2016 Pioneer League Top 20 Prospects

See Also: 2016 League Top 20 Index

LEAGUE SUPERLATIVES

Championship Series
Orem (Angels) 2, Billings (Reds) 0

Best Record
Great Falls (White Sox), 47-28 (.627)

Most Valuable Player
Meibrys Viloria, c, Idaho Falls (Royals)

Pitcher OF The Year
Aron McRee, rhp, Great Falls (White Sox)

Did Not Qualify
Matt Thaiss, 1b, Orem (Angels)

Kansas high school righthander Riley Pint and Oklahoma righthander Alec Hansen were both candidates to be top draft picks in 2016 this spring. While neither went No. 1 overall, both flashed big-time potential in their Rookie-level Pioneer League debuts to rank as the circuit’s top two prospects, with Rockies first-rounder Pint claiming top honors.

For a league known more for its extreme hitter’s parks, several other pitchers stood out for their exploits. Great Falls’ Aaron McRee (White Sox), a nondrafted free agent out of Division II Montevallo (Ala.), was the pitcher of the year after going 5-0, 2.16 with an exemplary 54-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Teammate Yosmer Solorzano was part of two no-hitters within a 15-day span, the second of which was a rain-shortened, five-inning game, as Great Falls won a league-best 47 games.

Idaho Falls catcher Meibrys Viloria (Royals) captured MVP honors while leading the league in average (.376), doubles (28) and RBIs (55). Helena first baseman Ronnie Gideon, the Brewers’ 23rd-round pick from Texas A&M, led the circuit in slugging (.638) and home runs (17).

Orem swept Billings in a best-of-three series to claim the league championship, using a reinforced lineup after most of the team’s best prospects were promoted to low Class A Burlington during the regular season. The Owlz, who knocked off Salt Lake City-area rival Ogden to advance to the final round, bested the Mustangs with outstanding pitching performances from a pair of teenagers, Sam Pastrone and Jose Suarez.

In addition to Pint, three other first-round picks made their pro debuts in the league—third baseman Nick Senzel (Billings), first baseman Matt Thaiss (Orem) and catcher Will Smith (Odgen)—but did not get enough playing time to qualify for the prospect list. Another Dodgers first-round pick, shortstop Gavin Lux, finished his pro debut season with eight games for Ogden after finishing his AZL season.

1. Riley Pint, rhp, Grand Junction (Rockies) |

Age: 18. B-T: R-R. Ht: 6-4. Wt: 195. Drafted: HS—Overland Park, Kan., 2016 (1).

The Rockies drafted Pint fourth overall, signed him for $4.8 million and sent him to the PL, their lowest-level affiliate. While inconsistent in his pro debut, he was the second-youngest pitcher to qualify for the league ERA title and showed his enormous potential at times, reinforcing his projection as a true frontline starter. On any given day he can take three plus pitches to the mound, including a fastball that often reaches triple digits and sits at 95-99 mph.

“When he throws all his pitches somewhere in the strike zone he’s almost unhittable,” Grand Junction manager Frank Gonzales said.

Aside from his top-of-the-scale fastball, Pint also throws an 80-83 mph power curveball and a hard 87-88 changeup that received plus grades prior to the draft. He generally repeats his high three-quarters arm slot, albeit with some effort. At times he gets quick in the delivery with runners on base, something he diligently worked to correct during his bullpen sessions with pitching coach Ryan Kibler.

“He’s hungry for how he can be more efficient,” Gonzales said. “His bullpen sessions are top notch.”

W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	AVG
1	5	5.35	11	11	0	37	43	28	22	2	23	36	.307

2. Alec Hansen, rhp, Great Falls (White Sox) |

Age: 21. B-T: R-R. Ht: 6-7. Wt: 235. Drafted: Oklahoma, 2016 (2).

To say that Hansen dominated PL hitters may be an understatement, and it also came as a surprise after a rough spring when he fell out of the Oklahoma rotation. His checkered injury history and inability to throw consistent strikes (6.7 walks per nine innings this spring) dropped him to the second round, where the White Sox grabbed him. He threw his best in seven PL starts, holding opposing hitters to a .102 average and striking out nearly 15 batters per nine innings.

Hansen’s pitches get on batters quickly because of his big frame and long arms. His plus fastball sits 93-96 mph and touches 97. The pitch has excellent late life, and at his best he shows the ability to elevate it and get it to the plate on a tough angle for hitters. He uses both a slider at 83-85 mph that earned plus grades and an early-count 76-78 curveball with good shape. Hansen didn’t go to his 84-86 mph changeup much, but it showed improvement and has a chance to be average.

Hansen repeated his high three-quarters arm slot better and threw more strikes than he ever did in college.

“He’ll move fast,” Great Falls manager Tommy Thompson said. “He gained confidence and was having fun . . . I see this kid getting better and better.”

W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	AVG
2	0	1.23	7	7	0	37	12	6	5	3	12	59	.102

3. Taylor Trammell, of, Billings (Reds) |

Age: 18. B-T: L-L. Ht: 6-2. Wt: 195. Drafted: HS—Kennesaw, Ga., 2016 (1s).

The Reds used the 35th overall pick on Trammell and signed him for a well over-slot bonus of $3.2 million. They then challenged the unfinished Georgia product with an aggressive assignment to Billings rather than starting him in the Rookie-level Arizona League.

For his age, Trammell has an advanced feel for hitting and good knowledge of the strike zone. He hasn’t yet tapped into his raw power, with observers noting that he was looking more to make contact instead of driving the ball. More power should come when his big body fills out, particularly his arms and torso. He’s a plus runner who consistently runs hard.

Trammell is a good fielder who transfers the ball well, and with his speed and athleticism will do just fine in either left or center field. He strengthened his below-average arm during the season and began getting more carry on his throws.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
228	39	69	9	6	2	34	23	57	24	7	.303	.374	.421

4. Lucas Erceg, 3b, Helena (Brewers)

Age: 21. B-T: L-R. Ht: 6-3. Wt: 200. Drafted: Menlo (Calif.), 2016 (2).

Erceg excelled in two seasons as a two-way player at California, earning all-Pac-12 Conference honors as a sophomore, before poor grades pushed him to NAIA Menlo. The top small-college prospect in the draft, he signed quickly for $1.15 million and dominated the PL, batting .400/.452/.552 before a promotion to the Midwest League.

“He was ready for the next level when he showed up,” Helena manager Nestor Corredor said.

Erceg draws comparisons with the Cardinals’ Matt Carpenter for his strong swing from the left side, though he’s a more aggressive hitter. He’s mostly a gap-to-gap hitter who makes consistent contact, with enough raw power to drive balls over the fence. He’s a tick below-average, though instinctual, runner.

Erceg has a plus arm at third base and has good range for the position but sometimes tends to be over-aggressive. He needs to improve in fielding balls to his glove side.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
105	17	42	8	1	2	22	8	16	8	1	.400	.452	.552

5. Jahmai Jones, of, Orem (Angels) |

Age: 19. B-T: R-R. Ht: 6-0. Wt: 215. Drafted: HS—Norcross, Ga., 2015 (2).

The buzz for Jones started early this year, with scouts raving in extended spring training about how much the five-tool athlete had improved since last year. He continued his development with a strong PL season before moving up to low Class A before turning 19.

At the plate Jones has a short stroke with plus bat speed, hitting mostly line drives with gap-to-gap power. He needs to work on his short game to round out his skill set. A plus runner, Jones comes from a football background and continues to get his body into better shape for baseball.

Scouts laud Jones’ makeup, gamer mentality and tools, with all five grading as above-average or better now that he’s significantly improved his outfield play this year. Scouts believe he can stay in center field because he has learned to position himself and take a leadership role there.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
196	49	63	12	3	3	20	21	29	19	6	.321	.404	.459

6. Tony Santillan, rhp, Billings (Reds)

Age: 19. B-T: R-R. Ht: 6-3. Wt: 240. Drafted: HS—Arlington, Texas, 2015 (2).

Scouting reports early in Santillan’s career pegged him as a fireballer more likely suited as a reliever because of command issues and lack of a third pitch. He started showing more refinement in extended spring training and continued his improvement in the PL.

Santillan’s biggest jump came in commanding his overpowering fastball that touches 100 mph and sits 95-98. He has a good feel for a plus 84-86 mph slider with good depth. He is starting to repeat his delivery and firm 85-87 mph changeup as well. He struggled with command after his promotion to low Class A, though, so he still has significant work to do to remain a starter.

“He’s got big league stuff already,” Billings manager Ray Martinez said. “(He’s) a very competitive guy, which will take him a long way.”

W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	AVG
1	0	3.92	8	8	0	39	32	17	17	4	16	46	.221

7. D.J. Peters, of, Ogden (Dodgers)

Age: 20. B-T: R-R. Ht: 6-6. Wt: 225. Drafted: Western Nevada CC, 2016 (4).

Signed for $247,500 out of the last Western Nevada team (the program folded due to budget issues), Peters dotted the PL leaderboards, ranking first in total bases (161) and runs (63). He reminds observers of Jayson Werth—and not just for his flowing locks. Peters has a good feel for the barrel and plus raw power. While he’s aggressive at the plate and grinds at-bats, he shows some plate discipline and generally lays off bad pitches.

Peters takes a little while to get up to full speed because of his size, but he shows average speed, if not better, from first base to third with long, gliding strides. He split his time between center and right and fits better in right. His arm grades as plus for some scouts.

“Power bat, batting average, good speed—he’s a real good package,” Helena manager Nestor Corredor said.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
262	63	92	24	3	13	48	35	66	5	3	.351	.437	.615

8. Gilbert Lara, ss, Helena (Brewers) |

Age: 18. B-T: R-R. Ht: 6-2. Wt: 190. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2014.

Observers still believe in Lara’s tools and potential even though he has yet to perform as a teen in two Rookie-level seasons. Signed for just over $3 million in 2014, he has plus-plus raw power that has yet to show up in games, mostly due to an inconsistent approach at the plate. He’s a better hitter when he shortens his stroke and goes gap to gap. Helena manager Nestor Corredor said Lara is working on learning to use the middle of the field.

Scouts and managers have fewer questions about Lara’s play at shortstop. He earns plus grades for both defense and arm strength. He may physically outgrow shortstop, but if his bat develops, he’s athletic enough to move to a corner spot.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
228	30	57	10	0	2	28	12	59	2	1	.250	.293	.320

9. Jasrado Chisholm, ss, Missoula (Diamondbacks)

Age: 18. B-T: L-R. Ht: 5-11. Wt: 165. Signed: Bahamas, 2015.

The Diamondbacks appear to have found a bargain in Chisholm, the half-brother of Rays prospect Lucius Fox, who signed for $200,000. He goes by “Jazz” instead of his formal first name. He’s very confident, but observers noted that sometimes his body language isn’t what it needs to be.

Defensively, Chisholm is athletic and at times a plus defender with good hands and an average arm, reminding one observer of Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius. He has the ability to make both the difficult and the routine play.

Chisholm has an unorthodox swing from an upright stance with low hands, but it works for him. He barrels balls well and has good bat speed. He’s got solid-average raw power though his contact issues (he ranked seventh in the league with 73 strikeouts) are a concern. He’s at least an average runner.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
249	42	70	12	1	9	37	19	73	13	4	.281	.333	.446

10. T.J. Friedl, of, Billings (Reds)

Age: 21. B-T: L-L. Ht: 5-10. Wt: 170. Signed: Nevada, 2016 (NDFA).

The Reds gave Friedl the largest bonus ever for a domestic nondrafted free agent at $732,500. He flew under the radar as a redshirt sophomore despite hitting .401 at Nevada, though he shined for USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team before signing in August.

With a good feel to hit, an advanced approach at the plate and below-average power, Friedl profiles as a prototype leadoff hitter and center fielder. He’s aggressive to his pull side with plus bat speed but can also hit the opposite way. Friedl is an exciting player whose speed and sound instincts will keep him in center.

Friedl was a bit worn down from the long season by the time he arrived in Billings, so his average arm could show as above-average by next spring.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
121	24	42	11	2	3	17	13	25	7	2	.347	.423	.545

11. Pedro Gonzalez, of, Grand Junction (Rockies)

Age: 18. B-T: R-R. Ht: 6-5. Wt: 190 Signed: Dominican Republic, 2014.

Gonzalez could easily add another 30-40 pounds as his tall, slender body matures. His performance and body both require projection, but he has intriguing tools.

Signed in 2014 for $1.3 million, Gonzalez shifted to center field during spring training after primarily playing shortstop in the Dominican Summer League. His inexperience in the outfield still shows at times, especially when approaching the warning track and in figuring out his angles. He has long, rangy strides and at least average speed. His fringe-average arm should get stronger as he learns to lengthen his arm stroke from the outfield.

At the plate, Gonzalez has a decent swing and good bat speed, with the potential for plus raw power, but he needs to make more consistent contact after ranking fourth in the league in strikeouts. He’s still learning to handle hard stuff in as well as breaking balls but led the league in triples and has time on his side.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
226	32	52	15	8	2	19	14	77	6	7	.230	.290	.394

12. Meibrys Viloria, Idaho Falls (Royals)

Age: 19. B-T: L-R. Ht: 5-11. Wt: 175. Signed: Colombia, 2013.

Viloria’s breakout rates as one of the bigger surprises of the PL season. He hit .260 last year with Rookie-level Burlington, with all 39 hits being singles. This year, Viloria earned Pioneer League MVP honors by leading the league in hitting (.376), doubles (28) and RBIs (55).

“What stood out for him was his consistency on a day to day basis,” Idaho Falls manager Justin Gemoll said. “He’s under control and he has a plan of what he wants to do, and he goes out and executes.”

Viloria has a good approach at the plate and a good feel for the barrel, though detractors see holes in his swing and fair bat speed. Opinions also are mixed as to whether Viloria can stay behind the plate, but the Royals staff cites his soft hands, quick release, accurate arm and ability to block balls as evidence of his long-term future at the position. He threw out 34 percent of basestealers this year.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
226	54	85	28	3	6	55	20	36	1	1	.376	.436	.606

13. Mitch Hansen, of, Ogden (Dodgers) |

Age: 20. B-T: L-L. Ht: 6-4. Wt: 210. Drafted: HS—Plano, Texas, 2015 (2).

One of three Ogden outfielders in the top 20, Hansen is the only one with previous pro experience coming into the season. Scouts noticed an improved, easier swing with some power that draws comparisons with former big leaguer Shawn Green.

Hansen will need to develop more consistency and make better contact to get to his raw power, but he took a nice step forward by finishing fifth in the league in home runs (11) and second in total bases (144).

Hansen is an average defender in the corners with a fringe-average arm, showing improvement in tracking fly balls as the season progressed. An above-average runner now, he may slow down a tick as he grows out of his long, lean frame.

“He’s come a long way, both on defense and on offense,” Ogden manager Shaun Larkin said. “He gets the job done.”

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
293	55	91	8	6	11	50	22	70	11	4	.311	.356	.491

14. Cody Thomas, of, Ogden (Dodgers)

Age: 21. B-T: L-R. Ht: 6-4. Wt: 211. Drafted: Oklahoma, 2016 (13).

Thomas has less baseball experience than other prospects his age. He played only one full season of baseball at Oklahoma after spending most of his college career as a backup quarterback (he appeared in 10 games, accounting for 484 yards of total offense). He signed for an above-slot $297,500 as a 13th-round pick and showed loads of natural athleticism and strength packed onto a tall, lean physique.

Thomas finished second in the PL in home runs (16) despite starting the summer with seven Rookie-level Arizona League games. His power tool is ahead of his hitting ability. His swing has some pop but also some stiffness, and he needs to improve his pitch recognition in order for the power to play in full-season ball.

Spending time at all three outfield positions in Ogden, Thomas projects to be an average defender with an average arm, best suited for an outfield corner. He’s an average runner.

“I could really see him taking off once he goes through instructional league and spring training,” Gemoll said, “when he gets a full year and dedicates it to baseball. He’s a pretty interesting guy.”

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
210	41	58	9	3	16	44	18	84	9	3	.276	.360	.576

15. Colton Welker, 3b, Grand Junction (Rockies)

Age: 18. B-T: R-R. Ht: 6-2. Wt: 195. Drafted: HS—Parkland, Fla., 2016 (4).

Welker is the latest Grand Junction third baseman to make the list, joining recent examples such as Ryan McMahon, Kevin Padlo and Tyler Nevin. He led Douglas High to a national No. 1 ranking and state title in the spring, then hit well in his pro debut, showing an easy swing and the ability to make contact.

With his wide-open stance, Welker doesn’t create much rhythm or load with his hands, but his strength and bat speed allow him to drive balls, and his flaws are correctable. He’s more of a line-drive hitter now but should increase his power with added strength and better hittability. He’s a below-average runner.

Welker picks the ball with effortless movements at third base and is good at bare-handing balls down the line. While he has an accurate, average arm, he needs to better adjust his slot when going to his left. With more experience and some tweaks, he could become a true plus defender.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
210	38	69	15	2	5	36	13	28	6	4	.329	.366	.490

16. Keibert Ruiz, c, Ogden (Dodgers)

Age: 18 B-T: B-R. Ht: 6-0. Wt: 165. Signed: Venezuela, 2014.

Ruiz was the youngest player in the PL in 2016, having just turned 18 when he arrived in Ogden after eight games in the Rookie-level Arizona League.

Scouts praised Ruiz’s advanced defensive skills behind the plate even before the Dodgers signed him for $140,000, and Ogden manager Shaun Larkin said Ruiz’s receiving skills and ability to lead the pitching staff were “off the charts.” He has an average arm now and could get stronger with physical maturity. He threw out 22 percent of basestealers.

A pure hitter from both sides of the plate, Ruiz shows good plate discipline and a contact-oriented approach that helped him rank fourth in the league in batting (.354). Scouts noted that Ruiz could stand to be more aggressive at the plate, and that his high hand set caused him to be late to the ball at times. He’s a gap-to-gap hitter now with little power, but he should develop more pop with added strength.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
189	28	67	18	2	2	33	12	23	0	0	.354	.393	.503

17. Jose Gomez, ss, Grand Junction (Rockies)

Age: 19. B-T: L-R. Ht: 5-11. Wt: 175. Signed: Venezuela, 2013.

In his first season in the U.S. after two years in the Dominican Summer League, Gomez turned out to be Grand Junction’s best hitter, ranking second in the league in batting during a .367/.426/.468 season. The native Venezuelan draws comps to former big league second baseman Marco Scutaro for his scrappy play and high baseball IQ.

Gomez is an extreme contact hitter, and he primarily hits line drives from gap to gap with a consistent approach and a knack for the barrel. While the Grand Junction ballpark favors hitters, Gomez’s middle-of-the-field, line-drive approach will work in any environment. An average defender with good hands and an average arm, he is fine at shortstop for now.

His below-average speed may ultimately move him to second base—where his arm would play up—or to an infield utility role.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
267	54	98	14	2	3	51	23	24	23	13	.367	.426	.468

18. Ian Kahaloa, rhp, Billings (Reds)

Age: 18. B-T: R-R. Ht: 6-1. Wt: 185. Drafted: HS—Ewa Beach, Hawaii, 2015 (5).

Kahaloa’s second pro season got off to a late start because of an early-season injury, but the native Hawaiian made up for lost time once he got on the mound in Billings in July. He also threw seven scoreless innings to beat Great Falls in the Mustangs’ opening playoff game.

Younger than many 2016 draft picks, Kahaloa locates his fastball well at up to 94 mph and sits 88-92. He’s got a really good feel for pitching, especially in the lower part of the zone, is quick to the plate and controls the running game.

Scouts noted that Kahaloa’s 81-84 mph changeup still needs work but has improved since his amateur days. He showed an ability to spin his breaking ball, a 78-80 mph slider. He also hides his pitches well in his delivery, helping his pitches play up.

W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	AVG
2	2	2.82	10	10	0	43	38	20	14	4	13	42	.221

19. Demi Orimoloye, of, Helena (Brewers) |

Age: 19. B-T: R-R. Ht: 6-4. Wt: 225. Drafted: HS—Ottawa, Ont., 2015 (4).

Orimoloye tantalizes with his tools but his production fell off after leaving the Rookie-level Arizona League. He’s still a bit stiff at the plate and needs to develop a more consistent approach, especially passing on offspeed pitches he can’t hit.

On the plus side, Orimoloye was a more patient hitter than in his debut year, walking 23 times after drawing just three bases on balls last year. Despite his large frame, Orimoloye is a plus runner and continues to make progress in the outfield.

Orimoloye plays the game hard and has the tools, so despite the rough year with Helena he’s still an interesting prospect. He needs to get better at the mental aspect of the game, especially dealing with failure. Helena manager Nestor Corredor refers to Orimoloye as “a monster speed-power combo” with the ability to change games.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
219	26	45	5	3	5	17	23	57	18	5	.205	.293	.324

20. Bernardo Flores, lhp, Great Falls (White Sox)

Age: 21. B-T: L-L. Ht: 6-3. Wt: 170. Drafted: Southern California, 2016 (7).

After a strong sophomore season (3.83 ERA with 9.0 strikeouts per nine innings) at Southern California, Flores had a brutal spring (6.70 ERA) in 2016. He still was a seventh-round pick and showed why with a strong pro debut, jumping into the Great Falls rotation and making a playoff start. He threw 70 pro innings, just 20 fewer than he threw in three college seasons.

Flores needs reps to learn to repeat his three-quarters arm slot. He’s slightly built but generates arm speed with a fastball ranging from 92-97 mph, with the ball coming out of his hand easy.

While his curveball is still a work-in-progress, Flores spins it well and consistently changes the speed of the pitch. His equalizer pitch is a 78-82 mph changeup that is at least average and flashes plus. Flores gets good angle on his pitches and could move quickly in the White Sox system.