Corbin Carroll – Page 3 – Imaginary Brick Wall

Posted on August 9, 2022August 12, 2022 by Michael Halpern

Patreon Post: Top 350 August 2022 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Rankings

I was strict with my definition of a prospect in this one again. July through May Rankings are in parenthesis, in that order. Here is the Top 350 August 2022 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Rankings:

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR THE REST OF THESE RANKINGS AND TONS OF EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, INCLUDING:
-TOP 437 JULY 2022 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-TOP 10 TRADE NEGOTIATION TACTICS (one of my favorite things I’ve ever written)
-TOP 10 MID-SEASON TRADE TARGETS
-MID-SEASON OBP TOP 447 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-MID-SEASON POINTS/6+CATS/OPS “UNIVERSAL” TOP 430 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-TOP 40 2023 FYPD RANKINGS

Tier 1

1) (1) (2) (5) Corbin Carroll ARI, OF, 22.0 – Got promoted to Triple-A and actually improved his only slight weakness with a 16.9%/16.9% K%/BB% in 18 games (24.5%/14.8% K%/BB% at Double-A). His power won’t be as big as most of the elite prospects ranked after him, so in points league or OPS leagues, it’s reasonable to go another way at #1.

2) (8) (99) (158) Jackson Chourio MIL, OF, 18.5 – Here’s what I wrote about Chourio in my Friday Dynasty Rundown over on Patreon, “DO NOT TRADE THIS MAN!!! Every dynasty owner has trades they sorely regret. It’s just the nature of the beast. Mine was trading Juan Soto in 2017 for 2 expiring contracts that helped me win a championship by half a point. Soto went bonkos the next year and put up a ridiculous .923 OPS in the majors the very next year! It legitimately hurts me to this day. Fuck the championship. I have a sinking feeling in my gut even writing this blurb right now. Milwaukee has aggressively promoted Chourio all the way up to High-A this year (.905 OPS with a 6/5 K/BB in 9 games), making me think he’s going to get special treatment on his path to the majors like one of those celebrities who take 15 minute helicopter rides to skip over rush hour traffic. I’m updating my Prospects Rankings next week, and he’s my no doubt #2 prospect, and I’m real tempted to push him over Carroll at #1. I implore you one more time, HOLD ON FOR DEAR LIFE!”

3) (2) (8) (12) Gunnar Henderson BAL, SS, 21.1 – He’ll chip in with steals, but he isn’t going to steal as many bags as Carroll or Chourio, so I would hesitate to pick Gunnar over those guys in a 5×5 BA league. He’s arguably the top prospect in leagues that devalue steals.

4) (4) (16) (6) Anthony Volpe NYY, SS, 21.3 – A 55.4% flyball percentage is going to hurt his BA considering he doesn’t have monster raw power. That .247 BA at Double-A isn’t all bad luck.

5) (3) (9) (13) Jordan Walker STL, 3B, 20.3 – Only 2 for 4 on the bases in his last 36 games at Double-A. The bat isn’t a question at all though with 5 homers in his last 15 games

6) (7) (54) (92) Elly De La Cruz CIN, SS/3B, 20.6 – Called up to Double-A and the K% hasn’t gotten out of hand with a 31.5% K% (30.7% K% at High-A). At every new level we just have to hold our breath it doesn’t spike to like 40%

7) (9) (43) (42) James Wood WAS, OF, 19.11 – There is nothing like a blockbuster trade for a player to finally get the respect they deserve. I’ve been shouting that Wood is an elite prospect for months now, and he was also one of my top targets in 2021 first year player drafts.

8) (6) (18) (18) Zac Veen COL, OF, 20.7 – I would have liked to see more than 11 homers in 92 games at High-A, but I really don’t have many doubts about the long-term power, and the insane 50 steals helps soften the modest power output

9) (10) (20) (38) Jordan Lawlar ARI, SS, 20.1 – Starting to come alive at High-A, going 7 for 15 with 2 homers in his last 3 games

10) (FYPD-1) Druw Jones ARI, OF, 18.8 – Hurt his shoulder during BP and could be out for the year. I dropped Lawlar from the #1 slot in my first year player draft rankings last year after his shoulder injury, and I’m not making the same mistake with Jones

11) (35) (59) (106) Jasson Dominguez NYY, OF, 19.6 – Called up to High-A and has a 25.8%/12.1% K%/BB%, 2 homers, and 5 steals in 15 games. He smacks the shit out of the ball, has speed, and is keeping the K’s in check. It’s time to get really excited again

12) (16) (31) (23) Francisco Alvarez NYM, C, 20.9 – He found his groove at Triple-A with a .984 OPS in his last 12 games

13) (5) (17) (11) Robert Hassell WAS, OF, 21.0 – This small drop is just for that lingering concern that the power/speed totals might be more solid than standout

14) (12) (5) (2) Grayson Rodriguez BAL, RHP, 22.9 – Last update had Rodriguez throwing from 120 feet as he rehabs his right lat strain. Eury Perez’ recent rough patch is enough for me to bump Rodriguez back over him, as I would have definitely preferred Rodriguez had he not gotten injured

15) (11) (14) (21) Eury Perez MIA, RHP, 19.3 – Don’t shoot the messenger, but Perez just gave up 6 earned in 1.1 IP in his last outing, his last 3 outings have been rough (10.64 ERA in 11 IP), and he has a pretty mediocre 4.19 ERA on the season. He’s 19 years old at Double-A with nasty stuff, so he’s still really impressive overall, but maybe we shouldn’t crown him quite yet

16) (13) (13) (9) Daniel Espino CLE, RHP, 21.7 – This dude just disappeared off the face of the earth. If I ever commit a crime and need to lay low for awhile, I’m hitting up that Cleveland brain trust for pointers

Tier 2

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

Posted on August 8, 2022August 8, 2022 by Michael Halpern

Monday Morning Dynasty Baseball Rundown (8/8/22)

I’ll be running down everything that caught my eye in the Dynasty Baseball world on most Mondays throughout the season. Here is the Monday Morning Dynasty Baseball Rundown (8/8/22):

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR TONS OF EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, INCLUDING:
-MID-SEASON TOP 314 2022 DYNASTY PROSPECTS RANKINGS
-TOP 437 JULY 2022 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-TOP 10 TRADE NEGOTIATION TACTICS (one of my favorite things I’ve ever written)
-TOP 10 MID-SEASON TRADE TARGETS
-MID-SEASON OBP TOP 447 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-MID-SEASON POINTS/6+CATS/OPS “UNIVERSAL” TOP 430 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-TOP 40 2023 FYPD RANKINGS

Jacob Berry MIA, OF/3B/1B, 21.2 – The 6th pick in this year’s draft, Berry has done nothing but struggle since entering pro ball. He went 0 for 3 yesterday at Single-A and is now 5 for 35 with 0 extra base hits and a 7/3 K/BB in 9 games split between rookie ball and Single-A. He’s not great on D, so the bat needs to really pop. It’s obviously too small of a sample to draw any conclusions, but I can’t help but have visions of JJ Bleday flash through my mind.

Ivan Melendez ARI, 1B, 22.7 – 0 for 3 with a 1/1 K/BB at Single-A. Talk about needing the bat to carry the day, Melendez is all bat as a 1B only prospect who got drafted as a college senior at 43rd overall. He’s 3 for 19 with 0 extra base hits and a 8/4 K/BB in 7 games split between rookie ball and Single-A. If he doesn’t start tearing apart the lower minors in short order, it will be hard for me to buy into him in off-season first year player drafts.

Peyton Graham DET, SS, 21.6 – One of my favorite targets from the 2022 draft class, ranking 17th overall on my Top 40 2023 First Year Player Draft Rankings (Patreon), Graham is showing off the wheels early in his career, snagging his 2nd bag yesterday in 2 games at Single-A. He’s 2 for 7 with a 2/1 K/BB in the early going. He got drafted 51st overall, so the value should be there in off-season drafts.

Samuel Zavala SDP, OF, 18.0 – It took only 10 games in stateside rookie ball where Zavala put up a 1.033 OPS for him to get the call to Single-A, and he made his mark at the level yesterday with his first homer in 5 games. He’s not overmatched against the advanced competition at all with a .793 OPS and 5/4 K/BB. His value has the potential to absolutely explode down the stretch.

Jacob deGrom NYM, RHP, 33.11 – 5.1 IP, 1 hit, 2 ER, 12/1 K/BB vs. ATL. The fastball averaged 99.1 MPH and the slider put up a 90% whiff%. There is a reason I refused to budge his dynasty ranking even with the injury (36th overall on the Top 437 July Dynasty Baseball Rankings that dropped last week on Patreon), because the level of dominance is just silly. I also don’t take age into account as much for pitchers as I do hitters because pitching is so volatile and risky no matter what the age, and younger pitchers are arguably more risky than older pitchers.

Jesus Luzardo MIA, LHP, 24.8 – 7 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 6/1 K/BB vs. CHC. The fastball velocity hasn’t been what it once was with it sitting 95.5 MPH, but I’ll take that tradeoff any day of the week for the improved control he’s shown. An 11/1 K/BB in 12 IP since returning from injury is very encouraging. His stock is on the rise.

Triston McKenzie CLE, RHP, 25.0 – 8 IP, 2 hit, 0 ER, 8/1 K/BB vs. HOU. McKenzie found his control again this season with a sparkling 6.7% BB% (11.7% in 2021). His fastball isn’t good enough (92.4 MPH with a 91.4 MPH EV against) to consistently miss his spots. He’s not as good as his 3.16 ERA indicates (3.89 xERA), but he’s picking up from where he left off in his excellent 2020 rookie season.

Matt Manning DET, RHP, 24.6 – 7 IP, 4 hits, 0 ER, 7/3 K/BB vs. TB. Don’t get suckered in. The fastball sat only 92.2 MPH and the spin rates on his breaking balls were still poor. Stay away.

Alex Kirilloff MIN, 1B/OF, 24.6 – Kirilloff just can’t shake this wrist injury as he’s set to undergo season ending wrist surgery. It’s sadly the last straw if you were on the fence about keeping him or not. In a shallow to medium size league, it could be time to move on if there is something enticing out there on the waiver wire.

Jorge Mateo BAL, OF/2B/SS, 27.0 – 2 for 3 with a cute little 355 foot, 95.5 MPH homer. Mateo is running up his fantasy numbers with 11 homers and 26 steals, but he’s taking advantage of Baltimore’s last season of rebuilding, because a 85 wRC+ is not going to get the job done when they promote all of their top prospect talent next season. I know Baltimore is 4 games over .500, but Mike Elias was smart to not get caught up in the fairy tale season of plucky underdogs. It won’t be long before they are the hated favorites. Be careful trading for Mateo expecting full time playing time beyond this season.

Brett Baty NYM, 3B, 22.8 – The only thing missing was homer power, and it ain’t missing anymore as Baty demolished his 19th homer at Double-A out to deep centerfield off Deivi Garcia. He now has a .950 OPS in 89 games. He still has only a 30.3% FB%, and a 25.2% K% ain’t great, so a 5×5 BA league might not be his bread and butter, but he’s easily a Top 20 prospect in any league that values good real life hitters (Pts, 6+ cats, OBP, OPS etc …). And even in a 5×5 BA league he’s a damn good prospect. It’s time for Triple-A.

Luis Matos SFG, OF, 20.4 – Look who decided to finally show up to the 2022 season. Matos homered for the 2nd time in 3 games and now has a .903 OPS in his last 5 games at High-A. Problem is that it comes with a 6/1 K/BB, which makes it hard for me to really buy back in. He’s still flirting with Top 100 prospect status for me, so I’m not giving up on him, but it’s been a disaster year.

Jordan Lawlar ARI, SS, 19.11 – Lawlar is starting to come alive at High-A, going 4 for 6 with a homer and double yesterday. The overall line at the level is still rough with a .700 OPS and 23/4 K/BB in 19 games, but after putting up a 1.051 OPS at Single-A, it’s likely just a slump that coincided with him getting promoted. He’s a top 10 prospect.

Corbin Carroll ARI, OF, 21.11 – 3 for 5 with a double, homer, and 2 K’s at Triple-A. People were starting to talk some smack about Carroll’s swing and miss, so of course not only did he improve that aspect of his game, but he did it after getting promoted to Triple-A with a 15/15 K/BB in 18 games. He’s the undisputed top prospect in the game, but he’s lucky Chourio went on a mini cold streak (1 for his last 14) because Chourio was charging hard for that top spot.

Tyler Soderstrom OAK, C/1B, 20.8 – Soderstrom got the call to Double-A last week and he now has a .857 OPS in 6 games after going 3 for 5 with a double last night. It comes with a 6/0 K/BB, which is basically exactly what he was doing at High-A with big power and a weak plate approach. He’s played more games at 1B than catcher this year, so at best you’re hoping for enough games behind the plate to qualify, but it’s not something I would bank on when planning the future of my team. I would assume he ends up 1B only and anything extra is icing on the cake.

Vaughn Grissom ATL, SS, 21.6 – Grissom unloaded for his 3rd homer in 21 games at Double-A. He’s had no problems at the level with a 137 wRC+ and 7 steals. He rose all the way to 33rd overall on the July Top 314 Dynasty Prospects Rankings (Patreon), and he will rise even higher on the August Rankings that drop tomorrow.

MJ Melendez KCR, C, 23.6 – 2 for 3 with a 406 foot bomb. Melendez is quietly having an excellent rookie season with a strong plate approach (25.9%/11.4% K%/BB%), a respectable whiff% (28.2%), and no doubt power (90.5 MPH EV). He’s one of the top young catchers in the game.

Tanner Bibee CLE, RHP, 23.4 – 6 IP, 4 hits, 1 ER, 6/0 K/BB at Double-A. Bibee’s value was already rising, and it’s set to take off now that he is dominating Double-A with a 1.71 ERA and 32/3 K/BB in 31.1 IP. The fastball has jumped up into the mid 90’s this year and he’s in one of the best pitching development organizations in the game. He’s a pick up in any size league.

DL Hall BAL, LHP, 23.10 – 5.1 IP, 5 hits, 2 ER, 8/3 K/BB at Triple-A. I hope you like your strikeouts with a side of walks because a 14% BB% is definitely worrisome.

Matthew Liberatore STL, LHP, 22.9 – 6 IP, 2 hits, 1 ER, 10/3 K/BB at Triple-A. Despite the great start, 2022 has been a step back for Liberatore with him struggling in both the majors (5.33 ERA) and the minors (4.77 ERA). He’s still a talented prospect, but if you can get good value for him based on his name value, I would jump on it.

Kerry Carpenter DET, OF, 24.11 – Carpenter hit a laser to the opposite field for his 2nd homer in 2 games and 29th homer in 95 games split between Double-A and Triple-A. His plate approach seriously improved when he hit Triple-A with a 17/17 K/BB in 33 games. Detroit’s entire roster is basically wide open, making Carpenter a good add if you need power down the stretch.

Wenceel Perez DET, 2B, 22.9 – Continuing the take a shot on fringy-ish Detroit prospects theme, Perez ripped his 5th homer in 35 games at Double-A. He’s had strong contact rates his entire career (13.4%/10/1% K%/BB% at Double-A), and his power is ticking up this year with his groundball percentage dropping all the way to 32.1% (51% in 2021). He’s fast, but his stolen base track record in the minors makes me hesitant to project 20+ steals for him (5 for 9 at Double-A). He’s likely a low upside solid across the board type.

Darick Hall PHI, 1B, 27.1 – 2 for 4 with 2 bombs off Cory Abbott. Hall has done nothing but destroy baseballs since getting called up with an elite 92.2/97.5 MPH AVG/FB EV, and it’s led to a .933 OPS in 109 PA. He looks like strictly a platoon bat, and a 27.5%/4.6% K%/BB% is going to make his BA a problem long term, but he’s proving he can mash with the best of them.

Peyton Burdick MIA, OF, 25.4 – 1 for 3 with a 108.6 MPH, 421 foot homer for his first MLB bomb in 3 games. He hit .229 at Triple-A, so he’ll tank your BA, but he has value in an OBP league with high walk rates his entire career. He’s worth a shot in a medium to deep OBP league.

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

Posted on July 13, 2022July 15, 2022 by Michael Halpern

Patreon Post: Top 314 Mid-Season 2022 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Rankings

I went back to being very strict with my definition of a prospect in this one. June and May Rankings are in parenthesis, in that order. Here is the Top 314 Mid-Season 2022 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Rankings:

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR THE REST OF THESE RANKINGS AND TONS OF EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, INCLUDING:
-TOP 10 TRADE NEGOTIATION TACTICS (one of my favorite things I’ve ever written)
-TOP 10 MID-SEASON TRADE TARGETS
-MID-SEASON OBP TOP 447 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-MID-SEASON POINTS/6+CATS/OPS “UNIVERSAL” TOP 430 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-JUNE 2022 TOP 445 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-TOP 16 2023 FYPD RANKINGS (UPDATED AND EXPANDED EARLY NEXT WEEK)

1) (2) (5) Corbin Carroll ARI, OF, 21.11 – Hit a dinger and made a highlight reel diving catch in his first game at Triple-A. He’s electric … boogie woogie woogie

2) (8) (12) Gunnar Henderson BAL, SS, 21.0 – I must have sent that “Gunnar Henderson is elite” memo by Pony Express because it took a few months for everyone else to catch up

3) (9) (13) Jordan Walker STL, 3B, 20.2 – Homer power is the only thing that isn’t thriving with 7 homers in 69 games, but that’s really the last thing we have to worry about with Walker because of his size and excellent EV numbers.

4) (16) (6) Anthony Volpe NYY, SS, 21.2 – The low BABIP has regressed in a good way, slashing .317/.405/.564 with 5 homers, 15 steals, and a 14/13 K/BB in his last 26 games. He has 35 steals in 74 games at Double-A

5) (17) (11) Robert Hassell SDP, OF, 20.11 – With Veen’s K% all the way down, I could go either way on Hassell vs. Veen

6) (18) (18) Zac Veen COL, OF, 20.6 – K% is all the way down to 21.1% and not only has his stolen bases not regressed from last year but he’s actually on a better pace with a much, much better success rate (35 for 37 in 75 games at High-A)

7) (54) (92) Elly De La Cruz CIN, SS/3B, 20.5 – The guy has 20 homers and 28 steals in 72 games at High-A. I mean, what the fuck? 30.5% K% is the only thing keeping him ranked even this low

8) (99) (158) Jackson Chourio MIL, OF, 18.3 – Chourio had already moved all the way up to this area in all of the Mid-Season Updated Dynasty Rankings. Both the stats and eye test is off the charts. 28.2% K% is the only quibble.

9) (43) (42) James Wood SDP, OF, 19.10 – Returned from a sore wrist and has been even better than before hitting the IL, slashing .333/.422/.563 with 3 homers, 7 steals, and a 17/12 K/BB in 21 games. I always call him Oneil Cruz 2.0, but he actually might end up better than Cruz because the hit tool is better

10) (20) (38) Jordan Lawlar ARI, SS, 20.0 – Called up to High-A and has struggled in 6 games with a .095 BA

11) (14) (21) Eury Perez MIA, RHP, 19.2 – I love these next 3 pitchers, but when push comes to shove, I just can’t take them over the potentially elite, all category hitters even if they are closer. Perez has a 1.88 ERA with a 31/5 K/BB in 24 IP since the last update. He’s healthy, so he gets the nod over Grayson and Espino

12) (5) (2) Grayson Rodriguez BAL, RHP, 22.6 – Right lat strain could end his season. He did begin light rehab activities after a “good” MRI, so there is some good news. If you want to downgrade him more because of the injury I have no issue with that

13) (13) (9) Daniel Espino CLE, RHP, 21.5 – Still out with that knee tendinitis they claimed wasn’t that serious

14) (1) (7) Royce Lewis MIN, SS, 23.0 – It feels like Kyle Lewis all over again with knee injury after knee injury, but like Lewis, Lewis’ talent is too good to give up on. Maybe it’s just a Lewis thing.

15) (23) (36) Ezequiel Tovar COL, SS, 20.11 – In the midst of his first slump, but even his slumps look good with a .311 BA in his last 18 games. It comes with only 1 homer and 1 steal though

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

Posted on July 11, 2022July 13, 2022 by Michael Halpern

Monday Morning Dynasty Baseball Rundown (7/11/22)

I’ll be running down everything that caught my eye in the Dynasty Baseball world on most Mondays throughout the season. Here is the Monday Morning Dynasty Baseball Rundown (7/11/22):

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR TONS OF EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, INCLUDING:
-TOP 10 TRADE NEGOTIATION TACTICS (one of my favorite things I’ve ever written)
-TOP 10 MID-SEASON TRADE TARGETS
-MID-SEASON OBP TOP 447 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-MID-SEASON POINTS/6+CATS/OPS “UNIVERSAL” TOP 430 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-JUNE 2022 TOP 350 DYNASTY PROSPECTS RANKINGS
-JUNE 2022 TOP 445 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS

Kyle Manzardo TBR, 1B, 22.0 – If you overslept for Italian Breakfast, Italian Lunch is just around the corner and they’re running a special where you get half a shrimp parm hero, a slice of pizza and Italian Ices for $10. Vinnie P 2.0 went 3 for 4 with his 11th homer in 48 games at High-A, and it comes with a near elite 36/34 K/BB. He was known for his at least plus hit tool, and the power has been better than expected with a 35.1% GB%. It’s all good for a 160 wRC+ at the level. Don’t wait until Manzardo’s crushing it in the upper levels of the minors and the hype makes it impossible to acquire him, enter in your coupon code and get in now.

Vinnie Pasquantino KCR, 1B, 24.9 – Speaking of Vinnie, he went 0 for 4 and his OPS is now down to .556, but the underlying numbers are mouth watering with a 94.4 MPH EV, 12.2%/14.3% K%/BB%, and .396 xwOBA. I would much rather have this start than if he had a 1.000 OPS and the underlying numbers looked like trash. His value is actually up in my mind, and on the off chance this creates a buying opportunity I would be all over it.

Oneil Cruz PIT, SS, 23.9 – 2 for 4 with a 416 foot bomb for his 4th homer in 20 games. Cruz is living up to his scouting report to a T with a 91.6 MPH EV, 30.1 ft/sec sprint speed and 34.2% K%. Even with the risk I’m all in on him, ranking him 36th overall on the Mid-Season OBP Dynasty Rankings over on Patreon. I simply don’t trade these potential core offensive pieces even if I was all in for a championship. Just keep dodging all the trade offers you’re inevitably getting like you’re Joey Gallo trying to hit a baseball.

Corbin Carroll ARI, OF, 21.10 – Carroll is the only prospect still in the minors that I have ranked over Cruz, and he made himself at home real quick with a homer in his first game at Triple-A. He also made a beautiful diving catcher in center. Kid knows how to make an entrance.

Noelvi Marte SEA, SS, 20.8 – Marte has been a man on a mission since the whispers started about his value dropping, going 1 for 3 with a homer yesterday and now has 7 homers with a 1.401 OPS in his last 14 games at High-A. Granted, he is starting to look a little thick, which is where some of the worry has stemmed, but the power isn’t a question.

Pete Crow-Armstrong CHC, OF, 20.3 – 3 for 3 with a steal and an absolute rocket out to center for his 10th homer in 60 games and 3rd homer in 22 games at High-A. He has a .978 OPS with 1 homer, 3 steals and a 13/2 K/BB in his last 11 games at the level. The strikeout to walk rate has taken a step back, but it’s a small sample and everything else looks great. I called him the less hyped version of Robert Hassell this off-season, and he’s lived up to the moniker.

Forrest Whitley HOU, RHP, 24.9 – 1.2 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 1/0 K/BB at Triple-A. Whitley returned from Tommy John surgery in mid June and it’s been ugly with a 7.15 ERA in 11.1 IP. It got uglier yesterday as he had to leave the start with shoulder inflammation. Sad to say, but he’s probably droppable in many leagues, and even in deeper leagues I’m not sure he’s a must hold if there are more enticing options out there on the wire. This is just the life of a pitching prospect.

Bobby Miller LAD, RHP, 23.3 – 5 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 9/1 K/BB at Double-A. This was Miller’s 2nd straight gem as I guess he got sick of Gavin Stone getting all the hype. Here is an edit of all his strikeouts. You can’t not be excited about this guy, especially considering the organization.

Quinn Priester PIT, RHP, 21.9 – 5 IP, 4 hits, 0 ER, 6/0 K/BB at Double-A. His breaking balls were dominating all day, and he now has a pitching line of 2.81/1.25/18/4 in 16 IP. When you watch him he looks like he has top of the rotation upside, but his numbers indicate more of a mid-rotation guy.

Josh Lowe TBR, OF, 24.5 – Lowe remined us all he still exists, having his best day in the majors, going 2 for 4 with a 418 foot homer and 0 K’s. He still has a rough .557 OPS in 139 PA, but the underlying numbers aren’t hopeless with a not horrific 31.2% whiff% and an above average 88.9 MPH EV. His value has definitely dropped for me, especially considering the 31.2% K% he put up at Triple-A this year too, but it’s far too early to give up on him.

Jonathan India CIN, 3B, 25.6 – I was a little worried about India’s below average 87.6 MPH EV from 2021, and it’s gotten even worse so far this year, dropping all the way down to 83.4 MPH. The new balls aren’t doing any favors to guys who don’t crush the ball. He went 1 for 5 with a homer yesterday, but even the homer wasn’t hit all that hard at 95.8 MPH. Granted it was a nice piece of hitting where he really had to stretch down and away to even get to the pitch. Really no choice but to remain patient and assume he just hasn’t been able to find his rhythm yet this year fighting through a couple injuries.

Taijuan Walker NYM, RHP, 29.11 – 7 IP, 3 hits, 0 ER, 7/1 K/BB vs. MIA. We all blinked and Walker decided to turn into an ace with a 1.85 ERA and 43/8 K/BB in his last 39 IP. He uses a 6 pitch mix with his splitter really standing out this year with a .172 xOBA. Overall, while I think he can be a solid starter, this just looks like a hot streak to me. None of his pitches are whiff machines and his 3.56 xERA is much worse than his 2.63 ERA. I wouldn’t be willing to pay up for him in a trade.

Michael Kopech CHW, RHP, 26.2 – 5.1 IP, 4 hits, 2 ER, 4/3 K/BB vs. DET. Kopech started the year with his velocity down from 2021, and then it’s just kept declining with it hitting rock bottom yesterday at a paltry 92.1 MPH. He already dropped a bit in my latest Mid-Season OBP Dynasty Rankings to #139, and while I don’t want to drop him much further than that, it’s legitimately concerning.

Ke’Bryan Hayes PIT, 3B, 25.5 – Hayes snapped an extended slump with a big day, going 3 for 4 with a double and a homer. The only thing he doesn’t do well is lift the ball with a 6.6 degree launch angle, and he hasn’t shown any indications he is looking to change that throughout his career. He’s good as is, especially in a 5×5 league, but if he’s ever going to take it to another level he will have to make an adjustment to unlock more homer power.

Nelson Velazquez CHC, OF, 23.6 – Velazquez destroyed the most nonchalant 109.1 MPH, 428 foot homer I might have ever seen off David Price. His swing and miss is a major concern with a 41% whiff%, and his K% was 36.2% at Triple-A, so this isn’t an MLB adjustment period thing or anything. He looks like the younger version of Patrick Wisdom.

Deyvison De Los Santos ARI, 3B, 19.1 – 2 for 4 with his 12th homer in 73 games at Single-A. De Los Santos has been unconscious over the last couple months, slashing .370/.399/.574 with 9 homers in his last 41 games at Single-A. The 56.3% GB% and 6% BB% still isn’t great, but his power is so huge he will rip homers even with a high GB%. I wrote in the off-season he could end up with a Franmil Reyes like profile, and that remains accurate.

Warming Bernabel COL, 3B, 20.1 – Bernabel got the call to High-A and has been crushing the level just as easily as he crushed Single-A, jacking out his 2nd homer in 5 games and now has a 1.000 OPS at the level. He’s had elite contact rates with a high FB% his entire career, and his power naturally taking a step forward this year has propelled him to the next level. I think he’s the real deal and is pushing top 100 status if he’s not already there.

Hunter Bishop SFG, OF, 24.0 – Bishop is getting his career back on track, going 2 for 4 with a homer yesterday and now has 12 homers and 17 steals in 70 games. There are still some red flags as he’s only doing it at High-A, and a 34.3% K% is extreme. The power/speed numbers clearly show the talent is still there, so while there is still a long way to go, he’s a late career breakout candidate.

Cristian Mena CHW, RHP, 19.7 – Mena tore through Single-A and he’s now doing the same at High-A, going 5 IP with 1 hit, 0 ER, and a 6/3 K/BB. He has a pitching line of 1.89/1.11/17/8 in 19 IP at the level. He has an athletic delivery with a filthy breaking ball and is one of the more underrated pitching prospects in the minors. Now is the time to grab him if he’s still out there in your league.

Jack Leiter TEX, RHP, 22.2 – 1.1 IP, 6 hits, 6 ER, 2/2 K/BB at Double-A. He missed his last 2 starts before this one with arm fatigue. It just keeps getting worse.

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

Posted on May 31, 2022June 2, 2022 by Michael Halpern

Patreon Post: Top 350 June 2022 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Rankings

I reversed course on this one and was very lenient with my definition of a prospect, so the previous ranking in parenthesis might indicate a bigger drop than actually happened due to adding a bunch of players who weren’t eligible on my last stricter update. Here is the Top 350 June 2022 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Rankings:

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR THE REST OF THESE RANKINGS AND TONS OF EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ALL SEASON, INCLUDING:
-UPDATED MAY 2022 TOP 433 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-UPDATED JUNE 2022 TOP 350 DYNASTY PROSPECTS RANKINGS
-TONS OF DYNASTY RUNDOWNS

1) (7) Royce Lewis MIN, SS, 23.0 – I’m trying to make a case why Lewis shouldn’t be the #1 prospect in baseball and I just can’t do it. He already rose to #7 overall in last month’s update before he got the call to the majors, and then he went out and proved the skills will translate against MLB pitching with a 16.2% whiff% and 90.7 MPH EV in 41 PA. He has all the talent in the world as a former #1 overall pick and he destroyed Triple-A in every facet of the game. While the prospects ranked after him are every bit as talented, proving it in the majors is a big deal, as we’ve seen top prospects come up and quickly establish they just can’t handle MLB pitching … cough, Jarred Kelenic, clearing throat sound, cough, cough. I obviously don’t love the knee injury after he crashed into the wall, but right now it’s not looking like a major injury

2) (5) Corbin Carroll ARI, OF, 21.9 – Hasn’t slowed down in May at all with a 1.031 OPS at Double-A

3) (1) Riley Greene DET, OF, 21.8 – Began his rehab assignment from a broken foot and went 1 for 4 in his first game back at Triple-A

4) (4) Oneil Cruz PIT, SS, 23.8 – K% is all the way down to a respectable 25.1%, and in his last 20 games he’s slashing .281/.392/.549 with 6 homers, 3 steals, and a 19/12 K/BB at Triple-A. I’m still all in on Cruz

5) (2) Grayson Rodriguez BAL, RHP, 22.6 – 0.94 ERA with a 43/9 K/BB in his last 28.2 IP at Triple-A. I have no idea why he isn’t in the majors already Update: Left his last start with a lat injury. Fucking pitching prospects man

6) (6/UR) Shane Baz TBR, RHP, 22.11 – Due to being more strict on my last prospects update, Baz wasn’t included, but he was my 6th ranked prospect in the Top 433 May 2022 Dynasty Baseball Rankings from 2 weeks ago. He recently began a rehab assignment at Triple-A and should be back in the majors soon.

7) (3) Adley Rutschman BAL, C, 24.4 – Plate approach skills are transferring to the majors with a 17.1%/11.4% K%/BB% in 35 PA. He has 0 barrels, but an 89 MPH EV ain’t bad, so he’ll find the barrel of the bat eventually

8) (12) Gunnar Henderson BAL, SS, 20.11 – Not only has his plate approach not regressed, but he’s taken it to another level recently with a 13.6%/22.2% K%/BB% in his last 19 games at Double-A

9) (13) Jordan Walker STL, 3B, 20.0 – Power hasn’t fully shown up with 4 homers and a 50.5% GB% in 40 games at Double-A, but at 6’5”, 220 pounds, that is the last thing we have to worry about

10) (8/UR) CJ Abrams SD, SS, 21.8 – I still love Abrams, but I just trust the power of Henderson and Walker more, and they are doing it in the upper levels of the minors now too. Like Baz, Abrams wasn’t included in the last Prospects Rankings but he ranked 8th on the latest Dynasty Rankings.

11) (8) George Kirby SEA, RHP, 24.4 – Exactly as advertised with plus control (2.4% BB%) of a plus 95.5 MPH fastball (30.4% whiff%), to go along with effective but not exceptional secondaries

12) (13/UR) MJ Melendez KCR, C, 23.6 – K% hasn’t ballooned in the majors with a respectable 27.1% whiff% which has allowed his no joke power to shine with a 91.7 MPH EV and 4 homers in 22 games

13) (9) Daniel Espino CLE, RHP, 21.5 – Currently out with some knee tendinitis that doesn’t seem serious, but he’s also been out since April 29th so maybe it was more serious than they were letting on. I wouldn’t downgrade him one iota because of the injury at this point

14) (21) Eury Perez MIA, RHP, 19.2 – 2.12 ERA with a 20/4 K/BB in 17 IP in May. The fastball has hit over 100 MPH this year. He’s gonna be an ace

15) (29/UR) MacKenzie Gore SDP, LHP, 23.3 – He’s outperforming the underlying numbers with a 1.71 ERA vs. a 3.32 xERA (also a 28.3% K% vs. a 25.1% whiff%), but that is just nitpicking as his electric 4 pitch mix is shining due to improved control (8.4% BB% in 42 IP)

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

Posted on May 9, 2022May 17, 2022 by Michael Halpern

Monday Morning Dynasty Baseball Rundown (5/9/22)

I’ll be running down everything that caught my eye in the Dynasty Baseball world on most Mondays throughout the season. Here is the Monday Morning Dynasty Baseball Rundown (5/9/22):

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR TONS OF EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ALL SEASON, INCLUDING:
-UPDATED APRIL 2022 TOP 414 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-UPDATED MAY 2022 TOP 316 DYNASTY PROSPECTS RANKINGS
-TONS OF DYNASTY RUNDOWNS

George Kirby SEA, RHP, 24.2 – Kirby made his MLB debut and went 6 IP with 4 hits, 0 ER and a 7/0 K/BB vs. Tampa. The 4-seamer dominated, sitting 95.8 MPH with a 48% whiff% on the pitch. He had just climbed to #8 overall on my Updated Top 316 Prospects Rankings over on my Patreon, writing, “He could take Brash’s spot in the rotation shortly.” Granted, you didn’t have to be Prospectdamus to see that one coming.

Royce Lewis MIN, SS, 22.10 – Lewis followed in Kirby’s footsteps, rising to #7 on the Updated Prospects List and then getting the call shortly after that. He’s 3 for 10 with a double and K in his 3 game debut, and the underlying numbers are impressive with a 91.8 MPH EV, 22.1 degree launch, and an 11.1% whiff%. He might not stay up with Correa’s injury not as bad as originally feared, but Lewis is trending towards being a fantasy star.

Manuel Margot TBR, OF, 27.6 – I’ve had Margot in the late career breakout bucket for awhile now, seeing a similar career path to Lorenzo Cain, and it might finally be happening as Margot ripped his third homer of the year to bring his season wRC+ up to 170 in 24 games. He has a career high 91.4 MPH EV, 17.3 degree launch angle, and 19.7% whiff%.

Juan Yepez STL, 1B/3B/OF, 24.0 – Yepez smashed his first MLB homer on a 406 foot shot to the deepest part of the ballpark. He is starting his MLB career on a 5 game hit streak, and 4 of those games were multi hit games. He’s not guaranteed a full time job, but as long as he keeps hitting, they will find a way to get his bat in the lineup.

Owen Miller CLE, 1B/2B, 25.6 – Miller stays hot with his 3rd homer in 22 games. He’s handily outperforming his underlying numbers (.445 wOBA vs. .368 xwOBA), so while I think he can be a solid bat long term, I don’t think he is going to maintain anything close to this level. I would consider him a sell high candidate.

Corbin Carroll ARI, OF, 21.7 – Carroll has been going bonkos all season, and he’s now going doubly bonkos with his 2nd straight 2 homer game. That’s 4 homers in his last 2 games for 9 homers on the season. Tack on 8 steals and a .326 BA and he is in the conversation for the top prospect in baseball. He checked in at #5 on my Updated Top 316 Prospects Rankings.

Zack Gelof OAK, 3B, 22.5 – Gelof lifted off twice as well for his 3rd and 4th homers in 25 games at Double-A, and both were hit the opposite way. A fan in a cartoonishly sized cowboy hat had the first homer all lined up but he botched the play. Gelof has a 123 wRC+ at the level, but a 27.6%/6.5% is a little worrisome when trying to project his production out on the MLB level.

Austin Martin MIN, OF, 23.0 – It took long enough but Martin finally got on the board, pulling a breaking ball that never really broke for his 1st homer of the year. 13.7%/12.8% K%/BB% with 14 steals in 25 games at Double-A looks great, but he’s just not doing enough damage on contact with a .337 SLG.

Jordan Lawlar ARI, SS, 19.8 – Lawlar continues to separate himself from the 2021 high school SS class, going 2 for 5 with a double, homer, and 0 K’s. He’s now slashing .301/.443/.542 with 6 homers, 15 steals, and a 25.5%/16% K%/BB% in 23 games at Single-A.

Taj Bradley TBR, RHP, 21.0 – 5 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 5/0 K/BB at Double-A. Plus control of his mid 90’s fastball is his bread and butter, and the secondaries have been more refined this year. He rose to #53 overall on the Updated Prospects Rankings, one spot ahead of one of my favorite prospects, Brayan Bello.

Mick Abel PHI, RHP, 20.7 – 4 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 6/5 K/BB at High-A. Seeing all the walks coming back is not great, but it’s still been much improved overall with a 10.4% BB% in 18 IP. The stuff is filthy and he’s been a K machine with a 37.7% K%. After the top arms in the upper levels graduate, Abel should rise into elite pitching prospect territory.

Edward Cabrera MIA, RHP, 23.11 – Max Meyer is making everyone forget about Cabrera, but he did his best to make as all remember yesterday, going 5 IP with 3 hits, 0 ER, and a 6/1 K/BB. He’s still struggling with his control on the season though with a 15/8 K/BB in 13 IP. Meyer should be the next man up in Miami, but it’s not out the realm they go back to Cabrera first.

Edwin Arroyo SEA, SS, 18.7 – 2 for 5 with his 5th homer in 24 games at Single-A. He now has a 149 wRC+ with 6 steals and a 18.6%/10.6% K%/BB%. Arroyo has been out of his mind recently and is one of the top breakouts in the first month of the season. He climbed to #167 on the Updated Top 316 Prospects Rankings, and even that might not be enough.

Carson Williams TBR, SS, 18.9 – Williams is another 18 year old breaking out in full season ball, jacking his 3rd homer in 21 games and is now slashing .301/.372/.578 with 3 homers, and 7 steals. The 37.2% K% is quite high, but he’s only 18, and his swing is so damn explosive at 6’2”, 180 pounds it’s hard not to get excited.

Roberto Campos DET, OF, 18.10 – Campos crushed his first homer of the year in 25 games at Single-A, but he’s been hitting the ball really hard all year and his power isn’t in question. More importantly, the K rate has been strong with a 22.4%/7.1% K%/BB% and has been solid all year with a 108 wRC+. Now is probably the time to buy in if he’s still out there.

Jackson Chourio MIL, OF, 18.1 – The 18 year old Chourio made his season debut at Single-A last week and he’s done nothing but hit since then. He cranked his first homer yesterday and is now slashing .480/.519/.800 with 1 homer, 2 steals, and a 14.8%/7.4% K%/BB% in 6 games. I’ve ranked Chourio pretty aggressively, and the hype is about to blow up if he keeps this up. Elite prospect potential.

Triston Casas BOS, 1B, 22.2 – Make it #6 for Casas at Triple-A. I imagine that when Bobbly Dalbec looks in the mirror to brush to his teeth in the morning, he sees Casas right behind him like it’s a hacky horror movie.

Nick Yorke BOS, 2B, 20.0 – Yorke’s been finding his power stroke of late, drilling his first 2 homers of the year in his last 5 games. This one was a no doubter out to deep centerfield, showing he definitely has some raw juice in the tank. He has a 21.3% K% with a .238 BA, so the hit tool hasn’t exactly been as elite as hoped.

Justin Foscue TEX, 2B/3B, 23.1 – Foscue has been quietly putting in work at Double-A, going 2 for 3 with a homer and 2 walks. He has a 15.9%/14.5% K%/BB% with a 145 wRC+ in 16 games at Double-A. He’s joining Josh Jung as two rock solid college bats who should produce in Texas for years to come.

Brendon Davis LAA, 3B/OF, 24.8 – 2 for 5 with his 5th homer. The surface stats haven’t been great with an 88 wRC+, but the underlying numbers look excellent with a 17.9%/12.2% K%/BB% and a 37.6% GB% in 28 games at Triple-A. He has big power at 6’4”, 185 pounds, and seeing the K rate being kept in check is big.

Blaze Alexander ARI, SS, 22.11 – Alexander is bouncing back from a down 2021, walloping 2 homers yesterday and is now slashing .322/.403/.644 with 4 homers and 3 steals in 15 games. 31.3% K% is still too high, but he’s putting himself back on the map.

Ken Waldichuk NYY, LHP, 24.3 – Waldichuk had the best start of the day, going 5 hitless innings with a 12/3 K/BB. He’s a 24 year old “crafty lefty” dominating younger competition at Double-A with a 1.14 ERA and 40/9 K/BB in 23.2 IP. I wouldn’t go crazy for him, but the guy obviously knows how to pitch.

Hayden Wesneski NYY, RHP, 24.4 – Wesneski is the 24 year old Yankees pitching prospect I prefer, and he pitched damn well himself, going 5 IP with 4 hits, 2 ER, and a 6/1 K/BB at Triple-A. He does have the big stuff and is now sitting on a 2.48 ERA with a 32/6/ K/BB in 29 IP.

Michael Burrows PIT, RHP, 22.5 – One of the most underrated pitchers in the minors continued his dominance, going 4 IP with 1 hit, 0 ER, and a 6/1 K/BB. The stuff is straight filthy and he’s rocking a 34%/6.8% K%/BB% in 26.2 IP at Double-A. He’s a must pick up in every league.

Jacob Amaya LAD, SS, 23.8 – The Amaya breakout continues, going 3 for 5 with a triple, homer, and a 1/3 K/BB in a doubleheader. Simply calling it a breakout might be an understatement because the the numbers are straight elite, slashing .351/.473/.797 with 7 homers (27.9% GB%), 2 steals, and a 13.2%/18.7% K%/BB% in 22 games at Double-A. He cracked the Updated Prospects Rankings at #200, and he just keeps on rising.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR TONS OF EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ALL SEASON, INCLUDING:
-UPDATED APRIL 2022 TOP 414 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-UPDATED TOP 316 DYNASTY PROSPECTS RANKINGS
-TONS OF DYNASTY RUNDOWNS

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

Posted on May 4, 2022May 7, 2022 by Michael Halpern

Patreon Post: Top 316 May 2022 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Rankings

I’ve decided to be very strict about prospect eligibility. All prospects that have exceeded their rookie eligibility according to Baseball Reference and all currently in the majors are excluded. Here is the Top 316 May 2022 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Rankings:

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR THE REST OF THESE RANKINGS AND TONS OF EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ALL SEASON, INCLUDING:
-UPDATED APRIL 2022 TOP 414 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-TONS OF DYNASTY RUNDOWNS

1) Riley Greene DET, OF, 21.6 – Greene likely wouldn’t have been eligible to crack this list had he not gone down with a broken foot. But he did break his foot, and will have to settle for ascending to top dog status on prospect lists.

2) Grayson Rodriguez BAL, RHP, 22.4 – Last 2 outings haven’t been great but he got BABIP’d to death with 0 homers and good K/BB numbers. 37.9%/5.7% K%/BB% in 21.2 IP at Triple-A shows the dominance

3) Adley Rutschman BAL, C, 24.2 – Started his rehab assignment at High-A from a strained right triceps and is unsurprisingly far too advanced for the level with a 0/2 K/BB and 230 wRC+ in 4 games.

4) Oneil Cruz PIT, SS, 23.6 – 32.9% K% and 57 wRC+ in 19 games at Triple-A. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the struggles were related to the disappointment of not cracking the opening day roster.

5) Corbin Carroll ARI, OF, 21.7 – Doing everything at Double-A with 4 homers, 7 steals, and a 23.6%/13.5% K%/BB%

6) Anthony Volpe NYY, SS, 20.11 – Early season struggles are in the rear view mirror. A .239 BABIP is really the only thing keeping his numbers down at Double-A

7) Royce Lewis MIN, SS, 22.10 – Came back from the knee surgery a new man, putting up a 19.4%/16.1% K%/BB% in 21 games at Triple-A. Power and speed look great too

8) George Kirby SEA, RHP, 24.2 – Performing like his usual dominant self, and the secondaries look improved. He could take Brash’s spot in the rotation shortly

9) Daniel Espino CLE, RHP, 21.3 – Currently out with some knee tendinitis that doesn’t seem serious. Insane 51.5%/5.9% K%/BB% in 18.1 IP at Double-A.

10) Triston Casas BOS, 1B, 22.2 – Is not long for the minors with Dalbec struggling hard

11) Robert Hassell SDP, OF, 20.7 – Destroying High-A with a 15.4%/9.9% K%/BB%, 5 homers and 9 steals. Something to note, the minor leagues still clearly have the super happy fun balls, so these guys with high groundball rates might struggle to hit for this kind of power in the majors assuming MLB doesn’t switch back to the juiced balls in the future. Carroll and Hassell both have over 50% groundball rates

12) Gunnar Henderson BAL, SS, 20.9 – Strikeout problems have disappeared completely at Double-A with a 19.1%/23.6% K%/BB% in 20 games

13) Jordan Walker STL, 3B, 19.10 – 22.9%/12% K%/BB% is huge to see in 18 games at Double-A considering his raw power and athleticism

14) Max Meyer MIA, RHP, 22.11 – One of the most impressive pitchers in the minors this year. 32.4%/5.9% K%/BB% with a 1.71 ERA in 26.1 IP at Triple-A. Still mostly fastball/slider, but the changeup is improving

15) Michael Harris ATL, OF, 21.1 – Game power is ticking up with 4 homers and a 44.1% GB% in 21 games at Double-A

16) Miguel Vargas LAD, 3B, 22.4 – Everything is translating to Triple-A

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

Posted on April 25, 2022April 26, 2022 by Michael Halpern

Monday Morning Dynasty Baseball Rundown (4/25/22)

I’ll be running down everything that caught my eye in the Dynasty Baseball world on most Mondays throughout the season. Here is the Monday Morning Dynasty Baseball Rundown (4/25/22):

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR TONS OF EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ALL SEASON, INCLUDING:
-UPDATED APRIL 2022 TOP 414 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-UPDATED TOP 300 DYNASTY PROSPECTS RANKINGS COMING NEXT WEEK
-TONS OF DYNASTY RUNDOWNS

Jesus Luzardo MIA, LHP, 24.6 – 5 IP, 2 hits, 1 ER, 8/4 K/BB vs. Atlanta. Why improve your control when you can just make your stuff even nastier? Luzardo’s BB% is still sitting at 11.5%, but the fastball is up to 97.1 MPH and his whiff% is up 10.1 percentage points to 39.5%. It’s a good life lesson. If you can’t improve your weaknesses, just make your strengths even stronger.

Byron Buxton MIN, OF, 28.3 – 6 for 9 with 3 homers in his last 3 games. He now has a 97.8 MPH EV and a 1.361 OPS on the season. I ranked Buxton 32nd overall on my off-season Top 1,000 because I thought the injury risk was deflating his league winning upside too much. I’ll take a quick victory lap for Buxton while he’s still healthy, and also because if Buxton took the victory lap, he’d probably pull a hammy and be out for the year.

Connor Joe COL, 1B/OF, 29.7 – Continues to put in Yeoman’s work, going 1 for 4 with a double and a 0/1 K/BB. Joe has just been quietly performing like a near elite hitter with a career .370 xwOBA in 264 AB. He has a .406 xwOBA this year with a career best 17.3% whiff%, which backs up his excellent 18.6%/11.9% K%/BB%. He jumped all the way up to #183 on my Updated April 2022 Top 414 Dynasty Baseball Rankings over on Patreon. Don’t sleep on him. He looks like the next legit late career breakout.

Cody Bellinger LAD, OF/1B, 26.9 – I kept the faith on Bellinger, ranking him 63rd overall this off-season, and he has rewarded that faith, dropping two bombs yesterday to bring his season OPS up to .915. I would still be a tad cautious to consider him back to being elite because of a 33.3% K%, but it seems pretty safe to say he didn’t all of a sudden turn into a horrible ballplayer. It was just a rough couple years because of poor luck and injury.

Ty France SEA, 1B/2B, 27.9 – 3 for 5 with his 5th homer, and now has a 1.116 OPS on the year. He has a career best 10.5% K% and 89.6 MPH EV. Always gotta balance out all the back patting with one I got wrong, and while it’s not like I was super low on France, ranking him 163rd overall this off-season, I’ve been generally low on France his entire career. It was a mistake.

Corbin Carroll ARI, OF, 21.7 – Carroll’s ascent to truly elite prospect status was basically a foregone conclusion, and he’s fulfilling that promise with his 3rd homer on an electric swing down in the zone. He has a 192 wRC+ with 5 steals in 13 games at Double-A. I don’t care if you are in win now mode, do not trade this man unless you are getting back a near elite hitter back in return.

Michael Harris ATL, OF, 21.1 – Absolutely destroyed his first homer of the year at Double-A. and while he hasn’t hit many homers in his career, watching that one shows the kind of potential he has. All of the skills have basically transferred to Double-A with a .317 BA and 6 steals. Unlocking more of his plus raw power is the last step.

Masyn Winn STL, SS/RHP, 20.0 – St. Louis dropped the pitching thing and decided to have Winn focus solely on hitting. So far, so good as Winn unloaded for his first homer of the year to bring his season wRC+ up to 210 in 10 games at High-A on the back of a 15.6%/11.1% K%/BB%. He has 4 steals with a 38.7% GB% and plus raw power. Now could be the time to buy in before his value explodes.

Zack Collins TOR, C, 27.2 – Collins is stealing Alejandro Kirk’s presumed breakout, going 2 for 5 with his 3rd homer. He now has a .960 OPS on the season with a 94.9 MPH EV. but a 32.4%/2.9% K%/BB% and long term playing time concerns still makes me hesitant to buy in.

Jeremy Pena HOU, SS, 24.5 – Ripped a 425 foot walk off dinger off Jordan Romano for his 3rd of the year. He’s smashing the ball with a 90.6 MPH EV and has respectable contact rates with a 25.7% whiff%. He jumped to #158 on the Updated Dynasty Rankings.

Shane McClanahan TBR, LHP, 24.11 – 7 IP, 6 hits, 2 ER, 7/0 K/BB vs. Boston. Fastball sat 96.6 MPH and put up a 40% whiff% overall. His curve, slider, and changeup now have a 45.9%, 47.4%, and 57.1% whiff% on the season. He’s quickly cementing himself as an ace.

Nick Lodolo CIN, LHP, 24.2 – 5.2 IP, 5 hits, 1 ER, and a 7/0 K/BB vs. St. Louis. All of his skills are translating to the MLB level with a strong 86.1 MPH EV against, 7 degree launch angle, and a 27.5%/7.2% K%/BB%. If you can buy low off the 5.52 ERA, I would do so.

Randal Grichuk COL, OF, 30.8 – Grichuk got off the schneid with his first homer on a 414 foot, 108.7 MPH bomb. He went 3 for 4 on the day which brings his BA up to .404 on the back of a 14.3% K%. The power has been lacking to this point with an 86.9 MPH EV and negative 2.1 degree launch angle, but those numbers are so out of character for his career that they will almost certainly regress closer to career averages.

Austin Riley ATL, 3B, 25.0 – 3 for 5 with 2 doubles and a homer. Riley is backing up the 2021 breakout with a 93.4 MPH EV and .452 xwOBA. Don’t trade him unless you are getting an elite piece back.

Jo Adell LAA, OF, 23.0 – Cracked an opposite field grand slam for his 3rd of the year, and more importantly, didn’t strikeout once, which is the first game this season he hasn’t recorded a strikeout. He has a 21.4% Barrel% and 40.7% whiff% on the season.

Tylor Megill NYM, RHP, 26.8 – 6.2 IP, 5 hits, 2 ER, 7/1 K/BB vs. Arizona. He hasn’t been able to fully maintain his early season velocity uptick, but settling in at 95+ MPH, which is where he’s at now would be perfect. His slider has been silly untouchable with a .135 xwOBA and 50% whiff%. I’m fully buying in, ranking him 97th overall on the Updated Dynasty Rankings.

Eric Lauer MIL, LHP, 26.10 – 6 IP, 5 hits, 0 ER, 13/1 K/BB. Lauer is going full breakout with his fastball up 1.2 MPH to 93.8 MPH. He has a 34.6% K% on the year, although with a 26.5% whiff%, he’s unlikely to be able to come close to keeping that up. He was a favorite of mine in his First Year Player Draft class, and of course I no longer own him anywhere. I do own Kyle Wright in a couple leagues, who I didn’t like in his draft year. Just the nature of the pitching prospect beast.

Nolan Gorman STL, 3B/2B, 21.11/Elly De La Cruz CIN, SS/3B, 20.3 – It’s the strikeout and power hour of the dynasty rundown, as Gorman and Cruz both ripped another homer with 2 more K’s. That makes it 8 homers with a 32.3%/6.5% K%/BB% in 15 games at Triple-A for Gorman, and 3 homers with a 37.5%/6.3% K%/BB% in 12 games at High-A for Cruz. Gorman’s 2021 strikeout improvement has completely disappeared, and Cruz’ strikeout issues have gotten worse this year too.

Shea Langeliers OAK, C, 24.5 – Backing up his 2021 power breakout with his 5th homer in 15 games at Triple-A, and he’s doing it with a much improved 19% K%. He’s blocked by Sean Murphy, but there were rumors Murphy could be traded over the off-season, so he could be dealt before the deadline which would open up the full time job for Langeliers.

Jhonkensy Noel CLE, 1B/3B, 20.9 – Noel tore apart High-A last year with 8 homers in 26 games, and he’s back at it this year after going deep twice yesterday for his 3rd and 4th of the year. More important than the power, he has an excellent 23.4%/14.9% K%/BB% in 12 games.

Marco Luciano SFG, SS, 20.6 – Bouncing back from last year’s horrible showing at High-A with his 3rd homer in 12 games to bring his season OPS up to .981. The plate approach isn’t great with a 24.5%/8.2% K%/BB%, but it’s much better than last year’s 37.2%/6.9% mark.

Orelvis Martinez TOR, SS, 20.4 – Martinez’ plate approach, or lack thereof, is getting exposed at Double-A with a 33.9%/1.8% K%/BB%, but nothing can stop his power as he jacked his 6th homer of the year yesterday.

Brady House WAS, SS, 18.10 – Housed his 2nd homer of the year to bring his season wRC+ up to 171 in 15 games at Single-A. The plate approach has been strong at 22.1%/9.1%, but the GB% is a bit high at 50%. Keep in mind this dude is still just 18 years old.

Oneil Cruz PIT, SS, 23.6 – Smoked his first homer of the year, and when I say smoked, I really mean smoked. He’s struggled a bit to start the year with a 74 wRC+ and 31.1% K% at Triple-A, but all that really means is that Pittsburgh can continue to manipulate his service time without getting major blowback.

Andy Pages LAD, OF, 21.4/Michael Busch LAD, 2B, 24.4 – LA’s power and patience duo got back to work yesterday at Double-A. Pages hit his 2nd homer, and it comes with an excellent 20.3%/13% K%/BB% in 15 games. Busch got ahold of his 7th homer, and his comes with a 23.9%/21.1% K%/BB% in 15 games. Finding playing time in LA’s stacked lineup could be their biggest issue.

Jasson Dominguez NYY, OF, 19.2 – Dominguez went 2 for 4 with his 1st homer of the year, but he needs to do a lot more than that to dig himself out of the hole he’s in. He has a 37.3%/1.7% K%/BB% with a 67 wRC+ in 13 games at Single-A. He doesn’t really have the young for the level excuse anymore. His stock is dropping hard.

Max Meyer MIA, RHP, 22.11/Roansy Contreras PIT, RHP, 22.5 – Meyer – 5 IP, 4 hits, 2 ER, 7/2 K/BB. Contreras – 3.1 IP, 3 hits, 1 ER, 5/1 K/BB. Both are pushing hard for a rotation spot and could immediately be impact MLB starters when they do get the chance. I have them in a tier of elite pitching prospects with Daniel Espino and Jack Leiter.

Cade Cavalli WAS, RHP, 23.8 – 4 IP, 3 hits, 4 ER, 2/1 K/BB at Triple-A. I got slightly worried about Cavalli after MLB hitters ripped him apart in Spring, and he’s carried over those struggles into Triple-A with a 9.00 ERA and 12/4 K/BB in 12 IP. He also struggled hard at Triple-A last year. I’m far from panicking, but if I was in win now mode, I might be willing to use him as a centerpiece of a trade after he strings a few good starts together.

Moises Gomez STL, OF, 23.8 – 2 for 5 with his 9th homer. Gomez is ranked 2nd among all of the qualified minor league hitters with a 269 wRC+ at Double-A. He’s always had big power with low groundball rates, and it’s not like he is a completely out of nowhere prospect as he ranked 237th on my 2019 Top 472 Prospects Rankings. If he can keep his strikeouts in check (22.4% in 2022 vs. 38.2% in 2021), and considering St. Louis is an expert in developing these kind of hitters, he could really put himself back on the map.

Connor Scott PIT, OF, 22.6 – 2 for 3 with 2 steals. Ranked #407 on my 2022 Top 500 Prospects Rankings, Scott is off to a strong start at Double-A, slashing .400/.489/.600 with 1 homer, 3 steals, and a 17%/12.8% K%/BB% in 11 games. He’s a former 13th overall pick in the draft and has the athleticism to back that up at 6’3”, 200 pounds. He always had a solid plate approach throughout his MiLB career. He hasn’t had that wow year yet, but he’s just steadily climbing the ladder with a nice combo of safety and upside.

Adael Amador COL, SS, 19.2 – 1 for 3 with a steal. The plus plate approach is transferring to full season ball with a 12.3%/18.5% K%/BB%. It’s led to a 151 wRC+ in 14 games at Single-A. He also has 2 homers and 3 steals, but with a 56.8% GB% and 13 for 20 success rate on the bases in his career, not sure there is a big power/speed combo at the moment.

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

Posted on January 24, 2022January 26, 2022 by Michael Halpern

Patreon Post: 2022 Top 100 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Rankings

I’m dropping rankings galore on my patreon as I lead up to the release of the 2022 Top 1,000 Dynasty Baseball Rankings. Here is the 2022 Top 100 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Rankings:

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE AND TONS OF CONTENT ALL OFF-SEASON, INCLUDING:
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-Dynasty Team Reports for every team (Top 10 Prospects/Interesting MLB guys/Strategy Talk)

Tier 1

1) Bobby Witt Jr. KC, SS, 21.9 – Bobby Witt showed out so much in Spring Training that there were whispers he would make the opening day roster, and he probably should have because Double-A and Triple-A proved no match for him. He slashed .290/.361/.575 with 33 homers, 29 steals, and a 23.2%/9.0% K%/BB% in 123 games. It will be ridiculous if he doesn’t break camp with the team in 2022. 2022 Projection: 78/26/84/.260/.329/.472/18 Prime Projection: 94/33/101/.277/.351/.541/23

2) Julio Rodriguez SEA, OF, 21.3 – Rodriguez did it all in 2021. He brought his BB% up to 12.6% (6.8% in 2019), he stole 21 bases (in 26 attempts) in just 74 games, and he obliterated the upper levels of the minors, slashing .362/.461/.546 with 7 homers, 16 steals, and a 37/29 K/BB in 46 games at Double-A. He’s in a two man race with Bobby Witt for the #1 overall prospect in baseball. 2022 Projection:59/17/63/.277/.342/.472/6 Prime Projection: 98/35/110/.291/.378/.575/11

Tier 2

3) Spencer Torkelson DET, 3B/1B, 22.7 – Tork is a 6’1”, 220 pound bull with a swing geared towards launching bombs. And that is all he’s done in his baseball career, crushing 25 homers in 55 games as a freshman in the Pac 12, ripping 23 homers as a sophomore, and now smashing 30 bombs in his pro debut over 121 games split pretty evenly across 3 levels (A+, AA, AAA). He does all this with an advanced plate approach (13% BB% at Triple-A) and without any major strikeout worries (20.3% K% at Triple-A). 2022 Projection: 72/27/74/.252/.337/.485/3 Prime Projection: 96/35/105/.275/.372/.533/3

4) Riley Greene DET, OF, 21.6 – Greene is 6’3”, 200 pounds with a smooth lefty swing that is geared for power and average. He just steamrolled through the upper levels of the minors as a 20 year old, slashing .301/.387/.534 with 24 homers, 16 steals (in 17 attempts), and a 27.4%/11.3% K%/BB% split between Double-A and Triple-A. Stolen bases weren’t supposed to be a major part of his game, but he obviously is a very savvy base stealer as he is 21 for 22 on the bases in his pro career. The K% is high, but I’m betting on that coming down as he gains more experience. 2022 Projection: 49/14/45/.255/.330/.462/5 Prime Projection: 102/30/98/.281/.364/.518/10

5) Brennen Davis CHC, OF, 22.5 – Davis is 6’4”, 210 pounds with easy power and no problems keeping the ball off the ground. He smacked 19 homers in 99 games split across 3 levels (A+, AA, AAA). Like many guys this tall, he has some strikeout issues with a 28.7% K%, and while he will definitely chip in with steals, he went 6 for 10 in 76 Double-A games and he didn’t attempt a steal in 15 Triple-A games. The upside is very high, but there is still some risk here too. 2022 Projection:48/17/55/.242/.313/.441/7 Prime Projection: 88/33/99/.261/.338/.510/11

6) CJ Abrams SD, SS, 21.6 – A fractured tibia and sprained MCL ended Abrams season after just 42 games. He proved his plus hit tool and speed will transfer against advanced competition at Double-A, slashing .296/.363/.420 with 2 homers, 13 steals (in 15 attempts), and a 19.7%/8.2% K%/BB%. His power isn’t there yet, and there is a chance it will never be a major part of his game, but he still looks pretty skinny to me at 6’2”, 185 pounds and don’t think those man muscles have come in yet. The power will tick up in time. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 95/18/75/.288/.342/.437/27

7) Grayson Rodriguez BAL, RHP, 22.4 – Rodriguez is the total package with the potential for 4 plus pitches and above average control. He put up a 45.5%/5.7% K%/BB% in 23.1 IP at High-A and then followed that up with a 39%/7.1% K%/BB% in 79.2 IP at Double-A. He’s the #1 pitching prospect in the game. 2022 Projection: 4/3.88/1.21/77 in 69 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.32/1.08/228 in 195 IP

8) Shane Baz TBR, RHP, 22.10 – Baz’ control took two huge steps forward, going from well below average to near elite with a 1.7% BB% at Double-A, 6.2% at Triple-A, and 6.1% in the majors. He sacrificed nothing to do it, throwing an elite 97 MPH fastball that put up 30.4% whiff%. He combines that with two plus breaking balls in his slider (40.7% whiff%) and curve (50% whiff%), while his changeup lags behind. He’s in a two man race with Grayson Rodriguez for the top pitching prospect in baseball. 2022 Projection: 9/3.78/1.20/148 in 130 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.35/1.07/220 in 187 IP

9) Adley Rutschman BAL, C, 24.2 – Rutschman dominated the upper levels of the minors with an elite plate approach (90/79 K/BB in 123 games) and plus power (23 homers). He has an argument to be the #1 overall prospect in real baseball because of his at least plus catcher defense, but in fantasy, being a catcher only causes more problems with wear and tear and more days off. He should open the 2022 season as Baltimore’s starting catcher, but service time manipulation might also come into play. 2022 Projection: 69/22/63/.262/.341/.449/2 Prime Projection: 86/27/84/.276/.364/.493/3

Tier 3

10) Zac Veen COL, OF, 20.4 – Veen is 6’4”, 190 pounds with a violent lefty swing that is made to hit rockets. He’s pretty skinny now, so if he puts on weight, his power upside is scary. He backed up the hype in his pro debut, slashing .301/.399/.501 with 15 homers, 36 steals in 53 attempts, and a 26.3%/13.4% K%/BB% in 106 games at Single-A. You have to throw out the steal numbers because of the Single-A rule changes, and he also wasn’t very successful, but seeing he loves to run this much is a good sign. He has elite fantasy upside, especially in Coors. I’m buying high. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 99/32/103/.277/.358/.519/13

11) Oneil Cruz PIT, SS, 23.6 – It took only 2 MLB games for Cruz to put the entire league on notice. He went 3 for 9 with 1 homer and 4/0 K/BB, but it was the elite exit velocity readings that really popped. He had a silly 100.5 MPH average exit velocity, and he hit a 118.2 MPH line drive single that was the 7th hardest hit ball all season. At 6’7”, 210 pounds, Cruz’ raw power is in rarified air. He’s had high groundball rates his entire career, but he’s slowly been improving them, putting up a 47.3% GB% in 62 games at Double-A and a 31.3% GB% in 6 games at Triple-A. Speaking of his 6 game taste of Triple-A, he went nuclear with 5 homers and a 5/8 K/BB. Oh yea, he also has plus speed with 19 steals in 22 attempts. There will inevitably be some swing and miss to his game, and I don’t think he is completely out of the woods with his high groundball rates, but Cruz very well might have the highest pure upside of anybody in the minors. 2022 Projection:72/24/81/.257/.320/.468/17 Prime Projection: 92/30/101/.272/.335/.518/16

12) Anthony Volpe NYY, SS, 20.11 – The power breakout came well before schedule as Volpe cranked 27 homers in 109 games split between Single-A and High-A. The Yankees drafted Volpe 30th overall in 2019 based on his hit hit tool, speed, and defense, so the power explosion puts Volpe in elite prospect territory. If you play in a shallow to medium sized league where you can’t pick up prospects during the season, Volpe should very likely be the top pick in your off-season prospect draft. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 92/26/89/.278/.352/.481/15

13) Noelvi Marte SEA, SS, 20.5 – Marte has a powerful righty swing that is both under control and lightening quick. It reminds me a bit of Manny Machado. He showed a mature plate approach (22.2%/12.1% K%/BB%), plus power (17 homers in 99 games), and speed (23 for 30 on the bases) in his full season debut as a 19 year old. He has the upside to be a perennial first rounder in fantasy. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 91/33/103/.276/.362/.547/12

14) Corbin Carroll ARI, OF, 21.7 – Shoulder surgery ended Carroll’s season after just 7 games, but he managed to make such a great impression in those games, along with strong reports from the 2020 alt site, that he should still be considered a near elite prospect. He’s an explosive player with an at least plus contact/speed combo. His power has been underrated even from before he was drafted because he is only 5’10”, but he puts a sting into the baseball. Shoulder injuries are known to sap power, but he is young enough that you have to assume a full recovery. As high as his value is now, it might shoot through the roof not far into 2022. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 89/20/78/.283/.367/.463/28

15) Robert Hassell SDP, OF, 20.7 – Hassell dominated Single-A (139 wRC+) with a plus plate approach (17.2%/13.3% K%/BB%) and speed (31 steals), but he only hit 7 homers in 92 games with a 52.1% GB%. He then went to High-A for 18 games and proved he has the ability to make adjustments to get to his power, jacking 2 homers with a 32.7% GB%. The K% rose with the power to 28.7%, but it’s still a good sign he will eventually be able to put it all together. He’s 6’2’’, 195 pounds, so while he is expected to be a hit tool, speed guy, I wouldn’t rule out a power explosion. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 93/18/74/.277/.358/.446/23

16) Triston Casas BOS, 1B, 22.2 – Casas in 6’4”, 252 pounds with double plus raw power and a mature approach at the plate. He put up a 19.1%/15.4% in 86 games at mostly Double-A (9 games at Triple-A). He has a textbook lefty swing with very little movement, and he rarely sells out to get to his power. His homer totals don’t jump out at you with only 14 homers, but he doesn’t have any major groundball issues with a 42.8% GB% (34.6% GB% at Triple-A), so even if he doesn’t make adjustments to unlock more power, he will still hit plenty of homers while maintaining a high BA. He’s in the mold of a Freddie Freeman and Paul Goldschmidt if he hits his ceiling. 2022 Projection: 36/10/41/.253/.334/.469/2 Prime Projection: 96/32/102/.276/.365/.515/4

17) Hunter Greene CIN, RHP, 22.8 – Greene is a mountain of a man at 6’5”, 230 pounds and he puts that frame to good use by consistently pumping in upper 90’s fastballs that reach 100+ MPH often. Even his changeup is 90+ MPH and it has the potential to be a nasty pitch with good drop and tail action. The slider was much improved this year and has the potential to be a plus pitch. He used all of those weapons to put up a pitching line of 3.30/1.18/139/38 in 106.1 IP split between Double-A and Triple-A. He’s not a finished product, but Greene truly has the upside to be the best pitcher in baseball one day. 2022 Projection: 6/3.88/1.32/112 in 100 IPPrime Projection: 14/3.39/1.12/222 in 185 IP

18) Josh Lowe TBR, OF, 24.2 – Lowe blew up at Triple-A, slashing .291/.381/.535 with 22 homers, 26 steals (in 26 attempts), and a 26.2%/13% K%/BB% in 111 games. I’ve been high on him since his 2019 breakout because he is a premium athlete at 6’4”, 205 pounds with a plus power/speed combo and high walk rates. Even though his K% remained high, his hit tool took a step forward this year, which is the one thing that could hold him back. 2022 Projection: 23/7/21/.237/.310/.428/6 Prime Projection: 84/24/76/.256/.338/.467/16

19) Francisco Alvarez NYM, C, 20.4 – Alvarez is a bulldog at the plate at 5’10”, 233 pounds with massive raw power and a precocious plate approach. He put up a silly 227 wRC+ with a 10.4%/22.4% K%/BB% in 15 games at the age appropriate Single-A before he went to High-A and bashed 22 homers in 82 games. This is a do it all, middle of the order bat who has a good chance of sticking at catcher. Rutschman is going to have some competition for that top spot in a couple years. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 78/30/92/.272/.355/.495/4

20) Josh Jung TEX, 3B, 24.2 – A stress fracture in his foot delayed the start of Jung’s season, but he came back angry, demolishing the upper levels of the minors. He slashed .326/.398/.592 with 19 homers and a 22.2%/9.1% K%/BB% in 78 games split between Double-A and Triple-A. Both of his home ballparks juice up homers, but he was even more dominant on the road. He has at least plus power and he should be able to hit for a pretty good average too. Texas might play team control games with him, but he deserves to be their starting 3B out the gate. 2022 Projection:68/22/77/.258/.327/.455/2 Prime Projection: 86/29/90/.272/.344/.496/3

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

Posted on January 12, 2020January 14, 2020 by Michael Halpern

Top 100 Prospects Rankings for 2020 Fantasy Baseball Dynasty Leagues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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