Top 487 Prospects Rankings for 2020 Fantasy Baseball Dynasty Leagues

This list was extrapolated from my Top 1,000 Rankings for 2020 Fantasy Baseball Dynasty Leagues, which you can find the link to below. Here is the Top 487 Prospects Rankings for 2020 Fantasy Baseball Dynasty Leagues:

CLICK HERE FOR THE TOP 1,000 RANKINGS FOR 2020 FANTASY BASEBALL DYNASTY LEAGUES

Player Name TEAM, POSITION, AGE (Years.Months on 2020 Opening Day – Months are on a scale of 0-11 … I know it is not mathematically correct, but I do all of this manually)

Projections (Hitters): R/HR/RBI/AVG/OBP/SLG/SB
(Pitchers): Wins/ERA/WHIP/K/Saves

*Prime Projections – These projections are meant to give you a general idea of what I think about a prospect’s future stat profile in a relatively good outcome scenario. I find this helpful as a quick reference to see how a prospect’s tools/skills translate to fantasy categories.

1) Wander Franco TB, SS, 19.1 – Recently signed international prospects are the best class of prospect to invest in for upside value. The top owners in your dynasty league have been able to reap massive rewards by acquiring prospects like Juan Soto, Vlad Jr., Ronald Acuna, Victor Robles and Wander Franco within a few years of their signing at bargain rates that were not commensurate with their universally agreed upon elite talent (I know, I know … Kevin Maitan exists too). High School players selected in the MLB Draft don’t get that same risk baked into their ranking. It’s too late to get Franco, and rankings are starting to catch up, but there is still value to be found. 2020 Projection: September-13/4/9/.277/.341/.445/4 Prime Projection: 114/33/113/.316/.405/.595/17

2) Luis Robert CHW, OF, 22.8 – New $50 million contract has Robert’s hype skyrocketing. I already had him ranked #2 overall because of the elite power/speed combo, but a 24.7% K% and 4.9% BB% at Triple-A is almost all you need to know to realize the road to fantasy glory might not be a completely straight line. 2020 Projection: 72/27/83/.254/.306/.471/19 Prime Projection: 94/34/101/.277/.339/.521/25

3) Jo Adell LAA, OF, 21.0 – Elite athlete with double plus power. 32.6% K% and 0 homers in 27 games at Triple-A likely ensures at least a couple months of development time there in 2020. 2020 Projection: July-39/13/45/.250/.301/.459/6 Prime Projection: 101/37/108/.271/.353/.538/13

4) Gavin Lux LAD, 2B/SS, 22.4 – I tried to tell you last off-season that Lux was being underrated, writing, “Me thinks Lux is still being a bit underrated right now.” He isn’t underrated anymore. 2020 Projection: 78/19/74/.272/.334/.451/11 Prime Projection: 98/28/93/.283/.356/.495/14

5) Julio Rodriguez SEA, OF, 19.3 – Advanced beyond his years feel to hit which he displayed at Full-A (.293 BA), High-A (.462 BA), and the Fall League (.288 BA). Add to that at least plus raw power and you have one of the most coveted prospects in baseball. ETA: Late 2021 Prime Projection: 96/35/109/.290/.368/.550/8

6) MacKenzie Gore SD, LHP, 21.1 – Potential for 4 plus pitches with plus control. Destroyed Hi-A with a silly pitching line of 1.02/0.71/110/20/ in 79.1 IP. 2020 Projection: June-8/3.82/1.26/118 in 108 IP Prime Projection: 17/3.22/1.03/240 in 200 IP

7) Jarred Kelenic SEA, OF, 20.8 – Performed well across 3 levels of the minors in his first full season of pro ball, culminating with a 133 wRC+ at Double-A. Above average to plus potential in every category. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 96/25/87/.283/.351/.485/16

8) Jesus Luzardo OAK, LHP, 22.6 – Shoulder injury limited Luzardo to just 58 IP at a variety of levels (Rk, Hi-A, Triple-A, MLB playoffs), but he dominated at each stop with 3 plus pitches (mid 90’s fastball, curve, and change). He has a chance to be special, but with a career high of 109 IP, it remains to be seen if he can stay healthy and produce for 180+ IP. 2020 Projection: 10/3.68/1.19/160 in 142 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.39/1.11/213 in 183 IP

9) Dylan Carlson STL, OF, 21.6 – Major power breakout (26 homers) while maintaining a strong plate approach (116/58 K/BB in 126 games) in the upper levels of the minors. He’s likely the Cardinals best outfielder right now (save for maybe Tommy Edman). 2020 Projection: June-51/13/48/.262/.333/.447/8 Prime Projection: 94/27/91/.277/.352/.488/12

10) Jasson Dominguez NYY, OF, 17.2 – When you get the opportunity to draft at the top of a first year player draft, you just don’t pass on this type of generational talent. Double plus power/speed combo with a good feel to hit. Upside is #1 player in fantasy. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 109/32/101/.287/.373/.532/25

11) Marco Luciano SF, SS, 18.7 – Knocked 10 homers in 47 games in his first season of pro ball. Lightening quick bat speed with potential for double plus power.  ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 91/33/99/.277/.350/.520/9

12) Andrew Vaughn CHW, 1B, 22.0 – If drafting a 17 year old without a single pro plate attempt is just more risk than you are able to handle, Vaughn is your safe alternative for the top pick in a FYPD. Patient hitter with plus contact rates and plus power. Type of college bat who should move fast. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 92/31/103/.285/.370/.518/2

13) Carter Kieboom WASH, SS/2B, 22.7 – Patient hitter with a swing geared towards both average and power. If you can buy low based off his .128 BA and 37.2% K% in his small sample MLB debut, do it. 2020 Projection: May-64/18/68/.268/.339/.440/3 Prime Projection: 93/26/92/.281/.359/.486/7

14) Brendan Rodgers COL, 2B, 23.8 – Season ending labrum surgery in July makes it unlikely for Rodgers to wrestle the starting 2B job from Ryan McMahon early in the season, but his plus hit, plus power ceiling still makes him the favorite long term. Or Colorado trades Arenado and there is room for both. 2020 Projection: June-45/15/52/.266/.316/.451/4 Prime Projection: 85/29/96/.279/.335/.492/5

15) Adley Rutschman BAL, C, 22.2 – Selected 1st overall in the 2019 draft, Rutschman is a plus defensive catcher with a middle of the order offensive profile. Just keep in mind that catchers inherently get more days off during the season, are at a greater risk of injury, and just generally get worn down over the course of a season and career. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 85/27/91/.282/.368/.508/2

16) Forrest Whitley HOU, RHP, 22.6 – Missed seven weeks with shoulder inflammation and battled command issues all season (7.99 ERA and 86/44 K/BB in 59.2 IP). He got back on track in the Fall League with a 2.88 ERA and 32/9 K/BB in 25 IP. The ace upside is still there, but the risk is evident. 2020 Projection: July-5/4.15/1.31/83 in 76 IP Prime Projection: 16/3.44/1.18/211 in 188 IP

17) Casey Mize DET, RHP, 22.11 – Plus command of a 4 pitch mix with a nasty splitter as the money pitch. Wasn’t the same after missing a month with shoulder inflammation in June, which is yet another reminder of how risky pitching prospects are. 2020 Projection: July-5/3.82/1.26/78 in 82 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.51/1.16/191 in 182 IP

18) Royce Lewis MIN, SS, 20.10 – Salvaged a down year at High-A and Double-A (.236/.290/.371) by destroying the Arizona Fall League (.353/.411/.565) and taking home MVP honors. Regardless, spike in strikeout rate across all levels calls into question how much average he will ultimately hit for. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 84/25/89/.273/.332/.461/22

19) Kristian Robinson ARI, OF, 19.4 – High strikeout rates are a legitimate concern, but he has been among the youngest players at every level, and the elite power/speed combo has you dreaming of a Fernando Tatis like breakout.  ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 84/30/95/.262/.347/.503/18

20) Nate Pearson TOR, RHP, 23.7 – 6’6”, 245 pound beast who crushed 3 levels of the minors (A+, AA, AAA) with an upper 90’s fastball and plus slider. 2020 Projection: July-4/3.88/1.29/74 in 70 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.48/1.19/192 in 178 IP

21) Luis Patino SD, RHP, 20.5 – Double plus mid to upper 90’s fastball with a slider that flashes plus and developing changeup. Patino is a player I’m targeting in trades considering the hype hasn’t quite matched his top of the rotation upside. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 15/3.41/1.16/195 in 177 IP

22) Matt Manning DET, RHP, 22.3 – Improvements to changeup and control led to a huge year at Triple-A, putting up a pitching line of 2.56/0.98/148/38 in 133.2 IP. Adding a tick or two to his low 90’s fastball could take him to the next level. 2020 Projection: August-4/3.96/1.30/61 in 54 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.62/1.21/212 in 192 IP

23) Jeter Downs BOS, SS, 21.8 – I was high on Downs coming into 2019, ranking him 45th overall on my 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking. He continued to show off the same skills at High-A and Double-A that made me so high on him, which is a good feel to hit, the ability to lift the ball, and base stealing skills. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 87/26/83/.274/.347/.469/14

24) Brennen Davis CHC, OF, 20.5 – At an athletic 6’4”, 175 pounds, Davis has a plus power/speed combo with a good feel to hit. He slashed .305/.381/.525 with 8 homers, 4 steals, and a 38/18 K/BB in 50 games at Full-A. He’s still not getting his due respect. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 86/28/93/.274/.340/.495/13

25) CJ Abrams SD, SS, 19.6 – Plus hit tool and plus speed shined through in his pro debut, slashing .401/.442/.662 with 14 steals and a 9% K% in 32 rookie ball games. 3 homers shows he has decent pop, and at 6’2”, 185 pounds, there is room to grow into more. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 93/16/72/.287/.349/.439/30

26) Alec Bohm PHI, 3B, 23.9 – Contact ability translated to pro ball with a 14.1% K% at Double-A, to go along with 14 homers and a 10.4% walk rate in 63 games. He then went to the AFL and put up a .925 OPS in 19 games. 2020 Projection: September-8/3/11/.259/.321/.441/0 Prime Projection: 83/26/94/.278/.344/.486/3

27) Drew Waters ATL, OF, 21.3 – Took home MVP honors in the Southern League with a .319 BA, 35 doubles, 9 triples, 5 homers, and 13 steals in 108 games, although he did struggle with contact (26.7% K% in Double-A and 36.1% K% in Triple-A). 2020 Projection: August-25/5/21/.259/.309/.413/6 Prime Projection: 87/24/83/.278/.341/.470/18

28) Alex Kirilloff MIN, 1B/OF, 22.5 – Wrist injury kept Kirilloff out for the first month and a half of the season and likely contributed to sapping his power when he returned. He came on in the second half with 13 homers in final 76 games including the playoffs. 2020 Projection: July-32/11/43/.265/.320/.443/2 Prime Projection: 88/26/93/.283/.335/.485/5

29) Bobby Witt Jr. KC, SS, 19.10 – Mediocre pro debut (.670 OPS), but he still showed a good feel to hit (19.4% K%) and speed (9 steals), which is promising considering the power is definitely in there. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 86/26/88/.271/.338/.476/19

30) Michael Kopech CHW, RHP, 23.11 – Hit 100 MPH in an instructional league start in October, proving the elite raw stuff is back after undergoing Tommy John surgery in September 2018. Brent Honeywell’s complications post Tommy John still forces me to bake in some added risk with Kopech’s rank. 2020 Projection: July-5/4.21/1.35/87 in 72 IP Prime Projection: 16/3.45/1.21/230 in 192 IP

31) A.J. Puk OAK, LHP, 24.11 – The stuff is all the way back after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2018, displaying a 97.5 MPH fastball and 90 MPH slider coming out of the pen for Oakland down the stretch. 2020 Projection: May-8/3.83/1.32/131 in 115 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.52/1.26/199 in 176 IP

32) Vidal Brujan TB, 2B, 22.2 – Double plus speed and he loves to run with 103 stolen bases in 221 games over the past two seasons. Prototypical leadoff hitter with near elite contact ability and a good plate approach, although he struggles vs. lefties. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 87/13/51/.281/.340/.418/37

33) Spencer Howard PHI, RHP, 23.8 – Shoulder stiffness in April limited Howard to 71 IP, but he dominated in those innings with a pitching line of 2.03/0.83/94/16. Mid 90’s heat and three potentially above average secondaries gives Howard legitimate top of the rotation potential.  2020 Projection: August-3/4.01/1.31/55 in 51 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.58/1.20/192 in 175 IP

34) Dustin May LAD, RHP, 22.7 – Strong MLB debut with a pitching line of 3.63/1.10/32/5 in 34.2 IP. Has plus control over a nasty 96.2 MPH sinker and 90.9 MPH cutter, while also mixing in a curve and change.  2020 Projection: June-7/3.91/1.24/86 in 93 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.61/1.18/186 in 191 IP

35) Sixto Sanchez MIA, RHP, 21.8 – Dominates with a fastball that can hit 100+ MPH to go along with 2 plus secondaries (changeup, slider) and plus control. 8.48 K/9 isn’t very impressive, but has the elite stuff to produce more K’s down the line. 2020 Projection: August-3/3.72/1.23/51 in 56 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.63/1.13/181 in 179 IP

36) Cristian Pache ATL, OF, 21.5 – Power and patience took a step forward, but the mainstream list prospect hype is still centered around his double plus center field defense. 2020 Projection: September-8/1/5/.251/.295/.394/2 Prime Projection: 86/21/79/.273/.338/.455/17

37) Taylor Trammell SD, OF, 22.6 – Down year at Double-A but remains a great athlete and 20/20 threat if he can make the proper adjustments to unlock more power. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 86/21/77/.266/.344/.451/21

38) Corbin Carroll ARI, OF, 19.7 – Drafted 16th overall, Carroll has double plus speed with a strong plate approach and sneaky pop, posting a 91 MPH average exit velocity in his pro debut. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 92/18/76/.276/.344/.455/29

39) Aaron Bracho CLE, SS, 18.11 – Bracho is one of those players I was talking about in the Wander blurb (along with Noelvi Marte, Orelvis Martinez, Luis Matos, and Liover Peguero to name a few). He signed for $1.5 million in 2017 and then missed all of 2018 with a broken arm which kept the hype in check. He had his coming out party in 2019 in stateside rookie ball, showing a great feel to hit (15.3% K%), an advanced plate approach (16.8% BB%) and plus power (6 homers and a 51.8% FB% in 30 games). Limited defensive value will keep his ranking on real life lists down. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 86/28/92/.278/.354/.487/9

40) Noelvi Marte SEA, SS, 18.6 – Signed for $1.5 million in 2018, Marte showed off his plus power/speed combo in the Dominican League, slashing .309/371/.511 with 9 homers, 17 steals and a 55/29 K/BB in 65 games. Now is the last chance to buy before he comes stateside and the price skyrockets. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 86/25/86/.272/.341/.478/18

41) Brendan McKay TB, LHP, 24.4 – Plus command of a 4 pitch arsenal, but none of his pitches are dominant, which led to MLB hitters teeing off in his 49.2 IP debut with a 90.5 MPH exit velocity against, 93.4 MPH FB/LD, and 16.7 degree launch angle. 2020 Projection: June-7/4.13/1.28/108 in 104 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.68/1.17/189 in 183 IP

42) Ian Anderson ATL, RHP, 21.11 – Crushed Double-A with a 2.68 ERA and 147/47 K/BB in 111 IP before struggling at Triple-A over 24.2 IP. Potential for 3 plus pitches but will have to improve command and/or add MPH to the fastball to become a top of the rotation starter. 2020 Projection: August-2/4.21/1.34/33 in 30 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.60/1.26/210 in 190 IP

43) Jordan Groshans TOR, SS, 20.5 – In the midst of a great full-season debut (.337/.427/.482 in 23 games) when a left foot injury shut him down for the season. Excellent all around hitter with plus raw power and average speed.  ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 86/26/90/.278/.355/.485/8

44) Orelvis Martinez TOR, SS, 18.7 – Lived up to his $3.5 million price tag, jumping straight to stateside ball (Gulf) and slashed .275/.352/.549 with 7 homers and a 29/14 K/BB in 40 games. Potential for plus hit and plus power. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 83/30/95/.276/.343/.518/4

45) Alek Thomas ARI, OF, 19.11 – Advanced beyond his years plate approach with plus speed and an excellent 90 MPH average exit velocity. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 89/20/74/.279/.358/.450/21

46) Nick Madrigal CHW, 2B, 23.1 – Incredible 16/44 K/BB in 120 games spread across 3 levels of the minors (A+, AA, AAA), but his power upside is nonexistent. 2020 Projection: May-69/5/41/.278/.329/.390/19 Prime Projection: 91/10/56/.292/.343/.409/27

47) Xavier Edwards TB, 2B, 20.8 – Elite contact numbers translated to full-season ball with a 10.2% K% at Full-A and a 8.8% K% at High-A, as did his speed with 34 stolen bases in 123 games. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 92/10/48/.289/.342/.405/34

48) JJ Bleday MIA, OF, 22.5 – Power broke out with 26 homers in 65 games at Vanderbilt. Then went straight to High-A and displayed a good feel to hit (19.2% K%) and ability to lift the ball (34.9% GB%) despite the mediocre overall numbers (.690 OPS). ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 79/27/88/.274/.341/.484/5

49) Heliot Ramos SF, OF, 20.7 – Continues to be pushed aggressively through the minors, and he responded this year with a 143 wRC+ at High-A and 119 wRC+ in 25 games at Double-A. Big time power will be his calling card. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 83/28/86/.264/.341/.482/10

50) Nolan Gorman STL, 3B, 19.11 – Mediocre numbers at Full-A and High-A, but the power, patience and strikeout profile remains unchanged. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 83/33/92/.253/.336/.508/2

51) Triston Casas BOS, 1B, 20.3 – Reasonable 23.5% K% in full season debut to go along with 19 homers. At 6’4”, 238 pounds the power was never in question, so the relative contact ability is very encouraging. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 79/31/88/.268/.347/.503/3

52) Evan White SEA, 1B, 24.1 –  Carried over the power gains he made towards the end of 2018 into 2019 with 18 homers and a career low 42.4% GB% in 92 games at Double-A. Is a sure bet to spend most, if not all of 2020 in the majors with a newly signed 6 year, $24 million contract. 2020 Projection: 78/22/73/.264/.325/.450/5 Prime Projection: 81/27/86/.276/.338/.473/6

53) Tarik Skubal DET, LHP, 23.4 – Scout the stat line ace with a pitching line of 2.42/1.01/179/37 in 122.2 IP split between High-A and Double-A, Stuff profiles more as a high end mid-rotation starter, but it’s hard to argue with those results. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 13/3.71/1.23/195 in 181 IP

54) Brailyn Marquez CHC, LHP, 21.2 – Big lefty at 6’4”, 185 pounds, Marquez throws an upper 90’s fastball with a potentially plus slider and developing changeup. Still needs to improve control/command, but this is the type of high upside arm I love taking a chance on. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 14/3.55/1.23/187 in 174 IP

55) Jazz Chisholm MIA, SS, 22.3 – Career high 11.4% BB% at Double-A while continuing to hit the ball in the air with plus speed. Upside is high, but 32.1% K% gives him a very low batting average floor. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 83/28/81/.244/.328/.462/15

56) Riley Greene DET, OF, 19.6 – Drafted 5th overall, the only blemish on Greene’s otherwise great pro debut is that his strikeout rate was a little on the high side at 25%. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 84/25/89/.280/.352/.475/9

57) George Valera CLE, OF, 19.5 – Hit tool was not as good as expected (27.7% K% at Short-A) but the power showed out with 8 homers in 46 games, and the sweet lefty swing still impressed. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 84/26/88/.276/.360/.478/9

58) Nolan Jones CLE, 3B, 21.11 – Lefty slugger with legitimate strikeout issues (31 K’s and 4 homers in 15 games at the Arizona Fall League) but some of that is due to his passive plate approach and sky high walk rates. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 85/29/85/.251/.369/.478/2

59) Josh Lowe TB, OF, 22.2 – Power broke out at Double-A with 18 homers in 121 games to go along with 30 steals and a 132/59 K/BB. The hit tool still needs improvement, but Lowe’s stock took a huge jump last season. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 82/25/80/.250/.332/.468/19

60) Trevor Larnach MIN, OF, 23.1 – Game power didn’t show up as hoped (13 homers in 127 games split between High-A and Double-A) with high ground ball rates, although he improved at the end of the season with 6 homers in final 28 games. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 77/27/87/.265/.340/.470/5

61) Joey Bart SF, C, 23.3 – Power hitting catcher whose home ballpark suppresses power, although San Francisco is moving the fences in this year. Suffered two broken hands from being hit by pitches, once in April and then again in October in the AFL. 2020 Projection: August-15/7/22/.247/.302/.436/1 Prime Projection: 69/25/81/.262/.330/.467/3

62) Hunter Bishop SF, OF, 21.9 – Drafted 10th overall, Bishop has one of the best power/speed combos in the draft, but has racked up strikeouts in every league he has played in. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 82/28/78/.247/.332/.471/14

63) Grayson Rodriguez BAL, RHP, 20.4 – Impressed in his full season debut with a pitching line of 2.68/0.99/129/36 in 94 IP. The scouting report backs up the production with mid 90’s heat, 3 potentially plus secondaries, and plus control/command. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 14/3.69/1.20/196 in 180 IP

64) Nico Hoerner CHC, SS, 22.11 – Plus contact/speed profile who has to learn how to fully tap into his moderate raw power. Suffered a hairline fracture in his wrist in May which likely further depressed his power. 2020 Projection: 67/9/43/.279/.321/.411/11 Prime Projection: 88/16/72/.288/.340/.432/16

65) Nick Solak TEX, 2B/3B/OF, 25.2 – Excellent MLB debut, slashing .293/.393/.491 with 5 homers, 2 steals, and a 29/15 K/BB in 33 games. Has been a ground ball hitter throughout his career, but exit velocity and sprint speed are strong. 2020 Projection: 79/20/74/.271/.339/.452/10

66) Jonathan India CIN, 3B, 23.3 – Hasn’t gotten to as much of his plus raw power as hoped, hitting only 11 homers in 121 games, but has showed an advanced approach with a good feel to hit and some speed. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 85/24/79/.272/.349/.461/12

67) Mitch Keller PIT, RHP, 24.0 – 7.13 ERA in 48 IP MLB debut but it came with a 12.19 K/9 and 3.19 FIP, which makes the debut more encouraging than discouraging. Relies heavily on a 95.4 MPH fastball with a plus slider being his best secondary. 2020 Projection: 10/4.02/1.30/167 in 161 IP Prime Projection: 13/3.77/1.25/191 in 182 IP

68) Josiah Gray LAD, RHP, 22.3 – Decimated 3 levels of the minors (A, A+, AA) with a plus fastball/slider combo and plus command. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 14/3.63/1.18/183 in 176 IP

69) Logan Gilbert SEA, RHP, 22.11 – Dominated his first year of pro ball just as easily as he did the Atlantic Sun Conference, putting up a pitching line of 2.13/0.95/165/33 in 135 IP split between A, A+, and AA. Relies heavily on his plus fastball but slider, curve, and change all have the potential to develop into quality secondaries. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 14/3.66/1.21/196 in 185 IP

70) Sean Murphy OAK, C, 25.6 – It’s a small sample but he knocked 4 homers with a 90.7 MPH exit velocity and 96.6 MPH FB/LD exit velocity in his 20 game MLB debut. This after hitting 10 homes in 31 games at Triple-A. If he can raise his launch angle a bit, and with his already strong plate approach, Murphy has the potential to be one of the better hitting catchers in baseball. 2020 Projection: 56/18/52/.255/.338/.441/0 Prime Projection: 73/24/82/.268/.357/.468/1

71) Austin Hays BAL, OF, 24.9 – Strong September in the majors (.947 OPS in 75 PA), although his minor league numbers weren’t as strong (.758 OPS at Triple-A). Inside track to win the Orioles opening day starting CF job. 2020 Projection: 78/24/75/.265/.312/.456/10

72) Simeon Woods Richardson TOR, RHP, 19.6 – Impressive 18-year-old season in Full-A and High-A with a 126/24 K/BB in 106.2 IP. He displayed an advanced four pitch mix headlined by a plus fastball/slider combo. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 14/3.64/1.16/198 in 183 IP

73) Oneil Cruz PIT, SS, 21.6 – Fly ball percentage jumped up 8.9% to 38.1% after his promotion to Double-A. If he can maintain those gains, the double plus raw power will definitely start to shine through. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 78/28/86/.252/.323/.474/9

74) Brandon Marsh LAA, OF, 22.4 – Lowered strikeout rate to 22.3% at Double-A (27.7% at High-A in 2018), which is very encouraging. Next step is hitting fewer ground balls (52.6%). 2020 Projection: September-12/2/9/.252/.327/.413/3 Prime Projection: 83/22/78/.271/.350/.457/16

75) Greg Jones TB, SS, 22.1 – Drafted 22nd overall, Jones is a great athlete with double plus speed and developing power. He’s had strikeout issues in his career (25.7% at Short-A), but the upside is considerable. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 86/16/62/.268/.349/.421/32

76) Edward Cabrera MIA, RHP, 22.0 – Much improved secondaries and control combined with his electric mid 90’s fastball made Cabrera one of the biggest pitching breakouts in the minors, posting a pitching line of 2.23/0.99/116/31 in 96.2 IP split between High-A and Double-A. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 13/3.76/1.23/191 in 182 IP

77) Brent Honeywell TB, RHP, 25.0 – Had surgery in June to repair a fractured right elbow which he suffered while rehabbing from 2017 Tommy John surgery. It’s a reminder not to just assume a pitcher will return seamlessly from Tommy John. 2020 Projection: August-2/4.31/1.34/46 in 40 IP Prime Projection: 11/3.71/1.22/175 in 163 IP

78) Matthew Liberatore STL, LHP, 20.5 – Strong full season debut with a 3.10 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 76/31 K/BB in 78.1 IP. Advanced for his age with a 4 pitch mix and plus command.  ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 13/3.72/1.21/182 in 175 IP

79) Deivi Garcia NYY, RHP, 20.10 – Added a slider this year to give him a chance at 4 plus pitches at peak. At 5’9”, 163 pounds, how much you buy into Garcia might depend on how much you buy into the prejudice against small righties. 2020 Projection: August-3/4.15/1.33/57 in 51 IP Prime Projection: 13/3.78/1.27/193 in 177 IP

80) Robert Puason OAK, SS, 17.5 – Signed for $5.1 million, Pauson is a projectable 6’3”, 165 pounds with plus speed, a good feel to hit and developing power. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 88/23/82/.275/.346/.462/26

81) Ke’Bryan Hayes PIT, 3B, 23.2 – Hasn’t made any attempts to unlock more power, but has maintained his strong plate approach, good feel to hit, and ability to use the entire field at every minor league level. Plus glove at 3B will buy him time until the power ticks up. 2020 Projection: July-39/9/32/.253/.317/.406/6 Prime Projection: 88/22/79/.276/.348/.460/13

82) Daniel Lynch KC, LHP, 23.4 – 6’6”, 190 pounds with a 4 pitch mix headlined by a plus fastball/slider combo and good control. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 12/3.81/1.24/179 in 171 IP

83) DL Hall BALT, LHP, 21.6 – Plus fastball/curve combo with a developing slider and changeup. Control needs to take a step forward with a 6.0 BB/9 at High-A. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 12/3.76/1.32/187 in 174 IP

84) Jesus Sanchez MIA, OF, 22.6 – Two straight years of modest production has dimmed Sanchez’ prospect hype a bit, but his plus raw power and good feel to hit haven’t gone anywhere. 2020 Projection: September-7/2/8/.254/.308/.410/1 Prime Projection: 77/24/86/.275/.339/.470/7

85) Erick Pena KC, OF, 17.1 – Signed for $3.8 million, Pena is 6’3” with a smooth and powerful left handed swing. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 86/28/93/.274/.355/.491/5

86) Hunter Greene CIN, RHP, 20.8 – Underwent Tommy John surgery on April 9th. When healthy, fastball sits in the upper 90’s and has stirkeout stuff with 89 K’s in 68.1 IP in 2018. Secondaries are still raw. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 14/3.58/1.19/191 in 177 IP

87) Ronny Mauricio NYM, SS, 19.0 – Mediocre full-season debut as an 18 year old (.665 OPS), but still possess all the tools that made him one of the top international signings in 2017. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 78/26/88/.277/.335/.471/5

88) Geraldo Perdomo ARI, SS, 20.5 – Elite plate approach transferred to full season ball with a 67/70 K/BB in 116 games split between Full-A and High-A. Power hasn’t shown up yet, but at 6’3”, 184 pounds there is certainly more to come. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 91/18/73/.289/372/.448/16

89) Daulton Varsho ARI, C, 23.9 – With Carson Kelly establishing himself in 2019, Varsho might have to find playing time at positions other than catcher. He has an above average power/speed combo and a good feel to hit, so it might be better off for his fantasy value anyway. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 84/23/77/.275/.340/.460/14

90) Tyler Freeman CLE, SS, 20.10 – Elite contact rates transferred to full season ball with a 10.3% K% at Full-A and 9.1% at High-A. He doesn’t have an overly high ground ball rate, so when he inevitably gains strength as he matures, the home runs will come.  ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 88/15/52/.291/.338/.431/17

91) Luis Campusano SD, C, 21.6 – Everything took a step forward at High-A. As long as he can keep his launch angle up, Campusano’s plus hitting ability and hard contact ensures a true impact fantasy catcher. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 68/22/79/.281/.343/.457/0

92) Brayan Rocchio CLE, SS, 19.4 – Plus contact rates (13.6% K% at Short-A) with plus speed (14 steals in 69 games) and developing power (5 homers). ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 85/16/69/.283/.338/.435/23

93) Liover Peguero PIT, SS, 19.3 – Advanced feel to hit with above average speed and power. Slashed .364/.410/.559 with 5 homers, 8 steals and a 21.8% K% in 38 games in the Pioneer League. Will need to start lifting the ball more to reach full potential. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 84/20/72/.278/.332/.448/20

94) Luis Matos SF, OF, 18.2 – Signed for $725,000 in 2018, Matos immediately raised his stock in the DSL, showing more power than expected (7 homers in 55 games) to go along with speed (20 steals) and a good feel to hit (11.1% K%). ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 86/22/81/.278/.335/.455/14

95) Daniel Espino CLE, RHP, 19.3 – Drafted 24th overall, Espino has a four pitch mix headlined by an explosive upper 90’s fastball and potentially plus slider. Improvements in control/command and changeup will dictate how good he can become. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 13/3.75/1.26/190 in 178 IP

96) Seth Beer ARI, 1B, 23.7 – Trade to the NL hurts considering he is a poor defensive player, but the production continues to be strong with 26 homers and a 21% K% at High-A and Double-A. 2020 Projection: August-14/8/22/.248/.312/.468/0 Prime Projection: 68/30/81/.268/.342/.491/1

97) Ryan Mountcastle BAL, 1B/OF, 23.1 – Hit every year of his career and power started to really blossom this season. Poor defense is the biggest hurdle to playing time, but Baltimore isn’t exactly overflowing with talent right now. 2020 Projection: July-36/12/41/.262/.301/.441/1 Prime Projection: 77/26/85/.274/.318/.472/3

98) Bobby Dalbec BOS, 3B, 24.9 – Improved strikeout rate to a respectable 24.7% but infield fly ball rate spiked to 24.8% at Double-A and 30.3% at Triple-A. The huge power will certainly translate with 32 homers in 2018 and 27 homers in 2019. 2020 Projection: August-15/8/21/.233/.315/.446/1 Prime Projection: 78/33/87/.248/.342/.488/4

99) Jose Urquidy HOU, RHP, 24.11 – Urquidy has a rotation spot, has some MLB success under his belt (including a great 10 IP in the playoffs), and is in an organization known for their excellent development of pitchers. He throws a 4 pitch mix with a 93.2 MPH fastball and an 84.3 MPH changeup as his best/most used secondary with plus control. 2020 Projection: 10/4.02/1.23/169 in 172 IP

100) Jose Garcia CIN, SS, 22.0 – After a mediocre stateside debut in 2018, Garcia shook the rust off and put up a +133 wRC+ in the pitcher friendly FSL. He has a contact over power approach right now with plus speed. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 77/20/81/.271/.328/.437/14

101) Kyle Wright ATL, RHP, 24.9 – Throws 5 pitches highlighted by a plus fastball/slider combo. Results in MLB haven’t been good in 25.2 IP and needs to improve command, but the stuff has looked good. 2020 Projection: 3/4.23/1.33/71 in 70 IP Prime Projection: 13/3.91/1.29/174 in 174 IP

102) Shane Baz TB, RHP, 20.10 – Plus fastball/slider combo but control is still raw. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 12/3.79/1.29/177 in 171 IP

103) Kyle Lewis SEA, OF, 24.9 – Expected to break camp as the starting left fielder. 6 homers in 18 game MLB debut is a flicker of hope, but 29.4% K% and 11 homers in 122 games at Double-A keeps my expectations in check. 2020 Projection: 69/23/75/.243/.319/.438/2 Prime Projection: 76/27/84/.256/.331/.471/4

104) Jake Fraley SEA, OF, 24.10 – Power took a big step forward with 19 homers in 99 games split between Double-A and Triple-A. With a solid feel to hit and above average speed, the added power gives him a chance to be an everyday player. 2020 Projection: 62/16/58/.251/.304/.413/11 Prime Projection: 78/20/74/.268/.329/.432/14

105) Brusdar Graterol LAD, RHP, 21.7 – 99 MPH fastball with a plus slider and developing change. Injury and pen risk were always high, and I still think he has a chance to start, but the new report about his medicals projecting him in a relief role is hard to ignore. 2020 Projection: 3/3.81/1.26/51 in 50 IP Prime Projection: 4/3.33/1.17/85 in 81 IP

106) Shogo Akiyama CIN, OF, 32.0 – Slashed .303/.392/.471 with 20 homers, 12 steals, and a 108/78/ K/BB in 143 games in the Japan Pacific League. Doesn’t sell out for power with a line drive approach. Plus speed has been more valuable for his center field defense than it has for his base stealing ability. 2020 Projection: 77/20/71/.272/.338/.436/14

107) Yoshitomo Tsutsugo TB, OF, 28.4 – Classic power, patience, and strikeouts slugger, but lack of defensive value will have him fighting for playing time on a deep Tampa roster. 2020 Projection: 68/24/77/.257/.335/.472/0

108) Justin Dunn SEA, RHP, 24.6 – Plus slider with a 92.6 MPH fastball and average changeup. Very loose, easy delivery leads me to believe there is more velocity in the tank if he needs it. 2020 Projection: 9/4.43/1.34/151 in 150 IP Prime Projection: 12/3.91/1.27/187 in 178 IP

109) Monte Harrison MIA, OF, 24.8 – Right wrist injury limited him to 58 games. Improved K% from 36.9% to 29.9%, although FB% cratered with it to 21.8%. Elite athleticism with a plus power/speed combo so it will be worth the wait if he ever can figure it out. 2020 Projection: July-38/11/36/.221/.303/.408/10 Prime Projection: 77/26/76/.242/.318/.443/18

110) Sam Hilliard COL, OF, 26.1 – Plus power/speed combo. Excellent MLB debut, slashing .273/.356/.649 and actually decreased his K% from 29.3% at Triple-A to 26.4%. Will have to compete with Ian Desmond, Garrett Hampson, and Raimel Tapia for playing time. 2020 Projection: 55/19/58/.244/.311/.448/10

111) Alexander Canario SF, OF, 19.11 – Lowered GB% 18.4% to 27.8% at Short-A, leaving no doubt he will get to his plus raw power, but his K% skyrocketed with it 7.9% to 32.4%. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 78/32/93/.246/.327/.508/10

112) Mauricio Dubon SF, 2B, 25.8 – Moderate power/speed combo with a good feel to hit. Wilmer Flores signing puts a damper on his playing time projection. 2020 Projection: 60/14/51/.279/.315/.427/16

113) Abraham Toro HOU, 3B, 23.4 – Advanced plate approach transferred to the majors with a 21.3% K% and 10.1% BB%, which makes it an encouraging debut despite the weak surface stats (.688 OPS). 2020 Projection: 23/5/18/.262/.335/.439/2 Prime Projection: 74/22/78/.268/.338/.451/7

114) Daz Cameron DET, OF, 23.2 – A favorite of mine in 2019, Cameron’s hit tool took a step back at Triple-A with a 28.8% K% and a .214 BA. He’s a plus athlete with plus bat speed, so if the hit tool ever comes around, the fantasy upside is considerable. 2020 Projection: Prime Projection: 79/18/73/.248/.325/.429/18

115) Andres Gimenez NYM, SS, 21.7 – Mediocre season at Double-A but finished strong in the Fall League, slashing .371/.413/.586 with 2 homers, 2 steals, and a 15/4 K/BB in 18 games. Profile remains the same as a solid all around contributor. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 81/17/63/.274/.326/.421/21

116) Gilberto Jimenez BOS, OF, 19.9 – Elite athlete with elite speed and a good feel to hit. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 81/13/57/.278/.330/.419/29

117) Sherten Apostel TEX, 3B, 21.1 – Plus power and strong plate approach transferred to full season ball with a .251/.339/.440 triple-slash, 19 homers and 120/51 K/BB in 121 games split between Full-A and High-A. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 77/28/89/.260/.342/.489/2

118) Jordyn Adams LAA, OF, 20.5 – Advanced plate approach (22% K%/11.7% BB%) at Full-A was quite impressive considering his baseball skills were supposed to be raw, but overall numbers weren’t all that impressive with a .250/.346/.358 triple-slash, 7 homers and 12 steals in 97 games. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 88/19/69/.276/.352/.447/23

119) Jared Oliva PIT, OF, 24.4 – Starling Marte trade opens up the potential to earn a starting spot early in the season. Oliva has plus speed with a solid plate approach and below average power. 2020 Projection: 59/7/42/.248/.310/.381/17 Prime Projection: 81/13/57/.264/.331/.406/25

120) Adrian Morejon SD, LHP, 21.1 – Shoulder impingement ended his season in August. San Diego used him as a 1-2 inning pitcher in both the minors and during his MLB debut where he averaged 96.5 MPH on the fastball. 2020 Projection: 2/4.31/1.36/38 in 35 IP Prime Projection: 10/3.78/1.25/168 in 160 IP

121) Josh Jung TEX, 3B, 22.2 – Advanced approach translated to pro ball, but the power didn’t with 1 homer and a 27.2% FB% in 40 games at Full-A. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 73/24/86/.277/.338/.465/4

122) Kameron Misner MIA, OF, 22.3 – Drafted 35th overall, Misner has a plus power/speed combo but currently has more raw power than game power. He is ultra patient at the plate, sometimes to his detriment. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 83/23/79/.261/.346/.453/18

123) George Kirby SEA, RHP, 22.2 – Drafted 20th overall, Kirby pounds the strike zone with a plus fastball and the potential for 3 quality secondaries. Put up a 25/0 K/BB in his 23 IP MLB debut at Low-A after dominating at Elon with a 107/6 K/BB in 88.1 IP. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 13/3.88/1.19/174 in 173 IP

124) Nick Lodolo CIN, LHP, 22.2 – Drafted 7th overall, Lodolo is a projectable 6’6”, 202 pound with a low 90’s fastball, a potentially plus curve, and average change. Put up a 30/0 K/BB in his 18.1 IP pro debut. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 13/3.73/1.24/184 in 176 IP

125) Shane McClanahan TB, LHP, 22.11 – Control took a big step forward, bringing his walk rate down to 3.4 BB/9. With a mid 90’s fastball, plus breaking ball, and developing changeup, the upside is considerable if he can hold those gains. 2020 Projection: August-3/4.03/1.34/36 in 30 IP Prime Projection: 12/3.77/1.28/177 in 161 IP

126) Keibert Ruiz LAD, C, 21.8 – Contact oriented approach with elite strikeout rates, but isn’t hitting the ball hard enough yet to do real damage. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 69/17/66/.278/.328/.409/0

127) Isaac Paredes DET, 3B, 21.1 – Plus hit (11.1% K%) with a plus plate approach (10.3% BB%) and developing power (13 homers in 127 games at Double-A). ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 80/22/83/.283/.350/.471/2

128) Andres Munoz SD, Setup, 21.3 – 100.2 MPH fastball with a plus slider. Inside track to be the closer of the future with Kirby Yates on an expiring deal. 2020 Projection: 3/3.68/1.26/82/5 in 63 IP Prime Projection: 4/3.31/1.15/97/33 in 68 IP

129) Clarke Schmidt NYY, RHP, 24.1 – Proved he is all the way back from 2017 Tommy John surgery by flashing 3 plus pitches and putting up a pitching line of 3.47/1.18/102/28 in 90.2 IP spent mostly at High-A. 2020 Projection: August-1/4.48/1.41/19 in 20 IP Prime Projection: 12/3.82/1.26/163 in 161 IP

130) Jordan Balazovic MIN, RHP, 21.7 – Put up a pitching line of 2.69/0.98/129/25 in 93.2 IP at mostly High-A. At 6’5”, he pounds the strikezone with a plus fastball and 2 secondaries (slider, changeup) that have the potential to be above average. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 12/3.88/1.24/188 in 176 IP

131) Alek Manoah TOR, RHP, 22.3 – Drafted 11th overall. 2019 was Manoah’s first year as a full time starter, and he responded by maintaining his mid 90’s heat and displaying above average control over 125.1 IP at West Virginia and Low-A. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 11/3.82/1.23/181 in 165 IP

132) Kyle Muller ATL, LHP, 22.6 – Stuff ticked up leading to a career high 9.7 K/9 at Double-A, but his control went with it with a career worst 5.5 BB/9. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 13/3.71/1.30/187 in 183 IP

133) Michael Busch LAD, 2B, 22.5 – Drafted 31st overall, Busch has a plus plate approach with a good feel for contact and the ability to lift the ball. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 82/27/88/.271/.346/.473/5

134) Brett Baty NYM, 3B, 20.5 – 6’3”, 210-pound tank with at least plus raw power. On the downside, he is old for a high school hitter, the strikeout rate was a bit high for a 19-year-old at Short-A (28.5%) and his flyball percentages were relatively low. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 73/27/86/.266/.353/.482/2

135) Gabriel Arias SD, SS, 20.1 – Came on in the 2nd half, slashing .355/.385/.565 with 10 homers and a 48/11 K/BB in final 51 games at High-A. He’s still raw at the plate, but has near plus raw power and an improving hit tool. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 74/24/83/.261/.312/.448/6

136) Bryse Wilson ATL, RHP, 22.3 – Pounding the strikezone with a plus fastball was good enough to dominate the minors, but he is going to have to improve his secondaries to do the same at the major league level. 2020 Projection: 2/4.38/1.34/56 in 61 IP Prime Projection: 11/4.05/1.29/165 in 174 IP

137) Luis Garcia WASH, SS/2B, 19.10 – Continued to show an advanced feel for contact at Double-A (15.6% K%) but didn’t show any sign of improvements in other aspects of his offense (4 homers and a 3.1% BB%). ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 80/22/78/.281/.325/.450/10

138) Logan Allen CLE, LHP, 22.10 – Solid 4 pitch mix with a plus slider. Should compete for a rotation spot this Spring. Ceiling is likely a mid rotation starter. 2020 Projection: 8/4.46/1.38/105 in 120 IP Prime Projection: 10/4.12/1.33/168 in 173 IP

139) Daniel Johnson CLE, OF, 24.9 – With Cleveland’s OF far from locked down, there is a path for Johnson to earn significant at-bats if he keeps performing. He hit .290 with 19 homers and 12 steals split between Double-A and Triple-A with the plus tools to back it up. 2020 Projection: 37/7/38/.253/.312/.435/6 Prime Projection: 73/22/76/.268/.329/.458/13

140) Jorge Mateo OAK, SS, 24.9 – Put up big numbers in the PCL with a .289 BA, 19 homers, and 24 steals, but considering the insane hitting environment it was only good for a below average 96 wRC+. 2020 Projection: 32/4/24/.240/.293/.397/9 Prime Projection: 63/10/48/.262/.312/.420/18

141) Tony Gonsolin LAD, RHP, 25.11 – Didn’t have a strong K/BB (37/15 in 40 IP) in his MLB debut, but all four of his pitches (fastball, slider, curve, splitter) graded out as slightly plus value. Will have to scratch and claw to find his way into the rotation, not only for this season, but in the future too. 2020 Projection: 3/4.19/1.26/69 in 69 IP

142) Kody Hoese LAD, 3B, 22.9 – Drafted 25th overall, Hoese is 6’4”, 200 pounds with plus power that just blossomed this season and a good feel to hit that he’s possessed throughout his college career. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 78/26/84/.273/.334/.472/3

143) Triston McKenzie CLE, RHP, 22.8 – Upper back strain wiped out his entire 2019. This ranking might be a little bit out of sight, out of mind, but many questioned McKenzie’s durability because of his slight frame, and this is the 2nd year in a row where injuries have reared their ugly head. 2020 Projection: September-2/4.46/1.34/22 in 19 IP Prime Projection: 11/3.68/1.19/173 in 162 IP

144) Francisco Alvarez NYM, C, 18.4 – Impressive pro debut in stateside rookie ball, slashing .312/.407/.510 with 7 homers and a 37/21 K/BB in 42 games. Plus hitting ability with developing power and is highly likely to stick behind the plate. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 72/23/81/.281/.346/.469/2

145) Misael Urbina MIN, OF, 17.11 – Showed off his plus hit, plus speed profile with a 6.5% K% and 19 steals in 50 games in the Dominican Summer League.  ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 88/16/67/.284/.351/.438/20

146) Maximo Acosta TEX, SS, 17.5 – Signed for $1.65 million, Acosta has an advanced feel to hit with the potential for above average speed and power. The skills are there for him to fly up prospect lists with a good pro debut. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 82/21/81/.277/.339/.448/16

147) Ethan Hankins CLE, RHP, 20.10 – 6’6”, 200 pounds with a mid 90’s fastball and plus athleticism, but secondaries and control/command still need work.  ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 11/3.74/1.26/192 in 178 IP

148) Brice Turang MIL, SS, 20.4 – Prototypical leadoff hitter with a good feel to hit, plus plate approach, and plus speed. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 88/14/54/.276/.352/.403/24

149) Bryson Stott PHI, SS, 22.5 – Drafted 14th overall, Stott has solid skills across the board but is without a carrying tool. Should chip in a little bit in every category. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection:  83/20/74/.278/.343/.439/15

150) Jackson Rutledge WAS, RHP, 21.0 – Drafted 17th overall, Rutledge is 6’8”, 250 pounds with a mid to upper 90’s fastball and the potential for three quality secondaries, most notably his slider. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 12/3.71/1.28/167 in 165 IP

151) Lewin Diaz MIA, 1B, 23.4 – Bounced back from a poor 2018 by tapping into his raw power with a career high 27 homers split between High-A and Double-A. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 74/26/85/.272/.325/.470/0

152) Miguel Hiraldo TOR, 2B, 19.7 – Power took a step forward, hitting 7 homers in 56 games in the Appy League while maintaining strong contact numbers (14.1%). He was considered one of the better hitters in the 2017 international class and has lived up to his reputation. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 79/23/84/.277/.332/.458/7

153) Luisangel Acuna TEX, SS, 18.1 – Ronald’s younger brother. Isn’t as tooled up as his brother, but he’s an advanced hitter for his age with above average speed. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 82/18/64/.283/.346/.431/22

154) Hudson Head SD, OF, 19.0 – Drafted 84th overall, but received a $3 million bonus which is a record for a 3rd round pick. Head is a plus runner with plus bat speed and the potential for at least average power. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 81/17/68/.268/.335/.429/23

155) Andy Pages LAA, OF, 19.4 – Coming out party in the Pioneer League with 19 homers and a 53.5% FB% in 63 games, but it came with a 28.3% K%. He was known for his good feel to hit prior to this season, so that number should come down. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 75/29/80/.246/.331/.471/6

156) Luis Rodriguez LAD, OF, 17.7 – Signed for $2.667 million, Rodriguez makes hard contact to all fields with a line drive approach and above average speed. At 6’2”, 175 pounds he has the chance to grow into plus power. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 84/23/81/.278/.347/.469/10

157) Peyton Burdick MIA, OF, 23.1 – Drafted 82nd overall, Burdick has huge raw power, hitting 10 homers with a 91 MPH average exit velocity in 63 games at Full-A. He’s on the old side for his college draft class, and the hit tool needs refinement, but Burdick is an excellent sleeper pick in first year players drafts. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 74/25/81/.252/.329/.461/9

158) Yusniel Diaz BAL, OF, 23.6 – Power took a small step forward with a career high .210 ISO at Double-A, but didn’t have the breakout I was hoping for after a great Spring Training. 2020 Projection: August-14/4/19/.253/.315/.421/1 Prime Projection: 76/23/81/.270/.333/.457/7

159) Cole Tucker PIT, SS, 23.9 – Tucker’s power took a small step forward at Triple-A, but everyone else’s power took a huge step forward.Kevin Newman took the early lead on Pitt’s SS of the future job. 2020 Projection: July-28/6/21/.253/.312/.397/7 Prime Projection: 81/17/69/.270/.334/.421/19

160) Bayron Lora TEX, OF, 17.6 – Signed for $3.9 million, Lora is 6’5”, 230 pounds with double plus raw power, but it comes with some swing and miss. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 74/30/85/.253/.338/.501/3

161) Alexander Ramirez NYM, OF, 17.3 – Signed for $2.05 million, Ramirez is a great athlete with a projectable 6’3”, 170 pound frame and a good feel to hit. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 81/22/76/.267/.341/.451/16

162) Alexfri Planez CLE, OF, 18.8 – Big time power potential with a raw, aggressive approach at the plate and above average speed. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 72/27/83/.254/.322/.471/8

163) Reginald Preciado SD, SS, 16.10 – Signed for $1.3 million, Preciado is 6’4”, 185 pounds with a consistent track record of hitting as an amateur. Projectable frame gives him the chance to grow into plus power. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 77/25/85/.274/.346/.473/6

164) Khalil Lee KC, OF, 21.9 – 28.2% K% and 59.3% GB% is a horrible combination, but he has a plus power/speed combo and was 20/21 years old at Double-A. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 78/21/72/.253/.336/.443/17

165) Justus Sheffield SEA, LHP, 23.10 – Improved changeup gives him a legitimate third pitch to go along with his plus fastball/slider combo. Needs to improve control and command. 2020 Projection: 7/4.37/1.39/148 in 151 IP Prime Projection: 11/3.87/1.32/176 in 173 IP

166) Parker Meadows DET, OF, 20.5 – Full season debut was underwhelming with a .221/.296/.312 triple-slash, but a 22.4% K% and 9.3% BB% is very encouraging considering the plus athleticism and power/speed combo is still there. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 77/22/74/.253/.331/.441/14

167) Hedbert Perez MIL, OF, 17 – Potential for all category production with a plus power/speed combo and an advanced feel at the plate. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 82/20/78/.273/.342/.442/20

168) Michael Toglia COL, 1B, 21.7 – Drafted 23rd overall, Toglia is a switch hitting, plus defensive first baseman with power and patience. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 81/26/84/.266/.352/.474/2

169) Joe Ryan TB, RHP, 23.10 – Pulverized 3 levels of the minors (A, A+, AA) using mostly a plus fastball that he commands well, putting up a pitching line of 1.96/0.84/183/27 in 123.2 IP. Needs to improve secondaries to keep those numbers up at the major league level.  ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 11/3.90/1.32/160 in 157 IP

170) James Karinchak CLE, Setup, 24.7 – Major control problems (62 BB in 102.1 career minor league innings) but his 96.9 MPH fastball and plus curve rack up strikeouts. 2020 Projection: 4/3.68/1.27/78 in 55 IP

171) Trevor Rogers MIA, LHP, 22.5 – 6’6”, 185 pound lefty with an almost side arm delivery and plus strikeout rates. Control took a step forward and added a cutter to his pitch arsenal en route to his best season as a pro, putting up a pitching line of 2.90/1.14/150/33 in 136.1 IP at High-A and Double-A. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 12/3.77/1.28/181 in 176 IP

172) Zack Collins CHW, C, 24.2 – Plus power and patience but retaining catcher eligibility throughout his career is a major question mark. 2020 Projection: 32/9/35/.232/.325/.426/0 Prime Projection: 66/21/73/.247/.341/.453/0

173) Leody Taveras TEX, OF, 21.7 – Base running improved with a career high 32 steals in 131 games at High-A and Double-A. Continued to display a good feel for contact, but he needs to start making harder contact to reach his potential. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 79/18/68/.268/.336/.421/20

174) Daulton Jefferies OAK, RHP, 24.8 – Plus fastball/changeup combo with plus control. Put up a pitching line of 3.42/1.04/93/9 in 79 IP at mostly Double-A in his first full year back from Tommy John surgery. 2020 Projection: 2/4.28/1.29/21 in 24 IP Prime Projection: 10/3.89/1.24/151 in 160 IP

175) Luis Toribio SF, 3B, 19.6 – Toribio’s advanced plate approach with plus raw power transferred from the Dominican League to stateside rookie ball, slashing .297/.436/.459 with 3 homers, a 93 MPH average exit velocity, and a 54/45 K/BB in 51 games. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 77/24/83/.267/.352/.473/3

176) Jackson Kowar KC, RHP, 23.6 – Double plus changeup with a mid 90’s fastball, but breaking ball lags behind. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 11/3.91/1.30/168 in 174

177) Blake Walston ARI, LHP, 18.9 – Drafted 26th overall, Walston is a projectable 6’4”, 175 pounds with a low 90’s fastball, two potentially plus breaking balls and a developing change. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 12/3.71/1.24/184 in 176 IP

178) Matt Allan NYM, RHP, 18.11 – Drafted 89th overall, but received the 2nd highest bonus for a high school pitcher. Allen is physically mature at 6’3”, 225 pounds with a mid 90’s fastball and a plus, high spin rate curveball. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 12/3.72/1.29/183 in 176 IP

179) Tristen Lutz MIL, OF, 21.7 – Continued to post solid numbers while being young for his level, slashing .255/.335/.419 with 13 homers and a 137/46 K/BB in 112 games at High-A. Strikeout rates are high but he has double plus raw power and doesn’t sell out for homers. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 74/25/82/.263/.340/.473/6

180) Jhon Diaz TB, OF, 17.6 – Signed for $1.5 million, Diaz makes hard contact with a quick bad to go along with an advanced plate approach and plus speed. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 80/19/76/.272/.345/.439/20

181) Gabriel Rodriguez CLE, SS, 18.1 – Highly touted international prospect in 2018 who showed a good feel to hit and advanced approach, but doesn’t have big power or speed. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 86/22/78/.277/.351/.452/9

182) Luis Frias ARI, RHP, 21.10 – Mid 90’s fastball with a plus curveball and potentially plus splitter. Control/command needs work but the upside is high if it all comes together. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 11/3.98/1.34/169 in 162 IP

183) Ismael Mena SD, OF, 17.4 – Signed for $2.2 million, Mena is a lean 6’3”, 185 pounds with a line drive approach, developing power, and double plus speed. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 81/18/74/.271/.337/.440/25

184) Alexander Mojica PIT, 3B, 17.8 – Was one of the best hitters in the Dominican Summer League as a 16 year old, slashing .351/.468/.580 with 8 homers and a 34/37 K/BB in 55 games. Has a patient approach  with plus raw power. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection:  79/24/84/.266/.340/.462/3

185) Arol Vera LAA, SS, 17.7 – Signed for $2 million, the 6’3”, 187 pound Vera is an advanced hitter who has the chance to grow into plus power.  ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 78/23/81/.277/.343/.456/6

186) Keoni Cavaco MIN, SS, 18.10 – Drafted 13th overall. High risk, high reward prospect with a plus power/combo but is a major hit tool risk (35/4 K/BB in 25 game pro debut). ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 71/25/76/.241/.298/.449/14

187) Quinn Priester PIT, RHP, 19.7 – Drafted 18th overall, Priester throws a 4 pitch mix headlined by two potentially plus fastballs (4 and 2 seamer) and a plus curve. Pro debut was impressive with a pitching line of 3.03/1.19/37/10 in 32.2 IP in the Gulf Coast League. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 12/3.69/1.24/191 in 185 IP

188) Ethan Small MIL, LHP, 23.2 – Drafted 28th overall, Small doesn’t have big stuff but he racks up strikeouts with deception and plus command. Struck out 168 batters in 102 IP in the SEC and then came into pro ball and did the same thing with a 36/4 K/BB in 21 IP at mostly Full-A. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 12/3.90/1.26/182 in 171 IP

189) Zack Thompson STL, LHP, 22.5 – Drafted 19th overall, Thompson throws a 4 pitch mix headlined by a plus curveball. He has some injury red flags and needs to improve his command. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 11/3.93/1.32/171 in 164 IP

190) Brennan Malone PIT, RHP, 19.7 – Drafted 33rd overall, Malone is a power pitcher who throws a 4 pitch mix headlined by a potentially plus fastball/slider combo. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 13/3.83/1.26/187 in 178 IP

191) Jeremiah Jackson LAA, SS, 20.0 – 33% K% as a 19 year old in rookie ball, which means the risk is sky high, but he also smacked a ridiculous 23 homers in 65 games. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 74/27/81/.241/.319/.451/10

192) Emmanuel Clase CLE, Setup, 22.0 – 99.4 MPH fastball and 90.6 MPH slider is super impressive, although his strikeout rates haven’t popped as much as you would think (8.10 K/9 in MLB and 9.32 at Double-A) 2020 Projection: 3/3.72/1.20/63 in 60 IP

193) Hunter Harvey BAL, Closer Committee, 25.5 – Found a home in the bullpen where he let his 98.4 MPH fastball fly. Favorite to be Baltimore’s long term closer if he can remain healthy. 2020 Projection: 3/3.83/1.31/66/12 in 60 IP

194) Braden Shewmake ATL, SS, 22.4 – Drafted 21st overall, Shewmake’s plus contact skills and plus speed transferred to pro ball with a 12.8% K% and 11 steals in 51 games at Full-A. Seems to be on the fast track with Atlanta promoting him to Double-A for 14 games at the end of the season. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 79/16/74/.278/.336/.428/18

195) Travis Swaggerty PIT, OF, 22.9 – Had an underwhelming year at High-A with a 49.3% GB%, 22.1% K% and 9 homers. Either his contact ability or power will have to take a step forward to become an everyday player. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 78/17/71/.269/.334/.422/18

196) Ryan Vilade COL, SS, 21.1 – Made adjustments to unlock more of his plus raw power, lowering GB% 10% to 42.9% and hitting 12 homers in 128 games at High-A. He did so while maintaining his strong plate approach (16.2% K%/9.5% BB%) ETA: 2022 2020 Projection: 81/23/82/.276/.340/.463/8

197) Jairo Pomares SF, OF, 19.8 – 90 MPH average exit velocity as an 18 year old is impressive, and so was his pro debut in rookie ball, slashing .368/.401/.542 with 3 homers, 5 steals, and a 26/10 K/BB in 37 games. He doesn’t project for huge home run or stolen base totals, but he has a chance to be solid 5 category player. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 82/22/79/.273/.334/.448/10

198) Will Wilson SF, SS, 21.8 – Drafted 15th overall, Wilson is a solid all around hitter without big time power or speed. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 72/22/77/.264/.328/.439/5

199) Jhoan Duran MIN, RHP, 22.3 – Fastball can reach triple digits and throws a plus low 90’s sinker/splitter hybrid. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 12/3.82/1.32/181 in 177 IP

200) Kris Bubic KC, LHP, 22.8 – Led the minor leagues in strikeouts with 185 K’s in 149.1 IP at Full-A and High-A. Plus changeup with low 90’s heat and an average curveball. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 11/3.89/1.28/179 in 171 IP

201) Brady Singer KC, RHP, 23.9 – Groundball pitcher with a plus sinker/slider combo, but needs to improve his changeup to take the next step. 2020 Projection: 2/4.35/1.36/36 in 40 IP Prime Projection: 11/3.89/1.29/175 in 185 IP

202) JJ Goss TB, RHP, 19.3 – Drafted 36th overall, Goss throws a low 90’s fastball with a swing and miss slider and good feel for a changeup. He throws strikes and the fastball should tick up as he fills out. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 12/3.81/1.24/173 in 171 IP

203) Jon Duplantier ARI, RHP, 25.9 – Bicep tendinitis in 2018 and shoulder inflammation in 2019. Stuff didn’t look as good this year as it has in the past. 2020 Projection: 3/4.34/1.38/63 in 59 IP Prime Projection: 9/4.18/1.33/161 in 155 IP

204) Jake Cronenworth TB, SS, 26.2 – Power took a step forward, hitting 10 homers in 88 games (previous career high was 4), which he combined with his already good feel to hit and above average speed. Projects as a jack of all trades type (he even pitches a little bit too!). 2020 Projection: 23/3/16/.257/.322/.402/5 Prime Projection: 62/13/48/.268/.332/.427/14

205) Estevan Florial NYY, OF, 22.6 – Struggles at High-A continued for the second year in a row, slashing .237/.297/.383 with 8 homers, 9 steals, and a 98/24 K/BB in 74 games. He did suffer a wrist injury during Spring Training, and the elite tools are still there, so I wouldn’t write him off quite yet.  ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 78/21/73/.244/.325/.438/15

206) Jahmai Jones LAA, 2B, 22.8 – Played well in the Fall League, slashing .302/.377/.509 with 2 homers, 7 steals, and a 16/6 K/BB in 16 games. Didn’t look as good at Double-A with a .234 BA, 5 homers and 9 steals in 130 games, but at least his plate approach numbers were still strong (20% K% and 9.2 BB%). ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 79/18/71/.268/.327/.429/12

207) Mark Vientos NYM, 3B, 20.4 – Underwhelming full season debut, slashing .255/.300/.411 with 12 homers and a 110/22 K/BB. Big time power potential is still there. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 73/25/82/.258/.327/.462/2

208) Kevin Alcantara NYY, OF, 17.9 – Huge raw talent at 6’6”, 188 pounds with a plus power/speed combo, but a .665 OPS in his pro debut shows there is a long way to go.  ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 77/24/81/.271/.336/.468/15

209) Alexander Vargas NYY, SS, 18.5 – Plus contact ability (12.7% K%) with plus speed (13 steals) and should start hitting the ball with more authority as he gets stronger. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 86/15/68/.276/.341/.412/25

210) Rece Hinds CIN, 3B, 19.7 – Drafted 49th overall, Hinds has at least double plus power, but is very raw at the plate with lots of swing and miss. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 68/29/77/.242/.314/.478/2

211) Tyler Callihan CIN, 2B/3B, 19.9 – Drafted 85th overall, Callihan has plus power with an aggressive approach at the plate.  ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 72/25/82/.273/.331/.471/6

212) Cristian Javier HOU, RHP, 23.0 – Breezed through 3 levels of the minors (A+, AA, AAA), piling up 170 strikeouts with a 1.74 ERA in 113.2 IP. He doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but dominates with a diverse pitch mix and high spin rate fastball. 2020 Projection: 4/4.28/1.34/65 in 60 IP Prime Projection: 11/3.83/1.31/182 in 168 IP

213) Joe Palumbo TEX, LHP, 25.5 – Throws a high spin rate fastball with a plus curve and developing changeup. 9.18 ERA in 16.2 IP MLB debut is too small a sample to worry about. 2020 Projection: 4/4.24/1.35/76 in 68 IP Prime Projection: 11/3.81/1.31/183 in 171 IP

214) Braxton Garrett MIA, LHP, 22.8 – Doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but throws two quality secondaries (curve, change) and has good command. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/3.92/1.30/163 in 168 IP

215) Thomas Szapucki NYM, LHP, 23.10 – Returned from Tommy John surgery after missing all of 2018 and proved his plus fastball/curve combo is still intact with 72 strikeouts in 61.2 IP at mostly High-A. There is bullpen risk considering his spotty health track record. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 9/3.83/1.27/158 in 150 IP

216) Lane Thomas STL, OF, 24.8 – Not one of the favorites to win a starting job in St. Louis’ wide open OF, but he has the skills to earn that job over time with a 29.6 ft/sec sprint speed, 91.7 MPH average exit velocity and a 97.6 MPH FB/LD exit velocity in his 44 PA MLB debut. 2020 Projection: 42/12/45/.256/.326/.437/6 Prime Projection: 77/24/79/.269/.338/.469/12

217) Bobby Bradley CLE, 1B, 23.10 – Huge power with 33 homers in 107 games at Triple-A, but strikeout rate has regressed against more advanced competition with a 33.8% K%. 2020 Projection: August-10/4/13/.235/.308/.431/0 Prime Projection: 73/26/81/.247/.329/.481/0

218) Michel Baez SD, 24.2 – Moved to the pen and let it fly with a 96.1 MPH fastball and a plus changeup, but San Diego is committed to developing him as a starter. 2020 Projection: 2/3.95/1.31/52 in 48 IP Prime Projection: 6/3.77/1.28/121 in 114 IP

219) Kevin Padlo TB, 3B, 23.9 – Breakout year at Double-A and Triple-A, slashing .265/.389/.538 with 21 homers, 12 steals and a 116/68 K/BB in 110 games. He’s going to have to hack and claw his way to get through Tampa’s extreme depth. 2020 Projection: September-8/2/6/.225/.308/.424/1 Prime Projection: 68/20/64/.248/.339/.447/6

220) Ryan Weathers SD, LHP, 20.4 – Solid first full season of pro ball with a pitching line of 3.84/1.24/90/18 in 96 IP in Full-A. Low 90’s fastball with a potentially plus change and an advanced feel for pitching. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 13/3.71/1.25/172 in 180 IP

221) Hans Crouse TEX, RHP, 21.6 – Stuff took a step back because of a bone spur in his elbow which required surgery after the season. Assuming he returns to full health, he has a plus fastball/slider combo with a developing change. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 11/3.87/1.28/162 in 155 IP

222) Brent Rooker MIN, OF, 25.5 – Massive power (14 homers in 65 games at Triple-A) with massive strikeout issues (34.7% K%). 2020 Projection: August-12/5/17/.233/.314/.448/1 Prime Projection: 66/25/77/.249/.333/.495/4

223) Miguel Vargas LAD, 3B, 20.5 – Advanced plate approach with a good feel to hit translated to Full-A and High-A, slashing .308/.380/.440 with 7 homers, 13 steals, and a 83/55 K/BB in 124 games. There should be more power in the tank as he ages. ETA: 2022 2020 Projection: 76/22/85/.278/.351/.466/8

224) Samuel Huff TEX, C, 22.3 – Power hitting catcher with hit tool concerns. Cranked 28 homers with a 30% K% in 127 games split between Full-A and High-A. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 61/24/74/.246/.318/.451/2

225) Ezequiel Duran NYY, 2B, 20.10 – Power broke out at Short-A with a league leading 13 homers in 66 games. He’s raw at the plate, but he’s a good athlete and scorches the ball  ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 77/25/81/.255/.332/.473/10

226) Austin Beck OAK, OF, 21.5 – Strikeout rate spiked to 34.3% at High-A and remains all around raw in his game. The excellent bat speed and plus power/speed combo is still present, so a breakout can happen any year. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 79/21/77/.242/.314/.435/9

227) Adam Kloffenstein TOR, RHP, 19.8 – Pitched well as an 18 year old in Short-A with a pitching line of 2.24/1.09/64/23 in 64.1 IP. 6’5”, 243 pounds with a low 90’s fastball and potential for 3 quality secondaries. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 11/3.95/1.32/171 in 176 IP

228) Alex De Jesus LAD, SS, 18.0 – Signed for $500,000 in 2018, De Jesus impressed in his pro debut and moved quickly to stateside ball. He showed an ability to lift the ball with developing plus power. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 75/24/83/.261/.332/.457/4

229) Gunnar Henderson BAL, SS, 18.10 – Drafted 42nd overall, Henderson was one of the youngest players in the draft. He got off to a slow start in pro ball but finished the year strong. 6’3”, 195 pounds with the chance to grow into plus power. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 76/23/82/.267/.341/.452/9

230) Aaron Schunk COL, 3B, 22.8 – Drafted 62nd overall, Schunk’s game power broke out his junior year in the SEC, hitting .339 with 15 homers and a 29/14 K/BB in 57 games. He kept it going at Short-A in his pro debut, slashing .306/.370/.503 with 6 homers and a 25/14 K/BB in 46 games. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 73/23/81/.263/.321/.457/4

231) Wilderd Patino ARI, OF, 18.9 – Tooled up, high upside power/speed combo but there are concerns over the hit tool. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 78/21/72/.251/.333/.441/18

232) Logan Webb SF, LHP, 23.5 –  4 pitch mix with a low 90’s fastball and plus slider. Was suspended 80 games for PED’s early in the season, and fastball velocity was down when he returned. 2020 Projection: 5/4.24/1.35/86 in 95 IP

233) Darwinzon Hernandez BOS, Setup, 23.4 – Nasty fastball/slider combo accumulates strikeouts, but has major, major control issues (7.7 BB/9 in his 30.1 IP MLB debut). 2020 Projection: 3/4.17/1.41/81 in 62 IP

234) Owen Miller SD, SS, 23.4 – Jumped straight to Double-A in his first full season of pro ball and performed well with a 15.4% K%, but with only average power and not much speed there isn’t much fantasy upside. 2020 Projection: Sept-8/1/5/.253/.309/.393/1 Prime Projection: 67/15/62/.266/.327/.425/5

235) Ryan Jeffers MIN, C, 22.10 – Offensive minded catcher whose defense took a step forward. Good feel to hit and hits it in the air. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 51/21/64/.264/.330/.448/0

236) Miguel Amaya CHC, C, 21.1 – 16.8% K% and 13.2% BB% as a 20 year old at High-A. Power is coming along with 11 homers in 99 games in a pitcher’s park. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 68/22/76/.274/.348/.455/1

237) Ronaldo Hernandez TB, C, 22.5 – Plus raw power with a good feel to hit. Power was down at High-A, but some of that can be blamed on playing in the Florida State League. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 53/21/63/.262/.318/.447/3

238) Tyler Stephenson CIN, C, 23.8 – Excellent plate approach at Double-A with a 16.5% K% and 10.2% BB%, but continues to display only average power (6 homers in 89 games). 2020 Projection: September- 6/2/9/.252/.314/.382/0 Prime Projection: 55/16/61/.274/.342/.420/1

239) Matt Wallner MIN, OF, 22.4 – Drafted 39th overall, Wallner has double plus raw power that he had no problem getting to in Conference USA (58 homers in 3 years) and in his pro debut (8 homers in 65 games in mostly the Appy League), but it comes with a high strikeout rate (27% K%). ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 70/22/79/.248/.331/.462/2

240) William Contreras ATL, C, 22.3 – With Atlanta selecting Langeliers 9th overall in the draft, Contreras will likely need a trade to project for full time at-bats. He has a similar offensive profile to his brother, Willson, with a good feel to hit and plus raw power, although he doesn’t hit the ball on the ground as much as Willson. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 52/22/61/.267/.328/.443/0

241) Connor Scott MIA, OF, 20.6 – High upside prospect whose numbers remained mediocre, but his prospect value basically held serve, displaying plus speed with the ability to grow into above average power. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 80/18/72/.266/.330/.428/21

242) Michael Baumann BAL, RHP, 24.7 – Pitched well at High-A (3.83 ERA with 77 K’s in 54 IP) and Double-A (2.31 ERA with 65 K’s 70 IP). 4 pitch mix headlined by a fastball that has reached 99 MPH. 2020 Projection: 1/4.42/1.38/18 in 20 IP Prime Projection: 10/4.07/1.30/162 in 165 IP

243) Cole Roederer CHC, OF, 20.6 – Full season debut was a little underwhelming with a .224 BA and 25% K%, but still displayed the potential for all category production with 9 homers, 16 steals, and a 11.6% BB%. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 81/24/76/.262/.338/.464/13

244) Cole Winn TEX, RHP, 20.4 – Throws a 5 pitch mix with a low 90’s fastball. Got rocked in his first 6 starts at High-A, but put up a 2.81 ERA in final 51.1 IP. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 12/3.95/1.29/174 in 178 IP

245) Jay Groome BOS, LHP, 21.7 – Returned at the end of the season from May 2018 Tommy John surgery.  When healthy, he throws a potentially double plus curveball with a 93 MPH fastball and developing change. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 9/3.79/1.27/168 in 160 IP

246) Keegan Akin BAL, LHP, 25.0 – Deceptive low 90’s fastball with two quality secondaries in his slider and changeup. Likely a back end starter, but he should get his opportunity this year with Baltimore’s shotty rotation. 2020 Projection: 4/4.66/1.41/83 in 90 IP Prime Projection: 9/4.22/1.35/155 in 160 IP

247) Randy Arozarena TB, OF, 25.1 – Hit the ball hard in his MLB debut with a 90.7 MPH average exit velocity to go along with plus speed and a good feel to hit. Joining the deep and talented Rays roster likely limits his upside to a super utility player in the near future. 2020 Projection: July-28/6/24/.269/.320/.421/6 Prime Projection: 81/18/66/.278/.335/.437/13

248) Tucupita Marcano SD, SS/3B/2B, 20.7 – Elite contact numbers translated to full season ball with a 8.9% K%. Has plus speed but going 15 for 31 on the basepaths show the base stealing skills need work. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 73/8/52/.283/.331/.391/16

249) Antonio Cabello NYY, OF, 19.5 – Couldn’t repeat his 2018 success in the more advanced Appy League, striking out .30.7% of the time, but the exciting raw tools are all still there. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 74/24/77/.267/.332/.452/11

250) Kevin Cron ARI, 1B, 27.1 – Smashed a stupid 38 homers in 82 games in the PCL. Will have to fight his way through Christian Walker and Seth Beer for playing time. 2020 Projection: 31/11/37/.241/.313/.475/1

251) Mason Martin PIT, 1B, 20.10 – Slashed .254/.351/.558 with 35 homers and a 168/68 K/BB in 131 games split between Full-A and High-A. Poor defensive 1B, so finding playing time will be his biggest hurdle. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 67/24/76/.235/.328/.462/3

252) Myles Straw HOU, SS/OF, 25.5 – Light hitting, speedy fourth outfielder. 4th fastest sprint speed in baseball. 2020 Projection: 41/1/18/.265/.338/.361/15

253) Sheldon Neuse OAK, 2B/3B, 25.5 – Hits it hard with a line drive approach and a high strikeout rate.  2020 Projection: 38/9/43/.253/.309/.418/0 Prime Projection: 61/16/68/.265/.328/.450/2

254) Pavin Smith ARI, 1B, 24.2 – Lowered GB% to 43.9% while maintaining elite strikeout rate (12% K%) at Double-A. The home run power didn’t breakout with only 12 homers in 123 games, but it’s a step in the right direction. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 67/18/73/.278/.351/.443/2

255) Willi Castro DET, 2B/SS, 23.0 – Above average speed with an average hit tool and below average power. Has been young at every level, so there is hope the hit tool and power tick up. 2020 Projection: 33/4/26/.246/.298/.387/4 Prime Projection: 73/14/61/.268/.322/.409/12

256) Colton Welker COL, 3B, 22.6 – Raw power needs to take a step forward to fully take advantage of his good feel to hit. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 73/22/81/.274/.338/458/3

257) Yasel Antuna WASH, SS, 20.6 – Limited to just 3 games due to August 2018 Tommy John surgery and leg injuries. Has the chance to develop plus power with a good feel to hit, but he is still raw at the plate, especially considering all of the lost development time. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection:  76/21/78/.271/.338/.448/8

258) Corbin Martin ARI, RHP, 24.3 – Underwent Tommy John surgery in early July and is likely to be out for all of 2020. When healthy, he throws a 4 pitch mix headlined by a 95.5 MPH fastball. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 8/3.98/1.33/155 in 152 IP

259) Seth Romero WASH, LHP, 24.0 – Missed all of 2019 recovering from Tommy John surgery. When healthy, Romero has swing and miss stuff with a chance for 3 above average to plus pitches (fastball, slider, changeup). High risk, high reward. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/3.72/1.26/173 in 158 IP

260) DJ Peters LAD, OF, 24.4 – Power, patience, and a ton of strikeouts. 2020 Projection: Sept-8/2/8/.226/.302/.429/1 Prime Projection: 63/20/61/.238/.325/.452/3

261) Nick Neidert MIA, RHP, 23.5 – Early season knee tendinitis led to a down season at mostly Triple-A (5.05 ERA) but he performed much better in the Fall League with a pitching line of 1.25/0.83/19/2 in 21.2 IP. Plus changeup with low 90’s heat and two average breaking balls.  2020 Projection: 3/4.48/1.33/46 in 50 IP Prime Projection: 10/4.13/1.28/159 in 168 IP

262) Yu Chang CLE, 3B, 24.5 – Surface numbers weren’t great in MLB debut (.178 BA in 73 at-bats), but the statcast power/speed numbers were generally above average, and a 26.2% K%/13.1% BB% isn’t bad. Likely needs a Francisco Lindor trade to open up playing time. 2020 Projection: August-11/4/13/.236/.303/.404/2 Prime Projection: 76/22/78/.252/.331/.448/9

263) Edward Olivares SD, OF, 24.1 – Took incremental steps forward in BB% (up 1.8% to 7.8%) and GB% (down 5.8% to 40.8%) while maintaining his good feel to hit (17.8% K%). Average to above average tools across the board. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 78/19/74/.268/.332/.427/16

264) Jarren Duran BOS, OF, 23.7 – Plus speed with a good feel to hit and line drive approach. There is some 4th outfielder risk, but a power breakout is not out of the question if he can raise his launch angle. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 76/14/68/.271/.322/.412/20

265) Canaan Smith NYY, OF, 21.1 – Bounced back from a down 2018, slashing .307/.405/.465 with 11 homers, 16 steals and a 108/74 K/BB in 124 games at Full-A. He’s known for his plus walk rates since high school, and should continue to grow into his potentially plus power. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 71/21/79/.258/.342/.437/5

266) Esteury Ruiz SD, 2B, 21.1 – Plus athlete with plus speed but is still raw at the plate and hasn’t fully tapped into his raw power. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 77/22/79/.253/.318/.446/18

267) Cal Raleigh SEA, C, 23.4 – Plus power hitting catcher with 50%+ flyball rates. Drilled 29 homers in 121 games split between High-A and Double-A and is a good bet to stick behind the plate. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 58/23/66/.245/.323/.446/1

268) Hudson Potts SD, 3B, 21.5 –  Low average, low OBP slugger who struggled against more advanced competition at Double-A. Strikeout rate jumped to 28.6% but still managed to knock 16 homers in 107 games. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 67/22/78/.249/.311/.452/2

269) Maikol Escotto NYY, 2B, 17.10 – Dominican League standout, slashing .315/.429/.552 with 8 homers, 13 steals and a 57/32 K/BB in 45 games. Escotto is a good athlete with plus speed and developing power. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 78/22/72/.260/.330/.446/16

270) Alex Faedo DET, RHP, 24.5 – Fastball velocity ticked up en route to his most impressive season as a pro with a pitching line of 3.90/1.12/134/25 in 115.1 IP. Above average fastball/slider combo with a developing change. 2020 Projection: August-2/4.57/1.39/27 in 30 IP Prime Projection: 11/4.09/1.26/165 in 171 IP

271) Anthony Kay TOR, LHP, 25.0 – Doesn’t have a standout pitch and command is spotty. Likely a back end starter. 2020 Projection: 3/4.81/1.46/43 in 50 IP Prime Projection: 9/4.38/1.38/151 in 160 IP

272) Shea Langeliers ATL, C, 22.5 – Drafted 9th overall, but that is mostly on the back of his double plus catcher defense. Offensively he has moderate power with an average that shouldn’t drag you down. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 61/19/66/.262/.325/.426/1

273) Patrick Sandoval LAA, LHP, 23.5 – Profiles as a back end starter with mid rotation upside. Throw a 4 pitch mix headline by a plus fastball/changeup combo. 2020 Projection: 4/4.42/1.35/75 in 75 IP Prime Projection: 11/3.95/1.31/172 in 166 IP

274) Adonis Medina PHI, RHP, 23.4 – Took a step back in 2019 at Double-A with a 4.94 ERA and 7 K/9. Needs to improve the consistency of his secondaries (slider & changeup) to get more advanced hitters out. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 9/4.09/1.32/155 in 161 IP

275) Grant Lavigne COL, 1B, 20.7 – Stock took a step back in his full season debut with an 86 MPH average exit velocity and 7 homers in 126 games. At 6’4”, 220 pounds you can’t call him projectable either. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 72/22/81/.263/.338/.452/4

276) Heriberto Hernandez TEX, 1B/OF, 20.4 – 19 years old is on the old side to get excited by rookie ball numbers, but he did impress with double plus bat speed, a .344/.433/.646 triple slash, 11 homers and a 57/27 K/BB in 50 games. ETA: 2023  Prime Projection: 66/19/73/.246/.316/.453/3

277) Kyle Isbel KC, OF, 23.1 – Hamstring and hamate injuries tanked Isbel’s season, leading to a 86 wRC+ in 52 games at High-A, but he looked much better in the Fall League with a .315 BA, 1 homer, 6 steals and a 20/14 K/BB in 91 PA. Plus defense and plus speed are his best skills. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection:  79/16/67/.268/.325/.417/19

278) Elehuris Montero STL, 3B, 21.8 – Wrist injuries tanked Montero’s season at Double-A with a .188 BA and 7 homers in 59 games. He’s still raw at the plate and it was a down year no matter how you slice it, but the plus bat speed and plus raw power still give him the ingredients to breakout with more experience and refinement. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 68/23/79/.263/.325/.461/2

279) Luis Medina NYY, RHP, 20.11 – High risk, high reward. Elite stuff that misses bats (11 K/9), but has major control problems (6.1 BB/9). ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 9/4.29/1.37/177 in 162 IP

280) Francisco Morales PHI, RHP, 20.5 – Great stuff with a mid 90’s fastball and a potentially plus slider, but is still raw overall. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 9/3.92/1.34/159 in 153 IP

281) Mason Denaburg WASH, RHP, 20.4 – Banged up the last two years with biceps tendinitis in 2018 and minor shoulder surgery in 2019. He’s 6’4”, 195 pounds with big stuff, but health concerns has dimmed the hype a bit. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 10/3.95/1.27/160 in 160 IP

282) Luis Alexander Basabe CHW, OF, 23.7 – Broken hamate bone in February led to a power outage at Double-A with only 3 homers and a 48.3% GB% in 69 games. With high strikeout rates throughout his career, he’s going to need to hit for power to get playing time. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 72/17/68/.242/.328/.425/14

283) Lucius Fox TB, SS, 22.9 – Double plus speed and being consistently young for his level are the two best things going for him. He also has below average power and a potentially average hit tool. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 74/11/57/.262/.330/.393/26

284) Bubba Thompson TEX, OF, 21.10 – Hit tool took a step back with a 31.6% K% and .178 BA at High-A, but he did raise his BB% to 9.2% and the plus athleticism is still present. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 78/18/72/.248/.304/.421/23

285) Alejandro Kirk TOR, C, 21.5 – Elite hit tool (11.2% K% at High-A) and plate approach (13.8% BB%) but has below average game power. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 68/16/66/.286/.353/.422/1

286) Freudis Nova HOU, SS, 20.3 – Mediocre full season debut, slashing .259/.301/.369 with 3 homers, 10 steals, and a 68/15 K/BB in 75 games. He’s still raw, but plus bat speed and potentially plus power makes Nova an enticing upside pick.  ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 76/23/81/.274/.331/.452/9

287) Jose Salas MIA, SS, 16.11 – Signed for $2.8 million, Salas is a projectable 6’2”, 180 pounds with a quick bat and good athleticism. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 74/21/77/.261/.333/.436/11

288) Seth Corry SF, LHP, 21.5 – Dominated in his full season debut with a pitching line of 1.76/1.07/172/58 in 122.2 IP. He has the potential for 3 above average pitches, but command will have to take a step forward to remain a starter (4.3 BB/9). ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 7/4.02/1.34/109 in 111 IP

289) Jonathan Stiever CHW, RHP, 22.11 – Plus fastball with two quality breaking pitches and a developing change. Broke out in the 2nd half at Double-A with a pitching line of 2.15/0.97/77/13 in 71 IP. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 12/4.03/1.28/173 in 176 IP

290) Griffin Conine TOR, OF, 22.9 – Put up great power numbers at Full-A with 22 homers and a .946 OPS, but a 35.9% K% as a 21/22 year old at that level is very concerning. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 52/16/64/.232/.315/.443/3

291) Josh Wolf NYM, RHP, 19.7 – Drafted 53rd overall, Wolf is an athletic and projectable 6’3”, 170 pounds whose fastball ticked up into the mid 90’s during his senior season to go along with a plus curveball. Looked good in his pro debut with a 3.38 ERA and 12/1 K/BB in 8 IP. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 11/3.91/1.31/161 in 166 IP

292) Noah Song BOS, RHP, 22.10 – Navy is not likely to grant him a service deferment, which means he may have to serve two years before continuing his professional baseball career. He fell in the draft to 137th overall because of that risk, but on merit alone he likely would have been drafted within the first two rounds. He throws a mid 90’s fastball with a slider and changeup that flash plus. What his stuff looks like after two years off is anyone’s guess. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 7/4.23/1.35/103 in 96 IP

293) Luis Gil NYY, RHP, 21.10 – High risk, high reward prospect with an upper 90’s fastball but control/command and secondaries are still raw. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 9/3.83/1.34/159 in 152 IP

294) Drew Mendoza WASH, 1B, 22.6 – Drafted 94th overall, Mendoza is a patient hitter with at least plus raw power, but it comes with a high strikeout rate and hit tool concerns. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 72/23/80/.249/.337/.458/3

295) Bryan Abreu HOU, RHP, 23.0 – 95.1 MPH fastball with two plus breaking balls. Strikeout machine (12.4 K/9), but lack of fastball control (5.3 BB/9) could relegate him to an elite pen option. 2020 Projection: 3/4.02/1.32/66 in 55 IP Prime Projection: 6/3.54/1.24/113 in 91 IP

296) Oswald Peraza NYY, SS, 19.10 – 13.5% K% and 18 steals in 46 games at Full-A. Peraza has plus athleticism with above average raw power that he hasn’t been able to fully tap into yet. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 78/16/73/.276/.331/.418/21

297) Kendall Simmons PHI, 2B/3B, 20.0 – Struggled in the first 21 games of the season, but came alive in the second half, slashing .280/.398/.660 with 10 homers and a 27/16 K/BB in final 30 games. He’s a plus athlete with plus power but the hit tool needs improvement. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 71/22/77/.245/.328/.447/5

298) Omar Estevez LAD, 2B/SS, 22.1 – Excellent showing at Double-A, slashing .291/.352/.431 with 6 homers and a 70/31 K/BB in 83 games. Low groundball rates means the power should come. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 77/22/82/.274/.343/.447/2

299) Terrin Vavra COL, SS, 22.11 – 13.7% K%, 13.7% BB%, 10 homers and 18 steals in at 102 games at Full-A. He was on the old side for the level, and the power/speed combo is average, but the potential for all category production is there. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 73/16/61/.273/.331/.421/10

300) Mike Siani CIN, OF, 20.8 – Full season debut wasn’t great (.672 OPS), but he displayed a solid plate approach (20.5% K%/8.7% BB%) with plus speed (45 steals) and developing power (6 homers). ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 82/16/64/.269/.341/.420/22

301) D’Shawn Knowles LAA, OF, 19.2 – Numbers took a step back from 2018, exposing how raw he is, but still displayed plus speed and showed some power development with 6 homers in 64 games. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 78/15/65/.261/.334/.413/19

302) Diego Cartaya LAD, C, 18.7 – Moved to stateside ball after just 13 games in the Dominican League and more than held his own, slashing .296/.353/.437 with 3 homers and a 31/11 K/BB in 36 games. He will almost certainly stick behind the plate, and has a chance to hit for both average and power. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 68/20/73/.274/.340/.438/1

303) Bo Naylor CLE, C, 20.1 – Solid full season debut, slashing .243/.313/.421 with 11 homers, 7 steals, and a 104/43 K/BB in 107 games. Average to above average offensive tools across the board. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 66/20/74/.271/.344/.441/6

304) Bryan Mata BOS, RHP, 20.11 – Control took a major step forward, cutting his walk rate from 7.3 BB/9 in 2018 to 3.6 BB/9 in 2019. Big time stuff, but still needs to work on command and refining secondaries. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/4.14/1.33/161 in 169 IP

305) Everson Pereira NYY, OF, 19.0 – Struggled as an 18-year-old in Short-A, hitting .171 in 18 games. The talent that got him $1.5 million in 2017 is still there, but there is clearly a long way to go. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 76/20/74/.261/.333/.436/14

306) Bryce Ball ATL, 1B, 21.9 – Drafted 727th overall, Ball has double plus raw power and showed that off in his pro debut, slashing .337/..367/.547 with 4 homers and a 20/4 K/BB in 21 games at Full-A. He destroyed the Appy League too with 13 homers in 41 games. His power is worth the flier. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 53/18/61/.244/.316/.452/0

307) Jeremy Pena HOU, SS, 22.6 – Plus defense with above average speed and good walk rates, but below average power and a questionable hit tool caps his fantasy upside. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 76/13/68/.261/.335/.402/14

308) Niko Hulsizer TB, OF, 23.2 – Big time power with high fly ball rates and very high strikeout rates. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 52/18/61/.236/.310/.443/4

309) Logan Davidson OAK, SS, 22.3 – Drafted 29th overall, Davidson has a plus power/speed combo with a low batting average floor. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 72/21/77/.246/.332/.450/13

310) Elio Prado BAL, OF, 18.4 – Stock rose in his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League, slashing .300/.403/.396 with 3 homers, 12 steals and a 36/30 K/BB in 60 games. Advanced plate approach with an above average power/speed combo. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 78/18/71/.261/.344/.424/16

311) Alejandro Pie TB, SS, 18.2 – Signed for $1.4 million in 2018, Pie has a potentially plus power/speed combo and had a solid pro debut in the Dominican Summer League. At 6’4”, 175 pounds, he’s a high upside lottery ticket. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 75/18/76/.264/.318/.428/20

312) Nick Pratto KC, 1B, 21.6 – Raised FB% to 42.3% but his K% skyrocketed with it to 34.7%. Patience (10.4% BB%) and baserunning remained strong (17 steals), so you have to hope the down year was due to developmental growing pains. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 76/20/75/.259/.340/.435/10

313) Julio Pablo Martinez TEX, OF, 24.0 – Came on after a terrible first two months in full season ball, slashing .289/.364/.493 with 13 homers, 26 steals, and a 98/31 K/BB in final 82 games at High-A. He’s a bit old for the level and the strikeout rate is concerning, but the power/speed combo gives him enticing upside. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 76/17/74/.244/.313/.423/18

314) Will Benson CLE, OF, 21.10 – Value remains the same with another year of displaying at least a plus power/speed combo, low average, and high strikeout rate. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 60/22/68/.221/.328/.456/9

315) Brady McConnell KC, SS, 21.10 – Drafted 44th overall, McConnell has a plus power/speed combo but it comes with major hit tool risk (39.1% K% in 38 games at rookie ball). ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 62/18/66/.238/.295/.446/9

316) Dauri Lorenzo HOU, SS, 17.5 – Signed for $1.8 million, Lorenzo is a switch hitter who makes hard contact with a line drive approach and has plus speed.  ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 79/19/75/.270/.338/.432/18

317) Emmanuel Rodriguez MIN, OF, 17.1 – Signed for $2.5 million, Rodriguez is 5’11”, 200 plus pounds who should hit for plus power at peak and has an advanced feel at the dish. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 76/25/84/.261/.341/.473/7

318) Trejyn Fletcher STL, OF, 18.11 – Drafted 58th overall, Fletcher is a great athlete with a plus power/speed combo (4 homers and 7 steals in 43 game pro debut) and extreme strikeout issues (43% K%). ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 57/15/58/.228/.291/.436/11

319) Antoine Kelly MIL, LHP, 20.4 – Drafted 65th overall, the 6’6”, 205 pound Kelly throws a mid 90’s fastball with a slider that flashes above average and developing change. Looked great in his pro debut with a pitching line of 1.26/0.91/41/5 in 28.2 IP in rookie ball. May end up a high strikeout reliever. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 9/3.86/1.29/156 in 144 IP

320) Lewis Thorpe MIN, LHP, 24.4 – Doesn’t have overpowering stuff but has put up good strikeout numbers throughout his minor league career and is knocking on the door of the bigs. 2020 Projection: 4/4.50/1.34/73 in 75 IP Prime Projection: 10/4.06/1.29/165 in 165 IP

321) Chris Rodriguez LAA, RHP, 21.8 – Stress reaction in his back which required surgery in May knocked out all of his 2018 and all but 9.1 innings in 2019. He looked good in those 9.1 innings, though, with a mid 90’s 4 seamer and 2 seamer, a plus slider and plus change. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 9/3.89/1.27/152 in 145 IP

322) Eric Pardinho TOR, RHP, 19.3 – Advanced feel to pitch with a low 90’s fastball and 4 pitch mix. Elbow soreness limited him to only 37.2 IP in 2019. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 12/3.72/1.25/166 in 173 IP

323) Edwin Rios LAD, 1B, 25.11 – Went ham in his 47 at-bat MLB debut with a 95 MPH average exit velocity, 101.7 MPH FB/LD exit velocity, and 4 homers. With a 37.5% K% (34.5% K% at Triple-A) and considering LA’s depth, Rios ascending to anything more than a part time player seems unlikely. 2020 Projection: 18/7/24/.229/.287/.428/1 Prime Projection: 43/17/59/.237/.296/.440/2

324) Devin Mann LAD, 2B/3B, 23.2 – Showed plus power (19 homers with a 45.1% FB%) and a solid plate approach (21.9% K%/10.6% BB%) in 98 games at High-A. He was old for the level, but there is a lot to like in Mann’s offensive profile. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 52/18/59/.254/.328/.443/4

325) Chase Strumpf CHC, 2B, 22.1 – Selected 64th overall, Strumpf has solid tools across the board but nothing standout. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 79/21/77/.268/.339/.442/5

326) Johan Rojas PHI, OF, 19.8 – Strong stateside debut, slashing .311/.393/.527 in the Gulf Coast League before inevitably struggling against more advanced competition in Short-A. Plus speed with a potentially above average hit tool and developing power. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 76/16/68/.267/.337/.428/18

327) Jeisson Rosario SD, OF, 20.6 – Didn’t take a step forward at High-A, but didn’t necessarily take a step back either, displaying an advanced plate approach (21.7%/16/6% K%/BB%) with some speed (11 steals). ETA: 2022 2020 Projection: 81/12/63/.273/.359/.405/17

328) Gilberto Celestino MIN, OF, 21.2 – Plus contact/speed profile with a 90 MPH average exit velocity. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 79/14/65/.273/.332/.408/15

329) Nick Schnell TB, OF, 20.0 – Hit tool concerns are now magnified with a 36% K% in rookie ball and 40% K% at High-A, but the power/speed combo shined through with 5 homers and 5 steals in 55 games. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 79/20/77/.254/.332/.451/14

330) Mickey Moniak PHI, OF, 21.11 – Power took a step forward with a career high 11 homers in 119 games at Double-A, but unless the hit tool starts to resemble the hype that made him the #1 overall pick in 2016, he may top out as a 4th outfielder. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 74/15/66/.275/.326/.418/14

331) Luis Garcia PHI, SS, 19.6 – Disaster full season debut, slashing .186/.261/.255 with 4 homers, 9 steals, and a 132/44 K/BB in 127 games. As the numbers show, he made tons of weak contact. He will only get stronger, but it’s not a great starting point. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 77/17/71/.270/.332/.418/10

332) Dane Dunning CHW, RHP, 25.4 – Underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2019, likely delaying his MLB debut until the second half of 2020. When healthy, he displays a plus sinker/slider combo and has mid rotation potential. 2020 Projection: 2/4.48/1.36/34 in 36 IP Prime Projection: 10/3.91/1.26/172 in 174 IP

333) Kendall Williams TOR, RHP, 19.7 – Drafted 52nd overall, Williams is a projectable 6’6”, 205 pounds with a 5 pitch mix and strike throwing ability. He struck out 19 batters in 16 IP in his pro debut. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 13/3.90/1.27/175 in 175 IP

334) Aaron Ashby MIL, LHP, 21.10 – First full season of pro ball was a smashing success with a pitching line of 3.50/1.28/135/60 in 126 IP split between Full-A and High-A. Double plus curveball is the money pitch. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 11/3.95/1.34/169 in 165 IP

335) Thad Ward BOS, RHP, 23.2 – Velocity ticked up and developed a plus cutter en route to a dominant season in Full-A and High-A. Throws a 5 pitch mix with mid rotation upside. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 11/4.02/1.31/174 in 176 IP

336) Joey Cantillo SD, LHP, 20.3 – Impressed at Full-A with a pitching line of 1.93/0.87/128/27 in 98 IP. Cantillo is 6’4”, 220 pounds with a deceptive low 90’s fastball and an advanced feel to pitch ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 11/3.93/1.29/169 in 173 IP

337) Jhonkensy Noel CLE, 1B/3B, 18.9 – Power hitting beast who has been one of the youngest players in his league the past two years. Cranked 10 homers in 64 games in the Dominican Summer League in 2018 and then hit 6 homers with a 18.7% K% in 47 games in stateside rookie ball in 2019. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 71/23/79/.253/.328/.472/2

338) Anthony Volpe NYY, SS, 18.11 – Solid tools across the board. Potentially plus defense at SS was a major reason he was selected 30th overall in the 2019 draft. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 78/17/71/.271/.335/.422/18

339) Tyler Ivey HOU, RHP, 23.11 – Had no issues in Double-A with a pitching line of 1.57/0.96/61/16 in 46 IP. Throws a 4 pitch mix headlined by a plus fastball/curveball combo. 2020 Projection: September-1/4.51/1.38/11 in 10 IP Prime Projection: 7/3.82/1.27/118 in 110 IP

340) Sean Hjelle SF, RHP, 22.11 – At 6’11”, 215 pounds, Hjelle throws a low 90’s fastball with an average curve and change. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/4.08/1.31/161 in 173 IP

341) Wil Crowe WASH, RHP, 25.7 – 4 pitch mix headlined by an elite spin rate fastball and above average changeup. A rotation spot won’t be handed to him, so he’ll have to capitalize when the opportunity knocks. 2020 Projection: 2/4.58/1.35/26 in 30 IP Prime Projection: 7/4.21/1.31/99 in 110 IP

342) David Peterson NYM, LHP, 24.7 – Groundball pitcher with a plus slider and low 90’s fastball. 2020 Projection: 3/4.48/1.36/46 in 50 IP Prime Projection: 10/4.12/1.32/171 in 179 IP

343) Tim Cate WASH, LHP, 22.6 – Double plus curveball but fastball and changeup both lag behind. One or both will have to get better to become an impact starter. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 9/4.02/1.28/141 in 145 IP

344) Andry Lara WASH, RHP, 17.3 – Signed for $1.25 million, Lara has a fastball that can reach 95 MPH with an advanced feel for pitching and a potentially plus breaking ball. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 12/3.84/1.25/178 in 174 IP

345) Robert Dominguez NYM, RHP, 18.4 – Signed for $10,000, Dominguez has a huge fastball that has reached 99 MPH with a good feel for spin and a developing changeup. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 10/3.91/1.33/168 in 160 IP

346) Gabriel Moreno TOR, C, 20.2 – Elite contact rates (11.1%) with developing power (12 homers in 82 games at Full-A) but isn’t a lock to stick behind the plate. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 52/18/59/.273/.325/.426/2

347) Jack Herman PIT, OF, 20.6 – Hit tool didn’t look as good in 2019 at Full-A as it did in his pro debut in rookie ball (14.2% K% vs. 29.3% K%), but the game power broke out with 13 homers in 75 games. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 73/21/78/.252/.334/.444/5

348) Ji-Hwan Bae PIT, 2B/SS, 20.8 – Prototypical lead off hitter with double plus speed and little power. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 78/8/53/.276/.343/.389/26

349) Sammy Siani PIT, OF, 19.4 – Drafted 37th overall, Siani has plus speed with a good feel to hit and an uppercut swing that portends more power coming in the future. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 78/18/74/.265/.337/.413/18

350) Victor Victor Mesa MIA, OF, 23.8 – Strong contact rates and speed translated to stateside ball at High-A and Double-A, but it came with a very low walk rate and absolutely zero power. Some of the lackluster numbers can be attributed to shaking the rust off after a long hiatus, but Mesa was clearly over-hyped. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 78/13/62/.268/.316/.402/18

351) Wander Javier MIN, SS, 21.3 – Returned from torn labrum surgery and struggled in his full season debut, slashing .177/.278/.323 with 11 homers, 2 steals, and a 116/35 K/BB in 80 games. He was a bit better in the 2nd half (.738 OPS and 9 homers in final 43 games), and you can write some it off to rust, but the hit tool and plate approach clearly need a lot of work. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 77/22/79/.262/.329/.441/9

352) Tirso Ornelas SD, OF, 20.1 – Disastrous season, slashing .217/.303/.279 with 1 homer, 7 steals, and a 113/53 K/BB in 110 games at mostly High-A. Had a .506 OPS in 21 games in rookie ball, so the down year is hard to write off as being young for his level. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 71/22/81/.262/.343/.449/6

353) Jhon Torres STL, OF, 20.0 – Terrible full season debut with a .167 BA, 38.7% K% and 0 homers in 21 games. He was better in his demotion to the Appy League (.918 OPS), but the strikeout rate remained high at 27.1%. Huge raw power is his carrying tool. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 73/24/80/.251/.337/.461/3

354) Angel Martinez CLE, SS, 18.2 – Lived up to his advanced plate approach scouting report in his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League, slashing .306/.402/.428 with 1 homer, 11 steals, and a 29/29 K/BB in 56 games. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 77/20/74/.274/.351/.432/11

355) Jeremy De La Rosa WASH, OF, 18.2 – Advanced enough to go straight to stateside ball as a 17 year old and was able to hold his own, slashing .232/.343/.366 with 2 homers, 3 steals, and a 29/12 K/BB in 26 games. Has potential for average to above average tools across the board. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 76/21/79/.260/.330/.440/8

356) Davis Wendzel TEX, 3B, 22.10 – Drafted 41st overall, Wendzel doesn’t have huge power or speed, but he’s a solid overall hitter whose plus defense could get him everyday at-bats. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 76/20/79/.270/.343/.446/5

357) Michael Harris ATL, OF, 19.1 – Drafted 98th overall, Harris’ stock took a big jump with his beastly pro debut in rookie ball, slashing .349/.403/.514 with 2 homers, 5 steals and a 20/9 K/BB in 31 games. He has a plus power/speed combo and his hit tool concerns aren’t as loud as they were pre draft. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 79/21/75/.258/.326/.434/16

358) Tyler Nevin COL, 1B, 22.10 – Career high 39.8% FB% and 12% BB% while continuing to make good contact at Double-A (16.7% K%). The homer power is still only moderate (13 homers in 130 games) which could make it hard to find a starting 1B job.  ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 66/19/74/.272/.345/.457/5

359) Nasim Nunez MIA, SS, 19.7 – Drafted 46th overall, Nunez has plus speed with a good feel to hit, but has a very low 84 MPH average exit velocity. Plus glove and stole 28 bases in 51 games in his pro debut, so he may end up as a steals only guy. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 80/10/51/.271/.339/.394/25

360) Nick Quintana DET, 3B, 22.6 – Drafted 47th overall, Quintana had an awful pro debut with .158/.228/.226 triple-slash in 41 games at Full-A. He projects to be an above average defender with above average power, but the hit tool is a major risk. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 68/22/74/.241/.310/.438/2

361) Bryant Packard DET, OF, 22.6 – Drafted 142nd overall, Packard’s power took a step back in 2019, but displayed a good feel to hit and advanced plate approach in both college and full season pro ball. He has no defensive value, so playing time will be another hurdle. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 67/19/75/.263/.344/.438/3

362) Jeferson Espinal ARI, OF, 17.10 – Excellent athlete with plus speed. Currently more of a slap hitter with high groundball rates, but he’s so young it’s hard to put a cap on his possible development paths. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 77/16/74/.267/.339/.413/18

363) Ricky Vanasco TEX, RHP, 21.6 – Pitching line of 1.81/1.07/75/25 in 49.2 IP split between Short-A and Full-A. Mid 90’s heat with a curve and change that both took a step forward in 2019.  ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 9/3.86/1.34/156 in 147 IP

364) Ronny Polanco ARI, SS, 16.7 – Signed for $600,00, Polanco has a quick bat with plus power, average speed and a history of performing well in international tournaments. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 74/23/83/.272/.336/.473/8

365) Kevin Made CHC, SS, 17.7 – Signed for $1.5 million, Made has plus bat speed with high contact rates and the potential for plus power. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 73/23/81/.278/.347/.455/8

366) Jack Kochanowicz LAA, RHP, 19.3 – Drafted 92nd overall, the 6’6”, 220 pound Kochanowicz has a potentially plus fastball/curve combo with a developing change. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 12/3.89/1.26/174 in 176 IP

367) Luis Medina MIL, OF, 17.1 – Signed for $1.3 million, Medina has a smooth lefty swing that generates easy plus power, but is still very raw. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 65/23/72/.248/.326/.462/5

368) Jimmy Lewis LAD, RHP, 19.5 – Drafted 78th overall, Lewis is 6’6”, 200 pounds with a low 90’s fastball that should tick up, a potentially plus curve and average change. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 10/4.04/1.28/146 in 151 IP

369) Brandon Williamson SEA, LHP, 22.0 – Drafted 59th overall, Williamson has the chance for 4 quality pitches headlined by a plus fastball/curve combo. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 10/4.02/1.34/159 in 162 IP

370) Corey Ray MIL, OF, 25.6 – Hand and finger injuries tanked Ray’s 2019 season, putting up a meager 38 wRC+ in 53 games at Triple-A. He’s still tooled up with a plus power/speed combo, but the strikeout rate and now a lost season has Ray’s stock slipping. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 61/16/58/.231/.313/.28/15

371) Anthony Alford TOR, OF, 25.8 – Alford came on at Triple-A after a rough April, slashing .304/.388/.485 with 6 homers, 18 steals and a 64/27 K/BB in final 60 games. It hasn’t always been a smooth ride, but he has maintained his athleticism and power/speed combo, keeping him in the conversation for a late career breakout. 2020 Projection: 28/4/26/.234/.303/.392/4 Prime Projection: 72/15/69/.257/.328/.426/15

372) Andrew Knizner STL, C, 25.2 – Currently 3rd on the depth chart but is the favorite to be the catcher of the future whenever Molina decides to hang em up. Good feel to hit with average power. 2020 Projection: 18/6/16/.257/.320/.409/0 Prime Projection: 64/18/71/.271/.339/.429/2

373) Garrett Stubbs HOU, C, 26.10 – Down year at Triple-A but the underlying skills remained the same. Houston’s catcher job is wide open right now.  2020 Projection: 33/5/29/.244/.312/.387/4 Prime Projection: 58/13/49/.265/.337/.403/8

374) Kyren Paris LAA, SS, 18.5 – Drafted 55th overall, Paris has plus speed with a patient plate approach and developing power. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 79/16/73/.267/.343/.410/18

375) George Feliz SEA, OF, 17 – Signed for $900,000, Feliz is a good athlete with plus bat speed, giving him the chance to develop into an all category contributor. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 81/17/76/.270/.330/.430/18

376) Aeverson Arteaga SF, SS, 17.1 – Plus athlete at a projectable 6’1”, 170 pounds with a good feel to hit and plus speed. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 77/18/73/.265/.328/.427/16

377) Randy Dobnak MIN, RHP, 25.2 – Groundball pitcher with a low strikeout rate. Throws a 4 pitch mix headlined by a curveball that put up a .236 xwOBA. 2020 Projection: 6/4.41/1.34/86 in 110 IP

378) Kwang-hyun Kim STL, LHP, 31.9 – Throws a 4 pitch mix with a low 90’s fastball and plus slider. Ultimate role is still undecided. 2020 Projection: 6/4.26/1.35/99 in 110 IP

379) Roansy Contreras NYY, RHP, 20.5 – 3 pitch mix with a low 90’s fastball and an advanced feel to pitch. Mid-rotation upside. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 10/4.09/1.30/158 in 166 IP

380) Ryan Jensen CHC, RHP, 22.4 – Drafted 27th overall, Jensen throws both his 4 seamer and 2 seamer at 96 MPH with a potentially above average slider and developing changeup. He doesn’t have a long history as a starter and has some reliever risk. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 7/3.91/1.33/120 in 115 IP

381) Shun Yamaguchi TOR, RHP, 32.9 – Jack of all trades pitcher with a low 90’s fastball and plus splitter that racked up strikeouts in Japan.. 2020 Projection: 6/3.92/1.33/87 in 83 IP

382) Kevin Ginkel ARI, Setup, 26.0 – Plus fastball/slider combo piled up strikeouts throughout his minor league career and remained effective in his major league debut with a pitching line of 1.48/0.97/28/9 in 24.1 IP. 2020 Projection: 4/3.65/1.14/69 in 60 IP

383) Dean Kremer BAL, RHP, 24.3 – Put together another strong season with a pitching line of 2.98/1.23/87/29 at Double-A before struggling in 4 starts at Triple-A. He has an above average fastball/curveball combo with a developing changeup. 2020 Projection: June-6/4.71/1.44/88 in 100 IP Prime Projection: 10/4.08/1.31/163 in 170 IP

384) Matt Tabor ARI, RHP, 21.9 – Excellent full season debut with a pitching line of 2.93/1.00/101/16 in 95.1 IP. Tabor throws a low 90’s fastball with two quality secondaries in his change and curve. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 11/3.93/1.28/169 in 175 IP

385) J.B. Bukauskas ARI, RHP, 23.6 – Potential for 3 plus pitches (fastball, change, slider), but lack of control could relegate him to the bullpen. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 8/3.71/1.28/117 in 110 IP

386) Alex Jackson ATL, C, 24.3 – Power exploded with 28 homers and a 91 MPH average exit velocity in 85 games at Triple-A. 33.3% K% and 6.7% BB% is terrible, but the offensive bar for catcher is pretty low. 2020 Projection: August-11/3/14/.198/.261/.398/0 Prime Projection: 52/20/61/.228/.292/.433/0

387) Andy Young ARI, 2B, 25.11 – Has done nothing but rake at every minor league level. He’s old for a prospect, but the power should mostly translate. 2020 Projection: August-12/5/15/.242/.301/.420/0 Prime Projection: 55/18/63/.258/.320/.446/2

388) Shervyen Newton NYM, SS, 21.0 – Projectable 6’4”, 180 pounds with the potential for plus power but hit tool is still raw. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 64/20/75/.245/.322/.457/5

389) Luis Oviedo CLE, RHP, 20.11 – Nagging back injury tanked his 2019. When healthy, he throws a mid 90’s fastball with the potential for 3 quality secondaries. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 10/3.91/1.28/160 in 160 IP

390) Ryan McKenna BAL, OF, 23.2 – .232 BA at Double-A has McKenna’s stock down, but the underlying numbers looked good with a 21.3%/10.4% K%/BB%, 9 homers, and 25 steals in 135 games. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 56/10/48/.257/.331/.398/14

391) Kevin Smith TOR, SS, 23.9 – Strikeout rate ballooned at Double-A to 32.3% and batting average plummeted to .209. The power and speed did show up with 19 homers and 11 steals, but the hit tool risk is now magnified. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 51/14/57/.238/.297/.421/6

392) Forrest Wall TOR, OF, 24.5 – Maintained his solid across the board profile at Double-A and Triple-A, slashing .268/.351/.422 with 11 homers, 14 steals and a 123/55 K/BB in 123 games. Winning playing time will be his biggest hurdle. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 59/11/54/.255/.332/.410/12

393) Adam Hall BAL, SS, 20.10 – Plus speed is his best skill, stealing 33 bases in 122 games at Full-A. He does have some feel to hit and there is a bit more power in there if he can raise his launch angle, but utility infielder is his most likely outcome. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 52/8/45/.264/.314/.401/15

394) Logan Wyatt SF, 1B, 22.5 – Drafted 51st overall, Wyatt has a great batting eye with a good feel to hit, but needs to tap into his raw power more. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 74/20/77/.272/.361/.442/2

395) Greg Deichmann OAK, OF, 24.10 – Big time power with high strikeout rates. Crushed 9 homers in 23 games in the Arizona Fall League. These types of power bats always seems to work their way into Oakland’s lineup by their late 20’s. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 62/23/74/.243/.332/.450/5

396) Brewer Hicklen KC, OF, 24.2 – Great athlete with a plus power/speed combo but is still raw at the plate. Slashed .263/.363/.427 with 14 homers, 39 steals, and a 140/55 K/BB in 125 games at High-A. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 64/15/61/.243/.317/.421/17

397) Micker Adolfo CHW, OF, 23.6 – Lost year due to an elbow injury which required arthroscopic surgery. He’s shown at least plus raw power when healthy, although the strikeout rates have been consistently high. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 67/23/80/.248/.330/.451/2

398) Jerar Encarnacion MIA, OF, 22.5 – At 6′,4”, 220 pounds, Encarnacion is a power hitting beast with hit tool and plate approach concerns. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 62/22/71/.253/.319/.454/2

399) Adbert Alzolay CHC, RHP, 25.1 – Could be next man up in Chicago’s rotation. Alzolay throws a mid 90’s fastball with a plus curve and an improved changeup, but needs to improve his command to stick in the rotation. 2020 Projection: 4/4.52/1.38/81 in 75 IP

400) Ryan Helsley STL, RHP, 25.9 – Moved into the bullpen and let it fly with a 98 MPH and plus 89 MPH slider. He has the stuff to slowly move up the Cardinals bullpen ladder. 2020 Projection: 3/3.63/1.22/64 in 61 IP

401) Ivan Herrera STL, C, 19.10 – Solid all around hitter who performed well in what was basically his full season debut, slashing .284/.374/.405 with 9 homers and a 72/40 K/BB in 69 games. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 58/16/63/.267/.342/.419/1

402) Seth Brown OAK, 1B/OF, 27.9 – Old for a prospect but he put up strong numbers in his MLB debut, slashing .293/.361/.493 with above average exit velocities, a 17.5 degree launch angle, and above average sprint speed. He crushed 37 homes at Triple-A, and considering the solid debut, Brown has a chance to be a late bloomer breakout. 2020 Projection: 16/5/19/.245/.306/.434/1 Prime Projection: 53/17/61/.257/.318/.468/5

403) Lolo Sanchez PIT, OF, 21.0 – Plus speed, defense, and contact rates, but is not expected to hit for much power. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 78/13/69/.272/.341/.400/18

404) Rodolfo Castro PIT, SS/2B, 20.10 – Plus athlete who rocked 19 homers in 118 games split between Full-A and High-A, but is still raw with a 122/31 K/BB. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 66/20/69/.248/.315/.433/6

405) Anderson Tejeda TEX, SS, 21.11 – Shoulder discomfort limited Tejada to 43 games. When healthy, he’s displayed plus power with high strikeout rates and some speed. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 69/19/76/.242/.324/.427/7

406) Yunior Severino MIN, 2B/SS, 20.6 – Fractured thumb knocked out most of his 2019. Severino profiles as a high strikeout power hitter at peak. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 63/18/67/.255/.326/.442/3

407) Dominic Fletcher ARI, OF, 22.7 – Selected 75th overall, Fletcher had a great pro debut in full season ball, slashing .318/.389/.463 with 5 homers and a 50/22 K/BB in 55 games. He’s been raking since his freshman year in the SEC. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 64/16/71/.263/.327/.445/3

408) Allan Cerda CIN, OF, 20.4 – Cerda is an athletic and projectable 6’3”, 170 pounds. He’s hit for power with high flyball rates in the Dominican League in 2018 and stateside rookie ball in 2019, but the strikeout rates are high.  ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 68/24/71/.243/.334/.456/7

409) Benyamin Bailey CHW, OF, 18.6 – 6’4”, 215 pound beast with the potential for a plus power/speed combo. Performed well in his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League, slashing .324/.477/.454 with 2 homers, 10 steals, and a 40/52 K/BB in 55 games. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 63/18/69/.248/.329/.453/12

410) Joshua Mears SD, OF, 19.1 – Drafted 48th overall, Mears is 6’3”, 230 pounds with plus power and plus bat speed, but hit tool is raw. Smacked 7 homers with a 30.3% K% in 43 game pro debut. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 62/21/69/.237/.322/.449/4

411) Juan Guerrero COL, 3B, 18.7 – Strong performance in the Dominican Summer League, slashing .319/.387/.408 with 2 homers, 17 steals and 26/21 K/BB in 51 games. He’s a high upside prospect with the chance for all category production. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 79/20/77/.274/.342/.440/14

412) Jordan Brewer HOU, OF, 22.8 – Drafted 106th overall, Brewer has big tools with high upside but hit tool is a major risk (.130 BA in 56 PA pro debut at Short-A). ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 54/12/49/.239/.295/.415/15

413) Matthew Lugo BOS, SS, 18.11 – Drafted 69th overall, Lugo has an average to above average all around skill set. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 74/17/71/.260/.330/.430/13

414) Grant Holmes OAK, RHP, 24.0 – A shoulder injury knocked out almost all of Holmes’ 2018, but he put himself back on the radar this season with a pitching line of 3.23/1.22/81/28 in 86.1 IP at Double-A (and one good start at Triple-A). He credits the success with a tweak he made to his delivery with helped his control and added movement to his pitches. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/4.23/1.35/154 in 163 IP

415) Joey Wentz DET, LHP, 22.6 – Traditional 3 pitch mix headlined by a plus changeup. Unless he can add MPH to his low 90’s fastball, he will likely be a back end starter. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 11/4.13/1.32/156 in 160 IP

416) Levi Kelly ARI, RHP, 20.11 – Great full season debut with a pitching line of 2.15/1.11/126/39 in 100.1 IP. Kelly works in the low 90’s but has the potential for an elite double plus slider. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 7/3.92/1.32/133 in 125 IP

417) Drey Jameson ARI, RHP, 22.7 – Drafted 34th overall, Jameson throws a mid 90’s fastball with the potential for 3 quality secondaries but needs to improve control/command. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 10/4.13/1.33/159 in 156 IP

418) Brandon Bailey BAL, RHP, 25.5 – Baltimore’s Rule 5 pick and will compete for a rotation spot in the Spring. Racked up strikeouts throughout his minor league career with a repertoire headlined by a high spin, low 90’s fastball and potentially plus change. 2020 Projection: 6/4.72/1.43/93 in 100 IP Prime Projection: 4/3.94/1.33/89 in 82 IP

419) Lazaro Armenteros OAK, OF, 20.10 – Strikeout rate continued to balloon with a 42.2% K% at High-A, but the power showed up with 17 homers in 126 games and he’ll still be only 20 years old at the start of 2020. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 60/19/70/.229/.314/.441/9

420) Trent Deveaux LAA, OF, 19.11 – High risk, high reward prospect with double-plus speed and the potential for above average power, but hit tool needs a lot of work. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 56/15/53/.236/.318/.431/13

421) Stephen Gonsalves NYM, LHP, 25.10 – Missed most of 2019 with elbow problems. Gonsalves is a low velocity, high spin rate pitcher who has put up respectable strikeout numbers throughout his minor league career. 2020 Projection: 1/4.68/1.41/19 in 20 IP Prime Projection: 9/4.19/1.35/150 in 155 IP

422) Jaylin Davis SF, OF, 25.9 – Power broke out at Double-A and Triple-A with 35 homers, but fly ball rates are still low and strikeout rates have been high throughout his career. 2020 Projection: 28/7/29/.246/.301/.427/2

423) Tucker Davidson ATL, LHP, 24.0 – Plus fastball/curveball combo with a developing changeup. Pitched well in the upper levels of the minors, but Atlanta has so much pitching depth, there is a good chance he ends up in the pen. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 6/4.09/1.30/96 in 93 IP

424) Tanner Houck BOS, RHP, 23.9 – Knocking on the door of the bigs but has been inconsistent in his minor league career. Likely back end starter or middle reliever. 2020 Projection: 1/4.59/1.38/18 in 20 IP Prime Projection: 4/4.26/1.33/80 in 85 IP

425) Malcom Nunez STL, 1B, 19.1 – The insane numbers he put up in the Dominican Summer League in 2018 came crashing back down to earth in stateside ball, slashing .254/.336/.385 with 0 homers and a 32/13 K/BB in 37 games in the Appy League. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 64/20/73/.256/.325/.450/2

426) Nick Gordon MIN, SS/2B, 24.5 – Solid year at Triple-A, slashing .298/.342/.459 with 4 homers, 14 steals, and a 65/18 K/BB in 70 games. Utility infielder looks to be his most likely outcome.2020 Projection: 17/2/12/.243/.291/.363/3 Prime Projection: 61/8/53/.272/.324/.398/12

427) Kyle Stowers BAL, OF, 22.3 – Drafted 71st overall, Stowers is an above average power/speed threat with some hit tool concerns. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 61/17/69/.255/.329/.446/9

428) Seth Johnson TB, RHP, 21.6 – Drafted 40th overall, Johnson is very new to pitching and understandably raw, but the stuff is excellent with a mid 90’s fastball and potentially plus slider. Curve and change lag behind. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 9/3.99/1.35/134 in 137 IP

429) Alexander Ramirez LAA, OF, 17.7 – Has the chance for at least plus power and is one of the youngest players in his “class,” but a 33.3% K% in the Dominican League shows how risky he is. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 61/19/69/.233/.307/.446/5

430) Eduardo Garcia MIL, SS, 17.9 – Fractured ankle limited him to only 10 games in the Dominican Summer League, but he played well in those 10 games with a good feel to hit and advanced plate approach. Plus defense is his calling card. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 77/16/71/.274/.340/.405/11

431) Adael Amador COL, SS, 17.0 – Signed for $1.5 million, Amador has a plus hit tool with an advanced plate approach and developing power. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 79/20/75/.281/.342/.435/6

432) Roberto Campos DET, OF, 17 – Signed for $2.85 million, Campos is 6’3”, 200 pounds with big time power potential and solid plate approach, but it will come with some strikeouts. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 68/23/79/.252/.337/.472/3

433) Franklin Perez DET, RHP, 22.4 – When healthy, Perez throws a 4 pitch mix with mid rotation upside, but he hasn’t been healthy very often with a career high of 86.1 IP and only 7.2 IP in 2019. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 11/4.05/1.30/162 in 167 IP

434) Taylor Widener ARI, RHP, 25.5 – Murphy’s Law season with a high BABIP, high home run rate, and low left on base percentage in the extreme hitter’s environment of the PCL. 23.5% K% was the lone bright spot. 2020 Projection: 2/4.96/1.43/29 in 30 IP Prime Projection: 8/4.45/1.36/155 in 153 IP

435) Tahnaj Thomas PIT, RHP, 20.10 – Mid 90’s fastball with a slider that flashes plus and developing change. Has only been pitching for a few years. Broke out in 2019 in the Appy League with a pitching line of 3.17/1.12/59/14 in 48.1 IP ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 7/3.91/1.33/125 in 121 IP

436) Lenny Torres CLE, RHP, 19.6 – Underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2019. When healthy, Torres has a plus fastball/slider combo with a developing change and looked more refined than expected in his 2018 pro debut. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 11/3.85/1.29/168 in 159 IP

437) Roberto Ramos COL, 1B, 25.3 – Double plus raw power with high strikeout rates. Destroyed Triple-A with 30 homers, but struggled in the Fall League and Winter League. 2020 Projection: August-15/6/18/.232/.313/.441/0 Prime Projection: 53/19/61/.248/.335/.465/1

438) Chih-Jung Liu BOS, RHP, 20.11 – Signed for $750,000, Liu throws a mid 90’s fastball with a splitter and slider that both flash plus along with a curve. He doesn’t have a long history as a pitcher, giving him some unknown upside. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 5/3.72/1.26/83 in 78 IP

439) Osiel Rodriguez NYY, RHP, 18.4 – Prototypical starter size with a fastball that has reached 97 MPH and two potentially plus secondaries in his curve and change. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 10/4.00/1.30/150 in 150 IP

440) Nick Allen OAK, SS, 21.6 – Not going to win you any leagues, but his plus defense gives him a chance to win a full time job eventually. Plus speed with a good feel to hit. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 78/11/59/.276/.339/.375/16

441) Jake Rogers DET, C, 25.0 – Plus defensive catcher with high flyball rates (49.1%) and high strikeout rates (27.7%). Hit 4 homers with a 39.8% K% in his 128 PA MLB debut. 2020 Projection: .28/8/33/.212/.298/.397/1  Prime Projection: 48/20/56/.237/.318/.424/2

442) Mario Feliciano MIL, C, 21.4 – Power showed up at High-A with a career high 19 homers and career low 38.4% GB% in 116 games. 28.8% K% and 6% BB% shows he is still raw at the plate. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 58/20/64/.255/.317/.426/1

443) Taylor Walls TB, SS, 23.9 – No plus tools but a solid all around hitter and hit well at Double-A this season, slashing .270/.346/.479 with 6 homers, 15 steals and a 51/26 K/BB in 55 games. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 75/14/66/.269/.337/.416/14

444) Antoni Flores BOS, SS, 19.5 – Terrible year at Short-A, both production wise (.193 BA with 0 homers in 55 games) and scouting wise. I don’t want to give up on such a young prospect after one bad year though. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 71/17/62/.267/.341/.416/4

445) Jasseel De La Cruz ATL, RHP, 22.9 – Breakout year spread across 3 levels (A, A+, AA) with a pitching line of 3.25/1.14/121/49 in 133 IP. Plus fastball/slider combo that is likely destined for the bullpen. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 4/3.58/1.17/67 in 65 IP

446) James Kaprielian OAK, RHP, 26.1 – Back on the mound for the first time since 2016, and his stuff and the results both looked good. Fastball was up into the mid 90’s and put up a pitching line of 3.18/1.10/75/16 in 68 IP spread across 3 levels (A+, AA, AAA). Considering the injury history, he may end up in a pen role. 2020 Projection: 2/4.31/1.37/37 in 40 IP Prime Projection: 5/3.71/1.24/75 in 75 IP

447) Jose De Leon CIN, RHP, 27.8 – If he can remain healthy, which is far from a given, there could still be some juice left in this tank. His fastball averaged 92.4 MPH in 4 MLB innings and the changeup is still effective. He’ll need to develop his slider to take the next step. 2020 Projection: 2/4.37/1.36/38 in 36 IP Prime Projection: 7/4.00/1.33/131 in 125 IP

448) Anderson Espinoza SD, RHP, 22.1 – Underwent his second Tommy John surgery in April 2019. I wouldn’t blame you for writing him off, but he is still young enough and the stuff was exciting enough to see if he can regain some of that magic in 2020. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 5/4.10/1.34/83 in 85 IP

449) Drew Rasmussen MIL, RHP, 24.8 – Came back from his 2nd Tommy John surgery and his stuff looked explosive with a mid 90’s fastball, above average curve and average change. He struck out 77 batters with a 3.54 ERA in 61 IP at Double-A. Injury history may relegate him to the pen. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 6/3.82/1.32/96 in 92 IP

450) Jason Martin PIT, OF, 24.7 – Average skills across the board.  2020 Projection: 42/10/43/.254/.313/.418/7

451) Ryan Rolison COL, LHP, 22.9 – Mid rotation upside, but at Coors Field that is more like a back end fantasy starter. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 12/4.18/1.29/172 in 174 IP

452) Devin Smeltzer MIN, LHP, 24.7 – 4 pitch mix a 89.1 MPH fastball. Likely a back end starter or long reliever, but the results were solid in his MLB debut (3.86 ERA in 49 IP). 2020 Projection: 5/4.37/1.38/62 in 71 IP

453) Connor Wong BOS, C, 23.10 – The rare super utility catcher, Wong exploded at Double-A, slashing .349/.393/.604 with 9 homers, 2 steals, and a 50/11 K/BB in 40 games. The hit tool is an issue with 30% strikeout rates and mediocre walk rates, but Wong should certainly be on your radar. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 51/15/57/.246/.308/.432/8

454) Chris Shaw SF, 1B/OF, 26.6 – Huge power with hit tool and plate approach issues. San Francisco’s outfield options are all unproven, so Shaw could easily work his way into playing time. 2020 Projection: 22/7/28/.229/.290/.414/0 Prime Projection: 41/16/54/.243/.309/.441/0

455) Pedro Martinez CHC, SS, 19.2 – Lit up stateside rookie ball, slashing .352/.417/.519 with 2 homers, 8 steals, and a 27/12 K/BB in 27 games. He then went to Short-A for 27 games and held his own with a 108 wRC+. He has the potential to develop into a solid all around hitter. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 70/18/72/.273/.345/.423/7

456) Curtis Mead TB, 3B, 19.5 – At a projectable 6’2”, 170 pounds, Mead performed well in his de facto stateside debut, slashing .285/.351/.462 with 4 homers, 4 steals, and a 23/13 K/BB in 44 games. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 61/18/68/.262/.331/.438/6

457) Carlos Rodriguez MIL, OF, 19.4 – Advanced feel to hit with elite strikeout rates (.331 BA and a 12.7% K% in the Pioneer League), but doesn’t have big power or speed upside. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 68/17/73/.278/.310/.436/8

458) Beau Burrows DET, RHP, 23.7 – Several injuries tanked Burrows 2019. When healthy, he throws a MLB quality fastball but secondaries lag behind. 2020 Projection: 1/4.86/1.45/21 in 25 IP Prime Projection: 10/4.27/1.35/154 in 163 IP

459) Matthew Thompson CHW, RHP, 19.8 – Drafted 45th overall, the 6’3”, 195 pound Thompson is a good athlete who has flashed the ability for 3 potentially plus pitches. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 10/4.10/1.34/167 in 168 IP

460) Steele Walker CHW, OF, 23.8 – Strong first full season of pro ball, slashing .284/.361/.451 with 10 homers, 13 steals, and a 78/50 K/BB in 120 games at mostly High-A. He won’t win you any one fantasy category, but he’ll chip in a little bit across the board. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 78/18/73/.268/.327/.426/11

461) Nick Decker BOS, OF, 20.6 – Strikeout rate was high (29.9%) in his first extended action in pro ball at Short-A. He did have a 47.8% FB% and a decent 87 MPH average exit velocity, so there is certainly plenty of room to grow into more power. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 73/20/78/.252/.330/.441/7

462) Wenceel Perez DET, SS, 20.5 – Poor season at Full-A with a .233 BA. The contact rate took a small step back (16.9%). Plus hit, plus speed profile is still intact, but he needs more refinement. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 79/9/58/.281/.333/.389/19

463) Blake Rutherford CHW, OF, 22.11 – Underwhelming year at Double-A with 7 homers, .365 SLG and a 24.6% K% in 118 games. I’m not quite ready to give up on a power outbreak, but Rutherford’s stock continues to fall. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 76/17/69/.267/.325/.418/9

464) Alexander Vizcaino NYY, RHP, 22.10 – Mid 90’s fastball with a plus changeup. Put up a 128/38 K/BB in 115 IP split between Full-A and High-A.  ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 10/4.10/1.33/174 in 171 IP

465) Josh Smith NYY, SS, 22.8 – Drafted 67th overall, Smith hit well all three years in the SEC and then did the same in his pro debut at Short-A. He doesn’t have any standout tools, but the guy has hit everywhere he has been. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 76/18/75/.277/.339/.425/9

466) Brayan Buelvas OAK, OF, 17.10 – Pushed aggressively to stateside rookie ball and responded with a .300/.392/.506 slash, 3 homers, 12 steals, and a 46/22 K/BB in 44 games. Has the potential for across the board production. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 76/16/72/.271/.338/.429/16

467) Ronnier Quintero CHC, C, 17.5 – Signed for $2.9 million, Quintero is an offense first catcher who has the potential to hit for both power and average. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 66/22/73/.268/.338/.448/2

468) Jared Triolo PIT, 3B/SS, 22.2 – Drafted 72nd overall, Triolo has an above average power/speed combo and displayed a solid plate approach in his pro debut at Short-A with a 18.6% K% and 10.2% BB%. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 62/15/58/.257/.326/.425/10

469) Austin Allen OAK, C, 26.2 – Expected to be Oakland’s back up catcher, but in the long run could work his way into more at bats at 1B and/or DH if the bat plays anywhere close to as good as it has played in the minors. 2020 Projection: 29/9/33/.252/.314/.428/0

470) Korey Lee HOU, C, 21.8 – Drafted 32nd overall, Lee is a power hitting catcher who jacked 15 homers in 51 games in the PAC-12, but he’ll need to start lifting the ball more to get to all of his raw power (52.3% GB% in his pro debut at Short-A). ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 51/18/59/.258/.326/.422/4

471) Yoendrys Gomez NYY, RHP, 20.5 – A projectable 6’3”, 175 pounds, Gomez has a mid 90’s fastball with a potentially plus curve, developing change, and the ability to throw all of them for strikes. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 10/4.18/1.31/158 in 163 IP

472) Damon Jones PHI, LHP, 25.6 – 6’5”, 225 pound lefty who put up a pitching line of 2.91/116/152/59 in 114.1 IP spread across 3 levels (A+, AA, AAA). Tweaked his delivery which gave him improved control until reaching Triple-A where he unraveled a bit (33/26 K/BB in 34 I) 2020 Projection: 2/4.51/1.42/48 in 44 IP Prime Projection: 9/4.18/1.35/157 in 146 IP

473) Matt Canterino MIN, RHP, 22.4 – Drafted 54th overall, Canterino proved durable and productive during his 3 year career at Rice with good but not great stuff. Likely profiles as a back end starter. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 10/4.22/1.32/164 in 172 IP

474) Michael Plassmeyer TB, LHP, 23.5 – Average stuff with a deceptive delivery and plus command. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 8/4.18/1.27/110 in 130 IP

475) T.J. Sikkema NYY, LHP, 21.8 – Drafted 38th overall, Sikkema has done nothing but dominate during his 3 year career in the SEC and then in his pro debut at Short-A. He throws strikes with a 4 pitch mix, but none of those pitches are plus. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 6/4.16/1.33/102 in 110 IP

476) Otto Lopez TOR, SS, 21.6 – Lopez is a good athlete who put up elite strikeout rates (12.8%) with above average speed (20 steals) and developing power (5 homers) at Full-A. There is some sneaky upside here. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 73/13/61/.275/.332/.413/15

477) Colin Barber HOU, OF, 19.4 – Drafted 136th overall, Barber has a quick bat with above average raw power and speed. Solid pro debut, slashing .263/.387/.394 with 2 homers, 2 steals, and a 29/19 K/BB in 28 games. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 72/15/67/.258/.325/.416/11

478) Brenton Doyle COL, OF, 21.11 – Drafted 129th overall, Doyle has completely demolished the competition in his 3 years in Division II and then in his pro debut in the Pioneer League. He has a plus power/speed combo, but he has yet to face advanced competition and the hit tool is a bit of a question mark. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 56/13/54/.243/.325/.436/14

479) Jasiah Dixon PIT, OF, 18.7 – Drafted 694th overall, Dixon is a top notch athlete with double plus speed and developing power. He showed more refinement than expected in his pro debut in the Gulf Coast League, slashing .329/.417/.425 with 0 homers, 8 steals, and a 11/10 K/BB in 22 games. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 77/16/68/.265/.336/.427/22

480) Estiven Machado TOR, SS, 17 – Signed for $775,000, Machado is a plus athlete with plus bat speed and a good feel to hit. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 76/18/74/.277/.344/.423/10

481) Juan Pie PIT, OF, 19.0 – Stateside debut was mediocre with a 91 wRC+ in the Gulf Coast League, but he still has an interesting blend of tools with all category upside. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 55/15/51/.258/.336/.432/8

482) Austin Cox KC, LHP, 23.0 – 6’4”, 185 pound lefty whose stock took a big jump this season with a pitching line of 2.76/1.15/129/38 in 130.2 IP split between Full-A and High-A. Plus control and plus curve are his best assets. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 11/4.08/1.31/163 in 172 IP

483) Jose Pastrano CLE, SS, 17.7 – Signed for $1.5 million, Pastrano is a top of the order hitter with plus speed and plus defense. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 77/15/68/.272/.336/.408/17

484) Dasan Brown TOR, OF, 18.6 – Drafted 88th overall, Brown is a great athlete with double plus speed but is still a project at the plate. High risk, high reward. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 72/13/58/.244/.296/.402/19

485) Jose Soriano LAA, RHP, 21.5 – 96 MPH fastball with a plus curve and developing changeup. 5.6 BB/9 at Full-A shows the risk. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 9/4.19/1.35/158 in 155 IP

486) Brock Burke TEX, LHP, 23.8 – Dealt with blister issues and was shut down late in the year with a shoulder injury. Profiles as a back end starter with mid-rotation upside. Update: Out for the season after undergoing left labrum debridement surgery in late February.  ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/4.14/1.32/158 in 162 IP

487) Joely Rodriguez TEX, Setup, 28.5 – Velocity spiked in Japan and developed a nasty cutter. If Leclerc struggles again, Rodriguez is a good under the radar choice to step in. 2020 Projection: 3/3.63/1.21/68 in 61 IP

By Michael Halpern (@MichaelCHalpern)
Email: michaelhalpern@imaginarybrickwall.com
Twitter: Imaginary Brick Wall (@DynastyHalp)

Top 100 Prospects Rankings for 2020 Fantasy Baseball Dynasty Leagues

This is technically the final post in my Sneak Peek Series for the 2020 Top 1,000 Dynasty Baseball Rankings (full Top 1,000 dropping in early February), but a top 100 prospects list must stand on its own. Here is the Top 100 Prospects Rankings for 2020 Fantasy Baseball Dynasty Leagues:

1) Wander Franco TB, SS, 19.1 – Recently signed international prospects are the best class of prospect to invest in for upside value. The top owners in your dynasty league have been able to reap massive rewards by acquiring prospects like Juan Soto, Vlad Jr., Ronald Acuna, Victor Robles and Wander Franco within a few years of their signing at bargain rates that were not commensurate with their universally agreed upon elite talent (I know, I know … Kevin Maitan exists too). High School players selected in the MLB Draft don’t get that same risk baked into their ranking. It’s too late to get Franco, and rankings are starting to catch up, but there is still value to be found. 2020 Projection: September-13/4/9/.277/.341/.445/4 Prime Projection: 114/33/113/.316/.405/.595/17

2) Luis Robert CHW, OF, 22.8 – New $50 million contract has Robert’s hype skyrocketing. I already had him ranked #2 overall because of the elite power/speed combo, but a 24.7% K% and 4.9% BB% at Triple-A is almost all you need to know to realize the road to fantasy glory might not be a completely straight line. 2020 Projection: 72/27/83/.254/.306/.471/19 Prime Projection: 94/34/101/.277/.339/.521/25

3) Jo Adell LAA, OF, 21.0 – Elite athlete with double plus power. 32.6% K% and 0 homers in 27 games at Triple-A likely ensures at least a couple months of development time there in 2020. 2020 Projection: July-39/13/45/.250/.301/.459/6 Prime Projection: 101/37/108/.271/.353/.538/13

4) Gavin Lux LAD, 2B/SS, 22.4 – I tried to tell you last off-season that Lux was being underrated, writing, “Me thinks Lux is still being a bit underrated right now.” He isn’t underrated anymore. 2020 Projection: July-42/11/39/.272/.334/.451/7 Prime Projection: 98/28/93/.283/.356/.495/14

5) Julio Rodriguez SEA, OF, 19.3 – Advanced beyond his years feel to hit which he displayed at Full-A (.293 BA), High-A (.462 BA), and the Fall League (.288 BA). Add to that at least plus raw power and you have one of the most coveted prospects in baseball. ETA: Late 2021 Prime Projection: 96/35/109/.290/.368/.550/8

6) MacKenzie Gore SD, LHP, 21.1 – Potential for 4 plus pitches with plus control. Destroyed Hi-A with a silly pitching line of 1.02/0.71/110/20/ in 79.1 IP. 2020 Projection: June-8/3.82/1.26/118 in 108 IP Prime Projection: 17/3.22/1.03/240 in 200 IP

7) Jarred Kelenic SEA, OF, 20.8 – Performed well across 3 levels of the minors in his first full season of pro ball, culminating with a 133 wRC+ at Double-A. Above average to plus potential in every category. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 96/25/87/.283/.351/.485/16

8) Jesus Luzardo OAK, LHP, 22.6 – Shoulder injury limited Luzardo to just 58 IP at a variety of levels (Rk, Hi-A, Triple-A, MLB playoffs), but he dominated at each stop with 3 plus pitches (mid 90’s fastball, curve, and change). He has a chance to be special, but with a career high of 109 IP, it remains to be seen if he can stay healthy and produce for 180+ IP. 2020 Projection: 10/3.68/1.19/160 in 142 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.39/1.11/213 in 183 IP

9) Dylan Carlson STL, OF, 21.6 – Major power breakout (26 homers) while maintaining a strong plate approach (116/58 K/BB in 126 games) in the upper levels of the minors. He’s likely the Cardinals best outfielder right now (save for maybe Tommy Edman). 2020 Projection: June-51/13/48/.262/.333/.447/8 Prime Projection: 94/27/91/.277/.352/.488/12

10) Jasson Dominguez NYY, OF, 17.2 – When you get the opportunity to draft at the top of a first year player draft, you just don’t pass on this type of generational talent. Double plus power/speed combo with a good feel to hit. Upside is #1 player in fantasy. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 109/32/101/.287/.373/.532/25

11) Marco Luciano SF, SS, 18.7 – Knocked 10 homers in 47 games in his first season of pro ball. Lightening quick bat speed with potential for double plus power.  ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 91/33/99/.277/.350/.520/9

12) Andrew Vaughn CHW, 1B, 22.0 – If drafting a 17 year old without a single pro plate attempt is just more risk than you are able to handle, Vaughn is your safe alternative for the top pick in a FYPD. Patient hitter with plus contact rates and plus power. Type of college bat who should move fast. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 92/31/103/.285/.370/.518/2

13) Carter Kieboom WASH, SS/2B, 22.7 – Patient hitter with a swing geared towards both average and power. If you can buy low based off his .128 BA and 37.2% K% in his small sample MLB debut, do it. 2020 Projection: May-64/18/68/.268/.339/.440/3 Prime Projection: 93/26/92/.281/.359/.486/7

14) Brendan Rodgers COL, 2B, 23.8 – Season ending labrum surgery in July makes it unlikely for Rodgers to wrestle the starting 2B job from Ryan McMahon early in the season, but his plus hit, plus power ceiling still makes him the favorite long term. Or Colorado trades Arenado and there is room for both. 2020 Projection: June-45/15/52/.266/.316/.451/4 Prime Projection: 85/29/96/.279/.335/.492/5

15) Adley Rutschman BAL, C, 22.2 – Selected 1st overall in the 2019 draft, Rutschman is a plus defensive catcher with a middle of the order offensive profile. Just keep in mind that catchers inherently get more days off during the season, are at a greater risk of injury, and just generally get worn down over the course of a season and career. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 85/27/91/.282/.368/.508/2

16) Forrest Whitley HOU, RHP, 22.6 – Missed seven weeks with shoulder inflammation and battled command issues all season (7.99 ERA and 86/44 K/BB in 59.2 IP). He got back on track in the Fall League with a 2.88 ERA and 32/9 K/BB in 25 IP. The ace upside is still there, but the risk is evident. 2020 Projection: July-5/4.15/1.31/83 in 76 IP Prime Projection: 16/3.44/1.18/211 in 188 IP

17) Casey Mize DET, RHP, 22.11 – Plus command of a 4 pitch mix with a nasty splitter as the money pitch. Wasn’t the same after missing a month with shoulder inflammation in June, which is yet another reminder of how risky pitching prospects are. 2020 Projection: July-5/3.82/1.26/78 in 82 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.51/1.16/191 in 182 IP

18) Royce Lewis MIN, SS, 20.10 – Salvaged a down year at High-A and Double-A (.236/.290/.371) by destroying the Arizona Fall League (.353/.411/.565) and taking home MVP honors. Regardless, spike in strikeout rate across all levels calls into question how much average he will ultimately hit for. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 84/25/89/.273/.332/.461/22

19) Kristian Robinson ARI, OF, 19.4 – High strikeout rates are a legitimate concern, but he has been among the youngest players at every level, and the elite power/speed combo has you dreaming of a Fernando Tatis like breakout.  ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 84/30/95/.262/.347/.503/18

20) Nate Pearson TOR, RHP, 23.7 – 6’6”, 245 pound beast who crushed 3 levels of the minors (A+, AA, AAA) with an upper 90’s fastball and plus slider. 2020 Projection: July-4/3.88/1.29/74 in 70 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.48/1.19/192 in 178 IP

21) Luis Patino SD, RHP, 20.5 – Double plus mid to upper 90’s fastball with a slider that flashes plus and developing changeup. Patino is a player I’m targeting in trades considering the hype hasn’t quite matched his top of the rotation upside. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 15/3.41/1.16/195 in 177 IP

22) Matt Manning DET, RHP, 22.3 – Improvements to changeup and control led to a huge year at Triple-A, putting up a pitching line of 2.56/0.98/148/38 in 133.2 IP. Adding a tick or two to his low 90’s fastball could take him to the next level. 2020 Projection: August-4/3.96/1.30/61 in 54 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.62/1.21/212 in 192 IP

23) Jeter Downs LAD, SS, 21.8 – I was high on Downs coming into 2019, ranking him 45th overall on my 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking. He continued to show off the same skills at High-A and Double-A that made me so high on him, which is a good feel to hit, the ability to lift the ball, and base stealing skills. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 87/26/83/.274/.347/.469/14

24) Brennen Davis CHC, OF, 20.5 – At an athletic 6’4”, 175 pounds, Davis has a plus power/speed combo with a good feel to hit. He slashed .305/.381/.525 with 8 homers, 4 steals, and a 38/18 K/BB in 50 games at Full-A. He’s still not getting his due respect. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 86/28/93/.274/.340/.495/13

25) CJ Abrams SD, SS, 19.6 – Plus hit tool and plus speed shined through in his pro debut, slashing .401/.442/.662 with 14 steals and a 9% K% in 32 rookie ball games. 3 homers shows he has decent pop, and at 6’2”, 185 pounds, there is room to grow into more. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 93/16/72/.287/.349/.439/30

26) Alec Bohm PHI, 3B, 23.9 – Contact ability translated to pro ball with a 14.1% K% at Double-A, to go along with 14 homers and a 10.4% walk rate in 63 games. He then went to the AFL and put up a .925 OPS in 19 games. 2020 Projection: September-8/3/11/.259/.321/.441/0 Prime Projection: 83/26/94/.278/.344/.486/3

27) Drew Waters ATL, OF, 21.3 – Took home MVP honors in the Southern League with a .319 BA, 35 doubles, 9 triples, 5 homers, and 13 steals in 108 games, although he did struggle with contact (26.7% K% in Double-A and 36.1% K% in Triple-A). 2020 Projection: August-25/5/21/.259/.309/.413/6 Prime Projection: 87/24/83/.278/.341/.470/18

28) Alex Kirilloff MIN, 1B/OF, 22.5 – Wrist injury kept Kirilloff out for the first month and a half of the season and likely contributed to sapping his power when he returned. He came on in the second half with 13 homers in final 76 games including the playoffs. 2020 Projection: July-32/11/43/.265/.320/.443/2 Prime Projection: 88/26/93/.283/.335/.485/5

29) Bobby Witt Jr. KC, SS, 19.10 – Mediocre pro debut (.670 OPS), but he still showed a good feel to hit (19.4% K%) and speed (9 steals), which is promising considering the power is definitely in there. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 86/26/88/.271/.338/.476/19

30) Michael Kopech CHW, RHP, 23.11 – Hit 100 MPH in an instructional league start in October, proving the elite raw stuff is back after undergoing Tommy John surgery in September 2018. Brent Honeywell’s complications post Tommy John still forces me to bake in some added risk with Kopech’s rank. 2020 Projection: July-5/4.21/1.35/87 in 72 IP Prime Projection: 16/3.45/1.21/230 in 192 IP

31) A.J. Puk OAK, LHP, 24.11 – The stuff is all the way back after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2018, displaying a 97.5 MPH fastball and 90 MPH slider coming out of the pen for Oakland down the stretch. 2020 Projection: May-8/3.83/1.32/131 in 115 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.52/1.26/199 in 176 IP

32) Vidal Brujan TB, 2B, 22.2 – Double plus speed and he loves to run with 103 stolen bases in 221 games over the past two seasons. Prototypical leadoff hitter with near elite contact ability and a good plate approach, although he struggles vs. lefties. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 87/13/51/.281/.340/.418/37

33) Spencer Howard PHI, RHP, 23.8 – Shoulder stiffness in April limited Howard to 71 IP, but he dominated in those innings with a pitching line of 2.03/0.83/94/16. Mid 90’s heat and three potentially above average secondaries gives Howard legitimate top of the rotation potential.  2020 Projection: August-3/4.01/1.31/55 in 51 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.58/1.20/192 in 175 IP

34) Dustin May LAD, RHP, 22.7 – Strong MLB debut with a pitching line of 3.63/1.10/32/5 in 34.2 IP. Has plus control over a nasty 96.2 MPH sinker and 90.9 MPH cutter, while also mixing in a curve and change.  2020 Projection: June-7/3.91/1.24/86 in 93 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.61/1.18/186 in 191 IP

35) Sixto Sanchez MIA, RHP, 21.8 – Dominates with a fastball that can hit 100+ MPH to go along with 2 plus secondaries (changeup, slider) and plus control. 8.48 K/9 isn’t very impressive, but has the elite stuff to produce more K’s down the line. 2020 Projection: August-3/3.72/1.23/51 in 56 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.63/1.13/181 in 179 IP

36) Cristian Pache ATL, OF, 21.5 – Power and patience took a step forward, but the mainstream list prospect hype is still centered around his double plus center field defense. 2020 Projection: September-8/1/5/.251/.295/.394/2 Prime Projection: 86/21/79/.273/.338/.455/17

37) Taylor Trammell SD, OF, 22.6 – Down year at Double-A but remains a great athlete and 20/20 threat if he can make the proper adjustments to unlock more power. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 86/21/77/.266/.344/.451/21

38) Corbin Carroll ARI, OF, 19.7 – Drafted 16th overall, Carroll has double plus speed with a strong plate approach and sneaky pop, posting a 91 MPH average exit velocity in his pro debut. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 92/18/76/.276/.344/.455/29

39) Aaron Bracho CLE, SS, 18.11 – Bracho is one of those players I was talking about in the Wander blurb (along with Noelvi Marte, Orelvis Martinez, Luis Matos, and Liover Peguero to name a few). He signed for $1.5 million in 2017 and then missed all of 2018 with a broken arm which kept the hype in check. He had his coming out party in 2019 in stateside rookie ball, showing a great feel to hit (15.3% K%), an advanced plate approach (16.8% BB%) and plus power (6 homers and a 51.8% FB% in 30 games). Limited defensive value will keep his ranking on real life lists down. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 86/28/92/.278/.354/.487/9

40) Noelvi Marte SEA, SS, 18.6 – Signed for $1.5 million in 2018, Marte showed off his plus power/speed combo in the Dominican League, slashing .309/371/.511 with 9 homers, 17 steals and a 55/29 K/BB in 65 games. Now is the last chance to buy before he comes stateside and the price skyrockets. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 86/25/86/.272/.341/.478/18

41) Brendan McKay TB, LHP, 24.4 – Plus command of a 4 pitch arsenal, but none of his pitches are dominant, which led to MLB hitters teeing off in his 49.2 IP debut with a 90.5 MPH exit velocity against, 93.4 MPH FB/LD, and 16.7 degree launch angle. 2020 Projection: June-7/4.13/1.28/108 in 104 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.68/1.17/189 in 183 IP

42) Ian Anderson ATL, RHP, 21.11 – Crushed Double-A with a 2.68 ERA and 147/47 K/BB in 111 IP before struggling at Triple-A over 24.2 IP. Potential for 3 plus pitches but will have to improve command and/or add MPH to the fastball to become a top of the rotation starter. 2020 Projection: August-2/4.21/1.34/33 in 30 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.60/1.26/210 in 190 IP

43) Jordan Groshans TOR, SS, 20.5 – In the midst of a great full-season debut (.337/.427/.482 in 23 games) when a left foot injury shut him down for the season. Excellent all around hitter with plus raw power and average speed.  ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 86/26/90/.278/.355/.485/8

44) Orelvis Martinez TOR, SS, 18.7 – Lived up to his $3.5 million price tag, jumping straight to stateside ball (Gulf) and slashed .275/.352/.549 with 7 homers and a 29/14 K/BB in 40 games. Potential for plus hit and plus power. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 83/30/95/.276/.343/.518/4

45) Alek Thomas ARI, OF, 19.11 – Advanced beyond his years plate approach with plus speed and an excellent 90 MPH average exit velocity. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 89/20/74/.279/.358/.450/21

46) Nick Madrigal CHW, 2B, 23.1 – Incredible 16/44 K/BB in 120 games spread across 3 levels of the minors (A+, AA, AAA), but his power upside is nonexistent. 2020 Projection: May-69/5/41/.278/.329/.390/19 Prime Projection: 91/10/56/.292/.343/.409/27

47) Xavier Edwards TB, 2B, 20.8 – Elite contact numbers translated to full-season ball with a 10.2% K% at Full-A and a 8.8% K% at High-A, as did his speed with 34 stolen bases in 123 games. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 92/10/48/.289/.342/.405/34

48) JJ Bleday MIA, OF, 22.5 – Power broke out with 26 homers in 65 games at Vanderbilt. Then went straight to High-A and displayed a good feel to hit (19.2% K%) and ability to lift the ball (34.9% GB%) despite the mediocre overall numbers (.690 OPS). ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 79/27/88/.274/.341/.484/5

49) Heliot Ramos SF, OF, 20.7 – Continues to be pushed aggressively through the minors, and he responded this year with a 143 wRC+ at High-A and 119 wRC+ in 25 games at Double-A. Big time power will be his calling card. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 83/28/86/.264/.341/.482/10

50) Nolan Gorman STL, 3B, 19.11 – Mediocre numbers at Full-A and High-A, but the power, patience and strikeout profile remains unchanged. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 83/33/92/.253/.336/.508/2

51) Triston Casas BOS, 1B, 20.3 – Reasonable 23.5% K% in full season debut to go along with 19 homers. At 6’4”, 238 pounds the power was never in question, so the relative contact ability is very encouraging. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 79/31/88/.268/.347/.503/3

52) Brailyn Marquez CHC, LHP, 21.2 – Big lefty at 6’4”, 185 pounds, Marquez throws an upper 90’s fastball with a potentially plus slider and developing changeup. Still needs to improve control/command, but this is the type of high upside arm I love taking a chance on. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 14/3.55/1.23/187 in 174 IP

53) Jazz Chisholm MIA, SS, 22.3 – Career high 11.4% BB% at Double-A while continuing to hit the ball in the air with plus speed. Upside is high, but 32.1% K% gives him a very low batting average floor. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 83/28/81/.244/.328/.462/15

54) Riley Greene DET, OF, 19.6 – Drafted 5th overall, the only blemish on Greene’s otherwise great pro debut is that his strikeout rate was a little on the high side at 25%. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 84/25/89/.280/.352/.475/9

55) George Valera CLE, OF, 19.5 – Hit tool was not as good as expected (27.7% K% at Short-A) but the power showed out with 8 homers in 46 games, and the sweet lefty swing still impressed. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 84/26/88/.276/.360/.478/9

56) Nolan Jones CLE, 3B, 21.11 – Lefty slugger with legitimate strikeout issues (31 K’s and 4 homers in 15 games at the Arizona Fall League) but some of that is due to his passive plate approach and sky high walk rates. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 85/29/85/.251/.369/.478/2

57) Josh Lowe TB, OF, 22.2 – Power broke out at Double-A with 18 homers in 121 games to go along with 30 steals and a 132/59 K/BB. The hit tool still needs improvement, but Lowe’s stock took a huge jump last season. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 82/25/80/.250/.332/.468/19

58) Trevor Larnach MIN, OF, 23.1 – Game power didn’t show up as hoped (13 homers in 127 games split between High-A and Double-A) with high ground ball rates, although he improved at the end of the season with 6 homers in final 28 games. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 77/27/87/.265/.340/.470/5

59) Joey Bart SF, C, 23.3 – Power hitting catcher whose home ballpark suppresses power, although San Francisco is moving the fences in this year. Suffered two broken hands from being hit by pitches, once in April and then again in October in the AFL. 2020 Projection: August-15/7/22/.247/.302/.436/1 Prime Projection: 69/25/81/.262/.330/.467/3

60) Evan White SEA, 1B, 24.1 –  Carried over the power gains he made towards the end of 2018 into 2019 with 18 homers and a career low 42.4% GB% in 92 games at Double-A. Is a sure bet to spend most, if not all of 2020 in the majors with a newly signed 6 year, $24 million contract. 2020 Projection: 78/22/73/.264/.325/.450/5 Prime Projection: 81/27/86/.276/.338/.473/6

61) Hunter Bishop SF, OF, 21.9 – Drafted 10th overall, Bishop has one of the best power/speed combos in the draft, but has racked up strikeouts in every league he has played in. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 82/28/78/.247/.332/.471/14

62) Grayson Rodriguez BAL, RHP, 20.4 – Impressed in his full season debut with a pitching line of 2.68/0.99/129/36 in 94 IP. The scouting report backs up the production with mid 90’s heat, 3 potentially plus secondaries, and plus control/command. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 14/3.69/1.20/196 in 180 IP

63) Nico Hoerner CHC, SS, 22.11 – Plus contact/speed profile who has to learn how to fully tap into his moderate raw power. Suffered a hairline fracture in his wrist in May which likely further depressed his power. 2020 Projection: 67/9/43/.279/.321/.411/11 Prime Projection: 88/16/72/.288/.340/.432/16

64) Nick Solak TEX, 2B/3B/OF, 25.2 – Excellent MLB debut, slashing .293/.393/.491 with 5 homers, 2 steals, and a 29/15 K/BB in 33 games. Has been a ground ball hitter throughout his career, but exit velocity and sprint speed are strong. 2020 Projection: 79/20/74/.271/.339/.452/10

65) Jonathan India CIN, 3B, 23.3 – Hasn’t gotten to as much of his plus raw power as hoped, hitting only 11 homers in 121 games, but has showed an advanced approach with a good feel to hit and some speed. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 85/24/79/.272/.349/.461/12

66) Mitch Keller PIT, RHP, 24.0 – 7.13 ERA in 48 IP MLB debut but it came with a 12.19 K/9 and 3.19 FIP, which makes the debut more encouraging than discouraging. Relies heavily on a 95.4 MPH fastball with a plus slider being his best secondary. 2020 Projection: 10/4.02/1.30/167 in 161 IP Prime Projection: 13/3.77/1.25/191 in 182 IP

67) Tarik Skubal DET, LHP, 23.4 – Scout the stat line ace with a pitching line of 2.42/1.01/179/37 in 122.2 IP split between High-A and Double-A, Stuff profiles more as a mid-rotation starter, but it’s hard to argue with those results. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 13/3.71/1.23/195 in 181 IP

68) Josiah Gray LAD, RHP, 22.3 – Decimated 3 levels of the minors (A, A+, AA) with a plus fastball/slider combo and plus command. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 14/3.63/1.18/183 in 176 IP

69) Logan Gilbert SEA, RHP, 22.11 – Dominated his first year of pro ball just as easily as he did the Atlantic Sun Conference, putting up a pitching line of 2.13/0.95/165/33 in 135 IP split between A, A+, and AA. Relies heavily on his plus fastball but slider, curve, and change all have the potential to develop into quality secondaries. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 14/3.66/1.21/196 in 185 IP

70) Simeon Woods Richardson TOR, RHP, 19.6 – Impressive 18-year-old season in Full-A and High-A with a 126/24 K/BB in 106.2 IP. He displayed an advanced four pitch mix headlined by a plus fastball/slider combo. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 14/3.64/1.16/198 in 183 IP

71) Oneil Cruz PIT, SS, 21.6 – Fly ball percentage jumped up 8.9% to 38.1% after his promotion to Double-A. If he can maintain those gains, the double plus raw power will definitely start to shine through. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 78/28/86/.252/.323/.474/9

72) Brandon Marsh LAA, OF, 22.4 – Lowered strikeout rate to 22.3% at Double-A (27.7% at High-A in 2018), which is very encouraging. Next step is hitting fewer ground balls (52.6%). 2020 Projection: September-12/2/9/.252/.327/.413/3 Prime Projection: 83/22/78/.271/.350/.457/16

73) Greg Jones TB, SS, 22.1 – Drafted 22nd overall, Jones is a great athlete with double plus speed and developing power. He’s had strikeout issues in his career (25.7% at Short-A), but the upside is considerable. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 86/16/62/.268/.349/.421/32

74) Sean Murphy OAK, C, 25.6 – It’s a small sample but he knocked 4 homers with a 90.7 MPH exit velocity and 96.6 MPH FB/LD exit velocity in his 20 game MLB debut. This after hitting 10 homes in 31 games at Triple-A. If he can raise his launch angle a bit, and with his already strong plate approach, Murphy has the potential to be one of the better hitting catchers in baseball. 2020 Projection: 56/18/52/.255/.338/.441/0 Prime Projection: 73/24/82/.268/.357/.468/1

75) Edward Cabrera MIA, RHP, 22.0 – Much improved secondaries and control combined with his electric mid 90’s fastball made Cabrera one of the biggest pitching breakouts in the minors, posting a pitching line of 2.23/0.99/116/31 in 96.2 IP split between High-A and Double-A. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 13/3.76/1.23/191 in 182 IP

76) Brusdar Graterol MIN, RHP, 21.7 – 99 MPH fastball with a plus slider and developing change. 2020 Projection: June-7/4.09/1.32/91 in 88 IP Prime Projection: 13/3.78/1.23/176 in 170 IP

77) Robert Puason OAK, SS, 17.5 – Signed for $5.1 million, Pauson is a projectable 6’3”, 165 pounds with plus speed, a good feel to hit and developing power. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 88/23/82/.275/.346/.462/26

78) Matthew Liberatore STL, LHP, 20.5 – Strong full season debut with a 3.10 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 76/31 K/BB in 78.1 IP. Advanced for his age with a 4 pitch mix and plus command.  ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 13/3.72/1.21/182 in 175 IP

79) Brent Honeywell TB, RHP, 25.0 – Had surgery in June to repair a fractured right elbow which he suffered while rehabbing from 2017 Tommy John surgery. It’s a reminder not to just assume a pitcher will return seamlessly from Tommy John. 2020 Projection: August-2/4.31/1.34/46 in 40 IP Prime Projection: 11/3.71/1.22/175 in 163 IP

80) Deivi Garcia NYY, RHP, 20.10 – Added a slider this year to give him a chance at 4 plus pitches at peak. At 5’9”, 163 pounds, how much you buy into Garcia might depend on how much you buy into the prejudice against small righties. 2020 Projection: August-3/4.15/1.33/57 in 51 IP Prime Projection: 13/3.78/1.27/193 in 177 IP

81) Ke’Bryan Hayes PIT, 3B, 23.2 – Hasn’t made any attempts to unlock more power, but has maintained his strong plate approach, good feel to hit, and ability to use the entire field at every minor league level. Plus glove at 3B will buy him time until the power ticks up. 2020 Projection: July-39/9/32/.253/.317/.406/6 Prime Projection: 88/22/79/.276/.348/.460/13

82) Daniel Lynch KC, LHP, 23.4 – 6’6”, 190 pounds with a 4 pitch mix headlined by a plus fastball/slider combo and good control. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 12/3.81/1.24/179 in 171 IP

83) DL Hall BALT, LHP, 21.6 – Plus fastball/curve combo with a developing slider and changeup. Control needs to take a step forward with a 6.0 BB/9 at High-A. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 12/3.76/1.32/187 in 174 IP

84) Jesus Sanchez MIA, OF, 22.6 – Two straight years of modest production has dimmed Sanchez’ prospect hype a bit, but his plus raw power and good feel to hit haven’t gone anywhere. 2020 Projection: September-7/2/8/.254/.308/.410/1 Prime Projection: 77/24/86/.275/.339/.470/7

85) Erick Pena KC, OF, 17.1 – Signed for $3.8 million, Pena is 6’3” with a smooth and powerful left handed swing. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 86/28/93/.274/.355/.491/5

86) Hunter Greene CIN, RHP, 20.8 – Underwent Tommy John surgery on April 9th. When healthy, fastball sits in the upper 90’s and has stirkeout stuff with 89 K’s in 68.1 IP in 2018. Secondaries are still raw. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 14/3.58/1.19/191 in 177 IP

87) Ronny Mauricio NYM, SS, 19.0 – Mediocre full-season debut as an 18 year old (.665 OPS), but still possess all the tools that made him one of the top international signings in 2017. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 78/26/88/.277/.335/.471/5

88) Geraldo Perdomo ARI, SS, 20.5 – Elite plate approach transferred to full season ball with a 67/70 K/BB in 116 games split between Full-A and High-A. Power hasn’t shown up yet, but at 6’3”, 184 pounds there is certainly more to come. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 91/18/73/.289/372/.448/16

89) Daulton Varsho ARI, C, 23.9 – With Carson Kelly establishing himself in 2019, Varsho might have to find playing time at positions other than catcher. He has an above average power/speed combo and a good feel to hit, so it might be better off for his fantasy value anyway. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 84/23/77/.275/.340/.460/14

90) Tyler Freeman CLE, SS, 20.10 – Elite contact rates transferred to full season ball with a 10.3% K% at Full-A and 9.1% at High-A. He doesn’t have an overly high ground ball rate, so when he inevitably gains strength as he matures, the home runs will come.  ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 88/15/52/.291/.338/.431/17

91) Luis Campusano SD, C, 21.6 – Everything took a step forward at High-A. As long as he can keep his launch angle up, Campusano’s plus hitting ability and hard contact ensures a true impact fantasy catcher. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 68/22/79/.281/.343/.457/0

92) Brayan Rocchio CLE, SS, 19.4 – Plus contact rates (13.6% K% at Short-A) with plus speed (14 steals in 69 games) and developing power (5 homers). ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 85/16/69/.283/.338/.435/23

93) Liover Peguero ARI, SS, 19.3 – Advanced feel to hit with above average speed and power. Slashed .364/.410/.559 with 5 homers, 8 steals and a 21.8% K% in 38 games in the Pioneer League. Will need to start lifting the ball more to reach full potential. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 84/20/72/.278/.332/.448/20

94) Luis Matos SF, OF, 18.2 – Signed for $725,000 in 2018, Matos immediately raised his stock in the DSL, showing more power than expected (7 homers in 55 games) to go along with speed (20 steals) and a good feel to hit (11.1% K%). ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 86/22/81/.278/.335/.455/14

95) Daniel Espino CLE, RHP, 19.3 – Drafted 24th overall, Espino has a four pitch mix headlined by an explosive upper 90’s fastball and potentially plus slider. Improvements in control/command and changeup will dictate how good he can become. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 13/3.75/1.26/190 in 178 IP

96) Austin Hays BAL, OF, 24.9 – Strong September in the majors (.947 OPS in 75 PA), although his minor league numbers weren’t as strong (.758 OPS at Triple-A). Inside track to win the Orioles opening day starting CF job. 2020 Projection: 78/24/75/.265/.312/.456/10

97) Seth Beer ARI, 1B, 23.7 – Trade to the NL hurts considering he is a poor defensive player, but the production continues to be strong with 26 homers and a 21% K% at High-A and Double-A. 2020 Projection: August-14/8/22/.248/.312/.468/0 Prime Projection: 68/30/81/.268/.342/.491/1

98) Ryan Mountcastle BAL, 1B/OF, 23.1 – Hit every year of his career and power started to really blossom this season. Poor defense is the biggest hurdle to playing time, but Baltimore isn’t exactly overflowing with talent right now. 2020 Projection: July-36/12/41/.262/.301/.441/1 Prime Projection: 77/26/85/.274/.318/.472/3

99) Bobby Dalbec BOS, 3B, 24.9 – Improved strikeout rate to a respectable 24.7% but infield fly ball rate spiked to 24.8% at Double-A and 30.3% at Triple-A. The huge power will certainly translate with 32 homers in 2018 and 27 homers in 2019. 2020 Projection: August-15/8/21/.233/.315/.446/1 Prime Projection: 78/33/87/.248/.342/.488/4

100) Jose Urquidy HOU, RHP, 24.11 – There are a bunch of higher upside prospects I could have went with here, but that is the reason why I chose the more unique Urquidy with the final spot. Unique in the sense that he already has a rotation spot, has some MLB success under his belt (including a great 10 IP in the playoffs), and is in an organization known for their excellent development of pitchers. He throws a 4 pitch mix with a 93.2 MPH fastball and an 84.3 MPH changeup as his best/most used secondary with plus control. 2020 Projection: 10/4.02/1.23/169 in 172 IP

By Michael Halpern (@MichaelCHalpern)
Email: michaelhalpern@imaginarybrickwall.com
Twitter: Imaginary Brick Wall (@DynastyHalp)

A Top 100 Sneak Peek of the 2020 Top 1,000 Dynasty Baseball Rankings

The 2020 Top 1,000 Dynasty Baseball Rankings Sneak Peek Series continues with the Top 100:

1) Ronald Acuna ATL, OF, 22.3 – Combination of age and stolen base upside is what separates Acuna from the pack, but a 26.3% K% presents a risk that other candidates for the top spot don’t have. In anything other than a 5×5 league (points, OBP), I would look elsewhere with the top pick. 2020 Projection: 111/37/98/.285/.367/.524/31

2) Mike Trout LAA, OF, 28.8 – Turning 29 during the 2020 season, career low 13 steal attempts, and a much younger crop of generational talent establishing themselves in 2019 are why Trout is no longer the obvious #1 pick in dynasty. I still have him #1 in redrafts. 2020 Projection: 113/46/107/.299/.442/.631/15

3) Juan Soto WASH, OF, 21.5 – Flipped hitting profile from rookie season, upping FB% to 37.2% (from 28.8%) and lowering GB% to 41.6% (from 53.7%). 97 MPH FB/LD exit velocity is 2.1 MPH higher than Trout and 1.4 MPH higher than Acuna. Soto is my #1 pick in non 5×5 dynasty leagues. 2020 Projection: 108/36/105/.296/.404/.553/10

4) Cody Bellinger LAD, 1B/OF, 24.9 – Career bests in BB% (14.4%), K% (16.4%), average exit velocity (90.7 MPH), and launch angle (17.6 degree launch). On the flip side, OPS declined every month of the season (1.397, .998, .967, .952, .918, .891, playoffs-.549). 2020 Projection: 110/43/110/.288/.383/.598/14

5) Christian Yelich MIL, OF, 28.4 – Here is what I wrote about Yelich in my 2019 Top 1,000: “… posted the lowest GB% of his career by a good margin in August and September (46% and 44%, respectively). If he can carry those gains over a full season, the power breakout may not be a complete outlier.” That is exactly what happened, with Yelich posting a 43.2% GB% and hitting a career high 44 homers. The fractured knee cap that ended his season supposedly won’t have any long term effects. 2020 Projection: 111/37/104/.309/.410/.605/20

6) Mookie Betts BOS, OF, 27.6 – As a Yankees fan, I pray to the baseball gods every night that Boston trades Mookie Betts for “can’t miss” pitching prospects. 2020 Projection: 119/33/86/.310/.402/.552/22

7) Trea Turner WASH, SS, 26.9 – Power took a big step forward, raising average exit velocity 2.5 MPH to 90.3 MPH. Remains a speedster with the 2nd fastest sprint speed in baseball, behind only Tim Locastro (Buxton is a close 3rd).  2020 Projection: 104/24/77/.293/.350/.488/41

8) Fernando Tatis Jr. SD, SS, 21.3 – With a 29.6% K% and a 6.9 degree launch angle, you can look at Tatis’ 2019 in one of two ways. Either you think he got lucky and there is serious regression coming, or you are scared at the thought of what his stats might look like when he inevitably improves on those underlying numbers. I’m in camp #2. 2020 Projection: 101/35/99/.274/.348/.531/26

9) Francisco Lindor CLE, SS, 26.4 – Small step back in K%, BB%, GB% and sprint speed, but I’m willing to write that off to his early season calf injury considering overall production remained strong. 2020 Projection: 104/32/87/.285/.349/.520/20

10) Trevor Story COL, SS, 27.4 – Carried over the major improvements he made in K% and stolen bases in 2018 into 2019. One of the premier power/speed combos in the game. 2020 Projection: 100/36/100/.283/.354/.546/22

11) Wander Franco TB, SS, 19.1 – Acuna and Soto might be old news in 2 years if Franco reaches his upside of plus to double plus all category production. He very well may be the true heir to Trout’s throne. 2020 Projection: September-13/4/9/.277/.341/.445/4 Prime Projection: 114/32/113/.316/.405/.595/19

12) Vladimir Guerrero Jr. TOR, 3B, 21.0 – Modest rookie season, but make no mistake, the thunder is coming. 2020 Projection: 95/32/106/.298/.373/.538/2

13) Rafael Devers BOS, 3B, 23.5 – Ranked 16th overall in average exit velocity (92.1 MPH) and cut K% by 7.7% to 17%. 2020 Projection: 98/33/104/.302/.360/.549/7

14) Alex Bregman HOU, 3B, 26.0 – Gets dinged in the rankings because of the possibility of a suspension and the unknown of how much cheating improved his stats. Relatively low 92.3 MPH FB/LD exit velocity is another red flag. 2020 Projection: 103/30/101/.291/.403/.538/9

15) Jose Ramirez CLE, 3B, 27.6 – Armageddon 1st half (.218/.308/.344) followed by a beastly 2nd half (.327/.365/.739) that was interrupted and ultimately cut short by a fractured hamate bone. Like Bregman, low FB/LD exit velocity (91.8 MPH) indicates some power downside. 2020 Projection: 98/30/93/.279/.358/.518/25

16) Nolan Arenado COL, 3B, 29.0 – Steady as they come. 40 homers with a high average. 2020 Projection: 103/39/116/.298/.375/.568/2

17) Austin Meadows TB, OF, 24.11 – When I ranked Meadows 54th overall in last year’s ranking, someone asked me what I was smoking. Apparently I was toking on salvia divinorum, aka, sage of the diviners, aka it’s a plant you smoke and then you hallucinate, because Meadows broke out with a .291 BA, 33 homers, and 12 steals. He hits it very hard, hits it in the air, has speed, and has a strong plate approach. 2020 Projection: 93/32/96/.282/.351/.531/15

18) Bryce Harper PHI, OF, 27.6 – Strikeout rate going in the wrong direction (26.1%), but power, speed, and walks are all in peak form. 2020 Projection: 100/36/103/.265/.381/.533/14

19) Yordan Alvarez HOU, OF, 22.9 – Hitting profile looks mighty similar to Bryce Harper without the speed. 2020 Projection: 93/35/104/.273/.369/.542/4

20) Aaron Judge NYY, OF, 27.11 – Led the league in average exit velocity every year since getting called up in 2016. Smashed 15 homers in final 33 games to salvage what was shaping up to be a mediocre season. 2020 Projection: 107/42/101/.263/.370/.545/7

21) Bo Bichette TOR, SS, 22.1 – Like Tatis, the impressive triple slash (.311/..358/.571) is considerably better than the underlying numbers, but I’m betting on the underlying numbers mostly catching up to the slash line, rather than the other way around. 2020 Projection: 93/24/79/.282/.340/.481/18 Prime Projection: 118/34/95/.296/.373/.542/15

22) Ozzie Albies ATL, 2B, 23.3 – Average exit velocity jumped 2.5 MPH to 88.8 MPH, although exit velocity on fly balls actually decreased by 0.3 MPH. It’s still a good sign that there is another level of power in here as he matures. 2020 Projection: 107/26/84/.288/.356/.490/17

23) Gerrit Cole NYY, RHP, 29.7 – I don’t factor in age with pitchers quite as much as with hitters because every pitcher is one injury away from a career altering injury. Young pitchers also haven’t proven their arm can withstand season after season of 200+ innings which makes them more risky than an older pitcher with more miles on their arm. 2020 Projection: 18/2.92/0.98/295 in 205 IP

24) Walker Buehler LAD, RHP, 25.8 – Throws the fastest cutter by a starter at 92.8 MPH (1.8 MPH ahead of 2nd, Marcus Stroman). Final hurdle to cross is how his arm responds after a career high 195 IP (including the postseason), which is a 34 IP increase from 2018. 2020 Projection: 17/3.23/1.01/230 in 191 IP

25) Jacob deGrom NYM, RHP, 31.9 – Career high velocity on all of his pitches. Upped slider and fastball usage while ditching his sinker and minimizing the curve. 2020 Projection: 14/2.86/0.99/260 in 208 IP

26) Gleyber Torres NYY, 2B, 23.4 – Exit velocities and K/BB are solid but don’t jump out at you. 17.4 degree launch angle ensures healthy power production, and I’m expecting continued improvement in all aspects of his game. 2020 Projection: 97/32/106/.283/.352/.521/4

27) Xander Bogaerts BOS, SS, 27.6 – Maintained exit velocity gains from 2018 and notched a career high 10.9% BB%. With only 6 steal attempts in 155 games, you can no longer count on him in the speed department as you build your roster. 2020 Projection: 99/28/108/.296/.369/.529/7

28) Javier Baez CHC, SS, 27.4 – Getting by with pure exit velocity and speed. 2020 Projection: 98/33/103/.278/.319/.520/13

29) Anthony Rendon LAA, 3B, 29.10 – From my 2019 Top 1,000: “With a 13.7% K% and 17.7 degree launch angle, there is potential for a monster career season lurking in here.” … The monster was unleashed and it landed him a $245 million contract. 2020 Projection: 104/32/108/.306/.382/.560/4

30) Keston Hiura MIL, 2B, 23.8 – Underlying stats profile as a low average, power hitting beast with a handful of steals. Ultimately should develop into more of a 20% strikeout hitter than the 30% he put up in 2019. 2020 Projection: 88/34/96/.268/.333/.507/11

31) Jack Flaherty STL, RHP, 24.6 – Velocity up about 1 MPH on every pitch and BB% was down 2.5%. Third year in a row posting well below average exit velocities against (86.1 MPH) gives hope the low BABIP’s (.242) is a skill. 2020 Projection: 16/3.38/1.11/229 in 194 IP

32) Shane Bieber CLE, RHP, 24.10 – Not a flamethrower but has advanced command over a 4 pitch mix. Batters were able to make some good contact against him with a 90.4 MPH average exit velocity against. Cole and Verlander both sat at 87.3 MPH for comparison. 2020 Projection: 15/3.41/1.09/220 in 195 IP

33) Yoan Moncada CHW, 3B, 24.10 – Not quite the speedster we all thought he was, but power showed up in a big way, upping exit velocity 2.3 MPH to 92.8 MPH. .315 batting average (.406 BABIP) is coming down. 2020 Projection: 96/30/89/.273/.360/.513/13

34) Pete Alonso NYM, 1B, 25.4 – Alonso is going to mash no matter how much Manfred loosens up those seams. 2020 Projection: 91/43/109/.263/.360/.557/1

35) Manny Machado SD, 3B/SS, 27.9 – Career worst 19.4% K% and low BABIP led to a career low .254 BA. The lack of steals was easy to predict, but now you have to worry about a mediocre average too. 2020 Projection: 92/34/102/.278/.351/.515/8

36) Eloy Jimenez CHW, OF, 23.4 – Elite exit velocity and 31 homers in 122 games proves the power wasn’t over-hyped. Has the ability to hit for both power and average when his K% comes down, and his minor league numbers suggest it will. 2020 Projection: 88/33/99/.283/.335/.530/1

37) Luis Robert CHW, OF, 22.8 – Sox have mentioned they view Robert like Eloy and we should expect an early season call up. He’s still raw at the plate, but has a power/speed combo that rivals Acuna.  2020 Projection: 63/26/68/.259/.308/.471/18 Prime Projection: 94/34/101/.277/.339/.521/25

38) Freddie Freeman ATL, 1B, 30.7 – Underlying numbers are very similar to his past two seasons when he put up 28 and 23 homers, respectively, but this season he managed to knock 38 homers. For reference, he hit 34 homers in 2016, but his exit velocity was about 2 MPH higher than 2017-2019. Freeman might be the clearest example of the impact of the juiced ball. 2020 Projection: 95/31/105/.298/.391/.543/5

39) Blake Snell TB, LHP, 27.4 – Missed two months after undergoing arthroscopic elbow surgery in July to remove loose bodies. Velocity was down on all of his pitches, but still among the hardest throwers in baseball. Bloated 4.29 ERA was at least partly due to a .343 BABIP. 2020 Projection: 13/3.37/1.18/223 in 178 IP

40) Ketel Marte ARI, 2B/OF, 26.6 – From my 2019 Top 1,000: “13.7% K%, 9.3% BB%, 88.6 MPH average exit velocity, 92 MPH on FB/LD, and 28.7 ft/sec sprint speed. If he can start lifting the ball more and add some strength as he enters his mid to late 20’s, there is a 5-category stud lurking in here.” … Marte added 1.3 MPH to his exit velocity and 5.8 degrees to his launch angle en route to a beastly 5-category season. 2020 Projection: 93/26/88/.293/.352/.512/9

41) Carlos Correa HOU, SS, 25.6 – In the midst of a power breakout but rib and back injuries limited him to only 25 games after May. A back injury tanked his 2018 season as well, so it’s a legitimate concern. 2020 Projection: 90/32/105/.283/.362/.527/3

42) Adalberto Mondesi KC, SS, 24.8 – Underwent labrum surgery on October 3rd, with a 5-6 month recovery. Major surgeries that ruin your normal off-season routine is not a recipe for a breakout season. 2020 Projection: 78/16/74/.255/.299/.422/41 Prime Projection: 93/23/86/.274/.329/.446/49

43) Shohei Ohtani LAA, RHP/OF, 25.9 – Power and strikeouts … and strikeouts. The plan is for 1 start and 3-4 DH days per week. In weekly lineup leagues drop him down 100 spots because he can likely be viewed only as a 130 IP starter at peak. 2020 Projection: Hitting-46/17/52/.277/.349/.511/9 — Pitching-7/3.55/1.20/123 in 100 IP

44) Kris Bryant CHC, 3B/OF, 28.3 – Exit velocity is just not what it was in 2015 and 2016 when Bryant looked to be on the verge of becoming a perennial top 5 pick. I guess we’ll have to settle for merely very, very good. 2020 Projection: 110/32/80/.283/.381/.509/5

45) Matt Chapman OAK, 3B, 26.11 – Career low 21.9% K%, but a 3.6% jump in infield fly ball rate negated any possible batting average gains (.249 BA with a .270 BABIP). 2020 Projection: 105/38/96/.268/.355/.529/2

46) Mike Clevinger CLE, RHP, 29.3 – Upper back strain and sprained ankle caused Clevinger to miss almost the entire first half. Notched a career high 95.6 MPH fastball velocity, but that was on a steady decline as the season wore on. 2020 Projection: 15/3.31/1.14/222 in 190 IP

47) Stephen Strasburg WASH, RHP, 31.8 – Dominant, as usual, but he did it in a different way by upping his groundball percentage with increased sinker and curveball usage. Staying healthy all season is probably the most notable thing of all. 2020 Projection: 15/3.43/1.10/220 in 185 IP

48) Jo Adell LAA, OF, 21.0 – Elite athlete with double plus power. 32.6% K% and 0 homers in 27 games at Triple-A likely ensures at least a couple months of development time there in 2020. 2020 Projection: July-39/13/45/.250/.301/.459/6 Prime Projection: 101/37/108/.271/.353/.538/13

49) Justin Verlander HOU, RHP, 37.1 – Even at 37 years old Verlander is such a difference maker that he is worth a true elite prospect back in a trade. The cliff often doesn’t come with advanced warning, though, that is why they call it the cliff, and not the ramp.  2020 Projection: 17/3.08/1.01/270 in 208 IP

50) Max Scherzer WASH, RHP, 35.8 – Back issues held Scherzer to his lowest innings pitched total since his rookie year in 2009. He also didn’t pitch as well when he returned from the injury (4.81 ERA in 43 IP). 2020 Projection: 16/3.09/1.04/261 in 203 IP

51) Jose Altuve HOU, 2B, 29.11 – Career high K% (15%), career low stolen base total (6), and while Altuve hit a career high 31 homers, there wasn’t any significant improvements in exit velocity or flyball percentage to truly back up the power surge. 2020 Projection: 99/26/82/.292/.351/.490/13

52) JD Martinez BOS, OF, 32.7 – Best case scenario he’s Nelson Cruz and there is 7+ years of production left. Worst case scenario he’s Albert Pujols and this 32 year old season is the beginning of the end. 2020 Projection: 101/38/112/.308/.380/.570/3

53) Chris Paddack SD, RHP, 24.3 – Plus fastball/changeup combo is good enough, but continued development of the curveball can take him to the next level. 2020 Projection: 13/3.58/1.09/190 in 170 IP

54) Starling Marte PIT, OF, 31.6 – Career low 16% K%. Sprint speed is as good as ever but relying on speed as players get deeper into their 30’s is risky. 2020 Projection: 94/20/77/.289/.339/.462/28

55) Kyle Tucker HOU, OF, 22.4 – Sprint speed improved from below average in 2018 to above average in 2019. The power was never in question, but now there is hope the steals might transfer too. 2020 Projection: 71/24/77/.251/.325/.476/11 Prime Projection: 94/33/101/.265/.348/.513/15

56) Victor Robles WASH, OF, 22.10 – 81 MPH average exit velocity is cover your eyes bad. Even Stephen Strasburg managed to put up a 82.5. Jose Altuve has proven there is a path to strong power numbers with below average exit velocity (86.1 MPH), but Robles has to improve to reach even that level. 2020 Projection: 91/20/73/.272/.334/.439/27

57) George Springer HOU, OF, 30.6 – While his 2019 is likely a juiced ball aided career year, the strong underlying numbers don’t rule out the possibility of a repeat. 2020 Projection: 104/33/95/.280/.369/.525/7

58) Matt Olson OAK, 1B, 26.0 – Elite exit velocity power hitting beast. 2020 Projection: 93/38/105/.256/.345/.537/1

59) Giancarlo Stanton NYY, OF, 30.5 – Limited to 18 games due to a variety of injuries, but performed like himself in those games with a 100.3 MPH FB/LD exit velocity. 2020 Projection: 95/43/109/.261/.352/.546/3

60) Josh Bell PIT, 1B, 27.8 – Career high 37.3% FB% and 92.3 MPH exit velocity is evidence the power breakout is for real. 2020 Projection: 90/32/106/.273/.361/.528/1

61) Ramon Laureano OAK, OF, 25.9 – Plus power/speed combo but a 25.6% K% and 5.6% BB% shows he is not without risk. 2020 Projection: 89/27/84/.265/.334/.486/16

62) Tim Anderson CHW, SS, 26.9 – Career low 21% K% and career high 88.3 MPH exit velocity, along with a little BABIP luck, led to a breakout season, slashing .335/.357/.508 with 18 homers and 17 steals in 123 games. 2020 Projection: 90/23/72/.282/.321/.468/21

63) Patrick Corbin WASH, LHP, 30.8 – Backed up 2018’s breakout with another strong year on the back of his elite slider. Velocity up about 1 MPH on each pitch. 2020 Projection: 14/3.50/1.19/231 in 197 IP

64) Luis Severino NYY, RHP, 26.1 – Missed almost entire season with an inflamed rotator cuff and lat strain. Velocity wasn’t quite what it was in 2018, but at 96.1 MPH, that is more than enough. 2020 Projection: 13/3.55/1.18/200 in 175 IP

65) Gavin Lux LAD, 2B/SS, 22.4 – Another guy I was high on last year, ranking him 181st overall and writing, “Me thinks Lux is still being a bit underrated right now.” He isn’t underrated anymore. 2020 Projection: July-42/11/39/.272/.334/.451/7 Prime Projection: 98/28/93/.283/.356/.495/14

66) Chris Sale BOS, LHP, 31.0 – Inflammation in pitching elbow ended Sale’s season in August. Fastball was down 2 MPH and put up a career worst 4.40 ERA, but he still managed to strikeout 218 batters in 147.1 IP. 2020 Projection: 13/3.29/1.02/234 in 165 IP

67) Julio Rodriguez SEA, OF, 19.3 – Advanced beyond his years feel to hit which he displayed at Full-A (.293 BA), High-A (.462 BA), and the Fall League (.288 BA). Add to that at least plus raw power and you have one of the most coveted prospects in baseball. ETA: Late 2021 Prime Projection: 96/35/109/.290/.368/.550/8

68) Charlie Blackmon COL, OF, 33.9 – Career low 26.7 ft/sec sprint speed doesn’t leave much hope for a stolen base bounce back (2 steals in 2019), but he has never hit the ball harder with a career high 88.5 MPH exit velocity. 2020 Projection: 106/33/84/.307/.362/.539/6

69) Luis Castillo CIN, RHP, 27.4 – Fireballing groundball pitcher with the most valuable changeup in baseball. 2020 Projection: 13/3.63/1.19/214 in 188 IP

70) Lucas Giolito CHW, RHP, 25.9 – Fastball velocity jumped 1.8 MPH to 94.6 MPH and changeup became an elite pitch. Grandal and his plus pitch framing should counteract any regression concerns. 2020 Projection: 13/3.69/1.17/226 in 185 IP

71) MacKenzie Gore SD, LHP, 21.1 – Potential for 4 plus pitches with plus control. Destroyed Hi-A with a silly pitching line of 1.02/0.71/110/20/ in 79.1 IP. 2020 Projection: July-6/3.82/1.26/83 in 78 IP Prime Projection: 17/3.22/1.03/240 in 200 IP

72) Anthony Rizzo CHC, 1B, 30.8 – As consistent as they come. 2020 Projection: 91/30/97/.288/.381/.513/5

73) Marcus Semien OAK, SS, 29.6 – Major breakout in basically every underlying stat and surface stat you look at. Some regression is likely, but the breakout was real. 2020 Projection: 107/29/76/.279/.360/.499/11

74) Eugenio Suarez CIN, 3B, 27.7 – Online IQ test question: What is the next number in this sequence – 4, 13, 21, 26, 34, 49, _? That is Suarez’ season home run totals since entering the league. My fake online IQ of 144 tells me Barry Bonds home run record might be in jeopardy next season. 2020 Projection: 84/32/98/.266/.352/.523/3

75) Joey Gallo TEX, OF, 26.4 – Has 281 hits in his career and 110 of them are homers. 38.4% K% still makes Gallo a huge average risk, but he also led the league in exit velocity on FB/LD at 101.2 MPH. 2020 Projection: 94/45/96/.234/.356/.549/4

76) Michael Conforto NYM, OF, 27.1 – Struggles vs. lefties is only true blemish (.701 OPS). 2020 Projection: 93/30/92/.263/.370/.502/5

77) Max Kepler MIN, OF, 27.2 – From my 2019 Top 1,000: “Posted career bests in K% (15.7%), BB% (11.6%), FB% (46.2%), and exit velo (89.5 MPH/93.9 MPH FB/LD). Kepler already broke out but it didn’t show up in his surface stats last year.” … It showed up this year, cranking 36 homers in 134 games while maintaining most of the underlying gains he made in 2018. 2020 Projection: 93/31/89/.266/.349/.502/3

78) Max Muncy LAD, 1B/2B/3B, 29.7 – Put any playing time concerns to rest with 589 PA, although the logjam isn’t breaking up anytime soon with Gavin Lux now trying to force his way into the lineup. 2020 Projection: 97/34/96/.254/.370/.513/3

79) Jorge Soler KC, OF, 28.1 – Huge power breakout, upping exit velocity 3.1 MPH and ripping 48 homers in 162 games. 2020 Projection: 85/33/98/.261/.350/.520/2

80) Eddie Rosario MIN, OF, 28.6 – Continued his free swinging ways (3.7% BB%) with power (32 homers) and a good feel to hit (14.6% K%). 2020 Projection: 84/28/92/.283/.316/.489/6

81) Jonathan Villar MIA, 2B/SS, 28.11 – Played in all 162 games, compiling 24 homers, 111 runs and 40 steals. Miami moving their fences in will cushion the blow a little bit from leaving Camden. 2020 Projection: 85/16/61/.263/.331/.430/34

82) Tyler Glasnow TB, RHP, 26.7 – Forearm strain knocked out most of Glasnow’s breakout season, but his velocity was fully back when he returned in September. His newfound control did not return, with 8 walks in 19.1 IP (including postseason). 2020 Projection: 10/3.58/1.19/185 in 150 IP

83) Aaron Nola PHI, RHP, 26.10 – Career best K/9 (10.19) and career worst BB/9 (3.56). Exit velocity against jumped to 88.5 MPH after being in the 85’s from 2016-2018. 2020 Projection: 14/3.66/1.21/221 in 205 IP

84) Rhys Hoskins PHI, 1B, 27.0 – Down-ish year when everyone else was experiencing a career year, but the homer/walk profile remains the same. 2020 Projection: 96/35/92/.250/.371/.512/3

85) Lourdes Gurriel Jr. TOR, OF, 26.6 – Took power to another level with 20 homers in 84 games by raising launch angle 3.7 degrees and increasing FB/LD exit velocity 3.2 MPH. 2020 Projection: 86/30/94/.270/.323/.492/8

86) Corey Seager LAD, SS, 25.11 – Career high 39.2% FB% didn’t result in a power breakout this season, but it portends good things for the future considering he was able to maintain strong exit velocity and plate approach numbers. 2020 Projection: 94/27/92/.281/.343/.496/1

87) Andrew Benintendi BOS, OF, 25.9 – 6.8% K% increase led to a down year across the board. Also has been getting slower every year. I feel more comfortable about a power rebound than I do a stolen base rebound. 2020 Projection: 93/21/86/.279/.357/.446/11

88) Nick Senzel CIN, OF, 24.8 – Underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in late September which puts his availability for opening day in question. Speed is his best asset right now, but still profiles as an above average all category contributor at peak. 2020 Projection: 74/16/66/.268/.333/.440/19 Prime Projection: 94/24/83/.278/.346/.462/23

89) Jarred Kelenic SEA, OF, 20.8 – Performed well across 3 levels of the minors in his first full season of pro ball, culminating with a 133 wRC+ at Double-A. Above average to plus potential in every category. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 96/25/87/.283/.351/.485/16

90) Clayton Kershaw LAD, LHP, 32.0 – Fastball velocity did not rebound to pre-2018 levels and actually lost another 0.9 MPH, but the slider is as good as ever. 2020 Projection: 14/3.38/1.09/188 in 180 IP

91) Noah Syndergaard NYM, RHP, 27.7 – Much improved changeup became his best secondary pitch but his slider took a step back, losing 2.2 MPH. 2020 Projection: 3.73/1.22/196 in 190 IP

92) Brandon Woodruff MIL, RHP, 27.2 – Third most valuable fastball in baseball behind only Cole and Flaherty. 2020 Projection: 11/3.74/1.20/190 in 165 IP

93) Jesus Luzardo OAK, LHP, 22.6 – Shoulder injury limited Luzardo to just 58 IP at a variety of levels (Rk, Hi-A, Triple-A, MLB playoffs), but he dominated at each stop with 3 plus pitches (mid 90’s fastball, curve, and change). He has a chance to be special, but with a career high of 109 IP, it remains to be seen if he can stay healthy and produce for 180+ IP. 2020 Projection: 10/3.68/1.19/160 in 142 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.39/1.11/213 in 183 IP

94) Julio Urias LAD, LHP, 23.8 – Announced that he will likely join the rotation in 2020. Ranked first overall in average exit velocity against at 83.2 MPH and fastball jumped 2.1 MPH to 95.2 MPH, including during the starts he made early in the season. 2020 Projection: 11/3.68/1.21/139 in 135 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.39/1.11/198 in 182 IP

95) Frankie Montas OAK, RHP, 27.0 – Found that legitimate third pitch by adding a splitter that he threw 18.2% of the time. With a plus fastball/slider combo already in tow, Montas broke out with a pitching line of 2.63/1.12/103/23 in 96 IP. 80-game PED suspension cut his season short, but he did return for 1 start in September with no noticeable performance decline. 2020 Projection: 13/3.64/1.21/185 in 170 IP

96) Gary Sanchez NYY, C, 27.4 – Elite power hitter and does it from the scarce catcher position. On the downside, catchers are always more banged up and at risk of shortened careers. It’s a give and take. 2020 Projection: 69/32/83/.252/.333/.520/0

97) Marcell Ozuna FA, OF, 29.5 – Low BABIP (.259) spoiled what could have been a huge season as Ozuna reached a career high 12 steals and 11.3% BB%. If he can repeat those gains in 2020, the upside is there for him to blow up. 2020 Projection: 82/31/93/.268/.332/.500/6

98) David Dahl COL, OF, 26.0 – Another season shortened by injury, this time by a high ankle sprain that ended his year in early August. .386 BABIP covered up a weak 110/28 K/BB in 100 games, but he displayed an above average power/speed combo and has the raw tools to take his game to the next level. 2020 Projection: 86/23/83/.271/.329/.480/9

99) Amed Rosario NYM, SS, 24.4 – Continues to get stronger, raising his exit velocity 1.9 MPH to a well above average 89.2 MPH, while maintaining his plus speed and good feel to hit. 91.2 MPH FB/LD exit velocity will have to improve in order to take the next step. 2020 Projection: 87/18/79/.283/.322/.446/22

100) Byron Buxton MIN, OF, 26.3 – In the midst of a mini breakout before a shoulder injury ended his season, which required labrum surgery in September with a 5-6 month timetable. The underlying skills (95 MPH FB/LD exit velo, 19.5 degree launch angle, and 30.3 foot per second sprint speed) are there to become a power/speed beast, even if it takes him into his late 20’s to truly put it all together. 2020 Projection: 83/23/76/.267/.321/.475/26

By Michael Halpern (@MichaelCHalpern)
Email: michaelhalpern@imaginarybrickwall.com
Twitter: Imaginary Brick Wall (@DynastyHalp)

Predicting the 2019 Mid-Season Top 50 Fantasy Baseball Prospects

With the MiLB season starting later today, I thought I would kick off the opening day festivities by predicting what the 2019 Top 50 mid-season prospect list will look like. Once the games start, I will stop predicting, and will start analyzing, which now that I think about it, will probably lead to more predictions. Are prospect lists and fantasy advice anything other than predictions anyway?

1) Wander Franco TB, SS, 18.1 – Assigned to Full-A. If Franco performs even half as well at Full-A as he did in the Appy League, he will be the undisputed top prospect in baseball.

2) Bo Bichette TOR, SS, 21.1 – Bichette will be 25 at-bats into his MLB career by list season and will hit the ground running with 2 homers, 2 steals and a .285 average. The hype will be real.

3) Forrest Whitley HOU, RHP, 21.6 – Pushing, shoving, carving, “Fucking and Punching” (shout-out to any Californication fans out there) or whatever the hell else everyone now seems to be calling it, Whitley will be doing it at the major league level by mid-season, and his 2.81 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched will be enough for everyone to forget any inherent risk that comes with young pitchers.

4) Royce Lewis MIN, SS, 19.10 – Returning to High-A to start the year, but by mid-season he should have at least gotten a taste of Double-A, allowing Lewis to show off his all category potential in the upper levels of the minors as a 20-year-old.

5) Kyle Tucker HOU, OF, 21.4 – With him still not called up to the majors, MLBTradeRumors will mention his name 436 times in the month of July.

6) Jo Adell LAA, OF, 20.0 – Will likely return to Double-A in June when he recovers from his hamstring and ankle injuries, but the possibility of a slow start to shake some of the rust off could prevent the hype from being where it would have been had he remained healthy.

7) Carter Kieboom WASH, SS, 21.7 – With Dozier struggling, the calls for Kieboom will grow louder and louder by mid-season, juicing up his value on mid-season lists with his ETA moving up earlier than expected.

8) Keston Hiura MIL, 2B, 22.8 – As Orlando Arcia continues to struggle, Milwaukee will move Moustakas to SS, proving the shift has completely killed and redefined positional value, which will be the tipping point for Manfred to ban the shift. Hiura will be solid but unspectacular in his first taste of the majors before getting hot during the stretch run.

9) Alex Kirilloff MIN, OF, 21.5 – Will prove too advanced for Double-A, as the home-schooled Kirilloff was taking batting practice at his dad’s indoor training facility while the pitchers he will be facing were sitting in History class.

10) Taylor Trammell CIN, OF, 21.6 – Assigned to Double-A, and once you start producing at Double-A, the resistance on prospect lists fades away.

11) Brent Honeywell TB, RHP, 24.0 – Only a few starts into his MLB career, Honeywell will still have some rust to shake off from last year’s Tommy John surgery, but the raw stuff will remind everyone why he was ranked so high in the first place.

12) Brendan Rodgers COL, SS, 22.8 – With McMahon, Hampson, or both firmly establishing themselves as Colorado’s second baseman of the future, Rodgers ETA will become murkier and murkier, and his future in Colorado might come into question as his name pops up in trade rumors.

13) Jesus Luzardo OAK, LHP, 21.6 – He shouldn’t be on this list, but the shoulder injury will likely prevent Luzardo from passing his rookie limits by mid-season.

14) Jonathan India CIN, 3B, 22.3 – Advanced, battle tested SEC bat with power, speed, and a good feel to hit will unsurprisingly rip up the minors, proving his low off-season ranking by many outlets to be too conservative.

15) Kristian Robinson ARI, OF, 18.4 – A good full-season debut as an 18-year-old with Robinson’s tools is a recipe for top 10 prospect status in short order.

16) Casey Mize DET, RHP, 21.11 – Mize’s mid 90’s heat with plus command and a plus splitter will put up some crazy K/BB numbers that will finally have the computers and humans come together in universal agreement. This will lay the seeds for future cooperation between man and machine, preventing the impending robot takeover. Yes, Casey Mize will unintentionally save the world.

17) Luis Robert CHW, OF, 21.8 – Once the production comes, Robert’s top 5 fantasy prospect tools will shoot him up lists.

18) Nolan Gorman STL, 3B, 18.11 – Will be talked about as one of, if not the top, pure power hitting prospects in baseball. Gorman is close to the same age as many of the high school kids in this upcoming MLB draft.

19) MacKenzie Gore SD, LHP, 20.1 – With the unexpected Tatis promotion, I’m half expecting Gore to be headlining the Padres rotation by August.

20) Yordan Alvarez HOU, OF, 21.9 – The “hyped up Houston 1B prospect who is blocked” baton will now be passed to Alvarez. Seth Beer is readying himself for the hand-off on the next leg of the race.

21) Andrew Vaughn 1B, California, 21.0 – I’m always aggressive with ranking incoming draft guys, which led me to rank Andrew Benintendi in my top 10 in 2016, but also Zack Collins in my top 25 in 2017. It’s a give and take.

22) Bobby Witt Jr. SS, High School, 18.10 – The top power/speed combo in the draft, and while his hit tool is high risk and high school stats don’t mean much, he does have a 5/16 K/BB in 22 games this season to go along with 11 homers, 10 steals, and a .587 BA.

23) Jasson Dominguez OF, NYY, 16?? – Ranking Dominguez will simply be an exercise in who is willing to take on the most risk for that unknown upside. For a fantasy list especially, you have to skew upside.

24) Cristian Pache ATL, OF, 20.5 – With Pache’s plus centerfield defense, he only needs to be competent against Double-A pitching as a 20-year-old for the hype to really start to push and shove like a 5th grade bully.

25) Michael Kopech CHW, RHP, 22.11 – Underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2018, so no news will be good news, but out of sight, out of mind is a very real thing on prospect lists. Just ask Dusty Colorado.

26) A.J. Puk OAK, LHP, 23.11 – Puk should have at least a few rehab starts under his belt by mid-season, which will be enough to prove his stuff has returned and allow him to flash that elite K upside.

27) Gavin Lux LAD, SS, 21.4 – Speaking of upside, Lux might not have a ton of it, but a 21-year-old with a moderate power/speed combo and a good feel to hit who is performing well at the upper level of the minors will be tough to overlook.

28) Drew Waters ATL, OF, 20.3 – Aggressively assigned to Double-A to start the season, giving Waters the opportunity to prove he is among the most talented prospects in baseball. I wouldn’t bet against him.

29) Vidal Brujan TB, 2B, 21.2 – Tampa takes it nice and slow with their prospects, as Brujan will head back to High-A where he put up a 1.015 OPS in 27 games last year. He might not be able to do quite enough damage at Double-A, if any, for mid-season prospect lists to really fire up the hype train for him.

30) Andres Gimenez NYM, SS, 20.7 – I expect Gimenez to perform well at Double-A, but not explode, which should keep his prospect stock relatively stable.

31) Daz Cameron DET, OF, 22.2 – Hit tool and plate approach will be good enough against advanced Triple-A pitching for Cameron’s power/speed combo to shine through.

32) Adley Rutschman C, Oregon State, 21.2 – Slashing .420/.592/.570 with 8 homers and a 18/37 K/BB in 26 games. I should note that Vaughn in particular (13 for 52 with 2 homers) and Rutschman (2 homers in his last 14 games) haven’t been quite as good since conference play began.

33) Jazz Chisholm ARI, SS, 21.2 – Another aggressive Double-A assignment, but this one is a little riskier with Jazz’ 32.5% K% at High-A

34) Ian Anderson ATL, RHP, 20.11 – I wouldn’t be shocked if Anderson was up with the big league club by list season, and nothing jumps you up lists faster than performing well in small MLB samples.

35) George Valera CLE, OF, 18.5 – Everybody who was able to draft Valera later than they should have been able to in their off-season prospect draft should thank that hamate bone injury for ending his season after just 6 games. The buy window will be slammed shut by mid-season.

36) Sixto Sanchez MIA, RHP, 20.8 – Held back in extended spring training in an effort to limit his early season innings, but also because he may not be 100% healthy after elbow troubles last season and collarbone soreness that held him out of the Arizona Fall League. The injuries are starting to dampen the hype.

37) Dylan Cease CHW, RHP, 23.3 – Returning to Double-A where he put up a pitching line of 1.72/0.99/78/22 in 52.1 IP last season. I expect Cease to be eased into the Majors as a relief pitcher to help Chicago down the stretch in the playoff race.

38) Luis Urias SD, SS/2B, 21.10 – Surprise … Tatis cracked the roster and Urias was sent down. How sad is it that it is absolutely shocking and worthy of praise when baseball teams actually have their best players break camp.

39) Luis Garcia WASH, SS, 18.10 – Back in 2017 I had Leody Taveras ranked 99th and Fernando Tatis Jr. ranked 100th (the vast majority of lists did not have Tatis in their top 100 at all), and wrote, “Hopefully these two lottery tickets turn out better than the one sitting on my coffee table right now.” I don’t think I have to tell you how that turned out so far. Garcia is in a similar boat where the numbers haven’t necessarily been there, but he has been very young compared to his competition and the talent is evident.

40) Jeter Downs LAD, SS, 20.8 – I talked about Downs being one of my favorite underrated prospects in 2019 on the Reunion episode of the Razzball Prospect Podcast, where Ralph Lifshitz and I ran down our favorite prospect targets.

41) Jarred Kelenic SEA, OF, 19.8 – Strong full-season debuts from 19-year-old power-speed combos is a sure way to get the fantasy community dreaming about that upside.

42) Triston McKenzie CLE, RHP, 21.8 – Will be out for about the first month of the season with an upper back strain, which could delay his Triple-A promotion and thus delay the real hype until 2020 off-season lists.

43) Julio Rodriguez SEA, OF, 18.3 – Aggressive assignment to Full-A gives Rodriguez more at-bats to impress prospect rankers, and is an indicator of how high Seattle is on him.

44) Ke’Bryan Hayes PIT, 3B, 22.2 – The power is coming and Hayes will be knocking on the door of the bigs.

45) Bubba Thompson TEX, OF, 20.10 – Will make the leap this year with an improved plate approach and development in the power department.

46) Nico Hoerner CHC, SS, 21.11 – Assigned to Double-A to start the year. I guess the theme of a lot of the risers on this predicted list is if your team believes in you, and gives you the opportunity to shine at higher levels, the list makers will love you.

47) Hunter Bishop OF, ASU, 20.9 –  Turned it up even more since conference play started, with 6 homers in his last 8 games. He’s also young for his draft class. Bishop’s fantasy fypd stock is soaring.

48) Austin Riley ATL, 3B, 22.0 – The only thing between Riley and Atlanta’s 3B job is the brittle and declining Donaldson. I don’t think he will take it over by mid-season, so short of him going Rhys Hoskins at Triple-A, his value should remain stable.

49) Jesus Sanchez TB, OF, 21.6 – Sanchez’ dynasty value has remained pretty stable since 2017, with solid but unexciting stat lines, and I’m expecting the same for 2019.

50) Victor Victor Mesa MIA, OF, 22.8 – Somebody has to be a dropper (taking into account all the graduates) and I’ll go with Victor Victor as he gets picked apart by professional scouts and adjusts to stateside ball.

Just missed: Luis Garcia, Nick Madrigal, Corbin Carroll, CJ Abrams, Riley Greene, Trevor Larnach, Xavier Edwards

Graduates: Vlad Guerrero Jr., Eloy Jimenez, Victor Robles, Fernando Tatis Jr., Nick Senzel, Alex Reyes, Tyler O’Neill, Pete Alonso, Garrett Hampson, Chris Paddack, Christian Stewart, Yusei Kikuchi, Yusniel Diaz, Austin Hays, Danny Jansen, Francisco Mejia, Josh James, Corbin Burnes, Mike Soroka

By Michael Halpern (@MichaelCHalpern)
Email: michaelhalpern@imaginarybrickwall.com
Twitter: Imaginary Brick Wall (@DynastyHalp)

10 Dynasty Baseball Slanted Bold Predictions

I hate bold prediction articles. I hate how embarrassingly wrong all of them are at the end of the season. I hate how they make you a worse fantasy player, because you get it in your head that these things are going to happen, and they aren’t going to happen. I hate how they aren’t really predictions, because if you were really predicting it, it would be reflected in your rankings. Here are my 10 Dynasty Baseball Slanted Bold Predictions:

Click the below links for my previous off-season content:
Halp’s Dynasty Baseball Podcast
2019 Top 1,000 Dynasty Baseball Rankings
2019 Top 472 Dynasty Baseball Prospect Rankings
Updated March Top 100 Prospects Ranking
11 Dynasty Baseball Rules to Live By
2020 Top 90 Dynasty Baseball First Year Player Draft Rankings (1st Edition)
The Dynasty Baseball Rundown (3/10/19)

1) Daz Cameron will have a Ramon Laureano-like August and September, helping many a fantasy team take home the title in those crucial final months. The power is definitely coming. Just watch him crush this grand slam on Sunday. With groundball rates consistently under 40% for the last two seasons, this power breakout was inevitable. Add to that plus speed, plus centerfield defense, and a clear path to playing time, and Cameron is one of my favorite underrated prospects in general.

2) Garrett Stubbs will be the strong side of a starting catcher platoon with Robinson Chirinos/Max Stassi by June, and finish the season as a top 15 catcher. Chirinos was one of the worst pitch framers in baseball last season according to StatCorner, costing his team 14.5 runs. I’m sure those numbers will look better with Houston, but point being he is not some defensive catching wizard Houston will feel compelled to keep in the linuep (conversely, Stassi was one of the best pitch framers, saving Houston 8.4 runs). Stubbs also brings a unique skillset compared to Chirinos/Stassi in hitting left handed, making good contact with a 15.6% K% (Chirinos struck out 32.9% of the time and Stassi 29.6%), and above average speed, going 35 for 38 on stolen base attempts in his 304 game MiLB career (Chirinos and Stassi can both be timed with a sundial as my high school coach used to often yell at me as I ran the bases). With Chirinos signed to only a one year deal, I foresee Stubbs being drafted as a top 10 catcher in redraft leagues in 2020.

3) Hunter Harvey will remain healthy all season, and armed with a new splitter, will re-establish himself as one of the best young starters in baseball. Harvey was sitting 95-97 with a high of 98 MPH this spring. Baltimore has babied him the last couple years (preventing him from throwing the splitter) with the intent on keeping him healthy, but that obviously hasn’t worked, so the training wheels are off now. I expect Harvey to debut this season and will boldly predict a sub 3.80 ERA with over a strikeout per inning in 70 IP, and would keep my eye on him in redraft leagues as the talent and upside are all still there.

4) AJ Puk will be drafted as a top 30 SP in 2020 redraft leagues after being a strikeout machine in the 2nd half of the season, while also picking up the win in game 7 of the WS with 6 shutout innings and 10 K’s. Puk had Tommy John surgery on April 10, 2018. Even with the most conservative of rehab schedules, he is going to be ready to go by the 2nd half, and his strikeout numbers will have fantasy owners drooling over the potential. Oakland also has a terrible starting rotation, and with them managing Puk’s innings early in the season, he will just be hitting his stride by the time the playoffs roll around. If Luzardo gets healthy, and Oakland trades for a starter or two, they have the dominant offense and bullpen to break that Billy Beane playoff curse.

5) Carter Kieboom will be the Nationals starting 2B by August and OPS over .800 in the final two months. Kieboom had an impressive spring, slashing .279/.353/.558 with 3 homers and a 10/6 K/BB in 43 at-bats. Two of those homers came off Justin Verlander. He’s got a good feel to hit with natural loft in his swing. Brian Dozier is on a 1 year deal, so Washington will not hesitate to make the switch if they are in the playoff race and Dozier is hurt or under performing. Washington might not be so patient waiting on Dozier’s patented 2nd half surge which never came last season.

6) Nick Neidert will be drafted as a top 50 starter in redraft leagues next season after he puts up impressive K/BB numbers down the stretch in his MLB debut. I’ve been high on Nick Neidert for years now, because plus changeup guys can’t get love on mainstream lists. Scouts love breaking balls more than Roastmaster General Jeff Ross does. He also has plus control and command. He’s basically a poor man’s Chris Paddack (Paddack has the superior fastball).

7) Austin Meadows will go 20/20 with a .280+ average and be a top 50 overall player in 2019. Meadows has the 83rd fastest sprint speed in baseball, but his run times for 85 ft (which is about the distance needed to steal a base) is 47th fastest. I can spend all day playing around with those Statcast 90 ft splits. He’s displayed a good feel to hit throughout his minor league career with a smooth lefty swing that is geared for both average and power. He’s gonna be a stud.

8) Brad Zimmer will be Cleveland’s starting centerfielder by June and will finish the season with 10+ homers and 20+ steals. Zimmer has been progressing well from major shoulder surgery in July 2018, and with Cleveland’s outfield far from locked down, he should have the opportunity to re-establish himself as Cleveland’s starting CF when healthy. I’ll bring Kyle Zimmer into this one too. His fastball has been in the mid 90’s this spring and is impressing out of the bullpen in Royals camp. I foresee that the Zimmer family is due for some good luck in 2019.

9) Clint Frazier will overtake Brett Gardner for the starting LF job and will hit .265 with 20 homers during the final 4 months of the season. I guess my theme here is talented players being underrated because of recent injury history. If I wrote this last year, David Dahl would have definitely been included. So would Trevor Story, Matt Chapman, and Ozzie Albies judging by the one article I did manage to put out last off-season where I ranked the top inexperienced players and prospects for 2018.

10) I will shatter the bold prediction record and go exactly 7 for 10 on these probably too vague and maybe not bold enough predictions.

By Michael Halpern (@MichaelCHalpern)
Email: michaelhalpern@imaginarybrickwall.com
Twitter: Imaginary Brick Wall (@DynastyHalp)

 

 

 

51-75: March 2019 Top 100 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Ranking (w/ new blurbs, updated rankings, and slightly updated projections)

Things change fast in the prospect world. Even during the off-season these lists can be fluid. Now that we’ve actually laid eyes on many of the 2019 versions of these prospects, and have the first indication of how their parent clubs view them fitting in on the future roster, I decided to update the first 100 of my 2019 Top 472 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Ranking. Here is the March 2019 Top 100 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Ranking: 51-75 (w/ new blurbs, updated rankings, and slightly updated projections):

CLICK HERE FOR 1-25
CLICK HERE FOR 26-50
CLICK HERE FOR 76-114 (PODCAST)

Click the below links for my previous off-season content:
2019 Top 1,000 Dynasty Baseball Rankings
2019 Top 472 Dynasty Baseball Prospect Rankings
11 Dynasty Baseball Rules to Live By
2020 Top 90 Dynasty Baseball First Year Player Draft Rankings (1st Edition)
The Dynasty Baseball Rundown (3/10/19)

+17 (51) Cristian Pache ATL, OF, 20.5 – I was the high guy on Pache back in 2017 when I was the only list to have him in my top 100, telling you to ignore the poor numbers and draft the talent. He’s currently 10 for 22 for 2 homers, 1 steal and a 1.364 OPS. Looking at the other prospects I ranked towards the back of that list, I was also high on Austin Hays, Carter Kieboom (who took Justin Verlander deep twice yesterday), Colton Welker, and Bubba Thompson relative to the rest of the “industry.” Not bad if I say so myself. ETA: Late 2020 Prime Projection: 83/19/76/.269/.3335/.448/26

+101 (52) Austin Hays BAL, OF, 23.9 – On a rampage this spring, blasting another homer yesterday and now has 4 total with a .355 BA and 1.246 OPS. He is the favorite to open the season as Baltimore’s starting RF, and there is no reason not to jump back on the bandwagon. He’s worth a flyer late in redraft leagues too. (Update: Sent down to Triple-A. Note to self: Never take merit into account when trying to guess playing time decisions) 2019 Projection: 52/17/61/.254/.318/.436/2 Prime Projection: 81/26/87/.271/.337/.468/5

-10 (53) Josh James HOU, RHP, 26.1 – The risk of James not being utilized in the most advantageous of ways for fantasy owners is getting greater and greater by the day. The quad injury took him out the running for the 5th starter job, but there were indications even before the injury that he was not the favorite. Forrest Whitley is also knocking on the door and Dallas Keuchel is still not out of the question. The strikeout upside is unquestionable, but opportunity is becoming a legitimate concern. 2019 Projection: 5/3.91/1.28/105 in 90 IP Prime Projection: 13/3.63/1.28/193 in 170 IP

-8 (54) Victor Victor Mesa MIA, OF, 22.8 – I was one of the first to pump the breaks on the Gurriel brothers hype train back in 2016 (incidentally, I think Lourdes is being underrated now), being leery of the Cuban hype machine, but I might have gotten a little too swept up in the Victor Victor hype. Just goes to show you that you can get swept up in propaganda even if you know it is coming. Mesa got hurt in his first game this spring, so the uncertainty of how good he really is continues to grow. ETA: Mid 2020 Prime Projection: 88/14/71/.277/.334/.436/24

55) Triston McKenzie CLE, RHP, 21.8 – Cleveland has been so great with pitching prospects recently (Kluber, Carrasco, Clevinger, Bieber, Bauer) it is hard not to have an extra tick or two of confidence in McKenzie. And why shouldn’t we, considering developing talent is at least half the battle and maybe much more than that. An upper back strain will keep him out about 6 weeks, but that shouldn’t impact his dynasty value much, if at all. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 13/3.38/1.14/188 in 176 IP

56) Corbin Burnes MIL, RHP, 24.5 – Battling for the last spot in Milwaukee’s rotation, but considering the attrition rate of starters and Milwaukee’s shaky rotation to begin with, he should get his chance at some point this year even if he loses the competition. 2019 Projection: 6/3.94/1.27/110 in 120 IP Prime Projection: 13/3.61/1.18/175 in 180 IP

57) Ian Anderson ATL, RHP, 20.11 – Soroka has a bum shoulder. Gausman already had inflammation in his right shoulder and got shellacked in his spring debut. Mike Foltynewicz has a sore pitching elbow and just started playing light catch. Touki Toussaint has nasty stuff but still has a lot to prove. Luiz Gohara is feeling tightness in his shoulder. All of this to say it is not so far fetched that we see Anderson make more than a handful of major league starts this season. I moved up his ETA up from late 2020, to late 2019. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 15/3.45/1.20/210 in 190 IP

58) A.J. Puk OAK, LHP, 23.11 – With a stacked bullpen and how desperate Oakland is for impact starters, a rotation spot should be waiting for Puk when he is ready. In redraft leagues, I would be closely monitoring Puk’s progress, and be ready to pounce at the first hint of him rounding into form. ETA: 5/3.70/1.33/84 in 72 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.42/1.26/214 in 186 IP

59) Austin Riley ATL, 3B, 22.0 – Although Riley’s overall spring numbers are poor (.615 OPS), I take it as a good sign that he has a solid 7/3 K/BB in 32 at-bats after striking out 4 times in 8 at-bats in Spring 2017 and 10 times in 24 at-bats in Spring 2018. Maybe saying it is a “good sign” is a little too strong, but it’s better than the alternative. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 79/29/93/.262/.332/.485/2

60) Jesus Sanchez TB, OF, 21.6 – 1 for 13 with 1 homer this spring. Was optioned back to the minors this weekend. Sanchez has a good feel to hit, plus raw power, and some speed too. Hit ultimate hitting profile can still go in any number of different directions. This 21-year-old season should start to truly reveal the player he will likely become. ETA: Mid 2020 Prime Projection: 78/25/83/.276/.332/.478/9

61) Drew Waters ATL, OF, 20.3 – Now seems like a good time to tell you that I’ve been battling the flu this week, but like German Marquez, it’s not gonna stop me from performing. I’ve been trying to stay hydrated as much as possible, so I guess you can say I drew waters out of the faucet all week … my bad, I try to avoid bad puns in my writing, but I get to blame that one on being sick. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 86/21/84/.278/.335/.474/20

-28 (62) Mike Soroka ATL, RHP, 21.8 – I find trying to differentiate injury risk between pitchers one of the toughest things to do as a ranker, because all pitchers are already high risk. But now that Soroka has felt renewed pain in his shoulder, it is clear I didn’t factor in last season’s shoulder injury enough on my original ranking. ETA: Mid 2019 Prime Projection: 13/3.49/1.12/170 in 182 IP

+10 (63) Touki Toussaint ATL, RHP, 22.9 – Gets a bump now that he is the favorite for the last spot in the rotation. He’s got nasty stuff evidenced by a 84.9 MPH average exit velocity against and 32 K’s in 29 MLB IP, but control/command is still a work in progress and ultimately the reliever risk is very real. 2019 Projection: 8/4.23/1.38/141 in 140 IP Prime Projection: 13/3.81/1.31/186 in 180 IP

64) George Valera CLE, OF, 18.5 – Saw a great gif in the Rotoworld MiLB Forum comparing Valera’s swing to Robinson Cano’s. It really is uncanny. That forum is a great place to talk about prospects in general and to get the early scoop on some pop up guys during the season. You should definitely check it out. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 88/23/88/.291/.365/.493/9

65) Nick Madrigal CHW, 2B, 22.1 – I can’t decide if I’m underrating Madrigal or overrating him. He seems like one of the most divisive prospects in this year’s FYPD pool. It’s going to come down to how hard his contact is now that he is healed up from last season’s wrist injury. ETA: Late 2020 Prime Projection: 92/11/63/.296/.351/.418/24

66) Corbin Carroll OF, HS, 18.7 – Haven’t heard anything new on Carroll. While he is generally ranked too high to say he is underrated, I think his small stature is really preventing the hype train from going into overdrive. Prime Projection: 96/23/92/.285/.358/.478/26 ETA: 2023

67) CJ Abrams SS, HS, 18.6 – Abrams is now the favorite to be the 1st high school player selected in the draft. Witt’s hit tool is too risky for teams drafting at the very top. Prime Projection: 96/18/71/.287/.349/.453/29 ETA: 2023

68) Riley Greene OF, HS, 18.6 – Reports from Fangraphs have been glowing about Greene in the early going this year. You should really check out that article if haven’t already for tons of great draft nuggets. Prime Projection: 91/25/92/.288/.373/.505/13 ETA: 2023

69) Jazz Chisholm ARI, SS, 21.2 – Chisholm has been working on his patience this spring. “You can definitely get yourself out when you go up there overaggressive instead of going up there and taking your pitch and hitting your pitch,” he said. “I’m just working on staying a little less aggressive but still being aggressive. Cutting it loose when I get the pitch to cut it loose on, not trying to do too much.” So he is trying to be aggressive but also not be aggressive and wants to cut it loose but also not try to do too much. Who said this hitting a baseball thing was easy? ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 82/23/76/.241/.313/.438/16

70) Trevor Larnach MIN, OF, 22.1 – Seems like there are a couple guys in each 25 player group that I don’t have anything interesting to add. Larnach and Edwards are those guys in this group. ETA: Late 2020 Prime Projection: 78/26/87/.263/.347/.483/2

71) Xavier Edwards SD, SS, 19.8 – “As above, so below.” ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 103/10/56/.291/.366/.401/36

72) Nathaniel Lowe TB, 1B, 23.9 – Not a great spring for someone trying to force their way into a crowded lineup and prove they aren’t a one year wonder, going 3 for 32 with 14 K’s and 1 walk. Ultimately, how he performs at Triple-A is all that will matter. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 73/25/82/.264/.339/.470/1

73) Michael Chavis BOS, 3B, 23.8 – Since I wrote about Chavis in my first Dynasty Baseball Rundown of the season, he has only continued to mash with 4 homers and a 1.152 OPS. Whether he breaks into the majors through trade, injury, or poor performance, Chavis has the type of power that can carry your fantasy squad for a few weeks if he gets hot at the right time. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 72/28/88/.254/.328/.476/5

+130 (74) Kyle Lewis SEA, OF, 23.9 – The knee looks good and that is all I need to see for Lewis to rise up my rankings. I ranked him first on my pre-draft list in 2016, and I’m just happy to see him healthy again. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 79/27/89/.265/.343/.474/8

-20 (75) Alex Verdugo LAD, OF, 22.11 – The whispers over how well Verdugo handles the mental aspect of the game have grown louder and louder. The power has always been an issue for fantasy, and even if you don’t buy into the mental concerns (lack of effort and focus), if it prevents the Dodgers or another team from really giving him a true chance to grow and develop at the major league level, it is a problem. 2019 Projection: 40/8/36/.273/.335/.415/5 Prime Projection: 84/18/82/.285/.351/.447/9

CLICK HERE FOR 1-25
CLICK HERE FOR 26-50
CLICK HERE FOR 76-114 (PODCAST)

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT MY WORK I WOULD BE FOREVER GRATEFUL. PLEASE CONTRIBUTE WHATEVER YOU FEEL IS APPROPRIATE:


CLICK HERE FOR MY PAYPAL ACCOUNT
CLICK HERE FOR MY VENMO ACCOUNT
THANK YOU!

By Michael Halpern (@MichaelCHalpern)
Email: michaelhalpern@imaginarybrickwall.com
Twitter: Imaginary Brick Wall (@DynastyHalp)

26-50: March 2019 Top 100 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Ranking (w/ new blurbs, updated rankings, and slightly updated projections)

Things change fast in the prospect world. Even during the off-season these lists can be fluid. Now that we’ve actually laid eyes on many of the 2019 versions of these prospects, and have the first indication of how their parent clubs view them fitting in on the future roster, I decided to update the first 100 of my 2019 Top 472 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Ranking. Here is the March 2019 Top 100 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Ranking: 26-50 (w/ new blurbs, updated rankings, and slightly updated projections):

CLICK HERE FOR 1-25
CLICK HERE FOR 51-75
CLICK HERE FOR 76-114 (PODCAST)

Click the below links for my previous off-season content:
2019 Top 1,000 Dynasty Baseball Rankings
2019 Top 472 Dynasty Baseball Prospect Rankings
11 Dynasty Baseball Rules to Live By
2020 Top 90 Dynasty Baseball First Year Player Draft Rankings (1st Edition)
The Dynasty Baseball Rundown (2/24/2019)

+5 (26) Christin Stewart DET, OF, 25.4 – One of my favorite underrated prospects, Stewart is performing well this spring, going 5 for 18 with 2 homers and a .944 OPS, but more importantly he proved he is fully recovered from the core muscle surgery which ended his 2018 season. Take advantage of the fact he gets no respect on traditional lists because of his poor defense, and draft him in every league he is available (redraft, shallow keeper, etc …). I want to say he will provide similar value to Matt Olson and Matt Chapman, but while Stewart’s launch angle and strikeout rate should be similar, his exit velocity readings weren’t as beastly as those two. 2019 Projection: 73/26/85/.249/.336/.470/1 Prime Projection: 77/31/93/.254/.345/.489/1

27) Luis Robert CHW, OF, 21.8 – The injured thumb that tanked Robert’s 2018 season is jammed again after a headfirst slide into 2nd base. It’s supposedly not that serious and should sideline him only a few days, but it’s not a good sign how easily it got re-injured. Also, maybe we shouldn’t be sliding headfirst in spring training games, although are spring training games any less meaningful for prospects than minor league games? ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 86/27/88/.265/.338/.481/18

28) Jonathan India CIN, 3B, 22.3 – Nothing new to say on India and Gorman. They are still my top 2 picks in a first year player draft. ETA: Mid 2020 Prime Projection: 91/24/85/.268/.346/.463/14

29) Nolan Gorman STL, 3B, 18.11 – Look up one inch. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 88/36/105/.265/.355/.520/2

30) Yusei Kikuchi SEA, LHP, 27.9 – Hasn’t looked all that hot this spring, but he did look better in his latest outing. I think Kikuchi couldn’t care less about feeding the hype machine, and is slowly adjusting to a new routine and getting himself ready for when it counts. I wouldn’t expect to truly see him at his best and open up his full bag of tricks until the regular season begins. 2019 Projection: 12/3.69/1.21/163 in 170 IP

31) MacKenzie Gore SD, LHP, 20.1 – This is a lofty ranking for a young pitching prospect who hasn’t really proven anything yet, and if this thing goes sideways, I’m blaming that flashy, Rockettes-style leg kick. I even mentioned we all might be getting taken in by that leg kick back in my 2017 MLB Draft Ranking, where I ranked Gore 5th and said, “I am a sucker for a big lefty with a funky delivery, and Gore not only checks those boxes, but he also has elite control of a low 90’s fastball, along with three different secondary pitches (slider, curveball, changeup) that flash plus and project as above average or better. Nothing about him screams ace, and maybe we are all being pulled in by that leg kick (something I am seriously considering, ha) but all together, there doesn’t seem to be many weaknesses, either.” The very same thing could still be said about him today.  ETA: 2021/22 Prime Projection: 15/3.21/1.07/215 in 200 IP

32) Casey Mize DET, RHP, 21.11 – Mize looked great in his spring debut (and spring finale), striking out 2 in 2 IP and reaching 98 MPH on the stadium gun. He was reassigned to minor league camp yesterday. I think he could more than hold his own in the major league rotation right now, but MLB loves to hide their most exciting young players in the minors for years, just to make sure they lose as much of their marketability as possible before debuting in some meaningless game in August/September after over half their teams fan base has already checked out on the season. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 16/3.49/1.15/215 in 190 IP

33) Andrew Vaughn 1B, California, 21.0 – What the hell, I’m adding 2020 First Year Player Draft guys into this ranking too. Vaughn ranked 4th on my 2020 Top 90 First Year Player Draft Rankings, but I wrote I wouldn’t blame you if you took him #1. And now I’m not blaming myself and would take him #1. He is wrecking college ball right now, slashing .529/.680/1.176 with 7 homers and a 5/15 K/BB in 10 games, although Cal doesn’t really get into the meat of their conference schedule until this weekend.. Plus hit, plus power, and plus proximity. Prime Projection: 82/30/94/.285/.361/.514/2 ETA: 2021

+43 (34) Yusniel Diaz BAL, OF, 22.6 – Count me all-in on Yusniel Diaz. He has a good feel to hit with average speed and if spring training is any indication, his power is about to take the next step. Mitch Haniger is the ceiling comp. ETA: Mid 2019 Prime Projection: 87/26/88/.276/.345/.481/10

35) Kristian Robinson ARI, OF, 18.4 – I drafted Robinson in the 2nd round of my 12 team, hometown dynasty league, passing up on players I had previously ranked higher than him in Gavin Lux and Luis Garcia. Some of it had to do with preferring upside based on my roster construction and league set-up, but when the pressure was on, I wanted Robinson. It either goes to show you shouldn’t be a slave to anyone’s rankings, even your own, or conversely, when the pressure is on and emotions come into play, you make stupid decisions. We’ll figure out which one a few years from now, but until then, I like to put my money where my mouth is, so I bumped Robinson up over those guys. Actions speak louder than words. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 86/28/95/.268/.355/.498/14

36) Bobby Witt Jr. SS, High School, 18.10 – Witt certainly doesn’t lack for confidence, saying last year, “My goal in baseball is to be the best that’s ever played. I want to set my goals high and keep going after them until I eventually can’t do it anymore.” He is old for his high school class and the hit tool needs improvement, but the plus power-speed combo is worth chasing after. Prime Projection: 88/26/92/.257/.339/.479/21 ETA: 2024

37) Jasson Dominguez OF, NYY, 16?? – An international man of mystery. There is still not very much information out there on Dominguez other than a few “The Scout” style Youtube videos of him on the backfields. I just can’t resist the upside. Prime Projection: 96/28/94/.281/.357/.511/19 ETA: 2025

38) Gavin Lux LAD, SS, 21.4 – One of my Twitter followers, @ReedDeSalvo, caught a few Lux at-bats this spring and came away impressed, saying, “Got to see Gavin Lux’s at-bats yesterday. Roping a Thyago Viera fastball for a hit. Didn’t realize how big Lux is — 6’2, 190 legit — his stance is a slightly more upright KBryant (not comparing just saying). You’re definitely high on him, but man I REALLY liked his physique.” You heard the man, don’t sleep on Lux’s physique, and considering he is the same age as the juniors in the 2019 MLB draft, there just might be another level of power to be unlocked. ETA: Late 2020 Prime Projection: 93/20/69/.275/.352/.450/17

39) Danny Jansen TOR, C, 24.0 – Going only 3 for 15 this spring has kept the hype train in check and also kept his price reasonable in redraft leagues. Jansen would be my top late round catcher to target. 2019 Projection: 51/15/59/.257/.345/.429/2 Prime Projection: 64/21/73/.273/.351/.463/6

40) Vidal Brujan TB, 2B, 21.2 – Joey Wendle, Daniel Robertson, Brandon Lowe, and Nick Solak are all currently ahead of Brujan on Tampa’s 2B depth chart. The competition might be even tougher in the OF, plus Brujan has never played a single inning in the OF during his minor league career. Tampa loves to platoon, and while Brujan is a switch hitter, he hits righties much better than lefties. I’m not dinging his value for any of this, but it is something I would keep in mind, and it might make me a little more willing to trade him if the right deal came along. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 91/13/56/.283/.348/.419/33

41) Andres Gimenez NYM, SS, 20.7 – Like Bichette, Gimenez is another player I would love to get sprint speed data on, because I have seen his speed grades all over the place. Maybe one day I’ll get my ass out from behind the computer and start timing these guys on my own. Like my grandfather used to say, “if you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself.” ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 92/17/66/.288/.343/.421/20

42) Sixto Sanchez MIA, RHP, 20.8 – Trade to Miami puts him in a better ballpark, and while Miami is a Quad-A team right now, they can’t be this bad forever. Although they seemed to target a whole bunch of high risk/high reward prospects in their rebuild (Brinson, Harrison, Alfaro), so maybe their chances are actually pretty high of being this bad for a long time. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 14/3.42/1.07/188 in 182 IP

43) Dylan Cease CHW, RHP, 23.3 – Made his spring debut yesterday, pitching a scoreless inning and consistently hitting 98 MPH with his fastball. Control was shaky, throwing only 8 of 14 pitches for strikes, but that can be expected for his first outing. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 13/3.78/1.29/196 in 174 IP

44) Luis Urias SD, SS/2B, 21.10 – 6 for 18 with a 6/1 K/BB, 1 homer, and 1 steal. Strikeout rate was also considerably higher in 2018 than it had been in previous years, and although it came with a small spike in power, his 3.4 degree launch angle in his small MLB sample isn’t a great sign. DJ LeMahieu without Coors would be my best comp, albeit with higher upside because he has been much younger than his competition every step of the way. 2019 Projection: 69/10/50/.262/.328/.392/6 Prime Projection: 96/18/63/.293/.371/.469/12

45) Francisco Mejia SD, C/OF, 23.5 – Cracked his first spring homer yesterday against Mike Leake. He’s now 8 for 16 this spring with a 3/2 K/BB. There really isn’t any room for him in the starting lineup other than at catcher, so much of his value will be tied to beating out Hedges as the starting catcher over the course of the year. Work on that defense! 2019 Projection: 31/9/27/.252/.300/.401/2 Prime Projection: 69/22/82/.278/.331/.456/4

46) Adley Rutschman C, Oregon State, 21.2 – Slashing .343/.540/.800 with 5 homers and a 8/15 K/BB in 11 games. I mentioned in my original write-up that safe college bats are bound to rise as we get closer to the draft, and that is exactly what is happening with my rankings. Why didn’t I just rank them higher in the first place, you might ask? Good question. Prime Projection: 78/26/87/.278/.366/.483/3 ETA: 2021

47) Daz Cameron DET, OF, 22.2 – Another one of my favorite underrated prospects. Cameron has plus speed, a clear path to the future starting CF job, and a batted ball distribution that makes a power outbreak almost inevitable as he matures. I’m also a sucker for bloodlines. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 88/19/69/.262/.340/.442/23

-11 – (48) Luis Garcia WASH, SS, 18.10 – A prospect evaluator I really respect, John Calvagno, voiced some concerns on Twitter in late January about the hype Garcia was getting, saying, “I’m a little lower than most on Luis Garcia (Nats) I saw him for 2 games in April pre-breakout. I liked the hands and the bat speed was evident but the linear swing and minimal load has me ? the future power and not sure the speed ages well. Likely a 2B-3B long term.” This could be a Leody Taveras, getting hype a little too early situation, which I didn’t properly factor in on my original ranking. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 88/22/82/.287/.346/.469/14

49) Jeter Downs LAD, SS, 20.8 – There is a reason one of the smartest teams in baseball stole Downs out from under Cincinnati. He might not have blazing speed or huge raw power, but he excels in the skills that make for a great modern day baseball player. He hit the ball in the air over 50% of the time, had a strikeout rate under 20%, a 9.9% walk rate, and stole 37 bases. I drool over insane tools as much as the next guy, but Downs has insane baseball skills and is being criminally underrated by the prospect community right now. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 88/23/77/.271/.355/.468/18

50) Jarred Kelenic SEA, OF, 19.8 – Practices something called goat yoga, where goats literally walk on your back as you’re lying down. Why am I wasting my time blogging when I can come up with a snake oil scheme to scam gullible young millionaire athletes out of their money? ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 89/24/81/.278/.352/.477/16

CLICK HERE FOR 1-25
CLICK HERE FOR 51-75

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT MY WORK I WOULD BE FOREVER GRATEFUL. PLEASE CONTRIBUTE WHATEVER YOU FEEL IS APPROPRIATE:


CLICK HERE FOR MY PAYPAL ACCOUNT
CLICK HERE FOR MY VENMO ACCOUNT
THANK YOU!

By Michael Halpern (@MichaelCHalpern)
Email: michaelhalpern@imaginarybrickwall.com
Twitter: Imaginary Brick Wall (@DynastyHalp)

March 2019 Top 100 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Ranking: 1-25 (w/ new blurbs, updated rankings, and slightly updated projections)

Things change fast in the prospect world. Even during the off-season these lists can be fluid. Now that we’ve actually laid eyes on many of the 2019 versions of these prospects, and have the first indication of how their parent clubs view them fitting in on the future roster, I decided to update the first 100 of my 2019 Top 472 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Ranking. Here is the March 2019 Top 100 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Ranking: 1-25 (w/ new blurbs, updated rankings, and slightly updated projections):

CLICK HERE FOR 26-50
CLICK HERE FOR 51-75
CLICK HERE FOR 76-114 (PODCAST)

Click the below links for my previous off-season content:
2019 Top 1,000 Dynasty Baseball Rankings
2019 Top 472 Dynasty Baseball Prospect Rankings
11 Dynasty Baseball Rules to Live By
2020 Top 90 Dynasty Baseball First Year Player Draft Rankings (1st Edition)
The Dynasty Baseball Rundown (2/24/2019)

1) Vladimir Guerrero Jr. TOR, 3B, 20.0 – The Zion Williamson of baseball. Both are fat, dominant, and forced to play for peanuts. Let’s just hope Vlad doesn’t go the way of Zion and injure himself before making it to the big stage. ETA: Mid April 2019 Projection: 74/23/77/.294/.365/.502/5  Prime Projection: 103/40/118/.325/.420/.616/5

2) Eloy Jimenez CHW, OF, 22.4 – No news is good news. 2019 Projection: 61/25/69/.281/.338/.504/1 Prime Projection: 92/42/109/.306/.377/.563/1

3) Victor Robles WASH, OF, 21.10 – With Bryce Harper officially signing with Philly, any small chance he could have returned to Washington and stole Robles’ playing time is now gone. Robles is 3 for 11 with 1 homer, 2 steals and a 1.036 OPS thus far in spring. He’s ramping up to be a 5-category stud in short order. 2019 Projection: 84/16/71/.272/.327/.430/24 Prime Projection: 104/21/75/.296/.370/.477/32

4) Fernando Tatis Jr. SD, SS, 20.3 – Murdering spring pitching with 2 homers and a 1.295 OPS in 14 at-bats. Adding Machado to all of the young talent that is ready to break through on San Diego’s roster means there is at least a chance they are competitive enough to make it worth their while to call Tatis up earlier than originally planned. 2019 Projection: 33/10/39/.247/.318/.438/7 Prime Projection: 92/34/108/.273/.362/.526/16

5) Kyle Tucker HOU, OF, 21.4 – Will Houston let Tucker go through some growing pains if necessary considering all of their other options? I don’t know the answer, but my guess is that they are a smart enough organization to allow it … or they will trade him for starting pitching before he marinates too long in the minors. 2019 Projection: 42/12/47/.250/.320/.450/7 Prime Projection: 92/31/101/.278/.371/.518/10

6) Wander Franco TB, SS, 18.1 – Looking at my prime projection for Franco he could easily be ranked #1 on this list, but I’m just not in the business of trading my top prospects who are about to break into the bigs for the next big thing in rookie ball/A-Ball. It just seems like you will constantly be running in circles. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 110/30/110/.310/.395/.587/18

+1 (7) Nick Senzel CIN, 3B, 23.9 – Cincinnati seems serious about using Senzel in centerfield, and he now has a real chance of breaking camp with the big league club. I bumped him up over Lewis because of the new path to playing time. 2019 Projection: 66/14/64/.270/.330/.440/10 Prime Projection: 93/24/91/.288/.360/.484/13

8) Royce Lewis MIN, SS, 19.10 – Has been sidelined with a mild oblique strain. Injury expert, and Twins current manager Rocco Baldelli said, “That’s something we are going to work through and we’re not overly concerned as we sit here right now. It is something to take note of as we go forward.” You don’t want the guy who never got hurt managing the grind of a long season, you want the guy who was always hurt. Bold prediction: Minnesota is one of the least injured teams in baseball with Rocco in town. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 104/23/87/.293/.351/.475/25

9) Bo Bichette TOR, SS, 21.1 – Baseball America says Bo Bichette has average speed. Keith Law says he has above average speed. Fangraphs puts a 45 grade on it. Prospects Live says he has plus speed. Maybe Bichette binged on the never ending pasta bowl at Olive Garden the day Baseball America and Fangraphs were in attendance. Or maybe he has inconsistent speed? Is that even possible? I really wish the Statcast data on minor leaguers became public. Can we get a petition going for that or something? ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 92/25/89/.289/.358/.493/23

10) Jo Adell LAA, OF, 20.0 – If this were a pure fantasy upside list, Adell would rank 3rd behind Wander Franco (#1) and Fernando Tatis Jr. (#2). You can learn to strike out less with experience, but it’s much harder to get considerably faster as you get older. ETA: Late 2020 Prime Projection: 94/37/107/.265/.348/.540/14

11) Forrest Whitley HOU, RHP, 21.6 – I’m tempted to move Whitley higher but I just can’t part with my stud hitters for a pitching prospect, even one as good as Whitley. If you don’t have the aversion to pitching prospects that I have, he would easily be top 5 on this list. 2019 Projection: 7/3.75/1.23/102 in 85 IP Prime Projection: 18/3.25/1.07/240 in 210 IP

+5 (12) Alex Reyes STL, RHP, 24.7 – With Carlos Martinez likely moving back to the bullpen, it gives me more confidence Reyes will find himself in the starting rotation sooner rather than later. He’s scheduled to make his spring debut sometime this week, and I’m guessing he is about to remind all of us what all the hype was about. 2019 Projection: 7/3.71/1.28/136 in 110 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.32/1.23/221 in 185 IP

13) Brendan Rodgers COL, SS, 22.8 – With Arenado locked up long term, Garrett Hampson looking like he will have the first crack at the 2B job, and there still being some rawness to his plate approach, I can’t help but think it might not be the smoothest road ahead for Rodgers’ path to making a serious impact on your fantasy squad. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 83/28/95/.284/.339/.489/5

14) Keston Hiura MIL, 2B, 22.8 – Going 1 for 11 so far this spring doesn’t allow for the Twitter GIF hype machine to take effect in all its glory. The Mike Moustakas signing also puts a damper on his chance of forcing his way into the lineup. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 92/23/87/.287/.350/.476/13

15) Alex Kirilloff MIN, OF, 21.5 – I was curious what the origin of the name Kirilloff was. I didn’t find it, but I did end up in an internet black hole about surname numerology. Here is the Talent Analysis of Kirilloff by expression number 8: “You have the power and potential to achieve great things. It is both your challenge and your birthright to gain dominion over a small part of the earth. Whatever your enterprise, you strive to be the best and most successful in your field. You are highly competitive and will not rest until you are satisfied that you have bypassed the opposition. You enjoy challenges and rivalry.” Damn, pretty spot on. Maybe there is something to this surname numerology after all. Let me check the Talent Analysis of my surname, Halpern: “Yours is the most highly charged Expression number of all. You are like a lightning rod, attracting powerful ideas, intuitions, and even psychic information like unpredictable bolts. You are a powerful presence without any awareness on your part of having personal power. You are a channel for higher vibrations. But in order to be emotionally and psychologically at peace, you must learn to control that flow of energy. You possess a bridge between the unconscious and the conscious.” Fuuuuuck … my website name is pretty new agey and I am into going inward with meditation. Let’s move on before I start buying into this nonsense. ETA: Late 2020 Prime Projection: 93/28/96/.292/.348/.531/4

16) Tyler O’Neill STL, OF, 23.9 – O’Neill’s spring numbers are almost too on the nose, going 2 for 12 with 2 homers, a .167 BA and 1.000 OPS. I looked up the Talent Analysis of O’Neill, and it just says, “Tyler smash.” 2019 Projection: 31/10/33/.238/.300/.470/4 Prime Projection: 88/35/100/.255/.339/.510/10

17) Brent Honeywell TB, RHP, 24.0 – Honeywell’s Twitter account is now locked. I guess it has something to do with him getting suspended 4 games in 2017 for tweeting his frustration over not being called up. If you tweet a suspendable offense from a locked account do you still get suspended? I feel like this falls under the eternal philosophical question of, “if a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” 2019 Projection: 5/4.30/1.34/75 in 80 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.33/1.13/205 in 190 IP

+4 (18) Pete Alonso NYM, 1B, 24.4 – Only a dumb franchise wouldn’t hold their top prospects down for a few weeks to accrue an extra year of service time, so although Todd Frazier and Jed Lowrie are out with injuries, I’m definitely guessing Alonso breaks camp with the MLB club. 2019 Projection: 64/27/78/.243/.320/.464/1 Prime Projection: 83/34/101/.258/.339/.508/1

+5 (19) Garrett Hampson COL, 2B, 24.6 – Looking better and better to win near everyday at-bats in Colorado and possibly gain multi position eligibility along the way. Hampson has seen time all over the field, and is off to a blazing start this spring, going 5 for 11 with 2 homers and 3 steals. 2019 Projection: 73/8/58/.278/.335/.412/28 Prime Projection: 94/14/65/.291/.366/.449/35

20) Jesus Luzardo OAK, LHP, 21.6 – Luzardo was electric in his 2nd spring outing, striking out 3 of the 7 batters he faced. It had his pitching coach buzzing, “He’s got unbelievable stuff. In my opinion, this guy is going to be an elite pitcher in the big leagues. The fastball is electric, the changeup is really, really good, and he’s got an exploding breaking ball.” Usually teams try to keep expectations in check, but Oakland is so desperate for starting pitching they can’t help but be excited. Luzardo’s got a real shot of spending all season with the big league club. 2019 Projection: 8/3.94/1.28/116 in 130 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.38/1.15/198 in 195 IP

+20 (21) Chris Paddack SD, RHP, 23.3 – From the moment I first started writing about prospects I was always higher on plus change-up guys than the big boys in the industry, and was actually hyping up Paddack after his very first starts in 2016. That’s why I regret getting cold feet over the still developing curveball in my January prospect ranking, and while being ranked #41 is still very good for a pitcher in my rankings, the mid 90’s fastball and elite change-up deserved more respect. 2019 Projection: 4/3.81/1.24/73 in 68 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.41/1.12/203 in 188 IP

22) Michael Kopech CHW, RHP, 22.11 – Started throwing in February as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery. We always focus on the physical aspect of the game, but like Yogi Berra said, “Baseball is 90 percent mental and the other half is physical.” Here is a great article on how Kopech handles the mental side of the game, which alludes to meditation being at least one tool in his arsenal. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 17/3.45/1.21/240 in 200 IP

23) Taylor Trammell CIN, OF, 21.6 – Trammell’s elite athletisism and plus power-speed combo get talked about a ton, but to stick with this mental aspect of the game theme, his elite character and leadership qualities don’t get mentioned often enough. He won his high school’s top leadership award and earned a 3.4 GPA. Reds manager, David Bell, recently said, “We’ve really enjoyed having him in camp. The interaction and conversations. He’s really a pleasure to be around. He’s a hard worker, really talented. He seems comfortable out there. He’s played well. More than anything, it’s fun getting to know him.” ETA: Late 2020 Prime Projection: 92/18/73/.266/.344/.452/24

24) Carter Kieboom WASH, SS, 21.7 – 4 for 10 with 2 doubles and a 1/3 K/BB. Doesn’t have huge power or speed upside, but is a safe bet to be a strong all category contributor. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 92/25/86/.280/.366/.485/9

25) Yordan Alvarez HOU, OF, 21.9 – You don’t think billion dollar major league baseball organizations have any strategies when it comes to manipulating the media, do you? Nah, probably not. That’s why when they tell you there is nothing to see here with Houston’s blocked, star 1B prospect, you should probably believe them and drop Alvarez way, way down your rankings. It wouldn’t be because every team is going to ask for him in trade negotiations this upcoming season, is it? Nah, that couldn’t be it. Who needs big sluggers these days anyway? ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 82/29/98/.268/.354/.505/2

CLICK HERE FOR 26-50
CLICK HERE FOR 51-75

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT MY WORK I WOULD BE FOREVER GRATEFUL. PLEASE CONTRIBUTE WHATEVER YOU FEEL IS APPROPRIATE:


CLICK HERE FOR MY PAYPAL ACCOUNT
CLICK HERE FOR MY VENMO ACCOUNT
THANK YOU!

By Michael Halpern (@MichaelCHalpern)
Email: michaelhalpern@imaginarybrickwall.com
Twitter: Imaginary Brick Wall (@DynastyHalp)

The Dynasty Baseball Rundown (2/24/19)

Baseball is back! And with the super fun way the rules are set up in MLB, now is the only time to watch the best young players compete in MLB uniforms and in High Definition on your television screen. When the games start to count, you can watch them “work on their defense” in grainy footage on your laptop, although MiLB.tv is claiming more games will be available in high quality video this season. We shall see. Here is The Dynasty Baseball Rundown (2/24/19):

Click the below links for my previous off-season content:
2019 Top 1,000 Dynasty Baseball Rankings
2019 Top 472 Dynasty Baseball Prospect Rankings
11 Dynasty Baseball Rules to Live By
2020 Top 90 Dynasty Baseball First Year Player Draft Rankings (1st Edition)

Yoan Moncada CHW, 3B/2B – Writing about Moncada brings back memories to the very first Rundown I wrote back on April 11, 2016. It was a simpler time back then, when doing a write-up like this was a novelty and there weren’t 1,000 other websites in the fantasy prospect game. Other than Baseball America’s prospect hot sheet, my fantasy prospect rundown was just about the only other game in town, and definitely the only fantasy slanted one. I like to think I helped inspire the boom in prospect and fantasy prospect coverage which transpired very shortly after that first rundown hit the wire, and while the landscape is more competitive, dynasty baseball fans deserved the content explosion. Watching the community build from the ground up has been awesome. As for Moncada, he went 2 for 3 with a run, RBI, and K. Adding him in the rundown was more about bringing this thing full circle than for his performance, but also to remind you that he is still a future stud despite his lukewarm MLB numbers thus far.

Pete Alonso NYM, 1B – Pete “don’t call me Peter” Alonso blasted a mammoth homer to center field off a 94 MPH Touki Toussaint fastball. If he keeps this up, he can make us all call him P-Diddy for all I care.

Willie Calhoun TEX, DH – The re-motivated Calhoun lost 24 pounds this off-season by not eating after 7:30 pm and not playing late night video games. I cut down on video games in my early 20’s too, which resulted in me playing more Baseball Mogul on my computer. I don’t know, it felt like a win at the time. Being that Calhoun was already a relatively small guy, I hope dropping that weight doesn’t negatively impact his power at all. He went 0 for 4 to kick things off in the DH spot, and was one of the few players around baseball to get a full game of at-bats.

Byron Buxton MIN, OF – 2 for 2 with a homer and 5 RBI. He was atrocious in the majors last year and wasn’t all that hot in the minors either, so any glimpse of dominance is a good sign in my book.

Yusniel Diaz BAL, OF – Smacked a 2 run homer to left field on a swing where he wasn’t even completely on balance. Diaz looked like an absolute beast at the plate too, and while I gave him a prime projection of 23 homers, I’m thinking even that might be too low.

Cedric Mullins BAL, OF – Set the table going 2 for 2 with 2 runs, a walk and a stolen base. Don’t be surprised if this is common practice for Mullins during the season. He’s still being underrated.

Enyel De Los Santos PHI, RHP – 2 IP with 4 K’s, 0 BB and 0 ER. He isn’t going to crack the opening day rotation, but he has some nasty stuff, and when injuries/ineffectiveness inevitably hits the Phillies starters, you should scoop Enyel before it’s too late. Adonis Medina pitched a clean inning in this game too, with 1 strikeout and a fastball that reached 96 MPH.

Max Schrock STL, 2B – 3 for 4 with a homer, 2 runs, 4 RBI, and 0 K’s. Somewhere far, far away (Canada), in a windowless office deep in the bowels of the stadium with a single fluorescent light bulb overhead, Carson Cistulli is smiling. Or at least that’s how I imagine it anyway.

Sandy Alcantara MIA, RHP – Will need a strong spring to lock down a rotation spot, and Alcantara showed well in his first outing, going 2 IP of scoreless ball with 3 K’s, 1 BB, and 1 hit. He hit 98 MPH on the gun, and was generally in control of his plus stuff.

Adalberto Mondesi KC, SS/2B – Possibly the most divisive player in fantasy baseball this season, Mondesi opened the spring going 2 for 2 with 2 runs scored. He’s going to be one of the most fun players to follow all year … or one of the most depressing.

Kris Bryant CHC, 3B – 2 for 2 with a dinger. Bryant was feeling good about himself after the game too, basically telling all of his doubters to piss off and how the negative chatter only motivated him coming into this season. Not gonna lie, I’m a little concerned about trading him away in my hometown dynasty league for Joey Gallo, Bo Bichette, and Garrett Hampson. I needed the haul to kick start my rebuild, but I’m starting to sweat a bit.

Corey Ray MIL, OF – 2 for 3 with a homer and more importantly 0 strikeouts. Considering he is the former 5th overall pick in the draft and coming off a season where he hit 27 homers and stole 37 bases, the hype around Ray is mighty quiet.

Gleyber Torres NYY, 2B/SS – Smoothly lifted a homer to dead center field. With The Boss’ sons now pinching pennies, Gleyber may end up the Yanks long term SS if they don’t pay up for Didi next off-season.

Michael Chavis BOS, 3B – Scorched a frozen rope the opposite way for an impressive homer. Chavis has one of the quickest and most powerful bats in the minors.

Nick Madrigal CHW, 2B – 1 for 3 with a strikeout. Only mentioning him because I’m just shocked he struck out.

Taylor Ward LAA, 3B – 1 for 3 with a grand slam. I wouldn’t be surprised if Ward snuck his way into legitimate playing time season, and would keep an eye on him in deeper leagues.

Shed Long SEA, 2B – 1 for 3 with a bomb to dead center. He’s blocked right now, but if Seattle continues to sell off during the season, Long has a chance to put up some fantasy friendly stat lines.

Colton Welker COL, 3B – In his first career MLB (spring training) at-bat, Welker blasted a 2 run homer off a 79 MPH curveball. I’ve loved his swing for a long time now. Sam Hilliard knocked a homer in this game too

Jake Faria TB, RHP – After an awful 2018 it was nice to see Faria look crisp in the early going, throwing a perfect 1.2 innings with 3 strikeouts and his fastball reaching 93 MPH.

Chance Sisco BAL, C – Sisco is trying to nail down Baltimore’s starting catcher role, both for this season and the future. He made a strong opening argument yesterday, going 1 for 1 with a homer and a walk. He always had more raw power than he showed in the minors, so hopefully this is just the start of things to come.

Fernando Romero MIN, RHP – 1 IP with 2 K’s. Romero is in that hype-less prospect-ish void where he isn’t quite a major leaguer yet, but has also graduated from prospect status. Regardless of the role, Romero is ready and has the stuff to make an impact in fantasy leagues this year.

Ramon Urias STL, 2B – Luis Urias‘ older brother. Ramon raked in the Mexican League before slashing .300/.356/.516 with 13 homers and a 58/24 K/BB split between Double-A and Triple-A in 2018. He continued to impress yesterday going 2 for 4 with a dinger. St. Louis has about a dozen underrated infielders in the majors and minors, so who knows if he can find playing time.

Derek Fisher HOU, OF – 0-3 with 2 K’s. He is going to need to play better than this to force his way into an overstuffed Houston organization.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT MY WORK I WOULD BE FOREVER GRATEFUL. PLEASE CONTRIBUTE WHATEVER YOU FEEL IS APPROPRIATE:


CLICK HERE FOR MY PAYPAL ACCOUNT
CLICK HERE FOR MY VENMO ACCOUNT
THANK YOU!

By Michael Halpern (@MichaelCHalpern)
Email: michaelhalpern@imaginarybrickwall.com
Twitter: Imaginary Brick Wall (@DynastyHalp)

2020 Top 90 Dynasty Baseball First Year Player Draft Rankings (1st Edition)

2019 prospects are old news. If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent so much time watching, listening, and reading about these guys, you know them better than you know thyself. With the NCAA Baseball season kicking off this weekend, I figured now is as good a time as any to roll out the first edition of my 2020 Dynasty Baseball First Year Player Draft Rankings. Disclaimer: these rankings may change drastically as we get closer and closer to the June draft. Here are the 2020 Top 90 Dynasty Baseball First Year Player Draft Rankings (1st Edition):’

Click the links below for my previous off-season content:
2019 Top 1,000 Dynasty Baseball Rankings
2019 Top 472 Dynasty Baseball Prospect Rankings
11 Dynasty Baseball Rules to Live By

Player Name POSITION, TEAM, AGE (Years.Months on 2019 MLB Opening Day – Months are on a scale of 0-11 … I know it is not mathematically correct, but gimme a break, I was a History major)

Projections (Hitters): R/HR/RBI/AVG/OBP/SLG/Steals
(Pitchers): Wins/ERA/WHIP/K

1) Bobby Witt Jr. SS, High School, 18.10 – Won of the Home Run Derby at the High School All-Star game and won MVP at the Under Armour All-America Game. Witt has posted elite exit velocity for his age and has plus speed. This is the high upside prospect you are looking for in Dynasty leagues. Prime Projection: 89/28/96/.257/.339/.485/22 ETA: 2024 Where he would rank on my 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking#35 – ranked around Gavin Lux, Kristian Robinson, Danny Jansen, and Josh James.

2) Jasson Dominguez OF, NYY, 16?? – Expected to sign for about $5 million with the Yankees. Dominguez is a chiseled 5’10”, 195 pounds with a plus power-speed combo and good feel to hit. There isn’t that much info out there on him, but the ball explodes off his bat from the three Youtube clips I watched, and the $5 million signing bonus speaks for itself. Prime Projection: 96/28/94/.281/.357/.511/19 ETA: 2025 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #36 – ranked around see above, plus Mike Soroka, Vidal Brujan, and Andres Gimenez

3) Corbin Carroll OF, HS, 18.7 – Undersized at 5’10”, 165 pounds but has a quick and powerful stroke that has produced excellent exit velocity readings. Advanced approach with plus hit and 70 grade speed are his bread and butter. Prime Projection: 96/23/92/.285/.358/.478/26 ETA: 2023 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking:#47 – ranked around Jeter Downs, Victor Victor Mesa, and Jarred Kelenic.

4) Andrew Vaughn 1B, California, 21.0 – Insane sophomore year in the Pac12 with a 18/44 K/BB, 23 homers, and a triple-slash of .402/.531/.819. Plus hit, plus bat speed, plus power and plus exit velocity. If you prefer a quick moving college bat, I would’t blame you if you took Vaughn 1st overall. Prime Projection: 82/30/94/.285/.361/.514/2 ETA: 2021 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #58 – ranked around Austin Riley, Nathaniel Lowe, and George Valera.

5) Adley Rutschman C, Oregon State, 21.2 – Switch hitting catcher with power from both sides, an advanced plate approach, and a sure bet to stick behind the plate. Plus catcher defense makes him more valuable in real life. Prime Projection: 78/25/87/.278/.366/.483/3 ETA: 2021 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #64 – ranked around Trevor Larnach, Seth Beer, and Michael Chavis.

6) CJ Abrams SS, HS, 18.6 – Prototypical top of the order hitter with elite contact ability and elite speed.  At 6’2”, 180 pounds he has the frame to grow into more power, and has posted a top exit velocity of 93 MPH at a Perfect Game showcase, which isn’t bad.. Prime Projection: 96/18/71/.287/.349/.453/29 ETA: 2023 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #71 – ranked around Bubba Thompson, Nico Hoerner, and Mitch Keller.

7) Riley Greene OF, HS, 18.6 – Pure hitter with plus bat speed and plus exit velocity that should lead to more power as he matures. Greene has one of the smoothest lefty swings in the draft. Prime Projection: 91/25/92/.288/.373/.505/9 ETA: 2023 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #75 – ranked around Ke’Bryan Hayes, Estevan Florial, Yusniel Diaz, and Isaac Paredes.

8) Jerrion Ealy OF, HS, 18.7 – Elite two-sport athlete (he’s also a star running back) with double plus speed, vicious bat speed, and elite contact ability. These two sport stars always seem to be a little underrated (see Taylor Trammell and Bubba Thompson, two guys I was much higher on than any other list pre-draft). Ealy has the potential to be an absolute stud. This ranking doesn’t take any signability concerns into account. I would just be wildly guessing at the odds he chooses to go to college to play football. Same goes for my #10 ranked prospect, Maurice Hampton. Prime Projection: 91/21/86/.277/.345/.461/30 ETA: 2023 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #78 – ranked around Nolan Jones, Joey Bart, Travis Swaggerty, and Corey Ray.

9) Michael Busch 1B/OF, North Carolina, 21.5 – Plus hit, plus power combo with sneaky athleticism. Dominated the Cape Cod League, slashing .322/.450/.567 with 6 homers, 3 steals, and a 17/19 K/BB in 27 games. Prime Projection: 85/26/88/.274/.353/.479/8 ETA: 2021 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #90 – ranked around Alec Bohm, Tyler Nevin, and Jordyn Adams.

10) Maurice Hampton OF, HS, 17.8 – Elite two sport athlete (star cornerback) with plus speed and plus exit velocity, but inexperience shows up in his raw hit tool. Hampton is another underrated two sport star. Upside is elite. Prime Projection: 83/24/83/.258/.330/.468/23 ETA: 2024 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #91 – ranked around Jordan Adams, Julio Pablo Martinez, and Wander Javier.

11) Robert Puason SS, OAK, 16?? – Dominguez and Puason are the top tier of the 2019 J2 class. Puason is a long and lean 6’2” with elite athleticism and plus speed. Prime Projection: 93/23/87/.277/.351/.479/22 ETA: 2025 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #100 – ranked around Kevin Smith and Marco Luciano.

12) Carter Stewart RHP, Junior College, 19.5 – Selected 8th overall by Atlanta in the 2018 draft, but never signed due to concerns over a wrist injury. Stewart is a 6’6”, 200 pound man child with a nasty high spin rate curveball. He has an intimidating presence on the mound with a fastball that tops out at 97 MPH. Prime Projection: 15/3.54/1.23/198 in 180 IP ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #101 – ranked around Luiz Gohara, Jon Duplantier, Luis Patino, and Ryan Mountcastle.

13) Graeme Stinson LHP, Duke, 21.8 – 6’5”, 245 pound lefty with a nasty fastball/slider combo that racks up strikeouts. Changeup is far behind and he has been a reliever for most of his college career, so bullpen risk is high. Prime Projection: 11/3.48/1.24/171 in 145 IP ETA: 2021 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #111 – ranked around see above, plus Brent Rooker, Willians Astudillo, and Ryan McKenna.

14) Daniel Espino RHP, HS, 18.3 – Fastball sits in the mid 90’s and can touch 100 MPH, to go along with a plus curveball and potentially plus slider. Espino might have the most electric stuff in the draft. Prime Projection: 14/3.55/1.25/193 in 178 IP ETA: 2023 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #113 – ranked around see above, plus Anderson Espinoza, Isan Diaz, and Heliot Ramos.

15) Brennan Malone RHP, HS, 18.7 – Power pitcher at 6’5”, 210 pounds with a fastball that hits 97 MPH and an arm action that looks like it could launch military grade weapons. Secondaries are still raw, but curveball flashes plus, and has good arm speed and fade on developing changeup. Prime Projection: 15/3.69/1.24/201 in 185 IP ETA: 2023 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #121 – ranked around Leody Tavares, Brandon Marsh, and Justin Dunn.

16) Josh Jung 3B, Texas Tech, 21.2 – Big, physical hitter at 6’2”, 215 pounds who needs to start pulling the ball more to fully tap into his raw power. 32/39 K/BB in 65 games shows good feel to hit. Prime Projection: 78/26/91/.271/.339/.470/4 ETA: 2021 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #127 – ranked around Adam Haseley, Grant Lavigne, and Oscar Mercado.

17) Will Holland SS, Auburn, 20.11 – Plus power/speed combo who performed very well in his sophomore year in the SEC, slashing .313/.406/.530 with 12 homers and 9 steals. Has a very pronounced wide and low batting stance, and a 49/28 K/BB in 66 games shows his plate approach needs improvement. Prime Projection: 84/20/79/.258/.334/.445/23 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #128 – ranked around Oscar Mercado, Sandy Alcantara, DJ Stewart, and Cole Tucker.

18) Michael Toglia 1B/OF, UCLA, 20.8 – Toglia is one of the youngest players in the college draft class. He has plus raw power with a patient approach at the plate that leads to high strikeout totals. At 6’4”, 205 pounds, the potential is there for him to turn into an absolute beast. Prime Projection: 82/27/91/.262/.354/.476/4 ETA: 2022 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #133 – ranked around Luis Alexander Basabe, Austin Beck, and Zack Collins.

19) Yolbert Sanchez SS, Cuba, 22.1 – Slick fielding shortstop with plus speed and everything else still pretty much a mystery. His numbers in Cuba were unimpressive, although he was mostly a teenager and he rarely struck out. Prime Projection: 78/15/75/.274/.331/.423/20 ETA: 2021 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #149 – ranked around Nick Neidert, Logan Gilbert, and Akil Baddoo.

20) Greg Jones SS, UNC-Wilmington, 21.1 – Tooled up athlete with double plus speed and developing power. 70/33 K/BB in 60 games shows he is still raw. Prime Projection: 80/15/73/.255/.337/.418/26 ETA: 2022 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #152 – ranked around Akil Baddoo, Anderson Tejada, and Austin Hays.

21) Kameron Misner OF, Missouri, 21.3 – Plus power-speed combo but approach is more line drive oriented. Was leading Division 1 in walks in 2018 before breaking his foot on a foul ball. Prime Projection: 86/23/79/.262/.350/.465/17 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #158 – ranked around Dane Dunning, Tirso Orneles, and Tristen Lutz.

22) Rece Hinds 3B, HS, 18.7 – Hinds is 6’4”, 220 pounds with possibly the most power potential in the entire draft class. Struggles to pick up spin and has some legitimate swing and miss. Prime Projection: 81/35/96/.247/.338/.516/5 ETA: 2024 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #165 – ranked around Parker Meadows, Jordan Groshans, and Triston Casas.

23) Tyler Dyson RHP, Florida, 21.3 – 6’3”, 225 pounds with a fastball that consistently hits the mid 90’s, a tight slider, and a developing changeup. Reminds me of Trevor Bauer a bit with the odd way the ball comes out of his hand. I’m very intrigued by Dyson. Prime Projection: 14/3.73/1.26/183 in 180 IP ETA: 2021 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #165 – ranked around Brady Singer, Ryan Weathers, and Freudis Nova.

24) Jackson Rutledge RHP, Junior College, 20.1 – 6’8”, 260 pounds with a fastball that can hit the upper 90’s and a potentially plus slider and curveball. Has a delivery that hides the ball very well. Rutledge has a chance to shoot up the rankings by draft time. Prime Projection: 14/3.81/1.28/191 in 185 IP ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #166 – ranked around see above.

25) Logan Davidson SS, Clemson, 21.3 – Plus power-speed combo with a high strikeout rate. Raked in his two years at Clemson, but was horrific in the Cape Cod League, slashing .194/.292/.266 in 139 at-bats in 2018. Prime Projection: 79/23/84/.246/.332/.457/14 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #188 – ranked around Austin Dean, Blake Rutherford and Orelvis Martinez.

26) Nasim Nunez SS, HS, 18.7 – 5’9”, 160-pound speedster with plus athleticism and one of the best gloves in the draft. Limited power projection. Prime Projection:  89/11/59/.277/.343/.401/30 ETA: 2023 2019 Top 2019 472 Prospects Ranking: #208 – ranked around Noelvi Marte, Matt Thaiss, and Tony Santillan

27) Myles Austin SS, HS, 18.2 – Long and lean at 6’3”, 180 pounds. Austin has good athleticism and a plus power/speed combo, but is still raw at the dish. High risk, high reward prospect. Prime Projection: 79/23/81/.254/.322/.450/16 ETA: 2024 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #213 – ranked around Wenceel Perez, Calvin Mitchell, and Kyle Lewis.

28) Spencer Jones LHP/1B, HS, 17.10 – Two way player but ultimate future is likely as a pitcher. Intimidating mound presence at 6’7”, 205 pounds with a low 90’s fastball and good feel for a curveball. He has the upside to be the best pitcher in the class as he gains more experience. Offensively, he has a plus power/speed combo but is still raw. Prime Projection: 14/3.71/1.27/171 in 175 IP ETA: 2024 2019 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #215 – ranked around Dakota Hudson, Kolby Allard, and Kyle Muller.

29) Nick Lodolo LHP, TCU, 21.2 – Projectable 6’6”, 180 pounds with a downhill low 90’s fastball to go along with an inconsistent curveball and changeup. Stuff and upside are better than college numbers indicate at this point in his career. Prime Projection: 13/3.83/1.29/174 in 177 IP ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #219 – ranked around Jay Groome, Evan White, and Lazaro Armenteros.

30) Matthew Lugo SS, HS, 17.11 – High upside prospect with the potential for above average tools across the board. Swing looks great in batting practice, but he is still a bit of a dart throw. Prime Projection: 80/20/76/.260/.335/.450/16 ETA: 2024 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #228 – ranked around Grayson Rodriguez, Luis Rengifo, and Ryan Vilade.

31) Bryson Stott SS, UNLV, 21.6 – A bunch of the college hitters ranked beyond this point are almost sure to shoot up this list based on who takes the next step in their junior year. I leaned young upside for this first edition, but as the safe college bats become even safer with another year of improvements, the good ones will rise. Stott has elite contact rates with a 18/32 K/BB and .365 BA in 59 games his sophomore season. He has above average speed, and while he presently has below average power, at 6’3”, 195 pounds, there is more power to be unlocked. Prime Projection: 88/18/71/.284/.348/.441/17 ETA: 2021 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #233 – ranked around Kyle Isbel, Jake McCarthy, and Tyler Freeman.

32) Braden Shewmake SS, Texas A&M, 21.8 – Solid offensive skills across the board with near elite contact rates (21/21 K/BB in 60 games his sophomore season). Good base runner with above average speed and at 6’4”, 180 pounds, there could be a tick more power in here. Prime Projection: 82/21/77/.275/.340/.460/15 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #237 – ranked around Tyler Freeman, Moises Gomez, and Daniel Johnson.

33) Shea Langeliers C, Baylor, 21.5 – Plus defensive catcher who is a much better prospect in real life than fantasy. Solid offensive skills across the board except for base running, but nothing is standout. Prime Projection: 66/22/74/.260/.338/.449/2 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #260 – ranked around Tyler Stephenson, Chavez Young, and Garrett Whitley.

34) Will Wilson SS, North Carolina St., 20.8 – Has done nothing but rake since entering the SEC, slashing .307/.376/.588 with 15 homers and a 41/27 K/BB in 59 games in 2018. Good feel to hit with at least above average power, but he is not a major threat on the bases. Prime Projection: 79/23/85/.267/.338/.464/6 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #261 – ranked around Aramis Ademan, Jose Siri, and Micker Adolfo.

35) Matt Wallner OF, Southern Miss., 21.4 – Prodigious raw power with the home run totals to prove it, smashing 19 his freshman year, 16 his sophomore year, and 4 in 23 Cape Cod games. Has some swing and miss and needs to refine his plate approach. Prime Projection: 73/27/87/.248/.325/.472/6 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #262 – ranked around see above.

36) Matthew Thompson RHP, HS, 18.8 – Plus athlete with a lightening quick arm and good feel for a curveball and slider. Prime Projection: 12/3.90/1.28/176 in 175 IP ETA: 2023 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #269 – ranked around Taylor Widener, Nicky Lopez, and TJ Friedl.

37) Blake Sabol C/OF, USC, 21.3 – Mediocre numbers at USC thus far, but broke out in the Cape Code League, slashing .340/.445/.573 with 7 homers, 14 steals, and a 21/21 K/BB in 37 games. The tools back up the power/speed numbers. Sabol could be a fast riser with a strong junior season, especially for fantasy. Prime Projection: 78/22/81/.255/.328/.448/12 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #273 – ranked around Luis Gonzalez, Jeissen Rosario, and Junior Santos.

38) Jack Leiter RHP, HS, 18.11 – Son of Al Leiter, and as expected, Jack is advanced beyond his years with a 4-pitch mix headlined by a high spin rate, plus curveball. Doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but he is as safe as a high school pitcher gets. Prime Projection: 12/3.88/1.26/161 in 168 IP ETA: 2023 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #274 – ranked around Junior Santos, David Peterson, and Patrick Weigel.

39) Jack Kochanowicz RHP, HS, 18.3 – Projectable 6’6”, 207 pounds, Kochanowicz throws strikes with a low 90’s fastball, curve that flashes plus, and developing changeup. Like Tyler Dyson, Kochanowicz is another pitcher where I just like the way the ball comes out of his hand. Prime Projection: 14/3.77/1.26/180 in 180 IP ETA: 2023 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #280 – ranked around Michael Grove, Mickey Moniak, and Seth Romero.

40) Nick Quintana 3B, Arizona, 21.6 – Slashed .313/.413/.592 with 14 homers and a 47/32 K/BB in 56 games in 2018. Power showed up in the Cape too, but strikeout issues reared their ugly head with a 44/16 K/BB in 35 games. Prime Projection: 77/24/86/.265/.338/.464/3 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #281 – ranked around Braxton Garrett, Lenny Torres, and Simeon Woods Richardson.

41) Austin Shenton 3B, Florida International, 21.2 – When I tweeted on Tuesday about this list dropping today, a Cape Cod league scout (my former podcast co-host Ralph Lifshitz) immediately texted me, “Austin Shenton > Logan Davidson. Don’t overlook him.” So of course I still ranked Shenton below Davidson. What can I say? I’m hard headed 😉 But I did move Shenton up higher than I had him. He destroyed the Cape, slashing .348/.450/.490, and while he doesn’t have huge power, his hit tool is definitely going to play. Prime Projection: 79/21/81/.278/.346/.456/5 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #285 – ranked around Trevor Rogers, Willi Castro, and Bryan Abreu.

42) Matthew Allan RHP, HS, 17.11 – Prototypical big bodied (6’3”, 210 pounds) teenage pitching prospect with a power fastball that can hit 97 MPH and good feel for a curveball. Command and changeup lag behind. Prime Projection: 12/3.78/1.31/168 in 173 IP ETA: 2024 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #298 – ranked around Josiah Gray, Thomas Szapucki, and Jojo Romero.

43) Bayron Lora OF, TEX, 16?? – Expected to sign for about $4 million with Texas. Lora is a physical beast at 6’4” with a quick bat and the potential for double plus power at peak. Prime Projection: 83/32/95/.263/.348/.518/4 ETA: 2026 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #305 – ranked around Blaze Alexander, Jeremy Eierman, and Kody Clemens.

44) Chris Newell HS, OF, 17.11 – Underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2017. Above average runner with a left handed swing geared for flyballs. At 6’3”, 190 pounds, Newell has a chance to grow into a 5 category stud. Prime Projection: 82/23/87/.269/.343/.472/14 ETA: 2024 2019 Top 472 Prospect Ranking: #307 – ranked around Tristan Pompey, Josh Stowers and Miguel Vargas.

45) Emmanuel Dean OF, HS, 18.9 – Dean is a ripped up 6’5”, 210 pounds with elite exit velocity readings and plus 60 yard dash times. If he was Cuban, baseball writers heads would be exploding. But he’s not, so he’s underrated. Prime Projection: 78/25/83/.245/.329/.468/16 ETA: 2024 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #310 – ranked around Myles Straw, Jose Garcia, and Jonathan Orneles.

46) Jason Hodges OF, HS, 17.9 – Hodges is a big and broad 6’3”, 210 pounds with at least plus raw power at maturity. Near elite exit velocity readings for his age, and is about an average runner as well. Prime Projection: 77/26/81/.249/.328/.477/9 ETA: 2024 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #313 – ranked around Osiris Johnson, Joe Perez, and Jameson Hannah.

47) Drew Mendoza 3B, Florida St., 21.6 – 6’4”, 200 pounds with plus raw power, patience, and strikeouts. Hasn’t performed well in the Cape and hasn’t tapped into all of his power, but has been strong in the ACC (.934 OPS in 2017 and .931 OPS in 2018). Prime Projection: 74/25/82/.247/.332/.470/4 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #318 – ranked around Joe Gray, Sandy Gaston, Diego Cartaya, and Jose De Leon.

48) JJ Bleday OF, Vandy, 21.4 – Power exploded in the wood bat Cape Cod League with 5 homers in 36 games. Has already displayed a good feel to hit throughout his college career, so if the power gains roll over, he could continue to rise as the draft approaches. Prime Projection: 75/23/82/.267/.339/.462/3 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #319 – ranked around see above.

49) Kyle Stowers OF, Stanford, 21.3 – Above average power with a swing designed to lift the baseball, but it also comes with a healthy number of strikeouts. Prime Projection: 73/23/81/.251/.327/.451/8 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #321 – ranked around Osiel Rodriguez, Tyrone Taylor, and Luis Toribio.

50) JJ Goss RHP, HS, 18.3 – Low 90’s fastball with a swing and miss slider and good feel for a changeup. He throws strikes and the fastball should tick up as he fills out. Prime Projection: 12/3.88/1.29/165 in 164 IP ETA: 2024 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #357 – ranked around Jacob Nix, Hunter Harvey, and James Kaprielian.

51) Glenallen Hill Jr. OF, HS, 18.6 – Glenallen Hill’s son. 5’9”, 169 pounds with plus speed and vicious bat speed. Hill profiles as a leadoff hitter with enough power for 10+ bombs. Prime Projection: 86/13/54/.268/.332/.409/25 ETA: 2023 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #361 – ranked around Ryan Rolison, Jason Martin, and Randy Arozarena.

52) Erick Pena OF, Royals, 16?? – 6’3” with a smooth and powerful left handed swing. Prime Projection: 83/27/91/.268/.347/.485/5 ETA: 2026 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #378 – ranked around Esteban Quiroz, Raynel Delgado, and Misael Urbina.

53) Yhoswar Garcia OF, PHI, 16?? – Prototypical leadoff hitter with double plus speed and good feel to hit. At a lean 6’0”, he should develop more power as he ages. Prime Projection: 92/13/59/.279/.340/.418/27 ETA: 2025 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #381 – ranked around Misael Urbina, Zack Short, and Max Schrock.

54) Zack Thompson LHP, Duke, 21.5 – 4-pitch mix headlined by a deceptive low 90’s fastball and breaking ball that flashes plus. Injury issues and control/command issues throughout his career. Prime Projection: 11/3.97/1.33/156 in 169 IP ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #383 – ranked around Logan Webb and Mike King.

55) Tyler Callihan 3B, HS, 18.9 – Plus raw power with a quick left handed swing, advanced approach, and good feel to hit. Prime Projection: 76/25/86/.269/.348/.473/4 ETA: 2024 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #390 – ranked around Kevin Cron, DJ Peters, Dylan Cozens, and Roberto Ramos.

56) Brett Baty 3B, HS, 19.5 – Plus raw power with a quick, uppercut lefty swing. Advanced hitter with the ability to pick up spin and doesn’t sell out for power. Chance he has to move across the diamond to 1B. Prime Projection: 74/26/85/.263/.347/.471/2 ETA: 2023 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #391 – ranked around see above.

57) Alek Manoah RHP, West Virginia, 21.3 – After being used mostly out of the bullpen in his college career, Manoah broke out in the Cape Cod league as a starter, leading the league in strikeouts with 48 in 33.1 IP. He’s 6’6”, 260 pounds with mid 90’s heat, a slider that flashes plus, and a developing changeup. Prime Projection: 9/3.72/1.31/136 in 130 IP ETA: 2021 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #402 – ranked around Luis Ortiz, Dillon Tate, Dennis Santana, and Tim Cate

58) Erik Miller LHP, Stanford, 21.2 – At 6’5”, 230 pounds and the potential for 3 above average to plus pitches, Miller could shoot up draft boards with a great junior year, but he struggles with command and got lit up in the Cape Cod League (7.71 ERA in 23.1 IP). Prime Projection: 11/3.93/1.34/158 in 165 IP ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #403 – ranked around see above.

59) George Kirby RHP, Elon, 21.2 – Potential for 4 average to above average pitches with mid 90’s heat and good control. Prime Projection: 11/3.98/1.31/151 in 160 IP ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #404 – ranked around see above.

60) Ryan Zeferjahn RHP, Kansas, 21.1 – 6’4”, 215 pounds with a fastball that can reach the upper 90’s and a potentially plus slider. Control/command will have to take a step forward in 2019 to shoot up this list. Prime Projection: 10/4.02/1.33/153 in 155 IP ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #405 – ranked around see above.

61) Dominic Fletcher OF, Arkansas, 21.8 – 5’10”, 185 pounds but packs a powerful punch with his strong and quick left-handed swing. He’s smacked 22 homers in his 128 game SEC career. Prime Projection: 73/23/82/.258/.333/.454/4 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #406 – ranked around Luis Campusano, Anthony Banda, and Buddy Reed.

62) Chase Strumpf 2B, UCLA, 21.1 – Breakout sophomore year, slashing .363/.475/.633 with 12 homers and a 53/45 K/BB in 58 games. Doesn’t have any loud tools, but is solid across the board. Prime Projection: 78/20/77/.260/.330/.442/7 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #410 – ranked around Jared Olivia, Miguel Hiraldo, and Ronny Brito.

63) Will Robertson OF, Creighton, 21.3 – Good feel for contact with plus raw power. Slashed .333/.412/.641 with 12 homers and a 31/17 K/BB in 50 games played at one of the toughest ballparks to hit homers in. Prime Projection: 73/24/80/.263/.335/.467/2 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Rankings: #414 – ranked around Edwin Rios, Josh Ockimey, and Luken Baker.

64) Hunter Barco LHP, HS, 18.4 – Prototypical starter size at 6’4”, 208 pounds with an almost sidearm delivery. Barco flashes the potential for 3 plus pitches (fastball, slider, chanegup), but a lot of that is based on projection at his point. Prime Projection: 11/3.93/1.30/167 in 173 IP ETA: 2024 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #428 – ranked around Luis Medina, Gregory Santos, and Rogelio Armenteros.

65) Wil Dalton OF, Florida, 21.7 – Plus power-speed combo who destroyed junior college freshman year and then had a strong season in his SEC debut, slashing .262/.338/.542 with 19 homes, 8 steals, and a 74/24 K/BB. Struggles with breaking balls and is still raw at the plate. Prime Projection: 77/22/78/.246/.320/.442/14 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #441 – ranked around Adam Kloffenstein, Kyle Cody, and Jayce Easley.

66) Sammy Siani OF, HS, 18.4 – Brother of Mike Siani, a 4th round pick in 2018 and my 198th ranked prospect. Sammy isn’t as highly regarded as his brother, but he has plus speed and makes good contact with a smooth left handed swing. Prime Projection: 78/14/69/.269/.337/.410/20 ETA: 2024 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #443 – ranked around Jayce Easley, Joe McCarthy, and Nick Decker.

67) Cade Doughty 3B, HS, 18.0 – Good athlete who can play all over the field. Posted plus 60 yard dash times and plus exit velocity. Type of player who will chip in a little bit in every category. Prime Projection: 82/18/73/.268/.336/.432/15 ETA: 2024 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #445 – ranked around Nick Decker, Terrin Vavra, and Will Benson.

68) Gunnar Henderson SS, HS, 17.9 – Above average exit velocity and 60 yard dash times with a good feel to hit. One of the youngest players in the draft class. Prime Projection: 79/20/78/.267/.346/.445/9 ETA: 2024 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #449 – ranked around Jamie Westbrook, Heath Quinn, Dom Thompson-Williams.

69) Zach Watson OF, LSU, 21.9 – Good athlete with at least plus speed and developing power. Strong power-speed numbers in the SEC (7 homers and 14 steals in 57 games) but 45/16 K/BB shows approach still needs some work. Prime Projection: 77/18/76/.259/.316/.428/19 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #452 – ranked around Brock Deatherage, Osleivis Basabe, and Larry Ernesto.

70) Ismael Mena OF, SD, 16?? – Mena is a lean and projectable 6’2” with plus speed and a smooth lefty swing that generates effortless bat speed. He’s a future 20/20 threat. Prime Projection: 87/22/84/.265/.335/.465/19 ETA: 2026 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #454 – ranked around Larry Ernesto, Owen White and Jake Wong.

71) Alexander Ramirez OF, NYM, 16?? – A 6’3” plus power-speed combo. It goes without saying I don’t have much information on these J2 kids, but he looks like a potential stud on Youtube. Prime Projection: 83/25/89/.262/.337/.479/16 ETA: 2026 2029 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #455 – ranked around Mario Feliciano, Will Banfield, and Francisco Morales.

72) Luis Rodriguez OF, LAD, 16?? – Advanced at the plate with solid tools across the board. Prime Projection: 88/23/86/.278/.353/.475/10 ETA: 2026 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #468 – ranked around JJ Matijevic, Juan Guerrero, and Tyler Phillips.

73) Ryne Nelson RHP, Oregon, 21.2 – Fastball that can hit the upper 90’s with a potentially plus hard slider that he fires from a projectable 6’4”, 182 pound frame. 2019 will be his first year as a starter, so while the upside is high, so is the risk. Prime Projection: 9/3.61/1.28/125 in 119 IP ETA: 2021 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #469 – ranked around Griffin Roberts, Daulton Jefferies, and Mike Ford

74) Mason Feole LHP, Connecticut, 21.? – Unorthodox, reliever like delivery. Feole has a low 90’s fastball and potentially plus curveball that racked up 120 strikeouts in 100.2 IP in 2018, but due to a lack of third pitch and aforementioned delivery, there is major pen risk. Prime Projection: 8/3.65/1.25/112 in 110 IP ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #470 – ranked around see above.

75) Kendall Williams RHP, HS, 18.7 – Projectable 6’6”, 190 pounds with a low 90’s fastball that should tick up as he ages and good feel for a breaking ball. Prime Projection: 12/3.85/1.31/165 in 171 IP ETA: 2024 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #471 – ranked around see above

76) Logan Wyatt 1B, Louisville, 21.5 – Advanced approach at the plate with plus raw power that he hasn’t completely tapped into. Prime Projection: 78/22/81/.267/.359/.459/2 ETA: 2022 2019 Top 472 Prospects Ranking: #472 – ranked around see above

77) Kyren Paris SS, HS, 17.4 – One of the youngest players in the draft class. I always have an affinity for these guys because I was one of the youngest players in my “draft” class too. Paris is an above average runner who makes good contact and should develop more power as he ages. Prime Projection: 76/16/76/.273/.339/.427/13 ETA: 2024

78) Quin Cotton OF, Grand Canyon, 21.0 – Good athlete with a plus power-speed combo. How much of that raw power he taps into this season will dictate his draft day value. Prime Projection: 78/18/75/.257/.318/.421/13 ETA: 2022

79) Quinn Priester RHP, HS, 18.6 – Cold weather arm who has less experience than many of his peers. High spin rate curveball and developing high spin rate two seamer are his best weapons. Prime Projection: 11/3.95/1.32/154 in 162 IP ETA: 2024

80) Matt Canterino RHP, Rice, 21.4 – Solid 4-pitch mix. Herky jerky reliever like delivery, but can’t argue with the numbers he put up at Rice (3.06/0.93/116/22 in 94 IP) and the Cape (2.59/1.08/29/10 in 24.1 IP). Prime Projection: 9/3.78/1.27/126 in 132 IP ETA: 2021

81) Rick Devito RHP, Seton Hall, 20.7 – Dominated the Big East his sophomore season with a pitching line of 1.88/1.03/67/22 in 62 IP. Devito has the potential for 3 above average pitches (fastball, curveball, changeup), all of which he can throw for strikes, and he is young for the class. Prime Projection: 11/3.92/1.30/166 in 178 IP ETA: 2022

82) Judson Fabian OF, HS, 18.6 – Plus bat speed and plus speed with an advanced approach at the plate. Power should develop as he matures. Prime Projection: 82/18/73/.273/.347/.441/16 ETA: 2024

83) Bryant Packard OF, East Carolina, 21.6 – Slashed .406/.462/.671 with 14 homers and a 46/20 K/BB in the American Athletic Conference, and then backed up that performance in the Cape Cod League (.997 OPS in 18 games). At 6’3”, 210 pounds, Packard has the attributes to be a power hitting corner outfielder. Prime Projection: 73/22/80/.264/.345/.458/6 ETA: 2022

84) Jimmy Lewis RHP, HS, 18.5 – Projectable 6’6”, 200 pounds with good control and the potential for 3 above average pitches (fastball, curveball, changeup). Prime Projection: 13/3.89/1.25/178 in 181 IP ETA: 2024

85) Dilan Rosario SS, HS, 17.10 – Plus 60 yard dash times with a swing geared towards all field contact and plenty of power projection at 6’2”, 170 pounds. Prime Projection: 79/17/74/.270/.335/.430/18 ETA: 2024

86) Hylan Hall OF, HS, 18.2 – Toolsy athlete with plus speed and a quick bat. Raw at the plate and power is currently below average, but there are skills to dream on here. Prime Projection: 78/18/74/.257/.326/.438/18 ETA: 2024

87) Maximo Acosta SS, TEX, 16.5 – Prototypical leadoff hitter with plus speed, a good feel to hit, and developing power. Prime Projection: 88/16/69/.273/.338/.427/23 ETA: 2026

88) Anthony Volpe SS, HS, 17.11 – Plus defensive middle infielder with plus speed and makes hard line drive contact. Has a chance to be a solid all around contributor. Prime Projection: 78/15/71/.271/.335/.422/15 ETA: 2024

89) Christian Cairo SS, HS, 17.9 – Son of Miguel Cairo. Christian is a plus runner with a high contact oriented approach and below average power. Prime Projection: 81/13/62/.276/.341/.412/15 ETA: 2024

90) Spencer Brickhouse 1B, East Carolina, 21.0 – Big raw power befitting his last name, but the gains he made with his contact percentage his sophomore year in the AAC disappeared in the Cape Cod League. Prime Projection: 71/24/78/.252/.324/.451/2 ETA: 2022

91) Brooks Lee SS, HS, 18.1 – Good feel to hit and good defensive player but has below average power and speed. Better in real life than fantasy. Prime Projection: 81/17/69/.283/.345/.420/7 ETA: 2024

92) Arol Vera SS, LAA, 16?? – Another lean, 6’2” projectable J2 kid. Vera is a switch hitter with a smooth swing from both sides. Good feel to hit and has shown power in batting practice. Prime Projection: 81/21/78/.275/.348/.459/8 ETA: 2026

93) Adael Amador SS, COL, 16?? – Not a long, lean, and projectable J2 prospect, but Amador is an advanced hitter with a strong history of performance in international competition. Prime Projection: 82/18/66/.283/.351/.435/9 ETA: 2025

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT MY WORK I WOULD BE FOREVER GRATEFUL. PLEASE CONTRIBUTE WHATEVER YOU FEEL IS APPROPRIATE:


CLICK HERE FOR MY PAYPAL ACCOUNT
CLICK HERE FOR MY VENMO ACCOUNT

THANK YOU!

By Michael Halpern (@MichaelCHalpern)
Email: michaelhalpern@imaginarybrickwall.com
Twitter: Imaginary Brick Wall (@DynastyHalp)