PROSPECT RANKINGS

1.      Grayson Rodriguez     RHP        BAL        22   AAA      2022     (#4 MLB, #11 Rotowire)     

A lat injury has put the GrayRod train on hold (making what had to have been a final AAA start [on June 1] before a call-up for his MLB debut).  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.  But that doesn't stop us from recognizing what everyone should which is that Grayson Rodriguez is not only the best pitching prospect in baseball, but the best overall prospect!

2.     Daniel Espino              RHP         CLE       21   AA      2023      (#11 MLB, #29 Roto)   

Espino can really sling it, reaching 102 mph on his heater while parked in the 97-100 range. That +++ FB anchors a 2.45 ERA with 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 stats and stuff (with the scouting praise) equally impressive.  However, like Grayson, an injury may have blunted his chance at a 2022 promotion to the show.

3.     Gunnar Henderson      SS           BAL       21     AA       2022     (#5 MLB [was #45 MLB], #16 Roto)

MLB has only just now recognized the high ceiling of Gunnar Henderson. Gunnar destroyed AA pitching before earning a promotion to AAA where he's continued to hit (often batting 3rd) while holding down a .262 Avg with 5 HRs, 3 SBs and a .855 OPS (over 103 AAA ABs). Overall on the year, Gunnar holds an wRC+ of 159 (#25 MiLB, #11 AAA), an wRAA of 24.6 (#7 MiLB) and an OPS of .959 (#39 MiLB).  What else to like about Gunnar besides a fabulous name?   Well, how about a great walk rate (17.8%) without a high # of K's (21.4%).

4.     Esteury Ruiz                 2B/OF      SD       23    AA/AAA  2022   (MLB NR, #77 Rotowire)

Even though all the metrics tell us how good he is, so do our eyes, as we literally watch this guy play every day.  The in-house opinion? MLB and Rotowire are way behind the game on Ruiz: 59 SBs (#1 MiLB, leading second place by 6), wRC 89 (#1 MiLB, by a lot), wRAA 35.9 (#2), wOBA .458 (#8) wRC+ 168 (#9).......Those are incredible numbers.  Sure, its ONE year from Ruiz (though the speed/steals were already there), but its one bonkers, off the chart, better than best incredible year.  And, its no fluke, this guy is a bona fide star (and we're ready [and the 1st) to put ourselves behind that prediction).  Oh and a big BTW, Esteury doesn't strike out a ton (17.3% K rate) with a 14.1% BB walk rate making the K/BB ratio fairly close -- all the while maintaining an incredible OPS of 1.034 (#16 MiLB).  [Update: Stay tuned as Esteury may be making his debut before the All-Star break, and maybe NOT being named to the Futures game will benefit him even more than having been named].

5.   Corbin Carroll              OF          ARI          21.11      AA/AAA  2022     (MLB #3, #1 Rotowire)

Although Corbin cooled off from one of the hottest starts to a AA season (followed by an injury on or around 6/24 from which he's now recovered by finishing a short stint at the AZ complex league), he still boasts an OPS of 1.087 (#5, MiLB, helped recently by a 2/3 Rookie League performance with a HR), and an ISO Power of .335 (#9 MiLB) to go with elite speed (an 8.8 Spd rank good for 32nd best in MiLB). We've compared Corbin (maybe unfairly so) to Nick Senzel and Jarred Kelenic (based on skillset/projections and size), but there's no doubting that Corbin has put up very good numbers at the Double A level (.313 Avg, 16 Hrs, 20 SBs, 168 wRC+ [#14 at the time]).  If you remember back to 2017, Nick Senzel batted .340 in AA across 209 ABs, a .973 OPS, with 10 HRs, 5 SBs and 43K's/26 BBs and then proceeded to struggle mightily in the majors (Of course, Jarred wasn't even as successful in AA as Carroll).  Could Carroll be a .300 hitter, 20/20 guy in the majors? Yeah, he could be, but he also could be a .250 hitter as striking out 24.9% (at the AA level) should cause alarm, even with a 15.1% walk rate. You can reasonably expect a 25% K rate to increase to 30% in MLB, coupled with a reduced average from better pitching and better defense (on balls in play, including cutting many of those "doubles" that Carroll stretches back into singles). But, while we knock the relative high K rate (for a guy known more for his speed than power), we have to note that Cards rookie and recent top 100 prospect, Nolan Gorman has found Major League success (.254 Avg, .773 OPS) despite an even higher K rate than Carroll (34% in MiLB which Nolan has actually lowered to 29.7% in the majors). All that said, we think Corbin is going to be pretty good, we're just not ready to proclaim him the #1 prospect, yet....so let's wait and see how he fairs in his AAA promotion to Reno. 

6.   Jordan Walker             3B           STL         20      AA      2023       (MLB #7, #4 Roto)

Batting .310, 7 HRs, 21 2Bs to go with 15 SBs and an OPS  of .898 (but perhaps an underwhelming wRC+ of 131 [#181 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, 22.2% K rate), coupled with above average to elite athleticism have Jordan projected as a future MLB star.  

7.   Anthony Volpe             SS          NYY        21       AA     2023         (MLB #8, #17 Roto)

After destroying A+ ball, Volpe hit a wall in AA (though he has improved as of late with a .246 Avg, 11 HRs and a whopping 35 SBs). Volpe has the trappings (i.e. projections of a very good hitting prospect) together with enough speed and pop (27 HRs last year in A+) to continue our faith that he'll continue to adapt to AA pitching and beyond.

8.   Max Meyer                 RHP       MIA        23     AAA    2022          (MLB #22, #46 Roto)

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), but Meyer returned on June 17th and has been pretty good in 4 starts since reducing his ERA from 4.54 to 3.69 (and xFIP to 3.57).  With a FB reaching triple digits and a wipeout slider, Meyer has two ++ pitches to pair with an average changeup.  (Volpe and Meyer remind us, baseball is hard (for pitchers as much as hitters)

9.  Gavin Williams           RHP        CLE       22.10    A+/AA     2023     (MLB #79, #43 Roto )

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 3rd best prospect within the CLE system, we have him as 10th overall.

10.  Taj Bradley                 RHP         TBR     21    AA    2023     (MLB #34, #69 Roto)

A strong showing to the start of the 2022 MiLB campaign has us believing.  Sporting an ERA of 1.51 (3rd best in MiLB w/ 60+ IP) and an xFIP of 2.76, (#11 in MiLB), Taj 28th has dominated MiLB batters.  With a ++ FB that can reach 99 and a ++ slider, Taj is one pitch away from being an SP1.

11.  Henry Davis                 C            PIT       22.8   AA    2023   (MLB #18, #21 Roto )

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 has hit a wall in AA Altoona: .177 Avg, 2 HRs over 62 ABs.

12.  Eury Perez                  RHP        MIA     19.1   AA   2023   (MLB #16, #30 Roto)

​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 3.21 (88th best in MiLB 50+ IP) with an xFIP of 3.41 (54th best among pitchers with 50+ IP MiLB) with a 34.4% K rate (good for 28th best in MiLB/50+ IP)

13.  Ezequiel Tovar            SS           COL    20.10     AA     2023  (MLB #58, #33 Roto)

Some thought Tovar should have made the Rockies out of camp.  Looks like AA thinks so too: .318 Avg (down from .343), .931 OPS, 13 HRs, 17 SBs, wRC+ 154 (#38 MiLB).  Baseball America has Tovar up to #26 in its ranks! Perhaps minors production does matter!

14.  Cade Cavalli              RHP        WAS     23      AAA    2023   (MLB #47, #84 Roto)   

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 Cade was AAA (much less MLB) ready. Well, hold the Cavalli, as the ERA is down to 4.54 and the last three starts (15 IP, 4 ER, 16 K'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).

15.   Matt Gorski              OF          PIT          24      AA    2024     (MLB NR, #392 Roto)

Our huge second rankings surprise is this guy (our first is having Ruiz in the top 5 and ahead of Carroll). 

The fact is that no one will have Gorski this high (he's barely inside of MLB's Pittsburg top 30 [at #29]).  But he deserves this.  After the 2020 minors year was wiped out due to Covid, Matt returned to pro ball (A+) with a relatively up and down 2021, low average, but showing decent power and speed (.223 Avg, .710 OPS with 17 HRs and 18 SBs).  While the low average may have prevented the jump to AA, the other numbers were still very good. Then in 2022 (between A+ and AA), Matt put it all together, matching last year's HR total (17) in just 146 A+ PA's (vs 401 in 2021) -- and improving in all other facets of the game (including ISO .370 [#3 MiLB], OPS 1.039 [#15] and K rate -- 28.1%, down from 31%).  With a wRC+ of 172 (tied for 6th, with Corbin Carroll no less) and a wRAA of 24.8 (9th best), the 6'4" (former 2nd rounder) Gorski has put together one of the year's best minor league performances to date.  And, and did we mention that Gorski still ranks 3rd in MILB in HRs (23) despite being out since 6/29 with a lower body/leg injury?  Had it not been for the Covid year, Gorski would be playing in Pittsburgh right now.

16.  Moises Gomez           OF           STL      23.10    AA/AAA  2023     (MLB NR, #213 Roto)

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 163 which is tied for 14th best in MiLB and better than prospects like Jackson Chourio (162), Jordan Lawlar (161), Gunnar Henderson (159), Ezequiel Tovar (154), Francisco Alvarez (141) all of whom we (or others) 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 (25), being 12th in RBI (61), 70th best Avg (.308) and 8th in OPS (1.063) and 3rd in ISO/power (.370).  To not have Moises Gomez in your top 25 or even 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 

17.  Hunter Brown            RHP      HOU       23   AAA     2023   (MLB #84, #130 Roto)

What's not to like about Hunter?  A 99mph FB, a great ERA (2.38, #23 among pitchers with 60+IP), xFIP 3.26 and a 33.3% K rate (97 K's, 72 IP). 

18.   DL Hall                   LHP       BAL          23   AAA    2022     (MLB #67, #133 Roto)

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 keep a string of good starts together (with the ERA down to 4.02). The swing and miss stuff is certainly there: 93 K's in 56 IP.

19.  Francisco Alvarez         C           NYM    20   AA/AAA    2022 (MLB#2, #62 Roto)

The just promoted (AAA: 2/16 0 HRs) Alvarez finds himself atop MLB Pipeline's rankings as their top prospect (still  in the minors).  It wasn't long ago that Francisco had 8 HRs and an wRC+ of 128 (giving him an ok, but not great line, comparatively).  However, in the last month, Alvarez has soared to 18 HRs (21st most) tying Vinnie Pasquantino but taking 21 more PA's to get there and doing it at AA while Vinnie did it at AA.  Alvarez also holds a decent wRC+141 (tied at #99, just behind Vinnie Pasquantino's wRC+ of 143).  So why did MLB make Alvarez its top prospect (and not Vinnie)?  Alvarez has shown power so far, and that's about it and even then, that power gets him into the top 21 (if based on power numbers alone), so while Francisco is a Mets farm favorite, having a good year, and name for us to keep an eye on, his numbers (and projections) simply don't justify a top rank (even if you add in defense, which of course we're not, but is subpar to average at best).

20.  Brayan Bello           RHP       BOS          23      AAA/MLB   2023 (MLB #45, #70 Roto)

The promotion to AAA didn't slow Brayan down much (2.81 ERA, 51.1 IP, 72 K's in AAA) And, the overall body of work has been great xFIP 2.64 (#14 MiLB) has us asking if you'd like to see some heat? Bello? Bello? [Minions reference there]  But, the promotion to the show hasn't gone as well (with an ERA north of 10.00 over his first two starts)

21.  Ken Waldichuk          SP         NYY        24      AAA   2022  (MLB #73, #150 Roto)  

With an ERA of 3.27 and 60 K's over 41.1 AAA IP, Waldichuk has fared well in AAA and is one step away from the bigs.
22.  Josh Jung                    3B          TEX    24    AAA    2023  (MLB#31, #25 Roto)

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....and don't forget that in 2021, Josh Jung belted 19 HRs (.990 OPS) in 304 ABs while batting .326.  Pretty impressive!

23.  Elly De La Cruz             3B/SS      CIN   20     A+    2024   (MLB#50, #26 Roto)

Batting .303 w/ an OPS of .971, 20 HRs and 28 SBs, an oft praised prospect in 2022, Elly got off a bit cool this year, but heated up (and got hot hot) to the tune of the 19th best ISO (.310) and 23rd best wRC+ (160) The pump the breaks on Elly, however, is the far too high strikeout rate (30.5%) despite the 39th best wOBA (.421).

24.  Emmanuel Rodriguez   OF         MN      19    A       2024   (MLB NR, #245 Roto)

The MiLB leader in wRC+ (at 199) is this guy.  How did he get there?  The #1 reason is the willingness to take a walk (28.6%) and then walk more than striking out (26.1%).  But its not all bases on balls as Emmanuel also boasts a balanced line of .272 Avg, 1.044 OPS (#13 MiLB), 9 HRs, 11 SBs.  A knee injury likely has Emmanuel out for most if not all the remainder of the year, but he's made his mark (though MLB Pipeline and Roto are behind).

25.  Triston Casas               1B           BOS      22     AAA    2023    (MLB #15, #18 Roto)

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%).   

26.   Liover Peguero          SS           PIT         21     AA     2023   (MLB #44, #51 Roto)

We're fast wondering if the future PIT SS isn't Peguero (over Cruz).  Batting .274 in Altoona, Liover has also demonstrated some pop (6 HRs, 18 2Bs, .730 OPS) to go with 18 SBs.  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%).  After his quick MLB debut, Liover has returned to a dismal line, falling to an wRC+ of 98.  What was a promising year is turning into disappointment.

27.   Marco Luciano            SS/3B     SFG       20    A+   2023      (MLB #9, #36 Roto)

After a horrendous 2021 campaign in A+ where Marco ranked something like 220 out of 240 A+ ball eligible IF/shortstops, Luciano has rebounded in 2022 [.288 Avg, .867 OPS, 8 HRs] 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.

28.   Noelvi Marte              SS         SEA       20     A+       2024        (MLB#20, #37 Roto)

After a hot start in Everett class A+, Noelvi (.261 Avg, 12 HRs, 11 SBs, .793 OPS) cooled off (as our NW temps did) and then picked considerably as of late making Noelvi a candidate for promotion to AA.

29.   Jordan Lawlar             SS           ARI     20    A     2024            (MLB#13, #5 Roto)

Jordan had no problem with Low A (.365 Avg, 1.084 OPS, 8 HRs, 23 SBs, wRC+ 170 [11th best]).  Let's see how he does after his promotion to A+ Hilsboro -- though a 23.3% rate in Low A ball is certainly not ideal (but Jordan has reduced that from 25%) [update 1/16 in A+, .063 Avg, .181 OPS]
30.  Joey Wiemer               OF          MIL      23    AA      2022      (MLB #63, #61 MIL) 

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 got off to a fast start, , batting .284 (wRC+137).  Since then he's cooled a lot, to the tune of an overall .247 BA, 15 HRs, 23 SBs, wRC+103 (#587 MiLB) with the strikeouts being the big issue (93 in 278ABs, 29.9% with just a 9% BB rate).

31.  Jorge Puerta              2B/OF/IF   LAD   19    ACL   2025  (MLB NR, NR Roto)

You won't find Jorge's name in MLB's or anyone's top 100, and you won't even find the Columbian's name in the Dodgers top 30.  Where you will find him, though, is in AZ after having crushed the DSL (which hardly anyone does). Look for the athletic Jorge Puerta to be Daulton Varsho 2.0 (with a better hit tool, but perhaps not as much speed). 
32.  Niko Kavadas             1B             BOS   23     A+  2024   (MLB NR, NR Roto)

Here we go digging into the deep ranks of prospects. But actually, we didn't have to dig too deep. This former 11th round pick is the MiLB leader in wOBA -- leading everyone with a .479 mark (Players with 300+ PA's. That's pretty good, as is the 19 HRs, 60 RBIs .294 Avg across 308 PA's.  You can go back to 2015 and you won't find a better wOBA than Niko's this year (and there were some pretty good players crossing through the minors in the last 7 years (Vlad, Franmil Reyes, JD Davis, Julio Rodriguez, Carlos Correa, Wander Franco, Pete Alonso to name a few).  The K rate is a little high at 26.2% but he also walks a lot (21.9%).  All said, we like what we've seen.

33.  Miguel Vargas            1B/3B      LAD    22   AAA    2022    (MLB#71, #10 Roto) 

After a slow start to AAA, Vargas has picked it up with an average of .293, 13 HRs, .871 OPS and 9 SB's (and just 57K's in 379 PA's with 43 BB's). Vargas has a bright future in LA (whether at 2B, 3B, or the OF), but, an wRC+ of 116 (#360 MiLB) has us dropping him down for now.

34.  Michael Busch            2B          LAD      24    AAA      2023   (MLB#43, #64 Roto)      

After a hot AA start earned a promotion to AAA, Michael struggled a bit to adapt but still rides an overall line of .270 (BA) .911 (OPS), 21 HRs, 102 K's (31.1% K rate), wRC+ 123.  Note, here, even Jarred Kelenic is putting up an wRC+ of 130 in AAA (while striking out 26.9% of the time)...

35.  Robert Hassell III        OF        SDP       20    A+       2023  (MLB #24, #9 Roto)       

Hassell has put together a pretty good A+ campaign in 2022, batting .310 with 9 HRs and 19 SBs (.872 OPS) for an wRC+ of 140 (good for #115 in MiLB) 

36.  Zac Veen                  OF          COL        20     A+     2024    (MLB #23, #108 Roto)         

​​A slow start at A+ ball had some fantasy managers trading Veen away, but he's rebounded and is up to wRC+140 (109th in MiLB) behind an OPS of .844, .275 Avg, 10 HRs and 35 SBs (#12 MiLB).20.   

37.  Bobby Miller              RHP         LAD      23     AA     2023      (MLB#27, #85 Roto)

Some high heat, but also some struggles in AA to the tune of a 4.45 ERA but still a cool 73 K's over 62 IP in 14 starts

38.   Andrew Painter             RHP        PHI   19       A/A+    2024   (MLB #54, #134 Roto)

He may be a Painter by name but his occupation is electrician because the guy is lights out. (91 K's in 52.2 IP, 1.54 ERA, 2.20 xFIP [3rd best MiLB])

39.   Marcelo Mayer           SS          BOS      19    A      2024   (MLB#10, #24 Roto)

The consensus #1 rookie prospect for 2022 dynasty drafts has had good start to A ball, hitting .291, 7 HRs and 12 SBs over 189 ABs (Meyer had just 1 HR over his first 84 ABs)

40.   Curtis Mead                 1B/3B       TBR   21  AA/AAA  2023 (MLB #61, #32 Roto)

The one constant for Curtis is that he hits, no matter where (Australia or the US) or the level, A, AA, AAA.  This year, it's a .292 Avg, .390 ISO and a 142 wRC+ (#97)

41.   Sam Bachman              SP          LAA       22.8        AA      2023    (MLB NR, #268 Roto) 

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.

42.  Luis Medina                 SP             NYY     23         AA     2023   (MLB NR, #301 Roto)

Luis Medina sits 96-99 on his FB and sports a 3.67 ERA over 61.1 innings (73K's) for AA Somerset.

43.  Ezequiel Duran          INF         TEX         23      AA/MLB  2022  (MLB #57, #126 Roto)

After crushing at AA Frisco (.317 Avg, .939 OPS), Texas bypassed AAA and promoted Duran straight to the show.  After a decent showing [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], Texas returned Duran to AAA. Duran's 7 HRs and 7 SBs and just 36 K's across 183 AA ABs show great discipline, speed and power and suggest a very, very good player to come.  But so far at AAA, the line of .231 Avg/.685 OPS hasn't brought great returns.

44.  Kyle Harrison             LHP        SFG         20       AA      2024     (MLB#26, #48 Roto)

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 didn't start well (2 starts, 9.1 IP, 7.71 ERA) but since has grooved into a nice 3.19 ERA with 60 K's over  42.1 IP.

45.   Dustin Harris            1B/3B/OF    TEX     23      AA     2023     (MLB NR, #39 Roto)

After destroying A ball last year, AA has presented more of a challenge to the .260 (BA), .818 (OPS) hitting Harris, but the 14 HRs and 17 SBs are still strong counting numbers (across 269 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.

46.  James Wood             OF                SD        19       A      2024     (MLB #91, #65 Roto)

Injuries have blunted the year a bit, but James Wood sports a .321 Avg with 6 HRs and 11 SBs (.935 OPS) across 153 ABs.  The 6'7" slugger is athletic, gets on base (career .439 wOBA) and doesn't strike out a ton (career 23.3% K rate).

47.  Vaun Brown              OF          SFG            24        A/A+     2024    (MLB NR, NR Roto)

It's a travesty that Vaun isn't in MLB's top 30 San Fran Giant prospects.  But it was also a travesty that San Fran decided to place Vaun in A ball (instead of A+) to start.  Vaun took that in stride by batting .346 slugging 14 HRs and stealing 23 bases (to just 3 CS). An old draftee (10th round, 2021), SF just underplaced, undervalued, underVauned Vaun who is 2nd in MiLB in wRC (80),  3rd in wRAA (34.5), 4th in wOBA (.470) and tied for 4th in wRC+ (177).  A Spd grad of 9.0 won't hurt his long term outlook either.  If anything, we're underVauning Vaun right now!

48.  Bryan Mata               RHP        BOS            23        AA    2023  (MLB NR, #278 Roto)

After recovering from Tommy John surgery, Bryan rejoined Boston's minor league system and quickly progressed to AA where he sports a 2.01 ERA and 32 K's across 22.1.  Mata boasts a ++ FB, a + slider and an average change and looks to be an SP 2/SP 3 for a suddenly pitching rich Red Sox farm.

49.  Quinn Priester           RHP        PIT            21       A+/AA  2024 (MLB#35, #181 Roto)

After a long layoff to start the season, Quinn has pitched 16 innings with 18 K's and a 2.81 ERA thus far.

50.   Brennen Davis            OF          CHC        22    AAA  2022      (MLB#29, #34 Roto)

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.

51.   Orelvis Martinez         SS/3B    TOR        20    AA   2023   (MLB #37, #119 Roto)

One of the youngest players in AA, Orelvis has mashed 19 HRs (#10 MiLB), but hit just .222 (.788 OPS) while striking out 31% of the time, good (or "bad") for a wRC+ of just 102 (#613 MiLB and representing a replacement level MiLB player).

52.  Christian Encarnacion-Strand     3B   MIN   22       A+     2024 (MLB NR, #233 Roto)

Minnesota is developing some pretty good talent and Christian is one of those.  In 285 ABs this year at A+, Christian has hit 18 HRs while batting .288 (.935 OPS).

53.  Sean Bouchard                 LF            COL   26       AAA/MLB   (MLB NR, NR Roto)

Sean has had a stellar year, swatting 11 HRs, stealing 9 bases and batting .338 (1.113 OPS) while generating the 7th best wOBA in MILB this year (.459).  Its still questionable whether COL gives Sean a legit chance to show his wares in Denver, but if they do, he'll return good value.

54.  Kerry Carpenter               RF             DET  24       AA/AAA   (MLB NR, NR Roto)

Where is the love for MiLB's third ranked slugger (by HRs)?  Despite 23 HRs and a promotion to AAA (after terrorizing AA pitchers), MLB still doesn't have Kerry ranked in Detroit's top 30.  After holding the 32nd best wOBA on the season (.433), it should.

55.  Gavin Stone                  RHP            LAD     23        AA    2023   (MLB NR, #99 Roto)

Reaching 98 on his FB, University of Central Arkansas product (and UCA's highest ever draft pick) Gavin Stone has flat out dominated AA hitters (1.34 ERA [#1 in MiLB], 12.04/9 K rate, 2.08 xFIP [2nd in MiLB].  Although he's often overshadowed by Bobby Miller, Pepiot and Beeter, Gavin Stone has not only been LAD's best minor league pitcher this year, but arguably, all of MiLB! 

56.   Diego Cartaya              C             LAD        20       A+   2024   (MLB #14, #109 Roto)

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+150 [37th best in MiLB] reminds us of that.

57.  Pete Crow-Armstrong     OF          CHC      20    A+     2024   (MLB #78,  #23 Roto)

Pete C-A hit for high average in A ball (.354), HRs (7) and SBs (13) good for a wRC of 168, and found himself promoted to A+ (where he's hit .263 across 95 ABs with 3 HRs and 3 SBs).

58.  Jackson Chourio             OF           MIL      18        A    2025  (MLB #38, #89 Roto)

The Brewer's top prospect is going to be a very good major leaguer.  For now, Jackson sports a .320 BA, 12 HRs and 9 SBs across 228 ABs (good for a .435 wOBA, #29 in MiLB). But, striking out 28.2% of the time in low A is not ideal.

59.  Ronny Mauricio               SS           NYM    21    AA      2023    (MLB #53, #195 Roto) 

Ronny doesn't get as much credit as he should. Think Alfonso Soriano. (.250 Avg, .766 OPS, 15 HRs, 11 SBs)

60.  Nick Gonzales                 2B           PIT     23    AA     2023     (MLB #30, #41 Roto)

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.

61.  Luis Matos                      OF          SFG    20    A+    2024   (MLB#66, #38 Roto)

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 .183 3HRs 4SB (over 186 ABs will do)

62.  Jesus Rodriguez              C            NYY    20      FCL  2025   (MLB NR, NR Roto)

Jesus Rodriguez can hit (.439 wOBA, .369 Avg/1.120 OPS) and doesn't strike out a lot doing it (12.6% K rate).  We like what we've seen!

63.  Jared Serna                       2B          NYY   20       FCL  2025   (MLB NR, NR Roto)

Another future Bronx Bomber comes in the form of the rather diminutive Jared Serna (5'8" 168). But don't let the stature fool you, as Serna has hit 5 HRs in 72 ABs at the FCL sporting a 1.131 OPS (to go with 10 SBs). Its time to get a feel for A ball.

64.  George Valera             OF          CLE        21     AA    2023  (MLB#33, #40 Roto)

Batting .277 with an OPS of .873 (13 HRs, 2 SBs) is a decent line for Valera.

65.   Ricky Tiedemann      LHP          TOR         19     A+       2024  (MLB#64, #78 Roto)

Ricky has exploded on our boards after pitching to a 1.80 ERA and striking out an incredible 49 batters over 30 IP in low A which was good for a MiLB best 2.37 xFIP (and a 42.5% K rate) with batters hitting just .109 (lowest in MiLB).  And the promotion to A+ hasn't slowed Tiedemann, as he now sports an overall line of 2.13 ERA and 103 K's over 67.2 IP.

66.  Logan O'Hoppe         C            PHIL       22       AA     2023  (MLB #89, #154 Roto)

Batting .276 with 14 HRs (.917 OPS) has Logan as a middle of the lineup type bat in Reading for the Fightin Phils. With a K rate of just 16.6% and an wRC+ of 151 (good for #50 MiLB), it's time we recognize how well Logan has played.

67.   Jacob Gonzalez        1B/3B     PIT         24      A/A+    2024  (MLB NR, #398 Roto)

Where is the love for Jacob?  Despite not being ranked in the PIT top 30 (after coming over from SFG), Jacob has hit .336 across two levels (A/A+) striking out just 12.6% of the time with an OPS of 931 (#62) and wRAA of 19.7 (32nd).  Besides the change of teams issue, other reservations scouts may have is the age (24 in A+) and low relative power (ISO of .188), especially at the position.  But with an overall body of work represented by an wRC+ 158 (25th best MiLB), its hard to deny Jacob a place in our top 100.

68.  Matt Mervis              1B            CHC         24       AA     2023   (MLB NR, NR Roto)

When are we going to see 2016's 39th Round pick, Matt Mervis? After batting .318 and swatting 20 HRs (tied for 13th in MiLB) while leading all of MiLB in RBIs with 74, it may be soon!

69.  Cole Henry                RHP        WAS       22        AAA    2022   (MLB NR, #204 Roto)

Cole Henry boasts 3 plus pitches, including a 99 MPH FB.  Although an injury has slowed Cole's promotion talk, a smart 1.71 ERA .79 WHIP has him on the cusp of a big league debut.

70.  Luis Medina               RHP        NYY       23          AA     2023 (MLB NR, #301 Roto)

With a top end FB that can hit 101 (that Luis pairs with a superb curve), Luis has held down a 3.67 ERA and 73 K's over 61.1.  With NYY's sudden pitching depth, it may be that Luis' first chance in the MLB is as a multi inning reliever.

71.  Enmanuel Valdez       2B/3B     HOU        23       AA/AAA  2023  (MLB NR, NR Roto)

You won't find Enmanuel in MLB's top 30 for HOU, but you will find him at #27 in the 2022 MiLB ranks (wRC+ 158), finding his way there behind an OPS of 1.032 and 18 HRs. Not bad for a guy just 5'9" and 191lbs.

72.   Brett Baty                  3B          NYM       22   AA   2023   (MLB#21, #103 Roto)

MLB's #21 ranked prospect is sporting a .273 average (.830 OPS) in AA to go with 11 HRs in 260 ABs.  Good, but not awe inspiring.  Baty's wOBA of .369 comes in at #284 with an wRC+ of 130 (good for #186 in MiLB).

73.  Sal Frelick                  OF          MIL          22      AA     2023 (MLB #49, #116 Roto)

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.

74.   Austin Martin         SS/OF     MIN           23     AA    2023     (MLB NR, #47 Roto)

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.

75.  Luis Campusano           C            SD         23     AAA     2022  (MLB #55, #241 Roto)

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 .323, .883 OPS across 192 ABs.

76.  Ryan Pepiot               RHP        LAD         24   AAA/MLB   2022 (MLB #76, #152 Roto)

Ryan Debuted 5/11/22 with 3 IPs, 0 runs but 5 walks, one hit and a HBP.  Overall he's totaled 16.1 IP 19 K's and a 2.76 ERA. 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. 

77.  Jordan Groshans       SS/3B      TOR          22    AAA     2023 (MLB #85, #42 Roto)

Although the power has never shown from the 6'3" Groshans, the hit skill has until this year, where Jordan has dipped to .266 with an wRC+ of 94 (good for just #775 in MiLB).

78.   Brandon Walter        LHP          BOS        25       AAA      2022 (MLB NR, #113 Roto)

Although overshadowed by other arms in the BOS system (Bello, Mata), Walter had put together a great season at AA  with a 2.47 xFIP (2nd in MiLB) while striking out 12.19 batters per 9 innings. But, Brandon has hit a wall in AAA, in part in having to rely on a FB that is just a tick above major league average.

79.  David Festa               RHP         MIN         22         A/A+   (MLB NR, #174 Roto)

Festa has been festering in A ball, striking out 78 batters in 66.1 IP and sporting a cool 1.76 ERA  2.51 xFIP (5th in MiLB).

80.  Nick Pratto              1B           KCR         23       AAA    2022    (MLB #70, #211 Roto)

Huge HR potential (and a monster 2021), Nick is up to 17 HRs (tied for 34th in MiLB) but also possesses big swing and miss (30.6%) and a wRC+ of just 129 (#203).  We're not sure Nick is going to be on base enough to stick in MLB (despite the good walk rate: 15.1%).

81.  Shea Langeliers        C              OAK      24         AAA      2022  (MLB #32, #79)

If anyone makes Sean Murphy expendable (as a trade piece), its this guy.  Sporting a .272 Avg and 15 HRs at AAA, Oakland won't lose any offensive or defensive production with a promotion.

82.  Jakson Reetz          C                DET       26         AA          2023  (MLB NR, NR Roto)

Although Jakson is a bit old for AA, there's no denying the season's he's had: 22 HRs, .281 Avg, wRC+ of 165 (good for 12th in MiLB).

83.  Masyn Winn               SS            STL        20          A+/AA   2024 (MLB #90, #75 Roto)

A pitcher/SS who is focusing on playing the field and its paying dividends. However the promotion to AA has come with a major dip in production (down to a wRC+ of 123 (#261) after posting as high as 167 wRC+ (21st best in MiLB).  But the 8.5 spd rating (23 SBs, 7 3Bs).

84.  Tyler Soderstrom       C/1B      OAK       20      A+      2024     (MLB#36, #44 Roto)

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 .245 (with 14 HRs)

85.  Oswald Peraza          SS           NYY       22   AAA  2023    (MLB#39, #162 Roto)

Oswald got off ice cold but has since been on a roll, now batting .242 (.724 OPS) with 10 HRs and 18 SBs.

86.   Gabriel Arias            INF         CLE         22        AAA  2022   (MLB#81, #161 Roto)

Despite batting just .208 in AAA this year (.636 OPS), 4 HRs, 3 SBs.  But, the prior 4 minor league years show a resume of promise (.277 career average, .733 career OPS)

87.   Matt McLain            SS/2B     CIN          22.10         AA    2023     (MLB#60, #56 Roto)

Matt can hit. He may not be putting up HR type power numbers (.237/16 HRs), but he has gap to gap power and is similar to us as a Curtis Mead, defensive utility wise maybe too.

88.   David Villar            OF              SFG       25     AAA/MLB      2022 (MLB NR, NR Roto)

You won't find this Villar(in) in MLB's SFG top 30, but you should, as he's no villain at all!.  In fact, he could be the hero in SF as 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

89. Stone Garrett         OF              AZ         26     AAA      2022   (MLB NR, NR Roto)

Like Villar, good luck finding Stone's name on many prospect ranks, but how can we ignore the .284 Avg, 21HRs (9th best), 66 RBIs [also 9th best in MiLB) and 14/16 SBs (especially after hitting 25 HRs in AA last year)?

90.  Colton Cowser             OF        BAL      22       A+   2024     (#42 MLB, #143 Roto)

Colton has really picked it up, raising his average to .265/.836 OPS showing more power (6 HRs) and a lot more speed than expected (17 SBs) and raising his wRC+ from 120 to 135 (good for #144).

91.  Everson Pereira        OF          NYY        21      A+   2024 (MLB NR, #142 Roto)

A short, compact, hard swing should play at every level, which has happened again this year, as Everson is hitting .274, 8 HRs, 18 across 285 ABs at A+ Hudson Valley.

92.  Brayan Rocchio        INF            CLE       21         AA    2023 (MLB #86, #22 Roto)

After a slow start (a theme this year among a lot of the preseason top 100, Brayan is up to a .259 average (.765 OPS), 8 HRs, 9 SBs.

93.  Mason Montgomery   SP           TBR       21         A+   2024 (MLB NR, #322 Roto)

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 1.81 ERA over 16 starts (69.2 IP) with an astounding 118 K's. (41.8% K rate, #1 MiLB).

94.  Royber Salinas         SP              ATL      21        A+    2024  (MLB NR, #324 Roto )

The 6'3" Royber has been unhittable at times, striking out a minor league leading 40.5% of batters (4th MiLB) to a 3.12 xFIP (26th 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 4.30 ERA A+)

95.  Colson Montgomery     SS      CHW      20       A/A+  2024  (MLB #93, #71 Roto)

With a wRC+ 156 (32nd overall), Colson has really picked up his game, looking like the White Sox' surefire #1 prospect. 

96.  Ryan Cusick                  RHP     OAK     22      AA    2023     (MLB NR, #222 Roto)

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).  And now, Ryan has been shut down since June 2nd. He'll rebound, but it may not be until next year.

97.  Mick Abel                    RHP     PHIL       20       A+     2024  (MLB #56, #125 Roto)

Abel hasn't moved as fast as many would have hoped and despite incredible stuff, holds a 4.23 ERA (5-7 record)  in A+ Jersey Shore.

98.  Andy Pages                  OF      LAD       21        AA     2024   (MLB #48, #118 Roto)

Double A hasn't been as kind to Pages, as shown by the .245 Avg (.265 last year) and 15 HRs in 282 ABs (31 in 438 ABs in 2021).

99.  Reese Olson                 RHP     DET     22         AA     2023   (MLB NR, #114 Roto)

Despite an xFIP of 2.97 (#17 MiLB/4.31 ERA) and K rate of 37.4% (13.86 per 9), Reese Olson has flown under the radar. The 15th ranked DET prospect (per MLB) has an above average FB, Slider and Changeup. But, because none of those offerings are lights out, Reese hasn't drawn the same attention as other prospects. But, isn't it time we start paying attention to 110 K's in 71 IP?

100.  Logan Allen                 LHP      CLE     23        AA/AAA 2024  (MLB #100, #160 Roto)

Is it just me or does it seem like Cleveland always has a Logan Allen pitching for them? Anyway, like past Logan Allens, this one has put up pretty good AA numbers too (2.80 xFIP, 3.33 ERA, 104 Ks in 58 IP). But, I'm one of those "I love fastball velocity" guys, which Logan doesn't have. But, what he does have is a great change and pinpoint control. I'm thinking Marco Gonzalez here... But first, Logan needs to adapt to AAA where's he's been shelled in his first two appearances.

101. Wilmer Flores            RHP       DET    21         A+/AA   2024  (MLB NR, #127 Roto) 

A 2.57 xFIP is outstanding (4th best in MiLB for pitchers with 50+IP), as is the 34.8% K rate across 58/2 IP. Wilmer's ERA in AA has edged up just a bit, to 2.54 (while it was 1.83 in A+) but the K's have continued and so "wil" Wilmer.

102.  Jordan Westburg      SS          BAL    23       AA/AAA  2022   (MLB #94, #288 Roto)

It's rare that a prospect can hit so mediocre at AA (.247 Avg, 9 HRs, 3 SBs, 27.4% K rate) but then annihilate AAA. But that's what Jordan has done thus far (.319, .974 OPS, 22.5% K rate)

103.  Kyle Stowers             OF         BAL    24   AAA   2022  (MLB NR, #148 Roto)

Another Norfolk Tide? Sure, why not, as Kyle has put together a strong campaign with 15 Home Runs to go with a .250 average and .870 OPS, wRC+ 127 (#210 MiLB)

104.  Coby Mayo                3B         BAL     20     A+/AA  2024  (MLB NR, #54 Roto)

Three Baltimore Birds in a row?  Sure why not.  At 6'5" 215+, Coby just looks like the 3B of the future.  And let's post the overall seasonal line here (since Coby hasn't hit anything since the promotion to AA): .246 Avg, .798 OPS, 14 HRs, 5 SBs.  

105.  Jack Leiter                RHP        TEX     22   AA    2023     (MLB#17, #96 Roto)

Like Meyer, Leiter was rolling along until a string of bad starts killed the momentum (taking a 1.93 ERA to 6.30 over 50 IP).  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. 

105.  Harry Ford                C           SEA      19.3      A      2024     (MLB #85, #107 Roto)

A highly touted athletic prospect that is Daulton Varsho 2.0; who is just now figuring out low A pitching in Modesto (.248 Avg, .784 OPS)​​

​

Noticeable omissions (from our ranks)

Kahlil Watson            SS           MIA       19      A       2024   (MLB#51)

Kahlil was hot to start his A stint, but has cooled mightily to a tune of wRC+85 based on a .221 Avg, .646 OPS and 99 K's in just 231 ABs.

Nick Yorke                  2B         BOS        20     A+    2023   (MLB #65, #15 Roto)

Started strong, hit a lull (.237 Avg 5HRs/5SBs overall)...MLB had Nick at #51 and has moved him down to #65. We're even more pessimstic.

Matthew Liberatore     LHP       STL       22       AAA/MLB  2022  (MLB#46)

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.

Jackson Jobe             SP           DET        19.10      A          2024   (MLB#25, #139 Roto)

We weren't as impressed with Jackson coming out of the draft, nor with MLB's #32 rank as Jackson currently sports a 5.09 ERA in Single A and just 43 in 40.2 IPs.   

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

There had been pre-season (or early season) talk of promoting Cole, but a 5.93 ERA and only 63 K's across 71.1 innings  (16 starts) has doused those flames.

Jasson Dominguez    OF        NYY         19        A      2025    (MLB #40)

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. 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)

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).

Brady House            SS    WAS        19    A        2025            (MLB #52, #19 Roto)