Leave a comment

2019 Mid-Season Top 100 Prospects (51-100)

2018 top 100Our mid-season Top 50 has been expanded to a Top 100. While there have been many promotions, the kids keep on coming. The list is stacked with high-end prospects that are nearly ready for the show to 16-year-old kids that will be ready before you know it. Let’s face it, the game has gotten younger and players are just not staying in the minor leagues very long.

To make the list, players MUST have less than 50 IP or 130 at-bats in the Major Leagues at the time the list was published.

Enjoy the list and please click on the baseball card to visit our partner amazon.com to explore additional information on each player.

51. Jesus Sanchez (TB, OF, Double-A)

Jesus Sanchez doesn’t get talked about a ton, but he has a solid hit tool with good raw power and a little speed. He could be a solid number three outfielder, if not more.

52. Drew Waters (Atl, OF, Double-A)

He’s batting .332 in Double-A with five home runs and 11 SBs. But, a 27% strikeout rate and a 6% walk rate says there are warning signs. He’s a toolsy player but he needs to learn to control the strike zone better.

53. Justus Sheffield (Sea, LHP, Double-A)

Justus Sheffield pitched poorly in Triple-A.  He’s been better on his demotion to Double-A and the Mariners would be well served just to move him directly to the Majors. I still like the stuff and mound presence. His ceiling continues to be a solid number three starter.

54. Will Smith (LAD, C, Triple-A)

He’s been known as a defensive catcher but over the past two years has really developed his offensive game. I like Keibert Ruiz more, but not by much.

55. Triston McKenzie (Cle, RHP, Double-A)

Triston McKenzie has been out all year with a back injury and his status has taken a clear hit. Hopefully, we will see him pitch in the second half, or at worse in the Fall League. I’m still very bullish with a ceiling of a strong number three or higher ceiling.

56. Kyle Wright (Atl, RHP, Triple-A)

I thought Kyle Wright would move through the minors quickly and then pitch well in the Majors. Well, he went through the minors quickly but stumbled in his chance in the Major League rotation. In fact, he’s pitched poorly all year. I still like the upside as a potential solid mid-rotation starter.

57. Hunter Greene (Cin, RHP, Low-A)

Hunter Greene has spent the entire season recovering from Tommy John reconstructive surgery. Prior to his surgery, the stuff was electric, and the athleticism and make-up were off the chart. Now, the ceiling is still a one, but he needs to get back on the mound so we can see what he still has.

58. Alek Thomas (Ari, OF, Low-A)

Alek Thomas was a second-round pick last season and was one of my guys to click. He’s done just that and even earned an invitation to the Futures Game. He’s shown very good strike zone awareness with good speed and power.

59. Luis Patino (SD, RHP, High-A)

After seeing Luis Patino shove it in the Futures Game, his ranking feels a little light. He’s got a fastball that can hit the upper nineties with improving secondary pitches. The control is not consistent, but he’s got simple and clean mechanics. The biggest knock and why I’ve kept his ranking in the ’50s is his size. He’s only 6-feet and 190 pounds. However, he’s one to watch.

60. Ke’Bryan Hayes (Pit, 3B, Triple-A)

In a year where everyone is pounding the ball in Triple-A, Ke’Bryan Hayes is not. In 62 games, he’s hitting .242 with a .394 SLG. I still believe in the player and think there is more in the tank.

61. George Valera (Cle, OF, SS)

George Valera just missed our pre-season Top 100 list and we are making up for that here. While he’s only 18, he has a potential plus hit tool to go with at least average future power potential. Early in his career, he should be able to steal low double-digit stolen bases.

62. Deivi Garcia (NYY, RHP, Triple-A)

Deivi Garcia started the Futures Game for the American League and looked like he belonged. He’s all of 5-feet-9 but has good stuff that nobody has been able to hit. He will start for the Scranton team to begin the second half and I believe will see New York before September arrives.

63. Jordan Balazovic (Min, RHP, High-A)

Jordan Balazovic has made great strides this season that has moved him quickly up our rankings. He has a fastball that sits 94 to 95 with improving secondary pitches. When I’ve asked why his stuff is playing better, the most common answer has been – improved conditioning.

64. Anthony Kay (NYM, LHP, Triple-A)

After pitching very well in 12 starts in Double-A, the Mets promoted Anthony Kay to Triple-A where things have not gone well. I’m not too worried about that as his stuff is really good from the left side with his money pitched being a double-plus curveball with great spin-rate.

65. Julio Rodriguez (Sea, OF, Low-A)

I’m pretty sure I have Julio Rodriguez too low on this list. But, I just don’t know where to rank these high-end 18-year-old kids. He’s got five-tool potential with a very good understanding of the strike zone. He’s holding his own in the Midwest League and I see only upside in the rankings.

66. Brice Turang (Mil, 2B, Low-A)

Brice Turang was the Brewers first-round draft pick last June and has played very well in the Midwest League. He controls the strike zone extremely well, walking more than he has struck out. He also has plus bat speed with a chance to hit for at least above-average future power. While he was drafted as a shortstop, the Brewers have already started to move him to second.

67. Adrian Morejon (SD, LHP, Double-A)

Adrian Morejon continues to show premium stuff from the left side but is still not repeating his delivery well. With improved control, the upside could be a two, three at the worse. However, he continues to walk too many.

68. Alex Reyes (STL, RHP, Triple-A)

I haven’t a clue where to rank Alex Reyes. His pure stuff and athleticism say he could be an ace. However, it’s now been three years of injuries. If he can ever stay healthy…

69. Logan Allen (SD, LHP, Majors)

Logan Allen made his Major League debut a couple of weeks ago a looked great. His second start was not that great, but I still like him as a solid mid-rotation starter. He’s got great stuff, pitches from the left side and will play half his games in one of the best pitchers park in the league.

70. Andres Gimenez (NYM, SS, Double-A)

Andres Gimenez has been more of scouting guy than a stats guy. In other words, the scouting report is ahead of his production. This year, it’s more of the same. He shows good power in batting practice but has posted a .359 SLG in Double-A. He’s also struggled at the plate with his strikeout rate spiking to 23%. The good news is he continues to show excellent defense. He’s only 20, but at some point, we need to see some production. Until then, we wait…

71. Daulton Varsho (Ari, C, Double-A)

From a fantasy standpoint, Daulton Varsho might be the best catcher in the minor leagues. Anybody with the upside of 15 to 20 stolen bases who is catcher eligible who can also post a decent batting average is gold. The big question is will Varsho stay behind the plate? I think he will, at least part-time and I continue to be very bullish on the backstop.

72. Jazz Chisholm (Ari, SS, Double-A)

It’s not been a great year for Jazz Chisholm as he’s batting .202 in Double-A. The good news is he’s hit 17 home runs and stolen nine bases. The bad news is it’s come with a 34% strikeout rate. The tools are clear, but he needs to cut down on the strikeouts or he’ll never get to his tools.

73. Seth Beer (Hou, OF, Double-A)

Have you seen what Seth Beer has done this year? In 79 games across High and Double-A, he’s hit .323 with 19 home runs and a .983 OPS. Sure, he’s likely a DH with nowhere to play in Houston, but the kid can hit and hit with power.

74. Riley Greene (Det, OF, Rookie)

Riley Greene was arguably the best hitter in the 2019 high school draft class and the Detroit spent nearly $6.2 million dollars to sign the outfielder. He’s gotten off to a fast start in the GCL hitting .351 over the first nine games with two home runs. The hope is that his power will develop and if it does, he could be a high-average 25 plus home run corner outfielder. He’s a below-average runner so speed will not be part of the equation.

75. Bryse Wilson (Atl, RHP, Majors)

I continue to be high on Bryse Wilson despite his uneven performance in the Majors to-date. He’s got a quality arsenal, throws strikes with nice mound presence. For me, he’s going to be a solid mid-rotation starter.

76. Ronaldo Hernandez (TB, C, High-A)

Ronaldo Hernandez has struggled this year in High-A posting a poor .283 OPB. While he’s got plus raw power, the Florida State League has not been kind to his power. I still believe in the talent.

77. Ronny Mauricio (NYM, SS, Low-A)

Ronny Mauricio has had a solid year in Low-A as an 18-year-old. He’s hitting .280 but has yet to develop any in-game power. He’s tall at 6-foot-4 with excellent bat speed and should grow into power. Despite, his height, he’s still playing very well at short and might be able to stay there long-term. He’s still a work-in-progress but the scouting report says to invest.

78. Jarren Duran (Bos, OF, Double-A)

I’m not sure the Red Sox have publically said that Jarren Duran is better than they thought when they drafted him last season, but he sure is better than I thought. He’s got plus speed and could steal 30 plus bags at the highest level with an uncanny ability to get on base. He’s the Red Sox top prospect now and could be an interesting fantasy player.

79. Trevor Larnach (Min, OF, High-A)

Trevor Larnach was the Twins first-round draft pick last year and has a solid, if not an unspectacular season in High-A. In 78 games, he’s hit .303 (.380 BABIP) but with only five home runs. He’s got plus raw power, but the Florida State League does suppress power. The ceiling is an everyday player and not a star for me.

80. William Contreras (Atl, C, Double-A)

William Contreras has not had the step-up year I expected from him. He only posted a .668 OPS in High-A and it’s been worse in Double-A. I still like the swing and obviously the sibling pedigree that he brings.

81. Miguel Amaya (Chi, C, High-A)

I saw Miguel Amaya several times this year and while the stat line is not great (.221/.341/.373), I like the swing and he’s got very good bat speed. I’m still projecting a full-time regular with a .270 batting average and 15 to 20 home runs.

82. Leody Taveras (Tex, OF, Double-A)

The Rangers slowed Leody Taveras progression down this year and it helped get his career back on track. In 67 games in the Carolina League, he hit .297 with a .370 OBP with 21 stolen bases and three home runs. The swing works and while he needs to cut down on his strikeouts, I think he gets on base enough to provide significant stolen base upside for fantasy owners.

83. Brent Honeywell (TB, RHP, NA)

Remember Brent Honeywell? Should he even be ranked? At one point, he was one of the best pitching prospects in the game, but he’s yet to make it back from Tommy John Surgery. In fact, he was rehabbing and then had fractured his elbow in a bullpen session. That sounds very ominous, but let’s keep him ranked for now.

84. Sean Murphy (Oak, C, Triple-A)

Sean Murphy has been out since late April with a torn meniscus. He’s an offensive first catcher who has enough chops to stay behind the plate. Assuming health, he should be up at some point in 2020.

85. Jon Duplantier (Ari, RHP, Triple-A)

Jon Duplantier had some modest success in three starts in the Major Leagues and is what he is. A mid-rotation starter with a long-arm delivery that creates some deception that could lead to continued arm problems. He’s currently in Rookie Ball working his way back from injury.

86. Corbin Martin (Hou, RHP, Triple-A)

We had a glimpse of what Corbin Martin can do. Unfortunately, he got hurt and will likely be out until the 2021 season. If you have room on your minor league squad, I would stash him as I still believe the upside is a mid-rotation starter.

87. Heliot Ramos (SF, OF, High-A)

The San Francisco Giant’s first-round pick in 2017 is having a nice season in the California League. He’s posted a .879 OPS in 52 games with nine home runs and four stolen bases. He is striking out at a 25% clip which is going to suppress his batting average. But, there is speed and pop in the profile.

88. Alek Manoah (Tor, RHP, NA)

Alex Manoah was my top pitcher on the board during June’s draft. The 6-foot-6 righty has a big fastball that will touch the mid-90’s a good slider and change-up. The Blue Jays need to clean-up his delivery as he doesn’t always repeat it, but his size and stuff give him a solid mid-rotation ceiling.

89. Zac Gallen (Mia, RHP, Majors)

I don’t really like pitchers like Zac Gallen as he doesn’t have premium stuff and that usually doesn’t end well. But, you can’t argue against what Gallen has done. He can lay claim to having the best minor league season-to-date posting a 1.77 ERA in hitter-friendly Triple-A. Plus, in his three starts for Miami, he’s looked good. Nevertheless, I still have him as a number four starter.

90. Ryan Weathers (SD, LHP, Low-A)

Ryan Weathers was the Padres first-round pick last season and barely made their Top 15 list. That’s more of a testament to how deep their system is as I really like the arm. He’s had a good season pitching in the Midwest League posting a 3.38 ERA, striking out nearly 10 per nine while limiting his walks to under two per nine.

91. Nolan Gorman (3B, STL, High-A)

I will admit to being low-man on Nolan Gorman. As with Joey Gallo, I just struggle with 80-grade raw power when the player strikes out 30% of the time. Plus, as opposed to Gallo, Gorman doesn’t have the plate patience that could support a high OBP when he ultimately bats .220 or worse. Sure, he’ll hit 40 home runs, but Hunter Renfroe is going to hit 40 home runs this year.

92. Jasson Dominguez (NYY, OF, NA)

Before you call me a fool, let me explain. Yes, Jasson Dominquez is 16-years-old, but he’s the consensus top International player this year and the Yankees just signed him to a $5.1 million dollar signing bonus. That would slot into the overall number eight pick in the 2019 draft (money wise). But, if you factor in that International dollars are much less, that would slot him even higher. Plus, let’s face it – teams are doing a great job of nailing the top International players. There is plus raw power, above-average speed and with a swing that should work. Yes, he’s 16, but in most Dynasty League rookie drafts next year, he will go in the Top five players taken. How long did it take for Vlad Jr. and Wander Franco to become the top minor league prospect? Yeah, I got you thinking…

93. Brady Singer (KC, RHP, Double-A)

Brady Singer had little trouble with High-A but has struggled in his first six starts in Double-A. He has a plus fastball and slider but lacks a solid third pitch to keep lefties at bay. Plus, the delivery has effort and for me, he would work better in the bullpen.

94. Yusniel Diaz (Bal, OF, Double-A)

Yusniel Diaz has had a challenging year in Double-A showing little power and a poor batting average. However, he’s still making solid contact and showing an ability to work a walk. I haven’t seen him in two years, but when I did, the bat speed was impressive and I’m still not ready to give up on a 22-year-old talent like that.

95. Nolan Jones (Cle, 3B, High-A)

Nolan Jones has double-plus raw power but the power has yet to show up in games. While there is swing and miss in his game, he’s also posted a 20% walk rate. Perhaps he needs to become more aggressive the plate to unlock his power. I know several evaluators that are very high on him.

96. Edward Cabrera (Mia, RHP, Double-A)

I really like Miami’s future rotation with Sixto Sanchez heading the rotation and young Edward Cabrera following him. The 6-foot-4 Dominican can touch triple-digits with a nasty slurvy slider. He also shows a feel for a change-up. He’s still a little raw but is moving quickly and could rise on this list as the season progresses.

97. Alexander Canario (SF, OF, SS)

After posting a 1.000 slugging in his first 10 games in the AZL, the Giants moved Alexander Canario to Short Season ball to further his development. He can hit with a chance for future plus power.

98. Tarik Skubal (Det, LHP, Double-A)

Tarik Skubal is one of my big pop-up guys this year. The Detroit lefty pitched extremely well in High-A and shoved it on Sunday in his first taste in Double-A striking out 11 in five innings. He’s a Tommy John survivor with a very good three-pitch mix that pounds the strike zone.

99. Corbin Carroll (Ari, OF, Rookie)

I liked what the Diamondbacks did in 2018 in the draft and really liked what they did this year. Corbin Carroll, their first-round pick is tooled up and has gotten off to a nice start in the AZL. I think he could follow a similar path to what Alec Thomas did and really breakout next season.

100. Robert Pauson (Oak, SS, NA)

In all due respect to Jasson Dominquez, Robert Pauson also signed a $5.1 million signing bonus on July 2nd with the Oakland A’s. He’s still 16 but has great physical tools and is a switch hitter. Why does he make this list? Read what I wrote about Dominquez. The same thing applies.

%d bloggers like this: