Our 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.
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1. Wander Franco (TB, SS, High-A)
While Wander Franco’s hit-tool might be his greatest asset, he’s got plus power and well above-average speed. While he’s only 18, he’s moving quickly and could see the Majors in 2021.
2. Bo Bichette (Tor, SS, Triple-A)
Bo Bichette has a double-plus hit tool with plus speed and growing power. It’s a recipe for a 20-20 performer at the highest level. I think we see him in the second half.
3. Jo Adell (LAA, OF, Double-A)
He spent the first two months on the IL, but that didn’t matter as he hit the ground running when he returned. There’s plus power, plus speed but with more strikeouts than you will like. I don’t think that will matter much as the total package screams multiple All-Star appearances.
4. MacKenzie Gore (SD, LHP, Double-A)
MacKenzie Gore has great stuff with an athletic delivery that should allow him to move quickly through the minors. In fact, his next start will be in Double-A. The ceiling is a #1 starter.
5. Casey Mize (Det, RHP, Double-A)
If you say that Casey Mize is the best pitcher in the minor leagues, I won’t fight you. Before his shoulder injury, he was shoving it and looks just about ready.
6. Luis Robert (CHW, OF, Triple-A)
Luis Robert might be the most explosive athlete in the minor leagues. He’s destroyed the Carolina League, excelled in Double-A and should make quick work of Triple-A. There will be swing and miss in his game, but if all comes together, he could be a monster performer at the highest level.
7. Keston Hiura (Mil, 2B, Majors)
With only 101 at-bats in the Majors, Keston Hiura still qualifies for our list. He’s a plus hitter with power and speed. You’ve seen what he can already do. I expect more of the same with more power and less speed as his career goes forward.
8. Yordan Alvarez (Hou, DH, Majors)
While Yordan Alvarez is likely a DH long-term, the power and hit-tool suggest an offensive force somewhere between Khris Davis and JD Martinez. Eight does feel a little high for a DH with no speed, but he’s doing it in the Majors and looks good doing it.
9. Brendan McKay (TB, LHP, Majors)
In the end, I think Brendan McKay will be used strictly as a starter, but it should’nt matter as the upside is a number two-starter, perhaps a little more.
10. Kyle Tucker (Hou, OF, Triple-A)
The Astros appear to have lost some confidence in Kyle Tucker, and while I’ve never liked the hitch in his swing, there is plus power and speed in the profile. I think he gets moved at the deadline or over the winter and then we will get a chance to see how good he can be.
11. Gavin Lux (LAD, SS, Triple-A)
Gavin Lux is another Dodger who will compete for Rookie of the year honors. This kid can really play.
12. Forrest Whitley (Hou, RHP, Triple-A)
I saw what I saw in the Fall League with Forrest Whitley – four plus pitches with control. I didn’t love the short delivery, but he has the size and stuff to pitch at the front of the rotation. I am worried about the shoulder issues and even more worried that the Astros are very quiet about it. But, assuming health, he could develop into one of the best pitchers in the league.
13. Alex Kirilloff (Min, OF, Double-A)
It’s just been ok for Alex Kirilloff in Double-A this year. I’m not too worried as he can hit with plus raw power that has yet to show-up in-games. He’s blocked in Minnesota but I think that sorts itself out.
14. Brendan Rodgers (Col, SS, Majors)
I’m beginning to wonder if the Rockies know what to do with Brendan Rodgers? I think there’s a plus hit-tool to go along with plus power in the bat but with Trevor Story and Nolan Arrenado blocking him, that leaves second base for his taking. The problem, Garrett Hampson and Ryan McMahon are both laying claim. In the end, I think he grabs second, McMahon moves to first and Hampson is the super utility player.
15. Dustin May (LAD, RHP, Triple-A)
I continue to be extremely high on Dustin May. His primary pitch is a hard two-seamer that should make him a ground ball machine and also break a ton of bats in the process. Plus, his secondary pitches will miss plenty of bats. If you believe in spin-rate, which I do, he’s got one of the best fastball spin-rates in all of baseball. It’s one of the reasons his sinker is so nasty. He’ll be the number two to Walker Buehler as soon as 2020.
16. Adley Rutschman (Bal, C, NA)
This past June’s draft was not great, but Adley Rutschman was the best of the class and has a chance to be the best catcher in the Majors one day. He’s got plus power with the ability to hit and the defensive chops to stay behind the plate.
17. Jarred Kelenic (Sea, OF, High-A)
The Mets made a mistake. Trading Jarred Kelenic for Cano and Edwin Diaz is already starting to come back to haunt them. He’s can hit with plus power and a little speed and the makeup to make it all work.
18. Matt Manning (Det, RHP, Double-A)
Casey Mize is the top pitcher in the Detroit system but Matt Manning is not far behind. He’s got the size, stuff and extreme athleticism to make it all work. It’s a number two starter profile with a chance to be more.
19. Joey Bart (SF, C, High-A)
Joey Bart showed off his arm in Sunday’s Futures Game and has the offensive chops to provide plus power. There will be swing and miss in the profile, but the upside is Top five catcher in the game.
20. Bobby Witt Jr. (KC, SS, Rookie)
While Bobby Witt Jr. is already 19, he’s got big-time tools and the makeup and the obvious pedigree to move quickly through the Royals system.
21. Taylor Trammell (Cin, OF, Double-A)
Taylor Trammell is one of my favorite prospects in the game. Not only does he have plus speed, growing power and the ability to get on base, but he’s also just a fun and entertaining player. He will be the future center fielder for the Reds, perhaps as soon as 2020. This should push Nick Senzel back to the dirt.
22. Jesus Luzardo (Oak, LHP, Triple-A)
If you think I’m starting to get worried about Jesus Luzardo’s health track record, you would be right. He’s clearly ready to show his stuff at the highest level, but let’s face, he has yet to show he can stay healthy.
23. Mitch Keller (Pit, RHP, Triple-A)
Mitch Keller has gotten a couple of shots at the apple but has had inconsistent results. While his mechanics are solid, the walks have been too high. I think he solves this problem and becomes a mainstay in the Pirates rotation very soon.
24. Nate Pearson (Tor, RHP, Double-A)
The more I see Nate Pearson, the more I like him. He has a legitimate 80-grade fastball that he can run up to triple-digits. The secondary pitches are still on the come, but it’s a number two starter ceiling.
25. Sixto Sanchez (Mia, RHP, Double-A)
All six-foot pitchers with huge upside get compared to Pedro Martinez. I don’t think Sixto Sanchez is that guy, but it’s premium stuff and he fills up the strike zone. After several bad trades, the Marlins got it right and finally landed their big fish.
26. Carter Kieboom (Was, 2B, Triple-A)
Carter Kieboom can really hit with plus power. There isn’t a ton of speed but as the future third baseman for the Nationals, it should work just fine. I know there is talk that they might re-sign Anthony Rendon, but I don’t see it. Get younger and cheaper and then spend the extra money on pitching.
27. Nick Madrigal (CHW, 2B, Double-A)
I have no idea if this is the right spot for Nick Madrigal. I do know in fantasy, he’s a three-category performer (Runs, SB, and BA); and they just happen to be the toughest categories. But, he has 20-grade power. He’s an intriguing player, to say the least.
28. Cristian Pache (Atl, OF, Double-A)
Cristian Pache is a true five-tool player with his defensive ability leading the way. While that won’t necessarily impress fantasy players, look no further than Jackie Bradley Jr’s ability to stay in the lineup despite hitting .160 in May. There are speed and power in the quiver and I think he could develop into a Top 30 outfielder in fantasy.
29. A.J. Puk (Oak, LHP, Double-A)
A.J. Puk is now a year removed from Tommy John Surgery and while there are some inconsistent outings, the stuff appears fully back. I was too light on him after Oakland drafted him number six overall in 2016, but the stuff and size point to a number two starter ceiling.
30. Michael Kopech (CHW, RHP, Majors)
I’ve yet to hear if Michael Kopech has started throwing yet, but it should be soon. I would guess we’d see him back in Chicago sometime in the second half of next season. Assuming health, the upside is a number one starter.
31. Ian Anderson (Atl, RHP, Double-A)
Ian Anderson received the honor to start the Futures Game for the National League and looked great. He’s athletic with great stuff and pitchabiliy. While the Braves have elite pitching prospects seemingly everywhere, Anderson could emerge as the best of the crop.
32. Royce Lewis (Min, SS, High-A)
Royce Lewis is an engaging and fun player with tremendous skills. Unfortunately, the swing has gotten noisy and needs some work. In fact, he’s regressed since being taken 1:1 in 2017 and consequently has dropped in our rankings. Assuming he can fix the swing, the upside is significant.
33. Jordan Groshans (Tor, SS, Low-A)
Jordan Groshans is one of my big risers on our list. He’s was showing the ability to hit with big power before getting hurt in the Midwest League. Once he’s back, I think he continues to mash and should take over for Vlad Jr. at third in 2021 when it will be time to move Vlad to first.
34. Dylan Cease (CHW, RHP, Majors)
Dylan Cease throws very hard but has yet to show consistent control of his arsenal. I think that will come in time, and when it does, he has a chance to be a solid mid-rotation starter if not more.
35. Alec Bohm (Phi, 3B, Double-A)
After a slow start to his professional career last year, Alec Bohm has had little trouble in 2019. He had one of the better hit tools come out of the draft last June and as he develops power, he should be the answer at third for the Phillies by next season.
36. Andrew Vaughn (CHW, 1B, Low-A)
The White Sox picked high again in the draft and selected Andrew Vaughn as their potential backfill for Jose Abreu at first. Even if they resign Abreu, Vaughn should play first with Abreu moving to DH. It’s big power with an above-average hit tool.
37. Nico Hoerner (CHC, SS, Double-A)
The Cubs are moving Nico Hoerner hard and he’s responding. In fact, if it weren’t for an injury that caused him to miss all of May, he might be in Triple-A by now. The hit-tool is very advanced with average power and speed to complement.
38. Jonathan India (Cin, 3B, High-A)
Jonathan India was taken with the fifth overall pick last June and has played ok in the Florida State League this season, slashing .253/.345./.418. I think there is more in the tank for him and in the end, I still believe he has a chance to be a top 10 fantasy third baseman.
39. DL Hall (Bal, LHP, High-A)
The Orioles might have done a lousy job in developing their pitchers, they were actually quite good at drafting good arms. Fortunately for DL Hall, the changes the Orioles have made to their coaching staff should help him reach his potential. It’s a mid-rotation profile, but from the left side, he could be pitching until his mid-30s.
40. Daniel Lynch (KC, LHP, High-A)
The Royals went heavy with college pitchers in the 2018 and the best of the bunch is Daniel Lynch. The stuff is premium from the left side and he’s moving quickly. Don’t be surprised if you see him in a Royals uniform in the second half of 2020.
41. Matthew Liberatore (TB, LHP, Low-A)
While the journey to the Major is likely to be lengthy for Matthew Liberatore, the stuff from the left side is going to play for a long time. We might not see him until 2022, but the stuff and athleticism give him a ceiling of a number two starter.
42. Luis Urias (SD, 2B, Triple-A)
I think the 17 home runs that Luis Urias has hit so far in Triple-A is unsustainable. I do believe the hit tool is for real. Throw-in 10 home runs and 10 stolen bases annually, and it’s a solid middle infielder profile in fantasy.
43. CJ Abrams (SD, SS, Rookie)
It’s not like the Padres needed more athleticism in their system. But, in the 2019 MLB Draft, they drafted one of the fastest players in CJ Abrams. In 15 games in Rookie ball, he’s already stolen eight bases with a .429 batting average.
44. Dylan Carlson (STL, OF, Double-A)
Dylan Carlson has opened eyes in fantasy circles this year by posting a .875 OPS in Double-A. There is an intriguing blend of power and speed that should play nicely in the outfield for the Cardinals sometime in 2020.
45. Vidal Brujan (TB, 2B, Double-A)
Vidal Brujan carrying tool is the double-plus speed that he showed off quite nicely in 44 games in the Florida State League by stealing 24 bases in 29 chances. He also controls the strike zone very well and should be able to hit for average. The amount of power is the open question but assuming he can add 5 to 10 home runs, he could be Top 10 fantasy second baseman.
46. Evan White (Sea, 1B, Double-A)
Taken in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft, we all knew that Evan White could hit, we were just waiting on the power to develop. In 2019, it has. In 57 games in Double-A, he’s slugging .496 with 11 home runs. Throw in the ability to hit and post a high on-base percentage, there’s a lot to like.
47. Marco Luciano (SF, SS, Rookie)
Perhaps I’ve gone off the deep end by ranking Marco Luciano in the Top 50, but he was arguably the top International bat last year and has raked in the early going of his career. There’s plus raw power, good speed and if he finds a semblance of a quality hit-tool, he could be a monster fantasy performer.
48. Justin Dunn (Sea, RHP, Double-A)
Justin Dunn has great stuff but is still learning to put together everything. I think he does and should start to show his stuff in Seattle next season. The ceiling is a number three starter, or perhaps a little more.
49. Keibert Ruiz (LAD, C, Double-A)
While Keibert Ruiz has only hit .260 in 67 games in Double-A this year, he has more walks than strikeouts and is being hampered by a low BABIP. He’s a bat-first catcher with a chance to hit for a high average with 20 plus home runs.
50. Spencer Howard (Phi, RHP, High-A)
Spencer Howard has one of the best arms in the minor leagues but has spent most of the season on the Injured List. He’s now pitching again and assuming health, has the stuff to be a number two starter.
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 pitch 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 had 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. In fact, 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.