2016 Florida State League Top 20 Prospects

LEAGUE SUPERLATIVES

Amed Rosario

Championship Series
Bradenton (Pirates) 3
Tampa (Yankees) 1

Best Record
Clearwater (Phillies), 82-54 (.603)

Most Valuable Player
Aristides Aquino, of, Daytona (Reds)

Pitcher OF The Year
Luis Castillo, rhp, Jupiter (Marlins)

Did Not Qualify
James Kaprielian, rhp, Tampa (Yankees)

See Also: 2016 League Top 20 Index

No full-season league conspires to depress offense like the Florida State League, which combines big league spring training ballparks with Sunshine State heat and humidity to keep power at a minimum.

The environment challenges hitters, and often only the multi-tooled survive. That was the case in 2016, when the average FSL player slugged just .356—a 19-point improvement on 2015. Some power hitters figured out how to overcome the elements, but most of the top prospects were well-rounded middle infielders, with shortstops dominating the top of the rankings.

“Our league was loaded with shortstops,” said Fort Myers manager Jeff Smith, who has piloted the Miracle for four of the last five seasons. “We’ll see almost all of them in the major leagues, as shortstops, very soon.”

The league’s best team, Clearwater, won 82 games but didn’t win either half of the regular season, so it didn’t qualify for the playoffs despite a roster deep with solid prospects. Instead, the league’s top-scoring club, Bradenton, won the championship while hitting .311 with 10 homers in six postseason games. They also got a boost from righthander Mitch Keller, who spent most of the season at low Class A West Virginia but won two playoff starts for the Marauders.

1. Amed Rosario, ss, St. Lucie (Mets) |

Age: 20. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-2. WT.: 190. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2012.

While Rosario spent most of 2015 in the FSL and ranked seventh on this list a year ago, scouts and managers noted he was a “different player” in 2016.

Rosario’s swing is now shorter and more authoritative, with the bat-to-ball skills he showed last year now translating into harder contact. Better pitch selection also helped him tap into the power in his stronger, maturing body. He still gets pull-happy at times, but when Rosario lets the ball travel a bit, he shows the quick hands and strong wrists and forearms to drive the ball to all parts of the park.

Defensively, Rosario earns comparisons with Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias as a potential 70-grade defender on the 20-80 scouting scale. He combines a quick first step and premium range with plus arm strength and a knack for making the tough play. He also shows the focus to make the routine play look routine.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
265	27	82	10	8	3	40	21	36	13	6	.309	.359	.442

2. Gleyber Torres, ss, Tampa (Yankees) |

Age: 19. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-1. WT.: 175. Signed: Venezuela, 2013 (Cubs).

Acquired from the Cubs in the Aroldis Chapman trade, Torres arrived on a Tampa team that already had the Yankees’ top prospect, Jorge Mateo, playing shortstop. Torres promptly pushed Mateo to second base and further established himself as one of the game’s best shortstop prospects.

Torres isn’t as flashy but earned comparisons with the Cubs’ Javier Baez for his leg kick, aggression and power potential at the plate, though he’s not as twitchy as Baez. He has a knack for the barrel but also has bat speed, with some loft in his swing and pull power.

One scout opined that Torres could profile at third base easily if he outgrows shortstop, but no one foresees that. Scouts and managers considered him at least above-average if not plus across the board, including defensively, where he has calm actions and a plus arm.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
122	19	31	6	2	2	19	16	23	2	3	.254	.341	.385

3. Kevin Newman, ss, Bradenton (Pirates) |

Age: 23. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-1. WT.: 180. Drafted: Arizona, 2015 (1).

Part of the record-setting college shortstop class in the 2015 draft—a record five were selected in the first round—Newman couldn’t keep up with Dansby Swanson and Alex Bregman, the Nos. 1 and 2 overall picks who sped to the big leagues. He was the third one drafted and shot to Double-A after impressing FSL scouts and managers.

Newman lived up to the Alan Trammell comparisons his advocates have espoused, though he lacks Trammell’s power. He stays with his all-fields, line-drive approach that was too advanced for FSL pitchers to combat consistently. He controls the strike zone, legs out hits and steals some bases with above-average speed and strong baserunning ability.

Far from flashy defensively, Newman makes all the routine plays and showed the arm strength and range to make plays deep in the hole, giving scouts confidence he can stick at shortstop.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
160	23	59	10	1	2	23	17	10	4	1	.369	.432	.481

4. Nick Gordon, ss, Fort Myers (Twins) |

Age: 20. B-T: L-R. HT.: 6-0. WT.: 160. Drafted: HS—Orlando, 2014 (1).

The fifth overall pick in the 2014 draft, Gordon was the first prep position player drafted that year and had a steady FSL season, ranking fifth in batting (.291) and fourth in hits (134) despite wearing down a bit late in the season

While having a big league half-brother (Dee) and father (Tom) makes Gordon famous, he’s more fundamental than flashy, with a plus arm his best tool. His range and actions don’t stand out, and it’s hard to find evaluators totally convinced of his ability to stick at shortstop. However, he has strength in his swing, stays inside the ball and has gap power, together with the ability to have quality at-bats against good pitchers or in key spots.

Gordon recorded a .530 OPS against lefthanders, and managers believe he’ll improve with more reps against same-siders. “I think he just needs repetition to learn what pitches to look for, when to be patient, when to be aggressive,” Fort Myers manager Jeff Smith said.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
461	56	134	23	6	3	52	23	87	19	13	.291	.335	.386

5. Jorge Mateo, ss/2b, Tampa (Yankees) |

Age: 21. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-0. WT.: 190. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2012.

The Yankees already were playing Mateo at second base at times when Gleyber Torres arrived from the Cubs in the Aroldis Chapman trade, and the transaction cemented Mateo’s fate. Mateo’s stock already had slipped a bit after the Yankees suspended him for a violation of team rules, reportedly when he protested when the Yankees promoted teammate and friend Miguel Andujar, a third baseman, to Double-A Trenton without him.

Managers and scouts used the word maturity frequently as a need for Mateo, not just with his makeup but with his fairly raw game. He’s a top-of-the-scale runner who led the FSL with 36 stolen bases but needs a more mature approach at the plate to get on base more often and take advantage of his speed.

Physical maturation also would help Mateo’s athleticism produce more consistent results at the plate, where he has surprising pop, and in the field, where he shows a plus arm. Some scouts believe he would thrive most in center field due to his speed and arm strength.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
464	65	119	16	9	8	48	33	108	36	15	.256	.308	.381

6. Corey Ray, of, Brevard County (Brewers) |

Age: 21. B-T: L-L. HT.: 5-11. WT.: 185. Drafted: Louisville, 2016 (1).

The fifth overall pick in June, Ray signed for $4.125 million and jumped straight to high Class A, a surprising assignment considering his reputation for being somewhat raw out of Louisville. Brevard County led the minors with 97 losses, but FSL managers saw first-round tools and center-field profile ability before Ray went to low Class A Wisconsin to finish the season and participate in the Midwest League playoffs.

Ray still is learning to parlay his 70-grade speed (on the 20-80 scouting scale) on the bases but showed aptitude. He picked up three bunt singles after telling Brewers officials he had none in college. He showed his raw power particularly against righthanders but will need experience against lefthanders, which was evident in college. He’s prone to chase both breaking balls and fastballs up, but managers gave him a bit of a pass considering the long season and his experience level.

He also impressed with his range in center field, though his routes and reads need polish. “He took three triples away from us,” Clearwater manager Greg Legg said, “then hit a home run too. I was very impressed.”

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
231	24	57	13	2	5	17	20	54	9	5	.247	.307	.385

7. Anthony Alford, of, Dunedin (Blue Jays)

Age: 22. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-1. WT.: 215. Drafted: HS—Petal, Miss., 2012 (3).

Alford rebounded from two early injuries that could have ruined his season, including a knee injury on Opening Day that cost him a month and then a concussion in June after an outfield collision. He showed he was back in the season’s final two months, however, when he hit .260 with seven homers and 34 walks in his final 51 games.

The knee injury cost Alford a step and prompted him to wear a brace, but he still was a plus runner in the second half and showed plenty of range for center field. The former college football player still has a burst when he runs and plus power at the plate.

“Speed, power, arm, range—they’re all plus,” Bradenton manager Michael Ryan said. “He’s a game-changer.”

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
339	53	80	17	2	9	44	53	117	18	6	.236	.344	.378

8. Sean Reid-Foley, rhp, Dunedin (Blue Jays) |

Age: 21. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-5. WT.: 220. Drafted: HS—Jacksonville, 2014 (2).

Reid-Foley finished 2015 at Dunedin walking 24 in 33 innings but started 2016 back in low Class A with the Blue Jays’ new front office aiming to slow players’ development track a bit. He responded well, coming into camp in better shape and smoothing out some rougher edges of his mechanics. The only blemish was a bout of elbow soreness that ended his season in August.

With less effort in his delivery, Reid-Foley was able to throw more strikes with a heavy 92-94 mph fastball that he could bump to 96 when needed. The pitch jumps on hitters and helps set up his two distinct breaking balls, a harder slider and curveball with good shape. Both are at least average and often better. His improved control and ability to finish hitters with his breaking stuff allowed him to rank in the top 10 in the minors in WHIP (1.01) and opponent average (.190).

The only blemish on Reid-Foley’s season was a late bout of elbow soreness that shut him down after his Aug. 10 start.

W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	AVG
6	2	2.67	10	10	0	57	35	17	17	2	16	71	.172

9. Aristedes Aquino, of, Daytona (Reds)

Age: 22. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-4. WT.: 190. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2011.

The league’s MVP, Aquino led the FSL in total bases (251), triples (12) and extra-base hits (61) while ranking second with 23 home runs. Scouts and managers alike considered him a profile right fielder with plus power, athleticism, defense and arm strength.

Controlling the strike zone has never come easily to Aquino, who had never played more than 75 games in a season before. Hitting for average and making enough contact will determine his overall ceiling, but he has star potential with his other tools. Aquino wore down a bit but still showed the ability to drive the ball to all parts of the park. One manager compared him with the Cubs’ Jorge Soler for his tools and for the laser-like trajectory of his hard hits.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
484	69	132	26	12	23	80	34	104	11	7	.273	.327	.519

10. Stephen Gonsalves, lhp, Fort Myers (Twins)

Age: 22. B-T: L-L. HT.: 6-5. WT.: 213. Drafted: HS—San Diego, 2013 (4).

After spending the second half of 2015 in the FSL, Gonsalves returned to the Miracle this season before earning a promotion to Double-A. He ranked fourth in the minors in opponent average (.179) and seventh in ERA (2.06) while ranking in the top 15 with 155 strikeouts. However, his walk rate nearly doubled after a promotion to Double-A, and his fastball command still has to improve.

Gonsalves showed greater efficiency in the FSL. He relies heavily on his 90-91 mph fastball, which at times reaches 95, and plus sinking changeup. His heater jumps on hitters thanks to his effortless delivery and good extension. His size, low arm slot and tough angle to righthanded batters helps him thrive with those two pitches, though the Twins try to get him to use his slider and curveball more often.

Fort Myers manager Jeff Smith lauded Gonsalves for his work ethic, competitiveness and makeup.

W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	AVG
5	4	2.33	11	11	0	65.2	43	19	17	2	20	66	.188

11. Luis Castillo, rhp, Jupiter (Marlins)

Age: 23. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-2. WT.: 170. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2011 (Giants).

Acquired after the 2014 season in a trade for Casey McGehee, Castillo finished 2015 in the FSL but attracted little notice. That changed in 2016 as his velocity jumped, and the Padres acquired him from the Marlins in the Andrew Cashner deal. When Collin Rea came up with an elbow injury that the Padres had not disclosed previously, the Marlins got Castillo back for Rea, and he’s one of the organization’s best prospects.

Castillo’s loose arm and smooth delivery produce fastballs that reach 100 mph regularly when he starts, and he can sit at 96-98 with life. He also locates his slider and fills up the strike zone. His strength caught up with his athleticism and helped him repeat his release point more than ever in his career. Castillo’s above-average changeup is his best secondary pitch, and he locates his fringe-average curve and below-average slider to give hitters another look.

Jupiter manager Randy Ready praised Castillo for being a good teammate and leading the team’s pitching staff on and off the field, as well as for his defensive ability.

W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	AVG
8	4	2.07	23	21	0	118	95	29	27	2	18	91	.219

12. Brent Honeywell, rhp, Charlotte (Rays) |

Age: 21. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-2. WT.: 180. Drafted: Walters State (Tenn.) CC, 2014 (2s).

Honeywell came down with elbow tenderness in his second stint in the FSL, but the pain subsided enough for him to make 10 starts before earning a promotion to Double-A in July. The Rays handled him carefully, and it paid off when he made improvements during his disabled-list stint.

Noted for the screwball he learned from his father, a former Pirates minor leaguer and cousin of screwball godfather Mike Marshall, Honeywell added power to all his secondary pitches, including his screwgie, making them more effective. His curveball has added depth and power, though it remains inconsistent, and he’s learned to pitch more off his fastball, which remains a plus pitch at 92-94 mph and reaching 97. Loose-armed and lean, he has a feel for manipulating his fastball, cutting it, sinking it and moving it to all four quadrants of the strike zone.

Honeywell earns strong plaudits for his makeup as well. Charlotte manager Michael Johns recounted a story of when the pitcher, while on the DL, came to the park to welcome teammates to the clubhouse at 2 a.m., after a bus trip from a road series. “He’s cut from a different cloth,” Johns said.

W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	AVG
4	1	2.41	10	10	0	56	43	16	15	5	11	64	.211

13. Fernando Romero, rhp, Fort Myers (Twins)

Age: 21. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-0. WT.: 215. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2011.

The Twins handled Romero carefully in his first year back from Tommy John surgery, a procedure that caused him to miss all but three starts in the last two seasons. He joined Fort Myers in June after five starts at low Class A and gave up more than two runs just twice, finishing with 20.1 consecutive scoreless innings, with 28 strikeouts and two walks, as he found his groove.

“He’s a ‘wow’ guy,” Fort Myers manager Jeff Smith said. “He was 94-100 (mph) with his fastball every time out.”

Romero is strong-bodied but short for a starter, yet he keeps his fastball, average changeup and 86-92 mph slider down in the zone. Both his change and slider, at times a wipeout pitch with filthy late life and power, need consistency, but he gained it as the season progressed.

Romero had the firmest stuff in the league among starting pitchers—and his own Fort Myers pitching staff also included top-10-overall picks Tyler Jay and Kohl Stewart—giving him a fairly high floor as a potential impact reliever. If he can remain a starter, Romero could give the Twins what they have long lacked: a power arm at the front of the rotation.

W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	AVG
5	2	1.88	11	11	0	62.1	48	15	13	1	10	65	.211

14. Scott Kingery, 2b, Clearwater (Phillies)

Age: 22. B-T: R-R. HT.: 5-10. WT.: 180. Drafted: Arizona, 2015 (2)

A former walk-on at Arizona, Kingery formed a double-play tandem in 2015 with Kevin Newman before facing him this year for two games in the FSL. Kingery was key to the Threshers’ league-best record, and he tied for the FSL lead in doubles (29) while ranking fourth in batting (.293).

Kingery lacks smoothness in the field but has at least average arm strength and can turn the double play with a quick pivot at second base. He has quick hands, which work in the field and at the plate. His arm strength could allow him to fill in at shortstop and also could help him add versatility for a utility role.

Kingery shows plus speed with sub-4.0-seconds times to first base on drag bunts, and he repeated his simple, short swing, producing power to the gaps. One veteran scout likened his offensive game to former all-star Chuck Knoblauch. He’ll have to control the strike zone a bit more to fit the leadoff profile.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
375	60	110	29	3	3	28	33	54	26	5	.293	.360	.411

15. Christin Stewart, of, Lakeland (Tigers)

Age: 22. B-T: L-R. HT.: 6-0. WT.: 205. Drafted: Tennessee, 2015 (1).

Stewart threatened the national high school home run record as a prep in Georgia, then slugged 15 home runs as a Tennessee junior in 2015. He went straight to low Class A after signing, then finished his first full season with a month in Double-A. In between, he led the FSL in home runs (24), on-base percentage (.403) and slugging (.534), showing lefthanded power that played to all parts of the ballpark.

Plus power, plate discipline and present strength are Stewart’s best attributes, earning him one comparison from a scout to Ryan Howard. Even as Lakeland played in cozy Henley Field, the league’s best home-run park, Stewart hit 12 homers both at home and on the road. Like Howard, Stewart’s game comes with plenty of swing-and-miss, but opposing managers said he improved his pitch selection as the year went on.

Stewart is just an average athlete who’s very raw defensively in left field, earning 20-30 grades from scouts on the 20-80 scale. One scout who saw him as an amateur contended that Stewart has gotten worse since his days at Tennessee. Managers gave him credit for putting in pregame work to try to get better. His below-average arm limits him to left field.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	OBP
356	60	94	22	1	24	68	74	105	3	1	.264	.403	.534

16. Brandon Woodruff, rhp, Brevard County (Brewers)

Age: 23. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-4. WT.: 215. Drafted: Mississippi State, 2014 (11).

Woodruff should become the seventh member of Mississippi State’s 2013 College World Series runner-up club (and the fifth pitcher) to reach the major leagues, joining the likes of Hunter Renfroe, Kendall Graveman and Adam Frazier. Woodruff, an unsigned fifth-round pick in 2011 out of high school, had significant control problems in college, but he took a leap forward in 2016 to finish the year at Double-A.

Repeating the FSL to start the year, Woodruff showed better mound presence, pitch sequencing and consistency to improve his strikeout rate significantly. He threw his 92-96 mph fastball with more consistent velocity and confidence this season, dominating at times with only that pitch. He adds a sharp breaking ball, a power slider with late break that’s at least above-average. His changeup also flashes plus, and that repertoire allowed him to lead the minor leagues with 173 strikeouts.

A quicker tempo helped improve Woodruff’s mound demeanor and confidence, and he never let up as the year went on. The biggest caveat with Woodruff is his short track record of fastball command, but Brevard County manager Joe Ayrault praised his makeup, both for his aptitude and his focus. Ayrault noted that Woodruff missed a start in mid-July when his brother was killed in an ATV accident. Woodruff returned to his team at Biloxi, pitched six scoreless, one-hit innings with nine strikeouts and hit his first career home run.

W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	AVG
4	1	1.83	8	8	0	44.1	33	12	9	2	10	49	.205

17. Conner Greene, rhp, Dunedin (Blue Jays) |

Age: 21. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-3. WT.: 185. Drafted: HS—Santa Monica, Calif., 2013 (7).

The Blue Jays put Greene on the fast track in 2015, a season he finished in Double-A, but he returned to high Class A to start 2016 and didn’t respond tremendously. His delivery got a bit out of whack, and the Southern Californian struck some managers as too laid back for his own good at times, with inconsistent focus leading to high walk totals.

However, Greene’s combination of youth, projection and electric present stuff still made him one of the league’s best pitching prospects. He has added some good weight and holds plus fastball velocity deeper into games, now sitting 93-96 mph and touching 97 regularly with good life. Greene’s delivery produces good angle to the plate and plenty of ground balls, and his hard curveball has good spin and shape at its best.

Greene has improvements to make with pitch sequencing and with the consistency of his curveball, which remains behind his plus changeup. But his main issues are focus and fastball command.

W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	AVG
4	4	2.90	15	15	0	77.2	74	36	25	5	38	51	.252

18. Chance Adams, rhp, Tampa (Yankees) |

Age: 22. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-0. WT.: 215. Drafted: Dallas Baptist, 2015 (5).

Adams had a strong amateur career in Arizona, first at Scottsdale’s Chaparral High, then at Yavapai JC for two seasons. After one dominant season at Dallas Baptist, he finished his pro debut at high Class A Tampa and returned there to start 2016. Moved into a starting role, he shook off a slow start and gave up just four runs (all earned) in his final seven starts to earn a promotion to Double-A.

Adams repeats his delivery, uses his legs well and produces plus fastball velocity, usually sitting 93-95 mph and touching 97. His fastball can be straight but he locates it well, as he does his slider, which can be plus as well, and a changeup. The latter was a point of emphasis in his development, and he handled lefthanded batters well (.222 average, .657 OPS), though he truly dominated righthanders (.182 average, .495 OPS) in the FSL.

While he also can mix in an early-count curveball, Adams mostly thrives because of his ability to locate three pitches with power. “Adams dominated the league when he was here,” said one evaluator. “He just imposed himself on other teams.”

W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	AVG
5	0	2.65	12	12	0	57.2	41	18	17	4	15	73	.196

19. Justin Williams, of, Charlotte (Rays)

Age: 21. B-T: L-R. HT.: 6-2. WT.: 215. Drafted: HS—Houma, La., 2013 (2/Diamondbacks).

The Rays acquired Williams in the November 2014 Jeremy Hellickson trade, and the Louisiana prep product always makes a strong first impression. He’s an imposing 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, and he swings athletically and powerfully but also smoothly.

Williams’ physicality, bat speed and resulting raw power help him fit the offensive profile as a corner outfielder. He made strides with his pitch recognition last winter playing in the Australian Baseball League and is learning how to hit for power without selling out or cheating in his swing. He has a feel for the barrel and doesn’t give away at-bats, but he’s still learning what he can do with elite pitching. Still just 21, Williams has present ability with room to grow.

While he’s an average runner with an average arm, Williams remains unrefined defensively and currently grades as below-average in right field. His jumps have improved and he’s shown the work ethic needed to make himself an average defender.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	OBP
194	23	64	11	0	4	31	6	26	0	1	.330	.350	.448

20. Tomas Nido, c, St. Lucie (Mets)

Age: 22. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-0. WT.: 205. Drafted: HS—Maitland, Fla., 2012 (8).

Nido hopes to be a classic case of a late-blooming catcher. A 2012 draftee out of a Florida high school, the Puerto Rico native didn’t make it to full-season ball until 2015 before breaking out this season, winning the FSL batting title with a .320 average.

Nido makes solid contact and at least fits the backup catcher profile. He has shown plus pull power and gets to it more often now that he has improved his plate discipline. His pop is more to the gaps at this stage, and he has bat-to-ball skills.

Defensively, Nido has shown good hands and blocking skills, and he continues to improve his throwing arm, which now grades as above-average, though its inconsistent. He threw out 42 percent of basestealers, ranking second in the league.

“Fatigue did not show up with him,” one league manager said. “He called a game well, was authoritative, didn’t fall into patterns and played to his pitchers’ strengths. I was very impressed.”