.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 40 | Slider: 45 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 55 -
BA Grade: 45/High
Track Record: In 2021, Kennedy was part of USA Baseball’s 18U national team, where he was teammates with fellow Pirates prospect Termarr Johnson. He was the most talented player from New York available in the 2022 draft, and Pittsburgh chose him in the fourth round. He signed for a double-slot bonus of $1 million instead of heading to Louisiana State. He didn’t pitch after signing and made his pro debut in 2023. Kennedy split the year between the Florida Complex League and Low-A Bradenton and surrendered just 27 hits in 46.1 innings. His 55 strikeouts were the fourth-most in the FCL.
Scouting Report: Despite his eye-popping stats, Kennedy’s stuff doesn’t jump off the page. His fastball sits between 87-89 mph and plays up a little bit because of a lower release height. He pairs the pitch with a low-80s slider with spin rates around 2,500 rpm that gets whiffs at an above-average rate. Kennedy rounds out his mix with a mid-80s changeup he throws about 10% of the time. The lefty’s shorter arm path gives him a bit of deception, but there are concerns he doesn’t have enough remaining projection to add the necessary power to his arsenal.
The Future: Kennedy will return to Low-A in 2024. He needs to add strength to his frame to bring his stuff forward enough to survive as he moves through the system. Otherwise, he’s going to have trouble being more than a smoke-and-mirrors lefty who gets by on deception instead of stuff.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 45 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 55 -
BA Grade: 50/Extreme
Track Record: Shim was the top signing in Pittsburgh’s 2023 international class, which opened on Jan. 15. He was coveted because of his combination of physicality, polish and present stuff. He dealt with an elbow injury that cut short his 2021 season and then missed significant time again in 2023 with an injury to his pectoral muscles. He struck out 13 hitters in the eight innings he pitched before landing on the IL.
Scouting Report: In the brief time he was on the mound, Shim showed some of the best pure stuff in the Florida Complex League. His fastball sat between 95-98 mph with carry through the zone, and his curveball showed spin rates better than 3,000 rpm. He throws a slider as well, though sometimes the two breaking balls blend together. He and the Pirates worked to add a changeup to his mix as well. There were concerns about whether Shim had enough mobility in his hips to eventually handle a starter’s workload. They believe there was progress in that regard, but also acknowledge it might have led to the chest injury. Even in the brief time Shim pitched in games, scouts were impressed with his stuff, poise and calm demeanor on the hill.
The Future: Shim will turn 20 in the first week of the minor league season, and he might be advanced enough to jump to Low-A instead of returning to the FCL. He has some of the most eye-opening upside of any of the youngest arms in the Pirates’ system.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Control: 50 -
BA Grade: 50/Extreme
Track Record: Barco was a first-round talent out of high school but instead landed on campus in Gainesville, where he was part of Florida’s rotation for three seasons. The Pirates popped him in the second round of the 2022 draft and signed him for $1.52 million. He had Tommy John surgery in May of his junior season and didn’t make his pro debut until July 20. He split the 2023 season between the Florida Complex League and Low-A Bradenton.
Scouting Report: The Pirates selected Barco after he’d had his surgery because they believed his upside was worth the wait. In limited action, they began to see some of his potential. His two-seam fastball sat between 92-94 mph with solid sinking life, and his four-seamer sat in the same range with excellent horizontal break. Barco pairs his fastballs with a short slider in the low 80s. The Pirates had Barco tweak the grip on the pitch during instructional league to give it more of a gyro shape. He also throws a split-changeup in the mid 80s. In combination, Barco has weapons to attack both vertically and horizontally. He’s a strong worker who is motivated to get back to the version of himself he showed before the surgery.
The Future: The 2024 season will be big for Barco as he gets further away from surgery. Scouts believed the lefthander had a high floor when he came out of college. Now, it’s about getting him healthy enough to begin to show it again.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 50 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 55 -
BA Grade: 50/Extreme
Track Record: White was a highly valued prospect in the 2021 draft based on an athletic skill set that earned him a scholarship offer to play baseball and football at Penn State. Instead, the Pirates chose him with the No. 64 pick and gave him a $1.5 million bonus. Three seasons later, injuries have kept him off the field and his talent under wraps. Sixty-one of his 71 career games came in 2023.
Scouting Report: Though the early portion of his career has been extremely limited, White’s tools still are intact and intriguing. Scouts see a player with three above-average or plus tools, including speed that grades out as a 60. His hit tool lags behind, but the Pirates are working with White to get it closer to average. Specifically, they’re working to get his body a bit more loose and improve his bat angle to create a better path through the zone that adds a little more loft. White was rusty as expected, and he whiffed in-zone at rates that don’t indicate a pure hitter. He didn’t chase much, however, and his exit velocities were solid. White is a pure center fielder with above-average defense and an average arm.
The Future: Simply staying on the field for an extended period was a boon for White’s career. He should spend his 2024 season at the Class A levels, and he is one of the system’s prime breakout candidates if he can stay healthy. He has a ceiling as a well-rounded center fielder.
Scouting Grades Hit: 40 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Field: 55 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 50/Extreme
Track Record: As an amateur, Mueth was lauded for his combination of present stuff and remaining projection. The Pirates took him in the supplemental second round and signed him away from a commitment to Mississippi with a bonus of $1,797,500. He didn’t pitch after signing and instead focused on developing a routine and getting on a throwing program that would help him better acclimate to pro ball.
Scouting Report: Mueth has a quick arm and throws from a tough angle that varies from low three-quarters to fully sidearm. His fastball can sit between 92-95 and touch up to 97 mph with armside run and sink that should induce plenty of grounders. He pairs the fastball with an above-average slider with sweeping break that should get plenty of swings and misses at the end of at-bats. He rounds out the mix with a changeup in the low 80s that also gets plenty of drop. Like his slider, the changeup flashes the potential to be above-average. When his delivery is together, he’s extremely difficult to hit. Now, he needs to do that more often. Streamlining his delivery and making it repeatable will be job one as soon as he makes his professional debut.
The Future: If it all comes together he could be a dominant part of a starting rotation. That’s especially if he continues packing good weight and strength onto his frame. If not, his fastball-slider combination would be an excellent addition to the back of a bullpen. He’ll likely debut in the Florida Complex League with a chance to reach Low-A by the end of the 2024 season.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 45 -
BA Grade: 40/Medium
Track Record: After being selected in the second round of the 2019 draft, Gorski immediately earned a rep as a tooled-up player who could be polished into a high-upside player if he could bring his hitting ability forward. He showed major progress in that regard during the 2022 season after rebuilding his swing in the offseason and produced a .956 OPS before a quad injury ended his season. Gorski’s issues with swinging and missing popped up again in 2023, which was spent mostly at Double-A.
Scouting Report: As ever, Gorski’s biggest questions revolve around his hit tool. He struck out at a 25% clip in 2023. His rates of chase and miss--both in zone and out--were subpar, and he was particularly vexed upon a promotion to Triple-A. When he did connect, he produced a 90th percentile exit velocity of 105.9 mph, well above-average when compared to his peers. Even if he doesn’t hit, Gorski’s defense and speed could get him to the big leagues. He’s a plus runner who can deftly man center field and both corners. If he moves to a corner, his double-plus arm would fit easily in right field or make him even more of an asset if he sticks in center field.
The Future: For the second straight season, Gorski was unprotected and unpicked in the Rule 5 draft. To reach his ceiling, he’ll need to control the strike zone better. If he does, his strength and power will play up. If not, he fits as a fourth outfielder who provides speed and outstanding defense.
Scouting Grades Hit: 40 | Power: 50 | Run: 60 | Field: 60 | Arm: 70 -
BA Grade: 40/Medium
Track Record: After spending his high school days in Connecticut, Burrows was slated to join the home-state Huskies for his collegiate career. Instead, the Pirates came calling in the 11th round and signed him for $500,000. He got to the upper levels in 2022 and also made an appearance in Dodger Stadium for the Futures Game. He’s missed significant time with injuries, including ones to his oblique in 2021, shoulder in 2022 and Tommy John surgery in April of 2023.
Scouting Report: At his best, Burrows works primarily with two pitches: a mid-90s four-seam fastball with plenty of carry through the zone and a 77-81 mph downer curveball with spin rates that average around 2,900 rpm. In tandem, the two pitches create a powerful north-south attack. He also mixes in a changeup in the mid 80s. The Pirates believe he can get the pitch to average, and he threw it more often in 2022, but the injury and missed development time have curtailed that progress. The Pirates were also planning to add a second breaking ball to his mix that could have helped him navigate lineups second and third times in his quest to remain a starter. He has a repeatable delivery and an overhand slot with potentially average control.
The Future: Before the injury, Burrows had a path to becoming a No. 4 starter with the fallback of landing as a powerful reliever toward the end of a game. After a return from the surgery, the latter path is more likely. He could make his big league debut in 2024.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 60 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 50 -
BA Grade: 40/Medium
Track Record: Nicolas showcased plenty of high-octane stuff as an amateur, but really began shooting up draft boards when he started throwing more strikes during his junior year at Ball State. The Marlins popped him with their second-round pick, then traded him to the Pirates with outfielder Connor Scott in exchange for catcher Jacob Stallings. He made his big league debut on Sept. 19 and got into four games.
Scouting Report: Nicolas is a big, strong righthander with stuff as powerful as his build would suggest. As a starter, he worked with a full four-pitch complement that included four- and two-seam fastballs, a pair of breaking balls and a changeup. After shifting to a relief role, that mix winnowed to a combination predicated upon his four-seamer and slider with an occasional curveball. His fastball averaged 97 mph, while his slider came in around 90 mph. His pitch mix plays up because of extension close to 7 feet. Now, he needs to throw more strikes. The Pirates believe the move to the bullpen will increase his margin for error and will allow him to have a more aggressive mindset. Doing so, they believe, will also help him get more swings and misses. Nicolas is a hard worker who loves to challenge hitters so the move into a relief role could be for the best.
The Future: Nicolas is likely a reliever only from now on. If he can improve his strike-throwing, he could be a weapon at the end of games.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 40 | Slider: 60 | Control: 40 -
BA Grade: 45/High
Track Record: Brannigan was a two-way talent at Notre Dame, where he was a fireballing reliever out of the bullpen who brought his fastball into the upper 90s. That same arm strength served him well as the team’s everyday third baseman. The Pirates took Brannigan in the third round of the 2022 draft and signed him for $770,700. He reached Low-A in his first pro season, then returned to the level in 2023. Brannigan made it to High-A but missed enough time with quad injuries that he made up for lost time in the Arizona Fall League.
Scouting Report: Brannigan’s best assets are on display when he’s in the field. He’s the best infield defender in the organization and has the strongest throwing arm as well. Scouts have him as a plus shortstop with double-plus arm strength. Brannigan has plenty of power too, but he has too much swing-and-miss in his game and the Pirates would like him to create a more varied bat path and add more stability in his lower half. He struck out at a clip of nearly 30% in the minors, then saw that figure escalate during his time in the AFL. His chase rates are roughly average, but he whiffs too often at pitches both in and out of the zone.
The Future: Brannigan should reach Double-A Altoona in 2024. If he cuts down his swing and miss, he could greatly raise his stock. At worst, his defense could make him an asset in the big leagues who hits at the bottom of the order and provides the occasional longball.
Scouting Grades Hit: 40 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Field: 60 | Arm: 70 -
BA Grade: 45/High
Track Record: After a decorated career at Michigan State, Jebb was the Pirates’ choice with their second-round selection and signed for a bonus of $1,647,500. He made the Big Ten’s All-Freshman team in 2021. He was even better in his sophomore season, then put together a standout stint in the Cape Cod League. He began his pro career in Low-A Bradenton and put together a solid opening act, including a .780 OPS and 11 stolen bases. He finished his college career with more walks (82) than strikeouts (68) and continued that trend in the first stages of his professional career.
Scouting Report: Jebb’s game is based around contact and speed. His swing is unorthodox but he can be short and quick to the ball and manipulate the barrel to different sectors of the strike zone. Though he’s never hit for much impact, the Pirates believe there’s more to come after seeing him reach the upper deck at PNC Park in a pre-draft workout. He’s also shown the chops to filet balls to the opposite field. Jebb has plus speed, but his fringy throwing arm might force him off of shortstop as he moves up the ladder. He’s an average defender at the position now, and his speed might make center field an option as well.
The Future: Jebb will move to High-A Greensboro in 2024. The hitter-friendly environment there will give him a power boost. If he reaches his ceiling, he could be a middle-diamond defender who hits toward the bottom of the lineup.
Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 40 | Run: 60 | Field: 50 | Arm: 45 -
BA Grade: 50/High
Track Record: In high school, Ashcraft’s big frame and athleticism made him an outstanding enough wide receiver to catch 37 touchdowns in his junior season. He focused on the diamond exclusively in his senior year and showed well both on the mound and in the batter’s box. The Pirates drafted him in the second round in 2018 and signed him for $1.825 million. Since then, his career has been waylaid a bit, first by the pandemic and then by Tommy John surgery which limited his 2021 season to 38.2 innings and erased his 2022 season entirely. He got back on the hill in 2023 and impressed at High-A and Double-A while dealing with a carefully managed workload.
Scouting Report: In his return to the mound, Ashcraft impressed by mixing power stuff with superb control. He starts his repertoire with a four-seam fastball that sat at 95 mph and showed impressive life through the zone. The fastball was backed with a slider, a curveball and an occasional cutter. Part of Ashcraft’s development will involve making sure he varies the shapes on the cutter and slider to make them distinct offerings. Scouts peg his slider, which sat around 87 mph, as a potentially plus pitch, and rated his low-80s curveball as a future above-average offering. His cutter sat around the same velocity as his slider but was thrown just 5% of the time. Ashcraft has thrown a changeup but mostly shelved it in 2023 in order to focus on other areas of development. He ties his mix together with outstanding control that allowed him to throw strikes at a rate of 70% across all three of his stops.
The Future: The Pirates will have to continue to carefully manage Ashcraft’s workload in 2024, but what they saw in 2023 adds yet another interesting pitching prospect to their system. He should reach Triple-A and has an outside chance of making his MLB debut at some point in the second half.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 60 -
BA Grade: 45/Medium
Track Record: Gonzales was celebrated as one of the best pure hitters in the nation as a New Mexico State junior in 2020, when he was drafted No. 7 overall and signed for $5,432,400. His early career was marred by injuries--including a broken finger in 2021 and a torn plantar fascia in his heel in 2022--but he stayed healthy enough in 2023 to play a career-high 134 games. That mark included 36 games in the big leagues, where he struggled with strikeouts before being optioned back to Triple-A for August and most of September.
Scouting Report: Gonzales hit .399 in three college seasons in the thin New Mexico air, but despite those gaudy numbers he faced questions. Specifically, evaluators wondered how much of his success was a product of the quality of Western Athletic Conference pitching and high elevation. The root of Gonzales’ MLB struggles is his swing, which is short, quick and powerful, but also takes the barrel in and out of the zone too quickly. The result is a swing that gives pitchers many holes to exploit, especially with offspeed pitches. The Pirates believe Gonzales’ struggles in that area were made clear in the big leagues and are pleased with the progress he made upon returning to the minor leagues. Gonzales’ batted-ball data points to a potentially average slugger, and his speed is above-average. He’s a fringy defender at second base with an average arm.
The Future: Gonzales’ ceiling is as an offensive-minded second baseman, but he’ll have to continue to improve his swing to reach those heights. He will have to outplay Oneil Cruz, Termarr Johnson and Liover Peguero for regular play in the Pirates’ middle infield of the future.
Scouting Grades Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 55 | Field: 45 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 45/Medium
Track Record: Priester was the Pirates’ first-round pick in 2019, when the Illinois prep product earned a $3.4 million bonus. The righthander was impressive in his first taste of pro ball, split between the Florida Complex League and Low-A. He spent 2020 at the team’s alternate training site, then moved quickly once the minor leagues resumed. After missing time early in 2023 with an oblique injury, Priester reached Triple-A before his 22nd birthday, then made his MLB debut on July 17. He will graduate from prospect status with his next out in the major leagues.
Scouting Report: Priester dealt with fluctuations to his fastball velocity early in 2023 and was hit hard as a result. He and the Pirates worked to steady his lower half, which helped him regain the ticks he’d lost on his heater, and he averaged 93 mph in the big leagues. Priester’s best offspeed pitch is his curveball, a high-70s downer that has been one of his signatures throughout his career. The righthander also had to learn to show more trust in his slider, which the team believed he had been babying to achieve better shape rather than throwing it with conviction. Priester’s changeup lost effectiveness at points during the season because its velocity did not drop along with his fastball’s, which led to much less separation between the pitches. Now, Priester will have to throw more strikes after walking nearly 12% of big league batters faced. If he can improve that figure a few ticks, he could fit in the back of the Pirates’ rotation.
The Future: Priester will enter 2024 with a clear chance to seize a roster spot in Pittsburgh on Opening Day. To do so, he’ll need to maintain consistency throughout his repertoire and improve his control. If he does that, he has the upside of a No. 4 starter.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 45 -
BA Grade: 50/High
Track Record: Cheng was signed out of Taiwan in 2019 but didn’t make his official pro debut until 2021, when the minor leagues resumed following the canceled 2020 season. He moved a level a year in 2021 and 2022--first in the Florida Complex League and then at Low-A--before kicking it into overdrive in 2023, when he split the season between High-A Greensboro and Double-A Altoona. At both stops, Cheng showed his signature mix of contact, speed and a smattering of power. His overall numbers were boosted by the hitter-friendly atmosphere at Greensboro, but two strong months at Double-A lent credence to his level of skill.
Scouting Report: Cheng’s game is built around contact, which shows up in person and in batted-ball data. Scouts report a player with excellent bat control, and he finished the year with respective overall and zone miss rates of 21.6% and 15.8%. He doesn’t hit the ball particularly hard, but he has just enough thump to shoot balls from gap to gap and let his plus speed play on the basepaths. Internal evaluators would like him to narrow his approach to center more around pitches he can damage rather than simply putting the bat on the ball. Cheng must also improve against lefthanders, who carved him during his time at Double-A. He’s a slick, twitchy defender at shortstop with more than enough arm for the position, but he also moved over to second base for 40 games to help increase his versatility. That could come in handy considering the glut of potential middle infielders in the Pirates organization.
The Future: Cheng will likely return to Double-A to begin 2024 and should finish the year on the precipice of the big leagues. He’s one of the system’s sneakier hitting prospects and could be a player who finds everyday time and provides value on both sides of the ball.
Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 60 | Field: 55 | Arm: 55 -
BA Grade: 50/High
Track Record: Harrington’s profile involves more than a bit of projection and development. He didn’t start pitching full-time until his junior year of high school in Sanford, N.C., and the pandemic limited his senior year to one start. He walked on at Campbell and became the team’s Friday starter by the time he was drafted in 2022, when he was a sophomore. Pittsburgh chose him with their supplemental first-round pick and signed him for $2.047 million. He pitched at two Class A levels in his 2023 pro debut, primarily High-A Greensboro.
Scouting Report: Harrington’s mix starts with a four-seam fastball that sits around 93 mph but plays up because of high spin rates and excellent life through the zone. The pitch is further amplified by a lower release height and angle created in his delivery. Harrington threw his fastball effectively in and out of the zone, earning high rates of both miss and chase. The righthander backs up his fastball primarily with two pitches. The first is a short, sweeping slider in the low 80s that he can land in the zone for a called strike or spin out of the zone for chases. He rounds out his mix with a mid-80s changeup that he shows solid feel to throw but still could use further development and consistency. Harrington also throws a two-seam fastball in the same velocity range as his four-seamer and will flip in an occasional cutter as well. The latter pitch could become a bigger part of his arsenal in coming seasons. He threw all of his pitches for strikes in volume and quality. All together, Harrington’s mix gives him a variety of shapes and velocities to disperse throughout the strike zone to hitters of both hands.
The Future: The 2024 season, which will likely begin in Double-A, should provide a clearer picture of Harrington’s direction and future. For now, he could fit in the back of a rotation.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 60 -
BA Grade: 55/High
Track Record: When the Pirates cut an under-slot deal with catcher Henry Davis--whom they selected No. 1 overall in 2021--they used the savings to add high-end high school talent to their system. One such pitcher was Solometo, who got $2.8 million to break his commitment to North Carolina. Solometo did not pitch in his draft year, then made his pro debut with 13 outings at Low-A Bradenton. He split the 2023 season between High-A Greensboro and Double-A Altoona. His overall 3.26 ERA ranked inside the top 20 for pitchers with at least 100 innings.
Scouting Report: Solometo’s long, winding arm action from the left side evokes the obvious comparisons and spurs the expected questions. His delivery calls to mind Madison Bumgarner, and scouts wonder if he’ll throw a high volume of quality strikes. Early in 2023, his command was not good. Over his first seven starts, Solometo issued 21 walks in 29.2 innings. The Pirates challenged Solometo to pound the zone and let his stuff do its job, and the results were stark. He walked just four hitters over his next five starts--a span of 29 innings--and earned a bump to Double-A. Solometo’s mix includes four- and two-seam fastballs in the low 90s, a slider in the mid 80s and a low-80s changeup. His two-seamer and slider each have a chance to be plus pitches. Scouts believe his changeup, though it is a bit further behind, could get to above-average with further development. Solometo will always have work to maintain the consistency of his slinging arm action to achieve average control and command. If 2023 is any indication, he’s up to the challenge.
The Future: Solometo should reach Triple-A at some point in 2024--if not on Opening Day--and his major league debut sometime in the second half is a possibility. He could fit in the middle of a rotation.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 50 -
BA Grade: 55/High
Track Record: In 2022, Johnson was one of a handful of candidates to be drafted first overall. The Orioles chose Jackson Holliday at 1-1 rather than Druw Jones or Johnson, who fell to Pittsburgh at fourth overall. The Pirates signed him for $7,219,000, the third-highest bonus in franchise history behind only Gerrit Cole and Paul Skenes. Lauded as one of the purest prep hitters in years, Johnson reached Low-A Bradenton in his draft year, then split 2023 between Low-A and High-A Greensboro. He played a bit of catchup in the early going after a hamstring injury sidelined him for much in the spring and delayed his season debut until April 21.
Scouting Report: After roughly a season’s worth of games, Johnson appears to have two distinct paths as a hitter. If he continues his trend from 2023, he will be a player who hits for a low average, draws a ton of walks and uses electric bat speed to hit long home runs to his pull side. If he varies his approach a bit and makes better swing decisions, he can trade some of those walks for hits and live up to his amateur billing as a player who can use a supremely gifted set of hands and a whip-quick bat to hit for both average and power. Though he was drafted as a shortstop, Johnson has played second base nearly exclusively as a pro and did not get a game on the left side after moving to High-A. He has an average arm and has a chance to be average at second base, though scouts noted his thicker lower half, which will have to be maintained as he matures in order to keep the necessary range. He’s an average runner, though evaluators have seen him kick it up a notch when he smells extra bases.
The Future: Johnson is likely to return to High-A to begin 2024. His future hinges on the offensive approach he decides to employ as he moves through the minor leagues.
Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 55/High
Track Record: Jones was the Pirates’ third pick in the shortened 2020 draft, but his $2.2 million bonus was the second-highest in their class. He was a two-way talent as an amateur and was a regular on USA Baseball’s national teams. Jones spent all of 2022 at High-A Greensboro, where he racked up a system-high 122.2 innings. His track accelerated in 2023, when he split his season between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Altoona. His 146 strikeouts were tied at the top of the system with 2022 supplemental first-rounder Thomas Harrington.
Scouting Report: In 2022, one of Jones’ biggest focuses was becoming a more mature pitcher and finding a way to respond more constructively to failure. That season, he would let mistakes spiral and begin to overthrow, leading to poor command and big innings for his opponent. A more even keel in 2023 helped Jones blossom, but it wasn’t the only factor. The righthander also altered the way he threw his changeup. Instead of pronating his wrist, he snapped down and through the ball in a way that mimicked his hand action on his four-seam fastball. He also changed the grip on his slider to help him hold its higher-end velocity deeper into games. All together, Jones’ arsenal--fronted by a potentially double-plus mid-90s fastball and a plus high-80s slider and backed by an above-average downer curveball and a fringy changeup--includes weapons for both righties and lefties. After a stellar turn in Double-A, Jones ran into a bit more trouble at Triple-A, where his walk rate dropped but his home run rate rose. He’ll also need to maintain consistency in his delivery, which led to some of his more uneven outings in 2023.
The Future: In 2024, Jones will return to Triple-A, where he’ll work to sharpen his command. He should see the big leagues at some point and has the ceiling of a midrotation starter.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 45 -
BA Grade: 55/High
Track Record: In 2021, the Pirates had the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. With no consensus player available, they chose Henry Davis, signed him to an under-slot deal, and used the savings to gamble on several high-upside prep prospects. One such prospect was Chandler, a two-way talent from Georgia with considerable athleticism and a high ceiling as a pitcher. He continued hitting for the first two seasons of his pro career before focusing solely on pitching in 2023, when he began polishing his rough edges and hinting at what could be a very bright future. He spun five no-hit innings with eight strikeouts in his lone start for Double-A Altoona.
Scouting Report: Though Chandler struggled early in the season, there was no point when his pure stuff was questioned. His four-seam fastball, which sat in the mid 90s and peaked a few ticks higher, showed above-average life and got plenty of misses and chases. Chandler’s primary offspeed weapon is a mid-80s slider with snappy action that scouts project as at least a future above-average pitch. His third pitch is a changeup that averaged around 88 mph and was thrown roughly 10% of the time. The pitch showed above-average life and projects to be a 55 on the 20-80 scouting scale. The key to Chandler’s improvements in 2023 was an improved ability to throw his offspeed pitches for strikes. Once that happened, hitters could no longer eliminate them immediately as pitches designed solely to be chased. That improvement was stark after the first two months of the season. In April and May, Chandler walked 27 hitters and struck out 39. From June on, he walked 24 hitters and struck out 89.
The Future: Chandler will return to Double-A in 2024 and will get a full year of experience against savvier hitters. There’s still plenty of development remaining, but he has the upside of a No. 3 starter.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 45 -
BA Grade: 65/High
Track Record: For two seasons at Air Force, Skenes was a talented two-way prospect with upside on the mound and in the batter’s box. He also spent summers in the Cape Cod League and with USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team. He transferred to Louisiana State before the 2023 season, ditched the lumber and entered his draft year as one of the best pitchers in his class. Five months later, he had helped lead LSU to a College World Series championship while cementing himself as the best arm on the board and one of a handful of serious candidates--along with LSU teammate Dylan Crews--to go No. 1 overall. The Pirates called Skenes’ name first on draft day, then signed him for a draft-record $9.2 million. A pick later, the Nationals chose Crews, marking the first time two teammates had gone off the board with the first two selections. Skenes moved quickly in pro ball, reaching Double-A on Aug. 26. He was shut down just before a scheduled start with Altoona against Harrisburg, which could have led to his first showdown with Crews as a professional.
Scouting Report: One of the biggest keys to Skenes’ success in pro ball will revolve around the quality of his fastball. Questions arose about the pitch’s shape and whether--even if he can maintain its upper-90s velocity on a professional schedule--it would play against better hitters. If it becomes an issue, there are multiple avenues to explore, including changing the grip or the emphasis of a two-seamer as a way to continue the east-west profile created by his sweeping slider. In pro ball, Skenes threw his two-seamer at a 44% clip, far more often than his four-seamer. His sweeper was an adjustment that came about through work at LSU, where pitching coach Wes Johnson helped him alter the pitch’s shape from its former, shorter-breaking iteration. As an amateur, scouts projected Skenes’ changeup as a potentially plus pitch. To reach that upside, he’ll need to throw the pitch more often. At LSU, Skenes threw the changeup just 7% of the time. In his brief pro experience, that jumped to 17%. At its best, the pitch is thrown in the upper 80s and features sharp fade and drop, but there’s work to do in order to get it consistently to that ceiling. The Pirates have already worked with Skenes to find a grip that works best. Skenes also has size, athleticism and an outstanding work ethic that should allow him to get the most out of his ability, while also keeping himself open to attacking new challenges as he develops.
The Future: Between college and pro ball, Skenes threw 129.1 innings in 2023, well beyond the 89.1 he threw in 2022 between Air Force and summer ball. After an offseason of rest, he will return poised to begin climbing toward his ceiling as a top-end starter who could make his MLB debut in 2024. n
Scouting Grades Fastball: 70 | Slider: 70 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 60
Draft Prospects
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School: Iowa Colony HS, Rosharon, Tex. Committed: Mississippi State. Age At Draft: 18.8
Brown has good armside run on a fastball that touches 93 mph. When it’s at its best, his mid-70s slider can miss bats and he flashes some feel for a changeup as well. -
School: Tuscola HS, Waynesville, N.C. Committed: North Carolina. Age At Draft: 18.9
With velocity trending up, Rich has reached 91 mph and should have more on the way as he fills out his lean 6-foot-2 frame. It’s a lively, riding fastball from his high slot that he uses to attack up in the zone and above barrels for swing-and-miss. He shows feel to spin a low-to-mid 70s curveball that’s ahead of his changeup. -
School: South Salem (Oreg.) HS. Committed: Oregon State. Age At Draft: 18.1
Scott has good bat control that results in a low swing-and-miss rate with a line-drive approach and gap power. He has the tools to stick behind the plate with an accurate arm to record pop times just under 2.0 seconds on his best throws. -
School: Chaminade-Madonna College Prep HS, Hollywood, Fla. Committed: South Carolina. Age At Draft: 18.8
Krasner pitches off a lively fastball with good armide run that’s typically in the upper 80s and has touched 90 mph. He pitches from a sound delivery and has room to fill out his projectable 6-foot-3 frame and eventually pitch more consistently in the low 90s or better. Krasner has feel to manipulate multiple secondary offerings, including a low-to-mid 70s curveball with good shape that he can use to freeze hitters as well as an upper-70s changeup that flashes heavy action. -
School: Mount Carmel HS, Chicago, Ill. Committed: Louisville. Age At Draft: 19.1
McQuillan has a strong, physically mature build for his age and some of the better lefthanded power in the 2026 class. He sets up at the plate with an open stance and doesn’t have to overswing to produce that power, projecting to play a corner infield or outfield spot at the next level. -
School: Arbor View HS, Las Vegas, Nev. Committed: LSU. Age At Draft: 19.0
Christman had been in the 2027 class until the end of the 2024 summer, when he reclassified to become a 2026. He has a big fastball from the left side with the ability to reach 94 mph, though he’s still learning to throw it for strikes consistently, with feel for a slider that’s ahead of his changeup. -
School: Lipscomb Academy, Nashville, Tenn. Committed: Tennessee. Age At Draft: 19.0
Dugan is an athletic shortstop with above-average speed. He performed well throughout the summer circuit in 2024, spreading line drives around the field with gap power. -
School: Saguaro HS, Scottsdale, Ariz. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.9
Originally from Venezuela, Gomez moved to Arizona, where scouts got a lot of looks at him during his sophomore year when he was the catcher for lefthander Cam Caminiti, the Braves’ 2024 first-round pick. Gomez is a switch-hitter with good bat speed, but defense is his calling card. He has the ability to back pick runners and produce pop times under 1.9 seconds on his best throws thanks to his above-average arm and quick exchange. -
School: Nazareth Academy, La Grange Park, Ill. Committed: Tennessee. Age At Draft: 18.6
The son of Hall of Fame first baseman Jim Thome, Landon stood out in August 2024 when he earned player of the week honors at the Area Code Games underclass event. He has good balance in his compact lefthanded swing, staying inside the ball well to manipulate the barrel. He’s a solid-average runner with the defensive skill set to play somewhere in the infield at the next level. -
School: Garden City (Mich.) HS. Committed: Michigan. Age At Draft: 18.6
Armstrong has a big fastball for his age, dialing it up to 94 mph. He mixes in a slider, curveball and changeup, with his slider the most advanced of his secondary stuff showing short, late bite when it’s at its best. -
School: Abington Heights HS, Summit, Pa. Committed: Auburn. Age At Draft: 18.6
An athletic pitcher with a strong fastball, Bradley has sound mechanics, compact arm action and repeats his delivery well to pound the strike zone. He has been up to 92 mph, with room to fill out his broad-shouldered build and reach the mid 90s. He has a low-80s slider that has solid action at times and shows feel for a changeup that should become a bigger part of his arsenal as he moves up. -
School: Richmond Hill HS, Queens, N.Y. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.1
Young for the class with a loose, fast arm from the left side, Ortiz reaches the low 90s from a low-effort operation and has the look of a pitcher who should be throwing in the mid 90s or better by the time the 2026 draft nears. His control will need to take a step forward, but his athleticism should help, with feel for both a slider that has good spin and lateral break and his changeup as well. -
School: Tomball (Tex.) HS. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 19.1
Reeder has a tall, projectable 6-foot-4 frame, good pitchability and a fastball that has reached 91 mph. He pitches from a tall-and-fall delivery and should have more velocity in the tank once he packs on more weight and refines his mechanical efficiency. His lively changeup has good sink, fade and separation off his fastball, with a mid-70s slider and slower curveball as well. -
School: Providence HS, Jacksonville, Fla. Committed: Mississippi. Age At Draft: 18.1
Pitching with a fastball that parks in the mid 80s, Walls’ velocity isn’t as advanced as some of the other top pitchers in the class, but he’s young for his class, has a lot of room to fill out his projectable 6-foot-3 frame and an innate ability to spin his breaking stuff. His mid-to-upper 70s curveball can crack above 3,000 rpm at times with sharp, tight break to become a true out pitch and he has flashed feel for a changeup as well. -
School: Battle HS, Columbia, Mo. Committed: Tennessee. Age At Draft: 18.1
Already up to 93 mph, Putnam has a long, lanky 6-foot-5 frame that once he fills out should have him throwing in the mid 90s soon with the upside to be throwing even harder. His fastball is his best pitch, with a mid-to-upper 70s slider that he leans on more than his changeup. -
School: Monona Grove (Wisc.) HS. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.9
Hitting from a tall, upright stance, Moreau has strong, fast hands and an athletic 6-foot-3 build with significant room to add strength. He’s a plus runner underway and the frame that points to bigger home run juice once he fills out. -
School: Silverado HS, Las Vegas, N.V. Committed: TCU. Age At Draft: 19.1
Guariglia is a 6-foot righthander with a strong, physically mature frame for his age. There’s some effort to his delivery but he throws a lot of strikes and has a pair of pitches that stick out, including a fastball that has touched 94 mph with good carrying life. His upper-70s curveball is a high-spin pitch that has sharp bite to miss bats when it’s at its best. -
School: Rockwall (Tex.) HS. Committed: Arkansas. Age At Draft: 18.8
Cheek has good bat-to-ball skills from a simple righthanded swing, spreading line drives around the field with gap power. He’s an average runner with an average arm and the tools to play a middle infield spot at the next level. -
School: Stoneman Douglas HS, Parkland, Fla. Committed: Florida. Age At Draft: 18.8
Laurel has a strong, well-proportioned 6-foot frame, good bat speed and makes hard contact with a pull approach and a good offensive track record. He projects as a corner outfielder with an above-average arm that fits in right field. -
School: Larry A. Ryle HS, Union, Kent. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.3
Curry offers a good mix of contact skills and power potential from the left side of the plate. An average runner, Curry has a loose, fluid stroke with strong hands, fast bat speed and flashes of over-the-fence power now that should grow as he gets stronger. -
School: Flowery Branch (Ga.) HS. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 19.3
Ojeda has a patient approach and good bat-to-ball skills from the left side, generating good bat speed and loft in his swing to use the whole field. His above-average speed gives him a chance to play center field. -
School: Poly Prep Country Day HS, Brooklyn, N.Y. Committed: Vanderbilt. Age At Draft: 18.3
Lean, loose and flexible, Hinojosa is up to 91 mph with the arm speed that suggests more velocity on the way. He shows feel for two secondary pitches with his mid-to-upper-70s curveball in the 2,300-2,600 rpm range and a mid-80s changeup. -
School: Hoover (Ala.) HS. Committed: Alabama. Age At Draft: 18.3
Adams offers a promising blend of hitting ability and power. He can sting balls with 100-plus mph exit velocities and doesn’t have to sell out his swing to generate that power, with defensive tools that fit best at first base. -
School: Basic HS, Henderson, Nev. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.6
Southisene is the younger brother of shortstop Ty Southisene, who was a Cubs fourth-round pick out of high school in 2024, and shortstop Tate Southisene, a prominent prospect in the 2025 high school class. Troy has similar hitting mannerisms and is another player in the family with good hand-eye coordination and advanced instincts for the game. He has experience both at shortstop and in center field, reading the ball well off the bat at both positions. He’s a high-contact hitter with gap power. -
School: St. Joseph Catholic Academy, Kenosha, Wisc. Committed: Louisville. Age At Draft: 18.8
Santarelli has a strong, physically mature build for his age and an efficient lefthanded swing. It’s a compact stroke with good rhythm, timing and the strength behind his swing to drive the ball for extra-base damage. -
School: Marantha HS, Pasadena, Calif. Committed: TCU. Age At Draft: 18.1
On the younger end of the 2026 class, Zdunek is an aggressive hitter with good bat control. He’s a corner outfielder with a simple swing, good timing, an accurate barrel and the strength projection in his 6-foot-2 frame for more of his doubles to start flying over the fence in the next few years. -
School: Franklin HS, Elk Grove, Calif. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.4
With a hitterish look from the left side, Minnatee starts with a slightly open setup, strides into a closed off stance and keeps his hands quiet before firing a simple, compact swing. It’s impressive barrel control with a knack for driving balls the other way and to the middle of the field for deep alleys power. -
School: Basic HS, Henderson, Nev. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.5
Giles has a sound lefthanded swing with good bat-to-ball skills. He has the raw power to drive the ball out of the park too, though in games his approach is geared more toward putting the ball in play and getting on base. He’s not a burner runner but he has good instincts in the outfield. -
School: Pennsbury HS, Fairless Hills, Penn. Committed: Vanderbilt. Age At Draft: 18.1
Bradley has outstanding physical projection in his lanky 6-foot-5 frame. He’s one of the youngest players in the class and has a ton of room to fill out and add to a fastball that has touched 91 mph. He’s still learning to sync up his long limbs to throw more consistent strikes, with a slider that’s ahead of his changeup. -
School: South Gibson County HS, Medina, Tenn. Committed: Tennessee. Age At Draft: 18.4
A high-level strike-thrower, Allen fires fastballs up to 92 mph from his long, slinging arm stroke, getting deep into his legs to deliver the ball from a low release height and good extension. His slider isn’t a high-spin pitch but it has good lateral break to help him miss bats, while his changeup is an advanced pitch for his age with a lot of horizontal run. -
School: DePaul Catholic HS, Wayne, N.J. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.1
One of the better hitters in the northeast, Pacheco takes a short, quick swing from the left side with a good bat path and feel to manipulate the barrel with gap power. Likely a third baseman at the next level, Pacheco has shown good defensive instincts as well. -
School: Salisburg (Conn.) School. Committed: Mississippi State. Age At Draft: 18.6
Bright is an athletic lefty with electric arm speed. He reached 94 mph in 2023 when he was 15, though he had Tommy John surgery in January 2024, but he’s on track to return for 2025. -
School: Georgia Premier Academy, Statesboro, Ga. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 19.0
Romero has a projectable frame, good arm action and excellent stuff for his age. He pitches off a fastball that’s up to 94 mph with bigger velocity coming once he fills out. Romero has feel to spin a pair of sharp breaking balls with his curveball and slider that gives him the stuff to miss a lot of bats. His control is still erratic, but he could shoot up this list if he’s able to throw more strikes. -
School: Bakersfield (Calif.) Christian HS. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.4
Silicz has a projectable 6-foot-5 frame and a fastball up to 92 mph with the look of a pitcher who should be throwing in the mid 90s as the 2026 draft gets closer. He flashes feel to spin a curveball that plays well off his fastball from his high slot with sharp break and good depth at its best. -
School: St. John Bosco HS, Bellflower, Calif. Committed: UCLA. Age At Draft: 19.4
Jackson has a compact 5-foot-10 build with a strong lower half and a simple lefthanded stroke. He starts his swing with a small toe tap, doesn’t have much hand movement and takes a direct cut, putting the ball in play at a high clip. He stays through the middle of the field well and has the strength to drive the ball for hard contact. He could fit at second or third base at the next level. -
School: St. John Bosco HS, Bellflower, Calif. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.2
With a fastball up to 92 mph, Garcia has a lean, projectable 6-foot-3 frame with the look of a pitcher who should be able to reach the mid 90s. His upper-60s-to-low-70s curveball has tight spin above 2,800 rpm and should become a bigger weapon once he’s able to add more power behind that pitch. He has flashed feel for a changeup at times as well. -
School: Plant City (Fla.) HS. Committed: Wake Forest. Age At Draft: 18.0
One of the younger players in the 2026 class, Carbaugh sticks out for his physical projection with a long, lean 6-foot-5 frame. He has room to add another 30-plus pounds and grow a fastball that has touched 92 mph. While he will need to throw more strikes, his fastball has good armside run from his low three-quarters slot. Carbaugh flashes feel to spin a slider, though he’s still learning to refine its shape and consistency, and while his upper-70s changeup has not been a big bat-missing pitch yet, it flashes good tailing action. -
School: Topsail HS, Hampstead, N.C. Committed: Wake Forest. Age At Draft: 19.0
Britt has a lean 6-foot-4 frame and good life on a fastball that touches 92 mph, with lots of space to fill out and throw in the mid-90s as he continues to add weight. His best secondary pitch is a slider that he shows feel to spin and is ahead of a changeup that he hasn’t used much yet. -
School: Trinity Episcopal HS, Richmond, Va. Committed: LSU. Age At Draft: 18.3
McLeod has a big fastball that reaches 94 mph with the potential for more in the tank as he continues to fill out his strong 6-foot-6 frame. Like most pitchers his age and size, McLeod is still learning to repeat his delivery to throw more consistent strikes, but it’s a power fastball with downhill angle. His fastball is his predominant pitch, one he leans on heavily, though at the end of the 2024 summer circuit his curveball showed signs of improvement, with a changeup rounding his repertoire. -
School: Iona Prep HS, New Rochelle, N.Y. Committed: Miami. Age At Draft: 18.7
Diaz has a solid offensive game for a catcher, setting up with a wide base and a short stroke, but defensively is where he shines the most. He’s athletic behind the plate with a quick, efficient transfer to an above-average arm that helps him control the running game with pop times under 1.9 seconds on his best throws. -
School: Spring Hill (Kan.) HS. Committed: Florida. Age At Draft: 18.7
An athletic two-way player, Neal has promise both as a pitcher and a position player. Neal has primarily been a position player, with his body control and hand-eye coordination evident on the mound and at the plate. He’s a fluid mover at shortstop with a plus arm that could tick up another grade. Neal can drive the ball with impact during BP, with up-and-down game performance on the travel circuit. On the mound, Neal has a smooth, athletic operation as a pitcher and a fastball that has touched 94 mph from a crossfire delivery. With his arm speed and lots of space left to fill out his lean 6-foot-3 frame, there should be another velocity jump coming. He has feel for a slider, a pitch that should benefit from extra power that should come as he gets stronger. -
School: Metrolina Christian Academy, Indian Trail, N.C. Committed: Clemson. Age At Draft: 18.8
Kiker has a long, winding arm swing to produce a fastball that’s typically in the low 90s and has reached 94 mph. His slider has short break and he throws it often, getting a high swing-and-miss rate on the pitch throughout the travel circuit, with an occasional changeup mixed in as well. -
School: Lake Mary (Fla.) HS. Committed: Clemson. Age At Draft: 18.9
Hernandez has the strength, bat speed and leverage in his swing to produce some of the better raw power in the class in a pull-oriented approach. That power should only grow as he continues to fill out his well-proportioned 6-foot-4 frame with a likely power-over-hit offensive game. He’s athletic for his size with average speed, a quick first step and a strong arm, giving him the defensive tools to have a chance to stick at third base in pro ball. -
School: Lipscomb Academy, Nashville, Tenn. Committed: Tennessee. Age At Draft: 18.8
Springall has a clean, crisp swing from the left side. He has good rhythm and balance, taking a compact, tight turn of the barrel that leads to good plate coverage and a high contact rate. Springall has a slender frame and a hit-over-power profile, driving the ball from gap to gap with a good eye for the strike zone to help him get on base at a high clip. He’s a middle infielder with smooth actions and the arm strength that projects best at second base in pro ball. -
School: Cardinal Gibbons HS, Raleigh, N.C. Committed: North Carolina. Age At Draft: 18.7
Tarkenton can stymie hitters with his fastball/slider combination. He pitches with his fastball that’s up to 93 mph and should have at least another couple ticks of velocity still to come. Tarkenton liberally mixes in his slider against both lefties and righties, showing feel to spin that pitch and execute it effectively to get empty swings. -
School: Lake Travis HS, Austin, Tex. Committed: Texas. Age At Draft: 19.0
Webb has a sound delivery, fast arm speed and can reach 91 mph from his three quarters slot, with the strength projection left in his lean 6-foot-3 frame to where he should be throwing in the mid 90s as he gets stronger. He has a swing-and-miss pitch with his curveball, which has sharp bite and good depth when it’s at its best. -
School: Kingsburg (Calif.) HS. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.5
Hirckshorn sticks out right away at 6-foot-7, 195 pounds. He’s already up to 93 mph and has a ton of space on his extremely tall, slender frame to pack on more strength and add velocity. Hirckshorn pitches from an upright delivery with shorter arm action into a high three-quarter slot, delivering the ball with steep downhill plane. His fastball is his best pitch, with a curveball and changeup rounding his repertoire. -
School: Olentangy Liberty HS, Powell, Ohio. Committed: Louisville. Age At Draft: 18.7
Van Engelenhoven has a tall, projectable build at 6-foot-5, with the space to fill out and eventually add to a fastball that has touched 91 mph from his low three-quarters slot. His best pitch is his slider, which snaps off with sharp, sweeping action and tight rotation to miss bats with above-average potential. -
School: McCutcheon HS, Lafayette, Ind. Committed: Kentucky. Age At Draft: 18.7
Swank is a 6-foot-4 righthander with a fastball that’s regularly in the low 90s and can hit 93 mph with the projection for mid-90s or better velocity in the next few years. He’s a solid strike-thrower for his age with a long, winding arm action and leans on his slider when he wants to change speeds, showing feel to spin that pitch in the mid-to-upper 70s with three-quarters break and sharp snap at times. He hasn’t thrown his changeup as much yet, but it’s a pitch he has shown feel for as well. -
School: Carlsbad (Calif.) HS. Committed: Miami. Age At Draft: 18.5
Kelley was in the 2027 class, but after the 2024 summer circuit he reclassified to become 2026 eligible. He has a lean, athletic 6-foot-2 frame and generates good bat speed with stretch and separation in his swing to make hard contact. He has athletic actions at shortstop, where he has good body control and a strong arm. -
School: Sayre HS, Lexington, Kent. Committed: Kentucky. Age At Draft: 18.5
Gibson has a quality three-pitch mix, starting with a fastball that has grown throughout the year. He’s now up to 94 mph, attacking hitters down in the zone from his low three-quarters slot. His low-80s slider is his go-to secondary pitch, a breaking ball he shows feel to spin. He hasn’t used his changeup as often, but it’s a pitch he has feel for with swing-and-miss traits, so it should become a bigger part of his game with more experience. -
School: Lamar HS, Houston, Tex. Committed: Texas A&M. Age At Draft: 18.2
Dowell has tools and athleticism that jump out. He’s a plus runner with a strong arm and good bat speed, allowing him to drive the ball out of the park to his pull side. While his tools stand out more than his pure hitting ability, Dowell has a chance to develop into a power/speed threat if everything clicks, with experience at all three outfield spots. -
School: Asheville (N.C.) HS. Committed: Texas. Age At Draft: 18.7
Cameron Maybin was a first-round pick out of high school in the 2025 draft who reached the majors when he was 20 and went on to have a 15-year big league career. His son, Trent, is another exciting athlete in center field. Maybin is a plus runner who glides around center field with good instincts, reads and routes. He can make highlight catches and is one of the better defensive center fielders in the 2026 high school class. His defense is what stands out the most right now, but there’s significant strength potential in his lean, athletic 6-foot-2 frame to grow into bigger power. -
School: Cathedral Catholic HS, San Diego, Calif. Committed: Stanford. Age At Draft: 19.1
A triplet whose brother, shortstop Alex Harrington, is also a Stanford commit and one of the top players in the 2026 class, Hunter Harrington is another standout athlete at a premium position. He has a lean, long-limbed build and is a plus runner who defends his position well in center field. He has good instincts, quick reactions off the bat, ranges well to both gaps and reads the ball well on balls over his head. At the plate, Harrington has a line-drive approach with gap power. -
School: Lutheran South Academy, Houston, Tex. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.3
Walker’s father, Ramon, is a former Houston Texans safety, and Jaylen brings an impressive blend of physicality and explosiveness to the baseball field. He has a strong, compact frame and can whistle the barrel through the zone by rotating powerfully and firing his fast hands to produce high-end bat speed. His timing at the plate has been inconsistent, but Walker has the power to drive the ball a long way when everything is in sync with the potential for plus raw power. He’s an above-average runner who likely projects as a corner outfielder in pro ball. -
School: Hoover (Ala.) HS. Committed: Tennessee. Age At Draft: 19.0
Wood packs a lot of quick-twitch athleticism into his 5-foot-9 frame. He’s an aggressive hitter with fast hands at the plate and good bat-to-ball skills, driving the ball with surprising sock for his size with occasional triple-digit exit velocities. He’s a plus runner with a quick first step, quick feet and the athleticism to play somewhere up the middle, whether it’s at shortstop, second base or using his speed in center field. -
School: JSerra Catholic HS, San Juan Capistrano, Calif. Committed: TCU. Age At Draft: 19.1
Greis is a shortstop who is steady across the board. He has a compact, adjustable swing with good barrel awareness that results in frequent contact with a hit-over-power game, but he is strong enough to drive the ball out to his pull side. He’s a fundamentally sound defender at shortstop with the hands and footwork to stick in the infield. He has a strong arm as well that has been up to 92 mph on the mound with feel to spin a tight curveball in the mid-to-upper 70s. -
School: Cypress Woods (Tex.) HS. Committed: Oklahoma State. Age At Draft: 18.6
One of the most electric athletes in the 2026 class, Darden has an exciting mix of power and speed. He’s a plus-plus runner with an explosive first step to handle center field and he generates high-end bat speed to make loud contact when he connects. There’s still some rawness to his game that he will have to develop at the plate, but there aren’t many players in the class with his level of tools and athleticism. -
School: Sussex Central HS, Georgetown, Del. Committed: Maryland. Age At Draft: 18.8
Pitching from a smooth, easy delivery with good arm action, Kelley has a fast arm and good pitchability for his age. He can touch 91 mph and has the arm speed that suggests bigger velocity gains in his future. His changeup is his most advanced offspeed weapon, a pitch he sells well off his fastball to generate empty swings. -
School: Loranger (La.) HS. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.4
Holton is an athletic righthander and one of the hardest throwers in the 2026 class. His lively fastball has touched 96 mph, and given his outstanding arm speed and space to add weight onto his projectable 6-foot-3 frame, he looks like he should eventually reach the upper 90s and possibly triple digits. Holton throws a mid-to-upper 70s slider and a low-80s changeup, but it’s the fastball that’s his predominant pitch. He has an aggressive, up-tempo delivery and could take another jump up the list if he’s able to repeat his release point more consistently to throw more strikes. -
School: Queen Creek (Ariz.) HS. Committed: Clemson. Age At Draft: 19.3
Reynolds is a two-sport standout who’s committed to play both baseball and football as a quarterback at Clemson. He hasn’t spent as much time on the national summer circuit as other players because of football, but Reynolds shows promising traits on the diamond. He’s a plus runner with the speed and athleticism to give him a chance for center field. At the plate, it’s a short swing with strength behind it to drive the ball for hard line drives and power to the alleys. -
School: Reagan HS, Pfafftown, N.C. Committed: Tennessee. Age At Draft: 19.1
Marshall is a patient hitter with little swing-and-miss overall and especially against fastballs in the zone. He has a simple lower half move, is able to let the ball travel, then fires his strong hands at the ball with a short path and the strength to drive the ball for extra-base damage to both gaps. Marshall is an offensive-minded player who has a chance to stick at third base if he can develop his arm strength, though if he outgrows the position he could move to an outfield corner in pro ball. -
School: JSerra Catholic HS, San Juan Capistrano, Calif. Committed: Oregon State. Age At Draft: 18.5
Bowen’s size and tools stick out as a potential power/speed threat. He’s 6-foot-3, 205 pounds with some of the best bat speed in the 2026 class. That allows him to drive the ball out of the park with a chance to grow into plus or better raw power. Against live pitching, there’s swing-and-miss to his game, but his swing itself works well, so his approach and selectivity are what scouts will be watching as the draft gets closer. He’s a plus runner with a plus arm in center field. -
School: Charles Page HS, Sand Springs, Okla. Committed: Oklahoma State. Age At Draft: 19.0
A standout quarterback for his high school football team, Webb is an athletic righthander with a strong 6-foot-4 frame. His fastball reaches 92 mph from his three-quarters slot and his athleticism helps him repeat his delivery to throw strikes at a high clip. Webb liberally mixes in his secondary stuff, the best of which is a mid-to-upper 70s curveball with above-average potential, getting swing-and-miss with spin in the 2,400-2,700 rpm range. He throws a low-80s changeup but mostly leans on his fastball and curveball. -
School: Santa Margarita (Calif.) Catholic HS. Committed: TCU. Age At Draft: 18.6
Skip Schumaker, now the Marlins manager, had an 11-year big league career. His son, Brody, has the instincts and baseball IQ that comes from growing up around the game. Using a simple, level swing, Schumaker is a high-contact hitter with some of the best bat-to-ball skills in the class, spreading line drives around the field with gap power. He’s a plus runner who should be able to handle the middle infield, whether it’s at shortstop or second base long term. -
School: Charlotte (N.C.) Catholic HS. Committed: Virginia Tech. Age At Draft: 18.6
Hoffman has spent time behind the plate and stands out for his arm strength, but his future now looks brightest on the mound. He throws a high-spin fastball (2,500-2,700 rpm) up to 94 mph, throwing strikes at a high clip and attacking hitters up in the zone to miss bats with that pitch. Hoffman leans heavily on his fastball, but he has shown feel to spin a slider (2,400-2,700 rpm) as well that flashes sharp bite. -
School: Regis Jesuit HS, Aurora, Col. Committed: Vanderbilt. Age At Draft: 18.8
Alpert has elevated his stock over the past year as his stuff has trended up. He has a good delivery and arm action, throwing strikes with a fastball that touches 93 mph from his three-quarters slot. He pitches up in the zone with his fastball and executes his secondary stuff down, led by a sharp, tight slider that has two-plane depth to miss bats against both righties and lefties. Alpert throws a low-80s changeup as well but it’s his fastball/breaking ball mix that stands out the most. -
School: Pleasant Grove HS, Texarkana, Tex. Committed: Arkansas. Age At Draft: 18.6
Browning has a strong, compact build with a mature tool set. He’s a plus-plus runner with the arm strength for the left side of the infield. Browning can drive the ball for extra-base damage when he connects, using a swing path that’s geared to try to lift and pull the ball with a likely power-over-hit profile. -
School: Oak Ridge (Tenn.) HS. Committed: Tennessee. Age At Draft: 17.9
Teasley will still be 17 on the 2026 draft date, so he’s one of the youngest players in the 2026 class. With his compact frame, Teasley doesn’t have the prototypical projection build for a young pitcher, but he already has one of the better fastball/breaking ball combinations in the class. He’s an athletic pitcher with a fast arm, touching 93 mph with what should be at least a couple more ticks of velocity in the tank. He can snap off one of the better curveballs in the class as well with tight rotation, good depth and shape to miss bats. He will need to tighten his control against more advanced hitters but his delivery and arm action are sound and bode well for his ability to make adjustments. -
School: The Woodlands (Tex.) HS. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.5
Smejkal regularly pitches in the low 90s and can reach 94 mph with fast arm speed in a long, winding arm stroke into an open stride/ His low-80s changeup is advanced for his age with sink and run to miss bats. His low-80s slider is inconsistent but he flashes feel to spin that pitch. Smejkal also plays shortstop with a high-contact bat from the right side, though his future in pro ball right now leans more toward the mound. -
School: Episcopal HS, Bellaire, Tex. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.8
A physical righthanded hitter, Young has outstanding bat speed and power that stacks up among the best in the country for 2026. There’s length to his swing and a pull-oriented approach that leads to his power coming with a higher swing-and-miss rate, but he has a chance for 70 raw power on the 20-80 scouting scale in his prime. An above-average runner, Young has played shortstop but would likely slide over to third base or perhaps right field in pro ball, with an above-average arm that could tick up more. -
School: Mater Academy, Hialeah Gardens, Fla. Committed: Florida State. Age At Draft: 18.7
Quevedo’s physicality sticks out right away. He’s one of the strongest players in the 2026 class, has excellent bat speed and huge raw power for his age with a swing geared to lift the ball. It’s a power-over-hit profile, with swing-and-miss to his game against soft stuff, but any mistake has a chance to land over the fence or in a gap, with the potential for plus-plus raw power. He’s a solid-average runner with an above-average arm. -
School: Walsh Jesuit HS, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Committed: Alabama. Age At Draft: 19.1
Sullivan has an elite fastball for his age, something he showed at the Area Code Games underclass event in Aug. 2024 when he touched 97 mph. It’s outstanding arm speed and velocity that he’s able to generate from his 6-foot frame and he complements it with a sharp curveball that helps him miss bats. There’s a lot of effort to his operation and a head jerk in his finish, which leads to scattered control, so some scouts view him as a future power reliever in pro ball, but he could vault up the board for teams if he shows more pitchability to go with his power stuff. -
School: Orange (Calif.) Lutheran HS. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 19.0
Morse made a loud impression at the end of the 2024 summer circuit with a dominant performance at the Area Code Games underclass event, where he struck out seven of the nine batters he faced without allowing a hit or a walk over three innings. A towering presence at 6-foot-8, 190 pounds, Morse has an extremely tall, thin frame, with lots of room to pack on more weight and significantly grow a fastball that has been up to 92 mph. He pitches heavily off his fastball, which comes at hitters with steep downhill plane from his high three-quarters slot. Whether his curveball or changeup is his more effective secondary pitch depends on the outing. His breaking ball is a lower spin pitch but can get chase at times with sharp bite and good depth. His changeup might hold more long-term upside with its heavy tailing action when it’s at its best. -
School: South Walton HS, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. Committed: Florida. Age At Draft: 18.6
At 6-foot-8, 200 pounds, Lord stands out for his extremely tall, projectable frame. He already has some of the best velocity in the class with a fastball that touches 94 mph from his three-quarters slot with the arm speed and physical upside to be throwing in the upper 90s or better as he packs on more weight. Lord has a fastball-heavy attack, mixing in a mid-70s curveball that he flashes feel to spin with good depth and is ahead of his changeup. Like nearly any teenage pitcher his size, Lord is still learning to sync up his long levers to repeat his release point for more consistent strikes, but he has a good delivery and arm action that bodes well for that with more experience. -
School: Chesterton (Ind.) HS. Committed: Kentucky. Age At Draft: 19.1
Czarniecki has trended up over the past year with a well-rounded mix of tools and skills that made a strong impression in July 2024 at Prep Baseball Report’s Future Games. He has a compact swing, taking a tight turn to get the barrel into the hitting zone to make contact at a high clip. There’s a blend of power and speed for Czarniecki, who generates fast bat speed and can drive the ball out of the park to his pull side. He’s a plus runner with an average arm, giving him a chance to develop in center field. -
School: Westmoore HS, Oklahoma City, Okla. Committed: Oklahoma. Age At Draft: 18.8
Kemp, whose uncle is former Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, is another athletic outfielder who has stood out both offensively and defensively. Kemp hit well throughout the summer, using a simple lower half move with a short swing that keeps his hands inside the ball. He has an aggressive approach and gap power that should grow as he continues adding strength. He’s an above-average runner and an advanced defender in center field for his age, tracking the ball well off the bat and ranging well to both gaps, with multiple highlight diving catches during the summer. -
School: Marist HS, Atlanta, Ga. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.9
Shelar has a good blend of strength, tools and contact skills. He takes an aggressive, full-throttle swing that has some unconventional parts to it, but he’s able to accelerate the barrel quickly to produce big bat speed. Shelar’s ability to track pitches and his hand-eye coordination makes him difficult to strike out, with the strength and bat speed that allows him to drive the ball with impact now and the potential for above-average or better raw power. He’s an above-average runner with the arm strength for right field. -
School: St. John Bosco HS, Bellflower, Calif. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.1
Everly is young for the class with tools that continue to tick up. He has a compact swing, with his hands taking a tight turn into the hitting zone and driving the ball well from gap to gap. He has solid-average defensive tools and projects to stick somewhere in the infield in pro ball. -
School: McMinn County HS, Athens, Tenn. Committed: Alabama. Age At Draft: 19.5
Arms has a hitterish look from the left side of the plate with a swing that’s short, simple and fluid. He has good hand-eye coordination and makes high contact at a high clip with mostly gap power and occasional home run juice. He’s an above-average runner with a quick first step, giving him a chance to develop in center field. -
School: Iolani School, Honolulu, Hi.. Committed: Arkansas. Age At Draft: 18.7
Ota has a tall, athletic and projectable frame and promising offensive upside. He’s a lefthanded hitter with good rhythm in a fluid lefthanded swing. His hands come through the hitting zone well and he generates good stretch in his swing to rotate powerfully and generate power that should only get bigger as he fills out his 6-foot-5 frame. Ota is a center fielder who runs well for his size and likely projects to play a corner in pro ball. -
School: Georgia Premier Academy, Statesboro, Ga. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 19.3
Cope is 6-foot-8, 240 pounds, so he stands out as soon as he walks on the field. He touches 92 mph with his tailing fastball and gives hitters an uncomfortable at-bat with long arms and legs flying at them in his funky mechanics. He’s on the older side of the 2026 class but there should be more velocity in the tank once he streamlines his delivery. Cope throws a curveball, but it’s his changeup that’s his most promising offspeed pitch. It’s a deceptive changeup with around 10 mph of separation off his fastball, giving him a weapon to generate empty swings or weak contact. Cope is a two-way player as a first baseman with big bat speed, huge raw power and loft in his stroke, though with swing-and-miss that’s going to come with any hitter his size. He gives his infielders a huge margin for error with his size at first base. -
School: TNXL Academy, Ocoee, Fla. Committed: Florida. Age At Draft: 18.2
Hanes spent 2023 pitching as a member of the 2027 class, but at the end of the year reclassified to 2026. He stands out for his projectable 6-foot-4 frame, with a long arm swing in the back to throw a fastball that reaches 93 mph with more to come. He shows feel to spin a slider, the secondary pitch he leans on most when he’s going for swing-and-miss, with his slider ahead of his changeup. -
School: Lausanne Collegiate HS, Memphis, Tenn. Committed: Mississippi. Age At Draft: 19.4
From Olive Branch, Mississippi and attending high school just across the border in Memphis, Tennessee, Doty has a strong, compact frame and packs a punch behind his quick, direct swing. It’s a simple righthanded stroke, generating high-end bat speed with a concise move to work inside the ball, allowing him to consistently perform at a high level in games. An offensive-minded infielder with a tick above-average speed and an average arm, Doty turns 19 in February of his draft year, putting him on the older end of the 2026 class. -
School: Mater Dei HS, Santa Ana, Calif. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 19.5
Lara has been on an upward trend throughout 2024. On the older end of the 2026 class, Lara makes good swing decisions with the patience to rack up walks and the bat control that leaves little swing-and-miss to his game. A lefthanded hitter, Lara has a simple lower half load with a turn of his heel before taking a quick, compact swing with a knack for finding the barrel and mostly gap power. He’s an above-average runner who moves around all three outfield spots with a chance to stick in center field. -
School: Keller (Tex.) HS. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.9
Koeninger does a lot of things well on the field. He’s an aggressive hitter with good bat speed, performing at a high level in games with extra-base damage and frequent quality contact. An above-average runner, Koeninger is an athletic mover at shortstop with an above-average arm. He’s a two-way prospect with a fastball that’s typically working into the low 90s, along with a curveball that’s ahead of his changeup. -
School: Casteel HS, Queen Creek, Ariz. Committed: Texas A&M. Age At Draft: 18.9
Harwood is 6-foot-3 with a strong, physically mature build for his age and hit well throughout the 2024 travel circuit. He has a compact lefthanded swing, strong hands and drives the ball with impact, showing the potential to be a 25-plus home run threat. His speed and range fit best either in an outfield corner or at first base with the above-average arm strength for right field. -
School: St. Mary’s HS, Stockton, Calif. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 19.1
With a strong, physically mature build for his age, Hardcastle has a starter look with feel for three pitches. He attacks hitters up in the zone, where he gets swing-and-miss with a fastball up to 92 mph and should have a few extra ticks of velocity on the way. Hardcastle’s ability to manipulate a pair of secondary pitches stands out. His flashes feel to spin a mid-to-upper 70s curveball that has sharp bite and good depth when it’s on, spinning in the 2,600-2,800 rpm range. His changeup has lively tailing action away from lefties, though he’s confident throwing it to righties as well. It’s a pitch he sells well with 10 mph of separation off his fastball while maintaining his arm speed to catch hitters out front. He’s a two-way player in high school who also shows big raw power from the right side. -
School: Etowah HS, Woodstock, Ga. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.6
Cole has a mix of power and athleticism. He can fire his hands quickly, enabling him to whistle the barrel through the zone with good bat speed. It comes with a higher swing-and-miss rate, but when he’s locked in and on time, he can drive the ball with impact and could grow into plus raw power. An above-average runner, Cole has experience both in the infield and outfield but has been a primary center fielder, where he has a chance to stick, though depending on his physical development he could move around to a corner as well. -
School: Franklin Regional HS, Murrysville, Penn. Committed: Virginia. Age At Draft: 18.5
Williams packs an explosive tool set into his 5-foot-11 frame. He’s a plus-plus runner with a quick first step and a plus arm with experience at shortstop and in center field. At the plate, Williams has an approach geared to pull and lift the ball with mostly gap power. He had a deep hand load that he has shortened up some from where it was last year, though it can still get big, so if he can prove his bat-to-ball skills as the draft gets closer, he could rise up boards given his athleticism and tools to play a premium position. -
School: Jesuit College Prep School of Dallas, Tex. Committed: Texas. Age At Draft: 18.8
With strong, quick hands, Jorgensen is able to snap the barrel through the zone and drive the ball for extra-base damage with an aggressive approach and a good track record of performance and bat-to-ball skills in games. He’s an above-average runner with a plus arm who has experience both at shortstop and in the outfield. Jorgensen offers promise on the mound as well. He regularly pitches in the low 90s with a fastball that gets swing-and-miss up in the zone and shows feel to spin a curveball. -
School: Trinity Christian Academy, Jacksonville, Fla. Committed: LSU. Age At Draft: 18.7
Loew has quick hands, rotates powerfully and generates high-end bat speed for his age. He drives the ball with impact already, showing the ability to go deep from right-center over to his pull side. It does come with an aggressive approach and swing-and-miss tendencies he will need to cut down on, but the potential is there for Loew to end up with plus or better raw power. Loew has the arm for the left side of the infield and could move around the dirt in pro ball, with experience at shortstop but third base a more likely fit as he moves up the ladder. -
School: Greenwich (Conn.) Country Day HS. Committed: Stanford. Age At Draft: 18.3
Hill has a tall, strong frame (6-foot-5, 215 pounds) and one of the better fastballs in the 2026 class. He’s still learning to command it more consistently, but Hill can dial his fastball up to 95 mph and has the projection for more velocity on the way. Hill’s fastball is his best weapon and he pitches heavily off that pitch, mixing in a low-80s slider in the 2,000-2,300 range with short break and a changeup that flashes heavy life at times. -
School: Los Banos (Calif.) HS. Committed: Stanford. Age At Draft: 18.6
After an excellent 2024 high school season, Cazares continued to pitch well on the travel circuit. He has a lean frame and a fast arm, getting his fastball up to 94 mph from his low three-quarters slot. He has good pitchability for his age and feel for a mid-to-upper 70s slider that he’s adept at landing for strikes. Cazares will throw an occasional changeup but mainly leans on his fastball/slider attack. -
School: Center Grove HS, Greenwood, Ind.. Committed: Tennessee. Age At Draft: 19.3
Grant attacks hitters with three quality pitches. He works off a fastball that’s regularly in the low 90s and can reach 93 mph. He’s able to get empty swings with his ability to manipulate multiple secondary pitches, including a slider with tight rotation and an advanced changeup that has heavy tumbling action. -
School: Corona (Calif.) HS. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 19.3
Murphy positioned himself early as one of the top names to watch in southern California after a huge freshman season at Corona (Calif.) HS in 2023 in which he hit six home runs, then followed it up with another big year in 2024 for the national powerhouse program. He’s an athletic outfielder with a mix of power and a tick above-average speed from an aggressive approach, with what could end up a power-over-hit offensive game. Murphy moves well enough to get a chance to develop in center field, though his above-average arm would fit in right field as well. -
School: Ottumwa (Iowa) HS. Committed: Uncommitted. Age At Draft: 18.0
Long is young for the class with a loose, whippy arm stroke and throws a lot of strikes with a fastball up to 92 mph, generating good armside run from his low three-quarters slot. He’s a good strike-thrower for his age, and between his arm speed and room to add weight on to his slender 6-foot-1 frame, there should be mid-90s or better velocity in his future. Long throws a low-80s changeup that’s advanced for his age with late diving action and was ahead of his slider in national events during the 2024 summer circuit. -
School: Etowah HS, Woodstock, Ga. Committed: Georgia. Age At Draft: 18.8
Sharman can befuddle hitters with an excellent fastball/changeup combination. He’s a 6-foot-3 righthander with good control of a heavy, tailing fastball that touches 93 mph from his low three-quarters slot. It’s a good fastball for his age, but what separates Sharman is his elite changeup that stacks up among the best in the country. It’s a Bugs Bunny changeup that parachutes out of his hand, peeling off his fastball with more than 10 mph of separation, late tumble and fade. It’s flashing plus now with a chance to get even better. Sharman leans heavily on his changeup—he will double and triple up on the pitch at times—and he commands it well, throwing an occasional hesitation in his delivery to further disrupt hitters’ timing. His slurvy breaking ball is a third pitch that will need more development, but his fastball, changeup and control have enabled him to carve through lineups. -
School: William Amos Hough HS, Cornelius, N.C. Committed: Clemson. Age At Draft: 19.1
Matthews has promising size, tools and offensive upside from the left side of the plate. He sets up with an open stance and loads his swing with a sizable leg kick, a move he has condensed some over the past year. Matthews has above-average bat speed and flashes home run power in games now with the space to fill out his 6-foot-4 frame and grow into at least above-average raw power, with a chance to unlock more game power if he’s able to generate more loft with his swing. He runs surprisingly well underway for his size with above-average speed and the arm strength that should fit in right field. -
School: The Stony Brook (N.Y.) HS. Committed: Vanderbilt. Age At Draft: 19.3
Ruiz is one of the smoothest defensive shortstops in the 2026 class. An above-average runner, Ruiz has quick feet, soft hands and is an instinctive defender with good body control. His coordination is evident in the field and at the plate, where he’s a switch-hitter who rarely swings and misses, spraying line drives to all fields with gap power.
Minor League Top Prospects
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EL managers came to have the same feelings about Larish that scouts have had since his college days at Arizona State. Once considered a potentially elite hitter, he has adopted an approach and sells out for home runs. It makes his profile more that of a second-division regular than as a championship-caliber starter. "He's abandoned using the whole field and has very little two-strike approach," one scout said. "He was just trying to jerk balls, but he showed pretty big power, and it's from the left side." His upright stance turns off some, because it precludes him from covering the outer third of the plate and produces serious holes in his swing. The things he can do make Larish a prospect. He's patient, ranking second in the league and sixth in the minors with 87 walks, and he waits out pitchers until he gets a pitch he can drive. His strength and leveraged swing produce well above-average power, as he led the EL with 28 homers and 101 RBIs. He's also an accomplished defender around the bag at first base. -
As they did with lefty John Danks in 2006, the Rangers bumped Hurley to Triple-A just three years after drafting him in the first round out of high school. Texas felt comfortable moving Hurley quickly, given his even temperament and willingness to take instruction. He pitched very well for Oklahoma before getting hammered in his final two starts, when he allowed six of his 13 Triple-A homers. With a repertoire headed by a 91-95 mph fastball and an above-average slider with late depth, Hurley is all about power. Those two pitches will play up--and his strikeouts will increase--as he gains more command. He needs to improve his changeup and do a better job of working down in the strike zone. -
Because of his stuff, frame and profile, Reyes gets compared Horacio Ramirez, who likewise signed with the Braves out of a southern California high school. Reyes made 14 starts at Mississippi before spending three months in the majors when injuries beset Atlanta's pitching staff. He struggled but did win two of his last three starts and posted a 3.10 ERA in September. Reyes doesn't have a true put-away pitch, but he has five weapons at his disposal, headlined by a fastball that ranges from 88-94 mph. He can add and subtract from his fastball, and also throws a cutter in the high 80s. His solid-average slider is his best secondary pitch, which he complements with a usable changeup and curve. He's erratic with his command at times, and Reyes has lapses when a series of mistakes leads to big innings. He profiles as a back-of-the-rotation starter. "He's a guy for me," the second scout said. "He can speed up and slow down bats, and he has enough effective wildness and enough stuff to get away with some of his inconsistency." -
Saunders is one of the best athletes in the Mariners system, but his stock took a hit when he batted .240/.329/.345 in his full-season debut in low Class A last year. He flashed his five-tool potential on a much more consistent basis in the Cal League, and he played well in Double-A in August. He's still growing into his 6-foot-4 frame and has good loft in his swing, which could make him a 20-homer hitter on an annual basis. He has plus speed that makes him a basestealing threat and a plus defender in center or right field. A Canadian who had NHL potential in hockey and also played basketball, lacrosse and soccer, he lacks true baseball instincts but has shown a better sense for the game with each of his promotions. -
Paulino hadn't played above Class A coming into the season, but he made his major league debut in Houston in September, earning wins in his last two starts. He has the body and the stuff to pitch at the top of a rotation, with a fastball that touches 100 mph and sits at 95-99 mph. Paulino has four legitimate pitches, using both a slider and a curveball as well as a changeup. His curveball is probably the best of his complementary pitches, but none of them stand out. To establish himself in the big league rotation, Paulino will have to improve his command and become more confident with his fastball. His velocity allows him to dominate, but if hitters hit his heater early in games, he tends to shy away from it. -
Ely overmatched Pioneer League hitters in his pro debut by consistently by consistently throwing strikes and using his 91-93 mph fastball to set them up for a plus changeup that ranks as his best pitch. His curveball was a solid pitch for him at Miami (Ohio) this spring, though it received mixed reviews from those who saw him this summer. Ely has a deceptive delivery that he repeats well and keeps hitters off balance, but he's also a max-effort pitcher with a head jerk. There are some concerns about how his ability to avoid injuries with his mechanics, but he has no history of arm problems in the past. He's extremely competitive on the mound. -
An exceptional athlete, Brown was recruited by Miami as a wide receiver but he chose instead to sign as a 20th-round pick in 2006. The ball jumps off his bat, though his swing can get long and has some holes that can be exploited. His wiry-strong build evokes Darryl Strawberry, and he can hit the ball a long way when he connects. A long strider with above-average speed, Brown plays a shallow center field. He occasionally takes some bad routes, but he's athletic enough to compensate and has a strong arm. "He's got a ton of tools," Hudson Valley manager Matt Quatraro said. "His body, if it fills out, he could be a monster. His swing's long at times, but when he gets on top of the ball, he's got some juice." -
Fabian has added 30 pounds since signing out of the Dominican in 2003, and his 6-foot-3 frame still has plenty of projection remaining. He has yet to reach full-season ball in five years as a pro and is far from a finished product, but his loose arm is loaded with potential. Fabian's fastball sits at 91 mph and he was up to 96 in the first game of the NWL finals, when he pitched into the eighth inning and earned the win against Salem-Keizer. He's aggressive and attacks hitters, though his command is below-average. He'll occasionally break off a filthy downer curveball that could become a legitimate putaway offering. His changeup is below-average, though it too could develop into a weapon. -
The Yankees signed Heredia out of the Dominican Republic last year. He didn't pitch in the Dominican Summer League in 2006 and made his pro debut in the States this summer. Not big but wiry strong, Heredia pumps out fastballs from 91-93 mph, touching some 94s along the way. He has a loose, easy delivery and adds and subtracts from his fastball, which he commands to all four quadrants of the strike zone. His slurvy breaking ball needs to get tighter, though it shows flashes of being a plus pitch with solid downward rotation. "He just reminds me of Pedro Martinez when I was with the Dodgers in '93," Reed said. "You see the frame and wonder where it all comes from. This guy is the same way." His changeup is still a work in progress, as he's refining his arm action and grip to command it more consistently. Heredia morphed into a two-pitch pitcher at times, and he'll have to gain more confidence in his changeup if he's going to profile as a starter. -
Ottavino's approach is simple yet effective. He relies on a 92-93 mph fastball featuring good armside run and a tight slider, as the fastball rides in on righthanders while the slider runs away from them. His command isn't very polished, but he gets enough movement that he can simply aim for the middle of the plate and relying on the run on his fastball and the tilt on his slider to hit the corners. Ottavino got FSL hitters to chase his slider out of the zone, though there's some concern as to whether he can throw it consistently for strikes if more advanced players lay off of it. He also throws a below-average changeup and curveball, and he might wind up in the bullpen down the road. -
James flew under the radar last season despite going 6-2, 1.36 in Lexington. His fringy fastball didn't excite scouts then, but they believe in him more now that his velocity increased this year. His heater sat at 89-92 and he can sink and tail it to either side of the plate, making him a groundball machine. James' slider is an average pitch with plus potential. He has toyed with different grips on his changeup but hasn't found consistent command of it yet. "He could be unhittable at times here and all he'd throw were sinkers," Sarbaugh said. "He'd flash you the breaking ball, he'd flash the changeup, but he was pretty much all sinkers." -
AZL managers found Culberson, a surprise supplemental first-round pick in June, far from conventional but nonetheless to their liking. He rebounded from a terrible start to help drive the Giants into the championship game, leading the team with 19 stolen bases (in 20 tries) and batting .354 in August. Culverson showed pull power, savvy baserunning skills and above-average bat speed, and he made progress on learning when to be aggressive and when to be smart. Culberson hit 16 homers as a high school senior, but homers aren't likely to be a significant part of his game as he moves up the ladder. The unconventional part comes with his glove. Culberson has excellent arm strength despite an unusual, almost sidearm release point, and as he learns to trust his arm, he'll improve his fringe-average range by playing deeper and learning better positioning. His aggressive nature led to mistakes, but he worked hard with roving instructor Fred Stanley and showed enough aptitude (one error in his last 12 games in the AZL) to keep playing shortstop in instructional league. -
Romero finished third in the league in batting (.316) and homers (nine). He's a gap-to-gap hitter who can drive the ball hard the other way, and he should have even more power as he gets stronger and turns on more pitches. Defensively, Romero has limited range at third base but he does have soft hands, arm strength and a quick release. He sometimes overthrows, but he's fairly steady and led Appy League third baseman with a .929 fielding percentage. His biggest need is to find an even keel, as he gets down on himself and lets his emotions affect his play. "He's got it in him," Elizabethton manager Ray Smith said. "He's a tools guy and he can hit it as far as anybody. He's got it in him, but we need to get it out of him." -
After hitting just three homers in Rookie ball last year, Francisco won the MWL home run crown with 25, including 10 in the final month. In a league full of young power hitters, scouts and managers thought Francisco had the most raw pop of any of them. "He swings the bat with a lot of authority," Great Lakes manager Lance Parrish said. "He has a lot of potential and it's not too far in the future. He'll be leading every league he's in in home runs and he'll be an all-star." Francisco offers incredible pull power from the left side, though he needs to tone down his aggression and tighten his strike zone after fanning 161 times and walking only 23 in 135 games. He has a long swing and tends to chase balls in the dirt, but he's also just 20. He has enough arm and mobility to stay at third base, though he'll have to watch his weight to do so. -
Like Votto, Lind came into the season with high expectations after winning the Double-A Eastern League's MVP award and hitting .367 in 60 September big league at-bats in 2006. He started 2007 with Syracuse, earning an early callup when Reed Johnson had back surgery. American League pitchers were ready for Lind this time and he struggled to make adjustments, hitting .230/.274/.383 before a July demotion. Lind regained his confidence and his stroke in the IL, and he fared better (.273/.298/.473) after a September callup. He's balanced at the plate and stays inside the ball well, using his classic lefthanded swing to drive the ball from line to line. "His hands somewhat work independently from his body," Syracuse manager Doug Davis said. "He's got such good hand-eye coordination that it's very easy for him to put the barrel of the bat on ball. That's my biggest thing. He's a natural hitter who can not only put the ball in play, but drive it." Lind missed two weeks in early August when he strained a muscle in his neck after violently banging his head on the ground while making a diving attempt for a catch. A similar play in 2006 caused a concussion. He remains a work in progress in the outfield, where below-average speed and just playable range and throwing mechanics limit him to left field. -
After serving as a catcher when he wasn't injured during his first two pro seasons, Snyder moved to first base this year and looked more comfortable. He had his best offensive season to date, rebounding nicely from the dislocated right shoulder and rotator-cuff surgery that limited him to 72 games in 2006. Snyder showed improved plate discipline and continued to display a smooth swing from the right side. He consistently gets his hands in a good hitting position. The question, however, is whether he'll drive in enough runs to be an impact player at the major league level, because the move to first base puts a greater emphasis on his bat. Snyder, who showed soft hands and good athleticism at his new position, also took groundballs at third base. "He adapted well defensively and has become a quality first baseman," Kendall said. "He also made adjustments with the bat, particularly with his pitch selection. Last year, he didn't have a plan when he stepped in the box. While he'll still wave at breaking balls, he has improved in working the count and using the whole field." -
The highlight of Lofgren's season was going home to San Francisco for the Futures Game--he's from famed Serra High in nearby San Mateo--but the regular season held some struggles for him. His athletic ability, competitiveness and aptitude still make him one of the minors' more intriguing lefties, but he has work to do. Lofgren pitches off his average-to-plus fastball, running it up to 93-94 mph at times. His curveball, slider and changeup all flash above-average potential as well. He started throwing his changeup two years ago and it's now his best secondary pitch, allowing him to be more effective against righthanders (.739 OPS against) than lefties (.815 OPS). Lofgren didn't attack Double-A hitters like he needed to, getting into trouble by nibbling when he got ahead or by struggling to throw his secondary pitches for strikes early in counts. One scout said Lofgren needs to learn pitchability and expects his athletic ability to help him do that with another year in the minors. -
Patton spent the first half of the season in Double-A and required just eight Triple-A starts before he was thrust into Houston's rotation in August. The Astros turned to him not because he had blown away PCL batters, but because he shows exceptional poise for a young pitcher. After three effective appearances in Houston, he was shut down with shoulder soreness, which cut short his two previous seasons as well. With command of three pitches and a strong pickoff move, Patton has the ingredients to be a solid No. 3 starter. He locates his 88-92 mph fastball to both sides of the plate and has confidence in his hard curveball. Patton has made the greatest strides with his changeup, which fades down and away from righthanders. -
Just before Scherzer would have re-entered the 2006 draft, the Diamondbacks coughed up a four-year major league contract worth $4.3 million in guaranteed money to sign the 11th overall pick from 2005. Nicknamed "Max-a-million" by his teammates, he made three starts in high Class A before arriving in Mobile in late June. Scherzer's most attractive attribute is a sinking fastball that tops out near 95 mph. His mechanics need some work, as his release point is inconsistent and there's some effort to his delivery, but he does achieve good extension out front and his arm strength is obvious. Scherzer has a two-seamer he can run up to 90 mph, an 80-84 mph slider and a changeup, all of which have potential to be solid-average to plus offerings. But Scherzer's arsenal is inconsistent, and his overall command is below average. That leads some scouts to project he'll wind up in the bullpen, where he can focus on his fastball and slider. "It's an outstanding arm who needs polish and has some max effort to it, which impacts his ability to command the baseball," a fourth scout said. "The stuff is there, it's just a matter of if he can make that next step and command it." -
Statia has the tools to play shortstop in the majors now. He's an athletic defender with above-average range to both sides, plus arm strength and good instincts. He's a savvy basestealer as well, swiping 29 bags in 37 tries despite just average speed. While his defense is big league-ready, his bat is nowhere close. Until he adds some strength to his lanky frame, he'll be vulnerable to good fastballs. He has little power, and while he makes consistent contact, he doesn't draw many walks. -
Rodriguez doesn't offer one overwhelming tool, but his overall package and strong baseball instincts should make him an effective big leaguer. His offensive numbers dipped from 2006, when he led the minors with 291 total bases, but he was still selected as the league's all-star shortstop. Power is probably Rodriguez' best tool, as he shows the ability to drive the ball to all fields and could hit 20-25 homers per year in the majors. Some observers think he would be better served shortening his swing and being more of a doubles hitter, however. Though he has a good swing and balance at the plate, he led the league with 132 whiffs, in part because of poor strike-zone recognition. Rodriguez has been a shortstop so far in his career and shows good defensive actions, but his below-average speed and big frame, as well as organization depth, could push him to second base or the outfield. He'll probably end up as a utility player. -
Fish finished in a three-way tie for the league lead with 77 strikeouts in 72 innings and fanned 13 in eight innings in his lone playoff outing. His funky delivery creates deception and confuses hitters, making his 88-93 mph fastball seem quicker than it really is. He has good secondary pitches, though he needs to be more consistent with his curveball, which rates as solid-average when he throws it for strikes. Fish still needs to improve his command and must keep his weight under control. -
Welker had an up-and-down spring as a weekend starter for Arkansas after transferring from Seminole State (Okla.) JC, but the Pirates drafted him in the second round based on his arm strength and projectable 6-foot-7 frame. He had a strong pro debut before the Pirates shut him down because of elbow soreness. Welker pitches at 92-93 mph and touches 95-96 with his lively fastball, and he might throw even harder as he matures. He pitches off his fastball, working it in and out, and mixes in a slurvy breaking ball that has potential but needs some tightening. His changeup is usable but also needs some refinement. Welker has a strong, durable frame and pitches on a good downward plane. He could be a starter in the big leagues if he can polish his secondary offerings. "One thing that sticks out the most to me is his competitiveness and his presence," State College manager Turner Ward said. "To me, he's definitely a big leaguer. He's got the stamina, the body, just the package of a starting pitcher." -
Canham's makeup and offensive prowess were a big part of Oregon State's back-to-back College World Series titles. The day he reported to Eugene, he introduced himself to manager Greg Riddoch and promptly asked to take the opposing hitters' chart home with him to prepare for the next night's game. Canham injured a testicle in mid-July and missed two weeks. After he returned to the lineup, his solid-average bat speed and raw power weren't as evident, but he's a confident hitter with a good approach from the left side of the plate. He has a tendency to drift during his swing, which creates some length. Canham's defensive skills are subpar, but he's a good athlete with plenty of agility and aptitude to work his way into becoming an adequate catcher. He has solid-average arm strength with a fair release that would be aided by better footwork, and he threw out 31 percent of basestealers in the NWL. He's an average runner. -
The tallest pitcher in the GCL at 6-foot-10, Moviel also has stuff to back up his height advantage. He consistently threw 92-93 mph and touched 95 with his fastball. He draws comparisons to Yankees first-round pick Andrew Brackman because both are huge Ohio natives who committed to North Carolina State (Brackman played for the Wolfpack but Moviel turned pro). Though Brackman is three years older, Moviel may be more polished. Scouts raved about his ability to not only repeat his delivery, but his secondary pitches as well. He'll pitch inside with his fastball with no fear, and his 82-83 mph hammer curveball really keeps opposing hitters at bay. Moviel also has a workable changeup, though it lags behind his other two offerings. There are concerns about his long arm action, but he's athletic and fields his position well for a big man. -
With Outman, it's all about control. He struggles at times to control his fastball, which explains why ranked among the minor league leaders with 77 walks in 159 innings. At times he struggles to control his emotions, which explains why he overthrows and is prone to big innings and bad outings. But there's also a lot to like about the lefty, who led the league with a 2.45 ERA and earned a promotion to Double-A. Outman's fastball sits at 92-94 mph and he pairs it with an 84-87 mph slider. He's working on a changeup that still has a ways to go. A good athlete, Outman has reworked his mechanics and developed a more conventional delivery since turning pro. He also has added some deception, as he now hides the ball much longer, and his fastball has picked up some life. One manager who saw him in low Class A in 2006 said has made significant strides since last year -
A second-round pick in 2006, Perez made his full-season debut with the Avalanche. He was up an down for much of the season, but he showed two quality pitches throughout. His fastball has excellent late life and sits at 91-93 mph, while his 84-mph slider was his out pitch for much of the year. Perez' changeup improved as the season wore on, though he still doesn't have quite the arm action he needs to make it as effective as it could be. He repeats his delivery well, though some scouts expressed concern with the way he wraps his wrist in the back of his delivery -
Carvajal had to repeat the league after a hand injury curtailed his season last year. He needed the experience because he had gotten just 75 at-bats since signing for $350,000 in late 2005 out of the Dominican Republic. He's still raw, particularly in terms of pitch recognition and plate discipline, but he also has some of the best bat speed in the Padres system and enough athletic ability to play well in a short trial in center field. According to AZL Padres manager Tony Muser, the former Royals skipper, Carvajal profiles best as a left fielder with good defense and enough power for the position. "He has a lot of upside because he can do a lot of things," Muser said. "He can run, he's got a plus arm, he's got raw power. A lot of times with young players like him, it can take longer getting on their feet, and he lost time, but now he's making progress." -
If Van Mil makes it all the way up, he'll be the tallest pitcher in major league history at 7-foot-1. By the time he follows through, he's practically standing on home plate. His velocity is closer to Chris Young's than Randy Johnson's, however. Van Mil's fastball settles in around 91 mph and tops out at 95. His height gives him a downward plane that's tough on hitters. He's athletic and agile for his size. A product of the Netherlands, Van Mil lacks pitching instincts and profiles more as a reliever than as a starter. He's working on a slider that has some tilt, but he sometimes slows down his arm when he throws it. He also lacks control.Van Mil came down with elbow soreness, which sidelined him for three weeks in August. -
Like Poveda, Whittleman was much improved and still young for the league in his second stint at Clinton. After batting .227/.313/.343 as a 19-year-old in 2006, he boosted those numbers to .271/.382/.476 before an August callup to high Class A. He also added a Futures Game homer off the Mets' Deolis Guerra. Whittleman had a quieter approach and better balance at the plate this season, and he didn't chase as many pitches. With his swing, strength and grasp of the strike zone, he has a chance to hit .280 with 15-20 homers annually in the majors. He doesn't profile as well at third base as Bell, but he has a better stroke and puts more effort into his defense. Playing third base is still a struggle for Whittleman, who has the arm strength but lacks sure hands and quick feet. He made 29 errors in 85 games, and his .880 percentage was worse than his 2006 mark of .891. He tailed off in July, batting just .154/.264/.179 as most observers thought he got frustrated because he wasn't promoted earlier. -
Jones posted the second-highest slugging percentage (.507) in the Southern League and didn't miss a beat after earning a late-July promotion to Richmond, where he helped the Braves win the IL wild card. With a confident, quiet setup and a sweet lefty swing, he projects to be an above-average major league hitter. He makes adjustments and stays inside the ball well, taking what pitchers give him. Jones has 20-homer potential, which is about average for a corner outfielder, and he rarely turned on pitches in the IL, prompting some to question his assertiveness as a potential middle-of-the-order hitter. An average runner, he gets down the line well because of his clean swing mechanics. But with below-average hands and defensive instincts and a slow release on throws, he's a left fielder all the way. -
Hanson went just 2-6 in 14 starts at Rome, but his record fails to tell the true story. He used solid command of four pitches along with a willingness to throw inside to post a 2.59 ERA and limit hitters to a .194 average. Six-foot-6 and 210 pounds, Hanson has impressive mound presence and delivers the ball on an intimidating downhill plane. His fastball sits in the low 90s and he commands it well. Add in the tight spin on his curveball and improving depth on his changeup, and he's on the fast track in the Braves system. "He has good arm strength and I really like his breaking ball," Asheville pitching coach Bryan Harvey said. "He has a real good idea out there on the mound." -
Kendrick never had pitched above Class A prior to 2007, but he entered the postseason as the Phillies' Game Two starter, and his 3.87 ERA ranked second among their starters. He got started down that path in the EL, as he harnessed his command and stopped trying to pitch up in the strike zone with his fastball and down with his slider. The athletic Kendrick repeats his delivery, pumps his two-seam sinker to the bottom of the zone and spots his harder, low-90s four-seamer down and away. He also has a hard slider that's more of a groundball pitch than a strikeout offering. His changeup plays up because he locates it well. "He realized strikeouts are over-rated," Reading manager P.J. Forbes said. "He's pitching at the knees and when he misses, he misses down. He made hitters hit his pitch, because his command was that good. To give up just three home runs, playing in our ballpark, that's all about executing your pitches, and he did." -
One of the few Mariners prospects who has been allowed to develop more or less at his own pace, Balentien showed improvement across the board in his first taste of Triple-A. Most strikingly, he slashed his strikeout rate from one every 3.2 at-bats in 2006 to one every 4.5 for Tacoma. Though Balentien still will wildly chase pitches out of the zone, he did show increased selectivity in the first half, especially with regard to breaking balls off the plate. He has immense raw power to all fields and hit his first big league homer in September off Fausto Carmona. Balentien also has average speed and good baserunning instincts. He's an average defender with a plus arm in right field. He frequently has come under scrutiny for his lackadaisical play and though he still has lapses, he showed more focus and maturity in 2007. -
After a dominant season in 2006, Meloan spent the first half of 2007 as Jacksonville's closer before climbing to Triple-A and the majors. Managers rated him the league's best reliever and he has the makings of a valuable late-inning man in the big leagues. Meloan has two speeds--hard and harder--and a tenacious attitude. He works primarily off an 89-94 mph fastball and a mid-80s slider that has touched 89. He also has feel for a curveball and changeup, but his slider and above-average command are his ticket. Meloan attacks both sides of the plate and pitches ahead in the count. His delivery is rigid and lacks fluidity, but he has shown resilience since arm soreness arose shortly after he was drafted in 2005. -
If Young reaches the majors, his speed will be what gets him there. After leading the minors with 87 steals in 2006, he ranked second this year with 73. He became more efficient swiping bases, succeeding on 80 percent of his attempts, up from 74 percent a year ago. "He's a legitimate big league basestealer," Subero said. "He could go up on speed alone." Young uses his speed to get on base via bunts, though he still needs to improve his strike-zone judgment to be a tablesetter at the top of the order. He upgraded his total package by improving his defense at second base, showing better range and footwork. -
Duran was an afterthought in the Texas system coming into 2007, but he stung the ball all season and ranked among the TL leaders in most offensive categories. He also represented the Rangers on the World team in the Futures Game. Scouts and managers see Duran as an offensive second baseman whose overall approach to hitting isn't as polished as Antonelli's, but he offers more power. Duran isn't big but has a strong body and a quick bat, with the ability to put a charge in the ball. Most managers regarded Duran as a solid second baseman. He's good around the bag and should be able to make the routine plays, with average range and an average arm. His speed is fringe-average. -
Ambriz had shoulder surgery in 2004, then returned to star as a two-way player for UCLA the last two seasons. The Diamondbacks drafted him solely as a pitcher, and in his first pro summer he excelled as a swingman and earned the save in the clinching game of the Pioneer League playoffs. Arizona wants Ambriz to pitch off his fastball, and when he worked in shorter outings than he did as a college starter, his heater sat at 91-93 mph and touched 95. He also did a better job of keeping the ball down in the strike zone than he did at UCLA, with his mid-80s splitter resulting in a lot of groundballs. Ambriz also tightened his curveball. His curve and his changeup are still inconsistent, and he'll need to further develop them to succeed when he becomes a full-time starter next season. -
While he's a college pitcher, Wagner isn't the average college product. A former North Dakota State player, he saw his draft stock fall in 2005 due to a left kneecap injury that altered his mechanics and sapped his velocity. Healthy again, he and Aberdeen's Luis Lebron were the NY-P's dominant relievers. Wagner had the league's best fastball, sitting at 95-97 mph in just about every outing. He was content to blow fastballs by hitters, and his above-average control of the pitch means he can throw it for strikes to all four quadrants of the strike zone. However, Wagner lacks a second pitch. He has tried both a curveball and a slider, showing little feel for spinning a breaking ball. He had more success late in the summer when he started throwing a splitter, but he lacked confidence in the pitch. It looked better in the bullpen than in games. -
Cowart took the NWL by storm in his pro debut after the Giants drafted him in the 35th round as a Kansas State senior. He didn't allow an earned run in his first four starts and 21 innings, then reeled off an even longer stretch of five starts and 28 innings without yielding an earned run. On his way to winning NWL pitcher of the year honors, Cowart won his first 10 professional decisions before losing in his final regular-season outing. Cowart, who led the league with 10 wins and a 1.08 ERA, has impeccable control of underwhelming stuff, walking just eight batters in 83 innings. He also does a great job keeping the ball on the ground. The key to his success was the deception he creates with his funky submarine arm angle. He also has a very advanced feel for pitching, working both halves of the plate and leaving nothing above the knees. He has plenty of poise on the mound and fields his position well. But Cowart works in the 80-83 mph range with his fastball, topping out at 85, and he lacks a plus pitch. He also uses a slurvy breaking ball and a changeup. Cowart's future is in the bullpen, and his best-case scenario is that he can become a right-on-right specialist in the big leagues. Scouts are skeptical he'll be able to get hitters out at higher levels. -
A star tailback who rushed for 2,183 yards as an Illinois high school senior and could have played college football, Benson committed to baseball after the Twins made him a second-round pick in June. He offered one of the better combinations of power and speed in the GCL. He also has the range and enough arm to play center field. Besides his physical tools, Benson has a knack for making adjustments and playing with a football mentality. He can get too aggressive at times and will have to tone down his approach at the plate and on the bases. He had the mental toughness to handle a jump to low Class A after injuries riddled the Twins' Beloit affiliate. -
A guy who hit .224 in a return trip to low Class A doesn't seem like a prime candidate for the FSL Top 20. But Golson improved after a promotion to Clearwater and his ceiling remains high, even if he remains raw. "He's got all the tools," Legg said. Golson is a standout center fielder with plus range and arm strength, though his routes to the ball could use improvement. He's a plus-plus runner who's still learning how to pick his spots to steal. And he shows above-average power potential at the plate. Golson's only problem is a big one. He has yet to show the ability to make consistent contact, as evidenced by his .233 batting average and 160 strikeouts between two Class A stops this year. He doesn't recognize pitches well and he pulls off the ball too much. But he also has quick hands and a quick bat, which lead some to believe he'll figure it out. "He's young," Warner said. "He'll chase here and there, but if you make a mistake, it's a different sound coming off of his bat." -
A revelation offensive and defensively in his 2005 pro debut, Lowrie suffered a high ankle sprain in May, missed a month and didn't find any rhythm at the plate until August. When he finally go healthy, he hit .325 with two of his three homers in the final month. While there are questions about Lowrie remaining at short because he lacks range and eye-popping arm strength, several scouts compared him to Jeff Blauser and Kevin Elster and gave him a chance to stay there. "He's kind of like David Eckstein with a lot better tools," an AL scout said. "You sit there and say to yourself, 'That guy's an everyday shortstop.' He makes the plays, nothing necessarily real flashy, but he's going to get it done." -
The Padres won the league in part because of the ability of Durango and Hunter to get on base and the knack Carrasco and league RBI champ Ranyor Contreras had for driving them in. San Diego officials rave about Carrasco's raw power, though some managers questioned his defense and listed age of 19, preferring Contreras. A year younger and more physical, Carrasco earns the nod here for two big power tools. Besides his pop, he also has a plus throwing arm, as well as the range and hands to become an average defensive third baseman. "He's a legitimate switch-hitter, and when he got into one, it went a long way," one manager said. "He needs to improve his pitch recognition and he's pretty mature physically, but he has outstanding power." -
Though Severino was repeating the league and is significantly older than the other pitchers on this list, his stuff stood out. He had arguably the best fastball in the league, a 92-93 mph heater that explodes on hitters and enabled him to lead the league with 90 strikeouts in 68 innings. Three times he struck out 10 or more batters in a start. At 5-foot-11 and 150 pounds, Severino doesn't resemble a power pitcher, but he attacks hitters and his stuff certainly plays that way. His quick arm action also makes his slider tough to hit, though the pitch is a work in progress. Severino has average command of a changeup he throws to keep hitters from sitting on his fastball. His inconsistent mechanics sometimes lead to lapses in control. -
The league MVP, Baisley did it all. He led the MWL in runs (86) and RBIs (110, the second-highest total in the minors) and also was the circuit's best defensive third baseman. Baisley is a very good situational hitter who doesn't try to do too much. He has a balanced stance, sound swing and pitch-recognition skills, enabling him to drive balls from gap to gap. He moves better than most 6-foot-3, 210-pounders, showing range to both sides, and has a solid arm. The biggest knock against him was his age: 23, ancient for low Class A. The Athletics are also high on fellow third baseman Myron Leslie (Baisley's former South Florida teammate), who was ensconced in high Class A, so they left Baisley at Kane County. "It's an absolute crime that kid played there for the entire season," a second AL scout said. -
Denorfia continued to do what he's always done--hit for average, get on base and play good defense--as he spent the season shuttling between the majors and the minors. He saw more time with the Reds after the mid-July trade of Austin Kearns, but Denorfia didn't hit enough to avoid a demotion. His future is probably as a fourth outfielder. Denorfia is a manager's delight because he's an overachiever who plays with passion. He has no one exceptional tool, but he's a disciplined, line-drive hitter who can take the ball up the middle or to the opposite field. He's probably no more than a 15-home run hitter in the majors. "He puts the ball in play and he's a good two-strike hitter," Cliburn said. "We played one series where we couldn't get him out. We'd pitch him away and he'd go the other way. Pitch him in and he'd drive it into the gap." Denorfia has average range in center field and enough arm to play in right. Above-average speed may be Denorfia's strongest tool, and he succeeded in 15 of 16 steal attempts. -
Outman doesn't have the feel for pitching that his teammate Maloney does, but he throws significantly harder. He also put together one of the most dominant months any minor league pitcher had this year when he went 5-0, 0.28 in August. He won 13 of his final 15 decisions. A wiry 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, Outman often catches hitters off guard with his 90-94 mph fastball. His 80-84 mph slider also has the potential to be a plus pitch. He throws a curveball as well, but the consensus is that he'd be better off scrapping it and sticking solely with his slider. The key to Outman's future will be his changeup, which is still fringy. If it doesn't improve, his fastball-slider combo alone should make him an effective reliever. -
Olson climbed to Double-A in his first full pro season and displayed durability, consistency and solid-average stuff. If he improves his command and changeup, he could become a No. 3 or 4 starter. His fastball sits near 90 mph, and Olson has crafted a two-seamer that's slower but helps his cause against righthanders. His well above-average curveball is sharp with late, hard break and tight rotation. It's especially tough on lefties. He mixes his pitches well and moves them around, but he works deep in the count too often and tries to be too fine. His curve alone guarantees that he should become at least a dependable left-on-left reliever. -
Guzman has yet to duplicate his breakout 2004 season, and the Dodgers finally decided to use him in a deadline deal for Julio Lugo in July. His days as a shortstop have come to an end, and is future now appears to be in the outfield or first base, with third base also a possibility. Guzman still stands out from a physical standpoint, as he's a 6-foot-6, 250-pounder loaded with athleticism. He still needs to tighten his strike zone and add more defensive polish at his new positions, but he has tape-measure power, above-average arm strength and solid speed. "I like his size and power potential," DeFrancesco said. "The length of his swing has to be shortened, though, in order to survive in the big leagues. I see him as a first baseman. He'd be a nice big target over there with above-average athleticism for the position." -
Broadway started his season as strong as anyone in league, going 3-1, 1.74 in April. But then his delivery fell out of whack for two months, and hitters feasted on fastballs left up in the strike zone. He eventually fixed his mechanics and got back on track. The best pitch in Broadway's arsenal is a plus-plus spike curveball, which he commands to any part of the plate and will throw in any count. His average 89-90 mph fastball lacks consistent life and flattens out late in games. He seldom used a changeup in college and needs to increase arm speed to make it an effective third pitch. "He's polished and he's a fast-track guy," a NL scout said. "Whether he's fast-tracked as a pen guy or a starter depends on that changeup. It shows flashes, but sometimes it's very easy for hitters to pick up what's coming." -
A former high school valedictorian, Headley stands out most for his headsy approach to the game. Multiple managers commented on how much they enjoyed talking to him while they coached third base and he played the field. Headley does everything fairly well but nothing exceptionally well. His biggest asset is his plate discipline and pitch recognition. A switch-hitter, he's much more effective as a lefty, though his swing is tailored more to hit line drives than home runs from both sides. Power is the biggest question mark, because he lacks physical projection and scouts doubt he'll have enough pop for third base. He's a solid defender at the hot corner, with soft hands, a fairly strong, very accurate arm and adequate range. He does a good job charging bunts and makes all the routine plays. One scout compared Headley to Greg Norton, and he could end up as a solid player off the bench. -
Balentien drew comparisons to Manny Ramirez from league managers, both for his hitting potential and for his sometimes mystifying on-field behavior. Some managers called him a hot dog. He's one of the most intriguing power hitters in the minors--and represented the Mariners in the Futures Game in July--but his performance this season didn't match his potential. He has all the tools to be a middle-of-the-lineup force, including light-tower power. "My God, he can hit the ball a long way," Clark said. He has strength in his body and in his swing, with power from gap to gap, but his swing is big and he has not shown an ability to cut it down based on the count. He also struggled with breaking stuff, though he did show a willingness to hit the ball the other way this year. Balentien has a strong arm and runs well, though he's not a burner, and he played both right and center field for San Antonio. His long-term fit is in right, though. His attention sometimes wavered, and he led TL outfielders with 11 errors. -
A preseason appendectomy nearly derailed Hynick's junior season at Birmingham-Southern, but he rebounded to post a 2.59 ERA this spring. The Rockies pounced on him in the eighth round, confident they could help crispen his secondary stuff behind his 90-93 mph fastball. He quickly bought into instruction and went on to capture the league's pitcher of the year award. Hynick has an unorthodox arm action, but it works for him and hasn't hampered his ability to fill the strike zone. He made a lot of progress with a splitter that one coach said was the league's best pitch. He still has more work to do with his curveball and changeup. -
Pino was the best young Latin middle infielder in the league, though Aberdeen's Pedro Florimon received notice for his outstanding shortstop defense. Pino has more offensive upside and polish than Florimon, and his athletic ability stood out in a league dominated by college players. Pino ranked third in the league batting race, relying on a quick bat, contact-oriented approach and excellent hand-eye coordination. He fits best as a No. 2 hitter, though he needs to improve his bunting as well as his willingness to draw walks. He's an above-average runner and was caught just twice in 20 attempts. Pino's arm strength limits him to second base, but he has enough to be efficient at turning the double play. -
A native of Montana, where there's no high school baseball, the 6-foot-9 Mickolio played only basketball until the summer before his senior year of high school, when he began playing American Legion ball. He showed enough promise in his first year at Eastern Utah JC in 2003 that the Cardinals drafted him in the 35th round, and he made even more progress after transferring to Utah Valley State. With his enormous size, Mickolio was an imposing bullpen arm for Everett this summer. His height allows him to pitch on a downward angle and induce plenty of groundballs, as evidenced by his 49-18 ground-fly ratio. He works in the low 90s with a heavy fastball that has plenty of life and touches 94 mph. Mickolio also flashes a decent slider now and then, though he still has plenty of work to do on it and his changeup. His slider lacks tight rotation and doesn't miss many bats, and he needs to do a better job commanding his stuff within the strike zone. But considering how far Mickolio has come in his short pitching career, it's not a huge stretch to project him as a major league reliever. -
Another piece of the Abreu trade, Monasterios remained in the GCL with Sanchez, with both players moving across town from Tampa to Clearwater. As with most young pitchers, his best pitch is his fastball. He usually throws in the low 90s but was clocked as high as 96 mph. Monasterios pounds the strike zone and walked just six batters in 45 innings. He flashes a plus breaking ball, but it flattens out when he gets around the pitch in his delivery. He has shown some feel for a changeup, though it remains a distant third option for now. -
Patterson never has wowed scouts, even when he was winning the Cape Cod League batting title or hitting 50 homers during his college career at Louisiana State. But he continues to hit, and he impressed FSL managers with his heady approach at the plate. He led the league with a .520 slugging percentage after topping the short-season New York-Penn League with a .595 mark in his pro debut a year ago. Patterson has quick hands and power to all fields. He hits breaking balls well, but there's some concern that he still has too much of an aluminum-bat swing, with his weight too far forward at contact, leaving him vulnerable to being busted inside. Though he has average speed and an average arm, Patterson was able to handle center field with few problems. He still profiles better on a corner, however. -
Before he moved up to Double-A and made way for Lillibridge, Bixler was one of the most exciting players in the league. As with Lillibridge, speed is Bixler's best tool, though he's not quite as fast. A spray hitter with gap power, Bixler learned to work counts more effectively this season. He's surehanded, but his range and arm are average at best and may be better suited for second base. "His bat is really going to have to carry him because he's not going to be a shortstop in the big leagues," a NL scout said. "He has some instincts there, but not enough to get to balls he should get to. He's Tony Graffanino for me." -
After signing for $150,000, Madrigal spent his first five seasons in pro ball as an outfielder. However, his above-average raw power didn't translate to games well enough because of his inability to recognize breaking balls. After getting off to a tough start in his third straight assignment to low Class A Cedar Rapids, Madrigal assented when the Angels asked him to move to the mound in late May. As a pitcher, Madrigal showed the same raw arm strength he had as an outfielder. His fastball touched 98 mph and he regularly sat at 94 mph when he maintained his mechanics. His slider also showed signs of being a reliable second pitch. Still just 22, he could move quickly if he continues to show aptitude in his new role. "What impressed me was the poise he showed for being new to pitching," Angels manager Ever Magallanes said. "He had pretty good mound presence for his level of experience." -
After finishing second in the Missouri Valley Conference batting race with a .382 average, Ashley figured to tear up the Appy League--and he did by hitting .333 and leading the league with a .440 on-base percentage. The oldest player on this list, he made quick transition to wood bats and made hard contact to all fields. He's physically mature but still may have room for growth in the power department. While he is highly athletic for a catcher, Ashley still needs work behind the plate. In instructional league, the Devil Rays plan to address his mechanical flaws in terms of his setup, receiving and blocking. He does have good hands, shows a plus arm at times and threw out 52 percent of basestealers in his pro debut. -
While Kelly is steady, Ciriaco is spectacular but also erratic. Though he had one of the MWL's strongest infield arms and was one of its fastest players, he stole just 19 bases in 27 attempts and led the minors with 45 errors. "He has God-given talent," Joyce said. "He might have the best arm strength in the league. It's right there with (2004 No. 1 overall pick) Matt Bush, and he's more accurate and gets to more balls than Bush." Still learning to apply that talent, Ciriaco plays out of control at the plate and in the field. He chases pitches out of the strike zone, gets his feet tangled up on defense and commits mental as well as physical mistakes. But he has the hand-eye coordination to hit, and the physical skills to excel in all aspects of the game if he slows himself down. -
Haeger topped the IL with 14 wins and finished among the league leaders in nearly every category: 3.07 ERA (fourth), 170 innings (fourth), 130 strikeouts (fourth) and 78 walks (second). With uncanny command of a knuckleball for such a young pitcher, Haeger projects as an innings-eating No. 5 starter. Though Haeger still walked a lot of batters, he has improved the command of his lively knuckler to the point where he can go to either corner with the pitch. He can change speeds on the knuckler--ranging from 65-75 mph--depending on the effect it's having on batters. Some IL batters thought his knuckleball was the best they'd ever seen, and he reminded one scout of Tom Candiotti for the action he got on the pitch. When he falls behind, Haeger can go to a straight 84-86 mph fastball, a pitch that's easier to locate. It's strictly a get-me-over offering, which is problematic on days when his knuckler doesn't cooperate. -
Until Will Inman qualified for the ERA title in his last start of the season, Matt Maloney was in line to capture the SAL pitching triple crown. He settled for leading the league in victories (16), innings (169) and strikeouts (180) while winning the league's pitch-of-the-year award. He's a classic soft-tossing lefty who relies on command and guile. His fastball sits at 85-87 mph and he compliments it with a slider, changeup and curveball. He locates all of his pitches well and his fastball the best, making it his go-to offering. With his advanced feel, he should move fast, but his lack of velocity will give him far less room for error as he advances. The 6-foot-4 Maloney has a tendency to stay upright in the finish to his delivery, causing him to leave the ball up in the zone, which could be a problem at higher levels. -
Things really fell apart for Liz shortly after he was called up from high Class A in July. He overpowered hitters in the Carolina League but his below-average command doomed him in the EL. He left his stuff over the plate and fell behind in the count too often. Liz has a lightning-fast arm that generates 97-mph heat, but he struggles to repeat his delivery and release point. His curveball is inconsistent, as is his changeup. At times, both show the potential to be plus pitches. His upside is significant, and 2006 was just his second season in America, so with time Liz could develop into a starter in the mold of Orioles righty Daniel Cabrera. At worst, he moves to the bullpen and could become a closer. -
Volquez entered the season rated as the Rangers' No. 1 prospect, based on his mid-90s fastball and well above-average changeup. He used those pitches to finish fourth in the PCL in strikeouts (130 in 121 innings) and fifth in ERA (3.21) while limiting Triple-A hitters to a .203 average. "His arm strength is outstanding," Sacramento manager Tony DeFrancesco said. "He was 94, 95 with his fastball against us. His slider was hard and he had a decent changeup. He just needs command. Right now, it's not there." Volquez, who ranked third in the PCL with 72 walks, had even more trouble locating his stuff in the majors. He has a 1-10, 9.20 record with Texas--the worst ERA in major league history for a pitcher who has made 10 starts. With the Rangers, he consistently has fallen behind hitters, gotten crushed when he has found the plate and failed to show a reliable breaking ball. -
Sonnanstine's stuff isn't as good as Niemann's or Talbot's, but unlike them, he played a role in Montgomery's success all season long. He reeled off nine straight victories in June and July, and he led the minors with four complete games--all shutouts. Durable and resilient, he topped the SL in wins (15) and innings (186, which ranked second in the minors). Sonnanstine's plus-plus control and plus command are more notable than the quality of his pitches. His best offering is his changeup, as he worked hard with Biscuits pitching coach Xavier Hernandez to perfect his grip and arm action. He also throws an 89-92 mph fastball and a slurvy breaking ball, keeping hitters off balance by varying his arm angle and changing speeds. "This guy might be too smart for the game," an AL scout said. "He's confident, mixes his pitches well and always seems to have a plan." -
Ramos wore down in his 2005 pro debut after pitching 126 innings at Long Beach State that spring, but he entered this season refreshed and it showed. He went 7-4, 2.93 over the season's first four months before fatigue set in once again, and he went 0-4, 8.27 in August. When he's at his best like he was in the first half, Ramos has very good command of a four-pitch mix. He has a solid-average fastball that sits at 88-91 mph and jumps up to 92-93 when he needs it, and he uses an average curveball and average slider. His best pitch is a plus changeup that's effective against righthanders. Ramos doesn't rack up many strikeouts, but works to all corners of the zone to keep hitters off balance. He left too many pitches up late in the season when his arm was tired. He has an easy, compact delivery and a physical 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame that should prove more durable as he gets acclimated to a pro workload. -
You're excused if you had never heard of Evans before this year. No one else had, either. He spent 3½ seasons in obscurity in the Cardinals organization, and he returned to high Class A for the third time to open 2006. He hit 15 home runs in 60 games there to earn a promotion to Springfield, and then he was traded to the Angels in the July for Jeff Weaver, which kept him in the Texas League at Arkansas. He finished the season with a combined 33 home runs, 37 stolen bases and a .942 on-base plus slugging percentage. Evans always had been regarded as a hard worker with an intriguing combination of power and speed. This season he developed a more relaxed, consistent approach at the plate that kept him from getting himself out by chasing pitches and going into prolonged slumps. Evans played exclusively in right field while in Springfield, but he played mostly in center for Arkansas. While he has the speed to play center on occasion, his strong arm and power profile perfectly in right. -
Chapman spent his third straight season in Rookie ball, but he showed enough this year to earn a late-season promotion to low Class A. PL observers liked his lefthanded bat, as he has good pitch recognition and uses the entire field. He should have at least doubles power as he advances, and he adjusted well after early-season struggles against southpaws. He's just an average runner, but has good instincts and can steal a base. He plays too shallow in center field, as balls get over his head and he doesn't always have enough speed to track them down. -
The proverbial crafy lefty, Salamida's success was too much for league observers to ignore. After dropping his first start despite not giving up any earned runs, he won his final 10 decisions in the regular season before losing to Kontos in the league championship game. Salamida led the NY-P in wins (10) and ERA (1.06). A two-way player at Division II SUNY Oneonta, Salamida has average size, average stuff and well above-average control, as well as a knack for pitching and moxie. His fastball sat in the upper 80s and touched 90, and he threw his changeup (his best secondary pitch) and slider for strikes with maddening regularity. He's the kind of pitcher who will have to prove himself at every level, but so far, so good. "Most guys in the league were one-pitch guys," Greer said. "This was a four-pitch guy who could throw breaking balls for strikes in fastball counts, then freeze a hitter with an 0-2 fastball. He was impressive." -
A year after being drafted in the fifth round out of high school and spending a summer in the Arizona League, Deal handled the jump to the Northwest League well and emerged as Vancouver's top starter. He struck out just 35 in 76 innings of work, but he doesn't ever figure to be a strikeout pitcher. He's a sinkerballer who posted a 106-80 ground-fly ratio and allowed just three homers in 76 innings. Deal has a tall, skinny frame with plenty of room to fill out, so he could increase the velocity on his 87-89 mph fastball that touches 91-92. It's a heavy pitch with good sink and life, and he commands it well most of the time. "He's very aggressive and he comes right at you," Gainer said. "Everyone knew he had that sinker and it didn't matter. He just got ground ball after ground ball." Deal also has a slider and changeup that can be average at times. He has cleaned up his arm action quite a bit since high school, and he now does a good job of repeating his fluid, easy delivery. -
The Yankees used McAllister in a relief role piggybacking with Betances, and they were a tough duo to beat. The son of Diamondbacks crosschecker Steve McAllister, Zach pitches with the savvy of someone who grew up around the game. McAllister has added six inches and 60 pounds over the last two years, and he saw his heavy sinker climb to 90-92 this spring before gaining another tick of velocity during the summer. His secondary stuff is fringy, though he has shown feel for a slider that could be a plus pitch if learns to control it more effectively. Like Betances, McAllister pitched better as the summer went on. "He has a good, sinking fastball. It's a power sinker. It's his No. 1 pitch," Martin said. "He got lots of ground balls, and I could see him throwing harder as he matures." -
In a league dominated by pitching, Casilla was one of the few middle infielders who stood out. Acquired from the Angels in the offseason for J.C. Romero, Casilla started the season in Fort Myers and finished it in Minnesota. At the plate, Casilla takes advantage of his plus-plus speed by employing a running, slashing swing. He profiles as a leadoff hitter. He controls the strike zone and makes pitchers work, and once he reaches base, he's always a threat to steal. He has a knack for getting good jumps and reading pitchers. His weakness at the plate is his utter lack of power. Casilla played both second base and shortstop with the Miracle, and he's more polished at short right now. He has above-average range and arm strength. He's still figuring out his footwork and double-play pivot at second base. "He's very intelligent," Boles said. "You tell him to do something one time, he puts it into the game that night. He makes adjustments very quickly." -
Part of the talented Salem rotation, Reineke earned the win in the California-Carolina League all-star game. He has an intimidating presence on the mound, using his 6-foot-6 frame to unleash 93-94 mph fastballs on an extreme downward plane. He also throws a plus slider, with late sweeping life Reineke was more free and easy in his delivery this season, showing better overall balance and staying on a direct line toward home plate. He still lacks much feel for his changeup, part of the reason he was moved to the bullpen following a promotion to Double-A. It has good diving action at times but he has yet to find a comfortable grip or consistency with it. -
Peguero teamed with Avila to give the Mariners a 1-2 punch unrivaled in the league. They tied with teammate Wellington Dotel for the home run lead with seven, and Peguero's .649 slugging percentage easily topped the AZL. He didn't fare as well after a promotion to short-season Everett, however, where his inexperience with breaking balls and somewhat long swing were exposed. Peguero has a big, projectable frame at 6-foot-5, 210 pounds and moves well for a big man, though he figures to slow down as he fills out. He showed more ability and willingness to use the whole field than Avila did, but he doesn't have quite as much raw power. Peguero's outfield arm is another plus tool. -
The fact that Chavez, at age 17 and in his first year as a pro, bypassed the VSL for Pulaski suggests how highly the Blue Jays regard him. While he held his own in the Appalachian League, he's all projection at this point. Chavez has done well to adapt to a new culture and will continue to gain strength, though he is already physical at 6-foot-3 and 200 lbs. His swing has come a long way in a year, but he's still prone to chasing pitches out of the zone and is too pull-conscious. He'll be a corner outfielder because he doesn't have the instincts or range for center field, though he has average speed and arm strength. -
Kelly succeeded 2004 first-round pick Trevor Plouffe as Beloit's shortstop, and MWL observers liked Kelly more. A 2005 second-rounder, Kelly has better physical tools and is a superior hitter. He kept getting better as the year wore on until a torn meniscus in his left knee ended his season in late July. Kelly is more advanced than most teenage hitters. He has a solid approach, recognizes breaking balls, uses the whole field and has a plan with two strikes. He didn't show much power this summer but will have some pop once he adds some strength and experience. He'll hit enough to be a regular, though at what position is uncertain. Kelly has fringe-average speed, which cuts down on his range, but his positioning and cannon arm--he was clocked at 94-95 mph as a high school pitcher--allow him to make plays. "I always judge a shortstop by if he has to use his arm or not," Beloit manager Jeff Smith said. "His glove is so good and he's always in position, so he never has to use it. And he has one of the best arms in the league, too." -
Pedroia is the classic example of a player who plays above his tools. Opposing mangers described him as a pesky hitter and a tough out, but had reservations about his lack of power and range. Pedroia got results in Triple-A, though, batting .305 (fifth in the IL) with 30 doubles and nearly twice as many walks (48) as strikeouts (27). Pedroia makes up for below-average speed and raw power by maximizing his selectivity as a hitter and by using the whole field. He showed an aptitude for taking the breaking ball the other way, and he has the hand-eye coordination to make consistent contact while using a big swing. "Pitchers will always challenge Pedroia, and he will prove them wrong," a scout said. "He will put the ball in play. He'll use the first-base and third-base line. He's a kid you love to have on your club." Pedroia was a shortstop at Arizona State and spent the majority of his time there for Pawtucket, but he doesn't have the range to be a regular there in the majors. He spent a lot of time at second base, and his sure hands and strong arm play better at the keystone. -
The fourth Greensboro starter on this list, Thompson ranks just behind Volstad in terms of polish but his stuff has the least upside among the group. Like Volstad, Thompson has above-average command of three pitches. His fastball sits consistently at 88 mph with natural tailing action, and he'll occasionally crack 90. His 80-81 mph slider is his best secondary offering. He also has a change with a late downward break that he uses as an out pitch against righthanders, and he'll flash a slow curveball to set up his slider. Because of his lack of velocity, command will continue to be paramount for Thompson. His fastball was clocked as high as 92 mph in high school, so there's also the chance he could get back to that point. -
Part of the Jim Thome trade with the White Sox, Gonzalez had a productive first full season in the Phillies system. He showed durability by logging a career-high 155 innings as a 20-year-old and finished second in the league with 166 strikeouts. Gonzalez has a repeatable delivery and quick arm, but he's just 5-foot-11, which hinders to create good plane on his fastball. It sits at 87-91 mph and touches 93, but it lacks life and gets pounded when he leaves it up in the zone. He surrendered 24 home runs, tied for the most in the EL. Gonzalez possesses a well above-average downer curveball that remains his go-to offering. His changeup is a reliable third pitch. Without a plus fastball and fringy command--he led the league with 81 walks--he might move to the bullpen in the big leagues. -
Easily the best catcher ever developed by the Rockies, Iannetta continued to shine at the plate following a promotion to Colorado Springs in late June. He controls the strike zone very well, waiting out pitchers until they give him a pitch he can hammer. He calls a good game and has an average arm, and while throwing out basestealers has been an issue at times, he erased 31 percent in Triple-A. "He really gives you quality at-bats for a catcher," Runnells said. "In fact, he led our organization in quality at-bats. Defensively, he's a sponge for knowledge and he tries so hard to improve. He's a humble kid and a guy who is going to be a frontline catcher for years to come." -
Signed as a third baseman out of the Dominican Republic for $600,000 in 1998, Salas was converted to the mound midway through 2004 after hitting .264/.296/.361 over six seasons. He hasn't looked back, putting up ridiculous numbers in the SL this season and adding a Futures Game appearance to his resume. He didn't allow an earned run in 35 innings with the Biscuits and reached the majors in September. Salas has equally ridiculous stuff, starting with a fastball that sits at 93-96 mph, topping out at 98. While the velocity is plus-plus, so is the movement. One scout described his heater as "the best 95-mph slider I've ever seen," as it has sharp, cutting action away from righthanders. Salas also throws an actual 86-87 mph slider that has more pronounced depth and life, and it can be equally as devastating. As good as those two pitches are, he's still learning how to attack hitters. His mechanics dissolve at times, as he flies open with his front shoulder and his arm gets too far away from his body. -
Deduno continued to be an enigma, finishing second in the Cal League to teammate Morales with 167 strikeouts, but also leading the minors with 34 wild pitches and finishing fourth in the minors with 92 walks. Clearly, command is his bugaboo, but when he's on, he's nasty. His best pitch is a sometimes plus-plus power curveball, and he also showed an above-average 92-94 mph fastball with so much movement that his catchers would sometimes struggle to catch it cleanly. "That breaking ball is devastating, but I don't know what to think of this guy," a National League scout said. "The breaking ball is unhittable when he commands it, but after two or three innings, he couldn't find the release point. He was lights out for three innings both times I saw him, then was an absolute thrower." Right now, Deduno is essentially a two-pitch guy who profiles as a potential dominant reliver if he can harness his stuff. He has a little feel for his changeup, but it has a long way to go if he's to remain a starter. -
McBeth continued one of the most intriguing turnaround stories in the minors this season, reaching Triple-A in his first full season as a pitcher. Drafted by the Athletics as an outfielder in 2001, he turned to pitching in 2005 after a career .233 average kept him from getting out of Class A. On the mound, he has shown not only the stuff but also the makeup to be a successful reliever. He throws a fastball that tops out at 94-96 mph, and he backs it up with a slider that's particularly tough on righthanders. A's pitching instructor Ron Romanick also taught him a changeup that has become a put-away pitch because he does such a good job of maintaining his arm speed. He has also worked on a two-seam fastball that could become an out pitch if he can learn to control it. McBeth challenges hitters. He needs to refine his command, but he should be no worse than a setup man and has the raw stuff to close games if he continues to make strides. -
The Rockies grew tired of Strop's struggles with the bat, and after he hit .212/.277/.299 in four seasons as an infielder, they decided a career change was in order. They moved him to the mound this year, and he immediately took to pitching. He dominated the Pioneer League in 11 appearances and continued to impress after a promotion to low Class A. As with many converted position players, arm strength is Strop's forte. He threw 93-95 mph in spring training and has good control of his fastball, though he leans too heavily on the pitch. He also has a low-80s slider but must stay on top of it more often so it doesn't flatten out, making him vulnerable to home runs. "I'd try to start him next year to add some pitchability to his plus stuff," Kotchman said. "If not, you know you have a solid reliever." -
Hilligoss' track record says he'll hit. He batted .404 and .386 in his final two seasons at Purdue, .309 with wood bats in the Central Illinois Collegiate League in 2005, and .292 in his pro debut to finish 10th in the NY-P batting race. One scout who saw Hilligoss as an amateur compared his swing, offensive potential and overall game to Frank Catalanotto. As with Catalanotto, Hilligoss' forté is getting the barrel of the bat to the ball consistently, driving balls to the gaps and driving pitchers crazy with an advanced two-strike approach. He also hangs in well against lefthanders and hit .397 against them this summer. The Catalanotto comparisons extend to Hilligoss' defense as well. Though he profiles best as an infielder, he doesn't have the hands or range to stick in the middle of the diamond. He's a better fit at third base, but he doesn't project to hit for the power wanted there or on an outfield corner. Hilligoss will have to hit for a high average to be a factor--and he has done that at every level so far. -
Bailey's workload at Wagner this spring was limited as he recovered from May 2005 Tommy John surgery, but the Athletics saw enough power stuff to draft him in the sixth round. He was very impressive in his pro debut despite his 2-5 record, and he would have ranked second in the NWL in ERA if he hadn't fallen three innings shy of qualifying. With a big, physical frame that invites comparisons to Joe Blanton, Bailey could develop into a workhorse as he gets further away from his surgery. His heavy sinker bores in on righthanders at 91-93 mph and touches 94-95. He also has a solid-average 11-to-5 curveball with good rotation and depth, and a developing changeup that could become an average pitch if he learns to command it more consistently. Bailey has an aggressive approach but remains more of a thrower than a pitcher. He struggles to repeat his arm path and delivery, which has a lot of moving parts, making it difficult for him to command the strike zone and execute his pitches. He sometimes gets distracted and tries to pitch too quickly with speedsters on the basepaths. -
Myers figured to complement a banner 2006 recruiting class at Southern California until he accepted a $250,000 bonus as a fourth-round pick in June. That he signed was somewhat surprising, but even more so was his performance in his debut. Considered toolsy but extremely raw, he made significant strides in his swing and approach and tied for third in the GCL in batting. Myers' swing gets long but he showed above-average bat speed at times. He needs to improve his plate discipline and work counts more efficiently. He's wiry strong, and though he rarely showed power in games, he could hit 12-15 home runs annually. His well above-average speed is his best tool. Myers played all three outfield positions in the GCL and has the range to stay in center field. His reads and routes are raw, while his arm strength is average. -
There's a lot not to like about Jose Mijares. Start with his 3.57 ERA as a reliever, which doesn't stand out. Take a look at his 5-foot-10, 220-pound body, which screams Rich Garces. Scouts have questioned his makeup and mound demeanor as well. But when he rears back and throws, it's hard to not get excited. When he was locked in, Mijares featured a 94-95 mph fastball and a filthy 77-78 mph slider that both ranked among the best in the league. He only showed that plus stuff in limited stretches, however. At other times, his velocity would dip to the low 90s and his command would fall apart. Part of the problem is that Mijares hasn't worked hard enough to stay in shape, which hampers his ability to repeat his delivery. He also has a below-average changeup that hasn't improved much because he rarely uses it when working out of the bullpen. He's a long ways from the majors, but the wait could be worth it. -
For a player in just his second season at shortstop after playing center field for much of his college career, Lillibridge is very advanced with the glove. He has outstanding range and first-step quickness, with soft hands and an above-average arm that allows him to make plays from deep in the hole. With well above-average speed, Lillibridge profiles more as a tablesetter than a run producer. He incorporates very little of his lower half in his longish swing, with a pronounced drift in his hands and his feet spread wide apart. He made some adjustments to shorten his stroke, and his plate discipline was exceptional during his first full season. Energetic and driven, Lillibridge was one of the most consistent players in the league. He drew rave reviews from managers for his grind-it-out style. -
While Van Stratten isn't a pure speedster like Royals outfield mates Robinson or Jarrod Dyson, he's quick, has plenty of tools and looks like a steal from the 10th round of the 2006 draft. He set a national junior college record with 14 triples this spring at St. Louis CC-Meramec, and hit seven more to rank second in the AZL. His mix of gap power and speed mix impressed managers. Van Stratten showed the ability to drop a bunt or to sting the ball to both gaps. His best tools are his bat, with a short swing and outstanding pitch recognition considering his experience, and his above-average throwing arm. His gritty, all-out approach also earned him praise. -
Ramirez made a strong U.S. debut, finishing among the Appy League leaders in average (.314), hits (72), doubles (20) and triples (five) after spending three years in the Rookie-level Venezuelan Summer League. He has surprising pop for a 6-foot, 149-pounder, though he's more of a spray hitter now who takes the ball where it's pitched. He should add strength as he fills out. Ramirez spent most of the year at shortstop but also saw time at second base. He may profile better at second because while he has good range to his left, he has below-average range toward the shortstop hole. His footwork also needs improvement and he lacks the arm strength of a true shortstop. He's an average runner. -
When he was at his very best, Morlan ranked with the top pitchers in the league. One scout said Morlan turned in one of the three best performances he saw all year, along with Adenhart and Cueto. Cedar Rapids manager Bobby Magallanes said Morlan touched 97 mph in the ninth inning of an 11-strikeout complete game. He began the season in the bullpen, and that may be his long-term destination. His fastball usually sits in the low 90s but he's still seeking a consistent second pitch. He owns a mid-80s slider that shows flashes of bite and a developing changeup. Morlan has a quick arm and a smooth delivery that he repeats easily. He tends to drop his elbow, which causes his pitches to flatten out and arrive higher in the strike zone. He missed most of July with a sore shoulder but returned to pitch 22 scoreless innings over his final four starts. -
Bourn played for four teams this summer, ranging from Double-A Reading to the Phillies to Team USA, with perhaps his finest moment coming when he connected for two home runs in a victory against Cuba in the Olympic qualifying tournament. He spent just six weeks with Scranton, but made the most of his well above-average speed by stealing 15 bases in 16 tries and hitting seven triples, good for fourth in the league. Bourn has shown improvement with each promotion and he plays up to his strengths. He runs extremely well and is a smart baserunner capable of reading pitchers and using his raw speed. He has a good batting eye and projects as a solid-average major league hitter. He's also a plus defensive center fielder with a slightly above-average, accurate arm. His power is strictly gap-to-gap and is below average, but he can surprise opponents, as he did by taking Cuban flamethrower Pedro Luis Lazo deep. The Phillies want him to concentrate on hitting the ball in the air less and cutting down on his strikeouts, a byproduct of working deep counts. -
Like Cain, Campbell built on a 2005 MVP award in Rookie ball (the Appalachian League in his case) with a strong 2006 campaign. A student of the game who kept a notebook on the pitchers in the league, he applied that knowledge by leading the league with 22 homer. Campbell is an aggressive hitter who swings early in the count and rarely misses when pitchers make mistakes. He has ample pull power, but his open stance often leads to him flying open on the front side of his swing, making it hard to drive pitches to the opposite field. Though his speed is average at best, Campbell has good instincts and is an excellent baserunner with a knack for stealing bases when the opportunity arises. He's solid at third base but has a slow first step to his right. -
After a sensational first half in high Class A, Jurrjens moved up to the EL and continued to impress Tigers brass. He has thrown harder more consistently and shown more feel for pitching than Detroit anticipated when it signed him out of Curacao three years ago. Jurrjens' fastball ranges from 87-92 mph and touches 95, and he can spot it to both sides of the plate. His slider is below average, making his performance even more impressive considering he did it primarily off fastball command and a plus changeup. Jurrjens has a clean, simple delivery. Some scouts envision him moving to the bullpen, but if he develops a usable breaking ball, he could fill a role as a back-of-the-rotation starter in the big leagues. -
Montero had a breakthrough season in 2005 and proved it was no fluke this year. He makes consistently hard contact with a short stroke and did a better job of using the entire field this season. He also does a fine job behind the plate, showing an average arm with a quick release to go with strong blocking and game-calling ability. "He really improved the second time we saw him," Brundage said. "He made some adjustments, especially on the offspeed stuff. He's a very aggressive hitter. But the thing I like most about him his is presence behind the plate, especially for such a young guy in this league. He has a good arm and seemed to call a good game." -
With older brother Corey traded to the Orioles last offseason, there will be no Patterson brothers reunion in Chicago. But Eric is getting close to ready for Wrigley Field, recovering from a second-half slump to bat .358 following a mid-August promotion to Triple-A. Patterson's best tool is his speed, which rates as a 65-70 on the 20-80 scouting scale. He also has surprising power for his size, though he sometimes gets caught up too much in trying to hit homers. He has made strides in shortening his swing for a more gap-to-gap approach. Patterson's speed aids his range at second-base, though his first-step quickness and body control are a bit disappointing. His footwork around the bag is questionable, though he does have soft hands. -
Perez is a cerebral player, as one might expect from the highest-drafted player ever (seventh round, 2004) out of Columbia University. He learned how to switch-hit in the offseason, and while he struggled from the left side early in the year, he soon began hitting line drives and finished with a .303 average against righthanders. He's a dynamic player who led the minors with 123 runs scored. "He's a game-changer. You don't want to see him up in the ninth inning up by one or in a tie game, because he'll bunt, he'll slap one to left or hit it in the gap, and you're just praying you'll get the ball in fast enough before he gets to third," Steverson said. "He's just irritating. He roams the outfield like there are just floating pop-ups up there all day. I know for a fact he's taken 15 hits away from us." Perez has outstanding range in the outfield thanks to his plus-plus speed, though he's still working on his defensive instincts. He has a playable, if not strong, outfield arm. Perez has plenty of things to refine in his game--he strikes out too much for a top-of-the-order hitter, and he was thrown out in 16 of his 49 steal attempts--but he offers an intriguing leadoff package and enough strength at the plate to make him more than a one-dimensional Punch-and-Judy hitter.
Top 100 Rankings
Best Tools List
- Rated Best Defensive SS in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Best Control in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Best Reliever in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive Catcher in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive Outfielder in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Best Baserunner in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Best Strike-Zone Discipline in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Best Infield Arm in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Best Outfield Arm in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive 1B in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Best Batting Prospect in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive 3B in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Best Power Prospect in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Best Pitching Prospect in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Best Fastball in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Best Breaking Pitch in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive 2B in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Most Exciting Player in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Fastest Baserunner in the Florida State League in 2006
- Rated Best Power Prospect in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Best Fastball in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive Catcher in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Best Pitching Prospect in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive SS in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive 2B in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Best Reliever in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive 1B in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Best Breaking Pitch in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Best Infield Arm in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive 3B in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Best Control in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive Outfielder in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Fastest Baserunner in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Best Baserunner in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Best Batting Prospect in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Most Exciting Player in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Best Strike-Zone Discipline in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Best Outfield Arm in the Carolina League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive Catcher in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Best Outfield Arm in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Best Control in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive Outfielder in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Best Breaking Pitch in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive 1B in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive 3B in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive SS in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Best Reliever in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Best Fastball in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Most Exciting Player in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Fastest Baserunner in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Best Baserunner in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive 2B in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Best Strike-Zone Discipline in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Best Infield Arm in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Best Power Prospect in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Best Batting Prospect in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Best Pitching Prospect in the Midwest League in 2006
- Rated Best Infield Arm in the International League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive 1B in the International League in 2006
- Rated Best Power Prospect in the International League in 2006
- Rated Best Pitching Prospect in the International League in 2006
- Rated Best Control in the International League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive SS in the International League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive Catcher in the International League in 2006
- Rated Best Outfield Arm in the International League in 2006
- Rated Best Baserunner in the International League in 2006
- Rated Best Reliever in the International League in 2006
- Rated Most Exciting Player in the International League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive 3B in the International League in 2006
- Rated Best Fastball in the International League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive 2B in the International League in 2006
- Rated Best Batting Prospect in the International League in 2006
- Rated Best Breaking Pitch in the International League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive Outfielder in the International League in 2006
- Rated Best Strike-Zone Discipline in the International League in 2006
- Rated Fastest Baserunner in the International League in 2006
- Rated Best Batting Prospect in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Best Infield Arm in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive 3B in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive 1B in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Best Strike-Zone Discipline in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive Outfielder in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Best Power Prospect in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive SS in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Best Pitching Prospect in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Most Exciting Player in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Best Control in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive Catcher in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive 2B in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Fastest Baserunner in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Best Baserunner in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Best Outfield Arm in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Best Fastball in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Best Breaking Pitch in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Best Reliever in the South Atlantic League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive 2B in the Eastern League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive Outfielder in the Eastern League in 2006
- Rated Best Baserunner in the Eastern League in 2006
- Rated Best Defensive Catcher in the Eastern League in 2006
- Rated Best Reliever in the Eastern League in 2006
Career Transactions
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Sultanes de Monterrey placed IF Joel Flores on the reserve list.
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Sultanes de Monterrey activated RHP Juan Salas from the reserve list.
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Algodoneros de Guasave placed RHP Juan Cossio on the reserve list.
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Algodoneros de Guasave placed LHP Ariel Gracia on the reserve list.
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OF Narciso Crook assigned to Algodoneros de Guasave.
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Algodoneros de Guasave placed 3B Angel Erro on the reserve list.
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Algodoneros de Guasave placed OF Yadir Drake on the reserve list.
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Algodoneros de Guasave activated 1B Yael Romero from the reserve list.
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Algodoneros de Guasave activated RHP Kevin Ribon from the reserve list.
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Algodoneros de Guasave activated LHP Edwin Cervantes from the reserve list.
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CF Odúbel Herrera assigned to Tigres de Aragua.
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Venados de Mazatlan activated RHP Adolfo Ramirez from the reserve list.
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Venados de Mazatlan placed RHP Victor Morales on the reserve list.
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Venados de Mazatlan placed LHP Amilcar Gaxiola on the reserve list.
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Venados de Mazatlan activated RHP Erick Casillas from the reserve list.
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Tomateros de Culiacan activated RHP Fernando Olguin from the reserve list.
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Tomateros de Culiacan activated RHP Axel Sauceda from the reserve list.
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Tomateros de Culiacan placed RHP Carlos Machorro on the reserve list.
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Tomateros de Culiacan placed LHP Manny Bañuelos on the reserve list.
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Naranjeros de Hermosillo placed CF Alejandro Gonzalez on the reserve list.
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RF Alex Robles assigned to Naranjeros de Hermosillo.
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Mayos de Navojoa placed OF Asael Sanchez on the reserve list.
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Mayos de Navojoa placed RHP Damian Mendoza on the reserve list.
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Mayos de Navojoa activated LHP Denny Roman from the reserve list.
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Mayos de Navojoa activated SS Edgar Lugo from the reserve list.
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Caneros de los Mochis activated RHP Omar Araujo from the reserve list.
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Caneros de los Mochis placed RHP Adrian Hernandez on the reserve list.
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Caneros de los Mochis placed RHP Luis Gastelum on the reserve list.
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Charros de Jalisco placed RHP Cristian Alvarado on the reserve list.
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Charros de Jalisco activated RHP Dario Gardea from the reserve list.
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SS Diomar Hidalgo assigned to DSL Red Sox Blue.
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New York Yankees selected the contract of LF Taylor Trammell from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
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New York Yankees selected the contract of RHP Yerry De Los Santos from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
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New York Yankees selected the contract of C J.C. Escarra from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
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RHP Lou Trivino elected free agency.
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LHP Kyle Muller elected free agency.
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Sultanes de Monterrey activated RHP Mario Perez from the reserve list.
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Sultanes de Monterrey placed RHP Noah Bremer on the reserve list.
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Sultanes de Monterrey activated IF Edgar Bravo from the reserve list.
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Sultanes de Monterrey placed RHP Arturo Roque on the reserve list.
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Sultanes de Monterrey activated RHP Mario Garcia from the reserve list.
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Sultanes de Monterrey placed Carlos Medina on the reserve list.
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Sultanes de Monterrey placed 3B Carter Aldrete on the reserve list.
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2B Marcos Castañon assigned to Sultanes de Monterrey.
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Algodoneros de Guasave placed LHP Edwin Cervantes on the reserve list.
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Algodoneros de Guasave activated LHP Ariel Gracia from the reserve list.
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Algodoneros de Guasave placed RHP Kevin Ribon on the reserve list.
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Algodoneros de Guasave activated RHP Peyton Gray from the reserve list.
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Algodoneros de Guasave activated LHP Jesus Broca from the reserve list.
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Algodoneros de Guasave placed RHP Christian Crespo on the reserve list.
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Algodoneros de Guasave activated RHP Oscar Rojas from the reserve list.
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Algodoneros de Guasave placed CF Victor Labrada on the reserve list.
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DSL Arizona Red released OF Dauwin Gonzalez.
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DSL Padres Gold released C Estiven Giron.
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DSL Rays released RHP Yannelbinson Lugo.
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Tigres de Aragua activated RHP Guillermo Moscoso.
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RHP Guillermo Moscoso assigned to Tigres de Aragua.
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OF Yordanys Linares assigned to Bravos de Margarita.
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LHP Yohander Méndez assigned to Leones del Caracas.
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RHP Nomar Rojas assigned to Aguilas del Zulia.
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Venados de Mazatlan placed RHP Adolfo Ramirez on the reserve list.
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Venados de Mazatlan placed RHP Irving Medina on the reserve list.
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Venados de Mazatlan activated RHP Fernando Burgueno from the reserve list.
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Venados de Mazatlan activated RHP Victor Morales from the reserve list.
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Tomateros de Culiacan placed RHP Fernando Olguin on the reserve list.
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Tomateros de Culiacan activated RHP Diego Castro from the reserve list.
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Tomateros de Culiacan placed 2B Ichiro Cano on the reserve list.
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Tomateros de Culiacan activated RHP Luis Aguayo from the reserve list.
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Naranjeros de Hermosillo activated LHP Javier Rodriguez from the reserve list.
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Naranjeros de Hermosillo placed LHP Jorge Rodriguez on the reserve list.
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Naranjeros de Hermosillo placed RHP Augusto Mendieta on the reserve list.
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Naranjeros de Hermosillo activated RHP Enrique Castillo from the reserve list.
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Naranjeros de Hermosillo activated RHP Jose Albertos from the reserve list.
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Naranjeros de Hermosillo placed RHP Saul Arias on the reserve list.
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Mayos de Navojoa placed RHP Erick Preciado on the reserve list.
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RHP Alex Valverde assigned to Mayos de Navojoa.
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Algodoneros de Guasave placed RHP Victor Buelna on the reserve list.
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Algodoneros de Guasave activated C Jose Lizarraga from the reserve list.
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Algodoneros de Guasave activated LHP Edwin Cervantes from the reserve list.
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Algodoneros de Guasave placed LHP Ian Medina on the reserve list.
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Algodoneros de Guasave placed LHP Jesus Broca on the reserve list.
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Algodoneros de Guasave activated RHP Christian Crespo from the reserve list.
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RHP Yoandri Gonzalez assigned to DSL Mets Orange.
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C Edinson Duran assigned to Tiburones de La Guaira.
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Bravos de Margarita traded RHP Julio Vivas to Tiburones de La Guaira.
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CF Anthony Jimenez assigned to Bravos de Margarita.
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Leones del Caracas traded C Eliezer Alfonzo and RHP Alfred Gutierrez to Navegantes del Magallanes for C René Pinto.
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Leones del Caracas traded C Eliezer Alfonzo and RHP Alfred Gutierrez to Navegantes del Magallanes for C René Pinto.
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Leones del Caracas traded C Eliezer Alfonzo and RHP Alfred Gutierrez to Navegantes del Magallanes for C René Pinto.
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Yaquis de Obregon placed LHP Saul Vazquez on the reserve list.
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SS Juan Carlos Gamboa assigned to Yaquis de Obregon.
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Venados de Mazatlan activated RHP Ernesto Borges from the reserve list.
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Venados de Mazatlan activated RHP Adolfo Ramirez from the reserve list.
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Venados de Mazatlan placed RHP Victor Morales on the reserve list.
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Venados de Mazatlan placed RHP Fernando Burgueno on the reserve list.
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2B Joseph Rosa assigned to Venados de Mazatlan.
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Venados de Mazatlan placed 1B Carlos Munoz on the reserve list.
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Northwest Arkansas Naturals released LHP A.J. Block.
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Northwest Arkansas Naturals released RHP Chase Wallace.
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Tiburones de La Guaira activated RHP Pedro Garcia.
