With the season already half gone and MLB Pipeline updating its top 100 (today: 7/6/22), what better incentive than to update our own Prospect Ranking..

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You know, when Baseball Prospect rankings are done pre-season, there's a lot of hype that goes into projections (based on the last few months of the prior year or even one or two scout's takes from a game they watched that gains traction).  But, what about when we're in mid-season form?

 

Well, in light of the fact we're playing formal games, we can't help but put more weight on performance (with performance also tied to the level the player is at). Sure, we'll still credit prospects with +++ for the skill sets they possess, even if a promotion (or the new year) hasn't been as kind, but even then, what you'll find in these updated ranks is a "skewed" ranking premised more on "what have you done for me lately" (and at what level). 

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We're also going to graduate (and say goodbye) to a number of guys that have proven they are up for good (or should be), or at least have enough MLB ABs to justify exclusion here, and there's a bunch: JRod, Bobby Witt Jr, Nolan Gorman, Royce Lewis, Hunter Greene, MJ Melendez, Jeremy Pena, Adley, Tork, Vidal Brujan, Shane Baz, Alek Thomas, George Kirby, Seiya Suzuki, MacKenzie Gore, Juan Yepez, Jhoan Duran, Roansy Contreras, Jose Miranda, Spencer Strider, Reid Detmers, Nick Lodolo, Bryson Stott.  

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The last item of note is we use A and A+ to designate the two Single A levels (where, technically, after the MiLB realignment there exist just Single A and High A so is it goodbye "low A", A- or short season A?)

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Rank        Prospect          POS       Team     Age   Level   MLB ETA    

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1.      Grayson Rodriguez     RHP        BAL        22.6   AAA      2022          

A lat injury (making what had to have been a final AAA start before a call-up for his MLB debut) is going to put the GrayRod train on hold.  But, before the injury, Grayson compiled a remarkable 2.09 ERA, xFIP 2.70 (#9 in MiLB), striking out 80 batters over 56 innings (37.4% for a K/9 of 12.86).  He'll be back, but with a club-imposed innings limit (and a team going nowhere), who knows what the O's do.

2.      Riley Greene               OF          DET        21.8   AAA     2022           

Riley was set to make the big league club out of ST, but an injury delayed Greene's MLB debut.  Now that Riley is back in action (including his 1st HR on 6/2/22), a call-up to the majors could happen as early as this month (June).

3.      C.J. Abrams                SS            SDP        21.8  AAA     2022         

While the numbers didn't reflect well for Abrams in his first taste of MLB action (.182 avg, .543 OPS), we saw it as a successful debut because Abrams showed that he could play (not just SS, but the outfield as well).  What we saw was an athletic, multi-positional (and multi-talented) future star. And while Abrams had skipped AAA in his initial promotion, he's since fallen back into AAA rather nicely with a .274 average and .804 OPS, which includes double the home runs (4) he hit all of last year (2) in about half the number of ABs (87 vs 162).  

4.     Daniel Espino              RHP         CLE         21.5   AA      2022         

Espino can really sling it, reaching 102 mph on his heater while sitting in the 97-100 range, resulting in a 2.45 ERA and 35 K's in 18.1 IP.  Fangraphs gives a 60 future value/grade to Espino putting him on short list shared only by Shane Baz and Grayson Rodriguez, making his stuff (and the scouting praise) equally impressive.

5.     Vinnie Pasquantino       1B           KCR        24.7    AAA 2022               

A .291 avg, wRC+165 and ISO of .360 signifies that Vinnie is crushing AAA pitching, again. And literally every ball he hits is crushed (out or not).  Of the remaining players in MiLB (particularly at the AAA level) there is no one more deserving of a call-up than Vinnie P.  Sure, having Vinnie at #5 is obviously a huge surprise among (traditional) ranks, but with the the success he's had in AAA should it be? There's also nothing to suggest that Vinnie P won't be able find the same success against Major League pitching.

6.     Jordan Walker             3B           STL         20.0      AA      2023       

Batting .321, 6 HRs, 14 2Bs to go with 11 SBs and an OPS  of .972, wRC+148 (#68, MiLB), wRAA 13.6 (#34 MiLB) has Jordan knocking on the door to Memphis.  Although there may not be a spot for Jordan Walker in STL at the moment, his easy swing and big power (without having to overswing, 23.0% K rate), coupled with above average to elite athleticism have Jordan projected as a future MLB star.  

7.      Gabriel Moreno           C            TOR        22.3     AAA      2022           

What to know about Moreno?  Well, the guy just keeps hitting....Wherever he goes, whenever he plays, he hits.  While the power numbers are down this year (1 HR in 2022), Moreno has batted a nifty .328 striking out just 16.5% of the time.  Moreno is going to succeed in MLB, no doubt. The question is just when will TOR call him up.

8.     Gunnar Henderson      SS           BAL         20.11     AA       2023           

With an wRC+ of 180 (#6 MiLB) and wRAA of 20.1 (#7 MiLB), and an OPS of 1.037 (.003 behind Corbin Carroll), Gunnar is simply destroying AA pitching and is deserving of a promotion to AAA (some say deserving of a call to the bigs)  

9.     Corbin Carroll              OF          ARI          21.9      AA     2023             

Although Corbin has cooled off from one of the hottest starts to a AA season, he still boasts an OPS of 1.040 (#15, MiLB), and an ISO Power) of .325 (#10 MiLB) to go with elite speed (tied for 13th fastest in MiLB). We've compared Corbin (maybe unfairly so) to Nick Senzel and Jarred Kelenic (based on skillset and size), but there's no doubting that Corbin has put up very good numbers at the Double A level (.294 Avg, 12 Hrs [24th most], 15 SBs).  Could Carroll be a .300 hitter, 20/20 guy in the majors? Yeah, he could be, but striking out 26% of the time (at the AA level) does not bode well, even with a 15% walk rate.  And the culprit? Well, it seems that pitching has adjusted to Corbin's strengths and that Corbin is going to have to readjust if he's going to renew his early  season success.  

10.    Anthony Volpe             SS          NYY        21.1       AA     2023           

After destroying A+ ball, Volpe hit a wall in AA (though he has improved as of late with a .268 avg over his last 10 games to raise his season long average to .206). Volpe has the trappings (i.e. projections of a very good hitting prospect) together with enough speed (18 SBs) and pop (27 HRs last year in A+) to renew our faith that Volpe will continue to adapt to AA pitching and has the skillset to succeed at AA, AAA and the majors.

11.    Triston Casas               1B           BOS      22.4     AAA    2022          

A slow start in AAA [.250 avg, 6 HRs, wRC+115] tempered expectations before an injury brought the promotion talk to a stop.  Still, Casas possesses the ability to hit for power and average (average, average). And, despite his size 6' 4", Casas doesn't strike out as much as other slugging 1B (22.4%) while possessing a decent walk rate (14.7%).   

12.    Max Meyer                 RHP       MIA        23.2     AAA    2022           

As a result of two bad starts (giving up 14 earned runs over 8.1 IP), Meyer went from a sparkling 1.72 ERA, xFIP of 2.97 [30th among pitchers] and 39K's in 31.1 IPs to a rather ugly 4.54 ERA and 44 K's over 39.2.  Those dismal outings were followed by elbow trouble (ulnar nerve) which has Max' season in question.  After being on the cusp of a call-up, Meyer is facing a series of devastating set-backs (getting hit hard and being hurt), and so goes our increased risk investing in (and ranking) fantasy pitching.

13.   Jack Leiter                  RHP        TEX         22.1   AA    2023           

Like Meyer, Leiter was rolling along until a string of bad starts killed the momentum (taking a 1.93 ERA to 5.90).  We watched Leiter in a May 7th start and although he didn't allow a run, he was hit hard which told a different story than the box score. It seemed to us that the fastball didn't have a lot of movement and if it was coming in at 92-96 and straight that it was very hittable.  What we saw did in fact play itself into the box score over the next three starts as Leiter gave up 15 runs in 10.1 IPs.  However, since then, Leiter rebounded with 0 runs, 8 K's over 5.2 innings (May 31) to bring his ERA under 5.00.  So maybe all is well, again....

14.   Miguel Vargas            1B/3B    LAD        22.6   AAA    2022         

After a slow start to AAA, Vargas is picking it up with an average of .292, 7 HRs (and just 39K's to 33 BB's). Vargas is the future in LAD at 3B, slow start or not.

15.   Michael Harris            OF        ATL         21.2   MLB    2022       

The Michael Harris MLB promotion was a bit of a surprise considering he jumped AAA (and his numbers were good but not great at AA). But he has held his own on the MLB level 6/21 (.286 Avg, 2 2Bs) thus far.  While we'll be surprised to see Michael stick with ATL for the year, he has solidified his presence in our midseason top 15 (.305 BA in AA, 5 HRs, 11 SBs, wRC+128).

16.   Marco Luciano            SS/3B     SFG       20.8   A+   2023         

After a horrendous 2021 campaign in A+ where Marco ranked something like 220 out of 240 A+ ball eligible shortstops, Luciano has rebounded in 2022 [wRC+156, 42nd best in MiLB] to give us what we saw in low A (and before).  A promotion to AA is likely this year if Marco keeps this up through June.

17.  Francisco Alvarez         C           NYM      20.6   AA    2023                 

Batting .276 with 8 HRs, wRC+128 makes Francisco a Mets farm favorite and name for us to keep an eye on.

18.   Robert Hassell III        OF        SDP       20.9    A+       2023         

Hassell has put together a great A+ campaign in 2022, batting .305 with 6 HRs and 15 SBs for an wRC+ of 135 (good for 40th best in MiLB)

19.   Noelvi Marte              SS         SEA       20.7    A+       2024         

After a hot start in Everett class A+ [wRC+113, #339 overall], Noelvi cooled off considerably (and it wasn't just the Pacific NW temps), making this ranking about the projections, not the output.

20.   Michael Busch            2B          LAD      24.6    AAA      2023             

After a hot AA start earned a promotion to AAA, Michael has struggled but still rides an overall line of .273 (BA) .979 (OPS), 13 HRs.

21.   Jordan Lawlar             SS           ARI     19.10    A     2024               

Jordan has had no problem with Low A (.352 Avg, 1.061 OPS, 7 HRs, 18 SBs, wRC+ 177 [10th best]) and is staring down a promotion to A+, though a 25% K rate in Low A ball is certainly not ideal....

22.  Joey Wiemer               OF          MIL      23.3    AA      2022             

The Brew Crew's minor league player of the year in 2021, Joey Wiemer, ran and hit [and looked] like his hair was on fire: mashing 27 HRs and stealing 30 bases.  After the promotion to AA in 2022, Joey didn't slow down, batting .284 (wRC+137).  If the big league club wasn't so loaded, Joey could play and contribute now!

23.  Henry Davis                 C            PIT       22.8   AA    2022   

Another player with a high ceiling is this guy.  But, what sets Henry Davis apart is a high floor. If you were to build a prototypical catcher [robot or human] Henry Davis is the model.  Davis just looks like a catcher, and has the hit tool unlike any other, save maybe his clone, Adley R.  After a quick run through A+ (wRC+ 177, 1.035 OPS, 5 HRs, 5 SBs), Davis stumbled out of the gate in AA Altoona before an injury quieted the call up bugs.  But he looks to be back and ready to get on track. 

24.  Josh Jung                    3B          TEX    24.3    AAA    2023 

Shoulder surgery is not a good thing, unless you're studying Orthopedics. Josh is expected to be out until at least August/September and then will be on a minor league assignment. Don't expect big things this year, just hold and wait.             

25.    Oneil Cruz                 SS           PIT     23.8   AAA   2022               

Oneil was everyone's pick to start with the Pirates as their big league SS. PIT, however, had other plans including trying Cruz out in LF, I mean, how many 6'7" shortstops are there?  Well, the temporary demotion to AAA Indy hasn't gone well for either Cruz or PIT, where Oneil is hitting just .216 (which is better than the .187 he was at) with a below average wRC+ of 97. 

26.   Josh Lowe                  OF        TBR     24.4    AAA   2022                    

After debuting early on, Josh Lowe returned to AAA where he has shown a good blend of power and speed and high upside (.284 Avg, .899 OPS, 5 HRs, 2 SBs over 88 ABs)

27.   Andy Pages ("Paje'")  OF        LAD    21.5    AA     2023             

Andy is a powder keg (Pagekeg?)....big time power and a very good hit set but....hasn't yet adapted to the

better pitching he's facing from A+. He'll get it sorted though (even if MLB can't seem to match his profile with

the right player).                                            

                                                                                                Justin Yurchak (#34, Bats L)

           The Real Andy Pages (#44, bats right)

           

                                                                                     VS

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28.   Zac Veen                    OF          COL        20.5       A+     2023               

A slow start at A+ ball had some fantasy managers trading Veen away, but he's rebounded and is up to wRC+141 [102nd in MiLB] behind an OPS of .821, 5 HRs and 18 SBs.

29.   Eury Perez                  RHP        MIA        19.1   AA   2023   

At an intimidating 6'8", Eury Perez "projects" to be a frontline starter.  And, right now in AA, the projections meet production as Eury has lowered his ERA to 3.79 (xFIP of 3.12, #24 MiLB) with  56 K's in 38 IP.

30.   Taj Bradley                 RHP         TBR       21.2    AA    2023     

A strong showing to the start of the 2022 MiLB campaign has us believing, although the xFIP of 3.72, (#69 in MiLB) is good but maybe not great -- a 2.20 ERA and a 11.20 K/9 rate is (great)!

31.   Orelvis Martinez         SS/3B    TOR        20.6   AA   2023   

One of the youngest players in AA, Orelvis has mashed 14 HRs (#10 MiLB), but hit just .226, still good for a wRC+ 123. 

32.   Marcelo Mayer           SS          BOS       19.5    A-      2024     

The consensus #1 rookie prospect for 2022 dynasty drafts has had an "ok" start in A- ball, hitting .333, 1 HR and 5 SBs over 84 ABs

33.   Brennen Davis            OF          CHC      22.7    AAA  2022               

Some pre-season ranks had Brennen as high as 4 (Rotowire). But, striking out 40% of the time will hurt both your real and fantasy worlds. We haven't given up on this five tool player, but he needs to work on the hole in his swing, maybe choke up, get a smaller bat and reduce the K rate.  Improve that average and confidence and then let the power play.  Brennan has a super high ceiling, but there's great risk here. Brennen has also been on the shelf since May 3rd (and the Cubs promoted another OF, Velasquez, during the last opening at the MLB level), and now it looks as if a back procedure/surgery will keep Brennen out for most if not the remainder of the year.

34.   Gavin Williams           RHP        CLE       22.10    A+     2023     

With a microscopic 1.40 ERA, xFIP 2.44 (2nd best in MiLB) and a FB that can reach triple digits, Gavin Williams is going to be a fast riser on prospect ranks (and the CLE system) Where MLB names Gavin as the 7th best prospect within the CLE system, we have him as the 2nd best (and, of course, 34th best overall).

35.   Ezequiel Tovar            SS           COL      20.10     AA     2023    

Some thought Tovar should have made the Rockies out of camp.  Looks like AA thinks so too: .343 avg, 6 HRs, 11 SBs, wRC+ 188 (Baseball America has Tovar up to #26 in its ranks! Perhaps minors production does matter!)

36.   Liover Peguero          SS           PIT         21.5     AA     2023     

We're fast wondering if the future PIT SS isn't Peguero (over Cruz).  Batting .301 in Altoona, Liover has also demonstrated some pop (4 HRs, 14 2Bs) to go with 11 SBs and a wRC+ 125.  Still, he must improve in two areas: 1) reduce the K rate as he strikes out too much for a contact guy (20.6%); and 2) raise the BB rate (3.7%).

37.   Brady House             SS           WAS       19        A-    2024 

After a sizzling start (maybe from the newly inked arm(s)), Brady has come off that early pace from wRC+143 to wRC+ 118 and down from a .300+ average to .283 (while saying tatooie to that early home run power).

38.  Coby Mayo                3B           BAL        20.5     A+    2023   

Left off most top prospect conversations in 2021, experts gave us a side of Mayo to begin 2022 and we scooped and bought it. Coby (not mayo) has legit power and looks like a major league 3B (seriously, he just looks the part).  Even with his struggles in A+ ball [.226 Avg with 10 HRs, wRC+99], we expect big things from the 6'5" Mayo

39.  Cade Cavalli              RHP        WAS       23.9      AAA    2023      

A real tough start to Cade's 2022 season saw his ERA go as far North as 9.00 (on 4/24/22), leaving many wondering whether Case was AAA (much less MLB) ready. Well, hold the Cavalli, as the ERA is down to 5.58 and the last two starts (12 IP, 1 ER, 10K's) have been most promising.  Looks as if Cade is learning to pitch and not simply throw -- since even a 100mph heater is hittable (if batters are sitting on it because the secondary pitches can't be thrown for strikes).

40.  Cristian Hernandez     SS        CHC     18.5      ROK   2025     

Looks like Cristian is about to begin in the Arizona rookie league, so we'll get our first look Stateside.  There's a lot of interest in Cristian, the next Derek Jeter, AROD sorta buzz....

41.  Bobby Miller              RHP         LAD   23.1      AA     2023      

Some high heat, but also some struggles in AA to the tune of a 4.60 ERA (over just 31.1 IP in 8 starts) 
42.  Moises Gomez           OF           STL    23.10    AA      2023     

Oh Moises, where have you been?  After being released by TB, Gomez was signed to a minors contract by STL and has given the redbirds more than they could have ever asked for, except maybe the exact profile that Moises was originally predicted to have (when he debuted with TB). Early this year, Moises led all of the Minors with a wRC+ of 214, literally performing more than twice as well as the average minor leaguer.  Since then, he's cooled off a tad, but still holding at an impressive wRC+ of 176 which is not only tied for 11th best in MiLB but is still better than Pete Crow-Armstrong (168), Vinnie Pasquantino (165) and Corbin Carroll (165), all of whom we have ranked higher than Moises (based on their career "body of work" as well as scouting reports/projections, blah blah blah).  Still, we can't sit by and deny the phenomenal year Moises has had leading the minors in Home Runs (19), being 11th in RBI (44), 22nd in Avg (.331) and  1st in OPS (1.150) and 1st in ISO/power (.419).  To not have Moises Gomez in your top 50 is telling us that minor league stats are meaningless. For more on Moises see: https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/2022/4/21/23035151/a-look-at-moises-gomez 

43.  Edward Cabrera        RHP       MIA       24.1  MLB    2022

Sometimes things just don't make sense (no, not talking Moises anymore, we've moved on...to Cabrera).  While there's no questioning Cabrera's pitching prowess, he hadn't exactly rounded into form after a long layoff, throwing 23.2 Innings at AAA to the tune of a 4.56 ERA while giving up 20 hits and walking 12 (not exactly earth shattering numbers).  Well, and here's the perplexing part, MIA calls him up and what does he do? He goes out and shuts down COL over 6 one hit innings (9 K's). [me: throwing papers up in the air]

44.  Hunter Brown            RHP      HOU       23.9   AAA     2023 

What's not to like about Hunter?  A 99mph FB, a great ERA (2.45), xFIP 3.58 and a 33.3% K rate. 

45.  Ken Waldichuk          SP         NYY        24.4      AAA   2022   

With an ERA of 1.38 and 62 K's in 39 IP, Waldichuk was pretty deserving of the promotion to AAA where he has pitched 10.1 innings (2 starts) and is one step away from the bigs.

46.  Bryan Ramos             3B         CHW       20.2    A+      2023   

Ramos has reduced his K rate (from around 25% to under 20%) by putting more balls in play resulting in a higher average (.281) and a higher rate of 2Bs (10) and HRs (8) (across just 167 ABs)  While the wRC+ isn't great (115), ZIPs loves this guy too, rating Ramos as its #20 prospect.

47.  Oscar Gonzalez         OF        CLE         24.5      MLB    2022 

Oscar G was one of the most overlooked power hitting OF prospect in all of baseball, well, until CLE's promotion. And, since his debut, Oscar has shown the bat skills (but not yet the power ones).  We'll see if he can stick!

48.   Austin Wells             C         NYY         22.10   A+      2023     

Batting .323 with 6 HRs has our attention: The next NYY catching sensation? again...
49.   DL Hall                   LHP       BAL          23.8   AAA    2022     
Healthy again, DL Hall is looking to make the leap to the bigs, and with Grayson's injury, DL Hall is the next SP up. But, to complete his end of the deal, DL needs to put together a string of good starts (to bring that 4.86 ERA down) and last more than the 3-4 innings he's gone thus far.  
50.  Brayan Bello           RHP       BOS          23.0      AAA   2023 

The promotion to AAA hasn't slowed Brayan down much (3.18 ERA, 17 IP, 26 K's) but the walk rate has creeped up a bit.. Still, the overall body of work xFIP 2.92 (#18 MiLB) has us asking if you'd like to see some heat? Bello? Bello? [Minions reference there]

51.  Esteury Ruiz          OF           SD            23.5      AA    2023 

Esteury has broken from the stream in a big way in 2022, pouring himself into the SD MiLB top 30 (though at a lackluster #29, come on MLB!).  Well, that less than swell rank won't sway us. What will is the .350 average, 9 HRs, 25.9 wRAA (#1 in MiLB), wRC+ of 179 (#8 MiLB) and a whopping 37 SBs in 48 games (wow!).  Ruiz is a great example of ranks not swallowing their pride when they get someone wrong.  There's simply no denying how good this kid is.

52.   Andrew Painter             RHP        PHI   19.1       A       2024   

He may be a Painter by name but his occupation is electrician because the guy is lights out. (60 K's in 32.2 IP, 1.38 ERA)

53.   Mick Abel                      RHP       PHI    20.9       A+     2023   

Mick is Abel to pitch well, but Cain he do it?  After a woeful start to the year, Mick is on a roll, lowering his ERA to 3.89 with 51 K's over 37 innings.

54.  Shea Langeliers               C          OAK   24.6   AAA   2023       

Do you think the trade from ATL to OAK affected Shea? A wRC+ 169, 11 Hrs, .278 average (even if down from .317) says "No!".  And, guess what?  OAK may have a catcher problem (too many!)

55.  Elly De La Cruz               3B/SS      CIN   20.4    A+        2024   

Batting .287 w/ an OPS of .888, 9 HRs and 12 SBs, wRC+130, an oft praised prospect in 2022, Elly got off a bit cool this year, but is beginning to heat up.

56.   Zack Gelof                     3B           OAK  22.7     AA       2022     

Batting .315, .830 OPS, 4 HRs with 8 SBs, Zack has had a Geloffic rise through the minors and is good enough to be starting at 3B for OAK right now (no offense to Sheldon Neuse or Kevin Smith)

57.  Ronny Mauricio               SS           NYM  21.2    AA      2023     

Ronny doesn't get as much credit as he should. Think Alfonso Soriano.

58.  Kahlil Watson                 SS           MIA     19.1      A       2024   

Kahlil was hot to start his A stint, but has cooled mightily to a tune of wRC+83 based on a .218 avg, .640 OPS and 76 K's in just 165 ABs.

59.   Nick Gonzales                  2B           PIT    23.0    AA     2023     

Nick G had some serious early struggles adapting to AA Altoona, but has rebounded from the .180, 2 HRs, .616 OPS to start the year to a more robust .247, .743 (OPS), 4 HR, 4 SB line (154 ABs).  Nick's profile wasn't ever a slugger, though he hit 18 HRs last year, so the difficulty in hitting for average and the high # of K's (61) had some folks concerned.

60.  Luis Matos                        OF          SFG     20.4    A+    2024   

Another guy that hit a promotion wall is Luis Matos, after being on everyone's short list last year, the bump to A+ Eugene has cooled the jets, as .149 0HRs 2SB (over 67 ABs will do)

61.  Pete Crow-Armstrong     OF          CHC      20.2    A+     2024     

Pete C-A hit for high average in A ball (.354), HRs (7) and SBs (13) good for a wRC of 168, and now has been promoted to A+ (where he's just .111 across 9 ABs).

62.   Kyle Stowers                  OF           BAL      24.5   AAA   2022  

Another Norfolk Tide? Sure, why not, as Kyle has put together a strong campaign with 10 Home Runs to go with a .260 average and .905 OPS, wRC+ 137 (#115 in MiLB, which, BTW, includes not just those prospects that have graduated but A level prospects (against very uneven pitching) and those "older" aged out prospects some of whom have been in the majors)

63.   Curtis Mead                 1B/3B       TBR        21.7      AA     2023 

The one constant for Curtis is that he hits, no matter where (Australia or the US) or the level, A, AA, AAA.

64.   Jarren Duran               OF         BOS          25.9       MLB 

Word on the street is that Duran has revamped his swing, aiming for more contact over HRs which will play to his speed (OBP and steals). With another shot in Boston this week, Jarren has a chance to show all of us what he can do.

65.   Sam Bachman              SP          LAA         22.8        AA      2023     

A late start for Sam has kept him off the prospect radar a bit, but a neat 1.98 ERA across 13.2 innings and a fastball that can reach 101 has us keen on Sam B.

66.  Luis Medina                 SP             NYY       23.1         AA     2023

Luis Medina sits 96-99 on his FB and sports a 3.90 ERA over 32.1 innings for Somerset, but just needs to get the walks under control.

67.   Ezequiel Duran          INF         TEX         23.0      AA/MLB  2022

After crushing at AA Frisco (.317 Avg, .939 OPS), Texas bypassed AAA and promoted Duran straight to the show (just 3 ABs so far).  Although its too early to predict the short term MLB success, Duran's 7 HRs and 7 SBs and just 36 K's across 183 ABs show great discipline, speed and power and suggest a very, very good player to come.  [Update, Duran went 2/4 (on 6/6/22) in just his 2nd MLB game, including an impressive (and timely) HR off the Mariner's George Kirby]

68.   Kyle Harrison             LHP        SFG         20.9       AA      2024     

Although Kyle wasn't seen as a fireballer, his FB has clocked as high as 97 and Kyle does a good job mixing pitches/location/movement which all resulted in a dominant start at A+ in 2022 before a promotion to AA Richmond which hasn't gone as well so far (2 starts, 9.1 IP, 7.71 ERA)

69.   Dustin Harris            1B/3B/OF    TEX        22.11      AA     2023     

After destroying A ball last year, AA has presented more of a challenge to the .244 (BA), .779 (OPS) hitting Harris.  But 9 HRs and 9 SBs are still strong counting numbers (across just 160 ABs).  Although he profiled as a 1B, we're not exactly sure where Dustin will play defensively and maybe that's why Texas has him picking up some OF innings.

70.  Sal Frelick                  OF           MIL          22.1      AA         2023

Sal appears to have a very good hit set, but without a ton of power.  He should be a threat to hit .300 in the bigs.

71.   Austin Martin         SS/OF    MIN             23.2     AA    2023     

Austin has been falling down the charts after the dearth of power has shown (but 20 SBs to date) . His position is also a bit of a mystery, as he probably plays multiple positions/utility role.

72.   Diego Cartaya         C             LAD        20.8       A+   2024   

A slow start in A ball made Diego a bit of a forgotten figure to some, but he has legit power and is a legit future star in MLB -- a wRC+155 [39th best in MiLB] reminds us of that.

73.  Luis Campusano           C            SD         23.8     AAA     2022

Luis keeps getting chances in the bigs (2020, 2021, 2022), but just hasn't hit enough to stick. But he's killing AAA (again), this year batting .327, .920 OPS across 113 ABs with almost as many BB's (13) as K's (19).

74.  George Valera             OF          CLE        21.6     AA    2023

Batting .270 with an OPS of .867 (8 HRs, 2 SBs) is a decent line for Valera.

75.   Brett Baty                  3B           NYM       22.6   AA   2023   

MLB's #23 ranked prospect is sporting a .257 average in AA to go with just 3 Hrs (in 136 ABs) -- which is not going to convince us of a similar rank.

76.  Ryan Pepiot               RHP        LAD          24.9   AAA/MLB   2022 

Ryan Debuted 5/11/22 with 3 IPs, 0 runs but 5 walks, one hit and a HBP.  Pepiot had very good numbers in AAA (and showcases a devastating changeup), but the command and just a tick above average fastball may limit his fantasy ceiling.  Has the bubble Peppiopped?

77.  Jordan Groshans       SS/3B      TOR           22.6    AAA     2023

Although the power has never shown from the 6'3" Groshans, the hit skill has (batting .301 over 4 minor leagues years, including .326 so far in AAA).

78.   James Wood          OF          SDP              19.8     A         2024   

At 6'7", 240 lbs, this guy is huge. And, despite the enormous power potential, Wood has walked more (14) than he's K'd (11).  Expect James to bring the Wood once he gets over the injury bug.

79.   Quinn Priester           RHP        PIT            21.8        A+/AA  2024

Quinn has yet to pitch in 2022 which drops his MLB#50 prospect ranking to #79 in ours.  Possessing an above average FB and curve, Quinn excelled at A+ ball last year.

80.   Ricky Tiedemann      LHP          TOR         19.9         A+       2024

Ricky has exploded on our boards after pitching to a 1.59 ERA and striking out an incredible 62 batters over 39.2 IP, good for a MiLB best 2.37 xFIP (and 42.5% K rate) with batters hitting just .109 (lowest in MiLB) against him

81.   Brandon Walter        LHP          BOS       25.8       AAA      2022

Although overshadowed by other arms in the BOS system (Bello, Mata), Walter has arguably put together the best season among them with a 2.47 xFIP (2nd in MiLB) a striking out 12.19 batters per 9 innings. The 3.83 ERA has been deceiving (based on the 2.94 FIP and xFIP).

82.   Matthew Liberatore  SP            STL        22.6       AAA/MLB  2022

Nolan Gorman's childhood baseball buddy is a decent prospect who can pitch but doesn't possess overwhelming stuff.  He pitches to contact and can spot well but will likely be subject to up and down starts in MLB.

83.   Jackson Jobe            SP           DET        19.10      A          2024

We weren't as impressed as MLB's #32 rank as Jackson currently sports a 4.67 ERA in Single A despite a good 22 K's across 17.1 Innings.   

84.   Nick Pratto              1B           KCR        23.7       AAA    2022     

Huge HR potential (and a monster 2021), but also a huge K rate (31.6%) and a wRC+ of just 115.  We're not sure Nick is going to be on base enough to stick in MLB (despite the good walk rate: 14.7%).

85.   Matt Gorski              OF          PIT          24.6       AA    2024

After a relative lackluster 2021 in A+ (.223 AVG with 17 HRs and not much else), Matt has put it all together in 2022, matching last year's HR total (17) in just 146 A+ PA's (vs 401 in 2021). Although the K rate was reduced from 31% to 26.7%, all other facets of Matt's game improved (including ISO .460, OBP .377, SLG .754). Now that Matt has been promoted to AA Altoona, we'll have a chance to see him face better competition (which we did on 6/4, and were impressed).   With a wRC+ of 175 (tied for 12th) and wRAA of 18.1 (11th best), the 6'4"  (former 2nd rounder) Gorski has put together one of the year's best minor league performances.

86.   Tyler Soderstrom       C/1B      OAK       20.6      A+      2024     

A horrendous start to 2022 had the Tyler fanclub paddling to shore, but the ship has been righted a bit as the average is up to .229 (with 10 HRs)

87.   Oswald Peraza          SS           NYY       21.11   AAA  2023    

Batting just .206 (.614 OPS) across 155 ABs has brought the Oswald hype down, way down.

88.   Gabriel Arias            INF         CLE         22.2        AAA  2022

Despite batting just .197 in AAA this year (.649 OPS), Arias has gotten 8 ABs in CLE with 1 hit.  But, the prior 4 minor league years show a resume of promise (.271 career average, .736 career OPS)

89.  Emmanuel Rodriguez  OF      MN          19.4         A      2024  

Emmanuel jumps on to our board at #89 after posting a minor league best wRC+ of 197 (wow) and an OPS of 1.036 (good for 15th best in MiLB).  Among Emmanuel's best skill set is the command of the strike zone (i.e. ability to walk) to the tune of 52 of them (in 184 PA's) for a minor league best 27.7%. But he can hit a little too, with a .277 Avg, 8 HRs and 11 SBs.  Incredibly, more than half (55.4%) of Emmanuel's ABs end in a BB or K.

90.  Masyn Winn               SS            STL        20.2          AA   2024

A pitcher/SS who is focusing on playing the field and its paying dividends: 167 wRC+ (21st best in MiLB), 8.8 spd rating (16 SBs) together with a .341 Avg, .975 OPS, 17 2Bs, 3 HRs and a whopping 7 3B's.

91.   Matt McLain            SS/2B     CIN          22.10         AA    2023     

Matt can hit. He may not be putting up HR type power numbers, but he has gap to gap power and is similar to us as a Curtis Mead, defensive utility wise maybe too.

92.   Jacob Gonzalez        1B/3B     PIT          23.11         A+    2024

Where is the love for Jacob?  Despite not being ranked in the PIT top 30 (after coming over from SFG), Jacob has hit .375 across 77 PA's in A+ striking out just 7.1% of the time with an OPS of 1.078 (9th best) and wRAA of 21.7 (3rd best).  Besides the change of teams issue, other reservations scouts may have is the age (24 in A+) and low relative power (ISO of .242), especially at the position.

93.  Vaun Brown              OF          SFG         23.11          A     2024

Vaun doesn't belong (Browlong?) in A ball, and he's doing everything to force the Giants to make a move by batting .354 slugging 11 HRs and stealing 20 bases (to just 1 CS). An old draftee (10th round, 2021), SF just underplaced, undervalued, underVauned Vaun who is 2nd in MiLB in wRAA (21.9) and tied for 6th in wRC+ (178).  A Spd grad of 9.1 (per Fangraphs) won't hurt his long term outlook either.

94.  Masyn Winn               SS            STL        20.2          AA   2024

A pitcher/SS who is focusing on playing the field and its paying dividends: 167 wRC+ (21st best in MiLB), 8.8 spd rating (16 SBs) together with a .341 Avg, .975 OPS, 17 2Bs, 3 HRs and a whopping 7 3B's.

95.  Jacob Amaya             SS         LAD        23.9       AA    2023 

Amaya is just LAD's #19th ranked prospect (per MLB), so why is he on this list?  Well, Jacob had been off to a hot start in AA, posting a .351 avg early on along with a 205 wRC+ [good for top 5 in MiLB] through the first month.  Since then, he's cooled off, with the average down to .277, an OPS of .935 to go with 9 HRs, and still more walks (30) than K's (23) and an wRC+ of 137 (139th best).

96. David Villar            OF              SFG      25.5     AAA      2022

You won't find Villar in MLB's SFG top 30, but you should.  The former 11th rounder has hit .291 while belting 16 HRs (4th most and in just 182 PA's) while holding an ISO (power metric) of .377

97. Stone Garrett         OF              AZ       26.6     AAA      2022   

Like Villar, good luck finding Stone's name on many prospect ranks, but how can we ignore the .282 Avg, 13 HRs, 48 RBIs [4th best in MiLB) and 7 SBs (especially after hitting 25 HRs in AA last year)?

98.  Colton Cowser             OF        BAL        22.3       A+   2024     

With a .237 average, .759 OPS (2 HRs), wRC+120, Baltimore is asking whether this purchase came with power...

99.   Everson Pereira        OF          NYY        21.2      A+   2024

A short, compact, hard swing should play at every level, though as we write this, Everson is hitting just .258 across 163 ABs at A+ Hudson Valley.

100.  Brayan Rocchio        INF            CLE        21         AA    2023

With a .229 average and .689 OPS over his first 144 ABs this year in AA, last year's impressive work in AA has been all but forgotten.

101.  Mason Montgomery   SP           TBR       21.5         A+   2024

A devastating changeup has Mason dominating A+ ball. This guy can pitch (though he doesn't throw very hard)  But, its been a successful professional start, as the former 6th round pick boasts a 1.67 ERA over 10 starts (43 IP) with an astounding 77 K's. (16.12 K/9).

102.  Gavin Stone            RHP            LAD     23.3        AA    2023

Reaching 98 on his FB, Gavin has flat out dominated AA hitters (1.10 ERA, 52 K's over 41 IP, 2.58 xFIP [5th in MiLB]

103.   Ryan Cusick                  RHP     OAK     22.6      AA    2023     

Ryan went from unhittable in his first start to a pitching machine (um, the bad one, JUGGs) over his last 6 starts (raising his ERA to 8.13).  Despite carrying some serious velo, Ryan's pitches are coming in too straight and and batters are making too much contact (46 hits given up in 27.2 IP).

104.  Royber Salinas         SP              ATL      21.2        A+    2024

The 6'3" Royber has been unhittable at times, striking out a minor league leading 46.7% of batters (to a 2.85 xFIP - tied for 13th best in MiLB). Royber's vice has been walks, otherwise, he's put together an incredible year.  

Of course, we should pump the brakes a bit since most of the positive stats were in low A while A+ hasn't been as kind thus far.

105.  Nick Yorke                2B         BOS        20.2     A+    2023   

Started strong, hit a lull...While MLB has Nick at #51, we're in a "wait and see" pattern.

​

​

Noticeable omissions (from our ranks)

​

Cole Winn                RHP       TEX         22        AAA  2022    (MLB#53)

There had been pre-season (or early season) talk of promoting Cole, but a 5.31 ERA and only 33 K's across 42.1 innings has doused those flames.

Jasson Dominguez    OF        NYY         19        A      2025    (MLB #55)

Has there ever as much international prospect hype as there was for Jasson Dominguez (and for so long)?  And though he's not lived up to any of those lofty expectations, the hype was never his fault. But, batting .267 in "low" A, Jasson has managed to swat 5 HRs and swipe 8 bags (across 165 ABs). There's promise here, top 150 promise (but not top 100, not yet).

JJ Bleday                 OF          MIA        24       AAA   2022    (MLB#64)

Sorry, but there's not just a whole lot to like here (except some pop here and there but does that overcome the . career .219 hitter, .710 OPS (with walks and HRs helping inflate the number).

Asa Lacy                   LHP        KC          23       AA     2025   (MLB #67)

Despite all the promise, Asa just can't find the plate (walking 46 batters in 61.2 IP).  But, his 4.66 ERA in AA (9.2 IP) is better than the 5.19 ERA in A+ in 2021, which is starting to remind us of another fireballer flameout (Jackson Rutledge, the WAS former 1st rounder who despite serious heat, can't hardly keep his ERA under 7.00)

Tyler Freeman          INF         CLE        23       AAA   2023    (MLB #79)

I'm just not sure what the skill set is here other than maybe an average (at best) MLB player and is that what we're trying to project here?  Maybe, but not with the top 100 (which to us is annually projecting 25-33 "going to be better than average" players, maybe not immediately, but within 1-3 years post promotion)

Harry Ford                C           SEA        19.3      A      2024     (MLB #85)

A highly touted athletic prospect that is Daulton Varsho 2.0; but who hasn't yet been able to figure out low A pitching in Modesto of the CAL league (.212 Avg, .668 OPS)

Matt Brash              RHP        SEA        24       AAA    2022    (MLB #89)

After an incredible start to the season (in MLB), hitters began laying off Brash's devastating slider (which was near the strike zone, but not being thrown for strikes).  When hitters honed in on Brash's heater, even if it came in at 99, it was going out 100+.  Now at AAA, Brash is renewing himself as a reliever...but with mixed success thus far. 

Blake Walston         LHP        AZ           20     AAA   2023    (MLB#91)

If you're going to throw 90-94, you'd better having devastating secondary pitches (which become your primary pitch).

​

6/17/22 TOP 30 FANTASY PROSPECTS (EXCLUDING GRADUATIONS)

 

1. Grayson Rodriguez BALT (#3 MLB, #11 Rotowire)

 

The #13 prospect (per FanTrax) is #1 on our board due to a 60 Future Value rank, a 100 MPH fastball, 4 plus pitches including a devastating slider and curve and a very impressive campaign at AAA Norfolk (56 IP, 2.69 xFIP, 37.4% K rate, 6.5% BB rate, .166 OPP Avg)

 

2. Esteury Ruiz SD (#77 Rotowire)

(I literally watch this guy play everyday and even though all the metrics tell me how good he is, so do my eyes. MLB and Rotowire are behind the game on Ruiz)

 

3. Jordan Walker STL (#25 MLB, #4 Roto)

 

(Yes, probably a surprise here, but I'm sold on Jordan Walker's ability. I just don't know where he'll play! DH?)

 

4. Riley Greene DET (#2 MLB, #2 Rotowire)

 

(Riley hasn't exactly blasted the cover off the ball -- .274 Avg, .725 OPS, 1 HR, 3SBs, 62 ABs, but has all the tools necessary to succeed long term in MLB, and, as I write this, I've just been notified that Riley will be called up for his MLB debut)

 

5. C.J. Abrams SD (#6 MLB, #8 Roto)

(Love how C.J. has handled the demotion and how well he has hit, including for power)

 

6. Gunnar Henderson BALT (#45 MLB, #16 Roto)

 

(Gunnar is a future star. That's it. He is)

 

7. Daniel Espino CLE (#11 MLB, #29 Roto)

 

(Espino has pitched to the tune of a 2.49 ERA with a microscopic .72 WHIP with 35 K's in 18 innings while hitting 102 mph on the radar. Wow, just wow. And there may be more in the tank)

 

8. Corbin Carroll (#13 MLB, #1 Roto)

 

(Corbin is a very good prospect and he's backed it up with a very good season. Could he strike out less? sure. Could he be higher on this rank? yeah. But could he also be just a tad bit lower? yes as well)

 

9. DL Hall BAL (#78 MLB, #133 Roto)

 

(With GrayRod's injury, DL Hall will be the next major pitching piece on the BALT horizon)

 

10. Matt Gorski PIT (#30 PIT top 30-MLB, #392 Roto)

 

(Yes. A 4th Huge Surprise here [first Ruiz, then Jordan Walker, then DL Hall, now Gorski]. Although Gorski strikes out a bit too much for me, he has some serious power AND wheels, and can play all three OF positions. On a team (Altoona) with Henry Davis, Liover Peguero and Nick Gonzalez, Gorski stands out as the best hitter and I can seem him as the future #4, #5 hitter in the Pirates lineup)

 

BTW, here is Pittsburgh's potential lineup next year (if Bryan Reynolds is traded):

 

1) Liover Peguero (SS),

2) Nick Gonzalez (2B),

3) KeBryan Hayes (3B),

4) Henry Davis (C),

5) Matt Gorski (LF),

6) O'Neil Cruz (RF),

7) Jacob Gonzalez (1B),

8) Matt Frazier (CF),

9) Jack Suwinski (DH/4th OF)

Bench: Diego Castillo (INF), Tucupita Marcano (INF), Cal Mitchell (OF)

 

11. Alex Kirilloff MN (Too many MLB AB's? No Top Ranks)

 

(Alex is back, momentarily, in the prospect pool but will soon be promoted for good)

 

12. Enmanuel Valdez HOU (unranked)

 

(What a year! I'm almost tempted to move Enmanuel up ahead of Corbin, but Corbin's speed carries the day)

 

13. Vinnie Pasquantino (#3 KC top 30, #20 Roto)

 

(Vinnie is ready for the show!)

 

14. Ezequiel Tovar (#3 COL top 30, #33 Roto)

 

15. Triston Casas BOS (#14 MLB, #18 Roto)

 

(.248 Avg in AAA, 6 HRS over 129 ABs hasn't entralled us)

 

16. Anthony Volpe NYY (#5 MLB, #17 Rotowire)

 

(.227 Avg in AA is way better than it was, and while 6 HRs is ok, the 21 SBs really pop...but Volpe hasn't been able to replicate last year's A+ monster year)

 

17. Henry Davis (#20 MLB, #21 Roto)

 

18. Noelvi Marte SEA (#9 MLB, #37 Roto)

 

(Noelvi is so talented, but can't put it together yet at A+ Everett)

 

19. Marco Luciano SF (#8 MLB, #36 Roto)

 

(.288 8 HRS is a good rebound from a dismal 2021)

 

20. Jordan Lawlar BOS (#19 MLB, #5 Roto)

 

(.352 Avg, 7 HRs, 18 SBs, Lawlar is showing out to be the best pick from the 2021 draft, at least in the early going)

 

21. Kerry Carpenter DET (unranked)

 

(Just no love for the MiLB leader in HRs)

 

22. Andrew Painter PHI (#134 Roto)

 

(A machine!)

 

23. Trey Cabbage LAA (unranked)

 

(The K [Cabbage?] rate not good, but everything else is for Trey's breakout year)i

 

24. Marc Church TEX RP Age 21 (unranked)

 

(No one likes to rank closers, but this guy is lights out)

 

25. Sean Bouchard COL (unranked)

 

26. Moises Gomez STL (#213 Roto)

 

27. Logan O'Hoppe PHIL (#154 Roto)

 

28. Emmanuel Rodriguez MN (#245 Roto)

 

29. Wilmer Flores DET (#127 Roto)

 

30. Ricky Tiedemann TOR (#78 Roto)

 

Dropping out of our top 30:

 

Francisco Alvarez (#7 MLB, #62 Roto)

Marcelo Mayer (#10 MLB, #24 Roto)

Jack Leiter (#15 MLB, #96 Roto)

Brennen Davis (#16 MLB, #34 Roto)

Nick Gonzalez (#18 MLB, #41 Roto)