Shane Baz – Imaginary Brick Wall https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com A Dynasty Baseball blog with some other stuff mixed in Sun, 28 Jul 2024 00:57:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://i0.wp.com/www.imaginarybrickwall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/cropped-stone-brick-wall-red-weathered-00382-1.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Shane Baz – Imaginary Brick Wall https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com 32 32 104130888 Monday Morning Dynasty Baseball Rundown (7/22/24) https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/monday-morning-dynasty-baseball-rundown-7-22-24/ Mon, 22 Jul 2024 14:58:55 +0000 https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/?p=13810 I’ll be running down everything that caught my eye in the Dynasty Baseball world on most Mondays throughout the season here on the Brick Wall. The rest of the week you can catch my Rundowns on the Patreon. Here is the Monday Morning Dynasty Baseball Rundown (7/22/24):

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR TONS OF EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ALL SEASON, INCLUDING:
-TOP 11 MID-SEASON DYNASTY TARGETS (6/25/24)
-MID-SEASON TOP 422 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKS (7/12/24)
-JUNE TOP 305 PROSPECTS RANKS (6/14/24) (new update coming soon)
-TOP 57 2025 FYPD RANKS (7/19/24)
-HALP’S DYNASTY BASEBALL PODCAST: JUNE MAILBAG! (6/28/24) (new Mailbag coming soon)
-TONS OF DYNASTY RUNDOWNS
-SPREADSHEETS

Max Clark DET, OF, 19.7 – The stupendous 2023 MLB Draft class is casting such a long shadow that all anyone can talk about is how crappy the 2024 Draft class is in comparison, and while I would argue they are being too harsh, especially for fantasy, (check out the 2025 Top 57 FYPD Rankings that just dropped on Patreon last week), the 2023 class is out here teaching the 2024 class how it’s done in pro ball. Clark just homered his way into a promotion to High-A, going 3 for 4 with a laser shot into the License to Chill Lounge. He tacked on a double and stolen base in his final game at Single-A. He earned that promotion with 7 homers, 26 steals, a 133 wRC+, and 17.4%/14.4% K%/BB% in 73 games. That is fully living up to his hype, and the final step to superstardom will be naturally gaining strength and raising his launch (48.6% GB%), although he has the type of profile that can thrive with a low launch. He isn’t even one of the truly most hyped names in the class …

Dylan Crews WAS, OF, 22.5 –  Speaking of one of the most hyped names in the class, arguably too hyped, Crews is out here working to put some shine back on his name, utterly destroying a 409 foot, 103.3 MPH bomb for his 4th in 23 games at the level. The 97 wRC+ might not be super impressive, but 4 homers with 5 steals, a 16.8%/9.7% K%/BB% and 89.2 MPH EV looks pretty damn good to me. With all the hand wringing over Crews and ball washing over Langford, it would be pretty funny if Crews took MLB by storm when he got his chance and passed Langford again. Langford has been coming on of late, but his season line is still quite beatable.

Walker Jenkins MIN, OF, 19.5 –  The mega hyped Jenkins had a hammy delay his full take off, but he’s been healthy and in a groove for a little while now, going 2 for 4 with 2 walks and a steal yesterday. He now has a 140 wRC+ on the back of a 12.5%/19.5% K%/BB% in 28 games at Single-A. It’s great to see how advanced of a hitter he is, but we have enough elite plate approach weaklings to go around, we need him to start doing some real damage. Only 2 homers with a 87.3 MPH EV is lackluster. We know he has the raw power in the tank at 6’3”, 210 pounds, so I don’t doubt it’s coming, but it would be nice to see some more of it.

Brice Matthews HOU, SS, 22.4 – Matthews didn’t get the hype of the aforementioned names, unless you read my work this off-season which named Matthews as one of my favorite FYPD targets, and he’s more than delivered. He went 2 for 4 with 2 steals and an absolute NUC out to deep centerfield that hit off the cotton press. Why they have a cotton press in centerfield is anyone’s guess, but the announcer was hyped that he hit it. He’s homered in back to back games at Double-A, and now has 4 homers, 6 steals, and a 125 wRC+ in 25 games at the level. The 34.1% K% is definitely too high and adds a healthy does of risk, but he’s proving his upside is no joke, and you have to be happy with this performance compared to his very reasonable FYPD price.

Arjun Nimmala TOR, SS, 18.9 – Nimmala was down on the mat to start the year, simply not looking ready for pro ball, but that was understandable considering how young he was for the class, and now that he’s found a groove, it’s been a homer fest. He drilled his 3rd homer in 6 games at Single-A, and since getting recalled to the level, he’s put up a 1.042 OPS with 4 homers in 16 games. The 32.8% K% over that time period still shows the rawness in his game, but a 110 wRC+ in 45 games on the season is quite impressive for a legit 18 year old. The power is very real, and with more refinement, a true explosion could be coming in 2025.

Hayden Birdsong SFG, RHP, 22.11 – The only thing thinner than Colorado’s air is their lineup, and Birdsong came into Coors and sliced his way through both the air and the lineup, going 6 IP with 2 hits, 2 ER, and a 12/2 K/BB. The breaking pitches were working just fine in that air with a 63% whiff% on the curve and 59% whiff% on the slider. The non breaking pitches were working just fine too with a 57% whiff% on the 95.8 MPH fastball and 50% whiff% on the changeup. He dominated in every facet of the game, and his MLB debut is looking pretty good now with a 3.55 ERA and 28.3%/11.3% K%/BB% in 25.1 IP. His 33.7% whiff% is in the elite range. Birdsong has been underrated for a while now, but a start like this will start to turn people’s head. The below average control certainly adds risk, but he has the type of stuff and swing and miss to overcome that. I’ve been relatively high on Birdsong for over a year now, and I love what I see with his MLB debut. I’m still buying.

Spencer Schwellenbach ATL, RHP, 24.2 – Schwellenbach is officially one of the most exciting young starters in the game, and is a major target if you can buy off his inflated 4.62 ERA (3.74 xERA). He had another impressive outing yesterday, going 6 IP with 7 hits, 4 ER, and a 8/0 K/BB vs. STL. The fastball sat 95.7 MPH and put up a 29% whiff%. The splitter was devastating with a 64% whiff%. And he used a 6 pitch mix to notch a 34% whiff% overall. He got hit hard in this one with a 93.3 MPH EV, but he hasn’t been hit hard this season with a 4.7% Barrel% against. He just rose to #212 overall on the Mid-Season Top 422 Dynasty Baseball Rankings (Patreon), finishing his blurb by writing, “He looks damn good. I would buy off the high ERA if you can.” He has the big velocity, he has the big pitch mix, he has plus control, he induces weak contact, he has above average whiffs, and he has three plus secondaries. #212 might not even be high enough, he might be worthy of knocking on the door of the Top 100 area right now. He’s starting to look like a young near ace.

Drew Thorpe CHW, RHP, 23.10 – 6 IP, 3 hits, 0 ER, 5/2 K/BB vs. KC. The filthy changeup is just impossible to pick up with a 43% whiff%. It really acts more like knuckleball. It can really end up anywhere with multiple different movement profiles. It’s pretty wild and it’s befuddled MLB hitters with a .246 xwOBA and 38.8% whiff% on the season. It’s led to a 3.03 ERA with a 15.4%/10.9% K%/BB% and 86 MPH EV against in 38.2 IP. There is little doubt at this point the changeup will play against the best hitters in the world. It wasn’t only the changeup in this game though, the slider also dominated with a 64% whiff%, and that pitch has also been good with a .293 xwOBA (.176 wOBA) and 30% whiff%. I struggle to fully buy in with such a mediocre K/BB rate, but this is essentially a knuckleballer+ profile, and knuckleballer’s can definitely get the job done without great K/BB rates. I’m buying in more and more, but I still see limited upside in the long run.

Brandon Pfaadt ARI, RHP, 25.9 – 7 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 7/1 K/BB vs. CHC. He did what he does best which is double plus control of a good fastball, to go along with two good secondaries in his sweeper and changeup. I named him a major target in my Top 11 Mid-Season Dynasty Baseball Targets article (Patreon), and since then he has a 0.77 ERA with a 25/3 K/BB in 23.1 IP. Not bad. I hope you bought when the price was reasonable.

James Wood WAS, OF, 21.10 – Wood cooled off a bit from his blazing start in the majors, but he was back at it yesterday, going 2 for 4 with a 105.9 MPH homer off lefty Justin Wilson. That wasn’t even his hardest hit ball of the day, it was his 3rd hardest hit ball with a 109 MPH lineout and 107.2 MPH single off lefty Andrew Abbott. He now has a 12.2% Barrel% and 93.5 MPH EV in 17 games. The 33.3% K% and negative 7.6 degree launch is definitely showing off some rawness, and he’s not a finished product, but nothing is dissuading me from thinking Wood is a future superstar. He crushes the ball too hard, and he’s shown in the minors he can improve his hit tool. The explosion might not be coming this year, but it’s coming.

 Jackson Chourio MIL, OF, 20.4 – I’m not going to say Chourio has fully arrived, because there is another level in here he hasn’t even started to scratch yet, but he’s certainly getting closer after going 2 for 4 with a 108.6 MPH double off Joe Ryan and 107.7 MPH, 443 foot homer off Jorge Alcala. He’s now slashing .314/.368/.512 with 5 homers, 5 steals, and a 17.3%/8.3% K%/BB% in his last 36 games. Everything in his underlying numbers is setting a super strong foundation for him to build on in future years. He’s right on track, just give him another year or so.

Leodalis De Vries SDP, SS, 17.9 – It’s not just the 2023 Draft class that was impressive, the international class was special too, and De Vries has been exploding into elite prospect status right before our eyes. He cracked his 7th homer in 54 games at Single-A with that beautiful and powerful swing that straight up looks MLB ready. He now has a .976 OPS with 7 homers, 6 steals, and a 20/13 K/BB in his last 19 games. He ranked 199th overall on those Updated Dynasty Rankings, and that number will just keep climbing.

Zebby Matthews MIN, RHP, 24.2 – Matthews got the call to Triple-A, and he unsurprisingly had no issues in his first start at the level, going 5 IP with 4 hits, 2 ER, and a 6/0 K/BB. The fastball sat 95.3 MPH with a respectable 20% whiff%, the cutter induced weak contact with a 86.8 MPH EV, and the breaking balls missed bats with a 67% whiff% on the curve and 33% whiff% on the slider. I’ve been all over Matthews all season, putting him in the Top 50 on the latest Top 305 Prospects Rankings (new update coming soon on Patreon). He’s walked 6 guys all season in 83 IP, which is dumb. He combines the truly elite control with big velocity, over 30% K rates at each level, and a diverse pitch mix. He’s an elite pitching prospect.

Hunter Barco PIT, LHP, 23.7 – Barco made his first outing at a new level as well, making the big jump to the upper minors at Double-A, and he delivered, going 3 IP with 1 hit, 0 ER, and a 5/0 K/BB. I love me a funky lefty, and while Barco’s stuff isn’t huge, he proved it will play just fine in the upper minors. Before Double-A he put up some big numbers at High-A with a 3.34 ERA and 30.4%/8.7% K%/BB% in 62 IP. Pitt has yet another really really good arm in the stable. I would value Barco as at least a Top 200 prospect, and he might be sneaking into the Top 150 area now.

Jarlin Susana WASH, RHP, 20.4 – Susuna has the Hunter Greene starter pack with an upper 90’s fastball and plus slider, and while that pack has been sitting in the plastic for awhile, he’s been starting to put it together of late. He made his 2nd outing at High-A and looked good, going 5 IP with 4 hits, 3 ER, and a 7/1 K/BB. That walk rate is the most important thing to watch, and he now has a 29.3%/7.3% K%/BB% in 10 IP at the level. Over his last 40 IP at Single-A and High-A, he’s put up a 1.58 ERA and 40.1%/9.2% K%/BB%. That is exactly the type of breakout we have been waiting for. There is still control/bullpen risk, but I don’t see how this type of talent isn’t a Top 100 prospect with what he’s been doing of late. He needs to be owned in every league.

Justyn-Henry Malloy DET, 3B/OF, 24.1 – Malloy went 1 for 3 with a walk and walloped a 104 MPH homer off Kevin Gausman for his 6th in 35 games. He’s been extra hot of late with a 1.060 OPS, 4 homers, and a 13/7 K/BB in his last 14 games. He’s showing the power will play in the majors with a 11.1% Barrel%, but I don’t quite trust that the BA will be good enough to sustain a full time job long term. The 20.2 degree launch is extreme and so is the 35.5% whiff%. The .187 xBA is scary. It’s hard not to say that the MLB debut has been a success, but I would still have some caution before buying too high here.

Lawrence Butler OAK, OF, 24.0 – The underlying numbers were screaming that a breakout was coming Butler’s first time around in the majors, and after a reset at Triple-A, the breakout is here. He’s been a hit machine since returning to the majors, going 2 for 3 with a double and 2 walks yesterday, and is now slashing .385/.439/.885 with 7 homers, 2 steals, and a 13/5 K/BB in his last 15 games. He has a 92.2 MPH EV, 11.7% Barrel%, and a .340 xwOBA. The 28.5%/9.7% K%/BB% ain’t that bad. I’ve loved Butler for awhile now, and stayed patient through his surface stats struggles. It’s paying off in a big way now. I’m buying.

Michael King SDP, RHP, 29.2 – King’s slow start to the season dug a deep hole for his hype that he’s been trying to climb out of all season, but I think it’s high time to acknowledge that the dominant run he went on to close the 2023 season was no fluke. Dude has been performing like a true ace for almost 3 months now. He once again put on a dominant performance vs. CLE, going 7 IP with 2 hits, 1 ER, and a 6/1 K/BB. He led with the changeup up in this one with a 41% usage, and it was unhittable with a 55% whiff% and 70.4 MPH EV against. The 4 seamer and sweeper were spotless as well with a 36% whiff% and 60% whiff%, respectively. It led to a 75.8% MPH EV against and 45% whiff% on the day. the jumped to 130th overall on those Updated Top 422 Dynasty Rankings (Patreon), and I don’t think a placement inside the Top 100 is unwarranted at this point. He’s starting to cement near ace status.

Drue Hackenburg ATL, RHP, 22.4 – I’ve been talking a lot of shit about the Hackenburg family lately after what Christian Hackenburg did to me as a Jets and Nittany Lions fan, but Drue went out and put some respect back on his family name yesterday, going 7 IP with 3 hits, 1 ER, and a 16/0 K/BB at Double-A. I mean, wow, what a performance. Here are the highlights of the dominance. He now has a 3.43 ERA with a 35.9%/12% K%/BB% in 21 IP at the level. It’s still not good enough to convince me to go after him though. For me, it’s personal, it’s not business 😉

Shane Baz TBR, RHP, 25.0 – 3.1 IP, 4 hits, 0 ER, 1/5 K/BB vs. NYY. The slider didn’t induce a single whiff and he put up a lowly 12% whiff% on the day. He now has a 6.78 xERA with a 19%/11.1% K%/BB% in 13.2 IP. Clearly, something isn’t right. This is why you have to factor in some added risk for pitchers coming off Tommy John. And it’s often their 2nd year back that they return to form, rather than their first year back. This isn’t going to be a smooth ride back to full health, and I think it’s fair to start worrying, but in the long run, I would try to stay patient.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR TONS OF EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ALL SEASON, INCLUDING:
-TOP 11 MID-SEASON DYNASTY TARGETS (6/25/24)
-MID-SEASON TOP 422 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKS (7/12/24)
-JUNE TOP 305 PROSPECTS RANKS (6/14/24) (new update coming soon)
-TOP 57 2025 FYPD RANKS (7/19/24)
-HALP’S DYNASTY BASEBALL PODCAST: JUNE MAILBAG! (6/28/24) (new Mailbag coming soon)
-TONS OF DYNASTY RUNDOWNS
-SPREADSHEETS

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

]]> 13810 Top 500 MLB Prospects Rankings for 2024 Fantasy Baseball Dynasty Leagues (Patreon) https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/top-500-mlb-prospects-rankings-for-2024-fantasy-baseball-dynasty-leagues-patreon/ Mon, 05 Feb 2024 14:21:33 +0000 https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/?p=13192 It’s Top 1,000 Dynasty Rankings Week over on the Patreon, and we kick it off today with the Top 500 MLB Prospects Rankings for 2024 Fantasy Baseball Dynasty Leagues (I actually go 582 deep). The Top 40 are free here on the Brick Wall. Analysis and Prime Projections for every player. The Top 1,000 Dynasty Rankings will drop on Wednesday, and these lists will be released here on Imaginary Brick Wall in late March. Here is the Top 500 MLB Prospects Rankings for 2024 Fantasy Baseball Dynasty Leagues (Patreon):

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR THE REST OF THESE RANKINGS & TONS OF EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ALL OFF-SEASON & SEASON, INCLUDING:
-TOP 1,000 2024 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-TOP 500 2024 PROSPECTS RANKINGS
-TOP 132 2024 FYPD RANKINGS (+Target & Strategy Guide)
-DEEP 2024 DYNASTY POSITIONAL RANKS: Top 78 C–TOP 101 1B–Top 129 2B–Top 133 3B–Top 161 SS-Top 316 OF-Top 321 SP-Top 102 RP
-TOP 10 EARLY OFF-SEASON DYNASTY TARGETS
-HALP’S DYNASTY BASEBALL PODCAST
-ALL-IN-ONE RANKINGS SPREADSHEET COMING SOON
-DYNASTY TEAM REPORTS FOR EVERY TEAM (Top 10+ Prospects/Interesting MLB guys/Strategy Talk)
-UPCOMING: Position by Position Target Series, Top 600 OBP Rankings, Top 600 Points/6+Cats/OPS “Universal” Rankings, Predicting the 2024 Top 50 Prospects Rankings that doubles as a Bold Predictions article, and much more

1) Jackson Chourio MIL, OF, 20.1 – Baseball now uses minor leaguers like guinea pigs, testing out every hairbrained idea they have all willy nilly, and Chourio got caught in the crosshairs of it. The Southern League used a pre-tacked ball for the first half of the season, and Chourio put up a lowly .714 OPS in 71 games. When they went back to the regular ball, he immediately went gangbusters, slashing .324/.379/.538 with 11 homers, 21 steals, and a 13.4%/8.0% K%/BB% in 57 games. He closed out the season at Triple-A where he put up a 4.2%/8.3% K%/BB% in 6 games. He did all of this as a 19 year old. The power/speed combo is plus to double plus, and it sure looks like his contact rates are entering the elite range if you ignore what he did in the 1st half. Jackson Holliday seems to be the consensus #1 prospect in the game (and Wyatt Langford is the trendy #1 for fantasy), but if Chourio hit with the regular ball all season, I’m not so sure that would be the case. The main thing Holliday has over Chourio right now is plate approach, which makes him the safer prospect, but for fantasy, I gotta give the ever so slight edge to the power/speed combo. Milwaukee showed us they are all in by signing him to an 8 year, $82 million contract. It makes it much more likely that he will break camp with the team, and even if doesn’t, it won’t be long until he’s up for good. Chourio is my #1 fantasy prospect. 2024 Projection: 69/21/75/.258/.320/.469/25 Prime Projection: 101/32/104/.283/.353/.523/41

2) Jackson Holliday BAL, SS, 20.4 – Holliday’s power/speed combo really wasn’t that huge with only 12 homers and 24 steals (in 33 attempts) in 125 games spread across 4 levels (A, A+, AA, AAA). It dropped off even further in the upper minors with 5 homers and 4 steals in 54 games. It seems crazy to start his blurb off with criticism, but when the battle for the top prospect in the game is so close, it needs to be highlighted. Now that we got that out of the way, Holliday had an absolutely insane season where he slashed .323/.442/.499 with a 20.3%/17.4% K%/BB%. He was in high school last year, and he displayed one of the most advanced plate approaches of any prospect all the way through Triple-A. This is why everyone drools over kids with baseball bloodlines, they tend to be far advanced beyond their years. As I mentioned, the power isn’t fully developed yet with relatively low flyball rates, but he hits the ball hard with a 30.2% Hard Hit% and a 90.9 MPH EV in 40 batted balls at Triple-A, so I’m not concerned about the power long term. He has the safety edge over Chourio, but it’s not like Chourio is a risky prospect, so Holliday slots in at #2 for me. 2024 Projection: 78/16/71/.270/.339/.441/20 Prime Projection: 117/27/94/.296/.382/.506/28

3) Wyatt Langford TEX, OF, 22.5 – I have Chourio, Holliday, and Langford in a tier of their own. The only reason Langford is 3rd is because Chourio/Holliday have a longer professional track record and more impressive age to level production. But his power, speed, hit tool, plate approach, and production can rival anyone’s. He was selected 4th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft on the back of elite production in the SEC, slashing .373/.498/.784 with 21 homers, 9 steals, and a 44/56 K/BB in 64 games. He clearly separated himself from Dylan Crews in his pro debut, slashing .360/.480/.677 with 10 homers, 12 steals, and a 17.0%/18.0% K%/BB% in 44 games, and he was equally as dominant in the upper minors as he was the lower minors. He’s the total package, and if you wanted to rank him 1st overall, I wouldn’t argue with you. 2024 Projection: 81/26/77/.262/.338/.479/18 Prime Projection: 103/34/109/.277/.364/.535/24

4) Junior Caminero TBR, 3B/SS, 20.9 – Caminero was a popular breakout pick this year (me included), and he more than lived up to the consensus hype by going full phenom beast mode. He made a mockery of High-A pitching with 11 homers and a 190 wRC+ in 36 games, and then he barely slowed down at Double-A with 20 homers and a 140 wRC+ in 81 games. He even improved his plate approach at Double-A with a 17.1%/9.1% K%/BB% (25.2%/6.3% at High-A). He completed the phenom cycle by jumping straight from Double-A to the majors as a 20 year old for a cup of coffee (he ordered the cold brew with a .631 OPS in 36 PA, but it obviously doesn’t mean much). His calling card is double plus power with a good feel to hit that reminds me of a righty version of Rafael Devers. And while he didn’t run a ton (5 for 10 on the bases), he put up a 28.6 ft/sec sprint speed in the majors, so he’ll certainly contribute in the category at the least. Tampa Bay is forever crowded, but a player like Caminero forces the issue. 2024 Projection: 57/20/64/.260/.323/.462/6 Prime Projection: 96/35/109/.284/.349/.525/10

5) Evan Carter TEX, OF, 21.7 – The only question is how much power will Carter get to, because the plate approach and speed are impregnable at this point. He’s a line drive hitter who didn’t exactly smash the ball in the minors, although a 89/95.8 MPH AVG/FB EV in his 75 PA MLB debut shows he’s not some light hitting weakling. He’s also 6’4”, 190 pounds and only 21 years old, so more raw power is certainly coming. He hit 12 homers in 105 games at mostly Double-A (133 wRC+), then he set the baseball world on fire by hitting 5 homers in his first 23 games in the majors (180 wRC+), and finally he closed out the year with 1 homer in 17 playoff games (155 wRC+). That’s 18 homers in 145 games. If he can just get to about 25 homers in his prime, the man is going to be a terror. The speed is double plus with a 29.5 ft/sec sprint speed (31 steals overall), and the plate approach is elite. He had a 9% chase% in his MLB debut and he’s been an elite plate approach guy his entire career in the minors. He struggles vs. lefties, but just like with Gunnar Henderson last year, I wouldn’t let that scare you off an elite prospect. The downside is a .260 hitter with 15 homers and 25 steals, which isn’t that bad, and the upside is a .280/25/35 guy. 2024 Projection: 87/18/72/.263/.334/.429/26 Prime Projection: 105/24/80/.278/.367/.468/31

6) Jordan Lawlar ARI, SS, 21.8 – I would completely ignore what Lawlar did in his super small sample, 34 PA MLB debut. Don’t even look at his Statcast page, it will only get in your head. Your focus should be on the pitchers he laid waste to in the upper minors. He slashed .278/.378/.496 with 20 homers, 36 steals, and a 20.6%/11.4% K%/BB% in 105 games at Double-A and Triple-A. His contact rates took a big step forward from 2022, he has truly elite speed with a 30.1 ft/sec sprint speed, and he hit the ball fairly hard, especially for a 20 year old, with a 31.8% Hard Hit%. He’s 6’2”, 190 pounds with room to add more muscle, so the power is only going up from here. He has legitimate Top 10 dynasty asset potential. 2024 Projection: 69/14/55/.248/.317/.410/25 Prime Projection: 103/24/84/.273/.351/.470/38

7) Yoshinobu Yamamoto LAD, RHP, 25.7 – When it comes to potentially elite, all category hitting prospects, you have to pry them from my dead cold hands, which is why I would struggle to give up any of the hitting prospects ranked above for Yamamoto (or even the few ranked after him depending on my team build). In fantasy, pitchers can’t contribute in every pitching category (saves at least, and some leagues have both saves and holds), so that right there limits their upside relative to an elite hitter. Not to mention the much much much higher injury risk which can knock out 2 years of their career off a single injury, and then the stress of whether or not they will get back to 100%. On a real life list, I can see ranking Yamamoto 1st overall, but for fantasy, it’s just not how I play the game, even for a pitcher that is expected to be as good as Yamamoto. The Dodgers made him the highest paid pitcher in history with a 12 year, $325 million contract (plus a $50 million posting fee). That is really all you need to know. He’s expected to be a true ace right from the get go, and signing with the best developmental team in the game also takes a lot of the risk out of his transition to a new ball, new country, new league etc … He’s been a true ace in Japan for years now, and that continued this year with a pitching line of 1.16/0.86/176/28 in 171 IP. He pitched 193 innings in both 2021 and 2022, so there also isn’t any concern of how many innings he can pitch. The fastball sits mid 90’s and regularly hits the upper 90’s. A nasty splitter is his most used secondary, and he also throws a very good curve, 2-seamer, and cutter. He has elite command over all of his pitches, and he has an unique, oddly athletic delivery which he varies constantly to mess with hitters timing. He’s a straight up nightmare to face, and looks like a ready made ace. 2024 Projection: 14/3.42/1.11/195 in 180 IP

8) Noelvi Marte CIN, 3B, 22.6 – Everyone called Marte fat and slow this off-season, so of course he put up double plus run times in the majors with a 29.1 ft/sec sprint speed. Be super wary of scouting speed grades as they are wildly inaccurate (see also, Henry Davis and Nolan Jones). Not only is he a speedster, but he crushed the ball with a 91.3 MPH EV, and the hit tool looked good with a 20.3% K% and .296 xBA in 123 MLB PA. It all resulted in a slash line of .316/.366/.456 with 3 homers, 6 steals, and a 20.3%/6.5% K%/BB%. He showed those same skills in the upper minors with 11 homers, 18 steals, and a .279 BA in 92 games. He did all of this as a 21-year-old. He’s fast, he hits it hard, he gets the bat on the ball, he produced in the upper minors, he produced in the majors, and he was super young. Quite simply, this is an elite fantasy prospect, and I’m not sure he gets the respect he deserves. 2024 Projection: 77/19/73/.261/.322/.431/22 Prime Projection: 96/27/91/.276/.354/.491/25

9) Dylan Crews WAS, OF, 22.1 – Starting this blurb with anything other than the 73 wRC+ and 0 homers Crews put up in 85 PA at Double-A would be beating around the bush, and you know me, I don’t beat around the bush. The performance was bad enough to have Wyatt Langford clearly pass him for the top spot in my Top 130 2024 Dynasty Baseball First Year Player Draft Rankings (Wyatt’s dominance also had something to do with that), and also for me to prefer the newly minted highest paid pitcher in baseball history (Yamamoto), but that is where it ends. 85 PA isn’t enough to sour me on the 2nd overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Crews is built like a solid rock at 6’0”, 203 pounds, and he swings the bat so fast and powerfully it almost looks like he’s using an illegally light bat (he’s not, at least I don’t think he is ha). The ball explodes off it on contact. He obliterated the SEC from the second he stepped on campus as a freshman, and he kept on improving through his junior year, slashing .380/.498/.689 with 58 homers, 23 steals, and a 146/152 K/BB in 196 career games. He also destroyed the lower minors with a 192 wRC+ in 71 PA at Single-A. His floor feels like a 30+ homer bat without the best BA or tons of steals, but the ceiling is that of a truly elite dynasty player. 2024 Projection: 62/20/71/.257/.329/.473/12 Prime Projection: 94/32/103/.274/.361/.518/16

10) Jasson Dominguez NYY, OF, 21.2 – The backlash to Dominguez’ early career hype made it hard to hold the line, but I remained all in on Dominguez last off-season, ranking him 10th overall, and he more than delivered on that ranking this year. He hit 15 homers with 37 steals and a 25.6%/15.2% K%/BB% in 109 games at Double-A as a 20 year old. Then he quickly ran through Triple-A with a 180 wRC+ in 9 games, before finishing out his season with 4 homers and a 162 wRC+ in 8 games in the majors. Unfortunately, Tommy John surgery put a halt to what was sure to be insane hype this off-season, but I wouldn’t let the Tommy John surgery scare you off. It isn’t as big of a deal for hitters as it is for pitchers, and he’s expected to return by the 2nd half of 2024. His extremely good MLB debut will likely make it hard to get good value for him this off-season even with the surgery, so my move would be to hope he needs to shake off some rust when he returns next season to bring his value into a more reasonable range again. 2024 Projection: 30/8/26/.242/.324/.438/10 Prime Projection: 92/26/86/.266/.361/.485/28

11) James Wood WAS, OF, 21.7 – The K% jumped to 33.7% in 87 games at Double-A, which is exactly what you are worried about with a player this tall (6’6”), but Wood is the type of unicorn athlete where you don’t want to let it scare you off him. He still cracked 18 homers with 10 steals and a 124 wRC+ at the level as a 20 year old. And that was coming off a 155 wRC+ in 42 games at the more age appropriate High-A. Despite his size and high strikeout rate, Wood has a relatively short and quick swing which gives hope he’ll be able to keep the strikeout rate in a range that allows his truly elite talent shine. Don’t expect a high BA, but expect him to kill it everywhere else. 2024 Projection: 45/17/51/.229/.308/.450/13 Prime Projection: 91/30/99/.253/.341/.508/18

12) Pete Crow-Armstrong CHC, OF, 22.0 – I’ve been all in on Pete Crow since before he was drafted, and he finally fulfilled his elite prospect destiny in 2023. The power took yet another step forward with him jacking 20 homers in 107 games split between Double-A and Triple-A. He’s not an EV masher, but he doesn’t hit the ball weakly either, and his high launch will ensure he gets the most out of his still growing raw power. The CF defense and speed are elite with a 29.9 ft/sec sprint speed and 37 steals. There is bit more swing and miss than optimal with a 26% K%, but he’s always generally had a good feel to hit, and he’s never had low BA’s in the minors, so I’m not overly concerned about it. Armstrong has 20/40 written all over him. 2024 Projection: 41/9/29/.241/.310/.407/19 Prime Projection: 91/22/76/.257/.334/.439/34

13) Walker Jenkins MIN, OF, 19.1 – Selected 5th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, the 6’3”, 215 pounds Jenkins has that sweet lefty swing that just oozes offensive potential. It’s athletic, quick, under control, powerful, smooth … I can go on and on. It’s hard to watch this guy hit and not completely fall in love. It has the potential for at least plus hit and plus power at peak, and he’s also a good athlete with above average run times. But we don’t have to only dream on the potential, as Jenkins’ showed it to us clear as day in his pro debut, slashing .362/.417/.571 with 3 homers, 6 steals, and a 12.2%/7.8% K%/BB% in 26 games split evenly between rookie ball (138 wRC+) and Single-A (182 wRC+). It’s the type of profile that can be an elite dynasty asset a la Kyle Tucker. Langford, Crews, and Yamamoto are locked in as my top 3 FYPD picks, and while there are good arguments for Skenes or even Matt Shaw at #4, I don’t think I can pass up on the truly “generational” (or maybe nearly generational would be more accurate ha) upside of Jenkins. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 94/31/102/.273/.345/.510/16

14) Roman Anthony BOS, OF, 19.11 – I ended Anthony’s 2023 Top 1,000 blurb by writing, “There is a lot of refinement needed, but this is a high upside bat who could explode up rankings if everything comes together.” … well, everything came together and Anthony exploded up rankings, slashing .272/.403/.466 with 14 homers, 16 steals, and a 24.2%/17.5% K%/BB% in 106 games at mostly Single-A (109 wRC+) and High-A (164 wRC+). It was a little concerning that the K% jumped to 30.6% at High-A, but then he closed out the season at Double-A and had a 185 wRC+ with a 13.6%/18.2% K%/BB% in 10 games. And he did all this starting the season as an 18 year old. He’s an elite athlete at 6’2”, 200 pounds with a plus power/speed combo, powerful lefty swing, and a mature plate approach. The only things preventing him from being ranked even higher is that he’s not great at lifting the ball with an under 25% Flyball%, and he wasn’t a great base stealer with 16 steals in 23 attempts. He hits the ball so hard he can survive without a huge launch, and he has time to refine his base stealing skills as well, so neither are major concerns. He’s on a short list to be the #1 overall fantasy prospect in baseball by this time next year. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 96/25/88/.273/.358/.472/16

15) Jackson Jobe DET, RHP, 21.9 – Jobe made his season debut in mid June from lumber spine inflammation, which obviously sounded worse than it really was, because he immediately looked like the best pitching prospect in baseball when he returned. He had a 2.81 ERA with a 32.6%/2.3% K%/BB% in 64 IP at mostly High-A. He closed the season out with a gem at Double-A, going 6 IP with 4 hits, 0 ER, and a 6/0 K/BB, and then he went to the AFL and dominated in that extreme hitter’s environment with a 2.87 ERA and 19/5 K/BB in 15.2 IP. He looks absolutely electric on the mound at 6’2”, 190 pounds with an athletic delivery and a double plus 4 pitch mix. He was known for his high spin slider coming into the draft, and the pitch is so filthy it almost doesn’t look real. His changeup dominated as well with nasty tailing diving action, the fastball sits mid 90’s with excellent movement, and the cutter is a high spin pitch that misses bats. And he does all of this with pinpoint control. He still has to prove it in the upper minors, which I’m not too concerned about, and he has to prove he can stay healthy and maintain his stuff with a full MLB starters workload, which is more concerning, but that’s just the pitching prospect game. He’s my #1 pitching prospect in baseball, non Yoshinobu Yamamoto division. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 15/3.18/1.03/220 in 180 IP

16) Paul Skenes PIT, RHP, 21.10 – Selected 1st overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, Skenes’ season was nothing short of jaw dropping with a pitching line of 1.69/0.75/209/20 in 122.2 IP in the SEC. His fastball sits in the upper 90’s and routinely hits over 100 MPH. His slider is elite, and while he didn’t go to his changeup as much, that pitch is also nasty. He also displayed plus control of his entire arsenal. He’s 6’6”, 235 pounds with a relatively athletic delivery and he’s a good athlete in general as evidenced by the fact he is also an excellent hitter. He had a career 1.121 OPS in 119 games in the Mountain West before transferring into the SEC. There were some whispers about poor fastball shape in his 6.2 IP pro debut, but I wouldn’t let that sour you on a generational type pitching prospect. He’ll still be just 21 years old on Opening Day, so plenty of refinement, tinkering, new pitches etc … are coming down the road. 2024 Projection: 8/3.80/1.27/133 in 120 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.28/1.06/237 in 190 IP

17) Matt Shaw CHC, 2B/SS, 22.5 – Selected 13th overall, Shaw is only 5’11”, but he’s a thick dude who has real power, and he combines that with above average speed and excellent base stealing skills. He has that little man leg kick (which Chicago toned down a hair in pro ball) that I absolutely love in the mold of a Alex Bregman, Spencer Steer, and Zach Neto. It seems to be working for these slightly undersized guys, and it’s certainly working for Shaw. He smashed 24 homers with 18 steals and a 1.142 OPS in 62 Big Ten games. He also impressed in the wood bat Cape Cod League with 5 homers, 21 steals, and a 1.006 OPS in 36 games. He then ran through pro ball like it was nothing, finishing the year at Double-A slashing .292/.329/.523 with 3 homers, 6 steals, and a 17.1%/4.3% K%/BB% in 15 games at the level. Shaw was my top draft target pre-draft (I actually pointed out Shaw as my top target back in February before the season even started), but now that he absolutely blew up in pro ball, there is no chance you get great value on him. He’s worth his very high draft price though. 2024 Projection: 36/10/43/.253/.312/.432/11 Prime Projection: 85/25/89/.271/.337/.469/21

18) Ricky Tiedemann TOR, LHP, 21.7 – Tiedemann’s dominance in the AFL quieted some of the risk that was growing after an injured and mixed bag season in 2023. He had a 2.50 ERA with a 23/8 K/BB in 18 IP. He went 5 IP in 3 of the 4 starts after not reaching 5 IP the entire season. The stuff is elite with a mid 90’s fastball and two plus secondaries in his slider and changeup. He also looks the part at 6’4”, 220 pounds with an almost sidearm lefty delivery. If he stays healthy and throws the ball over the plate, he’ll be an easy ace, but those are the two areas that can trip him up. He pitched only 62 innings all year, including the AFL, because of a biceps injury that kept him out for almost 3 months. It will probably take 3 years to truly build up his innings fully, and we all know the injury risk with young flamethrowers like this. His 12% BB% is also nearing the danger zone where inconsistency can end up a part of the profile. The profile isn’t without risk, but when dealing in upside prospect flamethrowers, that is just the game. He’s an elite pitching prospect. 2024 Projection: 5/3.81/1.31/111 in 100 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.38/1.19/213 in 170 IP

19) Parker Meadows DET, OF, 24.5 – I know this ranking seems high, but Meadows is looking mighty similar to my Nolan Jones and Zack Gelof buy calls from mid-season, and if you look at redraft and dynasty rankings this off-season, those guys now get valued in the range that elite prospects get ranked, or even higher. Meadows has the potential to make that same jump from afterthought prospect to highly valued dynasty asset, and you should get in this off-season before it happens. He has a very fantasy friendly skillset with the build and athleticism to back it up, but he always got vastly underrated on prospect lists. And unlike Jones and Gelof who have played far too well to still be underrated this off-season, Meadows is setting up to be in perfect buy territory with a .699 OPS in 37 games. He had a 89.3 MPH EV, 18.3 degree launch, 29 ft/sec sprint, 24% whiff%, and 11.7% BB%. And to top it all off, his at least above average CF defense should keep him in the lineup. That is a recipe for tons of fantasy goodness, and you might be able to acquire him for barely anything this off-season. His 293 NFBC ADP shows his perceived value to fantasy upside could be as wide as anyone’s right now. He’s a major target. 2024 Projection: 79/23/76/.248/.328/.432/24

20) Colt Keith DET, 3B/2B, 22.8 – Keith more than hinted at a big breakout in 2022 with a 150 wRC+ in 48 games at High-A, but a shoulder injury cut the explosion short, and even though he made it back to dominate the AFL (1.004 OPS in 19 games), the hype was still relatively subdued last off-season. Well, the explosion continued right into 2023, and this time he did it in the upper minors with a 163 wRC+ and 14 homers in 59 games at Double-A, followed up by a 119 wRC+ and 13 homers in 67 games at Triple-A. He hits the ball very hard, he has a mature plate approach, and the hit tool is at least above average. He’s one of the most complete prospect hitters in the game, and while I already assumed he was going to break camp with the team, it’s now a foregone conclusion with him signing a guarantied 6 year extension with the club.. 2024 Projection: 74/24/81/.258/.329/.445/2 Prime Projection: 89/29/92/.276/.352/.480/3

21) Coby Mayo BAL, 1B/3B, 22.4 – My boldest prediction in last off-season’s Predicting the 2024 Top 50 Prospects Rankings was that Coby Mayo would explode to a Top 10 prospect, predicting that “Mayo will follow in Gunnar Henderson’s footsteps with an off the charts type season in the upper minors. He’ll put up a 150 wRC+ at Double-A and a 130 wRC+ at Triple-A. The K% will be under 25%, the power will be huge, and there will be some surprising speed too.” … Mayo put up a 178 wRC+ in 78 games at Double-A and a 127 wRC+ in 62 games at Triple-A. The power was huge with 29 homers in 140 games, and the K% was under 25% at 24.1%. I don’t think I could have nailed that more even if I was actually able to see into the future. The surprising speed didn’t really show up with only 5 steals, but better than nothing. The 6’5”, 230 pound Mayo is now a truly elite power hitting prospect, just as I expected. 2024 Projection: 31/11/35/.242/.319/.455/2 Prime Projection: 86/34/99/.265/.346/.535/6

22) Jackson Merrill SDP, SS, 20.11 – Merrill did everything you could have asked of him in 2023. Most importantly, he brought his GB% way down from 59.6% at Single-A to 48.6% at High-A and 33.5% at Double-A. It resulted in 15 homers in 114 total games. His already strong contact rates got even better with a 12.1% K%, and he proved all of his skills will transfer to the upper minors, slashing .273/.338/.444 with 5 homers, 5 steals, and a 11.8%/8.5% K%/BB% in 46 games at Double-A. I’m still not seeing a monster power/speed combo, which is why I wasn’t the highest guy on him last off-season, but a few seasons of .300/20/20 doesn’t seem like that much of a reach. 2024 Projection: 13/2/9/.256/.307/.408/3 Prime Projection: 84/20/81/.283/.338/.451/17

23) Chase DeLauter CLE, OF, 22.6 – A broken foot delayed the start of DeLauter’s pro career until June of this year, but he quickly answered every question you could have had about him in resounding fashion. He didn’t play in the toughest college conference (Coloniel Athletic Association), so seeing his hit tool and advanced plate approach completely transfer to pro ball is huge. He put up a 12.5%/5.7% K%/BB% in 42 games at High-A (164 wRC+), a 10.7%/17.9% K%/BB% in 6 games at Double-A (149 wRC+), and a 10.1%/12.8% K%/BB% in 23 games in the AFL. For a man with his type of talent at 6’4”, 235 pounds, that is incredibly exciting. He hit only 5 homers in 57 regular season games, but he doesn’t have any major groundball issues, he has plus raw power, and he’s hit 5 homers in 23 AFL games. The power is there. He also didn’t run a ton with 6 steals, but keep in mind he was coming off the foot injury, and he nabbed 5 bags in the AFL. With a full healthy season in 2024, it’s almost inevitable that he will be in consideration for Top 10 overall prospect status real quick. 2024 Projection: 28/6/24/.257/.319/.426/7 Prime Projection: 88/25/86/.274/.343/.472/17

24) Emmanuel Rodriguez MIN, OF, 21.1 – Baby Bonds scared us all for a minute there with a .677 OPS in his first 27 games at High-A coming off a season ending meniscus tear in 2022, but he was back to his dominant self after that with a .927 OPS, 14 homers, 18 steals, and a 27.3%/20.7% K%/BB% in his final 78 games. He finished the season with a stupendous 145 wRC+ in 99 games. He has at least plus power, the ability to lift the ball, speed, and elite on base skills. The only concern is the hit tool, but some of those issues are surely due to his extreme patience. This is truly elite dynasty upside, especially in an OBP league or 6+ cat league, and I think he’s still on the underrated side. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 94/29/89/.252/.361/.490/18

25) Ethan Salas SDP, C, 17.10 – At this point, I wouldn’t even be surprised if Ethan Salas broke camp with the big league club this spring 😉 (I think I’m just joking) … San Diego flew him through the minors at absolutely unprecedented rates. He made his pro debut at Single-A as a fucking 16 year old!!! Is that even legal? And the even crazier thing is that he dominated with a 122 wRC+, 9 homers, 5 steals, and a 25.9%/10.9% K%/BB% in 48 games. SD then got a little too nutty by promoting him all the way up to Double-A to close out the season where he struggled with a 51 wRC+ in 9 games. He struggled at High-A before that too with a 35 wRC+ in 9 games. Regardless, what Salas did at Single-A for his age is truly mind blowing, and I hesitate to put a cap on what his ultimate upside could be. It might be crazy to say his ceiling is one of the greatest catchers of all time, but with how crazy San Diego handled him this year, let’s just all jump aboard the crazy train. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 84/29/92/.278/.362/.505/10

26) Samuel Basallo BAL, C/1B, 19.8 – The biggest issue with Basallo has nothing to do with him. It’s that Adley isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. And with Baltimore trying to build a Tampa Bay North situation, I don’t think they are going to feel pressured to trade him either. His bat will profile just fine at 1B, but now we’re talking about competition with Coby Mayo and possibly Heston Kjerstad too. Maybe I’m just borrowing trouble a bit too much, because Basallo looks like he has a special bat. He’s a built up 6’3” with a treacherous lefty swing that is made to do damage, slashing .313/.404/.551 with 20 homers, 12 steals, and a 94/61 K/BB in 114 games at mostly Single-A and High-A. Four of those games came at Double-A where he put up a 220 wRC+. He’s a complete hitter with power, contact, and patience. And he did all of that as an 18 year old for most of the season. If defense wasn’t a slight issue (he’s not a particularly good defensive catcher either), I would likely be even higher on him, but he has the type of bat where maybe you should just completely ignore it. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 84/32/95/.272/.354/.517/5

27) Max Clark DET, OF, 19.4 –  Clark is the 2023 draft version of Pete Crow Armstrong and Corbin Carroll, two guys who I was the high man on in their first year player draft class, although Clark actually got the respect he deserved by getting selected 3rd overall. Maybe the success of those aforementioned players paved the way for a guy like Clark to get valued correctly. As you can tell from the comps, double plus speed with a plus hit tool and developing power is what you are buying. He’s a pretty thick and muscular 6’1”, 190 pounds, so I don’t think you have to squint too hard to see legitimate power developing down the line, even if he’s more a line drive hitter currently. After dominating rookie ball with a 146 wRC+ in 12 games, he got slowed down a bit at Single-A with a 73 wRC+ and 29.4% K% in 11 games, but he still had a .353 OBP, so it’s not like he was completely overmatched or anything. 5×5 BA leagues are going to be his bread and butter, but like Carroll, he can be a beast regardless of league type. He has elite dynasty asset upside. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 93/18/72/.278/.347/.433/33

28) Jett Williams NYM, SS, 20.4 – Jett Williams got much thicker in all the right places in 2023, and that extra muscle paid dividends with him cracking 14 homers in 125 games split between Single-A (79 games), High-A (36 games), and Double-A (10 games). 9 of those homers came in his final 47 games. He combines the uptick in power with elite speed (45 steals), and an excellent plate approach (22.1%/19.5% K%/BB%). If he wasn’t 5’6”, he might be a consensus elite prospect already. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 93/20/77/.274/.350/.445/38

29) Cade Horton CHC, RHP, 22.7 – Horton was a star quarterback in high school, and his pithing delivery very much looks like he’s throwing a football with a short arm action thrown from around his ear. That type of arm action tends to produce good spin rates, and Horton can mostly certainly spin a potentially double slider that falls completely off the table. The plus fastball has good movement too and sits mid 90’s. He also mixes in a changeup and curveball that have above average potential. He used that plus stuff to obliterate pro ball in his debut with a 2.65 ERA and 33.5%/7.7% K%/BB% in 88.1 IP split between 3 levels (A, A+, AA). The K/BB numbers dropped a bit when he got to Double-A with a 28.4%/10.1% K%/BB% in 27 IP, but he still crushed the level with a 1.33 ERA. He only averaged around 4 inning outings and Chicago was very careful with him in general as this was truly his first fully healthy season coming off Tommy John surgery in 2021. He still has to prove he can handle a full MLB starter’s workload while maintaining his stuff and staying healthy, but he’s on the right track to doing that. I would put high end #2 starter upside on him. 2024 Projection: 2/3.95/1.31/42 in 40 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.48/1.17/178 in 160 IP

30) Shane Baz TBR, RHP, 24.9 – Baz underwent Tommy John surgery in late September 2022, so he should be fully healthy for 2024 assuming he has no setbacks. If you’re going to take the Tommy John discount on pithing prospects, make sure they are elite ones, and Baz is most certainly an elite one. When healthy, he throws 3 potentially double plus pitches in his mid to upper 90’s fastball, slider, and curve, to go along with a developing lesser used changeup. He struggled with control earlier in his pro career, but he improved it to about average levels in 2021 and 2022. That level of stuff with average control screams ace upside. I do think you have to at least take into account the added risk from major elbow surgery, and keep in mind he has a career high of 92 IP, so it might take 3 years before he can truly throw a full top of the rotation workload, assuming he’s actually physically able to do it, but I also understand if you want to ignore all of it for his insane upside. 2024 Projection: 7/3.76/1.19/110 in 100 IP Prime Projection: 13/3.38/1.11/190 in 160 IP

31) Spencer Jones NYY, OF, 22.11 – Strikeouts are the only thing we have to worry about with the uber talented 6’6”, 235 pound beast, which is why his 28.2% K% in 78 PA at Double-A is actually encouraging. That number could have easily skyrocketed against more advanced pitching after putting up a 29% K% in 100 games at High-A. Jones can live in the upper 20’s and still thrive due do his double plus power/speed combo. He hit 16 homers and stole 38 bags in 117 games. His groundball rates are on the high side, but with how hard he hits the ball, it might actually be a good thing to ensure his batting average doesn’t tank too low. It’s more or less the Elly De La Cruz package, and just like I’m buying Elly, I’m buying Jones too. 2024 Projection: 27/7/23/.217/.283/.411/8 Prime Projection: 76/23/82/.241/.318/.465/26

32) Termarr Johnson PIT, 2B, 19.10 – Just call me Prospectdamus, because I nailed Johnson’s 2023 season in my Predicting the 2024 Top 50 Prospects Rankings back in February, writing, “Johnson’s hit tool at Single-A won’t be as good as the hype with an over 20% K% and under .280 BA. The power/speed numbers will be good though, and he’ll still destroy the level with a 130 wRC+.” … Johnson’s K% was over 20% at 26.7% and his BA was under .280 at .244, but he still destroyed the level with a 141 wRC+, 13 homers and 7 steals in 75 games. He put up almost identical numbers at High-A too with a 142 wRC+ in 30 games. He hits the ball hard, he has a very mature plate approach, and he has some speed. He didn’t hit his ceiling projection, but I would say he still lived up to the hype. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 93/25/82/.264/.351/.478/15

33) Ronny Mauricio NYM, 2B, 23.0 – Mauricio tore his ACL and will underwent surgery after a non contact injury on the bases in Winter Ball. It’s deju vu all over again with Edwin Diaz tearing his knee in the WBC last off-season. It’s getting so sad for Mets fans that I don’t even want to crack a joke about it. I just feel bad. Mauricio was a major target for me this off-season, so it’s just a major bummer all around. He’ll likely miss the entire 2024 season, and even if he doesn’t, you can’t count on him for anything at the MLB level. He also wasn’t a burner, so even a small drop in speed isn’t great. I still like him. but he’s no longer a real target for me. Here was my write-up for him prior to going down with the injury, just so we can remember the good times: “I named Mauricio one of my top targets in the Top 10 Early Off-Season Dynasty Baseball Target article on Patreon. Mainstream prospects lists have been slowly sliding him down the rankings the closer he’s gotten to the majors, but I’ve done the exact opposite on my lists. He crushes the ball with a 117.3 MPH Max EV that was the 10th hardest hit ball all season. He had a 90.7 MPH AVG EV in 108 MLB PA (91.1 MPH at AAA). He loves to run with 7 MLB steals and 24 AAA steals, and his speed gets underrated with an above average 27.7 ft/sec sprint. He’s never had any major contact issues and he most certainly looks the part at 6’3” with a vicious swing. He doesn’t have a good plate approach with low walk rates, but keep in mind he’s always been very young for his level, and his 6.6% BB% at Triple-A (6.5% BB% in the majors) was a career high, so I wouldn’t bet against future improvement there either. His mediocre ranking on prospects and mediocre .643 OPS in the majors should create a very nice buy opportunity this off-season.” 2024 Projection: OUT Prime Projection: 78/24/83/.267/.325/.461/18

34) Sebastian Walcott TEX, SS, 18.1 – I know that nobody really cares/remembers who was “first” on a player. And being “first” on a player is a nebulous concept anyway as I guess the person who was really the first was the one to identify him when he was like an 8 year old probably. And saying you were “first” on a player who signed for $3.2 million might seem like a stretch in hindsight … but having said all that, I was first on Walcott 😉 …. his extremely elite athleticism at 6’4”, 190 pounds jumped off the screen in every video I watched of him last off-season before he was getting even a whisper of real dynasty hype. If you were a Patreon subscriber last off-season, I told you to target this kid in every first year player draft. His hype picked up in a major way later in the off-season, and I ain’t even mad at it, because he deserved the love. Texas knew they had a special kid on their hands too, promoting him to stateside rookie ball after just 9 games in the DSL, and he thrived, slashing .273/.325/.524 with 7 homers, 9 steals, and a 32.5%/6.4% K%/BB% in 35 games. The contact rates and plate approach were rough enough to assume that will be an area of his game he needs to work on, but they weren’t so bad considering his age to let it scare you off him. I’m all in on Walcott. ETA: 2027 Prime Projection: 84/32/92/.257/.328/.491/23

35) Druw Jones ARI, OF, 20.4 – I think we’ve all been spoiled by how many players came back with little to no rust from major shoulder surgery (Carroll, Lawler, Jung), and unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for Jones. He put up a .490 OPS with 0 homers in his first 25 games, and he battled hamstring and quad injuries all year too. But he finally settled down and showed glimpses of his special talent to close out the season, slashing .339/.438/.500 with 2 homers, 6 steals, and a 20.5%/15.1% K%/BB% in 16 games at Single-A. Obviously it would have been preferrable for him to light the world on fire all season, but this year was his very first taste of pro ball, he was coming off major shoulder surgery, and he dealt with multiple lower body injuries. I would be very careful about judging such a special talent like this too harshly under those conditions, and he showed what’s to come at the end of the year. He needs to learn how to get the ball in the air more as his groundball rates were very high, but he isn’t the type of player who needs an extreme launch to thrive with double plus speed, a relatively mature plate approach, and plus raw power potential. Tack on plus CF defense, and Jones is a high floor player with all the upside still present from his draft year. Buy low if you can. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 91/24/83/.268/.344/.476/31

36) Colt Emerson SEA, SS, 18.8 – Selected 22nd overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, the 6’1”, 195 pound Emerson had an electric pro debut, both statistically and visually. He slashed .374/.496/.550 with 2 homers, 8 steals, and a 17.5%/14.9% K%/BB% in 24 games at rookie ball (251 wRC+) and Single-A (147 wRC+). He has an athletic, lightning quick lefty swing that the ball absolutely rockets off of. It’s geared for both power and average. He’s not a true burner, but he has speed and he was perfect on the bases. He’ll also be 18 years old for most of the 2024 season. He checks off almost every box that you look for in a potential elite prospect coming out of the draft (size, power, average, speed, age, sweet swing, production). If you’re drafting in the mid to late 1st round, and all the buzzy names are off the board, you can confidently take Emerson knowing he can easily end up amongst the best in the class. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 93/26/86/.277/.356/.475/15

37) Andrew Painter PHI, RHP, 21.0 – Painter underwent Tommy John surgery in late July 2023, which will keep him out for all, or almost all of 2024. As I wrote in the Baz blurb, if you’re going to take the Tommy John discount on pithing prospects, make sure they are elite ones, and Painter is most certainly an elite one. He had a silly pitching line of 1.56/0.89/155/25 in 103.2 IP spread across 3 levels (A, A+, AA) in 2022. He’s 6’7”, 215 pounds with plus control of an upper 90’s fastball, plus slider, potentially plus change, and an average curve. The timing of his elbow injury in spring training and the ultimate decision to get surgery in July makes it that he will miss two entire seasons. I do think it is prudent to factor in at least some extra injury/performance risk, but if you want to assume he picks right back up from where he left off without any setbacks, I can see ranking him at least 20 spots higher. 2024 Projection: OUT Prime Projection: 15/3.28/1.08/215 in 180 IP

38) Mason Miller OAK, RHP, 25.7 – Injury risk is why I’ve been hesitant to truly put Mason Miller in the elite pitching prospect tier (he missed 4 months with a UCL sprain in 2023), and it seems Oakland has the same concerns as their GM announced Miller will start 2024 in the bullpen, and likely in the closer role. If I owned Miller, I wouldn’t even be mad at that outcome. Back in the day I was the high guy by far on Josh Hader, and while I was disappointed he never got a chance to prove he could be an ace, he’s been a mainstay on my fantasy team for 7 years. No injuries. No missed time. Just easy dominance that puts your mind at rest about scurrying for closers every year. Miller has the stuff to be in that elite closer tier with a 98.3 MPH fastball and an elite slider that put up a .207 xwOBA and 47.1% whiff% in 33.1 IP over 10 outings in his MLB debut. They haven’t ruled out a return to the rotation down the line, but I wouldn’t count on that as you plan for the future of your dynasty team. 2024 Projection: 4/3.25/1.14/88/25 saves in 65 IP

39) Kyle Manzardo CLE, 1B, 23.8 – Manzardo was getting unlucky all season, and it was only a matter of time for him to get hot. Well, he got hot in a major way on September 8th and he took it right into the AFL. He smacked 6 homers in his final 11 regular season games and then crushed 6 dingers in 22 AFL games. He had a 90.6 MPH EV with very low groundball rates at Triple-A, so like I said, the homer binge was inevitable. The hit tool took a step back from 2022 with a .237 BA and 20.8% K% at Triple-A, so while there are still no contact issues, I might be leaning towards him being power over hit by a small margin. It will depend on how he adjusts vs. MLB pitchers. Cleveland gave up really good value to get him with Aaron Civale, so that 1B job has his name written all over it right out of camp. 2024 Projection: 69/23/77/.251/.328/.452/1 Prime Projection: 85/27/90/.269/.346/.482/1

40) Jung Hoo Lee SFG, OF, 25.7 – San Francisco signed Lee to a 6 year, $113 million contract, which is definitely an eye opening amount, but he earned that contract for his real life baseball value, and not for his fantasy value. He had extremely high groundball rates in Korea with a 59.2% GB% in 2023, and he doesn’t hit the ball particularly hard. He hit only 6 homers in 86 games. He has speed, but he’s not a true burner, and he hasn’t been a good base stealer. He was 6 for 9 in 2023 and has a career high of 13 steals in 20 attempts. He also fractured his ankle in July which required season ending surgery, so that adds even more risk to his future steal projections. And to top it all off, he landed in one of the very worst hitter’s parks in the league. He’s truly elite at what he does well though, and that is hit for average. He had a 5.9%/12.7% K%/BB% in 2023, and he has a career .340 BA. He was a baseball prodigy with baseball bloodlines, dominating the KBO from the time he was 18 years old with a sweet lefty swing. He’s not a small guy at 6’0”, and there is most certainly room to tack on mass at a relatively skinny 171 pounds. He has a little bit of that Ichiro feel to him, where if he wanted to hit for more power, he would, and he did crack 23 homers in 142 games in 2022, so it’s not like he’s been some light hitter in his career. It’s also possible he runs a lot more with the new stolen base rules in MLB. It might take him a couple years to get fully acclimated like it has Ha-Seong Kim, but once he does, a .300/15/15 season looks well within reach, and it wouldn’t shock me if he got to 20/20. He might be more valuable in real life than fantasy, but that doesn’t mean he still can’t be a very good fantasy player. 2024 Projection: 81/11/51/.285/.341/.401/12 Prime Projection: 93/15/62/.305/.371/.437/15

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR THE REST OF THESE RANKINGS & TONS OF EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ALL OFF-SEASON & SEASON, INCLUDING:
-TOP 1,000 2024 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-TOP 500 2024 PROSPECTS RANKINGS
-TOP 132 2024 FYPD RANKINGS (+Target & Strategy Guide)
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By Michael Halpern (@MichaelCHalpern)
Email: michaelhalpern@imaginarybrickwall.com
Twitter: Imaginary Brick Wall (@DynastyHalp)

]]> 13192 Patreon Post: Top 500 Prospects Rankings for 2023 Dynasty Fantasy Baseball Leagues https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/patreon-post-top-500-prospects-rankings-for-2023-dynasty-fantasy-baseball-leagues/ Wed, 01 Feb 2023 13:59:31 +0000 https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/?p=11406 It’s Top 1,000 Dynasty Rankings Week over on the Patreon, and we kick it off today with the Top 500 Prospects Rankings for 2023 Dynasty Fantasy Baseball Leagues. The Top 1,000 Dynasty Rankings will drop tomorrow at the earliest, and Monday at the very, very latest. These lists will be released here on Imaginary Brick Wall in mid to late March. Here is the Top 500 Prospects Rankings for 2023 Dynasty Fantasy Baseball Leagues:

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR THE REST OF THESE RANKINGS & TONS OF EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ALL OFF-SEASON, INCLUDING:
-TOP 1,000 2023 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-TOP 109 2023 FYPD RANKINGS w/ Strategy & Target Guide
-All-In-One Rankings Spreadsheet
-2023 DEEP POSITIONAL DYNASTY RANKS: Top 305 SP//Top 282 OF//Top 151 SS//Top 115 3B//Top 105 2B//Top 95 1B//TOP 68 C//Top 64 RP
-TOP 13 EARLY OFF-SEASON DYNASTY TARGETS
-TOP 8 OFF-SEASON DYNASTY SELLS
-DYNASTY TEAM REPORTS FOR EVERY TEAM (Top 10+ Prospects/Interesting MLB guys/Strategy Talk)
-UPCOMING: Position by Position Target Series, Top 600 OBP Rankings, Top 600 Points/6+Cats/OPS “Universal” Rankings, Predicting the 2024 Top 50 Prospects Rankings that doubles as a Bold Predictions article, and much more

1) Gunnar Henderson BAL, SS/3B, 21.9 – Nothing makes me more comfortable about a prospect than one who gets called up to the majors and immediately puts up elite exit velocity numbers. Henderson smacked the crap outta the ball to the tune of a 92.4/98.1 MPH AVG/FB EV in 132 MLB PA. That would almost be enough for me to love love a player on it’s own, a la Oneil Cruz, but Henderson does just about everything else well too. His hit tool improved majorly this year, dropping his K% from 30.1% in 2021 in mostly the lower minors, to 23.1% in 2022 in the upper minors. The improvements transferred to the majors with a very reasonable 26.6% whiff% and 25.8% K%. He’s put up high walk rates his entire career and he’s also very fast with a 29.1 ft/sec sprint speed. He’s almost a flawless prospect. I say “almost,” because he’s struggled vs. lefties in his career, but he’s still very young, so improvement is almost certainly coming, and it’s also a testament to how badly he decimates righties. 2023 Projection: 82/25/85/.262/.347/.473/14 Prime Projection: 106/32/102/.278/.383/.518/16

2) Corbin Carroll ARI, OF, 22.7 – Gunnar vs. Carroll is like Witt vs. Julio all over again. Julio pulled into the clear lead this year, but you were happy with either and their values could swing back and forth their entire careers. Gunnar and Carroll are on that same path. Arizona pushed Carroll all the way up to Double-A to start the year and he responded with pure across the board domination (166 wRC+ with 20 steals in 58 games). Triple-A didn’t slow him down much at all (135 wRC+ with 11 steals in 33 games), and then last but certainly not least, he kept it going in the majors, slashing .260/.330/.500 with 4 steals, 2 homers, and a 27%/7% K%/BB% in 32 games. He’s the fastest man in baseball with a 30.7 ft/sec sprint speed. His 85.8 MPH EV and .293 xwOBA isn’t optimal, and it’s the reason I have Gunnar as the #1 prospect in baseball, but I wouldn’t harp on that too much considering the guy literally had only 42 professional games under his belt coming into this year. Carroll is setting up to be an elite fantasy player. 2023 Projection: 81/18/65/.256/.332/.430/24 Prime Projection: 103/23/82/.276/.362/.474/33

3) Jackson Chourio MIL, OF, 19.1 – Chourio is on that Acuna/Tatis superstar path, where they didn’t necessarily put up elite plate approach numbers on the come up, but they were so young for the level and the talent is so huge it doesn’t really matter. Chourio had a generational type season, making it all the way to Double-A as an 18 year old to close out the year. Milwaukee knew they had something special, skipping him right over stateside rookie ball, and they were proven right with him destroying Single-A with a 160 wRC+. He then went to High-A and actually improved his K% with it dropping 6.2 percentage points to 21.8%. He got eaten up in 6 games at Double-A with a 42.3% K%, but I wouldn’t even blink an eye at that. He’s an electric ballplayer with a lightning quick, powerful swing to go along with at least plus speed. Now is the time in a superstar’s career where dynasty mistakes are made. Don’t sell Chourio for anything less than an elite return. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 98/29/96/.276/.351/.502/16

4) Elly De La Cruz CIN, SS/3B, 21.3 – Elly De La Cruz might still be a high risk, high reward prospect, but in 2022 the risk got a whole lot less, and the reward got a whole lot more. He put up one of the those stupid good seasons in the minors, slashing .304/.359/.586 with 28 homers, 47 steals, and a 30.8%/7.8% K%/BB% in 120 games split between High-A and Double-A. He ripped up both levels, and most importantly, he didn’t let his K% skyrocket at Double-A. He’s currently playing in the pitcher’s haven Dominican Winter League, which is a grown man’s league (he’s about 8 years younger than average), and it’s great sign that he’s running a 26.7%/15.8% K%/BB% in 101 PA. It sure seems like he will be able to continue to improve the plate approach rather than it going in the opposite direction. The numbers he can potentially put up at Great American Ballpark are scary. 2023 Projection: 32/11/35/.232/.294/.433/12 Prime Projection: 87/30/98/.250/.331/.503/30

5) Anthony Volpe NYY, SS, 21.11 – Volpe got off to a rough start at Double-A with a .647 OPS and 24% K% in his first 37 games, but he came alive after that, slashing .286/.374/.536 with 13 homers, 26 steals, and a 14.4%/10.7% K%/BB% in 72 games. He does it all with a mature plate approach, plus game power, and plus stolen base ability. Despite the 17.7% K% at Double-A on the season, he still hit only .251 because of an extreme 56.9% flyball percentage. If the balls stay dead, it could be an issue because he isn’t a huge raw power guy at 5’11”, 180 pounds. He also struggled when he got the call to Triple-A with his K% spiking to 30.3%, and putting up a 91 wRC+ in 22 games. The profile isn’t flawless, but he has a super fantasy friendly skillset, and he was a 21 year old in the upper minors, so further refinement is surely coming. 2023 Projection: 38/10/35/.236/.316/.421/12 Prime Projection: 89/26/88/.267/.341/.473/21

6) Jordan Walker STL, 3B/OF, 20.11 – Nobody smashes the ball as hard as the 6’5”, 220 pound Walker. One thing we don’t have to worry about is him getting to the majors and putting up like an 84 MPH EV. He’s gonna hit it hard. He was a 20 year old at Double-A and ripped 19 homers with 31 doubles in 119 games, good for a 128 wRC+. He then wrecked the AFL with 5 homers, 6 doubles, and a .925 OPS in 21 games. He has some swing and miss in his game, but it’s far from the danger zone with a 21.6%/10.8% K%/BB%, and he has plus speed with 22 steals, although considering his size, you might not want to count on him majorly in that category. He started to transition to the OF, which gives him a path to playing time with Arenado locked in at 3B. 2023 Projection: 42/12/47/.251/.326/.461/7 Prime Projection: 92/33/105/.267/.346/.513/12

7) Jordan Lawlar ARI, SS, 20.8 – Lawlar left everyone from his 2021 FYPD class in the dust in 2022. He slashed .303/.401/.509 with 16 homers, 39 steals, and a 25.1%/12.4% K%/BB% in 100 games split between 3 levels (A, A+, AA). He only had a 65 wRC+ in 20 games at Double-A but he jacked 4 homers and his plate approach didn’t completely collapse or anything (28.9%/10.3%). It was impressive he made it all the way to Double-A at all. He then destroyed the AFL with a .997 OPS in 11 games. He has a smooth and simple righty swing that is geared for power and average to go along with plus speed. He’s an elite prospect. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 92/24/86/.270/.348/.470/26

8) James Wood WAS, OF, 20.6 – Wood was one of my top 2022 FYPD targets and I was able to scoop him in my 18 team First Year Player Draft that I broke down last off-season on Patreon. He surpassed even my expectations as he played like a man amongst boys at 6’7”, 240 pounds, slashing .313/.420/.536 with 12 homers, 20 steals, and a 21.6%/14.4% K%/BB% in 76 games at Single-A. He absolutely smashes the ball and he proved his hit tool isn’t a major red flag, to say the least, it might actually be an asset. Wood is a unicorn athlete in the mold of an Aaron Judge and Oneil Cruz. He’s in the “untouchable” category for me. I’m not trading him. ETA: 2024/25 Prime Projection: 88/28/93/.262/.355/.513/14

9) Miguel Vargas LAD, 3B, 23.4 – Vargas made his MLB debut in 2022 and while he only put up a .455 OPS in 50 PA, there is nothing I love more than seeing rookies hit the ball hard. He had a well above average 89.7/94.1 MPH AVG/FB EV. He’s also much faster than advertised with a 29.3 ft/sec sprint speed which in the top 6% of the league. He had no trouble lifting the ball with a 25.7 degree launch angle and has no swing and miss issues with an average 24.3% whiff%. His elite plate approach at Triple-A (14.6%/13.7% K%/BB%) shows better days are likely ahead there too. Speaking of Triple-A, he slashed .304/.304/.511 with 17 homers and 16 steals in 113 games. He’s currently the favorite to be LA’s starting 3B in 2023, and the numbers indicate this guy has star potential. 2023 Projection: 72/21/75/.258/.327/.445/11 Prime Projection: 93/27/87/.272/.345/.483/15

10) Zac Veen COL, OF, 21.4 – It’s a mistake to think more power isn’t coming for Veen. And maybe a lot more. He’s a skinny 6’4” with an explosive lefty swing that is a thing of beauty. He’s guaranteed to put up legit power numbers when he grows into his frame. It reminds me of what I predicted in February 2022 about my #9 prospect, Miguel Vargas, when people were fading him because of his low EV numbers in my Predicting the 2023 Top 50 Dynasty Baseball Prospects: “Vargas’ exit velocity numbers will increase, and the hardhit data will catch up to the surface power numbers, rather than the other way around. I’m hesitant to cap a young prospects power potential just because they don’t put up grown man exit velocities in the minors. It’s almost like people forgot power is often the last thing to come for prospects, especially ones who don’t sell out for it and have really strong contact numbers and plate approaches.” Vargas EV numbers looked damn good in his MLB debut this year. The power is coming for Veen too, and when it does, it will be combined with plus speed and a strong plate approach. That is star potential playing at Coors Field. He did struggle in his callup to Double-A (42 wRC+ with a 29.8% K% in 34 games) after handling his business at High-A (126 wRC+ with a 22.5%/12.% K%/BB% and 50 steals in 92 games), but a ton of super talented 20 year olds struggled considerably at Double-A this year, so I wouldn’t let it completely tank your opinion of him. There is still more work to be done, but I’m willing to stay patient for it, and it creates a buying opportunity this off-season that will likely disappear very quickly into 2023. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 93/28/91/.273/.345/.492/17

11) Jasson Dominguez NYY, OF, 20.2 – It felt like everyone was just waiting for Dominguez to fail, the ole build em up so we can tear em down, but Dominguez refused to blink. He’s now officially living up to the hype with a big 2022, slashing .273/.376/.461 with 16 homers, 37 steals, and a 24.2%/13.6% K%/BB% in 120 games mostly at Single-A and High-A. He actually performed better at High-A with a 146 wRC+ and 18.5% K%, and he even made it Double-A for 5 games and wasn’t overmatched with 1 homer, 1 steal, and a 5/3 K/BB (despite a .467 OPS). His tools are still big and back up the numbers with plus speed and plus power. If he keeps this up at Double-A as a 20 year old, he’ll be in the mix for #1 fantasy prospect in the game very quickly into 2023. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 88/28/93/.261/.345/.491/18

12) Druw Jones ARI, OF, 19.4 – Selected 2nd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Jones has that classic tall and projectable build that screams upside, and he has elite bloodlines with Andruw Jones being his father. He has near elite speed (6.31 60 yard dash) and truly elite bat speed (99.42 percentile-besting some marks put up by bat speed monster Harry Ford last year). His power has also exploded this year, with him launching some homers that blew up on Twitter (Will Hoefer). He hurt his shoulder during BP before he was able to debut and underwent surgery to repair it, but 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 ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 93/30/104/.274/.355/.515/20

13) Jackson Holliday BAL, SS, 19.4 – Baseball is starting to feel like it is a hereditary monarchy, where all star games are passed down based on bloodlines like it’s the 1300’s. Jackson is the son of Matt, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son. Husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the ne … my bad, lost myself there 🙂 … Like many plus bloodline kids, Jackson is an advanced hitter, and he combines that with plus athleticism and a plus power/speed combo. He truly wields the bat like it’s a samurai sword, gracefully killing the ball with a smooth and powerful lefty swing. He stepped right into pro ball and was far too advanced for rookie ball (220 wRC+ with a 6.1%/30.3% K%/BB% in 8 rookie ball games) before performing well in 12 games at Single-A (130 wRC+ with a 17.5%/26.3% K%/BB%). Druw Jones and Holliday are in a tier of their own on my First Year Player Draft Rankings. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 96/25/88/.278/.357/.491/14

14) Grayson Rodriguez BAL, RHP, 23.5 – Rodriguez is my #1 pitching prospect in baseball and is a good bet to break camp with the team. He really shouldn’t be considered a prospect anymore. He should have graduated. But he did what pitching prospects do and missed 3 months with a lat strain. He was a bit rusty when he returned in September with a 4.12 ERA and 29/14 K/BB in 19.2 IP. He had a 2.09 ERA with a 80/14 K/BB in 56 IP at Triple-A before going down with the injury. When completely healthy he has plus control of a devastating 4 pitch mix, all of which have the potential to be at least plus. It’s true ace upside.  2023 Projection: 10/3.73/1.22/161 in 150 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.15/1.05/240 in 200 IP

15) Andrew Painter PHI, RHP, 19.5 – In a Mock First Year Player Draft last off-season for Baseball Prospectus, I drafted Andrew Painter 21st overall and wrote, “I generally lean toward hitting prospects in dynasty, but I’m not afraid to take a shot on a couple of pitchers. Painter is a big dude who checks a lot of boxes. My plan is to sell him when he hits his peak on prospect lists, and before he goes all Forrest Whitley on us at Triple-A” … but now that Painter has hit his peak on prospect lists, it’s so damn hard to sell. It’s so easy to fall in love with pitching prospects, but some do actually stay healthy and pan out, right? Painter seems like he is going to be one of those that do. He had a silly pitching line of 1.56/0.89/155/25 in 103.2 IP spread across 3 levels (A, A+, AA). He’s 6’7”, 215 pounds with plus control of an upper 90’s fastball, plus slider, potentially plus change, and an average curve. He just seems can’t miss … but if he does miss, my 2021/22 off-season self will just be shaking his head and laughing at me. 2023 Projection: 4/3.79/1.24/63 in 60 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.18/1.06/235 in 200 IP

16) Eury Perez MIA, RHP, 20.0 – Perez is a tall drink of water at 6’8”, 220 pounds (interestingly, or not so interestingly, “tall drink of water” was originally used as a derogatory term for a flavorless weakling, but mysteriously evolved into a compliment in the mid 1900’s), and he uses that frame to fire a mid to upper 90’s fastball with an easy, athletic delivery. He combines that with 3 potentially plus secondaries in his changeup, curve, and slider, to go along with plus control. It’s a flawless profile. The production is there too with a 34.1%/8.1% K%/BB% in 75 IP as a 19 year old at Double-A. A rough patch at the end of July (10.64 ERA in 11 IP) marred his end of season ERA at the level (4.08), and it resulted in him hitting the IL with a shoulder issue that kept him out until mid September. It’s a reminder of how risky all pitching prospects are, no matter how can’t miss they seem. 2023 Projection: 3/3.85/1.23/47 in 45 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.26/1.08/210 in 180 IP

17) Ricky Tiedemann TOR, LHP, 20.8 – Tiedemann checks almost every box for a potential young ace. He has prototypical size at 6’4”, 220 pounds, with a nearly side arm lefty delivery that he uses to fire a mid 90’s fastball and 2 devastating secondaries in his slider and change. Minor league hitters had no chance. He put up a pitching line of 2.17/0.86/117/29 in 78.2 IP split across 3 levels (A, A+, AA). Maybe the only quibble is that he doesn’t have pinpoint control, but it’s not an issue or anything. He’s the top lefty pitching prospect in the game, and considering Toronto’s relatively depleted organizational pitching depth, don’t be surprised if he gets a ton of MLB innings in 2023.. 2023 Projection: 3/3.88/1.29/54 in 50 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.31/1.11/220 in 190 IP

18) Shane Baz TBR, RHP, 23.10 – Baz underwent Tommy John surgery in late September and will miss all of 2023. His elbow problems started in Spring when he underwent arthroscopic surgery. He was able to make it back for a month in June-July, and the stuff was still huge, but he eventually succumbed to the Tommy John. Like Buehler, I would optimally wait until next off-season to target him, but if you’re a rebuilding team he’s a great target. 2023 Projection: OUT Prime Projection: 13/3.38/1.09/198 in 170 IP

19) Francisco Alvarez NYM, C, 21.4 – Alvarez is a 5’10”, 233 pound ball of muscle who walloped 27 homers in 112 games split between Double-A and Triple-A. He then got a cup of coffee, or more like a sip of coffee in the majors and it took him only 14 PA to get his first MLB dinger. He had a 101.5 MPH FB/LD EV in that obviously very small sample, but it drives home the point that Alvarez has near elite power potential, especially for a catcher. He has some swing and miss in his game (24.8% K%), but he’s an OBP machine with a 14.1% BB%. Adley is the darling of the catcher world right now, but Alvarez’s superior over the fence power could easily make him the more valuable catcher not too far into the future. The Mets starting catcher job is wide open for the taking at the moment, but it seems they want him to get more defensive seasoning before handing the reins over to him. 2023 Projection: 47/20/61/.240/.331/.457/2 Prime Projection: 84/33/96/.254/.361/.520/3

20) Daniel Espino CLE, RHP, 22.3 – Espino was on his way to an insane season before falling off the face of the earth. He had a 2.45 ERA with a 35/4 K/BB in 18.1 IP at Double-A in April and then he never pitched again. It started as a knee issue and then turned into a shoulder issue too. Cleveland has kept the injury information very close to the vest so it’s unclear how serious the injuries are, but it was obviously serious enough that it ended his season. The stuff is so nasty with a 5 pitch mix led by an upper 90’s fastball and plus slider, that I would hesitate to sell low on him based on the mysterious injury risk. He has the upside to be a true fantasy ace and he’s knocking on the door of the bigs. Give me all the risk. 2023 Projection: 3/3.83/1.30/65 in 60 IP Prime Projection:  13/3.41/1.19/195 in 165 IP

21) Ezequiel Tovar COL, SS, 21.8 – In yet another testament to Colorado’s odd prospect developmental strategy, to put it nicely, Tovar went down with a hip/groin injury on June 29th at Double-A, and Colorado decided it would be best to have him return directly to Triple-A on September 15th before rushing him to the majors after just 5 games at that level. It’s almost as if they had a preset plan for Tovar’s season which they didn’t adjust at all based on what was actually happening. Regardless, Tovar is a good enough prospect to overcome Colorado’s brain trust. He’s not the type to jump off the screen, but he has a plus hit tool with developing power and base stealing skills. He slashed .319/.387/.540 with 14 homers, 17 steals, and a 66/27 K/BB in 71 games at mostly Double-A. I’m not sure the power/speed numbers will pop as much in the majors, but Coors should juice his best skill, batting average, and the SS job is his for the taking. 2023 Projection: 72/16/64/.261/.317/.402/13 Prime Projection: 86/22/71/.278/.332/.434/15

22) Kyle Manzardo TBR, 1B, 22.9 – I nicknamed Manzardo “Italian Lunch” in my in-season Dynasty Rundowns for a reason, because if you liked Italian Breakfast (Vinnie P), you’re going to love the next Italian meal (Manzardo). Like Vinnie, Manzardo has an elite plate approach with plus power. He slashed .327/.426/.617 with 22 homers and a 65/59 K/BB in 93 games split between High-A and Double-A. He barely dropped off at Double-A with 9 homers and a 148 wRC+ in 30 games. His path to playing time isn’t crystal clear with Tampa’s never ending depth (Aranda, Mead, and more), but that’s just the game with Tampa. If he produces when he gets his shot, they will find a spot for him. 2023 Projection: 19/5/23/.268/.334/.447/0 Prime Projection: 86/27/91/.281/.363/.488/1

23) Royce Lewis MIN, SS, 23.10 – I named Lewis a to player target last off-season, imploring you to buy the dip coming off a torn ACL. Now it’s deja vu all over again with Lewis once again down with a torn ACL, and once again I’m imploring you to buy the dip. He was in the midst of fully living up to his 1st pick overall hype, majorly improving his plate approach with a 20.9%/11.8% K%/BB% in 34 games at Triple-A. His power took a step forward as well with 5 homers and he maintained his plus speed with 12 steals. He quickly got called up to the majors and impressed with a 90.7 MPH EV, 12.2% K% and 146 wRC+ in 41 PA before going down with the injury in late May. I can’t deny that a 2nd torn ACL in the same knee is concerning, but Lewis has youth, and athleticism to spare on his side. He was blowing up to such a high level that I think downgrading Lewis too much based on the injury risk would be a mistake. 2023 Projection: 33/8/28/.258/.319/.423/5 Prime Projection: 84/24/82/.273/.335/.463/13

24) Triston Casas BOS, 1B, 23.3 – Casas is an OBP machine. He has a career .374 OBP in 284 minor league games and then he put up a .358 OBP with a 20% BB% in his 95 PA MLB debut. In an OBP league, he has a chance to be a real difference maker. It’s not so cut and dry in a 5×5 BA league. He’s never hit for high BA’s in the minors (career .269 BA) and he hit .197 (.193 xBA) in the majors. He’s a huge man with huge raw power, but he’s never really put up monster home run totals (11 homers in 72 Triple-A games). He doesn’t sell out for power. Boston’s hitter’s park should juice up all of his numbers, and I like Casas a lot regardless of league type, but I might curb your enthusiasm a little bit in a 5×5 BA. 2023 Projection: 78/24/81/.249/.334/.462/1 Prime Projection: 89/29/94/.263/.368/.510/2

25) Pete Crow-Armstrong CHC, OF, 21.0 – Armstrong had the power breakout I predicted in my Predicting the 2023 Top 50 Dynasty Baseball Prospects from last off-season, writing, “Armstrong will not only pick up where he left off before he underwent shoulder surgery, he will show power potential many people doubt he has.” He ended up jacking 16 homers in 101 games split between Single-A and High-A. His speed wasn’t undersold either as he nabbed 32 bases. His plus CF defense will get him on the field, he has a good feel to hit, plus speed, and developing power. That is a beautiful fantasy profile. He’s not a finished product as his plate approach took a step back at the more age appropriate High-A with a mediocre 24%/4.9% K%/BB% in 63 games, but he could explode to elite prospect status if he performs in the upper minors in 2023. There is still a small buy window. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 88/18/66/.273/.335/.431/26

26) Hunter Brown HOU, RHP, 24.8 – Houston still has a full rotation even with Verlander leaving, but Brown will inevitably get his shot eventually, and I have no doubt he will thrive when he does. He throws a 96.6 MPH fastball that put up a .167 BA against in his 20.1 IP MLB debut, to go along with a plus slider (.246 xwOBA) and curve (.167 xwOBA). It led to a 0.89 ERA and 22/7 K/BB. He dominated at Triple-A too with a 2.55 ERA and 31.5%/10.6% K%/BB% in 106 IP. He’s likely a mid rotation fantasy starter as is, and if he can improve his control and/or his splitter/changeup, he has legitimate top of the rotation upside, especially in Houston’s pitching factory. He’s a major off-season target as he doesn’t get the hype that other top pitching prospects receive. 2023 Projection: 6/3.85/1.28/95 in 90 IP Prime Projection: 13/3.55/1.23/190 in 175 IP

27) Bobby Miller LAD, RHP, 24.0 – Miller is 6’5”, 220 pounds with ace level stuff. He throws a fastball that sits in the upper 90’s, a filthy upper 80’s MPH changeup that gets about 10 MPH separation from the fastball, and 2 plus breaking balls in his slider and curve. His 4.25 ERA in 112.1 IP split between Double-A and Triple-A was surprisingly underwhelming considering the stuff. Part of it is because his fastball is relatively hittable, and while he doesn’t have major control problems, he’s no Greg Maddux. The other part of it is likely bad luck as his 30.5%/8.1% K%/BB% and 3.47 xFIP at Double-A looks much better than the 4.45 ERA he put up at the level. He has ace upside, and with the Dodgers’ pitching development prowess, mid-rotation might be his floor. 2023 Projection: 5/3.85/1.26/82 in 80 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.48/1.18/202 in 180 IP

28) Curtis Mead TBR, 3B, 22.6 – Mead is a safe bet to be a very good MLB hitter, but there are a few snafu’s keeping me from going too crazy for him. He’s not a good defensive player, which could be a problem with Tampa’s never ending depth. He’s not a huge base stealer and he has a line drive approach, so he might not put up huge power/speed numbers. His season also ended with a sore elbow, which I wouldn’t be too concerned about, but it is one more thing to tack on. I don’t mean to sound the alarm bells, because I do like him a ton. He hits the ball very hard, he has an excellent plate approach with an 18.1%/10.9% K%/BB%, and he crushed the upper minors with a 146 wRC+ at Double-A and 129 wRC+ at Triple-A. Carlos Correa over the last few years could be a good ceiling comp offensively. 2023 Projection: 26/7/29/.265/.327/.433/2 Prime Projection: 91/24/86/.282/.351/.473/5

29) Noelvi Marte CIN, SS, 21.5 – There is nothing scouts hate more than when players start to fill out before they want them to fill out, and I think scouts overestimate their ability to predict when players will lose their athleticism in general. Having said that, Marte filled out in 2022 and he’s definitely starting to look more like a thick, power hitting corner infielder than a wiry strong SS. It’s going to hurt his ranking on real life lists, but I would be careful about discounting him too much for fantasy. He has big time power (19 homers in 115 games at High-A), speed (23 steals), and while his hit tool isn’t great, he has a strong plate approach (20.1%/11.3% K%/BB%). He’s not a finished product, and I wouldn’t expect huge steal totals, but he can be mighty dangerous in the friendly confines of Great American Ballpark. He wouldn’t be untouchable for me (I recently traded him away in my 12 teamer for Cristian Javier), but I would need a very exciting win now piece to deal him. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 84/27/89/.263/.338/.484/12

30) Marcelo Mayer BOS, SS, 20.4 – One look at Mayer’s controlled and explosive lefty swing really says it all. He used that swing to dominate Single-A in every facet of the game (150 wRC+ in 66 games), and then mostly did the same to close out the season at High-A (127 wRC+ in 25 games). His 25.2% K% is maybe slightly higher than you would like to see, but he mitigated that with a 16% BB%, and he was also a perfect 17 for 17 on the bases. He’s not a burner, but with the new stolen bases rules coming to the majors, maybe he’ll be able to nab more than we are expecting. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 94/25/87/.271/.363/.484/10

31) Oswald Peraza NYY, SS/2B, 22.10 – Like Volpe, Peraza started the year cold with a .583 OPS and 25.6% in his first 46 games at Triple-A before turning it around. He slashed .316/.382/.560 with 14 homers, 22 steals, and a 21.4% K% in his final 53 games at the level. He got called up to the majors in September and thrived, slashing .306/.404/.429 with 1 homer, 2 steals, and a 15.8%/10.5% K%/BB% in 57 PA. Statcast backs up the numbers with a well above average .343 xwOBA and 28.9 ft/sec sprint speed. The one red flag is his 81.6/84.0 MPH AVG/FB EV. That is quite low on 40 batted balls. It’s a small sample and he obviously has more power than that, but the power numbers he put up in the minors in 2021-22 could be misleading for what he will do in the majors. 2023 Projection: 58/14/59/.246/.303/.400/16 Prime Projection: 81/21/77/.269/.327/.441/22

32) Evan Carter TEX, OF, 20.7 – Carter was chugging along with a very good season at High-A, slashing .287/.388/.476 with 11 homers, 26 steals, and a 16.8%/13.2% K%/BB% in 100 games, and then he closed out the year with a bang at Double-A, slashing .429/.536/.714 with 1 homer, 2 steals, and a 6/5 K/BB in 6 games. His elite plate approach is made even more impressive by how  young he has been at every level he’s played at. He has plus speed, and at 6’4”, 190 pounds, he should naturally grow into more power, although his short and quick lefty swing is geared more for line drives. He could be a difference maker in OBP leagues, and in 5×5 BA he’s setting up to be a solid across the board type. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 89/20/77/.276/.365/.449/15

33) Emmanuel Rodriguez MIN, OF, 20.1 – I nicknamed Rodriguez Baby Bonds in the early season Dynasty Baseball Rundowns for a reason. He’s an OBP monster with a 28.6% BB% and .492 OBP, to go along with a plus power (9 homers) and speed (11 steals) in 49 games at Single-A. Granted he doesn’t have nearly Bonds’ hit tool with a 26.1% K%, but 3 outta 4 ain’t bad. In an OBP league, I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say he has elite upside. His season ended early when he tore his meniscus sliding into a base, but in my professional opinion a meniscus tear isn’t as bad as an ACL tear. I wouldn’t let the injury scare you off him too much. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 88/26/82/.251/.357/.485/12

34) Tink Hence STL, RHP, 20.8 – Say hello to the 2024 top pitching prospect in baseball. Hence was treated with kid gloves in 2022, never going over 4 IP, but he checked literally every other box. His stuff is straight filthy with 4 potentially plus pitches (mid 90’s fastball, curve, slider, change), he has an extremely athletic delivery with insane arm speed that reminds me a bit of Pedro Martinez, and his numbers were lights out with a pitching line of 2.16/0.96/81/15 in 52.1 IP at Single-A. He’s certainly getting plenty of hype right now, but it’s going to look like nothing compared to the hype explosion that’s coming in 2023. I was just able to nab him at 44th overall in the Toolshed Prospect Mock with other prospect writers/podcasters, so I think his price could still be relatively reasonable this off-season. He’s a buy high. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 14/3.29/1.09/205 in 180 IP

35) Kyle Harrison SFG, LHP, 21.8 – Harrison is almost guaranteed to be an impact fantasy starter because this guy is going to rack up K’s no matter what. He had a stupid 50% K% in 29 IP at High-A (1.55 ERA) and a 36.4% K% in 84 IP at Double-A (3.11 ERA) on the back of an elite fastball/slider combo from a 3 quarters lefty delivery. He mixes in a legitimate changeup as well. The only question is how high his WHIP will get on the MLB level, because his control is still knocking on the door of the danger zone with an 11.2% BB% at Double-A. It’s not so bad to get very concerned, but it’s bad enough to keep him from ascending to the true elite pitching prospect tier. From a numbers standpoint, Blake Snell is not the worst comp. 2023 Projection: 3/3.88/1.33/34 in 30 IP Prime Projection: 12/3.41/1.25/191 in 165 IP

36) Josh Jung TEX, 3B, 25.2 – Jung returned from shoulder surgery in late July and he must have been rusty because his plate approach was uncharacteristically horrific. He put up a 28.3%/3.8% K%/BB% in 23 games at Triple-A and a 38.2%/3.9% K%/BB% in 26 games in his MLB debut. It’s so out of pocket from the rest of his career. He had a 22.2%/9.1% K%/BB% in 78 games in the upper minors in 2021, so I’m inclined to cut him some slack. Shoulder injuries can sometimes sap power, but he was just fine in that category, jacking 9 homers in 31 minor league games and 5 homers in 26 MLB games. His 85.5 MPH EV and .287 xwOBA wasn’t great, but there was no guarantee he was even going to play in 2022 considering he underwent surgery in late February, so everything should look much better after a normal off-season and as he gets further away from the injury. 2023 Projection: 70/25/83/.252/.326/.462/3 Prime Projection: 84/29/91/.268/.343/.497/3

37) Brett Baty NYM, 3B, 23.5 – There is little doubt that the 6’3”, 210 pound lefty Baty is going to be a very good real life hitter. He smokes the ball with a 91.1 MPH EV and he has an excellent plate approach with a 24.8%/11.7% K%/BB%, leading to a .943 OPS in 95 games at mostly Double-A. He got called up to the majors and while he only put up a .586 OPS in 11 games, his .332 xwOBA was much better and a 19% K% is a good sign his K% isn’t going to explode. It’s a line drive approach (10 degree launch) with below average speed (26.8 ft/sec sprint), making him a very safe bet to be an impact bat, but likely without monster upside in a 5×5 BA league. He tore the UCL in his thumb in late August which required surgery, but he’ll be good to go for 2023, and with Correa not signing, the path to playing time is much more open now. 2023 Projection: 51/15/54/.253/.332/.440/2 Prime Projection: 84/25/86/.267/.349/.472/2

38) Colton Cowser BAL, OF, 23.0 – Cowser’s hit tool got exposed this year, putting up a 28.4% K% at High-A, 25.4% K% at Double-A, and 30.6% K% at Triple-A. It’s a little concerning considering that was supposed to be his best skill, but it’s not like he’s chopped liver everywhere else. He walked a ton with a 15% BB%, and he displayed an above average power/speed combo with 19 homers and 18 steals in 138 games. Even with the high strikeout rates he still put up a .278 BA. He showed more risk than optimal in 2022, but it was still a positive year overall with a .874 OPS. His strong across the board profile remains intact. 2023 Projection: 20/4/18/.248/.319/.405/4 Prime Projection: 85/20/77/.264/.343/.442/15

39) Robert Hassell WAS, OF, 21.8 – Hassell is becoming quite the divisive prospect, and it all comes down to his upside. His groundball rates were over 50% and he hit only 11 homers in 112 games split between High-A and Double-A. He’s fast, but he’s not an absolute burner, stealing only 1 bag in 27 games at Double-A (23 steals in 85 games at High-A). He has a potentially plus hit tool, and while a 19.9% K% at High-A is good, it’s not close to being elite, and it jumped to 28.7% at Double-A. He doesn’t have that one truly impressive tool. Having said that, the guy is just a damn good all around ballplayer, and there is still room to pack on muscle to his 6’2” frame. You don’t have to squint all that hard to see a future where he goes 20/20 with a good BA and high OBP hitting atop Washington’s lineup. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 87/18/72/.273/.348/.425/18

40) Taj Bradley TBR, RHP, 22.0 – Bradley is a similar pitching prospect to what Logan Gilbert and George Kirby were. He heavily relies on an at least plus, mid 90’s fastball which he has plus control over, but the secondaries aren’t really standout. He’s also not as big as Gilbert and Kirby, which I don’t like to harp on, but it does factor in. He destroyed Double-A with a 1.70 ERA and 88/18 K/BB in 74.1 IP before taking a small step back at Triple-A with a 3.66 ERA and 53/15 K/BB in 59 IP. If his secondaries take a big jump, he can be a fantasy ace, but he’s more likely to settle into that 2/3 area. 2023 Projection: 3/3.83/1.23/47 in 50 IP Prime Projection: 12/3.41/1.08/176 in 170 IP

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

]]> 11406 Monday Morning Dynasty Baseball Rundown (7/4/22) https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/monday-morning-dynasty-baseball-rundown-7-4-22/ https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/monday-morning-dynasty-baseball-rundown-7-4-22/#comments Mon, 04 Jul 2022 13:03:10 +0000 https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/?p=10200 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 (7/4/22):

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Edward Olivares KCR, OF, 26.4 – 2 for 4 with a 108 MPH homer and 108.9 MPH single. That has been the story of Olivares’ season as he’s been smoking the ball with a 91.2 MPH EV in 59 AB. While I doubt he can keep hitting the ball this hard, coming into more power in his late 20’s isn’t that hard to buy into. He’s also fast and his strong contact rates have transferred to the majors. I’ve never ranked Oliveras all that high in my dynasty rankings throughout his career, but maybe my hate of olives has subconsciously biased me against him. The high groundball rates might limit his upside, but he can be the fake Gucci bag version of Michael Harris and Alek Thomas.

Michael Harris ATL, OF, 21.4 – Speaking of Harris, he nuked a dinger of his own on a 108.8 MPH, 425 foot bomb. If you’re trying to acquire him at this point, you’re going to have to pay up like it’s one of those stores on 5th Avenue where you have to be buzzed in to even be let in the store.

Spencer Torkelson DET, 1B, 22.10 – 1 for 4 with a frozen rope of a homer for his 5th of the year in 70 games. Tork is struggling with a .587 OPS, but his 23.9% whiff% is above average, his 89 MPH EV is above average, his .319 xwOBA is above average and his 10.4% BB% is above average. Whatever you do, don’t give up on him.

Brandon Woodruff MIL, RHP, 28.5 – 6 IP, 6 hits, 0 ER, 8/0 K/BB vs. PIT. The stuff looks great. My dad has had Reynaud’s Syndrome basically my entire life, and while he would be in full arctic tundra gear when watching some of my baseball games, he would still kick my ass in stickball with a 4 pitch mix and pinpoint control. If Woodruff’s anything like my pops, he’ll figure it out.

Max Meyer MIA, RHP, 22.4 – Meyer hit the IL after two terrible starts in mid May, but he’s back to dominating since returning in mid June. He went 6 IP with 2 hits, 0 ER, and a 5/0 K/BB at Triple-A yesterday and now has a 1.62 ERA with an 18/1 K/BB in his last 16.2 IP. He could get the call at any moment.

Emerson Hancock SEA, RHP, 23.1 – 5.2 IP, 3 hits, 0 ER, 6/2 K/BB at Double-A. Hancock gets forgotten about, but he has plus control (7% BB%) of an MLB quality 4 pitch mix. He also understands the art of pitching. If he can stay healthy, I would be pretty surprised if he doesn’t end up a damn good MLB starter.

Vaughn Grissom ATL, SS, 21.6 – 3 for 4 with a double and a homer that he launched over the Green(ville) Monster. Grissom’s power is taking a big jump this year with 12 homers in 68 games at High-A and it hasn’t impacted his elite contact numbers at all (12% K%). He walks and has speed too. He’s easily entering Top 50 prospect status at the least.

 James Triantos CHC, 3B, 19.5 – Triantos homered for the 3rd straight game, and this one left no doubt about his future power potential as he crushed it out to centerfield. It also happened to be some of the best camera work I’ve ever seen on a homer, following the ball perfectly against the backdrop of the clear black sky. The hit tool has been as advertised with a .280 BA and 17.5% K% in 66 games at Single-A, and now he has a decent 5 homers on the year.

Eguy Rosario SDP, 2B/3B, 22.10 – First there was Esports, and now there are Eguys. When will it end? Like Esports, Eguy is taking over, going 3 for 3 with 2 homers and a steal yesterday, and now has 13 homers, 13 steals, and a 21.8%/11.2% K%/BB% in 72 games at Triple-A. He also made one of the best catches I’ve ever seen. Eguys are just built different I guess.

Jordan Lawlar ARI, SS, 19.11 – 3 for 5 with a double and a homer at Single-A. He’s managed to get even better since returning from the IL, slashing .396/.476/.642 with 1 homer, 5 steals, and a 20.6%/12.7% K%/BB% in 14 games. He’s an elite prospect.

Andy Pages LAD, OF, 20.7 – The power explosion was inevitable, and it arrived in full force once the calendar hit June. He went 2 for 4 with a homer yesterday and has now hit 9 homers in his last 27 games at Double-A. His profile is pretty locked in as a low average, high walk slugger.

Shane Baz TBR, RHP, 23.1 – 6 IP, 7 hits, 1 ER, 7/2 K/BB vs. TOR. The fastball averaged 95.9 MPH and put up a 79.7 MPH EV on the pitch, while his slider and curve racked up whiffs with a 45% and 40% whiff%. It’s pretty clear he is healthy and on a beeline to become one of the best pitchers in baseball.

MacKenzie Gore SD, LHP, 22.4 – The walk problems are back as Gore walked 4 batters in 5.2 IP yesterday and has now walked 3 or more in his last 6 starts. It’s well beyond just a couple game blip at this point. You have to expect some growing pains, so I would stay patient, but it’s definitely a little concerning.

Bobby Miller LAD, RHP, 22.3 – Miller had his best start of the year, going 6 IP with 2 hits, 0 ER, and a 10/3 K/BB at Double-A. His season was starting to look pretty mediocre, so he desperately needed a start like this. The stuff is huge and is most certainly MLB quality, so while he might not be an ace, he should be able to get the job done in whatever role LA deploys him in.

Gavin Williams CLE, RHP, 22.11 – 6.2 IP, 4 hits, 0 ER, 6/0 K/BB at Double-A. The upper minors has been no issue for Williams with a pitching line of 1.69/1.13/19/8 in 16 IP. The fastball is his best pitch and it might legitimately be an elite pitch. His secondaries aren’t too shabby either. He’s trending towards being a #2 fantasy starter.

Jeremy Pena HOU, SS, 23.9 – Pena looked a little rusty after coming off the IL with a thumb injury and also after his collision with Alvarez, going 4 for 23 with a 10/0 K/BB in 5 games, but he found his rhythm yesterday going 4 for 5 with 2 homers. The only weakness to his game has been his walk rate with only a 5.1% BB%, and he didn’t walk that much in any league above Single-A, but I still couldn’t rank him any lower 67th overall on my OBP Top 447 Mid-Season Dynasty Baseball Rankings considering how exciting his debut has been.

Julio Rodriguez SEA, OF, 20.6 – 2 for 3 and he obliterated the ball in every at bat with a 112.4 MPH double, 110.6 MPH groundout, and 106.9 MPH homer. I’m almost at the point where it isn’t even worth mentioning him in these rundowns because he’s so locked into elite status.

Cavan Biggio TOR, 2B, 26.0 – Biggio is quietly getting his career back on track, ripping 2 line drive singles in 4 AB at 98.8 MPH and 95.4 MPH. He now has a career high .365 xwOBA and 13% Barrel%. The homer and steal numbers are still subdued with 2 homers and 1 steal in 104 AB, but he’s back to being an OBP beast and is getting near full time at bats in a stacked lineup.

Tyler Wells BAL, RHP, 27.7 – 6 IP, 3 hits, 1 ER, 7/1 K/BB vs. MIN. Wells had no trouble getting whiffs in this one with a 34% whiff% (22.2% on the season). He’s been thriving on weak contact with an 87.6 MPH EV against, but the lack of K’s has made me hesitant to buy in. Doing this against Minnesota’s tough lineup just evaporated a lot of that doubt.

Max Muncy OAK, SS, 19.9 – 1 for 4 with a homer. Muncy swings one of the quickest bats in the minors and it’s resulted in 15 homers in 70 games at Single-A. The 29.7% K% is high, but it’s been better of late with a 24.8%/17.9% K%/BB% in his last 25 games. He’s easily trending towards being a top 100 prospect if he’s not there already.

Jeferson Quero MIL, C, 19.9 – 2 for 4 with a homer at Single-A. Jeferson’s season got off to a slow start with a .665 OPS in April and .587 OPS in May, but he’s exploded in his last 23 games, slashing .333/.426/.556 with 5 homers, 6 steals, and a 12.8%/11.7% K%/BB%. He’s firmly back on track to be one of the top catcher prospects in the game by this time next year.

Endy Rodriguez PIT, C, 22.1 – 2 for 4 with a homer. Rodriguez is putting in Yeoman’s work at High-A with a 122 wRC+. He doesn’t have huge power with 8 homers in 65 games, and his hit tool took a step back against more advanced competition with a career worst 24.2% K%. I think he can be a solid hitting catcher, but I don’t think he is going to be a major fantasy difference maker.

Xavier Edwards TB, 2B/3B, 22.11 – I admittedly have no idea what to think of Edwards. His power is ticking up this year as he drilled his 4th homer in 29 games at Triple-A, and the elite contact rates are still there with a 13.5%/9.5% K%/BB%, but he’s struggled mightily on the bases with 1 steal in 5 attempts. He had 19 steals in 31 attempts last year, so this isn’t a one year blip. I’m personally struggling to buy in, but I get if you’re higher on him than I am.

Bubba Thompson TEX, OF, 24.1 – 2 for 3 with a homer and 0/2 K/BB. Bubba is another one I’m torn on. He was a favorite of mine coming out of his draft year, and his mouth watering talent is self evident with 10 homers and 37 steals in 60 games at Triple-A. The plate approach is rough with a 26.7%/5% K%/BB%, but it’s been better of late with a 23.1%/11.5% K%/BB% in his last 22 games. The improved BB% definitely has me a little excited as he could be setting up to be a late career breakout type.

 Jonatan Clase SEA, OF, 20.1/Luis Rodriguez LAD, OF, 19.10 – Clase and Rodriguez both collected 2 hits with a homer yesterday for their 7th homers of the year, and are both prospects I like a lot, but they each have a 31.6% K% which is preventing me from really getting excited for them. I like Clase more between the two because he’s a speedster with 25 steals, so if he can get the K’s in check, his fantasy stock could soar.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR TONS OF EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ALL SEASON, INCLUDING:
-TOP 10 TRADE NEGOTIATION TACTICS (one of my favorite things I’ve ever written)
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-MID-SEASON OBP TOP 447 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
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-JUNE 2022 TOP 350 DYNASTY PROSPECTS RANKINGS
-JUNE 2022 TOP 445 DYNASTY BASEBALL RANKINGS
-TOP 16 2023 FYPD RANKINGS
-TONS OF DYNASTY RUNDOWNS

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

]]> https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/monday-morning-dynasty-baseball-rundown-7-4-22/feed/ 2 10200 Monday Morning Dynasty Baseball Rundown (6/6/22) https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/monday-morning-dynasty-baseball-rundown-6-6-22/ Mon, 06 Jun 2022 12:30:22 +0000 https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/?p=9935 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 (6/6/22):

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

Emmanuel Rodriguez MIN, OF, 19.4 – 1 for 2 with a homer, 2 walks and 0 K’s. Baby Bonds has more walks than strikeouts with a 51/54 K/BB in 45 games at Single-A, and his 1.063 OPS is far and away the best OPS in the FSL (the underrated Gabriel Martinez is 2nd at .883). Rodriguez still doesn’t get nearly the respect he deserves, and is already a Top 100 Prospect for me, checking in at #90 on my Top 350 June Dynasty Baseball Prospects Rankings that hit my Patreon last week.

Jackson Chourio MIL, OF, 18.3 – Chourio has a legitimate shot to be the next big thing. He’s a tooled up 18-year-old who is beating up on older competition in full season ball, muscling out his 4th homer of the year yesterday. He’s slashing .371/.417/.595 with 4 homers, 3 steals, and a 26.0%/7.9% K%/BB% in 27 games at Single-A.

Logan O’Hoppe PHI, C, 22.3 – O’Hoppe homered for the 3rd time in 4 games at Double-A. He now has 11 homers with a .997 OPS and 15.6%/11.8% K%/BB% in 44 games. The hype has really started to percolate on him. Here’s what I wrote about O’Hoppe in my off-season, February 10th Hitters to Target (Patreon) writeup, “Easily the most underrated catcher in the minors. He’s a lock to stick behind the plate with plus raw power and plus contact rates.” Let the record show that the aforementioned Chourio was also included in that off-season Target Series.

DL Hall BAL, LHP, 23.8 – 5 IP, 2 hits, 2 ER, 9/2 K/BB at Triple-A. Isn’t Grayson just the perfect child with his pristine walk rates, diverse pitch mix, and trendy first name, but now he’s out until September with a lat injury, and it’s time for the wild child to take centerstage. Yea, Hall’s control isn’t that great, and yea, he’s not 6’5” 220 pounds, but he’s ready to shine for all of the kids out there who grew up in their sibling’s shadow. And no, I’m definitely not projecting at all! 😉

Cole Henry WASH, RHP, 22.11 – Henry made his Triple-A debut and went 5 IP with 3 hits, 0 ER, and a 3/1 K/BB. He’s 6’4”, 215 pounds with some legitimately filthy stuff. He made Gabriel Moreno and his plus hit tool look silly on a first inning K.

Ezequiel Duran TEX, 2B/SS, 23.0 – I ranked Duran 39th overall in last week’s Top 350 June Dynasty Baseball Prospects Rankings and wrote, “Quickly becoming one of my favorite prospects with 7 homers, 7 steals, and a 17% K% in 41 games at Double-A. He also passes the “eye test” as he’s an explosive player and the ball explodes off his bat. 6.6% BB% shows he’s still a little too aggressive at the plate.” He has since got the call to the bigs and showed that explosiveness, drilling a 402 foot dinger off a 99.5 MPH Andres Munoz fastball. This dude can be a true difference maker.

Alejandro Kirk TOR, C, 23.7 – The inevitable Kirk breakout has finally arrived with him hitting a 416 foot blast for his 4th homer in 5 games. His underlying numbers are straight elite with a 8.6%/12.3% K%/BB% and a .393 xwOBA. Gabriel Moreno keeps getting more and more blocked.

Brendan Rodgers COL, 2B, 25.10 – 3 for 5 with a double and a homer. Rodgers has been red hot since May began, slashing .344/.380/.566 with 6 homers and a 20/6 K/BB in 30 games. The underlying numbers still aren’t all the great on the season with a 3.5 degree launch angle and .313 xwOBA, but if you’ve been holding strong on Rodgers for the last several years, this is your time.

Alex Kirilloff MIN, 1B/OF, 24.4 – 2 for 5 with 2 homers and now has 4 homers in his last 3 games at Triple-A. The wrist must be feeling A-OK as he’s utterly destroying Triple-A with a 1.050 OPS in 26 games. He’s back on track to become one the top young hit/power combo hitters in the game.

Bryson Stott PHI, SS, 24.8 – Stott is heating up, walloping his 2nd MLB homer and now has a 1.122 OPS in his last 5 games. An 84.1 MPH EV is still horrific, but a 24.3% whiff% and 16.7 degree launch angle is forming a nice foundation if he can keep hitting the ball harder.

Shane Baz TBR, RHP, 22.11 – 10/1 K/BB in 4.1 IP at Triple-A. Ummmm … I think it’s safe to say the rust has been shaken off. I can’t imagine it’s that much longer before he gets recalled.

Jakob Junis SFG, RHP, 29.9 – 6 IP, 2 hits, 1 ER, 8/2 K/BB vs. Miami. He has a 2.51 ERA in 43 IP, but I’m not sure I’m really buying in. A 23.9% whiff% overall is mediocre and his slider is only putting up a 26.8% whiff%. The sinker sits 91.1 MPH. I trust the 3.96 xERA more, which is still a step forward from where he’s been in his career prior to this year.

Martin Perez TEX, LHP, 31.2 – 6 IP, 7 hits, 2 ER, 7/2 K/BB vs. Seattle. 20.7% K%, 5.9% BB% and 2.6% barrel% are all career bests. This isn’t exactly an in your face breakout, more of a doing a little bit of everything better breakout. My gut says this will be hard to maintain, and I surely wouldn’t want to pay up big for him in a trade, but if I owned him (I don’t) I would be enjoying the hell out of the ride while it lasts.

Mike Trout LAA, OF, 30.10 – 29.4 ft/sec sprint speed is a 5 year high and nearly a career high, and yet he hasn’t attempted a single steal. Even with him absolutely mashing he’s still ranked only 24th on the Razzball Player Rater. That, plus his age, is why I find it hard to rank him over 14th overall on my Top 433 May Dynasty Baseball Rankings.

Spencer Steer MIN, SS, 24.6 – Steer went nuclear yesterday, cracking 3 homers. He now has 6 homers with an 11/6 K/BB in 13 games since getting the call to Triple-A. I see some Alex Bregman in his game and a little Brian Dozier too. Not saying he’ll be as good as those guys, but I’m buying in.

Colin Barber HOU, OF, 21.4 – Barber has quietly been having an excellent season, but it got a whole lot louder after going deep twice yesterday. He has a 17.4%/12.8% K%/BB% with a .956 OPS in 37 games at High-A. He’s ridiculously underrated.

Ian Lewis MIA, 2B, 19.4 – Lewis got a late start to the season, but it didn’t take him long to prove his skills will translate to full season ball. He drilled his 2nd homer of the year and has a .864 OPS with a 18.3% K% and 2 steals in 20 games at Single-A. His stock is rising.

Sal Frelick MIL, OF, 22.2 – Frelick got ahold of his first homer in 19 games since getting called up to Double-A. It’s just his 3rd homer in 41 games on the season, but it comes with 9 steals and a 14.6%/10.8% K%/BB%. I will say I’m a little concerned with how much his value will be tied to stolen bases. He’s been caught 4 times this year, and we’ve seen guys like Nick Madrigal not run at all. If the steal totals are mediocre on the MLB level, the upside really isn’t there.

Noelvi Marte SEA, SS, 20.7 – 2 for 4 with his 5th homer in 46 games at High-A. People are starting to sour on Marte with a mediocre .732 OPS, but I think it’s mostly due to poor HR/FB luck. 24.9%/10.8% K%/BB% with a 40.7% GB% tells me a homer binge is likely coming down the pike. If you’re a rebuilding team, now could be a good time to buy low if he’s sitting on the roster of a contender.

Angel Martinez CLE, 2B/3B/SS, 20.2 – Martinez went 3 for 5 with a double and 2 homers at High-A (3 homers in 34 games). The power is big to see because the plate approach (19.7%/13.6% K%/BB%) and speed (7 steals) are both there, so developing some legitimate power will take him to the next level.

Andres Gimenez CLE, 2B/SS, 23.9 – The power breakout is holding up with Gimenez smacking a 105.9 MPH dinger for his 3rd homer in his last 5 games in the majors. His 89.9 MPH EV is up 3.6 MPH from last year. He feels like he’s been around forever, but he’s only 23 years old, and he’s lightning fast with a 29.3 ft/sec sprint speed. 2.8% BB% isn’t great, but there is very real upside here in a 5×5 BA league especially.

Cal Mitchell PIT, OF, 23.4 – Mitchell rocked his first MLB homer off Zac Gallen. It’s nice to see the above average K rates transferring to the majors with a 18.4% K%, but there doesn’t seem to be much upside here with a 3.5 degree launch angle and 26.2 ft/sec sprint speed. His groundball rates were high at Triple-A too. He’s getting his shot and can certainly be solid, but not sure he’s going to be a difference maker.

Jack Suwinski PIT, OF, 23.10 – Between Mitchell and Suwinski, I think I prefer Suwinski, but it’s close. He went 3 for 4 with 2 doubles at 108.9 and 107.5 MPH. He’s kept the K% in check in the majors with a 25.6% K%, and he has some speed (28.5 ft/sec sprint speed) and some pop (6 homers in 34 games).

Pete Crow-Armstrong CHC, OF, 20.2 – Pete Crow got the call to High-A last week and it didn’t take long for him to get acclimated, cracking his first homer at the level to the deepest part of the ballpark. He has 8 homers in 43 games overall. He never got enough credit for his power potential, and he’s now leaving no doubt there is legitimate juice in his bat. I predicted the power breakout in my off-season Predicting the 2023 Top 50 Dynasty Baseball Prospects (Patreon), but I also predicted that Luis Matos would go 20/20, so it’s a give and take.

Marcus Semien TEX, SS/2B 31.8 – 2 for 5 with a dinger, and now has 3 homers, 4 steals, and a .822 OPS in his last 10 games. We have a pulse.

Cristian Hernandez CHC, SS, 18.6 – Rookie Ball starts today. Can’t wait to start digging for the next group of breakouts.

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

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

]]> 9935 Patreon Post: Top 350 June 2022 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Rankings https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/patreon-post-top-300-june-2022-dynasty-baseball-prospects-rankings-1-80/ Tue, 31 May 2022 11:54:33 +0000 https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/?p=10018 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)

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

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

]]> 10018 Patreon Post: 2022 Top 100 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Rankings https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/patreon-post-2022-top-100-dynasty-baseball-prospects-rankings/ Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:06:53 +0000 https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/?p=9361 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:
–A Top 413 Sneak Peek of my 2022 Top 1,000 Dynasty Baseball Rankings with more early releases coming all off-season
–Positional Dynasty Baseball Rankings (Top 278 SP/Top 256 OF/Top 122 SS/Top 88 3B/Top 90 2B/Top 78 1B/Top 56 C)
–Top 50 First Year Player Draft Rankings (full Top 100 coming out with the Top 1,000 Rankings)
-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

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE AND TONS OF CONTENT ALL OFF-SEASON, INCLUDING:
–A Top 413 Sneak Peek of my 2022 Top 1,000 Dynasty Baseball Rankings with more early releases coming all off-season
–Positional Dynasty Baseball Rankings (Top 278 SP/Top 256 OF/Top 122 SS/Top 88 3B/Top 90 2B/Top 78 1B/Top 56 C)
–Top 50 First Year Player Draft Rankings (full Top 100 coming out with the Top 1,000 Rankings)
-Dynasty Team Reports for every team (Top 10 Prospects/Interesting MLB guys/Strategy Talk)

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

]]> 9361 Tampa Bay Rays 2022 Dynasty Baseball Report (Top 10 Prospects/Interesting MLB guys/Strategy Talk) https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/tampa-bay-rays-2022-dynasty-baseball-report-top-10-prospects-interesting-mlb-guys-strategy-talk/ Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:35:10 +0000 https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/?p=9000 Along with a Top 10 Dynasty Baseball Prospects Ranking, I wanted to highlight some interesting MLB guys and talk some team specific strategy for every team to give a more complete Dynasty Team Report. Like during the regular season, I’m still going to be posting a few articles a month for free on my website. This is one of those articles. Here is the Tampa Bay Rays 2022 Dynasty Baseball Report (Top 10 Prospects/Interesting MLB guys/Strategy Talk):

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR TONS OF CONTENT ALL OFF-SEASON, INCLUDING:
–A Top 100 Sneak Peek of my 2022 Top 1,000 Dynasty Baseball Rankings with more early releases coming all off-season
-Dynasty Team Reports for every team (Top 10 Prospects/Interesting MLB guys/Strategy Talk)
–Positional Dynasty Rankings
-End of Season 2021 Top 466 Dynasty Baseball Rankings
-End of Season 2021 Top 322 Dynasty Prospects Rankings

Hitters

Wander Franco TBR, SS, 21.1 – I ranked Franco 14th overall on my 2021 Top 1,000 Dynasty Rankings, writing, “the floor is so high due to that innate hitting ability that he doesn’t have the normal risks associated with prospects.” Kelenic was my #2 overall prospect, but I ranked him 52nd on the dynasty list because he simply didn’t have that elite floor. And that is exactly how it played out in 2021 with Franco putting up a 12% K% en route to a solid MLB debut, slashing .288/.347/.463 with 7 homers and 2 steals in 70 games (he also knocked out 2 homers in 4 playoff games). The underlying skills are there for a homer/steal breakout as he notched a 28.5 ft/sec sprint speed, 88.2 MPH EV and 9.7 degree launch angle. The arrow is only pointing way up from here. 2022 Projection: 101/23/83/.302/.360/.484/11  Prime Projection: 116/31/111/.320/.392/.555/13

Brandon Lowe TBR, OF/2B, 27.9 – Lowe went bonkos in the 2nd half, slashing .289/.376/.638 with 26 homers and 3 steals in 80 games (.689 OPS in first 69 games). He brought his K% all the way down to 21.1% in 67 games post-break (32.2% in 82 games pre-break). The power was never in question, so if those K% gains are real, it takes Lowe to the next level. 2022 Projection: 89/36/95/.263/.355/.519/6

Randy Arozarena TBR, OF, 27.1 – Arozarena went 20/20 on the dot in 2021, but the underlying numbers are a mixed bag. He had a below average .302 xwOBA (.350 wOBA), 32.4% whiff%, and 7.6 degree launch angle. On the other hand, he had an above average exit velocity (89.9 MPH), BB% (9.3%) and sprint speed (28.8 ft/sec). If you can hit it hard, get on base, and run fast, good things generally happen. I’m more excited for the things he can do well than scared off by the things he doesn’t. 2022 Projection: 88/22/75/.268/.347/.462/17

Austin Meadows TBR, OF, 26.11 – As expected, Meadows bounced back from a Covid induced down 2020 with 27 homers and 106 RBI. He brought his K% down 12.3 percentage points to a career best 20.6%, but he still had a low .234 BA, partly because of bad luck (.249 BABIP) and partly because of a high launch angle (21.7 degrees) mixed with a low FB/LD exit velocity (91.9 MPH). Even in his down 2020, his FB/LD EV was 94.2 MPH, so I’m betting on that bouncing back. There is a Max Kepler-ish vibe that is starting to come from Meadows (and I still think Kepler can have that monster year!), so I’m not as high as I once was on him, but he has the plate approach and power skills to put up a truly big season. 2022 Projection: 82/30/95/.259/.338/.482/6

Pitchers

Shane McClanahan TBR, LHP, 24.11 – I love McClanahan as much as anyone. I’ve been touting him all year and put him in my July 1st, 10 Dynasty Baseball Players to Target article (he put up a 2.97 ERA with 80 strikeouts in 72.2 IP after that). But there is no denying that when batters did made contact, they hit him very hard with a 91.7 MPH EV against (bottom 2% of the league) and 45.7% Hardhit% (bottom 6% of league). Most of the damage comes off his 96.7 MPH fastball, and it brings back to mind helpless little league coaches who had nothing else to say but, “the harder it comes in, the farther it goes out,” as some over grown 12 year old blows like 80 MPH fastballs passed everyone. Those hard hit numbers are the reason for the disparity between his 4.57 xERA and 3.23 xFIP. So which xStat will prevail? I’m betting on it landing somewhere in the middle, leaning more toward xFIP because his ability to miss bats (32% whiff%) and throw the ball over the plate (7.2% BB%) are more important skills to me. 2022 Projection: 12/3.67/1.25/178 in 160 IP

Luis Patino TBR, RHP, 22.5 – Patino held his own as a 21 year old in the majors with a pitching line of 4.31/1.27/74/29 in 77.1 IP on the back of his plus fastball/slider combo. His strikeout and walk rates were about average, and he wasn’t able to develop his changeup very much throwing it only 5% of the time, so on the surface the year wasn’t very exciting, but taking age into account, this is him basically establishing his floor. Upside is still high, even if it might take him a couple years to hit it. 2022 Projection: 8/4.02/1.28/145 in 140 IP Prime Projection: 13/3.62/1.19/190 in 170 IP

Tampa Bay Rays Top 10 Dynasty Baseball Prospects

1) 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

2) Vidal Brujan TBR, 2B/OF, 24.2 – Brujan couldn’t maintain his early season power surge of 7 homers in his first 16 games (12 homers in 103 games at Triple-A), but his power definitely took a step forward this year. He combines that uptick in power with an elite plate approach (15.4%/11.1% K%/BB%) and plus speed (44 for 52 on the bases). He played all over the field (2B, SS, 3B, OF), and Tampa loves to move guys around, so Brujan is setting up to be the ultimate multi-position eligibility player who will see the field almost everyday at peak. 2022 Projection: 48/7/39/.262/.326/.398/16 Prime Projection: 92/14/66/.283/.355/.423/30

3) 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

4) Curtis Mead TBR, 3B, 21.5 – Mead has baseball bloodlines with his dad playing professional baseball in Australia. His swing reminds me of my stickball swing, staying upright and loose in the box before ripping liners all over the parking lot, er, baseball field. He hits the ball very hard and makes great contact (15.5% K%), and even though his swing is geared for line drives he still hit 15 homers in 104 games at mostly Single-A (163 wRC+ in 47 games) and High-A (117 wRC+ in 53 games). He is now destroying the AFL, slashing .324/.368/.577 with 3 homers in 18 games. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 79/22/85/.276/.332/.457/7

5) Greg Jones TBR, SS, 24.1 – Jones is all about that pure, uncut upside with double plus speed and plus raw power. He knocked 14 homers and was 34 for 36 on the bases in 72 games split between High-A (144 wRC+ in 72 games) and Double-A (60 wRC+ in 16 games). He was a perfect for 7 for 7 on the bases at Double-A, so the stolen base prowess is definitely real. His strikeout rates are in the danger zone (29.2% at High-A and 35% at Double-A), and he’s on the older side, so the risk is very high, but the upside is worth chasing. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 75/16/61/.242/.318/.428/24

6) Taj Bradley TBR, RHP, 21.0 – Bradley relies heavily on his plus mid 90’s fastball which he has above average control of and gets plenty of whiffs with. He combines that with a breaking ball that flashes plus, but is still inconsistent, and a lesser used developing changeup. He rolled right through the lower minors with a pitching line of 1.83/0.93/123/31 in 103.1 IP split between Single-A and High-A. Good control of a plus fastball makes him relatively safe, and his ceiling will be determined by how much he can improve his secondaries. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 10/3.98/1.25/163 in 160 IP

7) Carson Williams TBR, SS, 18.9 – Selected 28th overall in the 2021 MLB Draft, Williams was one of the youngest players in his class and still stepped right into pro ball and performed well with a 130 wRC+ in 11 games. He has a good feel to hit with quick bat speed, and at 6’2”, 180 pounds more power is definitely coming as he matures. He also has some speed. He’s shaping up to be an above average all category contributor. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 79/22/80/.268/.333/.447/9

8) Heriberto Hernandez TBR, OF, 22.4 – Hernandez is your classic 3 true outcome slugger with a 28.1%/15.3% K%/BB% and 44.2% FB% in 73 games at Single-A. He’s always been old for his level and he isn’t good on defense, so playing time could always be a struggle, especially in Tampa’s stacked organization. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 74/25/77/.251/.335/.467/4

9) Carlos Colmenarez TBR, SS, 18.3 – A hamate injury limited Colmenarez to 26 games, and he didn’t do much in those games with 0 homers, a 26.3%/7.0% K%/BB% and a 79 wRC+ in the DSL, but it’s too early to go off him. He did manage to lift the ball with a 45.7% FB%, so when the raw power inevitably comes, he won’t have any trouble getting to it in games. He still has that same above average across the board potential which made him a very high priced international signing. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 79/20/76/.270/.330/.440/10

10) Ian Seymour TBR, LHP, 23.4 – An elbow injury delayed the start of Seymour’s season until July and limited him to only 55.1 IP, but he quickly proved too advanced for minor league hitters in his pro debut with a pitching line of 1.95/0.81/87/19 split across 3 levels (A, A+, AAA). He doesn’t have huge stuff but he has above average control of a low 90’s fastball and two potentially plus secondaries in his slider and change. He also mixes in a cutter and curve. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 9/4.08/1.29/154 in 155 IP

Just Missed

11) Xavier Edwards TBR, 2B, 22.8

12) Cole Wilcox TBR, RHP, 22.9

13) Seth Johnson TBR, RHP, 23.6

Strategy

Tampa Bay can be a nightmare for fantasy owners. They pull their pitchers early and sometimes they don’t even start their starters, they use them as followers. They also use their entire bench and impressive depth to give plenty of days off to all of their position players. While frustrating, there is a method to their madness. They are trying to put their players in the best position to succeed and stay healthy throughout the season, so you can’t be too mad at them. Regardless, it makes me hesitant to go after their pitchers in quality start leagues, and you can’t count on them to rack up innings for you.

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CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY PATREON FOR TONS OF CONTENT ALL OFF-SEASON, INCLUDING:
–A Top 100 Sneak Peek of my 2022 Top 1,000 Dynasty Baseball Rankings with more early releases coming all off-season
-Dynasty Team Reports for every team (Top 10 Prospects/Interesting MLB guys/Strategy Talk)
–Positional Dynasty Rankings
-End of Season 2021 Top 466 Dynasty Baseball Rankings
-End of Season 2021 Top 322 Dynasty Prospects Rankings

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

]]> 9000 2019 Top 1,000 Dynasty Baseball Rankings (w/ short analysis, 2019 projections, and prime projections for every player) https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/2019-top-1000-dynasty-baseball-rankings-w-short-analysis-2019-projections-and-prime-projections-for-every-player/ https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/2019-top-1000-dynasty-baseball-rankings-w-short-analysis-2019-projections-and-prime-projections-for-every-player/#comments Mon, 21 Jan 2019 16:46:04 +0000 https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/?p=4869 When I embarked on this journey, I was planning on doing a top 600 dynasty ranking … and then I just kept going and going and going until I couldn’t not do a top 1000. Too many players deserved to be ranked! 16-team, deep roster, 5×5 category league is what I had in my mind during the process. There is a link below to a Top 472 Prospects Only Ranking if you are interested in that. Here is the 2019 Top 1000 Dynasty Baseball Rankings:

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Player Name TEAM, POSITION, AGE (Years.Months on 2019 Opening Day – Months are on a scale of 0-11 … I know it is not mathematically correct, but gimme a break, I was a History major)

Projections (Hitters): R/HR/RBI/AVG/OBP/SLG/Steals
(Pitchers): Wins/ERA/WHIP/K/Saves

Click here for the 2019 Top 472 Fantasy/Dynasty Baseball Prospects Ranking

*This list will be updated weekly throughout the off-season (Last Update: 3/1/2019)

1) Mike Trout LAA, OF, 27.8 – Don’t overthink it. 2019 Projection: 113/38/98/.307/.448/.605/21

2) Ronald Acuna ATL, OF, 21.3 – On second thought … maybe Acuna should be #1. You can’t teach youth. Unless anti-aging technology takes a huge step forward in the near future. Then maybe you can teach youth. 2019 Projection: 98/29/82/.275/.350/.503/25 Prime Projection: 115/38/100/.310/.425/.620/27

3) Mookie Betts BOS, OF, 26.6 – Average exit velocity on flyballs and line drives spiked to 95.9 MPH this year after sitting in the 92’s the past three seasons. The 30+ homerun power is for real this time. 2019 Projection: 114/31/90/.314/.398/.576/25

4) Francisco Lindor CLE, SS, 25.4 – Made $623,200 in total salary last season. Maybe MLB should start paying their best young players like stars if they want to successfully market them as stars. Update: Strained calf could keep Lindor out a couple weeks into the season. Dynasty value remains unchanged, but he takes a small hit in redraft leagues. 2019 Projection: 97/30/88/.288/.371/.533/17

5) Jose Ramirez CLE, 3B, 26.6 – Career low 33.4% groundball rate fueled Ramirez’ 2nd homerun breakout in back to back seasons. Poor second half and slightly below average exit velocity on FB/LD are only concerns. 2019 Projection: 107/32/91/.291/.371/.541/24

6) Alex Bregman HOU, 3B/SS, 25.0 – Off the field, Bregman is trying to drag MLB into the social media era with Twitter beefs, friendly cracks on opposing teams, and general online tomfoolery. On the field, he turned into an elite all category fantasy contributor, and there is nothing in the underlying numbers to think it wasn’t completely for real. 2019 Projection: 103/30/94/.294/.388/.528/14

7) Trea Turner WASH, SS, 25.9 – Put up 19 homers, 43 steals, and 103 runs in a disappointing season. 2019 Projection: 100/21/78/.282/.355/.461/47

8) Vladimir Guerrero Jr. TOR, 3B, 20.0 – Will dominate in every category but steals. ETA: Mid April 2019 Projection: 74/23/77/.294/.365/.502/5  Prime Projection: 110/43/125/.325/.420/.635/5

9) Christian Yelich MIL, OF, 27.4 – Unsustainable 35% HR/FB rate, but posted the lowest GB% of his career by a good margin in August and September (46% and 44%, respectively). If he can carry those gains over a full season, the power breakout may not be a complete outlier. 2019 Projection:107/26/94/.299/.375/.515/20

10) Manny Machado SD, SS, 26.9 – With a below average sprint speed and spotty stolen base track record, counting on steals as Machado ages could be a dicey proposition. 2019 Projection: 92/35/93/.288/.359/.524/9

11) Bryce Harper PHI, OF, 26.6 – Poor BABIP luck and 4% K% increase fueled his .249 average. With neutral luck and a K% more in line with his career average (21.1%), I doubt Harper hits for such a low batting average again. 2019 Projection: 97/36/101/.272/.403/.535/11

12) Juan Soto WASH, OF, 20.5 – Injury shortened 2017 kept Soto a little underrated coming into the year. Elite contact-power profile should only blossom further from here.  2019 Projection: 98/28/92/.286/.381/.508/7 Prime Projection: 110/34/110/.316/.424/.600/6

13) Trevor Story COL, SS, 26.4 – Owners who weren’t scared off by the classic Sophomore slump were rewarded with a monster season. There are still some plate approach issues but Story’s power/speed combo at Coors is scary. 2019 Projection: 90/34/103/.274/.341/.548/21

14) Nolan Arenado COL, 3B, 28.0 – Career worst 18.1% K% and battled a shoulder injury in 2018. On the plus side, the fear of Arenado leaving Coors is gone after signing a long term contract extension with Colorado this off-season. 2019 Projection: 101/39/114/.293/.370/.558/2

15) Aaron Judge NYY, OF, 26.11 – Remains the average exit velocity king with a league leading 94.7 MPH mark in 2018, although his flyball percentage declined over 8% from last season to a career low 35%. 2019 Projection: 108/40/106/.270/.398/.577/7

16) Cody Bellinger LAD, OF/1B, 23.9 – Story hammered home the lesson of not selling low after a down second season. 2019 Projection: 85/33/99/.265/.353/.504/12 Prime Projection: 107/42/114/.287/.395/.581/12

17) Javier Baez CHC, SS/2B/3B, 26.4 – 4.5% walk rate is silly low for an elite hitter, which is why I worry that Baez is not a truly elite hitter, but the power/speed combo isn’t going anywhere. 2019 Projection: 93/29/102/.276/.320/.518/17

18) Andrew Benintendi BOS, OF, 24.9 – Above average contributor in every category with room to grow into even more. Hitting lefties is only true weakness (.694 OPS vs lefties in 2018). 2019 Projection: 100/21/93/.286/.361/.472/19 Prime Projection: 110/26/91/.303/.376/.492/18

19) Ozzie Albies ATL, 2B, 22.3 – With improved strength and plate discipline, which is a reasonable expectation considering Albies’ age, he could be joining the ranks of the elite in a few short years.  2019 Projection: 91/22/73/.277/.328/.468/18 Prime Projection: 110/28/82/.292/.351/.502/22

20) Eloy Jimenez CHW, OF, 22.4 – Just the latest case of baseball fans being robbed of seeing the best young players compete on the highest level. Eloy is an exit velocity beast who also makes good contact (13.2% K% at Triple-A). 2019 Projection: 61/25/69/.281/.338/.504/1 Prime Projection: 92/42/109/.306/.377/.563/1

21) Adalberto Mondesi KC, SS, 23.8 – Extremely low walk rates scare me more than extremely high strikeout rates. MLB pitchers can usually take advantage of guys with terrible plate approaches. Having said that, Mondesi is one of the fastest players in baseball with thunder in his bat. If you can’t take risks in fantasy, where can you take risks? 2019 Projection: 78/22/69/.244/.287/.446/35 Prime Projection: 89/28/77/.256/.303/.472/42

22) Jose Altuve HOU, 2B, 28.11 – The fear is that Altuve simply won’t be willing to run as much as he ages, whether due to loss of speed or fear of injury. Trade value also tanks when players even start to get close to the age of 30. A good start to 2019 could be your last chance to get a true haul back for Altuve.  2019 Projection: 103/19/79/.321/.396/.492/23

23) Victor Robles WASH, OF, 21.10 – Don’t sleep on Robles coming into 2019, as he has all of the skills necessary to become a top 5 dynasty asset in short order. Only red flag is that his exit velocity readings were well below average in his brief MLB debut, but that was a small sample size and he should gain strength as he matures. 2019 Projection: 84/16/71/.272/.327/.430/24 Prime Projection: 104/21/75/.296/.370/.477/32

24) Carlos Correa HOU, SS, 24.6 – Nagging back injury tanked season. Correa did lower his GB% to a career low 44%, which could be an early sign of a power breakout on the horizon assuming full health. 2019 Projection: 89/27/95/.271/.355/.482/7 Prime Projection: 97/32/105/.284/.370/.520/7

25) Kris Bryant CHC, 3B, 27.3 – Exit velocity declined three years in a row. Bum shoulder is his excuse in 2018, but what was his excuse in 2017? 2019 Projection: 102/30/89/.281/.393/.518/7

26) Fernando Tatis Jr. SD, SS, 20.3 –  Is it possible that information on how to hit a baseball get passed down to future generations through DNA? Seriously. This New York Times article suggests that it just might be possible! Tatis has the best power/speed combo in the minors but might always have some swing and miss to his game.  ETA: Late 2019 unless he gets Eloy’d Prime Projection: 92/34/108/.273/.362/.526/16

27) Blake Snell TB, LHP, 26.4 – Flame throwing lefty who will rack up strikeout totals. 2019 Projection: 13/3.08/1.10/239 in 190 IP

28) Aaron Nola PHI, RHP, 25.10 – Proving that elite velocity is not required to become an ace. Nola dominates with the most valuable curveball in baseball . 2019 Projection: 15/3.21/1.06/215 in 200 IP

29) Walker Buehler LAD, RHP, 24.8 – Only question left is if Buehler’s arm can withstand season after season of full 190+ inning workloads along with deep postseason runs. 2019 Projection: 14/3.18/1.05/195 in 170 IP Prime Projection: 16/2.82/1.03/221 in 187 IP

30) Shohei Ohtani LAA, RHP/OF, 24.9 – Tommy John surgery will prevent Ohtani from pitching at all in 2019. Also likely to be out for a month or two to start the season, and will require rest days as he rehabs his throwing elbow.  2019 Projection: 70/23/79/.265/.346/.509/10 Prime Projection: 61/19/63/.279/.361/.534/10 — 12/3.35/1.18/180 in 150 IP

31) J.D. Martinez BOS, OF, 31.7 – Aging and has an injury history, but at some point present production has to trump youth. This is that point. 2019 Projection: 101/40/112/.303/.381/.578/3

32) Jacob deGrom NYM, RHP, 30.9 – Velocity increased for 3 straight seasons and also increased as 2018 wore on. deGrom was throwing harder than he ever has late in the year. 2019 Projection: 14/2.52/1.02/250 in 210 IP

33) Chris Sale BOS, LHP, 30.0 – It’s never great for a shoulder injury to pop up with pitchers, especially ones entering their 30’s. The risk is already high for all starting pitchers, so how much extra you want to factor in for Sale is hard to calculate. 2019 Projection: 16/2.69/0.98/266 in 195 IP

34) Max Scherzer WASH, RHP, 34.8 – No signs of slowing down. Even entering his mid 30’s, Scherzer’s consistent dominance is hard to pass up. 2019 Projection: 17/2.88/0.96/268 in 205 IP

35) Paul Goldschmidt STL, 1B, 31.7 – Probably one year too late to really get a massive haul back for him, so might as well stick it out and hope he keeps stealing bases well into his 30’s. 2019 Projection: 96/32/96/.288/.395/.531/12

36) Giancarlo Stanton NYY, OF, 29.5 – K%, BB%, and especially FB% all trended in the wrong direction last season. He still absolutely crushes the ball, and don’t think he is about to fall off a cliff or anything, but I’m likely shying away from Stanton at his current price. 2019 Projection: 95/41/104/.261/.349/.550/4

37) Freddie Freeman ATL, 1B, 29.7 – Homerun power came back down to career norms in 2018 after exploding in 2016-17. This upcoming season is the time to sell Freeman if your team is not off to a great start. 2019 Projection: 90/28/96/.298/.380/.510/7

38) Rhys Hoskins PHI, OF/1B, 26.0 – Led the league in FB% at 51.7%. No other hitter even cracked over 50%. Hoskins will continue to be a homerun and walk machine. 2019 Projection: 88/35/93/.255/.362/.505/4

39) Gleyber Torres NYY, 2B, 22.4 – Only knock on Torres’ game is his poor base running skills, which combined with average speed does not bode well for his future stolen base totals. 2019 Projection: 86/23/84/.274/.345/.468/9 Prime Projection: 105/27/93/.284/.352/.490/9

40) Gerrit Cole HOU, RHP, 28.7 – Maybe it is all about the pine tar, as Trevor Bauer showed us, but the Astros organization is so advanced and on the cutting edge, I think they probably have some kind of edge in pitch calling, pitch sequencing and just generally knowing what pitch to throw and when depending on pitcher, hitter, and game situation. 2019 Projection: 16/3.21/1.14/247 in 200 IP

41) Xander Bogaerts BOS, SS, 26.6 – Quietly re-established himself as a young star last season by smacking baseballs to the tune of a 90.5 MPH avg. exit velocity and 95.1 MPH avg exit velocity on fly balls and line drives. Combine that with above average speed and a solid plate approach, and even this ranking may be too low. 2019 Projection: 86/25/99/.285/.356/.515/12

42) David Dahl COL, OF, 25.0 – I urged you to hang on to Dahl for dear life last off-season in the one ranking I did manage to (partially) put out, and I hope you listened because you would have been rewarded with a half season of excellent production and a return to near elite dynasty value.  2019 Projection: 81/23/86/.268/.325/.463/13 Prime Projection: 98/29/102/.282/.349/.521/14

43) Corey Seager LAD, SS, 24.11 – Working his way back from Tommy John and hip surgeries. At only 24 years old, human bodies don’t quit on that whole healing yourself thing quite yet, so you have to value him assuming he will return to full health. 2019 Projection: 83/23/78/.285/.362/.483/2 Prime Projection: 97/28/94/.292/.375/.510/2

44) Anthony Rizzo CHC, 1B, 29.8 – Shook off a slow start and finished the year slashing .329/.420/.550 with 13 homers and a 34/33 K/BB in 70 games. Chronic back pain has a way of continually popping up though. 2019 Projection: 90/30/100/.281/.379/.504/6

45) Anthony Rendon WASH, 3B, 28.10 – With a 13.7% K% and 17.7 degree launch angle, there is potential for a monster career season lurking in here. 2019 Projection: 87/26/94/.300/.370/.515/5

46) Trevor Bauer CLE, RHP, 28.2 – Exposing all of the pine tar cheaters one tweet at a time, most nobly his old frenemy from their UCLA days, Gerrit Cole. 2019 Projection: 15/3.14/1.17/218 in 190 IP

47) Luis Severino NYY, RHP, 25.1 – Hit a rough patch in the 2nd half of 2018, and simply being a young hurler who averages 97.9 MPH on his fastball puts him in a high risk category. I really don’t like betting on pitchers staying healthy and carrying my dynasty team for any long periods of time. Update: Inflammation in his rotator cuff make him questionable at best for opening day. This is why I rank hitters so much higher than pitchers.  2019 Prime Projection: 12/3.20/1.12/182 in 160 IP

48) Rafael Devers BOS, 3B, 22.5 – Will have to cut down on strikeout rate to tap into full potential, but Devers hits frozen ropes all over the field. 2019 Projection: 73/24/81/.267/.330/.482/8 Prime Projection: 96/33/111/.288/.358/.521/8

49) Kyle Tucker HOU, OF, 21.4 – Below average sprint speed is a bad sign that his minor league stolen base numbers might not hold up in the Majors. I do believe his power and plate approach will translate. 2019 Projection: 42/10/47/.250/.320/.450/7 Prime Projection: 92/31/101/.278/.371/.518/10

50) Wander Franco TB, SS, 18.1 – The next Juan Soto/Vlad Jr. prodigy with a seemingly innate ability to hit a baseball and hit it with authority. ETA: 2021/22 Prime Projection: 110/30/110/.310/.395/.587/18

51) Royce Lewis MIN, SS, 19.10 – Elite upside with a safe floor. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 104/23/87/.293/.351/.475/25

52) Starling Marte PIT, OF, 30.6 – 2017 PED suspension didn’t seem to slow Marte down as he was back to his normal self in 2018. 2019 Projection: 83/18/68/.282/.331/.445/31

53) Yoan Moncada CHW, 2B, 23.10 – With so few at-bats in the upper levels of the minors, it is no surprise Moncada has especially struggled with contact early in his MLB career. Everything else has been on display (power, patience, and speed), so if he can make the proper adjustments as he continues to gain experience, he could blow up at any minute. 2019 Projection: 77/23/64/.242/.333/.426/19 Prime Projection: 101/32/89/.258/.364/.480/23

54) Austin Meadows TB, OF, 23.11 – Mallex Smith trade opens up playing time for Meadows. Former elite prospect who lost some of his shine because of injuries and prospect fatigue, but performed well in his MLB debut, slashing .287/.325/.461 with 6 homers, 5 steals, and a 40/10 K/BB in 59 games. 2019 Projection: 78/18/69/.268/.321/.448/16 Prime Projection: 105/26/92/.289/.366/.509/17

55) Nick Senzel CIN, 3B, 23.9 – Various injuries are the only thing slowing Senzel down as he has ripped up every level of the minors. David Wright is the ceiling. 2019 Projection: 66/14/64/.270/.330/.440/10 Prime Projection: 93/24/91/.288/.360/.484/13

56) Bo Bichette TOR, SS, 21.1 – Average speed makes it hard to project 20+ steals but should be an all category producer nonetheless. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 92/25/89/.289/.358/.498/15

57) Jo Adell LAA, OF, 20.0 – Astronomical upside but cutting down on strikeouts will be necessary to reach ceiling. ETA: Late 2021 Prime Projection: 94/37/107/.265/.348/.540/14

58) Noah Syndergaard NYM, RHP, 26.7 – Came down with hand, foot, and mouth disease. It’s almost like the baseball gods ran out of conventional ways to sideline Mets pitchers and had to go deep into their playbook. Tune in next season to see if Jacob deGrom can shake off a bout of the Black Plague. 2019 Projection: 11/3.26/1.17/185 in 170 IP

59) Jack Flaherty STL, RHP, 23.6 – Took a huge leap in strikeouts thanks to a dominant fastball/slider combo, but good fortune (.257 BABIP) also helped him achieve that 3.34/1.11/182 in 152 IP pitching line. 2019 Projection: 13/3.76/1.22/200 in 183 IP Prime Projection: 16/3.34/1.12/230 in 200 IP

60) Forrest Whitley HOU, RHP, 21.6 – Listening to his interview during the Fall Stars Game, it is easy to understand how Whitley is so far ahead of his peers in terms of the art of pitching. Combine that with great stuff, and you get the top pitching prospect in the minors. 2019 Projection: 7/3.75/1.23/102 in 85 IP Prime Projection: 18/3.25/1.07/240 in 210 IP

61) Charlie Blackmon COL, OF, 33.9 – If you want to win next season, Blackmon should shoot up your list, but if you are looking to build through youth, he would have to drop for you to pull the trigger. 2019 Projection: 112/27/74/.293/.357/.498/10

62) Corey Kluber CLE, RHP, 33.0 – Velocity on 3 year decline and was hitting career lows by the end of the 2018 season. 2019 Projection: 17/3.05/1.03/226 in 207 IP

63) Brendan Rodgers COL, SS, 22.8 – Could be a 2nd half difference maker next season if the Rockies stop prospect blocking their best young players with mediocre vets. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 83/29/96/.284/.339/.498/5

64) Justin Verlander HOU, RHP, 36.1 – Velocity and stuff are as good as they ever have been. 2019 Projection: 16/3.11/1.01/265 in 210 IP

65) Clayton Kershaw LAD, LHP 31.0 –  Velocity decline continued last season and is now undoubtedly in the back nine of his career. Feb. 22 Update: Kershaw was shut down from throwing with “kind of an arm kind of thing.” This is not a good sign if you were hoping for a resurgence this season. 2019 Projection:11/3.04/1.09/169 in 160 IP

66) Whit Merrifield KC, 2B/OF, 30.4 – Proved that his 2017 breakout was for real, hitting for a .304 batting average with 12 homers and 45 steals. 2019 Projection: 84/15/65/.289/.345/.441/32

67) George Springer HOU, OF, 29.6 – Didn’t become quite the player we hoped for when he was going close to 40/40 in the minors, but what he became is not too shabby. 2019 Projection: 104/27/68/.272/.353/.470/7

68) Mitch Haniger SEA, OF, 28.3 – Solid all around hitter who will chip in some steals. 2019 Projection: 88/27/92/.276/.351/.487/8

69) Eugenio Suarez CIN, 3B, 27.8 – The perennially underrated Suarez should start to get his due after crushing 34 homers last season. Although looking at my ranking, maybe not. 2019 Projection: 82/28/75/.267/.358/.491/3

70) Tim Anderson CHW, SS, 25.9 – Still raw hitter who might not really come into his own until his late 20’s. Power/speed combo will Baba Booey his value until then. 2019 Projection: 80/19/66/.259/.297/.419/23 Prime Projection: 96/23/74/.277/.324/.463/27

71) Matt Chapman OAK, 3B, 25.11 – Slashed .309/..371/.591 with 14 homers and a 68/23 K/BB post all-star break in 64 games. The ingredients are there for 30+ homers and a batting average that won’t drag you down. 2019 Projection: 93/31/89/.266/.349/.516/3

72) Michael Conforto NYM, OF, 26.1 – Slashed .273/.356/.539 with 17 homers post all star break. 2019 Projection: 82/29/88/.266/.371/.500/4

73) Amed Rosario NYM, SS, 23.4 – Another extremely low walk rate guy who makes better contact than Mondesi but doesn’t have quite as explosive of a power/speed combo. 2019 Projection: 80/12/57/.268/.309/.400/26 Prime Projection: 98/18/72/.282/.335/.445/28

74) Eddie Rosario MIN, OF, 27.6 – Posted career best marks in K% (17.6%) and flyball% (44.1%). Low walk rate (5.1%) is the only thing keeping me from buying in even more. 2019 Projection: 80/26/80/.278/.320/.471/9

75) Miguel Andujar NYY, 3B, 24.1 – Aggressive hitter who consistently makes good, hard contact. 2019 Projection: 79/26/91/.283/.323/.489/2 Prime Projection: 91/29/103/.291/.340/.547/2

76) Matt Olson OAK, 1B, 25.0 – Couldn’t come close to maintaining his insane 2017 numbers, but Olson proved he has the potential to be among the best power hitters in the game with an elite average exit velocity (93.1 MPH) and elite exit velo on FB/LD (97.4 MPH). 2019 Projection: 89/34/93/.253/.342/.496/2

77) Jose Berrios MIN, RHP, 24.10 – I got nothing for this one … good young pitcher. 2019 Projection: 12/3.81/1.21/193 in 190 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.61/1.13/213 in 200 IP

78) Carlos Carrasco CLE, RHP, 32.0 – There have been a few injury issues but Carrasco put up a career high 15.3% swinging strike percentage in 2018. 2019 Projection: 16/3.30/1.12/221 in 190 IP

79) Khris Davis OAK, OF, 31.3 – Eerily consistent. 2019 Projection: 90/42/108/.247/.324/.530/1

80) Keston Hiura MIL, 2B, 22.8 – Lit up the Arizona Fall League after an impressive first full year in pro ball. Hiura should be a solid all around contributor. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 92/23/87/.287/.350/.476/13

81) James Paxton NYY, LHP, 30.5 – Over 30 and injury prone is not a great combo, but there is potential for an elite season or two if the stars align. 2019 Projection: 14/3.42/1.17/212 in 170 IP

82) Stephen Strasburg WASH, RHP, 30.8 – Velocity was down about 2 MPH when he returned late in the season from inflammation in his shoulder and a pinched nerve in his neck. Strasburg has been injury prone his entire career and there is no evidence that will change any time soon. 2019 Projection: 10/3.66/1.19/170 in 145 IP

83) Yasiel Puig CIN, OF, 28.4, – Forever an enigma. Has the talent to put together an elite season. 2019 Projection: 75/27/82/.265/.334/.475/13

84) German Marquez COL, RHP, 25.1 – I always say I would never own a Coors pitcher, but circumstances somehow dictated that I ended up owning Marquez in both my 30 team dynasty league and 12 team dynasty. He carried my pitching staff to a championship in both leagues. I have no analysis here. Just wanted to take a blurb off to gloat. 2019 Projection: 15/3.44/1.18/220 in 195 IP

85) Mike Clevinger CLE, RHP, 28.3 – Velocity increased as the year progressed and resulted in post all-star break pitching line of 2.31/1.03/89 in 78 IP. 2019 Projection: 14/3.41/1.18/190 in 185 IP

86) Patrick Corbin WASH, LHP, 29.8 – Couldn’t have landed in a much better situation than the Nationals and the NL East to prove he isn’t a one year wonder. 2019 Projection: 14/3.46/1.18/220 in 195 IP

87) Joey Gallo TEX, 1B/OF, 25.4 – Owning extreme one dimensional players can hamstring your flexibility on how to build the rest of your team. At a certain point, you just can’t pass up 40+ homers, though. 2019 Projection: 85/43/95/.222/.331/.530/6

88) Jameson Taillon PIT, RHP, 27.4 – Was never a huge strikeout pitcher even in the minors, but Taillon throws in the mid-90’s and consistently produces weak contact. 2019 Projection: 13/3.65/1.20/183 in 190 IP

89) Zack Wheeler NYM, RHP, 28.10 – Even when pitching prospects do work out, they might not even be on your team anymore. Wheeler finally fulfilled his promise in the 2nd half of 2018, putting up a pitching line of 1.68/0.81/73 in 75 IP. 2019 Projection: 10/3.57/1.21/180 in 180 IP

90) Alex Kirilloff MIN, OF, 21.5 – Excellent all around hitter who is advanced beyond his years. ETA: Late 2020 Prime Projection: 93/28/96/.292/.348/.531/4

91) Jose Peraza CIN, SS, 24.11 – Gifted contact/speed player from the second he stepped on a professional baseball field as a teenager. 2019 Projection: 81/11/60/.287/.328/.396/26

92) Gary Sanchez NYY, C, 26.4 – Off-season shoulder surgery could result in some rust to start the year, but it does provide at least one good reason for Sanchez’ disastrous 2018. 2019 Projection: 66/27/79/.248/.321/.467/1

93) Jean Segura PHI, SS, 29.0 – Posted lowest strikeout rate of career (10.9%) while continuing to put up solid power/speed numbers. 2019 Projection: 89/15/57/.304/.345/.430/22

94) Wil Myers SD, OF/3B, 28.4 – Power and speed with the potential to kill your average. 2019 Projection: 82/26/78/.248/.324/.456/19

95) Rougned Odor TEX, 2B, 25.2 – Walk rate spiking to 8% (previous career high was 4.9%) is a good sign for Odor’s future because the power and speed have always been there. 2019 Projection: 85/28/73/.258/.317/.455/13

96) Aaron Hicks NYY, OF, 29.6 – Exhibit A on why you never give up on plus tools (like the Twins did with Hicks) and always take a flier on former top prospects in their late 20’s as long as the talent hasn’t eroded.  2019 Projection: 88/26/80/.259/.363/.473/11

97) Travis Shaw MIL, 2B/3B, 28.11 – Career bests in K% (18.4%) and BB% (13.3%) portend good things for Shaw’s future. .242 BABIP tanked his average (.241) in 2018. 2019 Projection: 76/29/87/.261/.347/.490/6

98) Justin Upton LAA, OF, 31.7 – 28% K% the last two seasons show the average is going in the wrong direction, but Upton is hitting the ball as hard as he ever has. 2019 Projection: 80/29/86/.253/.341/.472/7

99) A.J. Pollock LAD, OF, 31.4 – Has eclipsed 443 AB only once in career. Pollock’s power looks like it might age well, but I wouldn’t bet on anything else doing the same. 2019 Projection: 79/22/73/.261/.322/.470/18

100) Tommy Pham TB, OF, 31.1 – Backed up his breakout 2017 with another excellent power/speed showing in 2018, although most of the damage came in his 39 game debut with Tampa (1.071 OPS). 2019 Projection: 85/20/72/.272/.364/.471/17

101) Luis Castillo CIN, RHP, 26.4 – Exploded post all-star break with a pitching line of 2.44/0.96/69 in 66.1 IP. 2019 Projection: 11/3.62/1.17/186 in 182 IP

102) Madison Bumgarner SF, LHP, 29.8 – Banged up the past two seasons from freak-ish injuries. Assuming he remains healthy, I wouldn’t be surprised if there were a few more near prime seasons in the tank. 2019 Projection: 11/3.48/1.20/178 in 190 IP

103) Nomar Mazara TEX, OF, 23.11 – In leagues that aren’t keep forever, it’s not only annoying when a team refuses to call a prospect up when he is ready, but also when they call them up too soon and burn important years of team control. Nothing you can do but stay patient with Mazara. 2019 Projection: 73/25/88/.266/.328/.450/1 Prime Projection: 83/30/102/.277/.349/.500/2

104) Ian Happ CHC, OF/3B, 24.8 – Strikeout rate is going in the wrong direction, posting a career worst mark of 36.1% last season. 2019 Projection: 69/20/59/.248/.346/.466/8 Prime Projection: 92/26/83/.258/.352/4.80/10

105) Tyler O’Neill STL, OF, 23.9 – The next Judge/Gallo/Olson/Chapman. He walks, hits it extremely hard, and hits it in the air. Only question is how bad will his strikeout rate be. 2019 Projection: 31/10/33/.238/.300/.470/4 Prime Projection: 88/35/100/.255/.339/.510/10

106) Brent Honeywell TB, RHP, 24.0 – Honeywell has started to throw off a mound as he continues his rehab from Tommy John surgery. When healthy, he throws at least 5 pitches and was a master at the art of pitching. 2019 Projection: 5/4.30/1.34/75 in 80 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.33/1.13/205 in 190 IP

107) Alex Reyes STL, RHP, 24.7 – Two lost seasons due to injury (elbow and lat). If you own him, there is no reason to sell low, but there is legitimate bullpen risk. 2019 Projection: 5/3.82/1.31/118 in 96 IP Prime Projection: 12/3.42/1.26/200 in 170 IP

108) Jesus Luzardo OAK, LHP, 21.6 – Three plus pitches (fastball, changeup, curveball) with plus command. 2019 Projection: 6/3.94/1.28/78 in 90 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.30/1.10/198 in 195 IP

109) Lorenzo Cain MIL, OF, 33.0 – No immediate signs of Cain’s speed falling off, which could mean now is the time to sell. 2019 Projection: 92/12/50/.294/.369/.425/26

110) Edwin Diaz NYM, Closer, 25.0 – When to dip into the closer market is always a tough call. Most of the time it is a game of chicken to see who bites first and then there is a big run on them. My advice is to ignore general rankings of closers, and strike when you have to based on how the draft is going. 2019 Projection: 4/2.42/0.93/110/36 in 70 IP

111) Nicholas Castellanos DET, OF, 27.1 – Groundball and strikeout rate headed in the wrong direction, but he still hits the snot out the ball. 2019 Projection: 80/25/93/.280/.338/.490/2

112) Marcell Ozuna STL, OF, 28.5 – Battled tendinitis and inflammation in his throwing shoulder since 2017. Ozuna did look back to his normal self by the end of the season (.862 OPS in August and .906 OPS in September), but this type of injury can linger. 2019 Projection: 76/28/93/.284/.337/.476/2

113) Byron Buxton MIN, OF, 25.3 – It’s always darkest before the dawn … or so I would keep telling myself if I owned Buxton. 2019 Projection: 67/15/53/.242/.298/.405/22 Prime Projection: 81/20/68/.255/.320/.435/30

114) J.T. Realmuto PHI, C, 28.1 – Overrated in real life and in fantasy. Trade to Philly’s much better ballpark and lineup at least gives him a chance to live up to his reputation. 2019 Projection: 76/20/79/.279/.337/.471/7

115) Jurickson Profar OAK, SS/3B/1B, 26.1 – Rose up from the graveyard of failed prospects and showed off the skills that made him so highly rated in the first place, with a 14.7% K%, 20 homers and a perfect 10 for 10 on the basepaths. 2019 Projection: 86/18/79/.270/.350/.465/10

116) Robbie Ray ARI, LHP, 27.6 – Strikeouts and walks. You just gotta hope the strikeouts come after the walks. 2019 Projection: 12/3.69/1.29/225 in 170 IP

117) Gregory Polanco PIT, OF, 27.6 – Surgery to repair a dislocated shoulder and labrum should keep Polanco out at least a couple months into 2019. You probably have to wait until 2020 for that career year. 2019 Projection: 52/17/56/.252/.332/.460/9

118) Michael Brantley HOU, OF, 31.11 – Finally stayed healthy and picked up right where he left off, with an elite K% (9.5%) and moderate power/speed combo. 2019 Projection: 88/18/79/.300/.355/.451/11

119) Eduardo Rodriguez BOS, LHP, 26.0 – Perfect breakout candidate to target. Young, already had MLB success, and just underrated enough to acquire at a reasonable price. 2019 Projection: 11/3.72/1.26/168 in 160 IP Prime Projection: 16/3.42/1.21/210 in 190 IP

120) Shane Bieber CLE, RHP, 23.10 – Command is Bieber’s best asset as a pitcher which helps his 4 pitch arsenal play up. 2019 Projection: 11/3.75/1.24/172 in 181 IP

121) Jonathan Villar BAL, 2B, 27.11 – Considering Baltimore’s lineup it is going to be homers and steals and not much else. 2019 Projection: 77/15/69/.256/.325/.394/32

122) Jose Abreu CHW, 1B, 32.2 – Groin and thigh injuries were the reason for Abreu’s down season. Staying healthy gets harder as you age, but the skills are still there if he heals up. 2019 Projection: 81/29/92/.283/.346/.497/2

123) Michael Kopech CHW, RHP, 22.11 – Underwent Tommy John surgery in September. Elite stuff but still more of a thrower than a pitcher. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 17/3.45/1.21/240 in 200 IP

124) Harrison Bader STL, OF, 24.10 – Line drive hitter with a high strikeout rate and elite sprint speed. Mashes lefties. Defense should keep him on the field as he continues to develop against righties. 2019 Projection: 81/18/61/.259/.330/.428/18 Prime Projection: 91/22/74/.272/.345/.463/20

125) Ramon Laureano OAK, OF, 24.9 – Inconsistent minor league career could be a sign of things to come considering Laureano’s high strikeout rates, but his patience, power, and speed should always be there. 2019 Projection: 78/17/67/.251/.324/.421/18 Prime Projection: 86/19/73/.261/.342/.450/23

126) Brandon Nimmo NYM, OF, 26.0 – Major bump in OBP leagues. Along with getting on base, Nimmo is fast and hits the ball hard. 2019 Projection: 84/20/57/.266/.391/.470/10

127) Roberto Osuna HOU, Closer, 24.2 – Doesn’t have the elite K upside of some of the other top closers, but is elite in everything else. 2019 Projection: 3/2.78/0.92/77/36 in 70 IP

128) Kyle Schwarber CHC, OF, 26.9 – Classic three true outcome slugger in the strong side of a platoon. 2019 Projection: 72/28/80/.242/.355/.477/4

129) Julio Urias LAD, LHP, 22.8 – Returned from major shoulder surgery at the end of the year and became a weapon out of the pen for LA. Still a question of what his stuff will look like as a starter, but Urias’ stock could skyrocket with a good showing this Spring. 2019 Projection: 6/3.87/1.31/92 in 90 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.39/1.11/188 in 182 IP

130) Willson Contreras CHC, C, 26.11 – HR/FB tanked to 9.3% after sitting at 23.5% and 25.9% the last two seasons, respectively. Considering the consistently high number of groundballs Contreras hits, he is going to need all of the luck on flyballs he can get to return considerable value. 2019 Projection: 52/17/61/.261/.345/.442/4

131) Taylor Trammell CIN, OF, 21.6 – Approach is a bit of the slap hitter variety right now, which makes sense given his speed, but in order to fully tap into his potential he is going to have start hitting the ball with more authority on a regular basis. ETA: Late 2020 Prime Projection: 92/18/73/.266/.344/.452/24

132) Miles Mikolas STL, RHP, 30.7 – I would expect regression, but Mikolas was not a mirage. 2019 Projection: 15/3.41/1.18/150 in 190 IP

133) Masahiro Tanaka NYY, RHP, 30.5 – Pitching through that torn UCL like a champ. It’s all about the mind/body connection. Although I do wonder how good Tanaka could have been had he remained healthy.  2019 Projection: 13/3.68/1.18/181 in 173 IP

134) Chris Archer PIT, RHP, 30.6 – Finally got out of the AL East and pitched like he was still in it anyway. He’s gotta have an ERA under 4 this year, right? Right!? Right. 2019 Projection: 11/3.74/1.28/210 in 190 IP

135) Nick Pivetta PHI, RHP, 27.1 – Major breakout in 2018 but because it didn’t show up in Pivetta’s surface stats you should be able to get him at a discount this off-season. 2019 Projection: 11/3.80/1.29/205 in 180 IP

136) Peter Alonso NYM, 1B, 24.4 – Put on an exit velocity show during the AFL. There is no question he will hit for power at the major league level. 2019 Projection: 47/19/62/.243/.320/.460/1 Prime Projection: 83/34/101/.258/.339/.508/1

137) Garrett Hampson COL, 2B, 24.6 – One of the fastest players in baseball with an excellent plate approach and Coors Field at his back. Value will take a major swing based on whether Colorado gives him the 2B job to start the season. 2019 Projection: 73/8/58/.278/.335/.412/28 Prime Projection: 94/14/65/.291/.366/.449/35

138) Carter Kieboom WASH, SS, 21.7 – Will probably move off SS with Turner holding it down in Washington, but Kieboom’s bat will be good enough to profile anywhere. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 92/25/86/.280/.366/.485/9

139) Brian Dozier WASH, 2B, 31.11 – Major decline in exit velocity is the most glaring difference between this year and the last two seasons. Dozier blames a knee injury that he picked up in April, which I guess sapped the power out of his swing. With full health, he should bounce back, but injuries have a way of popping up in your 30’s. 2019 Projection: 89/28/82/.251/.329/.460/11

140) Jesus Aguilar MIL, 1B, 28.9 – Nothing in the underlying numbers suggest Aguilar is a fluke, but 2018 is likely the very best you can expect. 2019 Projection: 76/28/90/.267/.344/.491/0

141) Yordan Alvarez HOU, OF, 21.9 – Big lefty slugger with a swing reminiscent of many great big lefty sluggers throughout history. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 82/29/98/.268/.354/.505/2

142) Luis Robert CHW, OF, 21.8 – Thumb injury tanked Robert’s numbers this season, but he was able to show off his immense upside towards the end of the AFL. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 86/27/88/.265/.338/.481/18

143) Jonathan India CIN, 3B, 22.3 – My #1 pick in a first year player draft, India ripped up the SEC (.350/.497/.717 with 21 homers, 15 steals and a 56/60 K/BB in 68 games) before displaying those same power/speed skills in pro ball. ETA: Mid 2020 Prime Projection: 91/24/85/.268/.346/.463/14

144) Nolan Gorman STL, 3B, 18.11 – Lived up to his reputation as a beast in his first taste of pro ball, hitting 17 homers in 63 games split between rookie ball and full season ball. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 88/36/105/.265/.355/.520/2

145) Yusei Kikuchi SEA, LHP, 27.9 – Consistently throws in the mid 90’s with a bevy of secondary pitches. Not considered as highly as Darvish, Dice-K, and Tanaka when they were posted, but is in the class directly below that. 2019 Projection: 12/3.69/1.21/163 in 170 IP

146) Mike Foltynewicz ATL, RHP, 27.6 – Like many pitchers these days, minimizing the sinker led to an increase in strikeouts and productivity. Update: Sore elbow. Has been ruled out for opening day and there is no timetable for his return. 2019 Projection: 12/3.64/1.25/184 in 178 IP

147) Zack Greinke ARI, RHP, 35.5 – Velocity declined on all of his pitches for the 3rd year in a row. Greinke is still effective, but clearly on the back nine of his career. 2019 Projection: 15/3.58/1.15/190 in 195 IP

148) Scooter Gennett CIN, 2B, 28.11 – Exit velocity and strikeout rate do not match Gennett’s excellent surface numbers the last two seasons. That concerns me. Steamer isn’t buying in either (.261/.313/.425) 2019 Projection: 79/21/87/.289/.336/.479/3

149) Manuel Margot SD, 24.6 – On the Lorenzo Cain/Jean Segura career path. Might take Margot a few years to really hit his stride, but once he does, he will be a consistent source of steals with double digit homers. 2019 Projection: 62/13/55/.263/.317/.410/19 Prime Projection: 86/15/61/.281/.337/.445/25

150) Willy Adames TB, SS, 23.7 – Numbers in MLB debut were solid (.287/.348/.406) but the underlying numbers were not as promising (29.4% K%, 86.5 avg. exit velo, 8.6 degree launch angle).  2019 Projection: 76/15/64/.256/.331/.392/11 Prime Projection: 87/20/79/.278/.355/.443/13

151) Mallex Smith SEA, OF, 25.11 – Traded to the Mariners this off-season. The Mariners are the team in your fantasy league that has absolutely no discernible long term plan and seems to just make moves willy nilly. This year they are trying rebuilding, maybe … we think. Even a bad plan is better than no plan at all.  2019 Projection: 72/5/46/.278/.347/.360/32 Prime Projection: 86/9/53/.286/.358/.392/35

152) Matt Carpenter STL, 1B/3B, 33.4 – Homers and walks. The older, lefty version of Hoskins. 2019 Projection: 93/30/72/.255/.368/.497/2

153) Joey Votto CIN, 1B, 35.7 – Power disappeared but nothing in the underlying stats and exit velocity suggest it was anything more than HR/FB bad luck. He is 35 years old, so a real decline could very well be coming soon. 2019 Projection: 88/26/80/.292/.427/.498/3

154) Justin Turner LAD, 3B, 34.4 – Elite plate approach, contact percentage, and flyball rate. He’s getting old, but there is more juice in here. 2019 Projection: 80/22/73/.296/.380/.499/4

155) Josh Donaldson ATL, 3B, 33.4 – Bottom dropped out last season but there were warning signs for a few years now. With good health, the talent is still there, but I’m not betting on good health. 2019 Projection: 84/29/78/.259/.362/.497/4

156) David Price BOS, LHP, 33.7 – Showed he can still be effective with reduced fastball velocity by upping his cutter usage. It’s the Andy Pettitte school of pitching. 2019 Projection: 15/3.75/1.20/170 in 175 IP

157) Craig Kimbrel FA, Closer, 30.10 – As reliable as they come. Hasn’t had a single bad, or lost to injury season in his entire career. 2019 Projection: 3/2.82/1.01/94/36 in 64 IP

158) Felipe Vazquez PIT, Closer, 27.9 – 98.5 MPH flame throwing closer. 2019 Projection: 4/2.97/1.14/87/35 in 72 IP

159) Blake Treinen OAK, Closer, 30.9 – Hadn’t given up more than 1 ER in any appearance this entire season until giving up 3 ER to the Yanks in the AL play-in game. Regular season Oakland/Billy Beane magic has a way of wearing off in the playoffs. 2019 Projection: 5/2.88/1.04/88/34 in 70 IP

160) Aroldis Chapman NYY, Closer, 31.1 – Fastball down 1 MPH for the second year in a row to a now meager 99.1 MPH. How will he ever adjust? 2019 Projection: 3/2.79/1.09/98/34 in 60 IP

161) Kenley Jansen LAD, Closer, 31.6 – Irregular heartbeat that has now required two heart surgeries. I hope for a full recovery. 2019 Projection: 3/2.87/0.95/88/40 in 69 IP

162) Brad Hand CLE, Closer, 29.0 – Has struck out over 100 batters the last three seasons of his career. 2019 Projection: 4/3.26/1.13/101/33 in 72 IP

163) Kyle Hendricks CHC, RHP, 29.4 – Safe, low upside innings eater. 2019 Projection: 13/3.50/1.18/165 in 190 IP

164) MacKenzie Gore SD, LHP, 20.1 – Blister issues prevented Gore from pitching his best, but he was still able to display 4 potential plus pitches to go along with plus command and control. ETA: 2021/22 Prime Projection: 15/3.21/1.07/215 in 200 IP

165) Ender Inciarte ATL, OF, 28.5 – Stole 87 bases but has also been caught 40 times since 2015. Shhhh … noboby let Atlanta know that this guy shouldn’t be attempting so many steals. 2019 Projection: 88/10/58/.283/.331/.395/21

166) Paul DeJong STL, SS, 25.8 – Hits it hard and hits it in the air. 2019 Projection: 79/27/82/.258/.319/.473/2

167) Max Kepler MIN, OF, 26.2 – Posted career bests in K% (15.7%), BB% (11.6%), FB% (46.2%), and exit velo (89.5 MPH/93.9 MPH FB/LD). Kepler already broke out but it didn’t show up in his surface stats last year.  2019 Projection: 86/24/71/.268/.350/.475/7

168) Max Muncy LAD, 1B/3B, 28.7 – I hope Muncy gets everyday playing time, but fear it will be a struggle for at-bats all year, with a lot of his damage coming from pinch hit appearances. 2019 Projection: 74/32/81/.248/.356/.521/3

169) Domingo Santana SEA, OF, 26.8 – Trade to Seattle opens up a full time job for him again. 32.8% K% and 27.7% FB% will make it hard to fully repeat his 2017 season. 2019 Projection: 76/25/74/.256/.338/.442/8

170) Didi Gregorius NYY, SS, 29.3 – Due to needing Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow, 2019 very well might be a lost season for Didi even if he does make it back sometime in the 2nd half. 2019 Projection: 32/9/37/.265/.325/.450/3

171) Jesse Winker CIN, OF, 25.7 – Slashed .299/.397/.460 with 14 homers and a 70/64 K/BB in 136 career MLB games. Currently rehabbing from labrum surgery on his right shoulder in July, which doesn’t bode well for a homerun power outbreak next season, but it could still be in the cards for 2020. 2019 Projection: 60/10/50/.287/.384/.442/1 Prime Projection: 97/22/91/.303/.401/.490/1

172) Cedric Mullins BAL, OF, 24.6 – One of the most underrated talented youngsters to recently break into the majors.  The switch hitting Mullins is lightning fast with solid pop and has made good contact his entire career. Buy everywhere. 2019 Projection: 78/14/55/.265/.328/.419/19 Prime Projection: 87/18/61/.281/.342/.440/22

173) Willie Calhoun TEX, OF, 24.5 – Power outage last season and hasn’t been able to maintain elite K% in 145 MLB at-bats. I’m still buying the potentially unique contact/power profile and would not sell coming off a down year. 2019 Projection: 50/15/67/.261/.312/.443/2 Prime Projection: 81/30/94/.283/.339/.502/1

174) Nelson Cruz MIN, OF, 38.9 – Surface stats slipped a bit this year with a .256 BA and .850 OPS. Underlying stats still look good, but there were some back issues that popped up in 2018. 2019 Projection: 80/36/99/.268/.350/.517/1

175) Edwin Encarnacion SEA, 1B, 36.3 – Strikeout rate was trending in wrong direction for a few years now and reached a career high 22.8% in 2018. 2019 Projection: 83/35/101/.243/.338/.472/2

176) Scott Kingery PHI, SS, 24.11 – Segura trade clouds playing time, but don’t even think about selling low on Kingery. His rookie season was especially weak (.605 OPS) but he has the skill set to quickly become a coveted 5 category asset. 2019 Projection: 53/11/47/.252/.304/.406/10 Prime Projection: 87/20/72/.279/.332/.458/22

177) Christin Stewart DET, OF, 25.4 – Power and patience with a reasonable strikeout rate. Cut K% to 20.7% in Triple-A and then followed that up with an 18.7% K% in 72 MLB PA. Terrible defense is the only thing that can keep Stewart off the field. 2019 Projection: 74/27/88/.252/.339/.475/1 Prime Projection: 74/31/93/.251/.343/.485/1

178) Casey Mize DET, RHP, 21.11 – 1st overall pick in the draft. Absurd 156/18 K/BB in 114.2 IP in the SEC. Nasty splitter and plus control/command are his strengths. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 16/3.49/1.15/215 in 190 IP

179) Chris Paddack SD, RHP, 23.3 – Came back from Tommy John this season like he never left. Change-up is elite but will need to develop his curveball if he wants to dominate the majors like he did the minors.  ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 13/3.57/1.18/203 in 188 IP

180) Luis Garcia WASH, SS, 18.10 – Advanced, tooled-up 18-year-old who showed a good feel to hit in Full-A and Advanced-A. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 91/23/86/.292/.354/.477/15

181) Gavin Lux LAD, SS, 21.4 – Selected 20th overall in 2016, Lux had his breakout season this year, slashing .324/.399/.514 with 15 homers, 13 steals, and a 88/57 K/BB in 116 games split between High-A and Double-A. Me thinks Lux is still being a bit underrated right now. ETA: Late 2020 Prime Projection: 97/20/69/.275/.352/.450/17

182) Kristian Robinson ARI, OF, 18.4 – Signed for $2.55 million in 2017, Robinson has an elite power/speed combo and looks the part of a stud at an athletic 6’3”, 190 pounds. 26% K% split between two levels at rookie ball shows there is still plenty of development to go.  ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 86/28/95/.268/.355/.498/14

183) Yu Darvish CHC, RHP, 32.7 – Velocity being normal was the only silver lining from a disastrous year. Obvious bounceback candidate but I’m only buying if I can buy low. 2019 Projection: 12/3.69/1.22/182 in 160 IP

184) Jose Leclerc TEX, Closer, 25.3 – Perfect example of why you shouldn’t use major assets to acquire closers, even elite ones. No other position in fantasy is it easier to find guys who instantly become elite options at mid-season. 2019 Projection: 2/3.08/1.09/90/32 in 62 IP

185) Joey Lucchesi SD, LHP, 25.10 – Deceptive delivery. Throws a pitch he calls a “churve.” 2019 Projection: 10/3.85/1.28/178 in 172 IP

186) Daniel Murphy COL, 2B, 34.0 – Microfracture surgery on Murphy’s right knee in October 2017 made it almost inevitable that 2018 was not going to be a smooth ride. With a normal off-season this year and being further removed from that injury, a small bounceback is possible, especially at Coors. 2019 Projection: 88/22/82/.308/.351/.482/3

187) Ian Desmond COL, 1B/OF, 33.6 – Never got the Coors bump that many were hoping for, but as long as he keeps running he will have value in even the shallowest of leagues. 2019 Projection: 81/21/86/.259/.324/.447/16

188) Jon Gray COL, RHP, 27.5 – A couple pitchers finally broke out at Coors, but of course one of them wasn’t Gray. That would have been too easy. The skills are still there for it to happen in the future. 2019 Projection: 12/4.02/1.30/185 in 175 IP

189) Carlos Martinez STL, RHP, 27.6 – Shut down from throwing for 2 weeks because his shoulder is still not back to full strength. Had shoulder issues in 2018 and velocity was down about 2 MPH. Martinez’ stock is headed down. 2019 Projection: 8/3.59/1.26/130 in 130 IP

190) David Peralta ARI, OF, 31.8 – Career year with 30 homers but I would expect regression considering 23.4% HR/FB rate and 29.5% flyball percentage. 2019 Projection: 80/21/80/.284/.346/.471/6

191) Stephen Piscotty OAK, OF, 28.2 – Type of hitter who is exponentially more valuable in deeper leagues. If you are gunning for a championship in 10-12 team leagues, Piscotty will have to be one of your worst starters. 2019 Projection: 81/25/89/.272/.339/.476/3

192) Jose Quintana CHC, LHP, 29.6 – Followed up his 2017 strikeout break through by regressing back to career norms in 2018. 2019 Projection: 13/3.72/1.27/181 in 193 IP

193) Danny Jansen TOR, C, 24.0 – Excellent contact percentage-launch angle combo whose exit velocities don’t jump off the page but generates power with quality contact. Jansen could be one the better hitting catchers in short order. 2019 Projection: 51/15/59/.257/.345/.429/2 Prime Projection: 64/21/73/.273/.351/.463/6

194) Tyler Glasnow TB, RHP, 25.7 – The blazing fastball that made Glasnow such an alluring prospect was back in full force this season, averaging 97.3 MPH. With Tampa’s philosophy of fully tapping into the value of those tweener pitchers (not quite a starter but more than a one inning guy), Glasnow is in the perfect situation for him. 2019 Projection: 8/4.08/1.33/158 in 133 IP Prime Projection: 10/3.52/1.29/182 in 153 IP

195) Lance McCullers Jr. HOU, RHP, 25.6 – Tommy John surgery will keep McCullers out all of 2019. Changeup was starting to come around last year, with it being his most valuable pitch according to Fangraphs pitch values. 2019 Projection: OUT Prime Projection: 3.55/1.24/175 in 150 IP

196) Maikel Franco PHI, 3B, 26.7 – Career best 13.3% K% bodes well for Franco’s future, although he is going to have to start hitting the ball in the air a bit more to have that breakout season we are all waiting for. 2019 Projection: 70/25/80/.269/.317/.470/1

197) Vidal Brujan TB, 2B, 21.2 – 55 steals with a 68/63 K/BB in 122 games split between Full-A and Advanced-A. Tampa is stacked with 2B, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Brujan consistently had multi-position eligibility throughout his career. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 91/13/56/.283/.348/.419/33

198) Andres Gimenez NYM, SS, 20.7 – Short, quick, and powerful swing should lead to more homeruns as Gimenez gets stronger. Plus instincts on the base path makes his speed play up. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 92/17/66/.288/.343/.421/20

199) Sixto Sanchez MIA, RHP, 20.8 – Injury shortened season due to right elbow soreness, and also had to miss the AFL after a setback recovering from the same injury. Looking at Reyes, Honeywell, and Kopech, you almost have to factor in Tommy John surgery if you own Sanchez. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 14/3.42/1.07/188 in 182 IP

200) Ken Giles TOR, Closer, 28.6 – Punching himself in the face seemed to punch his ticket out of Houston. Stuff and underlying numbers point to a bounceback in 2018. 2019 Projection: 3/3.35/1.19/77/33 in 65 IP

201) Miguel Sano MIN, 3B, 25.11 – Career 36.3% K% does not lend much optimism for Sano’s future batting average. 2019 Projection: 63/25/75/.226/.312/.450/1

202) Dee Gordon SEA, 2B/OF, 30.11 – I never like extreme steals only guys on my roster, mostly because it limits your options on how to build the rest of your team. 2019 Projection: 77/3/34/.277/.310/.360/34

203) Dylan Cease CHW, RHP, 23.3 – 100 MPH fastball with a plus curveball. Will have to continue to improve changeup and command to reach ceiling. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 13/3.78/1.29/196 in 174 IP

204) Andrew McCutchen PHI, OF, 32.5 – Start of gradual decline started in 2016 but power/speed combo is still good enough to hold value for contending teams. 2019 Projection: 78/23/71/.260/.354/.458/12

205) Wilson Ramos NYM, C, 31.8 – It’s nice having a catcher who might actually help your average while also hitting for power. 2019 Projection: 51/18/67/.278/.329/.457/0

206) Corey Knebel MIL, RP, 27.4 – It’s a free for all in Milwaukee’s bullpen, but Knebel should get plenty of chances to close out games. 2019 Projection: 4/3.09/1.14/95/23 in 63 IP

207) Elvis Andrus TEX, SS, 30.7 – Fractured right elbow after getting hit by a 97 MPH fastball in early April sabotaged Andrus’ season from the get go. Sprint speeds have always been only slightly better than average (Schwarber had a faster sprint speed than Andrus in 2018), which concerns me as he enters his 30’s. 2019 Projection: 77/11/66/.273/.330/.399/17

208) Cesar Hernandez PHI, 2B, 28.11 – Hit the ball in the air considerably more in 2018, which backs up his moderate power outbreak.  2019 Projection: 86/14/55/.263/.357/.378/17

209) Marcus Semien OAK, SS, 28.6 – Moderate power/speed combo hitting atop an excellent lineup. 2019 Projection: 87/18/69/.255/.323/.412/14

210) Rick Porcello BOS, RHP, 30.3 – Steady as they come. Nothing flashy but is reliable. 2019 Projection: 14/4.14/1.25/182 in 193 IP

211) Nathan Eovaldi BOS, RHP, 29.3 – Returned from 2nd Tommy John surgery and pitched the best he ever has in his life with a career high 10.7% swinging strike rate. 97 MPH fastball is the main attraction, but is also what probably causes the particularly high injury risk. 2019 Projection: 12/3.88/1.28/151 in 165 IP

212) Alex Wood CIN, LHP, 28.3 – Fastball velocity dipped back below 90 MPH after an early season bump in 2017, although Wood has proved he can survive with lesser velocity. 2019 Projection: 11/3.74/1.23/151 in 160 IP

213) Chris Taylor LAD, SS/OF, 28.7 – Strikeout rate spiked to 29.5% in 2018 but also proved the newfound power was for real. 2019 Projection: 85/18/66/.257/.333/.450/14

214) Mike Moustakas MIL, 3B, 30.6 – Low average, low OBP slugger. 2019 Projection: 72/30/83/.253/.313/.480/3

215) Jonathan Schoop MIN, 2B, 27.6 – Average exit velocity hit career lows by a few MPH with a 86.2 MPH mark and 90.0 MPH on FB/LD. He suffered an oblique strain very early in the season, which are known to linger, so that may be part of the reason. A bounceback seems likely. 2019 Projection: 69/24/74/.266/.305/.462/1

216) Marco Gonzales SEA, LHP, 27.1 – Increased use and effectiveness of curveball along with adding a cutter was the reason for Gonzales’ breakout. I’m buying. 2019 Projection: 11/3.78/1.22/158 in 175 IP

217) Tyler Skaggs LAA, RHP, 27.9 – Groin injury caused Skaggs to get blown up in his last five starts, ruining his end of season numbers, which means he should come at a discount this off-season. 2019 Projection: 10/3.81/1.28/154 in 160 IP

218) Hunter Renfroe SD, OF, 27.2 – 97.4 MPH average exit velocity on FB/LD. The plate approach needs to continue to improve, but Renfroe can mash. 2019 Projection: 67/30/81/.249/.304/.493/4

219) Ketel Marte ARI, SS/2B, 25.6 – 13.7% K%, 9.3% BB%, 88.6 MPH average exit velocity, 92 MPH on FB/LD, and 28.7 ft/sec sprint speed. If he can start lifting the ball more and add some strength as he enters his mid to late 20’s, there is a 5-category stud lurking in here. Expected to be Arizona’s everyday CF. 2019 Projection: 83/16/69/.279/.345/.441/10

220) Jorge Polanco MIN, SS, 25.9 – Moderate power/speed combo with room for more as he enters prime. 2019 Projection: 78/16/76/.278/.336/.435/14

221) Luis Urias SD, SS/2B, 21.10 – Strikeout rate jumped to 20.5% at Triple-A but was very young for the level and power started to show up. Exit velocity readings in small MLB sample were strong. 2019 Projection: 69/10/50/.262/.328/.392/6 Prime Projection: 96/19/63/.293/.371/.469/8

222) Francisco Mejia SD, C/OF, 23.5 – No guarantee Mejia sticks at catcher, but the bat is special enough to profile anywhere. 2019 Projection: 31/9/27/.252/.300/.401/2 Prime Projection: 69/22/82/.278/.331/.456/4

223) Lourdes Gurriel Jr. TOR, 2B/SS, 25.6 – 90.3 average exit velocity shows talent, but will have to improve on his plate approach to fully tap into it. 2019 Projection: 64/17/69/.262/.301/.425/7 Prime Projection: 76/23/83/.277/.318/.455/9

224) Joe Musgrove PIT, RHP, 26.4 – Has so many different pitches that Musgrove is still tinkering around with them trying to find the best mix. If you like building with offense, Musgrove is a perfect pitcher to target in later rounds. 2019 Projection: 9/3.91/1.21/148 in 160 IP

225) Dallas Keuchel FA, LHP, 31.3 – Worst swinging strike rate of his career in 2018 (8.3%) other than his rookie season. 2019 Projection: 12/3.69/1.27/154 in 192 IP

226) Charlie Morton TB, RHP, 35.5 – He wants to pitch only a few more seasons in order to spend more time with his family. This two  year contract with Tampa could be it. 2019 Projection: 13/3.39/1.19/193 in 170 IP

227) Joey Wendle TB, 2B/3B, 28.11 – A little speed, a little pop, and makes good contact. Underlying statcast numbers are solid. Probably a bit underrated right now. 2019 Projection: 73/12/64/.277/.328/.411/14

228) Ross Stripling LAD, RHP, 29.4 – Nothing is more annoying than owning Dodgers pitchers in weekly lineup leagues. 2 start weeks turn into 1 start weeks, and 1 start weeks turn into demotion to the pen announcements on Monday night after lineups lock. I don’t know the role Stripling will pitch in, but I do think he will pitch well in it. 2019 Projection: 8/3.48/1.20/136 in 133 IP

229) Sean Newcomb ATL, LHP, 25.10 – 5 minutes of Google research tells me that Newcomb Ball is one of the few sports that was invented by a woman. Just thought that was interesting. As for Sean, who also happened to come from a woman, he is a rock solid young lefty, although with the overflowing number of arms in Atlanta, he won’t have a long leash. 2019 Projection: 10/3.97/1.35/175 in 170 IP Prime Projection: 9/3.73/1.29/162 in 160 IP

230) Andrew Heaney LAA, LHP, 27.10 – Control and command pitcher who generates whiffs with a plus changeup. 2019 Projection: 8/3.73/1.21/156 in 160 IP

231) Daz Cameron DET, OF, 22.2 – Similar body type and hitting profile as his father, Mike, who put up several monster 20/20 seasons in his prime, albeit with a low batting average and during the steroid era. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 88/18/63/.262/.340/.438/23

232) Clint Frazier NYY, OF, 24.7 – The hope is that Frazier’s concussion problems are in the past and he will be able to overtake Gardner on the Yankees depth chart. 2019 Projection: 36/9/32/.254/.323/.438/6 Prime Projection: 82/27/89/.272/.356/.482/13

233) Josh Hader MIL, do it all reliever, 26.0 – It’s a shame Hader may never be given a chance to start, but I do understand Milwaukee not wanting to mess with a good thing. 2019 Projection: 5/2.57/0.92/129/13 in 78 IP

234) Bradley Zimmer CLE, OF, 26.4 – Arthroscopic surgery on Zimmer’s right shoulder will likely keep him out to start the season, although his rehab has gone well. Considering all of the problem his brother Kyle has had with injuries, you gotta feel for that family. 2019 Projection: 49/8/41/.236/.304/.380/15 Prime Projection: 87/21/72/.253/.337/.431/24

235) Jeff McNeil NYM, 2B, 27.0 – 9.7% K% and 38.7% GB% in 63 game MLB debut is a recipe for success, although he does not hit the ball all that hard (85.2 MPH avg. exit velo and 90.1 MPH on FB/LD). Should see playing time all over the field, but if he was locked in a starting role, I would rank him much higher. 2019 Projection: 78/15/51/.286/.342/.457/10

236) Raimel Tapia COL, OF, 25.2 – Murphy signing likely keeps Tapia in a bench role for now. Has a chance to be a 5 category stud if he does win a full time job. 2019 Projection: 43/8/39/.282/.325/.431/10 Prime Projection: 91/16/68/.296/.343/.455/20

237) Josh James HOU, RHP, 26.1 – In perhaps the greatest testament to getting a good night sleep, James was cured of his sleep apnea and woke up with a 97.5 MPH fastball. He is now a strikeout machine, striking out 171 batters in 114.1 Triple-A innings and 38 batters in 21.2 big league innings. 2019 Projection: 8/3.91/1.28/128 in 110 IP Prime Projection: 15/3.63/1.28/200 in 180 IP

238) Jeter Downs LAD, SS, 20.8 – Selected 32nd overall in the 2017 draft, Downs full season debut was a smashing success, displaying a plus plate approach, plus base stealing ability, and a 50.4% FB%. He has the tools to be an absolute fantasy stud. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 88/23/77/.271/.355/.468/18

239) Jake Bauers CLE, OF/1B, 23.6 – Patient hitter with moderate power/speed combo. 2019 Projection: 68/16/63/.240/.336/.403/9 Prime Projection: 85/21/74/.271/.368/.451/13

240) Sean Doolittle WASH, Closer, 32.6 – Oft-injured closer who dominates when on the mound. 2019 Projection: 3/2.88/0.96/65/27 in 55 IP

241) Wade Davis COL, Closer, 33.7 – That huge contract locks him into the closer role, but age and Coors ensures it will not be a completely smooth ride. 2019 Projection: 3/3.61/1.17/72/37 in 63 IP

242) Yasmani Grandal MIL, C, 30.5 – Low average, power, and patience catcher. Couldn’t have landed in better situation than Milwaukee. 2019 Projection: 58/23/64/.240/.336/.461/1

243) Robinson Cano NYM, 2B, 36.5 – Came back from an 80 game suspension and performed no different than before. Has any player in the last few years come back from a PED suspension and perform markedly worse? 2019 Projection: 79/25/90/.289/.350/.468/1

244) Victor Victor Mesa MIA, OF, 22.8 – Speed is the only sure thing, but power should continue to develop and he rarely struck out in Cuba. ETA: Mid 2020 Prime Projection: 88/14/71/.277/.334/.436/24

245) Dansby Swanson ATL, SS, 25.2 – From overrated to underrated. Still projects for solid 5 category production at peak. 2019 Projection: 68/15/66/.258/.329/.405/13 Prime Projection: 90/18/63/.278/.353/.435/16

246) Lewis Brinson MIA, OF, 24.11 – Brutal season gave off Byron Buxton-like vibes, but like Buxton, the talent is too good to write off. 2019 Projection: 58/17/61/.231/.282/.399/7 Prime Projection: 77/27/86/.252/.324/.471/15

247) Jarred Kelenic SEA, OF, 19.8 – Advanced for his age plate approach with above average all around tools. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 89/24/81/.278/.352/.477/16

248) Triston McKenzie CLE, RHP, 21.8 – High spin rates and excellent extension makes McKenzie a pain to hit against. Obligatory mention of his super thin frame. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 13/3.38/1.14/188 in 176 IP

249) Alex Verdugo LAD, OF, 22.11 – Could have a Daniel Murphy like career path, unlocking power later in career. 2019 Projection: 35/7/34/.273/.335/.415/4 Prime Projection: 84/18/82/.285/.351/.447/9

250) Corbin Burnes MIL, RHP, 24.5 – Will enter camp competing for a starting role in 2019. Big, hard throwing righty with plus spin rates. Showed excellent ability to miss bats in 2018 debut as a relief pitcher. 2019 Projection: 6/3.94/1.27/110 in 120 IP Prime Projection: 13/3.61/1.18/175 in 180 IP

251) Ian Anderson ATL, RHP, 20.11 – Continued to rack up strikeouts with 142 K’s in 119.1 IP. 19 of those strikeouts came in his final two dominating starts of the season at Double-A. ETA: Late 2020 Prime Projection: 15/3.45/1.20/210 in 190 IP

252) A.J. Puk OAK, LHP, 23.11 – Tommy John surgery in April probably keeps Puk from being a Major League option until later in the year. When healthy, he has an unhittable fastball/slider combo that plays up even more because of how much extension he gets from his 6’7” frame. One of the more uncomfortable at-bats in the minors. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 15/3.42/1.26/214 in 186 IP

253) Mike Soroka ATL, RHP, 21.8 – Stuff plays up because of plus command, control, and advanced feel for the art of pitching. Feb. 22 Update: Shoulder discomfort popped up again and is shut down from throwing for 4-5 days. ETA: Mid 2019 Prime Projection: 13/3.49/1.12/170 in 182 IP

254) Cody Allen LAA, Closer, 30.4 – Imploded in 2018 with a 4.70 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. Velocity was also at a career low. 2019 Projection: 4/3.80/1.23/78/30 in 65 IP

255) Adam Eaton WASH, OF, 30.4 – Came back from ACL and meniscus tears in left knee only to injure his ankle almost immediately, which required arthroscopic surgery. When Eaton did finally get healthy, he looked more or less like himself, albeit with less power.  2019 Projection: 81/12/51/.285/.361/.418/11

256) Raisel Iglesias CIN, Closer, 29.3 – Cincinnati’s manager announced Iglesias with be used in a variety of roles in 2019. I still think he will receive the bulk of the saves, but it will certainly eat into his value. 2019 Projection: 3/3.05/1.12/85/22 in 73 IP

257) David Robertson PHI, Closer/Setup, 34.0 – The Phillies are flexible with their bullpen, so Robertson and Dominguez should both receive save chances, but my bet is on the highly paid veteran being used most of the time. 2019 Projection: 5/3.10/1.09/81/25 in 65 IP

258) Andrew Miller STL, Setup, 33.11 – While Jordan Hicks is talented, he is still unproven and under team control, so Miller could easily find himself as the primary closer. 2019 Projection: 5/3.06/1.08/86/18 in 65 IP

259) Kirby Yates SD, Closer, 32.0 – Major risk of being traded out of closer role mid-season. 2019 Projection: 4/3.08/1.02/86/23 in 62 IP

260) Will Smith SF, Closer, 29.9 – Returned from Tommy John looking as good as new, although his fastball was down about 1 MPH from where it sat pre-injury. 2019 Projection: 3/3.01/1.16/77/30 in 61 IP

261) Mychal Givens BAL, Closer, 28.11 – Front runner to close in Baltimore. Hard throwing, flyball pitcher with the ability to miss bats.  2019 Projection: 3/3.56/1.22/75/26 in 71 IP

262) Hyun-jin Ryu LAD, LHP, 32.0 – Accepted the $17.9 million qualifying offer. I’m assuming that if the Dodgers were willing to pay him that much money, his spot in the rotation is safe. 2019 Projection: 10/3.44/1.18/139 in 148 IP

263) Cole Hamels CHC, LHP, 35.3 – Resurrected with the Cubs, putting up a line of 2.36/1.10/74/23 in 76.1 IP which coincided with his velocity ticking up. Was he simply mailing it in with Texas the past few years?  2019 Projection: 13/3.72/1.23/178 in 185 IP

264) J.A. Happ NYY, LHP, 36.5 – Career high 26.3% K% and also a career high 1.37 HR/9 due to leaning heavier on his 4 seamer than his sinker. Happ is just evolving with the times. 2019 Projection: 13/3.71/1.24/184 in 185 IP

265) Jake Lamb ARI, 3B, 28.6 – Underwent shoulder surgery in August but is expected to be ready by Spring Training. Assuming full health he should get back to his low average, power hitting ways. 2019 Projection: 74/25/84/.246/.338/.456/3

266) Steven Souza Jr. ARI, OF, 29.11 – Pectoral injury sank Souza’s 2018 but the power and speed are still there for a bounceback 2019. 2019 Projection: 67/21/71/.236/.332/.429/10

267) Jorge Soler KC, OF, 27.1 – Fractured toe ended what was shaping up to be a breakout season for Soler, slashing .265/.354/.466 with 9 homers and 3 steals in 61 games. He’s got above average speed and hits the ball hard. A great candidate for a late 20’s breakout. 2019 Projection: 71/21/77/.254/.345/.448/8

268) Austin Riley ATL, 3B, 22.0 – Donaldson signing hurts Riley’s chances of getting MLB at-bats in 2018, but long term outlook doesn’t change. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 79/29/93/.262/.332/.485/2

269) Jesus Sanchez TB, OF, 21.6 – Aggressive hitter with a good feel to hit and plus raw power. ETA: Mid 2020 Prime Projection: 78/25/83/.276/.332/.478/9

270) Tyler White HOU, 1B, 28.5 – Solid plate approach with plus power. Houston is bubbling over with talent, so White will have to earn his playing time every step of the way.  2019 Projection: 60/20/73/.262/.338/.459/2

271) Luke Voit NYY, 1B, 28.2 – Has the inside track for Yanks starting 1B job after scorching hot finish to the season. Led the league with a 12.4% barrels per plate appearance percentage.  2019 Projection: 64/25/76/.260/.340/.483/1

272) Yusniel Diaz BAL, OF, 22.6 – Projected to be a solid all around fantasy contributor. Has shown some beastly power in Spring Training. ETA: Mid 2019 Prime Projection: 87/26/88/.276/.345/.481/10

273) Ryan O’Hearn KC, 1B, 25.8 – 91.4 MPH average exit velocity, 95.6 MPH LD/FB average exit velocity, and a 46.2% FB%. This man is going to hit homers if he can even come close to keeping up those underlying power numbers. 2019 Projection: 66/24/73/.243/.321/.443/1 

274) Teoscar Hernandez TOR, OF, 26.6 – Statcast darling with a 28.6 ft/sec sprint speed, 91.8 average exit velocity and 97.7 FB/LD average exit velocity. 2019 Projection: 73/24/71/.240/.304/.463/8

275) Nathaniel Lowe TB, 1B, 23.9 – Major power breakout in 2018 which is backed up by changes in his swing and conditioning. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 79/28/86/.272/.348/.486/1

276) Drew Waters ATL, OF, 20.3 – Still raw but a potential 5-category stud. Stood out in his full season debut, slashing .303/.353/.513 with 9 homers, 20 steals, and a 72/21 K/BB in 84 games at Full-A before being promoted to High-A, where he inevitably struggled. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 86/21/84/.278/.335/.474/20

277) George Valera CLE, OF, 18.5 – Prodigy type hitter in the mold of a Juan Soto. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 88/23/88/.291/.365/.493/9

278) Nick Madrigal CHW, 2B, 22.1 – Reminds me of Jose Peraza. Doesn’t have enough power for elite upside, but is a sure bet for average and steals. ETA: Late 2020 Prime Projection: 95/11/66/.296/.351/.418/27

279) Keibert Ruiz LAD, C, 20.8 – 8% K% as a 19/20 year old in Double-A. ETA: Late 2020 Prime Projection: 64/21/72/.283/.341/.469/0

280) Orlando Arcia MIL, SS, 24.8 – Regressed last season but development is not always linear. Still young with a moderate power/speed combo. Good defense at SS should keep him on the field. 2019 Projection: 58/10/49/.257/.303/.382/14 Prime Projection: 78/15/73/.276/.325/.420/18

281) Jazz Chisholm ARI, SS, 21.2 – Jazz has a loose and explosive left handed swing with above average power and speed. Consistently high strikeout rates in his 3 year career (32.5% at High-A in 2018) makes him high risk. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 82/23/76/.241/.313/.438/16

282) Trevor Larnach MIN, OF, 22.1 – Major power breakout in his 3rd year in the Pac12, which Larnach carried over to full season pro ball, slashing .297/.373/.505. ETA: Late 2020 Prime Projection: 78/26/87/.263/.347/.483/2

283) Xavier Edwards SD, SS, 19.8 – Prototypical leadoff hitter with a high batting average, OBP, and elite speed. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 103/10/56/.291/.366/.401/36

284) Seth Beer HOU, 1B/OF, 22.7 – Power and patience without a ton of strikeouts. Defense is bad in the OF and at 1B, so playing time could be a battle. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 68/30/81/.268/.342/.480/1

285) Eric Hosmer SD, 1B, 29.5 – Strikeout rate spiked to a career worst 21% to go along with a career worst 60.4% groundball rate. 2019 Projection: 77/22/74/.270/.340/.438/6

286) Josh Bell PIT, 1B, 26.8 – Strong plate approach (17.8% K%/13.2% BB%) and hits the ball hard (94.1 MPH FB/LD avg. exti velo), but 48.5% groundball percentage is preventing Bell from unleashing his full potential. 2019 Projection: 76/18/78/.267/.356/.444/2

287) Reynaldo Lopez CHW, RHP, 25.3 – Slider has become his best secondary pitch, throwing it 18% of the time and leaning on it heavily with runners on base. His 95.5 MPH fastball is still what brings home the bacon, er, I mean, brings home the bagels. 2019 Projection: 9/4.27/1.30/158 in 180 IP

288) Franmil Reyes SD, OF, 23.9 – Suffered torn meniscus in right knee during winter ball, but should be good to go by Spring. High exit velocity, low launch angle power hitter. Profile will help with batting average, but is very exposed to HR/FB rate fluctuations. 2019 Projections: 44/19/56/.256/.327/.461/2 Prime Projection: 73/30/91/.265/.335/.490/5

289) Scott Schebler CIN, OF, 28.6 – Hits it hard (94.1 MPH FB/LD average exit velocity) but hits it on the ground too often (8.6 degree launch angle). 2019 Projection: 67/26/64/.252/.333/.460/5

290) Jackie Bradley Jr. BOS, OF, 29.0 – Statcast loves him with a 91.9 average exit velocity and 96.4 FB/LD average exit velocity. The skills are there to put up better numbers than he has the past two years. 2019 Projection: 80/20/69/.250/.330/.428/12

291) Randal Grichuk TOR, OF, 27.8 – Poor plate approach slugger. 2019 Projection: 61/24/65/.242/.300/.490/4

292) Michael Chavis BOS, 3B, 23.8 – Lightening quick bat with plus power and mediocre plate approach. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 72/28/88/.254/.328/.476/5

293) Cristian Pache ATL, OF, 20.5 – Classic tooled up, very young for level, don’t scout the statline high ceiling prospect. Started to tap into his power potential by hitting the first 8 homers of his MiLB career this season. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 83/19/76/.265/.328/.442/24

294) Hunter Greene CIN, RHP, 19.8 – Rehabbing a sprained UCL this off-season. 100+ MPH fastball led to 89 strikeouts in 68.1 IP full season debut, but as expected is still very raw. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 16/3.32/1.10/220 in 190 IP

295) Luis Garcia PHI, SS, 18.6 – Signed for $2.5 million in 2017. Slashed .369/.433/.488 with 1 homer, 12 steals, a 11.2% K% and 8% BB% in 43 games in the GCL as a 17-year-old. This could be a special talent that explodes up prospect lists in the near future. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 88/18/73/.278/.353/.449/16

296) Kenta Maeda LAD, RHP, 31.0 – Roberts announced Maeda will work as a starter in 2019, but with how LA juggles their pitching staff, who knows how many starts he will get. 2019 Projection: 6/3.65/1.19/138 in 130 IP

297) Kevin Gausman ATL, RHP, 28.3 – Finally got out of Baltimore and the AL East and immediately thrived, putting up a pitching line of 2.87/1.14/44/18 in 59.2 IP for Atlanta. Some of that was due to BABIP luck and his fastball velocity declined for the 3rd year in a row to 94.1 MPH (still more than enough), so those numbers are probably a bit of a mirage. 2019 Projection: 10/4.00/1.29/176 in 185 IP

298) Kyle Freeland COL, LHP, 25.11 – Doesn’t have big velocity, doesn’t strike many guys out, and pitches half his games at Coors. On the plus side, he is young, he keeps the ball in the yard, and consistently induces weak contact. 2019 Projection: 10/4.05/1.33/162 in 190 IP

299) Yadier Molina STL, C, 36.9 – Late career power surge is for real as Molina is hitting it hard and in the air, while maintaining his excellent strikeout rates. 2019 Projection: 56/18/72/.270/.322/.434/4

300) Collin McHugh HOU, RHP, 31.9 – Stuff played up in the bullpen and struck out 94 batters in 72.1 IP. His swinging strike rate was also up in 2017 when he was starting. McHugh has some sneaky, underrated upside. 2019 Projection: 10/3.91/1.24/152 in 160 IP

301) Steven Matz NYM, LHP, 27.10 – Can’t count on innings but is a solid pitcher when on the mound. 2019 Projection: 9/3.83/1.26/155 in 160 IP

302) Zack Godley ARI, RHP, 28.11 – Disappointing follow up to his 2017 breakout, but he wasn’t quite as bad as his 4.74 ERA would indicate. 2019 Projection: 12/3.97/1.34/190 in 180 IP

303) Jimmy Nelson MIL, RHP, 29.10 – Didn’t recover from shoulder surgery as quickly as expected and missed all of 2018. Your guess is as good as mine if he will be able to return to full health. 2019 Projection: 9/3.93/1.30/156 in 160 IP

304) Eduardo Escobar ARI, 3B/SS, 30.3 – Career high 8.2% walk rate is evidence of real improvements made in Escobar’s 2018 breakout. 2019 Projection: 74/22/83/.266/.323/.455/2

305) Luke Weaver ARI, RHP, 25.7 – Silver lining to a disastrous season is that fastball velocity was up about 1 MPH to 94.3 MPH. Trade to Arizona gives him a guaranteed rotation spot. 2019 Projection: 9/4.23/1.33/166 in 170 IP Prime Projection: 13/3.71/1.26/180 in 180 IP

306) Mitch Keller PIT, RHP, 23.0 – Easy mid 90’s sinking fastball but still needs to work on locating curveball and gaining consistency with changeup. 2019 Projection: 4/4.31/1.38/46 in 58 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.54/1.20/185 in 185 IP

307) Bubba Thompson TEX, OF, 20.10 – Excellent full season debut, slashing .289/.344/.446 with 8 homers, 32 steals and a 104/23 K/BB in 84 games. Elite athlete but still raw at the plate. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 83/17/72/.262/.318/.420/28

308) Nico Hoerner CHC, SS, 21.11 – Selected 24th overall in the 2018 draft, Hoerner posted elite contact rates at Stanford, and then continued that success in pro ball and the AFL. He hit only 3 homers in his entire 3 year college career, but his elite bat speed should generate more power as he matures. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 88/15/63/.281/.363/.426/18

309) Carlos Rodon CHW, LHP, 26.4 – Came back mid-season from arthroscopic shoulder surgery, and while velocity was ok, swinging strike rate was lowest of career at 9.1%. 2019 Projection: 8/4.12/1.35/143 in 150 IP

310) Touki Toussaint ATL, RHP, 22.9 – A win for all the “don’t scout the statline” drum beaters out there, Toussaint began to turn great stuff into results in 2018. I don’t foresee completely clear sailing ahead, and there is still bullpen risk, but it was a big step in the right direction. 2019 Projection: 6/4.23/1.38/103 in 100 IP Prime Projection: 14/3.81/1.31/186 in 180 IP

311) Matt Manning DET, RHP, 21.3 – Needs to add a few MPH to the fastball and/or improve control/command to be a top of the rotation starter, but he will be a high strikeout guy even if he doesn’t hit his ceiling.  ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 15/3.61/1.27/215 in 190 IP

312) Ke’Bryan Hayes PIT, 3B, 22.2 – Son of Yankees hero Charlie Hayes, Ke’Bryan is a much better athlete and much better prospect in general. He has an excellent plate approach and makes hard contact, but it has not yet translated into big homerun totals. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 86/18/75/.279/.362/.443/14

313) Miguel Cabrera DET, 1B, 35.11 – The cliff came abruptly for Cabrera, but the underlying stats show there could still be a dead cat bounce year in him. 2019 Projection: 68/24/81/.286/.374/.477/0

314) Ryan Braun MIL, OF, 35.5 – 5.8 degree launch angle but absolutely crushes the ball with a 91.9 avg exit velocity and 97.4 FB/LD avg exit velocity. 2019 Projection: 63/20/66/.263/.328/.472/10

315) Buster Posey SF, C, 32.0 – Underwent hip surgery at the end of August, with a 6-8 month recovery timetable. Major injuries like this that bleed into the start of the next season completely sabotages the year before it even begins. 2019 Projection: 58/10/66/.288/.361/.417/2

316) Salvador Perez KC, C, 28.11 – Free swinging, power hitting catcher. Update: Tommy John surgery will keep Perez out for all of 2019. 2019 Projection: OUT

317) Justin Smoak TOR, 1B, 32.4 – Took a step back from his 2017 breakout, with his strikeout rate jumping 6.2% to 26.3% and groundball rate jumping 5.2% to 39.5%.  2019 Projection: 73/27/83/.248/.346/.467/0

318) Carlos Santana CLE, 1B, 33.0 – One of those guys without a career arc. A consistent power and walk machine from the second he stepped into the league. 2019 Projection: 84/25/79/.253/.357/.448/4

319) Mike Zunino TB, C, 28.0 – Strikeout rate is actually getting worse, hitting a career high 37% in 2018. 2019 Projection: 46/22/53/.205/.281/.436/0

320) Jorge Alfaro MIA, C, 25.10 – Horrible plate approach (36.6% K%/4.8% BB%) and needs to lift the ball more (29% FB%), but 91.6 MPH average exit velocity shows the potential if he can improve in either area. 2019 Projection: 41/14/54/.244/.297/.401/2 Prime Projection: 53/20/66/.257/.311/.436/3

321) Kevin Kiermaier TB, OF, 28.11 – Hasn’t been able to stay healthy, but being one of the best defensive centerfielders in the league will keep him in the lineup when he is.  2019 Projection: 68/14/47/.248/.319/.418/16

322) Estevan Florial NYY, OF, 21.6 – Elite ceiling but risk is still sky high. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 88/23/75/.252/.344/.451/21

323) Jeimer Candelario DET, 3B, 25.4 – 25.8% K rate and slightly below average exit velocity should both improve with age/experience, but ceiling is more solid than spectacular. 2019 Projection: 78/20/65/.240/.325/.420/4 Prime Projection: 75/23/86/.258/.338/.449/4

324) Isaac Paredes DET, SS, 20.1 – Slashed .321/.406/.458 with 3 homers and a 22/19 K/BB in his 39 game debut at Double-A as a 19-year-old. Precocious hitter, but doesn’t have huge power and speed is below average. ETA: 2020/21 Prime Projection: 83/20/78/.291/.372/.468/3

325) Nolan Jones CLE, 3B, 20.11 – Power started to emerge with 19 homers split between Full-A and Advanced-A. Will always strikeout, but more than makes up for it with elite walk rates (17.1%). ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 82/28/86/.253/.367/.485/2

326) Joey Bart SF, C, 22.3 – Selected 2nd overall in the 2018 draft, Bart is a power hitting catcher with an aggressive approach. Surface stats were great in pro debut, but you should take stats from college hitters in short season ball with a grain of salt, and a 19.7% K% and 50.7% GB% aren’t that great. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 65/23/78/.252/.328/.463/3

327) Travis Swaggerty PIT, OF, 21.9 – Selected 10th overall in the 2018 draft, Swaggerty is an all category producer who has considerable upside if it all comes together. Strikeout percentage jumped to over 25% when he debuted in pro ball at Short Season-A and Full-A, so he is not as much of a finished product as other recent college bats who went in the top 10. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 87/18/72/.274/.338/.431/23

328) Yoenis Cespedes NYM, OF, 33.5 – Surgery on both heels will keep Cespedes out for a large portion of 2019. Strikeout rate jumped to 31.8% in 157 PA. 2019 Projection: 29/9/34/.267/.332/.486/1

329) Alex Colome CHW, Closer, 30.3 – Colome dominates with a mid 90’s fastball and cutter. Rumors have him as the favorite for saves in Chicago. 2019 Projection: 4/3.31/1.18/65/28 in 65 IP

330) Brandon Morrow CHC, Closer, 34.8 – Missed the 2nd half of 2018 with an elbow injury that required surgery in November, which could affect his availability to start the season. 2019 Projection: 3/3.22/1.14/56/26 in 50 IP

331) Danny Salazar CLE, RHP, 29.3 – Underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery in July 2018. Rehab should take him right up to Opening Day. Cleveland has a full rotation, but Salazar could be the next man up assuming he fully recovers. 2019 Projection: 5/3.88/1.32/100 in 83 IP

332) Marcus Stroman TOR, RHP, 27.11 – Former young stud who was never able to take that next step. Stuff is still there so a late career breakout is within reach. 2019 Projection: 10/3.90/1.30/152 in 185 IP

333) Jon Lester CHC, LHP, 35.3 – K% dropped 4% to 19.6%. Lester is long past his prime, but we have already seen he can survive with diminished stuff. 2019 Projection: 13/3.86/1.29/167 in 184 IP

334) Jake Arrieta PHI, RHP, 33.1 – K% on a 4 year decline, sitting at 19.1% in 2018. 2019 Projection: 12/3.83/1.27/158 in 175 IP

335) Rich Hill LAD, LHP, 39.1 – Can’t count on him to be a mainstay in your rotation, but when Hill gets hot he can carry your staff for a month+. 2019 Projection: 11/3.52/1.11/160 in 137 IP

336) Anibal Sanchez WASH, RHP, 35.1 – Adding a cutter propelled Sanchez to a dominant season, putting up a pitching line of 2.83/1.08/135/42 in 136.2 IP. We’ve seen with Rich Hill and Charlie Morton in the recent past that you shouldn’t completely ignore these out of nowhere mid 30’s pitching breakouts. 2019 Projection: 10/3.71/1.26/138 in 140 IP

337) Dinelson Lamet SD, RHP, 26.8 – Tommy John surgery last April will keep Lamet out for at least a couple months in 2019. Two pitch pitcher who racks up strikeouts but will have to develop a third pitch to reach full potential 2019 Projection: 5/4.11/1.31/90 in 78 IP Prime Projection: 12/3.76/1.27/192 in 168 IP

338) Addison Russell CHC, SS, 25.2 – Even real baseball teams have a hard time valuing players you simply don’t want to root for. Just look at the robbery Cashman pulled on the Reds for Aroldis Chapman. Russell is suspended for the first month of the season and considering the lackluster career numbers, it is really hard to get excited to own the still young and talented former top prospect. 2019 Projection: 50/10/40/.248/.324/.401/3 Prime Projection: 89/24/83/.268/.347/.458/7

339) Corey Ray MIL, OF, 24.6 – Beastly power-speed combo (27 homers and 37 steals at Double-A) with a beastly strikeout rate (29.3%). ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 78/21/71/.238/.318/.445/26

340) Brendan McKay TB, LHP, 23.3 – Two way player but it is now clear his future will be on the mound. Plus control/command is best skill, which helps all of his pitches (fastball, cutter, curveball, changeup) play up. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 14/3.68/1.17/189 in 183 IP

341) Kyle Wright ATL, RHP, 23.6 – Likely mid-rotation starter if he can tighten up command and develop changeup. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 14/3.69/1.24/180 in 180 IP

342) Justus Sheffield SEA, LHP, 22.10 – Great stuff, but with a high effort delivery and lacks command. Trade to Seattle opens up playing time and gives him a much longer leash to develop at the Major League level. 2019 Projection: 7/4.36/1.38/109 in 120 IP Prime Projection: 11/3.66/1.28/174 in 180 IP

343) Griffin Canning LAA, RHP, 22.11 – Selected 47th overall in the 2017 draft, Canning’s stuff ticked up in pro ball, with his fastball sitting mid 90’s to go along with an above average slider and curveball. He made it all the way to Triple-A in his first full professional season, and is knocking on the door of the bigs. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 13/3.68/1.23/182 in 177 IP

344) Blake Parker MIN, Closer, 33.10 – Favorite for saves in Minnesota, although it is far from a guarantee. Velocity was down over 1 MPH on all of his pitches in 2018. 2019 Projection: 3/3.59/1.23/72/25 in 65 IP

345) Andrelton Simmons LAA, SS, 29.7 – Low risk, low reward 5 category production. 2019 Projection: 71/12/71/.284/.332/.419/11

346) Ryan McMahon COl, 3B/2B/1B, 24.4 – If not for Coors I might have ranked McMahon 100 spots lower, but you just don’t pass up on young talented hitters playing half their games in that hitting atmosphere … even if the Rockies do love to play their vets. 2019 Projection: 43/10/48/.260/.320/.430/2 Prime Projection: 84/26/96/.275/.348/.480/2

347) Colton Welker COL, 3B, 21.6 – Potential for plus hit and plus power, especially at Coors, but he has played in hitter’s ballparks throughout his minor league career and it’s like pulling teeth to get Colorado to give prospects a full time job. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 77/23/84/.272/.338/470/5

348) Arodys Vizcaino ATL, Closer, 28.4 – Grip on closer job is tenuous and had trouble with his shoulder last season. 2019 Projection: 3/3.41/1.21/64/25 in 60 IP

349) Jose Alvarado TB, Closer, 23.11 – Tampa’s current closer, although Tampa doesn’t adhere to traditional bullpen roles, so who knows how many save chances he will get. 2019 Projection: 3/3.11/1.16/80/22 in 65 IP

350) Jahmai Jones LAA, 2B, 21.8 – Solid power/speed combo with a good feel to hit. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 93/17/78/.278/.346/.439/23

351) Alec Bohm PHI, 3B, 22.8 – 3rd overall pick in the 2018 draft. A poor pro debut (.224/.314/.290 with 0 homers in 107 at-bats at short season A ball) has curbed some of the hype, but Bohm has displayed a plus hit, plus power profile all three years at Wichita State and in the Cape Cod League. ETA: 2020/21 Prime Projection: 77/25/92/.278/.346/.477/4

352) Tyler Nevin COL, 1B/3B, 21.10 – Played out of his mind in the Arizona Fall League, slashing .426/.535/.593 with a 5/15 K/BB and 0 homers in 17 games. Hit tool is what has stood out in his careers so far, but built like his father, Phil Nevin, at 6’4”, 200 pounds, more power is coming. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 79/25/91/.277/.348/.485/5

353) Sonny Gray CIN, RHP, 29.5 – With the trade to Cincinnati, Gray should be in line for a bounce back season. It’s a hitter’s ballpark, but he won’t have to face a DH for the first time in his career. 2019 Projection: 9/3.89/1.28/151 in 165 IP

354) Corey Dickerson PIT, OF, 29.10 – Cut K% to career best 15%, but BB% went with it, posting a career worst 3.9% mark.  2019 Projection: 69/20/67/.285/.320/.470/6

355) Adam Jones BAL, OF, 33.8 – Career best 15.2% K% but a career low 8.4% HR/FB rate prevented Jones from capitalizing on it. 2019 Projection: 69/21/73/.275/.310/.434/3

356) Matthew Boyd DET, LHP, 28.2 – Post all star break pitching line of 3.88/1.08/72 in 72 IP, which coincided with an uptick in velocity. 2019 Projection: 9/4.13/1.33/163 in 170 IP’

357) Michael Wacha STL, RHP, 27.9 – Severe oblique strain ended Wacha’s season in late June. Doesn’t rack up strikeouts, but has been a rock solid mid-rotation starter who is now entering his prime.. 2019 Projection: 10/3.83/1.29/138 in 150 IP

358) Sean Manaea OAK, LHP, 27.2 – Surgery to repair a torn labrum and correct an impingement in Manaea’s shoulder could keep him out for most of 2019. 2019 Projection: 5/4.06/1.27/40 in 55 IP Prime Projection: 13/3.65/1.20/166 in 180 IP

359) Franchy Cordero SD, OF, 24.7 – Statcast beast with double plus exit velocity and sprint speed, but doesn’t lift the ball enough and has a very raw plate approach. 2019 Projection: 48/11/43/.243/.306/.420/10 Prime Projection: 77/19/68/.251/.319/.442/17

360) Yonder Alonso CHW, 1B, 32.0 – Partially regressed from his flyball induced 2017 breakout. Groundball percentage was up from 33.9% to 38.3% and average exit velocity was down from 89.2 MPH to 87.7 MPH 2019 Projection: 67/23/72/.253/.329/.430/1

361) Ryan Zimmerman WASH, 1B, 34.6 – 5th overall in barrels per plate appearance, and put up his best K% (17%) and BB% (9.3%) since 2014. 2019 Projection: 63/21/78/.271/.339/.488/1

362) Billy Hamilton KC, OF, 28.7 – If you could only steal 1B … 2019 Projection: 68/4/33/.244/.297/.333/44

363) Kyle Seager SEA, 3B, 31.5 – Career worst K% (21.9%) and BB% (6%) are not good signs as Seager gets deeper into his 30’s. 2019 Projection: 56/16/64/.251/.318/.433/1

364) Trey Mancini BAL, 1B/OF, 27.0 – Hits the ball hard (95 MPH FB/LD avg. exit velo) but a poor plate approach (24.1% K%/6.9% BB%) combined with a heavy groundball rate (54.6% GB%) is not an easy profile to buy into. 2019 Projection: 67/23/71/.257/.311/.436/1

365) Joc Pederson LAD, OF, 26.11 – The Dodgers extreme depth is great for real life, but a pain for fantasy. Although, considering Pederson slashed .170/.211/.302 vs lefties, maybe it is better off. 2019 Projection: 63/24/59/.253/.340/.492/4

366) Odubel Herrera PHI, OF, 27.3 – Statcast is not a fan. Below average speed and exit velocity in 2018. 2019 Projection: 65/17/67/.268/.324/.428/6

367) Franklin Barreto OAK, Utility, 23.1 – Expected to fill a utility role this season. Barreto has above average speed, hits the ball hard and hits it in the air, but extremely raw plate approach will have to improve before Oakland gives him a full time job. 2019 Projection: 42/10/39/.241/.298/.418/6 Prime Projection: 77/23/84/.253/.318/.452/14

368) Jordyn Adams LAA, OF, 19.5 – Selected 17th overall in the 2018 draft, Adams was a two sport star in high school (outfield and wide receiver). He has plus raw power and double plus speed, but is obviously still very raw. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 86/18/75/.250/.340/.439/28

369) Julio Pablo Martinez TEX, OF, 23.0 – Signed with Texas for $2.8 million in March 2018. Patience, power, and speed with some swing and miss. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 85/16/65/.255/.342/.418/21

370) Wander Javier MIN, SS, 20.3 –Missed all of 2018 with a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. All of the potential that convinced Minnesota to give him a $4 million signing bonus in 2015 is still there. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 87/21/82/.278/.342/.455/15

371) Michael Pineda MIN, RHP, 30.3 – Missed all of 2018 recovering from Tommy John surgery and then also had meniscus surgery on his knee in September. When healthy, he pounded the strikezone, which racked up strikeouts, but he often caught too much of the plate. 2019 Projection: 8/4.13/1.28/136 in 140 IP

372) Brandon Lowe TB, OF/2B, 24.9 – Power breakout and a strong MLB debut, but competition for playing time in Tampa is going to be fierce. 2019 Projection: 27/8/29/.255/.330/.439/4 Prime Projection: 78/25/76/.263/.350/.468/9

373) Adrian Morejon SD, SP, 20.1 – Combines a plus fastball and a plus curveball with two different changeups. Still needs to work on control and command.  ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 13/3.62/1.29/169 in 173 IP

374) Adonis Medina PHI, RHP, 22.4 – Athletic delivery with electric stuff, Medina throws strikes with all of his pitches in any count (fastball, slider, changeup). ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 13/3.73/1.19/193 in 181 IP

375) Brusdar Graterol MIN, RHP, 20.7 – Easy upper 90’s heat with a wicked slider, average curveball, and developing changeup. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 14/3.52/1.23/190 in 180 IP

376) Drew Steckenrider MIA, Closer, 28.3 – With the Sergio Romo signing, closer job is up in the air. Longterm, he is still the favorite for saves in Miami. Classic back end of the bullpen profile with mid 90’s heat and a slider/cutter. 2019 Projection: 3/3.58/1.26/76/20 in 65 IP

377) Brad Peacock HOU, Setup, 31.2 – Used mostly like a normal short reliever in 2018, but is the favorite for the 5th starter job now that Josh James is out of the mix.  2019 Projection: 8/3.72/1.24/133 in 120 IP

378) Shin-Soo Choo CLE, OF, 36.9 – Choo continues to churn out consistent production, especially in OBP leagues. He’s a groundball hitter (6.1 degree launch angle) who makes his flyballs count (95.2 FB/LD avg. exit velocity). 2019 Projection: 81/20/66/.260/.359/.428/6

379) Matt Kemp CIN, OF, 34.6 – With a 15.8 launch angle and 94.1 MPH FB/LD average exit velocity, the move to Great American Ballpark could give his homerun power a boost.  2019 Projection: 59/22/71/.269/.318/.472/0

380) Brian Anderson MIA, 3B, 25.10 – 19.3% K% and a 51.8% groundball rate is not a recipe for success, but he hits the ball very hard (90.1 MPH) and was better at lifting the ball in the minors, so I think the ability is in there. 2019 Projection: 73/17/69/.268/.343/.418/4 Prime Projection: 80/23/93/.273/.358/.468/2

381) Garrett Richards SD, RHP, 30.11 – Likely to miss all of 2019 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. If your team is 1 or 2 years away, not the worst flyer to take if you can acquire him for cheap. 2019 Projection: OUT

382) Julio Teheran ATL, RHP, 28.2 – Velocity was down but posted highest swinging strike rate of career at 11.3% (along with highest BB/9 of career at 4.30). .217 BABIP shows Teheran got lucky last season. 2019 Projection: 9/4.25/1.32/161 in 182 IP

383) Jake Junis KC, RHP, 26.6 – Slider is his best pitch, and he knows it, throwing it 40.1% of the time. 2019 Projection: 9/4.11/1.27/161 in 175 IP

384) Vince Velasquez PHI, RHP, 26.10 – Upped his slider usage in 2018, which is his best secondary pitch, to go along with his 94.6 MPH fastball. 2019 Projection: 9/4.16/1.33/163 in 150 IP

385) Brandon Woodruff MIL, RHP, 26.2 – Mid 90’s fastball-slider combo with a few changeups mixed in. 2019 Projection: 9/3.91/1.32/137 in 145 IP

386) Dylan Bundy BAL, SP, 26.4 – Career high 12.7% swinging strike rate, but it did not help his ERA (5.45).  2019 Projection: 9/4.36/1.32/175 in 175 IP

387) Nate Pearson TOR, RHP, 22.7 – Lit up the radar guns at the Falls Stars game throwing 103 mph bee-bees. Everything else is still pretty raw. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 13/3.58/1.24/192 in 180 IP

388) Yuli Gurriel HOU, 1B/3B, 34.10 – 11% K% and 89.3 MPH average exit velocity is strong, but his FB/LD average exit velocity dropped almost 5 MPH in 2018 to a paltry 89.7 MPH. 2019 Projection: 67/15/73/.286/.323/.441/3

389) Shane Greene DET, Closer, 30.4 – Detroit’s closer by default. Everything plays off his mid 90’s sinker. 2019 Projection: 4/4.18/1.33/67/29 in 65 IP

390) Brad Boxberger KC, Closer, 30.10 – Signing with Kansas City makes Boxberger the favorite for the closer job. Injury issues, velocity decline, spotty performance track record, and trade risk makes him far from a safe bet to hold the job all season. 2019 Projection: 4/3.98/1.34/64/20 in 50 IP

391) C.J. Cron MIN, 1B, 29.3 – Broke out with 30 homers after being given the most playing time in his career, but poor defensive 1B are so disposable in today’s game, his margin of error is very slim. 2019 Projection: 64/25/73/.250/.315/.476/2

392) Enrique Hernandez LAD, OF/SS/2B, 27.7 – Great second half. Good underlying numbers. I don’t know if the playing time is going to be there, but this guy has late career breakout written all over him. 2019 Projection: 79/23/71/.262/.349/.481/4

393) Jose Martinez STL, OF/1B,  30.8 – Hits it hard but swing is geared more for line drives than home runs. In need of a trade to the AL, especially after the Goldy trade. 2019 Projection: 61/18/74/.292/.356/.469/1

394) Seranthony Dominguez PHI, Setup/Closer, 24.4 – Throws a 98.4 MPH fastball, 98.6 MPH sinker, 88.9 MPH slider, and a 91.1 MPH change-up. In 2100, will this be the average pitcher?  2019 Projection: 2/3.16/1.02/79/16 in 62 IP

395) Jordan Hicks STL, Seteup/Closer, 22.7 – 101.7 MPH fastball with a 5.21 BB/9. With the Miller signing, Hicks is no longer the frontrunner for saves in St. Louis. 2019 Projection: 4/3.52/1.28/74/12 in 74 IP

396) Dellin Betances NYY, RP, 31.0 – How to value set-up men is so league dependent it is impossible to get right on a general ranking. In my 30 team holds league, Betances is insanely valuable. In my 12 team, weekly lineups, no holds league he is almost worthless. 2019 Projection: 4/2.91/1.09/113/6 in 65 IP

397) A.J. Minter ATL, Setup, 25.7 – Vizcaino is the favorite for the closers job to start the year, but with only one year left of team control, Minter could be the closer of the future. 2019 Projection: 4/3.21/1.24/76/8 in 64 IP

398) Joe Jimenez DET, Setup, 24.3 – The closer of the future in Detroit, and if Greene stumbles, the future could come this year. Jimenez is your prototypical flamethrowing, fastball/slider late inning reliever. 2019 Projection: 4/3.61/1.28/74/9 in 65 IP

399) Ty Buttrey LAA, Setup, 26.0 – Buttrey has a 96 MPH fastball which racked up 74 strikeouts in 49 IP at Triple-A. He then closed out the season by striking out 20 batters in 16.1 IP in MLB, while also collecting 4 saves. The Allen signing means he won’t close to start the year, but he could still be the closer of the future. 2019 Projection: 3/3.51/1.26/71/9 in 65 IP

400) Kyle Gibson MIN, RHP, 31.5 – About a 1 MPH velocity bump on all of his pitches led to a career high 11.5% swinging strike rate. 2019 Projection: 10/3.92/1.32/167 in 186 IP

401) Jhoulys Chacin MIL, RHP, 31.3 – Low strikeout rates are concerning, with Steamer really not buying in (4.67 ERA, 1.42 WHIP projection). The surface numbers have been good the past two seasons, but they have been buoyed by low BABIP’s. 2019 Projection: 13/3.98/1.26/151 in 182 IP

402) Mike Minor TEX, LHP, 31.3 – 93.2 MPH fastball which is up about 2 MPH from his starting days in 2010-2014. He was slowly building himself up all season after not starting for 3 seasons, with his fastball velocity increasing as the year went on. There is some sneaky upside here. 2019 Projection: 11/4.02/1.24/148 in 165 IP

403) Kevin Pillar TOR, OF, 30.3 – Career high 16.5 degree launch angle but his strikeout rate and walk rate also took a small hit. 2019 Projection: 69/14/58/.253/.295/.411/13

404) Daniel Palka CHW, OF, 27.5 – 34.1% K% with a 92.3 MPH avg. exit velocity (97.4 MPH avg. exit velocity on FB/LD) and 11.5 degree launch angle. In other words, Palka doesn’t hit it often, but when he does, he smokes it. 2019 Projection: 60/28/73/.237/.299/.468/3

405) Greg Holland ARI, Closer, 33.5 – Favorite for saves in Arizona, but will have a very short leash if he doesn’t perform well, and if he does perform well, there is a good chance he will be traded out of the role. 2019 Projection: 3/3.77/1.32/57/23 in 56 IP

406) Jeremy Jeffress MIL, Closer/Set-up, 31.6 – Should have at least a share of the closer’s job, although he will be a tough play in weekly lineup, saves only leagues. 2019 Projection: 5/3.21/1.19/74/15 in 71 IP

407) Pedro Strop CHC, Closer/Setup, 33.10 – Favorite to close out games if Morrow is unavailable. 2019 Projection: 4/3.00/1.09/59/12 in 60 IP

408) Mark Trumbo BAL, OF, 33.2 – Underwent knee surgery to repair cartilage in September 2018. Should be ready for spring training. Exit velocity is Trumbo’s game, with a 92.8 MPH avg exit velocity and 95.9 MPH on FB/LD. 2019 Projection: 61/24/69/.253/.309/.457/1

409) Kevin Smith TOR, SS, 22.9 – Slashed .302/.358/.528 with 25 homers, 29 steals, and a 121/40 K/BB in 129 games split between Full-A and Advanced-A. The real test will come at Double-A, but by then, it could be too late to buy. ETA: Late 2020 Prime Projection: 74/24/77/.248/.312/.456/12

410) Marco Luciano SF, SS, 17.7 – Signed for $2.6 million in 2018, Luciano’s standout skill is his plus raw power which he generates with a smooth swing. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 81/28/93/.255/.338/.483/7

411) Ryan Mountcastle BAL, 3B, 22.1 – Big, aggressive, natural hitter with developing power. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 80/26/80/.278/.320/.476/5

412) Ronaldo Hernandez TB, C, 21.5 – Power hitting catcher who won’t tank your average. ETA: Mid 2021 Prime Projection: 51/22/66/.260/.320/.460/2

413) Luiz Gohara ATL, LHP, 22.8 – Whipped himself into shape this off-season as he is looking to bounce back from a down and injured 2018. 2019 Projection: 5/3.98/1.32/81 in 74 IP Prime Projection: 11/3.81/1.30/187 in 174 IP

414) Dustin Fowler OAK, OF, 24.3 – 45th fastest sprint speed in baseball shows Fowler’s speed has completely returned after his unfortunate knee injury, but low walk rates (3.8% at Triple-A and 3.9% in MLB) and weak airborne contact (88.8 MPH) is preventing him from passing Laureano on the depth chart. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 78/14/63/.262/.310/.412/21

415) Daulton Varsho ARI, C, 22.9 – Probably won’t hit much better than your average starting catcher, but plus speed gives Varsho an added dimension. ETA: 2020/21 Prime Projection: 57/18/60/.255/.304/.421/12

416) Jon Duplantier ARI, RHP, 24.9 – Finished 2nd highest (to Whitley) in strikeouts in the Arizona Fall League. Should get his shot this season. ETA: Mid 2019 Prime Projection: 11/3.74/1.29/178 in 175 IP

417) Luis Patino SD, RHP, 19.5 – Mid 90’s fastball with a plus slider and above average control. Curveball and changeup lag behind. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 12/3.75/1.28/163 in 170 IP

418) Michel Baez SD, RHP, 23.2 – 6′,8”, 220 pounds with a fastball that can hit the upper 90’s, but needs to work on secondaries and command. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 11/3.82/1.32/179 in 173 IP

419) Hans Crouse TEX, RHP, 20.6 – Ace potential thanks to a mid-90’s, high spin rate fastball, and slider that flashes plus, but violent delivery tacks on some extra risk. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 13/3.54/1.23/188 in 172 IP

420) Matthew Liberatore TB, LHP, 19.5 – 16th overall pick in the 2018 draft. Big lefty with a deceptive fastball and advanced secondaries (curveball, changeup). ETA: 2021/22 Prime Projection: 13/3.63/1.22/193 in 178 IP

421) Cole Winn TEX, RHP, 19.4 – 15th overall pick in the 2015 draft. Signed for $3.15 million. Athletic delivery with a plus fastball and curveball. Also throws a slider and changeup that show potential. ETA: 2021/22 Prime Projection: 14/3.66/1.24/200 in 190 IP

422) Ronald Guzman TEX, 1B, 24.5 – More of a pure hitter than power hitter, but power should naturally increase as Guzman gains strength. 2019 Projection: 68/20/74/.248/.318/.426/3 Prime Projection: 74/24/87/.269/.335/.462/3

423) Sean Murphy OAK, C, 24.6 – Plus defensive catcher with a strong plate approach, good feel to hit, and plus raw power that he hasn’t completely tapped into yet. ETA: Mid 2019 Prime Projection: 62/18/71/.268/.335/.427/2

424) Jed Lowrie NYM, 2B, 34.11 = Good feel to hit, strong plate approach, and the ability to lift the ball. Lowrie has been one of the best 2nd baseman in baseball the last two years. 2019 Projection: 79/18/81/.265/.348/.435/1

425) Taijuan Walker ARI, RHP, 26.8 – Underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2018 and is expected back at some point during the 1st half of 2019. Talented pitcher whose best years should still be ahead of him. 2019 Projection: 6/4.15/1.33/91 in 100 IP

426) Dereck Rodriguez SF, LHP, 26.10 – 2.81 ERA in 118.1 IP in MLB debut, but with only 89 strikeouts and a 4.56 xFIP, it does not seem sustainable.  2019 Projection: 9/4.06/1.30/131 in 160 IP

427) Trevor Richards MIA, RHP, 25.11 – Tied for the 2nd most valuable changeup in MLB with Anibal Sanchez, behind only Kyle Hendricks. 2019 Projection: 9/3.91/1.30/158 in 165 IP

428) Bobby Bradley CLE, 1B, 22.10 – With Cleveland looking to shed their veterans and trim payroll, Bradley will have a prime opportunity to win the 1B job within the next couple of seasons. He is your classic masher with power, patience, and strikeouts. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 77/29/88/.242/.329/.471/1

429) Brent Rooker MIN, OF/1B, 24.5 – Power will definitely play. Only question is how low of a batting average it will come with. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 74/32/87/.244/.327/.495/4

430) Jason Kipnis CLE, 2B, 32.0 – Silver lining to Kipnis’ mediocre at best 2017-18 is that he started to lift the ball more, so his decline years should come with some usable power. 2019 Projection: 72/19/69/.247/.320/.412/6

431) Zach Eflin PHI, RHP, 25.0 – Velocity spiked to 95.2 MPH (+1.5 MPH from 2017) and with it so did his strikeout rate. 2019 Projection: 9/4.22/1.31/132 in 140

432) Jake Odorizzi MIN, RHP, 29.0 – Extreme flyball pitcher with a 20.2 degree launch angle against. 2019 Projection: 9/4.23/1.32/154 in 167 IP

433) Danny Duffy KC, LHP, 30.3 – Shoulder impingement ended Duffy’s season in early September. He took a step back in multiple areas in 2018, including swinging strike rate, BB/9, and HR rate. 2019 Projection: 9/4.21/1.34/145 in 160 IP

434) Anthony DeSclafani CIN, RHP, 29.0 – Plus slider that he pairs with a 94.1 MPH fastball and 94.2 MPH sinker. 2019 Projection: 10/4.16/1.28/147 in 156 IP

435) Lance Lynn TEX, RHP, 31.11 – Down year in 2018 but the stuff is the same, or actually a half tick better than what it was in St. Louis (94 MPH fastball in 2018). 2019 Projection: 9/4.24/1.35/161 in 173 IP

436) Caleb Smith MIA, LHP, 27.8 – Was having a breakout season (4.19/1.24/88/33 in 77.1 IP) thanks to his nasty slider and swing and miss fastball before a lat injury abruptly put it to halt. He is supposed to be a little behind at the start of spring, but his rotation spot should be waiting for him when he is ready. 2019 Projection: 7/4.03/1.28/138 in 140 IP

437) Jeff Samardzija SF, RHP, 34.2 – Shoulder injury in Spring caused 2018 to be a lost season. If he looks healthy in Spring 2019, his draft stock should rise. 2019 Projection: 9/4.20/1.28/161 in 175 IP

438) Trevor Williams PIT, RHP, 26.11 – Extremely low strikeout rate limits upside, but has been very good at inducing weak contact. 2019 Projection: 11/3.81/1.29/125 in 165 IP

439) Jose Urena MIA, RHP, 27.7 – Mid 90’s heat with a plus slider, but doesn’t miss enough bats (8.9% swinging strike rate). 2019 Projection: 9/4.13/1.28/128 in 170 IP

440) Niko Goodrum DET, 2B, 27.1 – Moderate power/speed combo with a low average. 2019 Projection: 61/15/59/.248/.315/.420/13

441) Chase Anderson MIL, SP, 31.4 – Couldn’t maintain the velocity bump that spurred his 2017 breakout and numbers fell back to his mediocre career norms. 2019 Projection: 10/4.07/1.28/134 in 155 IP

442) Tanner Roark CIN, RHP, 32.6 – Move from a pitcher’s park to a hitter’s park isn’t going to help, and he doesn’t rack up enough strikeouts to really get excited about him. 2019 Projection: 10/4.28/1.33/158 in 180 IP

443) Willians Astudillo MIN, C/3B, 27.6 – Insane 3.1% K% in MLB debut with an 87.2 MPH average exit velocity, which shows there is some strength behind it, although it was only 88.1 MPH on FB/LD. 2019 Projection: 48/13/53/.288/.317/.437/3

444) Wilmer Flores ARI, 1B, 27.8 – Arizona moved Marte to CF to open up playing time for Flores at 2B. Flores doesn’t hit the ball very hard, but he hits it in the air and and had a 9.8% K% in 2018. 2019 Projection: 69/20/77/.269/.317/.445/1

445) Nick Williams PHI, OF, 25.7 – Took a step forward in BB% (7.1%) last season, but he stills needs to improve his launch angle (7.8 degrees) and K% (24.8%) to tap into his potential. 2019 Projection: 51/16/49/.259/.321/.437/3

446) Roman Quinn PHI, OF, 26.1 – 2nd fastest sprint speed in baseball at 30.2 feet per second. Very similar profile to Mallex Smith. 2019 Projection: 46/3/23/.258/.319/.399/17

447) Ryan McKenna BAL, OF, 22.2 – Above average speed, good plate approach, and makes hard contact. ETA: Late 2020 Prime Projection: 84/18/67/.271/.348/.421/15

448) Johan Camargo ATL, 3B, 25.3 – Donaldson signing pushes Camargo out of the everyday 3B job, but he should still see plenty of at-bats in a super utility role. 2019 Projection: 53/13/61/.267/.328/.431/1

449) Anderson Espinoza SD, RHP, 21.1 – Hasn’t pitched in two seasons after elbow discomfort led to Tommy John surgery in July 2017. When healthy, Espinoza has a mid 90’s fastball with two potential plus secondaries in his curveball and changeup. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/3.81/1.27/158 in 150 IP

450) Jaime Barria LAA, RHP, 22.9 – 7th most valuable slider in baseball which he threw 36.5% of the time. 2019 Projection: 9/4.36/1.35/124 in 155 IP Prime Projection: 12/3.88/1.31/155 in 175 IP

451) Isan Diaz MIA, 2B, 22.10 – Power, patience, and a little speed. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 88/20/73/.250/.350/.445/10

452) Heliot Ramos SF, OF, 19.7 – Surface numbers were mediocre in full season debut, but 25.4% K% was actually kinda encouraging after striking out 31.8% of the time in rookie ball. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 77/24/83/.253/.326/.468/11

453) Monte Harrison MIA, OF, 23.8 – Looks more like a basketball player than a baseball player out on the field. Which is a good thing because he is an uber athlete, but also a bad thing because he hits breaking balls like a basketball player too. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 72/26/77/.238/.308/.443/18

454) Khalil Lee KC, OF, 20.9 – Cut strikeout rate from 31.2% in 2017 to 24.9% in 2018. Power dropped too (from 17 homers to 6), but some of that can be attributed to playing in a pitchers league. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 85/17/69/.257/.336/.451/17

455) Esteury Ruiz SD, 2B, 20.1 – Plus power/speed combo. Hit 12 homers with a 44.8% FB% and stole 49 bases in 117 games at Full-A. 28.6% K% shows there is some risk. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 83/24/81/.261/.338/.473/20

456) Leody Taveras TEX, OF, 20.7 – Tooled up, plus defensive centerfielder who has been one of the youngest players in his league the past two seasons. Questions about the bat because of poor quality of contact, although he has a solid plate approach and gets the bat on the ball. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 79/17/62/.268/.333/.411/20

457) Brandon Marsh LAA, OF, 21.4 – An elite athlete with a plus power/speed combo and plus centerfield defense, but a 27.7% K% at High-A shows he is still raw at the plate. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 81/20/76/.253/.337/.436/16

458) Oneil Cruz PIT, SS, 20.6 – 6’7”, 175 pounds, Cruz is an extreme groundball hitter (28% FB%) with a raw, but improving plate approach. He has monster raw power and athleticism you can dream on.  ETA: 2022 2019 Projection: 77/22/71/.255/.318/.431/9

459) Justin Dunn SEA, RHP, 23.6 – 19th pick in the 2016 draft. Athletic delivery with the potential for 4 above average pitches (fastball, curve, slider, change) but needs to improve fastball command. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 12/3.76/1.28/176 in 182 IP

460) Freddy Peralta MIL, RHP, 22.10 – Piles up strikeouts with lots of low 90’s heat up in the zone. 2019 Projection: 5/4.21/1.37/100 in 90 IP Prime Projection: 11/3.72/1.33/166 in 150 IP

461) Adam Haseley PHI, OF, 23.0 – Selected 8th overall in the 2017 draft, Haseley has been as advertised, but a little on the underwhelming side, displaying a plus hit tool with a mediocre power/speed combo. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 82/14/67/.283/.335/.417/12

462) Grant Lavigne COL, 1B, 19.7 – Selected 42nd overall in the 2018 draft, Levigne destroyed the Pioneer League in his pro debut, slashing .350/.477/.519 with 6 homers, 12 steals and a 40/45 K/BB in 59 games. Potential for plus hit and plus power. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 76/25/89/.275/.362/.491/6

463) Michael Fulmer DET, RHP, 26.0 – Underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in right knee in September. Throws over 96 MPH on his fastball and sinker, but hasn’t been able to turn that heat into big strikeout totals quite yet. (Update: Likely to undergo Tommy John surgery and be out for the season. 2019 Projection: OUT

464) Lucas Giolito CHW, RHP, 24.9 – Once considered the top pitching prospect in baseball, Giolito has done nothing but regress since that designation. With a 92.8 MPH fastball and 125/90 K/BB in 173.1 IP last season, I can’t quite put him in the post hype sleeper category, but his velocity did tick up in the 2nd half and he wasn’t quite as bad as he was in the 1st half. 2019 Projection: 8/4.92/1.44/131 in 165 IP

465) Eric Lauer SD, LHP, 23.10 – Back end starter profile with low 90’s heat and without a put away pitch, but he knows how to pitch and has had success everywhere he has been. 2019 Projection: 8/4.28/1.36/138 in 150 IP Prime Projection: 10/4.01/1.29/161 in 175 IP

466) Kole Calhoun LAA, OF, 31.6 – Low BABIP (.241) tanked Calhoun’s batting average (.208) in 2018, but he did post career high exit velocities (90.4 MPH avg., 94.4 MPH FB/LD). There could be some untapped power upside in here. 2019 Projection: 76/20/68/.246/.328/.415/4

467) Brandon Belt SF, 1B, 31.0 – Hits the ball in the air but makes weak contact and plays home games in a terrible hitter’s park. 2019 Projection: 78/19/76/.257/.360/.439/4

468) Ryon Healy SEA, 1B, 27.3 – Poor plate approach with good power. 2019 Projection: 62/23/71/.253/.297/.440/1

469) Starlin Castro MIA, 2B, 29.0 – Hasn’t had that breakout season we were all hoping for. He did have a career high 7.4% BB% in 2018, and the natural ability is still there, so maybe there is a little more in here. 2019 Projection: 68/14/63/.281/.329/.421/5

470) Yan Gomes WASH, C, 31.8 – Poor plate approach (27.4% K%, 4.8% BB%), but he lifts it (18.5 degree launch angle) with some power behind it (88.9 MPH avg. exit velo, 92.4 MPH on FB/LD). 2019 Projection: 51/17/62/.241/.293/.425/0

471) Robinson Chirinos HOU, C, 34.10 – Hits it in the air (48.9% FB%) and hits it hard (93.3 MPH FB/LD avg. exit velocity). 2019 Projection: 47/18/58/.231/.336/.436/1

472) Francisco Cervelli PIT, C, 33.1 – Drastically changed his hitting profile from an extreme groundball hitter to a flyball hitter, without sacrificing anything in K% or BB%. 2019 Projection: 43/12/55/.256/.362/.419/2

473) Welington Castillo CHW, C, 31.11 – Low average, power hitting catcher. Was off to a hot start in 2017 before being suspended 80 games for PED’s.  2019 Projection: 43/15/56/.253/.304/.422/1

474) Delino DeShields Jr. TEX, OF, 26.8 – 7th fastest sprint speed in baseball guarantees he is going to steal bases, but a 3.7 degree launch angle and 79.6 MPH average exit velocity is awful. 2019 Projection: 62/5/28/.246/.330/.346/23

475) Greg Allen CLE, OF, 26.1 – The new Rajai Davis. Might not play everyday, but will find a way to rack up steals. 2019 Projection: 63/7/39/.258/.319/.355/26

476) Oscar Mercado CLE, OF, 24.4 – Won’t be handed at-bats, but with Cleveland looking to get younger, Mercado has a chance to carve out a role as early as this year as a speed first outfielder. 2019 Projection: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 72/11/51/.270/.331/.408/20

477) Eric Thames MIL, OF/1B, 32.4 – Strikeout rate spiked last season but crushed the ball when he did make contact. 2019 Projection: 59/22/47/.231/.324/.487/6

478) Brett Gardner NYY, OF, 35.5 – No guarantee of everyday at-bats and getting old, but still fast (40th fastest sprint speed in baseball) and can still knock 10+ homers over that Yankee Stadium short porch. 2019 Projection: 81/14/50/.254/.337/.399/15

479) Kendrys Morales TOR, DH, 35.10 – Old and slow but can still put a charge into the ball (92.3 MPH avg exit velo). 2019 Projection: 51/23/67/.254/.319/.447/1

480) Sandy Alcantara MIA, RHP, 23.7 – Raw flamethrower with good stuff who took steps forward in 2018 with control/command and secondary pitches. Still a long way to go. 2019 Projection: 8/4.18/1.38/131 in 150 IP Prime Projection: 11/3.89/1.33/171 in 175 IP

481) Fernando Romero MIN, SP, 24.4 – Mid 90’s fastball with a potential plus slider. Development of changeup is necessary to unlock upside. 2019 Projection: 7/4.21/1.34/93 in 110 IP Prime Projection: 12/3.73/1.28/171 in 183 IP

482) Trevor Cahill LAA, RHP, 31.1 – Constantly on the DL but hasn’t had any major surgeries and stuff was as good as ever in 2018. If he can stay off the DL, he should provide value. 2019 Projection: 7/4.03/1.33/108 in 120 IP

483) Sean Reid-Foley TOR, RHP, 23.7 – High strikeout, high whip mid rotation starter. 2019 Projection: 8/4.41/1.43/143 in 130 IP Prime Projection: 12/3.92/1.36/194 in 172 IP

484) Matt Duffy TB, 3B, 28.3 – 4.6 degree launch angle with below average exit velocity, but he has some speed and makes good contact. 2019 Projection: 64/7/48/.285/.349/.391/11

485) DJ LeMahieu NYY, 2B, 30.9 – Leaving Coors and going to New York’s murky playing time situation adds too much unknown risk for my blood. 2019 Projection: 75/11/61/.288/.341/.410/6

486) Avisail Garcia TB, OF, 27.10 – Hits the ball very hard but hits it on the ground too often and has a poor plate approach. 2019 Projection: 55/16/62/.263/.319/.448/4

487) DJ Stewart BAL, OF, 25.4 – With Baltimore rebuilding they have every reason to give their 2015 1st round pick an extended chance to lock down a starting job. Stewart is a patient hitter with plus raw power and the ability to steal a handful of bases. 2019 Projection: 57/16/53/.246/.328/.411/6 Prime Projection: 76/21/72/.259/.342/.448/9

488) Cole Tucker PIT, SS, 22.9 – Plus defensive SS with plus speed and a strong plate approach. The 6’3”, 205 pound Tucker was a first round pick in 2015, so while he hasn’t been able to produce much power, there should be more coming in the future. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 81/15/65/.268/.331/.404/21

489) Luis Alexander Basabe CHW, OF, 22.7 – Power/speed combo with walks and strikeouts. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 79/19/74/.246/.333/.429/18

490) Austin Beck OAK, OF, 20.5 – Would have been nice for the power and/or speed to show up (2 homers and 8 steals in 123 games at Single-A), but his 21.9% K% and .296 BA is quite encouraging considering the questions surrounding his hit tool coming into the year. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 85/23/78/.258/.334/.469/13

491) Zack Collins CHW, C, 23.2 – Not a lock to stick at catcher. Major bump in OBP leagues. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 65/23/61/.248/.364/.447/2

492) Renato Nunez BAL, 3B, 25.0 – Has hit for power his entire professional career but that is the only plus skill he possesses. Improving walk rates the past two seasons is a positive sign in his development. 2019 Projection: 54/18/58/.249/.312/.413/1 Prime Projection: 68/23/81/.259/.331/.458/1

493) Jacob Nottingham MIL, C, 24.0 – Defense has improved enough to where he is likely to stick behind the plate, but will have to improve his 30.1% K% in order to consistently tap into his big raw power. ETA: Mid 2019 Prime Projection: 51/20/64/.248/.305/.418/3

494) Rowdy Tellez TOR, 1B, 24.0 – Dominated in his September cup of coffee, slashing .314/.329/.614 with 4 homers and a 21/2 K/BB in 70 at bats. Not a pure power hitter, but exit velocity readings were strong (96 MPH FB/LD avg exit velo) and has a solid plate approach. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 58/18/65/.262/.337/.440/3

495) Joe Ross WASH, RHP, 25.10 – Returned from Tommy John surgery for 3 starts at the very end of the season. He didn’t pitch all that well, but he did have all of his velocity back. 2019 Projection: 7/4.26/1.33/121 in 138 IP

496) Isiah Kiner-Falefa TEX, C, 24.0 – Realmuto like skill set with above average speed and strong plate approach (62/28 K/BB in 111 games), but high groundball rates and poor exit velocities will have to improve before he can sniff Realmuto’s fantasy value. 2019 Projection: 47/6/41/.267/.328/.369/9 Prime Projection: 69/11/61/.278/.340/.398/12

497) Zack Cozart LAA, 3B, 33.8 – Season ended in June when he underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. The hope is that he is ready to go by Spring Training, but shoulder injuries are notorious for taking a long time to truly get back to 100%. 2019 Projection: 75/18/65/.250/.318/.417/3

498) Andrew Knizner STL, C, 24.2 – Catcher of the future in St. Louis. Has posted outstanding strikeout rates throughout his minor league career (12.8% at Double-A and 13.1% at Triple-A in 2018) and has average pop. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 62/17/69/.278/.337/.423/0

499) Chris Shaw SF, OF, 25.6 – Double plus power with a high strikeout rate and poor plate approach. With San Francisco in need of power, Shaw should see a lot of at-bats. 2019 Projection: 43/17/59/.228/.289/.425/0

500) J.P. Crawford SEA, SS, 24.3 – OBP is only plus skill, with the hope that BA, homers, and steals develop into above average skills. 2019 Projection: 36/6/27/.243/.339/.397/4 Prime Projection: 94/18/63/.268/.372/.439/10

501) Eric Pardinho TOR, RHP, 18.3 – Top ranked international pitching prospect in 2017, Pardinho immediately went to the more advanced Rookie Ball (Appy League) and dominated with an advanced feel for the art of pitching. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 14/3.42/1.17/189 in 184 IP

502) Drew Smyly TEX, LHP, 29.10 – Missed all of 2017 and 2018 recovering from Tommy John surgery, but is expected to be healthy coming into 2019. Predominantly a fastball/curveball pitcher who mixed in a cutter and a rarely used changeup. 2019 Projection: 8/4.20/1.31/122 in 140 IP

503) Matt Harvey LAA, RHP, 30.0 – Pitched relatively well in Cincy with a pitching line of 4.50/1.25/111/28 in 128 IP. He still throws plenty hard, and if he can remain healthy, his days of being an effective starter might not be over. 2019 Projection: 9/4.31/1.34/134 in 150 IP

504) Daniel Mengden OAK, RHP, 26.1 – With a 93.2 MPH fastball and 6 pitch mix, the ingredients are there for Mengden to be a solid mid rotation starter. 9/4.21/1.32/123 in 150 IP Prime Projection: 13/3.78/1.26/160 in 175 IP

505) Matt Strahm SD, LHP, 27.4 – Will come to camp competing for a starting job. Strahm has a traditional 4-pitch mix with everything playing off his 94 MPH fastball. Changeup is best secondary. 2019 Projection: 6/3.65/1.24/115 in 110 IP

506) Johnny Cueto SF, RHP, 33.1 – Underwent Tommy John surgery in August and is expected to miss all of 2019. 2019 Projection: OUT

507) Hunter Strickland SEA, Closer, 30.6 – Favorite for saves in Seattle to start the season, but ineffectiveness and possibility of getting traded are legitimate risks. 2019 Projection: 3/3.83/1.34/57/24 in 60 IP

508) Leonys Martin CLE, OF, 31.1 – Low batting average with a moderate power/speed combo. Life threatening bacterial infection ended Martin’s season in August, but he should be ready to roll in 2019. 2019 Projection: 67/16/53/.248/.311/.398/12

509) Hudson Potts SD, 3B, 20.5 – 1st rd pick in 2016 who came into his own this season, slashing .281/.350/.498 with 17 homers and a 112/37 K/BB in 106 games at High-A. Struggled in his short Double-A cameo, but considering his age and small sample I would basically throw that out. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 75/24/86/.257/.316/.455/4

510) Nick Pratto KC, 1B, 20.6 – Exploded down the stretch, mashing 9 homers in final 38 games of the season, including the playoffs. Plus athleticism for a 1B. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 87/22/84/.270/.342/.479/12

511) Cavan Biggio TOR, 2B/3B/1B, 24.0 – Mechanical adjustment to swing unlocked power, as Biggio smacked 26 homers in 132 games at Double-A. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 76/24/73/.245/.332/.458/9

512) Ronny Mauricio NYM, SS, 18.0 – $2.1 million international signing in 2017. Toolsy up the middle defender with a good feel to hit. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 78/26/89/.274/.328/.467/7

513) Elehuris Montero STL, 3B, 20.8 – 6’3”, 195 pound beast who has consistently hit the ball in the air with reasonable strikeout rates. Slashed .322/.381/.529 with 15 homers and a 81/33 K/BB in 103 games at Full-A. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 75/28/83/.263/.325/.478/2

514) Bobby Dalbec BOS, 3B, 23.9 – Monster power (32 homers in 129 games) with monster strikeout rates (31% at Advanced-A and 37.1% at Double-A). ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 66/30/71/.238/.321/.465/2

515) Mark Vientos NYM, 3B, 19.4 – At 6’4”, 185 pounds he has all the tools to develop into a big, physical power hitter. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 78/27/90/.263/.339/.484/3

516) Bryce Wilson ATL, RHP, 21.3 – Able to dominate minor league hitters with a plus fastball that he can locate wherever he wants, but will need to improve secondaries to find the same success on the Major League level. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 13/3.97/1.26/174 in 183 IP

517) Dustin May LAD, RHP, 21.7 – Plus fastball with plus command but secondaries are still raw. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 11/3.91/1.27/163 in 175 IP

518) Nick Neidert MIA, RHP, 22.5 – Plus changeup is his calling card, but low 90’s fastball and fringe breaking ball limit his upside on the Major League level. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 13/3.93/1.25/169 in 182 IP

519) Logan Gilbert SEA, RHP, 21.11 – Workhorse build at 6’6”, 225 pounds. Absolutely destroyed the Atlantic Sun Conference with a pitching line of 2.72/0.85/163/25 in 112 IP. Gilbert relies on a low 90’s heavy, sinking fastball (also has a mid 90’s 4 seamer) to go along with two potential plus pitches in his curveball and slider. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 14/3.72/1.29/193 in 185 IP

520) Akil Baddoo MIN, OF, 20.8 – Tooled up youngster with all category potential but still raw. 11 homers, 24 steals, 14.3% BB%, and 24% K% in 113 games at Full-A. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 86/17/71/.266/.351/.428/19

521) David Fletcher LAA, 2B/3B, 24.10 – Elite contact rates (11.1%) with above average speed but makes very weak contact (83.4 MPH avg. exit velocity).  2019 Projection: 68/6/51/.271/.311/.378/11 Prime Projection: 79/10/62/.288/.335/.405/17

522) Anderson Tejeda TEX, SS, 20.11 – Power (19 homers in 121 games at High-A) and strikeouts (27.2% K%) with the chance to stick at SS. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 72/21/74/.244/.321/.431/9

523) Evan Longoria SF, 3B, 33.6 – Slow decline was only hastened by the move to San Francisco. He’s still got some juice left in the tank but upside is gone. 2019 Projection: 63/20/71/.259/.308/.419/4

524) Todd Frazier NYM, 3B, 33.1 – Will kill your batting average, but still has power (18.6 degree launch angle with a 93.7 MPH FB/LD avg exit velo) and will chip in some steals. 2019 Projection: 63/23/69/.219/.313/.426/7

525) Aaron Sanchez TOR, RHP, 26.9 – Hard throwing righty who relies on his heavy, sinking fastball, but hasn’t missed enough bats to hold big fantasy value. Career high 9.6% swinging strike rate in 2018 was a step in the right direction. 2019 Projection: 9/4.12/1.38/127 in 150 IP

526) Austin Hays BAL, OF, 23.9 – Shoulder and ankle injuries were responsible for Hays terrible season. Expect a bounceback in 2018. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 67/23/78/.264/.312/.443/6

527) Franklin Perez DET, RHP, 21.4 – Lat strain and sore shoulder limited Perez to 19.1 IP this season. When healthy, he has a 4 pitch mix with the changeup being his best weapon. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 14/3.82/1.27/173 in 180 IP

528) J.B. Bukauskas HOU, RHP, 22.6 – Bulging disk in back from a car accident limited Bukauskas to 59 IP. Plus fastball/slider combo gives him high strikeout upside, but struggles with control/command and weak changeup might limit his innings totals even if he does start. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 12/3.76/1.31/178 in 163 IP

529) DL Hall BAL, LHP, 20.6 – Being an Orioles pitching prospect is the kiss of death, but a highly regarded lefty with 3 potential plus pitches (fastball, curveball, changeup) could be good enough to break the dry spell. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 12/3.56/1.27/185 in 180 IP

530) Spencer Howard PHI, RHP, 22.8 – 147/40 K/BB in 112 IP at Full-A. Dominated in the 2nd half of the season with a fastball that sat in the mid 90’s and could hit 100 MPH. Needs to improve consistency of secondary pitches and control/command to reach full potential. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 11/3.80/1.32/189 in 174 IP

531) Dane Dunning CHW, RHP, 24.4 – Plus sinker and slider. Mid rotation upside. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 11/3.91/1.26/179 in 183 IP

532) Tirso Ornelas SD, OF, 19.1 – 6’3”, 220 pounds, Ornelas has the potential for plus hit and plus power. He hit 8 homers with a 68/40 K/BB in 86 games in his full seaon debut as an 18-year-old. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 78/28/91/.277/.358/.485/6

533) Tristen Lutz MIL, OF, 20.7 – Plus power and underrated athleticism but will have to cut down on 27.6% K%. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 74/27/85/.258/.343/.481/8

534) D’Shawn Knowles LAA, OF, 18.2 – Played well at both stops of rookie ball as a 17 year old, hitting .311 with 5 homers and 9 steals in 58 games. He has plus speed, a patient approach at the plate, and projects for at least average power. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 85/16/68/.265/.348/.412/20

535) Parker Meadows DET, OF, 19.5 – Selected 44th overall in the 2018 draft, Meadows has a plus power/speed combo with a raw hit tool. Excellent in his pro debut, where he slashed .290/.377/.473 with 4 homers, 3 steals, and a 31/10 K/BB in 28 games split between rookie ball and short-season-A ball. Austin Meadows is his big brother, so he has the bloodlines too. ETA: 2022/23 Prime Projection: 77/24/74/.244/.318/.452/18

536) Jordan Groshans TOR, 3B/SS, 19.5 – 12th overall pick in the 2018 draft. Groshans is 6’4”, 190 pounds with plus raw power, an advanced plate approach, and solid feel to hit. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 79/25/88/.273/.357/.491/8

537) Triston Casas BOS, 3B, 19.3 – 6’4”, 238 pound beast with elite power and potential for a decent hit tool. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 79/33/91/.258/.341/.510/3

538) Brady Singer KC, RHP, 22.9 – 18th overall pick of the draft but received the 11th highest bonus. High floor, SEC battle tested starter. ETA: Mid 2020 Prime Projection: 12/3.89/1.28/175 in 185 IP

539) Ryan Weathers SD, LHP, 19.4 – Selected 7th overall in the 2018 draft, Weathers is a high floor high school arm with 3 potential above average pitches (fastball, curveball, changeup). He was strong in his pro debut (3.44/1.25/18/4 in 18.1 IP split evenly between rookie ball and Full-A). ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 13/3.71/1.25/172 in 180 IP

540) Keone Kela PIT, Setup, 26.0 – Flamethrowing, high strikeout rate reliever who is next man up in Pitt. 2019 Projection: 4/3.21/1.11/78/5 in 60 IP

541) Ryan Pressly HOU, Setup, 30.4 – Broke out last season with a pitching line of 2.54/1.11/101/22 in 71 IP. His mid 90’s fastball, slider, and curveball are all positive value pitches, and if anything happens to Osuna, Pressly could provide elite closer value. 2019 Projection: 5/3.28/1.17/81/7 in 65 IP

542) Carl Edwards Jr. CHC, Setup, 27.5 – Decent chance Edwards is the closer of the future in Chicago, but a lot can happen before that time comes. 2019 Projection: 4/3.39/1.18/82/2 in 60 IP

543) Trevor Rosenthal WASH, Setup, 28.10 – With how brittle Doolittle is, Rosenthal could see plenty of save opportunities this season. He had a bounceback year in 2018 with a pitching line of 3.40/1.20/76/20 in 47.2 IP. 2019 Projection: 4/3.42/1.31/76/13 in 55 IP

544) Matt Barnes BOS, Setup, 28.10 – 96.9 MPH fastball with a plus curveball. 2019 Projection: 5/3.43/1.24/88 in 65 IP

545) Geraldo Perdomo ARI, SS, 19.5 – Perdomo is a switch hitter with plus bat speed and an advanced plate approach. He dominated 3 levels of the low minors in 2018 (AZL, PIO, NWL), slashing .322/.438/.460 with 4 homers, 24 steals and a 44/39 K/BB in 57 games. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 87/18/77/.277/358/.438/16

546) Freudis Nova HOU, SS/2B, 19.3 – Plus hit, plus power upside which Nova started to showcase in rookie ball with a 13.4% K% and 6 homers in 41 games. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 86/23/79/.282/.336/.470/11

547) Antonio Cabello NYY, OF, 18.5 – One of the consolation prizes for losing out on Ohtani. Cabello was impressive in his pro debut and has above average to plus tools across the board. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 82/26/79/.272/.338/.470/12

548) Jeremiah Jackson LAA, SS, 19.0 – Selected 57th overall in the 2018 draft, Jackson is a tooled up athlete with a plus power/speed combo (7 homers and 10 steals in 43 games split between the Arizona and Pioneer League), but a 34% K% in the Pioneer League will need some work. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 78/22/75/.257/.331/.454/17

549) Yunior Severino MIN, 2B/SS, 19.6 – The classic lotto ticket prospect. I know everyone is looking for that prospect who seemingly comes out of nowhere to be a hyped up prospect writer darling, and with a good showing in full season ball next year, Severino could be that guy. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 81/25/89/.273/.338/.470/3

550) Jonathan Loaisiga NYY, RHP, 24.5 – Most likely going to fill a swingman role in the Yanks pen this season. Injury prone, but averaged 96.1 MPH on the fastball to go along with a potential plus changeup and curveball. 2019 Projection: 6/4.11/1.30/83 in 75 IP Prime Projection: 11/3.91/1.24/165 in 165 IP

551) Jay Bruce SEA, OF, 32.0 – Extreme flyball hitter (21.4 degree launch angle) who used to offset his low average with a handful of steals, but those days are over. Likely in a platoon role this season. 2019 Projection: 51/18/56/.242/.317/.440/2

552) Steven Duggar SF, OF, 25.5 – Plus speed and a high walk rate are best fantasy assets. 28.9% K% in both Triple-A and the Majors with well below average exit velocity makes it hard to get excited. 2019 Projection: 68/8/42/.243/.318/.397/14

553) Ryan Yarbrough TB, Post Opener Starter, 27.2 – Racked up 16 wins despite rarely starting games. Doesn’t have big velocity so he leans heavily on the cutter to get outs. 2019 Projection: 9/4.06/1.30/127 in 145 IP

554) Jake Faria TB, RHP, 25.9 – Followed up a great rookie campaign with a disastrous sophomore year. Plus changeup is still his calling card, although his slider grades out as his best pitch. 2019 Projection: 6/4.23/1.34/79 in 85 IP

555) Jordan Montgomery NYY, LHP, 26.4 – Underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2018. Rotation spot is gone, but with a 5 pitch mix and without overpowering stuff, his future still lies in the rotation. 2019 Projection: 4/4.11/1.33/36 in 40 IP

556) Merrill Kelly ARI, RHP, 30.6 – Spent the last four seasons in Korea where he pitched well, but not outstanding. He put up a 4.09 ERA with a 161/47 K/BB in 158.1 IP in 2018. I would keep expectations in check. 2019 Projection: 9/4.28/1.32/151 in 160 IP

557) Jeurys Familia NYM, Setup, 29.5 – Bounced back in 2018 after a blood clot in his shoulder tanked his 2017. 2019 Projection: 4/3.21/1.23/76/6 in 70 IP

558) Chad Green NYY, Setup, 27.10 – Elite set-up man who needs injuries for chance at saves. 2019 Projection: 2.88/1.07/86/4 in 70 IP

559) Adam Ottavino NYY, Setup, 33.4 – Dominant fastball/slider combo. 2019 Projection: 5/3.18/1.14/92/8 in 70 IP

560) Archie Bradley ARI, Setup, 26.8 – Holland signing removes Bradley as the favorite for saves in Arizona, although nothing has been announced. Has already been involved in trade rumors this off-season, so he will almost certainly be available at the trade deadline too. 2019 Projection: 3/3.48/1.22/77/9 in 72 IP

561) Billy McKinney TOR, OF, 24.8 – Strong side of a platoon power hitter. 18.7 degree launch angle and 93.1 MPH FB/LD avg. exit velocity. 2019 Projection: 57/18/63/.250/.320/.455/2

562) Matt Adams WASH, 1B, 30.7 – Should see at-bats at 1B and OF. With a 19.1 degree launch angle and 94.6 MPH average exit velocity on FB/LD, he’s gonna hit homers. 2019 Projection: 46/20/59/.251/.312/.452/0

563) Justin Bour LAA, 1B, 30.10 – Struggles against lefties limits him to a strong side of a platoon role. 2019 Projection: 52/20/61/.251/.339/.455/1

564) Josh Reddick HOU, OF, 32.1 – 44.1% FB% with a 15.8% K% but low exit velocities are preventing bigger power numbers. 2019 Projection: 66/16/71/.267/.335/.439/6

565) Adam Frazier PIT, 2B/OF, 27.3 – Strong side of a platoon bat with a good average and a little bit of power and speed. 2019 Projection: 61/11/50/.272/.336/.402/6

566) Yonny Chirinos TB, Post Opener Starter, 25.3 – Leans heavily on his 94.2 MPH sinking fastball, while also mixing in a slider and splitter. 2019 Projection: 8/4.19/1.33/115 in 130 IP

567) Marwin Gonzalez MIN, OF/SS/2B/1B, 30.1 – Was able to maintain BB% (9.6%) from his 2017 breakout season, but was not able to maintain .343 BABIP (.301 in 2018) or 18.1% HR/FB (12.5% in 2018). 2019 Projection: 65/19/68/.266/.337/.441/4

568) Brandon Crawford SF, SS, 32.3 – As boring and unexciting as it gets, but Crawford has a full time job and is capable of power hot streaks. 2019 Projection: 65/14/69/.252/.320/.399/5

569) Evan Gattis FA, DH, 32.7 – Won’t have catcher eligibility to start the season, and there is no guarantee his new team will use him as anything other than a DH. 2019 Projection: 42/17/56/.245/.305/.460/0

570) Hernan Perez MIL, 2B/SS/3B/OF, 28.0 – Super utility player. With SS and 2B far from locked down, and Domingo Santana out of the picture, Perez could be in line for a nice amount of at-bats. 2019 Projection: 50/13/55/.256/.291/.403/15

571) Joe Panik SF, 2B, 28.5 – Elite contact percentages but makes weak contact and has below average speed. 2019 Projection: 61/9/53/.274/.335/.397/4

572) Chad Pinder OAK, 2B/OF, 27.0 – Super utility player but should see the majority of his time in LF. Pinder crushed the ball in 2018 with a 90.2 MPH average exit velocity and 95.8 MPH FB/LD average, but his strikeout and walk rates (26.4% K%,8.1% BB%) are mediocre at best. 2019 Projection: 56/15/44/.253/.320/.431/2

573) Jason Heyward ATL, OF, 29.8 – It’s almost more frustrating when elite prospects have careers like Heyward and Starlin Castro than if they just straight busted. 2019 Projection: 64/10/57/.265/.331/.399/5

574) Carlos Gonzalez FA, OF, 33.5 – Numbers haven’t looked all that hot the last two seasons, and that was with the help of Coors Field. I’m staying far away. 2019 Projection: 66/18/61/.261/.325/.447/4

575) Jordan Luplow CLE, OF, 25.6 – Short side of a platoon. Solid plate approach, above average speed, and lifts the ball, but needs to hit it harder to make an impact. 2019 Projection: 49/13/47/.252/.321/.419/6 Prime Projection: 76/20/79/.268/.339/.447/10

576) Derek Fisher HOU, OF, 25.8 – 30.2% K% and 49.3% GB% is worrisome, but the raw power and speed is elite. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 69/18/60/.238/.322/.423/16

577) Brett Phillips KC, OF, 24.10 – 41.5% K% in 147 plate appearances last season shows the risk is sky high, but he is still only 24 years old and there is an exciting power/speed combo in here. 2019 Projection: 43/9/41/.219/.291/.371/9 Prime Projection: 63/18/58/.241/.320/.418/17

578) Max Fried ATL, LHP, 25.2 – Plus curveball is his calling card, throwing the pitch 29.2% of the time, which he pairs with a 93.6 MPH fastball. If he can improve his control and command, there is fantasy friendly upside here. 2019 Projection: 5/3.83/1.34/93 in 80 IP Prime Projection: 12/3.59/1.31/186 in 178 IP

579) Brock Burke TEX, LHP, 22.8 – Dominated in his final nine starts of the season after being called up to Double-A with a pitching line of 1.95/0.96/71/14 in 55.1 IP. Changeup made huge strides this season, but is mostly a fastball/slider pitcher. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 11/3.91/1.30/168 in 175 IP

580) Ethan Hankins CLE, RHP, 19.10 – 35th overall pick of the draft, but only dropped that far because a shoulder injury scared teams off. Upside is as high, or higher, than any pitcher in the draft, so if you can stomach some extra injury risk, Hankins could pay off huge dividends. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 14/3.50/1.15/200 in 185 IP

581) Everson Pereira NYY, OF, 18.0 – Signed for $1.5 million in 2017, Pereira was pushed to advanced rookie ball to start his career and struggled to make contact. There is potential for plus hit, speed, and power. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 82/21/79/.275/.340/.441/14

582) Dan Vogelbach SEA, 1B, 26.4 – Hits the ball on the ground too much to be a pure power hitter, but Vogelbach has a plus plate approach and his exit velocity numbers in the majors were strong in a small sample (92.4 MPH average, 97.4 MPH FB/LD) ETA: Whenever they are able to trade Encarnacion. Prime Projection: 55/16/64/.265/.350/442/0

583) Peter O’Brien MIA, 1B/OF, 28.9 – Your classic Quad-A slugger, and now that MLB finally has a Quad-A team, the Miami Marlins, O’Brien should get his shot. 29.6% K% as a 27/28 year old at Triple-A, but he can absolutely mash, posting a 16.5 degree launch angle, 92.1 MPH avg exit velocity, and a 96.6 MPH FB/LD avg exit velocity in his MLB debut. 2019 Projection: 43/20/45/.218/.303/.411/0

584) Kevin Newman PIT, SS, 25.8 – Struggled in his MLB debut. Elite strikeout percentages that hovered around 10% throughout minor league career and has plus speed, but quality of contact is weak. 2019 Projection: 41/5/35/.258/.303/.359/10 Prime Projection: 78/11/56/.281/.330/.402/18

585) Tim Beckham SEA, SS/3B, 29.2 – Former #1 overall pick in the draft, but never really developed beyond his raw talent. Has a poor plate approach, high strikeout rate, and high groundball rate. 2019 Projection: 48/14/55/.250/.306/.408/3

586) Mauricio Dubon MIL, 2B/SS, 24.8 – Tore his ACL in May, ending what was a dominating 27 games at Colorado Springs. Dubon is an aggresive hitter with near elite strikeout rates and plus speed. Could challenge for at-bats at 2B and SS in 2019. ETA: Mid 2019 Prime Projection: 71/8/52/.272/.328/.384/19

587) Colin Moran PIT, 3B, 26.6 – Solid plate approach, makes good contact, and has some raw power. Platoon bat because he struggles to hit lefties.  2019 Projection: 53/14/61/.268/.328/.411/1

588) William Contreras ATL, C, 21.3 – Profiles much like his brother, Willson, with a solid overall approach and good raw power. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 52/18/64/.271/.333/.442/0

589) Nick Ahmed ARI, SS, 29.0 – Plus defensive SS will keep him in the lineup, but isn’t going to provide much value for your fantasy team. 2019 Projection: 63/13/66/.238/.295/.407/7

590) Mitch Moreland BOS, 1B, 33.7 – Strong side of a platoon power bat. 2019 Projection: 55/17/71/.248/.327/.436/1

591) Ji-Man Choi TB, 1B, 27.11 – Strong side of a platoon power bat. Rays have other 1B capable, left handed hitters knocking on the door, so Choi will have to scratch and claw to keep this job every step of the way. 2019 Projection: 58/17/64/.246/.331/.438/2

592) Daniel Robertson TB, 2B/SS, 25.0 – Having a breakout season until a thumb injury ended his year in August. Doesn’t have a standout tool but does a little bit of everything. 2019 Projection: 59/11/52/.266/.348/.403/4

593) Yairo Munoz STL, 2B/3B/SS/OF, 24.2 – Groundball hitter who makes good contact, hits the ball hard, and has some speed. 2019 Projection: 38/7/39/.271/.328/.406/7 Prime Projection: 81/16/69/.283/.347/.429/15

594) Yu Chang CLE, SS, 23.5 – After a solid season at Triple-A, Chang exploded in the Arizona Fall League with a .337/.396/.523 triple-slash. He does everything well except make contact, which he will have to improve to win an infield job in the majors. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 78/23/74/.250/.330/.462/10

595) MJ Melendez KC, C, 20.4 – Classic low average, power and patience catcher. Lock to stay behind the dish but 30.3% K% in Full-A adds risk. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 52/24/66/.247/.322/.452/4

596) Seuly Matias KC, OF, 20.5 – Slashed .231/.303/.550 with 31 homers, 34.8% K% and 46.4% FB% as a 19 year old in Single-A. If he can figure out his plate approach, watch out. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 62/26/71/.221/.289/.447/8

597) Josh Naylor SD, 1B/OF, 21.10 – Started to tap into his plus raw power in 2018 with 17 homers in 128 games at Double-A, but he still had a 47.3% GB%. His calling card is his good feel to hit, posting a 12% K% and 11.1% BB%. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 74/20/81/.277/.343/.451/4

598) Malcom Nunez STL, 1B, 18.1 – Slashed .415/.497/.774 with 13 homers in 44 games in the DSL. No defensive value and more physically mature than competition, but you have to take notice of those numbers no matter what. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 79/26/91/.265/.345/.495/2

599) Jhon Torres STL, OF, 19.0 – 6’4”, 199-pound physical specimen who slashed .321/.409/.525 with 8 homers, 8 steals, and a 37/19 K/BB in his stateside debut. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 77/28/89/.261/.337/.486/3

600) Deivi Garcia NYY, RHP, 19.10 – Small righty with an elite spin rate curveball that racked up 251 strikeouts in 182.1 career minor league IP. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 11/3.91/1.28/166 in 170 IP

601) Austin Dean MIA, OF, 25.6 – Good feel for contact with a little pop and slightly higher than average speed. 2019 Projection: 52/14/49/.262/.312/.409/5

602) Blake Rutherford CHW, OF, 21.11 – Solid but unspectacular skills across the board. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 81/18/69/.278/.336/.449/9

603) Orelvis Martinez TOR, SS, 17.7 – Received highest 2018 international signing bonus (excluding Victor Mesa) of $3.5 million. Ball jumps off his bat in batting practice and projects for plus power. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 82/26/93/.279/.352/.487/6

604) Kevin Alcantara NYY, OF, 16.9 – Signed for $1 million in 2018, Alcantara has superstar upside. He’s displayed plus speed with the potential for plus hit and plus power. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 82/23/86/.271/.340/.477/18

605) Alek Thomas ARI, OF, 18.11 – Selected 63rd overall in the 2018 draft, Thomas is a prototypical leadoff hitter with an advanced plate approach, plus speed, and the potential to hit 10+ bombs. He showed off those exact skills in his pro debut with a 13.6% K% and 12 steals in 56 games. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 89/12/61/.279/.358/.410/21

606) Corbin Martin HOU, RHP, 23.3 – 56th overall pick of the 2017 draft. Martin has made quick work of the minor leagues, rising to Double-A this year and putting up a pitching line of 2.97/1.09/96/28 in 103 IP. Houston knows a thing or two about developing pitchers. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 13/3.76/1.26/171 in 177 IP

607) Logan Allen SD, LHP, 21.10 – 4-pitch mix headlined by a low 90’s fastball and plus changeup. Doesn’t have a high ceiling but he knows how to pitch and is knocking on the door of the bigs.  ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 11/3.97/1.28/161 in 175 IP

608) Nick Gordon MIN, SS/2B, 23.5 – High floor player without a stand out tool but can chip in a little bit everywhere. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 76/13/60/.271/.333/.401/14

609) Dylan Carlson STL, OF, 20.6 – 33rd overall pick of the 2016 draft, the switch hitting Carlson has power from both sides of the plate and a strong plate approach. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 82/22/76/.271/.354/.463/6

610) Brice Turang MIL, SS, 19.4 – Selected 21st overall in the 2018 draft, Turang has a smooth lefty swing geared for line drives, a plus plate approach, and plus speed. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 83/14/68/.262/.339/.410/23

611) Mike Siani CIN, OF, 19.8 – 4th round pick in 2018 but signed for well above slot. Plus defensive centerfielder with plus speed and is advanced for his age at the plate. Power development will dictate his ceiling. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 83/14/61/.273/.347/.420/21

612) Daniel Lynch KC, LHP, 22.4 – Selected 34th overall in the 2018 draft, Lynch’s velocity ticked up at the end the of season to 93-95 MPH and dominated in his pro debut with a pitching line of 1.58/1.01/61/8 in 51.1 IP at Full-A. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 11/3.91/1.26/171 in 162

613) Derek Holland SF, LHP, 32.6 – Had one of the best seasons of his career in 2018 for San Francisco, with a pitching line of 3.57/1.29/169/67 in 171.1 IP. Resigning with them was a best case scenario for Holland.  2019 Projection: 8/4.11/1.32/143 in 155 IP

614) Greg Bird NYY, 1B, 26.5 – Health concerns, playing time concerns, and strikeout issues, but if he is in the lineup, he will hit dingers. 2019 Projection: 54/18/67/.235/.320/.439/0

615) Antoni Flores BOS, SS, 18.5 –  $1.4 million international signing in 2017. Great feel for making contact and will grow into more power. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 86/21/82/.289/.371/.469/8

616) Yasel Antuna WASH, SS, 19.6 – Signed for $3.9 million in 2016. Struggled in full season debut this year and then underwent Tommy John surgery in July. The potential for plus hit and plus power are still there, but is currently very raw at the plate. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 74/20/71/.271/.340/.445/10

617) Mason Denaburg WASH, RHP, 19.4 – 27th overall pick of the 2018 draft. Bicups injury before the draft scared a few teams off. 6’4”, 200 pounds with a plus fastball that can hit 97 MPH and a potentially plus curveball. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 13/3.89/1.29/185 in 180 IP

618) Cole Roederer CHC, OF, 19.6 – Selected 77th overall in the 2018 draft, Roederer had a great pro debut, slashing .275/.354/.465 with 5 homers, 13 steals, and a 37/18 K/BB in 36 games in rookie ball. He’s a potential 5-category producer. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 81/24/83/.265/.338/.471/10

619) Brennen Davis CHC, OF, 19.5 – Selected 62nd overall in the 2018 draft, Davis has the build of a basketball player at 6’4”, 175 pounds. He didn’t commit to playing baseball full time until his senior year of high school, and his dad, Reggie Theus, was an NBA All-Star. As you can expect, he is raw, but there is elite power/speed combo upside. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 84/20/77/.248/.328/.434/20

620) Julio Rodriguez SEA, OF, 18.3 – Ripped up the Dominican League, slashing .315/.404/.525 with 5 homes, 10 steals, and a 40/30 K/BB in 59 games. Rodriguez has double plus power and good instincts on the base paths. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 75/27/87/.250/.338/.486/8

621) Alexander Canario SF, OF, 18.11 – Plus power/speed combo but overall game is still raw. In stateside debut, slashed .250/.357/.403 with 6 homers, 8 steals, and a 51/27 K/BB in 45 games. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 78/22/81/.250/.335/.452/11

622) Noelvi Marte SEA, SS, 17.6 – Signed for $1.55 million in 2018. Marte has an advanced approach at the plate, plus speed, and the potential for plus raw power. He’s a lottery ticket, but the upside is elite. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 89/25/83/.275/.355/.482/15

623) Matt Thaiss LAA, 1B, 23.11 – Started lifting the ball more this year and it resulted in 16 homers in 125 games without a spike in strikeouts. He is high floor, low ceiling first baseman. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 73/21/81/.276/.347/.459/4

624) Tucker Barnhart CIN, C, 28.3 – High walk rates (10.3% in 2018) is standout skill. Everything else is fairly average for a catcher. 2019 Projection: 48/12/53/.256/.327/.380/2

625) Chance Sisco BAL, C, 24.1 – Struggled the past two seasons in Triple-A and the Majors, but talent is still there and catchers have been known to take a hot minute to develop. 2019 Projection: 26/7/31/.229/.300/.360/1 Prime Projection: 52/17/59/.257/.317/.425/2

626) Hunter Dozier KC, 3B, 27.7 – Lack of hit tool has held Dozier back. He has above average sprint speed and ranked 82nd overall in barrels per plate appearance. 2019 Projection: 55/17/59/.239/.308/.392/5

627) Jorge Bonifacio KC, OF, 25.10 – Returned from 80 game PED suspension in the 2nd half and could never get it going. Bonifacio is a flyball hitter but he doesn’t hit the ball all that hard. 2019 Projection: 47/13/42/.251/.317/.413/1

628) Keon Broxton NYM, OF, 28.11 – Elite power/speed combo but extreme swing and miss prevents him from fully tapping into it. 2019 Projection: 55/14/47/.219/.299/.408/17

629) Tony Santillan CIN, RHP, 22.0 – 6’3”, 240 pounds with a mid 90’s fastball, potential plus slider, and non deceptive delivery. Considering the ballpark he is going to pitch in, I’m not reaching for him. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 12/3.81/1.32/166 in 179 IP

630) Caleb Ferguson LAD, LHP, 22.9 – Likely to be used out of the pen in the near future, but could transition into a starting role in a few years. Two pitch pitcher (fastball/curve) who will need to develop a third pitch to thrive in the rotation. 2019 Projection: 5/3.76/1.29/81 in 75 IP Prime Projection: 13/3.75/1.26/172 in 180 IP

631) Brayan Rocchio CLE, SS, 18.4 – Traditional leadoff hitter profile. Makes great contact, has plus speed, and has surprising pop for his size. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 87/10/61/.280/.350/.407/26

632) Wenceel Perez DET, SS, 19.5 – 11.3% K% in 71 PA in Full-A as an 18-year-old. Plus hit, plus speed, and should develop 10+ homer pop. ETA: 2022/23 Prime Projection: 90/12/53/.288/.336/.398/23

633) Calvin Mitchell PIT, OF, 20.1 – Selected 50th overall in the 2017 draft, Mitchell had an excellent Full-A debut, slashing .280/.344/.427 with 10 homers and a 109/41 K/BB in 119 games. He has a strong plate approach with the potential for plus hit and plus power. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 77/23/84/.276/.349/.474/5

634) Kyle Lewis SEA, OF, 23.9 – Hasn’t been the same since that horrific knee injury in 2016 pro debut. Power and speed have both been greatly diminished. This is a bet that his old skills will return the further removed he gets from the injury ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 73/23/81/.263/.340/.459/4

635) Chad Kuhl PIT, RHP, 26.7 – Underwent Tommy John surgery in September and is expected to miss all of 2019. When healthy, he throws a mid 90’s fastball and sinker with two positive value secondaries in his slider and curveball. 2019 Projection: OUT Prime Projection: 11/4.15/1.34/155 in 160 IP

636) Asdrubal Cabrera TEX, 2B/3B/SS, 33.5 – Should get close to full time at bats at 3B after signing with Texas. 2019 Projection: 65/19/61/.265/.319/.438/2

637) Tyler Mahle CIN, RHP, 24.6 – Both of his main secondary pitches (slider and changeup) got hit hard last season, and his 93.1 MPH isn’t dominant enough to rely on. 2019 Projection: 7/4.52/1.42/123 in 130 IP Prime Projection: 10/4.13/1.34/171 in 173 IP

638) Gio Gonzalez FA, LHP, 33.7 – His great 2017 stats were a mirage. 2018 is much closer to who he is now. 2019 Projection: 9/4.21/1.35/151 in 165 IP

639) Zach Davies MIL, RHP, 26.2 – Shoulder injury limited Davies to only 13 starts in 2018. No guarantee of a rotation spot, but he doesn’t have the type of stuff that plays up in the bullpen, so he might win the job by default. 2019 Projection: 10/4.21/1.34/121 in 150 IP

640) Frankie Montas OAK, RHP, 26.0 – Has the big velocity, but lacks control/command and a third pitch. 2019 Projection: 8/4.41/1.39/105 in 130 IP

641) Alex Cobb BAL, RHP, 31.6 – Dominated post all star break with a pitching line of 2.56/1.16/39/18 in 59.2 IP. It will help if he pitches well enough for Baltimore to trade him during the season. 2019 Projection: 7/4.23/1.32/121 in 160 IP

642) Brad Keller KC, RHP, 23.8 – Groundball pitcher with a 6.7 degree launch angle against, but is going to have to improve on his 6.16 K/9 to avoid major regression. 2019 Projection: 8/4.25/1.36/110 in 160 IP

643) Dakota Hudson STL, RHP, 24.7 – Hard throwing, ground ball pitcher. Likely to come out of the bullpen for the foreseeable future. 2019 Projection: 3.79/1.33/61/2 in 78 IP Prime Projection: 3.95/1.34/146 in 175 IP

644) Kolby Allard ATL, LHP, 21.8 – Advanced beyond his years but will need his fastball to tick up in velocity to become anything more than a soft-tossing back end starter. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 9/4.06/1.29/155 in 170 IP

645) Mike Fiers OAK, RHP, 33.10 – Biggest allure is that he might be able to rack up wins with Oakland’s offense, but he isn’t going to help that much in any other category. 2019 Projection: 10/4.18/1.30/130 in 160 IP

646) Yandy Diaz TB, 3B/1B, 27.9 – Known for his insane popcorn muscles and insanely low FB % (23.3%). Tampa is going to try to unleash that raw power. 2019 Projection: 48/7/41/.274/.351/.398/2

647) Albert Pujols LAA, 1B, 39.2 – Has the honor of being the slowest player in baseball. Still hits the ball hard and still posts strong strikeout rates, so he’s not completely washed up yet. 2019 Projection: 56/22/71/.248/.293/.417/1

648) Mike Leake SEA, RHP, 31.5 – Soft tossing righty who is capable of hot streaks when he is locked in, but lack of stuff means there is always a clunker around the corner. 2019 Projection: 9/4.24/1.31/111 in 170 IP

649) Ivan Nova CHW, RHP, 32.2 – Induces groundballs with a heavy, sinking fastball, but doesn’t miss enough bats to provide fantasy upside. 2019 Projection: 9/4.28/1.34/125 in 170 IP

650) Wei-Yin Chen MIA, LHP, 33.8 – Severely cut down on his sinker usage and replaced it with more sliders, which is his best secondary pitch. 2019 Projection: 7/4.24/1.30/126 in 148 IP

651) Matt Shoemaker TOR, RHP, 32.6 – Surgery on his forearm kept Shoemaker out for most of 2018, but when he returned in September his stuff looked mostly the same. 2019 Projection: 7/4.16/1.31/120 in 130 IP

652) Ben Zobrist CHC, OF/2B, 37.10 – Age and low ceiling makes it tough to value Zobrist very high in Dynasty, but he bounced back in 2018, and Joe Maddon loves him. 2019 Projection: 64/11/55/.278/.360/.427/4

653) Domingo German NYY, RHP, 26.8 – Mid 90’s heat with a plus curveball and developing changeup. When injuries inevitably strike the Yanks injury prone rotation, German should get plenty of starts. 2019 Projection: 6/4.17/1.32/103 in 99 IP

654) Will Smith LAD, C/3B, 24.0 – There is a brewing logjam at catcher in LA between Austin Barnes, Kiebert Ruiz, and Smith, which is the reason Smith got some work at 3B this season. Smith is shaping up to be a classic high K, patience and power catcher. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 56/19/54/.237/.317/.418/3

655) Kyle Muller ATL, LHP, 21.6 – 6’6”, 225 pound lefty who performed well across three levels of minor league ball in 2018, culminating with a pitching line of 3.10/0.97/27/6 in 29 IP at Double-A. ETA: Late 2020 Prime Projection: 14/3.81/1.25/179 in 190 IP

656) Jay Groome BOS, LHP, 20.7 – Underwent Tommy John surgery in May. Before the injury, Groome was consistently in the mid 90’s, flashed a plus curveball and a changeup that showed improvement. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 11/3.85/1.32/191 in 180 IP

657) Evan White SEA, 1B, 23.1 – Selected 17th overall in the 2017 draft, White is a hit over power first baseman who sprays line drives over the entire field. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 76/19/81/.276/.345/.443/6

658) Lazaro Armenteros OAK, OF, 19.10 – Signed for $3 million in 2016, Armenteros already has an MLB ready body with plus power and a patient plate approach. 33.8% K% at Full-A will have to improve. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 77/25/86/.253/.344/.478/9

659) Connor Scott MIA, OF, 19.6 – 13th overall pick of the 2018 draft. Scott is a projectable 6’4”, 180 pounds with plus speed as best skill, while BA and power lag behind. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 81/16/67/.266/.330/.418/23

660) Nick Schnell TB, OF, 19.0 – 32nd overall pick of the 2018 draft. 6’3”, 180 pounds with a plus power/speed combo, but 28% K% in pro debut shows there is plenty of work to do. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 83/18/64/.266/.345/.431/18

661) Dan Straily MIA, RHP, 30.4 – 90.9 MPH fastball with a plus slider as his only valuable pitch. 2019 Projections: 8/4.31/1.32/141 in 164 IP

662) Luis Oviedo CLE, RHP, 19.11 – Lottery ticket arm. At 6’4”, with a mid 90’s fastball and 3 secondary pitches (curve, slider, changeup), Oviedo has all of the ingredients to be an impact starter. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 12/3.71/1.25/180 in 180 IP

663) Shane Baz TB, RHP, 19.10 – 12th overall pick in the 2017 draft. Mid to upper 90’s fastball with everything else still raw. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 12/3.91/1.33/169 in 158 IP

664) Shane McClanahan TB, LHP, 21.11 – 31st pick of the 2018 draft. 120/48 K/BB in 76 IP in the ACC. High bullpen/opener risk, especially considering Tampa’s recent pitcher use, but if he can improve his control/command the upside is considerable. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/3.81/1.32/153 in 135 IP

665) Brailyn Marquez CHC, LHP, 20.2 – 6’4” lefty with a mid 90’s fastball that he slings from a low arm slot. Doesn’t have major control issues, but secondaries need improvement. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 11/3.73/1.26/168 in 156 IP

666) Grayson Rodriguez BAL, RHP, 19.4 – 11th overall pick in the 2018 draft. 6’5”, 220 pound beast with good stuff but still raw. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 13/3.76/1.30/178 in 185 IP

667) Sergio Romo MIA, Setup/Closer, 36.1 – In the running to win the closer job in Miami, but even if he wins it, he may not hold onto it for a variety of reasons (performance, trade, injury). 2019 Projection: 3/4.01/1.24/64/13 in 60 IP

668) Joakim Soria OAK, Setup, 34.11 – Next man up in Oakland. Soria had the best swinging strike rate (14.5%) of his career in 2018. 2019 Projection: 4/3.41/1.21/69/6 in 65 IP

669) Ryan Brasier BOS, Setup, 31.7 – Might find himself closing games if Boston doesn’t sign a back end reliever, but I doubt that happens. Brasier mainly throws a 97 MPH fastball, 97.1 MPH sinker, and 85.6 MPH slider. 2019 Projection: 4/3.61/1.25/65/7 in 65 IP.

670) Colin Poche TB, Setup, 25.5 – Setup men are by far the easiest position to find on the cheap in saves leagues, with random guys popping up all the time, which is why this list doesn’t have a ton of them ranked. But Poche’s numbers were too insane to miss, with a pitching line of 0.82/0.79/100/19 in 66 IP spent mostly at Triple-A. 2019 Projection: 4/3.41/1.18/58 in 50 IP

671) Luis Rengifo LAA, 2B, 22.1 – Slashed .299/.399/.452 with 7 homers, 41 steals, and a 75/75 K/BB split between 3 levels (High-A, Double-A, Triple-A). Isn’t a pure burner, but has excellent stolen base instincts. Utility infielder risk due to limited power projection. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 77/9/53/.267/.343/.390/20

672) Ryan Vilade COL, SS, 20.1 – Struggled to hit for power in his full season debut with a 52.9% GB%, but he was able to show off his advanced plate approach with a 96/49 K/BB in 124 games. The power should come down the line. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 83/20/82/.279/.356/.461/8

673) Kyle Isbel KC, 22.1 – 3rd round pick in the 2018 draft. Solid tools across the board. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 78/19/71/.263/.326/.435/11

674) Jake McCarthy ARI, OF, 21.8 – Selected 39th overall in the 2018 draft, McCarthy has plus speed and a good feel to hit. How much power he is able to tap into will determine his ultimate ceiling. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 76/14/59/.266/.334/.418/20

675) Miguel Amaya CHC, C, 20.1 – Strong full season debut as a teenager in Full-A, slashing .256/.349/.403 with 12 homers and a 91/50 K/BB in 116 games. A lock to stick at catcher with the potential to be a plus defender. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 58/18/67/.264/.341/.438/1

676) Josh Harrison DET, 2B, 31.9 – Detroit’s everyday second baseman. Strikeout rate and sprint speed are headed in the wrong direction. 2019 Projection: 66/13/62/.259/.310/.391/10

677) Brian McCann ATL, C, 34.1 – 2nd slowest sprint speed in baseball, finishing ahead of only Albert Pujols. Expected to be the strong side of the platoon with Tyler Flowers. 2019 Projection: 40/15/51/.232/.321/.415/0

678) Jung-ho Kang PIT, 3B, 32.0 – Missed almost all of the last two seasons after getting his 3rd DUI in South Korea. Career MLB slash line of .274/.355/.482 with 36 homers in 745 at-bats is too good to ignore. 2019 Projection: 46/13/51/.263/.339/.458/2

679) Ian Kinsler SD, 2B, 36.9 – Has maintained his excellent contract percentage (12%) and FB% (42%) profile. He didn’t hit the ball very hard in 2018, but he has never been a big exit velocity guy. 2019 Projection: 75/15/58/.248/.314/.407/14

680) Clay Buchholz TOR, RHP, 34.8 – Put up a pitching line of 2.01/1.04/81/22 in 2018, but a lot of that was BABIP luck, and fastball continued to decline to a career low 90.7 MPH 2019 Projection: 7/3.91/1.30/111 in 130 IP

681) Freddy Galvis TOR, SS, 29.5 – Signing with Toronto seems to give him an everyday job. Moderate power/speed combo who won’t help anywhere else. 2019 Projection: 62/14/65/.248/.297/.381/10

682) Chris Davis BAL, 1B, 33.0 – Extreme batting average drain and declining power. 2019 Projection: 51/23/60/.207/.298/.401/1

683) Alen Hanson SF, 2B/OF, 26.6 – Super utility player. Plus speed with a poor plate approach and well below average exit velocities. 2019 Projection: 48/9/43/.253/.297/.401/10

684) Alex Gordon KC, OF, 35.2 – Still chips in enough steals to have value in deeper leagues. 2019 Projection: 54/15/52/.240/.320/.398/8

685) Jared Hughes CIN, Setup, 33.9 – Hughes should be the biggest beneficiary of the news that Raisel Iglesias will be used in a variety of roles in 2019. I expect he will see a fair number of opportunities, and is next man up in general if anything happens to Iglesias. 2019 Projection: 4/3.34/1.27/51/11 in 67 IP

686) Craig Stammen SD, Setup, 35.1 – If Yates gets traded, Stammen is next man up in San Diego if he doesn’t get traded himself. 2019 Projection: 5/3.38/1.19/70/10 in 70 IP

687) Mark Melancon SF, Setup, 34.0 – I wouldn’t be surprised if Melancon made his way back into the closer role at some point due to a trade or injury to Smith, but also because Bruce Bochy has refused to name Smith his closer on multiple occasions this off-season. 2019 Projection: 3/3.69/1.32/54/12 in 60 IP

688) Brandon Drury TOR, 3B, 26.8 – Nothing flashy, but has consistently made hard contact throughout his career. Injuries and lack of playing time tanked his 2018. 2019 Projection: 48/12/50/.258/.306/.417/1

689) Adam Duvall ATL, OF, 30.7 – Batting averaged plummeted in 2018 in part due to a .237 BABIP. OBP and BA won’t be pretty, but he’ll crank homers if given the playing time. 2019 Projection: 44/15/56/.233/.291/.435/2

690) Dexter Fowler STL, OF, 33.0 – Average exit velocity and FB/LD exit velocity dropped about 3 MPH to 85.3 MPH and 89.1 MPH, respectively. Almost certainly will be benched against lefties, and there is a real chance he is a 4th outfielder by the end of the season. 2019 Projection: 57/11/52/.248/.346/.404/6

691) Yolmer Sanchez CHW, 3B, 26.9 – He’ll chip in a few steals and not much else. Plus defense at 3B is the only thing keeping him in the lineup. 2019 Projection: 61/10/54/.247/.309/.380/13

692) Chris Owings KC, OF, 27.8 – Skilled base stealer with a career mark of 70 steals in 83 attempts. 2019 Projection: 47/10/39/.253/.304/.389/13

693) Eduardo Nunez BOS, 2B/3B, 31.10 – Super utility player who should see at-bats all over the field. 2019 Projection: 51/8/43/.277/.313/.414/9

694) Chris Iannetta COL, C, 36.0 – Power, patience, and strikeouts. 2019 Projection: 39/14/46/.233/.346/.418/0

695) Jedd Gyorko STL, 3B, 30.6 – Career high BB% (10.9%) and K% (19.2%). Absolutely mashes lefties, putting up a .919 OPS against them in 2018 and .975 OPS in 2017. 2019 Projection: 52/14/54/.265/.342/.448/3

696) Mikie Mahtook DET, OF, 29.4 – Average power with above average speed and a high strikeout rate (26.4%). In line for a lot of playing time in Detroit. 2019 Projection: 48/13/50/.240/.300/.414/6

697) Andrew Suarez SF, LHP, 26.7 – Control and command lefty who throws a 5 pitch mix without any standout pitches. 2019 Projection: 6/4.08/1.32/93 in 110 IP

698) Tyler Austin MIN, 1B, 27.7 – 35.4% K% but crushes the ball when he does make contact with a 15.1 degree launch angle and 95.9 MPH FB/LD avg exit velocity. 2019 Projection: 43/15/51/.236/.300/.441/1

699) Tyler Freeman CLE, 2B, 19.10 – Contact rate king, posting a 7.3% mark at short season ball. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 82/11/59/.281/.336/.405/16

700) Adam Engel CHW, OF, 27.4 – 4th fastest sprint speed in MLB at 30.1 MPH is only positive fantasy skill. Will hurt you everywhere but stolen bases. 2019 Projection: 51/8/37/.230/.271/.330/15

701) Brian Goodwin KC, OF, 28.5 – There is enough power and speed in here to make a real impact if he can improve his K% and/or have some BABIP luck. 2019 Projection: 48/12/41/.241/.310/.402/9

702) Jake Cave MIN, OF, 26.4 – 33% K%, 5.8% BB%, and 30.6% FB%, but was 28th overall in barrels per plate appearance. Nelson Cruz signing blocks path to playing time. 2019 Projection: 43/11/35/.255/.310/.433/4

703) Phil Ervin CIN, OF, 26.10 – Former 1st round pick. Moderate power/speed combo with a 24.3% K%. Poor outfield defense might keep him from a starting job, but he has fantasy friendly skills if he does get in the lineup. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 78/15/63/.253/.334/.418/15

704) Austin Gomber STL, LHP, 25.4 – Doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but uses a 4 pitch mix to induce weak contact. Will compete for 5th starter job in Spring. 2019 Projection: 6/4.23/1.36/79 in 90 IP Prime Projection: 12/3.90/1.31/160 in 175 IP

705) Pablo Lopez MIA, RHP, 23.1 – Pitched well in MLB debut with a pitching line of 4.14/1.26/46/18 in 58.2 IP. Lopez has plus command of a traditional 3 pitch mix. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 10/3.85/1.26/149 in 165 IP

706) Albert Almora Jr. CHC, OF, 25.0 – Good feel to hit is only plus fantasy skill. 2019 Projection: 52/8/43/.281/.321/.399/3

707) Moises Gomez TB, OF, 20.7 – Plus raw power with a 32.9% GB% is a great combo, but hit tool is still raw. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 65/23/79/.255/.322/.451/5

708) Daniel Johnson CLE, OF, 23.9 – Tooled up with at least plus speed and solid raw power. Too aggressive at the dish but does have some feel to hit. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 78/14/59/.259/.322/408/19

709) Lucas Erceg MIL, 3B, 23.11 – Erceg has disappointed the last two seasons after dominating in his pro debut in 2016. The good feel to hit and plus power have still shined through though. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 73/20/81/.265/.322/.449/3

710) Nick Kingham PIT, RHP, 27.5 – Throws 6 pitches but none are dominant. 2019 Projection: 5/4.39/1.36/119 in 135 IP

711) Daniel Norris DET, LHP, 26.0 – Fastball dropped to 90.7 MPH returning from core muscle surgery at the end of the season. The 51 strikeouts in 44.1 IP shows some of that big strikeout upside is still in there. 2019 Projection: 6/4.35/1.38/96 in 100 IP

712) Jharel Cotton OAK, RHP, 27.2 – Underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2018. With the state of Oakland’s rotation, Cotton could be starting for them by June. 2019 Projection: 6/4.51/1.35/79 in 94 IP

713) Shed Long SEA, 2B, 23.7 – 23.6% K% and 54.6% GB% is not a good combo, but he does have good raw power and some speed. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 73/19/67/.252/.331/.437/12

714) Lolo Sanchez PIT, OF, 20.0 – Plus defense and plus speed with everything else still raw. Potential for plus hit but not much power projection. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 86/13/66/.272/.354/.408/25

715) Shelby Miller TEX, RHP, 28.6 – Underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2017, basically keeping him out for two full seasons. His mid 90’s velocity did return in the 16 innings he pitched this season, but it was with a 10.69 ERA. 2019 Projection: 6/4.49/1.38/103 in 120 IP

716) Tyson Ross DET, RHP, 32.0 – Slider isn’t as elite as it once was, although it is still a valuable pitch. 2019 Projection: 7/4.57/1.36/126 in 150 IP

717) Kelvin Herrera CHW, Setup, 29.3 – Indications are that Colome is the favorite for saves, although nothing has been announced. Herrera is still recovering from Lisfranc surgery which ended his season in August. He still throws gas, although his velocity dropped on all of his pitches in 2018. 2019 Projection: 3/3.55/1.22/53/8 in 55 IP

718) Trevor May MIN, Setup, 29.7 – 4 pitch mix headlined by his mid 90’s fastball. 2019 Projection: 3/3.62/1.23/75/10 in 63 IP

719) Aaron Altherr PHI, OF, 28.3 – Hits the ball hard and is very fast, but 31.9% K% might keep him in a bench role. 2019 Projection: 36/9/39/.233/.319/.401/4

720) Joey Wentz ATL, LHP, 21.6 – Injury filled season prevented Wentz from showing his best stuff, but a strong start to 2019 will put Wentz back on the radar. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 12/3.92/1.31/152 in 160 IP

721) Tony Gonsolin LAD, RHP, 24.11 – 2018 was his first year as a full time starter and it was a smashing success, with a pitching line of 2.60/1.14/155/42 in 128 IP split between High-A and Double-A. He has a 4 pitch mix headlined by a mid 90’s fastball, plus curveball, and a split fingered changeup. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 12/3.96/1.31/162 in 165 IP

722) Clarke Schmidt NYY, RHP, 23.1 – 16th overall pick in 2017 draft. Returned form Tommy John surgery late in the season and his stuff mostly returned. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 12/3.93/1.27/167 in 171 IP

723) Shervyen Newton NYM, SS, 20.0 – 6’4”, 180 pounds with projection for plus to double plus power. Works deep counts with very high strikeout and walk rates. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 73/26/81/.250/.340/.474/5

724) Albert Abreu NYY, RHP, 23.6 – Elite pure stuff but still very raw. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 10/3.92/1.34/158 in 155 IP

725) Stephen Gonsalves MIN, LHP, 24.10 – Low velocity, high spin rate pitcher who has a mid rotation ceiling. ETA: Mid 2019 Prime Projection: 11/4.03/1.33/158 in 167 IP

726) Bo Naylor CLE, C, 19.1 – Selected 28th overall pick in 2018 draft, Naylor was praised for having one of the best hit tools in the draft. Has Kiebert Ruiz/Francisco Mejia prospect hype upside. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 68/20/82/.275/.351/.452/6

727) Jordan Yamamoto MIA, RHP, 22.11 – Numbers over scouting type of prospect. Battled shoulder problems last season, but still managed to put up a pitching line of 1.83/0.83/85/14 in 68.2 IP split between High-A, Double-A, and Rookie Ball. 4 pitch mix and throws from multiple arm angles. He’s crafty. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 12/4.02/1.29/158 in 162 IP

728) Vladimir Gutierrez CIN, RHP, 23.7 – Signed for $4.7 million in 2016, Gutierrez has a solid 3 pitch mix and got better as the season wore on at Double-A. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 11/4.03/1.26/171 in 175 IP

729) Alec Hansen CHW, RHP, 24.6 – Took a major step back this year (6.31 ERA in 51.1 IP) but still has the mid-90’s heat and swing and miss breaking balls. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 10/4.27/1.35/168 in 157 IP

730) Darwinzon Hernandez BOS, LHP, 22.4 – Mid to upper 90’s fastball with a potentially plus slider. Bullpen risk but K upside is high if he starts. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 11/3.87/1.35/171 in 155 IP

731) Framber Valdez HOU, LHP, 25.5 – Should compete for a starting job in spring training. Plus curveball is his best pitch, but will need to develop a changeup or cutter to consistently get righties out. 2019 Projection: 6/4.18/1.35/89 in 93 IP

732) Jose Suarez LAA, LHP, 21.3 – Short and stocky with a plus changeup and advanced feel for pitching. Suarez has been a strikeout machine the last two years before hitting the PCL this season and struggling a bit. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 12/3.78/1.29/169 in 175 IP

733) Lucius Fox TB, SS, 21.9 – Signing bonus of $6 million in 2015. Fox has double plus speed but hit tool and power have not developed yet. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 77/9/52/.262/.328/.369/21

734) Richard Gallardo CHC, RHP, 17.7 – The consensus top pitcher in the 2018 international signing period, Gallardo has advanced pitchability with a curveball that already flashes plus, a low 90’s fastball which should tick up as he ages, and feel for a changeup. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 13/3.55/1.22/180 in 180 IP

735) Matt Davidson FA, 1B, 28.0 – Hits it hard and hits it in the air but 33.3% K% will limit how many at-bats he is given. Expected to be used out of the bullpen as well. 2019 Projection: 37/15/43/.225/.294/.431/0 — 1/4.43/1.35/17 in 22 IP

736) Michael Taylor WASH, OF, 28.0 – Locked into 4th OF duty with Robles taking his rightful claim to the throne. Taylor has superstar raw tools but his consistent 30+% K% with little sign of improvement has held him back. 2019 Projection: 43/9/37/.231/.290/.388/15

737) Kolten Wong STL, 2B, 28.6 – Strong side of a platoon bat. Below average exit velocity and high groundball rates, but he makes good contact and will chip in a few steals. 2019 Projection: 48/9/41/.260/.340/.403/6

738) Nick Solak TB, 2B, 24.2 – Plus speed and a good feel to hit, but a 52.4% GB% is going to limit power. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 76/15/69/.274/.339/.426/17

739) Jorge Mateo OAK, SS, 23.9 – 80 grade speed should keep Mateo fantasy relevant even if he ends up in a bench role, which by the looks of the numbers he put up in Triple-A (.230/.280/.353), that is very well where he may end up. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 53/7/41/.242/.298/.381/21

740) Chavez Young TOR, OF, 21.9 – Plus athlete with above average tools across the board. Slashed .285/.363/.445 with 8 homers, 44 steals, and a 100/58 K/BB in 125 games at Full-A. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 79/15/74/.268/.333/.416/17

741) Garrett Whitley TB, OF, 22.1 – Former 13th overall pick in 2015, Whitley has his best season in the minors in 2018, lowering his GB% to 40.3% and hitting 13 homers in 104 games at Full-A. Old for the level and 28.6% K% dampens some of the enthusiasm. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 76/18/74/.244/.321/.422/15

742) Aramis Ademan CHC, SS, 20.6 – Consistently young for his level, but the production has been very bad, with a career .234 batting average (.207 in 2018 at High-A) in the minor leagues. He has a smooth swing that could produce higher averages in the future, but the power/speed upside isn’t very high either. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 78/14/59/.273/.339/.402/15

743) Tyler Stephenson CIN, C, 22.8 – Selected 11th overall in 2015, Stephenson is 6’4”, 225 pounds with the potential to be your typical low average, solid pop catcher. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 51/18/56/.242/.312/.409/1

744) Jose Siri CIN, OF, 23.8 – Plus raw power and speed, but a 32.2% K% at Double-A could keep him from locking down a starting role. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 68/15/61/.238/.296/.403/18

745) Micker Adolfo CHW, OF, 22.6 – Big time power, average speed, and a raw hit tool. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 68/22/81/.248/.323/.450/5

746) Kris Bubic KC, LHP, 21.8 – Selected 40th overall in the 2018 draft, Bubic has a funky, lefty delivery with a plus changeup that racks up strikeouts, but has some control/command issues. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 11/3.82/1.33/164 in 157 IP

747) Jhailyn Ortiz PHI, OF, 20.4 – Disappointing full season debut after a hyped 2017 in short season ball. Swing didn’t look explosive all season, but a shoulder injury early in the year could have been part of the problem. I would give it one more year before jumping ship. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 76/28/89/.250/.327/.472/3

748) Sherten Apostel TEX, 3B, 20.1 – Physical beast with plus raw power and patient approach at the plate. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 77/28/89/.258/.353/.492/2

749) Mac Williamson SF, OF, 28.9 – He’ll give you some power and has above average sprint speed but isn’t a base stealer 2019 Projection: 49/14/55/.242/.307/.425/4

750) Nicky Lopez KC, 2B/SS, 24.1 – Production over tools. 11.3% K%, 10.5% BB%, 15 steals, and 9 homers in 130 games split between Double-A and Triple-A. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 72/9/57/.278/.341/.396/14

751) Taylor Widener ARI, RHP, 24.5 – Has done nothing but dominate the minors since being drafted in the 12th round in 2016. In 2018, he went to Double-A and put up a pitching line of 2.75/1.03/176/43 in 137.1 IP. He has an MLB quality fastball that sits 92-93 MPH and recently made big strides with his changeup. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 11/3.83/1.30/170 in 177 IP

752) TJ Friedl CIN, OF, 23.8 – Fourth outfielder risk but with double plus speed he should contribute in stolen bases even if he gets only 300-400 at-bats per year. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 68/5/41/.271/.338/.371/20

753) Luis Gonzalez CHW, OF, 23.7 – Old for the level, but displayed average to above average tools across the board at Full-A and Advanced-A. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 72/17/69/.258/.326/.429/10

754) Jeisson Rosario SD, OF, 19.6 – Advanced plate approach with above average speed. Rosario slashed .271/.368/.353 with 3 homers, 18 steals, and a 108/66 K/BB in 117 games at Full-A. Ceiling will be based on how much power he can add. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 86/11/61/.275/.358/.409/19

755) Junior Santos NYM, RHP, 17.8 – Signed for $275,000 in 2017. Santos is an athletic 6’8”, 220 pounds, and so thoroughly dominated the DSL the Mets brought him stateside to finish the season with 3 relief appearances in the GCL. He has low 90’s heat which should tick up as he ages, a plus changeup, and feel for a slider. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 12/3.75/1.25/175 in 180 IP

756) Grayson Greiner DET, C, 26.4 – Posting about league average exit velocities in MLB debut is a good sign that his power will play in the majors. 2019 Projection: 41/12/49/.231/.302/.379/0

757) Omar Narvaez SEA, C, 27.1 – Moderate power breakout last season with a career high 9 homers in 280 at-bats. He doesn’t hit the ball all that hard, but he has a solid plate approach and is a career .274 hitter. 2019 Projection: 42/8/46/.264/.352/.398/0

758) David Peterson NYM, LHP, 23.7 – Safe, low upside starter. Pounds the strikezone with a low 90’s fastball, a slurvy breaking ball, and fringe changeup. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 14/3.81/1.26/173 in 186 IP

759) Patrick Weigel ATL, RHP, 24.9 – Returned from Tommy John surgery at the very end of the season. Mid 90’s fastball that can hit triple digits is the feature attraction if healthy. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 11/4.09/1.32/151 in 158 IP

760) Beau Burrows DET, RHP, 22.7 – MLB quality fastball but secondaries lag behind. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 9/4.22/1.34/155 in 167 IP

761) Jackson Kowar KC, RHP, 22.6 – Selected 33rd overall in the 2018 draft, Kower has easy velocity and a plus changeup, but breaking ball and control/command need improvement. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/4.08/1.34/138 in 151 IP

762) Anthony Alford TOR, OF, 24.8 – Down season at Triple-A in 2018, but Alford was always more raw than his age would indicate because of his football background. The raw tools are still there. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 79/17/73/.263/.328/.428/16

763) Michael Grove LAD, RHP, 22.4 – Underwent Tommy John surgery 9 starts into sophomore year and missed all of junior year, but the Dodgers still drafted him 68th overall and paid him well above slot. When healthy, he has a plus fastball/slider combo with a developing changeup. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 11/3.87/1.30/150 in 160 IP

764) Mickey Moniak PHI, OF, 20.11 – The precocious hit tool that was expected was clearly over hyped, but there is still potential for a solid across the board player. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 75/15/58/.273/.337/.413/14

765) Seth Romero WASH, LHP, 23.0 – 25th overall pick of the 2017 draft. Underwent Tommy John surgery in September and will miss all of 2019. When healthy, Romero has major strikeout stuff with a wipeout slider, plus fastball, and plus changeup. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/3.81/1.30/163 in 150 IP

766) Braxton Garrett MIA, LHP, 21.8 – 7th overall pick of the 2016 draft. Tommy John surgery early in the 2017 season prevented Garrett from getting any extended action in pro ball. Before the injury, he displayed a plus curveball and was relatively polished for his age. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 12/3.81/1.27/161 in 170 IP

767) Lenny Torres CLE, RHP, 18.6 – Selected 41st overall in the 2018 draft, Torres has a plus fastball that can touch the upper 90’s with a slider that flashes plus and developing changeup. Pitching line of 1.76/1.17/22/4 in 15.1 IP pro debut. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 12/3.72/1.26/181 in 176 IP

768) Simeon Woods Richardson NYM, RHP, 18.6 – Selected 48th overall in the 2018 draft, Richardson is your classic high upside pitching prospect with a fastball that can hit 97 MPH and an advanced feel for a curveball. Put up a 26/4 K/BB in 17.1 IP in his pro debut. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 12/3.71/1.23/175 in 175 IP

769) Trevor Rogers MIA, LHP, 21.5 – 13th overall pick of the 2017 draft. Funky three quarter arm slot lefty who struggled in his pro debut, but should not fall off the radar. 26% K% shows potential. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 11/3.81/1.32/171 in 165 IP

770) Tyler Anderson COL, LHP, 29.3 – Doesn’t have a true standout pitch and pitches half his games at Coors. He should be serviceable, but this is just not the kind of pitcher I go after. 2019 Projection: 9/4.41/1.32/156 in 165 IP

771) Felix Hernandez SEA, RHP, 33.0 – Cut fastball percentage down to 9.6% last season, which is the start of the transition that many former aces have to go through in their mid to late 30’s. It might take another season, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Felix still had some useful seasons left. 2019 Projection: 7/4.58/1.35/120 in 150 IP

772) JaCoby Jones DET, OF, 27.1 – Raw tools are there to be a valuable fantasy player, but 30.4% K% and 5.1% BB% is holding him back. 2019 Projection: 57/13/39/.216/.274/.373/14

773) Ryan Borucki TOR, RHP, 25.0 – Plus changeup is best pitch. Likely a back end starter with mid rotation as his ceiling. 2019 Projection: 8/4.31/1.41/113 in 140 IP

774) Antonio Senzatela COL, RHP, 24.2 – Mainly a fastball/slider pitcher but started to mix in his changeup and curveball more in 2018. There is some upside here, but Coors prevents me from buying in too hard. 2019 Projection: 9/4.33/1.35/122 in 150 IP

775) Peter Lambert COL, RHP, 22.0 – Solid 4 pitch mix with advanced feel for the art of pitching and plus command/control. 106/27/K/BB in 148 IP shows he isn’t going to provide major strikeout totals. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 12/3.89/1.26/155 in 180 IP

776) Willi Castro DET, SS, 22.0 – Plus defender and above average speed, but hit and power are still underdeveloped. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 73/12/61/.258/.311/.387/15

777) Bryan Abreu HOU, RHP, 22.0 – Rode a plus curveball to a 68/17 K/BB in 38.1 IP in Full-A. Old for the level and limited innings but can’t argue with that strikeout rate. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 11/3.88/1.31/164 in 155 IP

778) Jhoan Duran MIN, RHP, 21.3 – Centerpiece of the Eduardo Escobar deal. Generates whiffs and groundballs, but needs to work on control/command. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/4.21/1.34/140 in 150 IP

779) Alex Faedo DET, RHP, 23.5 – 18th overall pick of the 2017 draft. Velocity backed up on all of his pitches this season, with his fastball down to 89-92 MPH. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 11/4.18/1.29/148 in 157 IP

780) Troy Stokes Jr. MIL, OF, 23.2 – Plus power and plus speed with high walk rates and high strikeout rates. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 66/19/61/.243/.327/.442/12

781) Drew Ellis ARI, 3B, 23.4 – Selected 44th overall in the 2017 draft, Ellis had a 49.9% FB% in his first full pro season at High-A, to go along with a solid 98/52 K/BB in 120 games. Hit 20 homers at Louisville in his draft year. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 72/22/81/.248/.326/.461/3

782) Jeren Kendall LAD, OF, 23.2 – Selected 23rd overall in the 2017 draft, Kendall has an elite speed/power combo (12 homers and 37 steals in 114 games at High-A) with a 40 grade hit tool (32% K%). ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 68/13/54/.225/.293/.390/21

783) Jake Burger CHW, 3B, 23.0 – Out for all of 2018 after tearing his Achilles and then tearing it again during rehab. When healthy, he had a solid approach at the plate and plus raw power, but was likely destined for 1B even before the injury. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 64/22/79/.263/.336/.462/2

784) Greg Deichmann OAK, OF, 23.10 – Wrist injury which required surgery in September tanked his 2018, but when healthy, he has double plus raw power and has a good feel to hit. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 73/24/81/.258/.331/.452/0

785) Mariel Bautista CIN, OF, 21.6 – 5-category upside with the plus tools to back it up, but Bautista still hasn’t made it out of rookie ball, so I wouldn’t trust the numbers. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 76/18/69/.268/.325/.423/16

786) Josiah Gray LAD, RHP, 21.3 – Raw for his age because he was recently converted to pitcher, but Gray possesses a potential plus fastball/slider combo and an athletic delivery which should eventually translate to good control/command. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 12/3.81/1.22/159 in 164 IP

787) Thomas Szapucki NYM, LHP, 22.10 – Tommy John surgery kept Szapucki out for the entire 2018 season. He was a favorite of mine entering 2017, with a plus fastball and curveball, to go along with a developing changeup. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/3.72/1.34/138 in 142 IP

788) Jojo Romero PHI, LHP, 22.7 – Diverse pitch mix that all flash above average but nothing standout or dominant. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 11/3.96/1.32/149 in 163 IP

789) Aaron Ashby MIL, LHP, 20.10 – Selected 125th overall in the 2018 draft, Ashby has an unhittable curveball that helped to put up a 156/43 K/BB in 74.2 IP in Junior College. His walk rate was better in his pro debut, with a 66/17 K/BB in 57.2 IP split between the Pioneer League and Full-A. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 10/3.89/1.34/165 in 155 IP

790) Jake Rogers DET, C, 24.0 – Plus defensive catcher with high flyball rates (50%) and high strikeout rates (27.5%). ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 54/20/62/.237/.328/.429/4

791) Garrett Stubbs HOU, C, 25.10 – Good contact rates (15.6%), walk rates (10.3%), flyball rates (46.1%), and speed (35 steals in 38 attempts in 304 minor league games). If he can gain strength in his late 20’s, Stubbs can be a very interesting all category contributor at the catcher position: ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 56/11/43/.268/.341/.398/8

792) Blaze Alexander ARI, 2B/SS, 19.10 – 11th round pick in 2018 but he signed for well above slot. Alexander made quick work of two levels of rookie ball, slashing .329/.417/.538 with 5 homers, 10 steals, and a 52/31 K/BB in 55 games. He is a plus athlete with room to grow into more power. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 78/18/77/.255/.337/.439/15

793) Jeremy Eierman OAK, SS, 22.7 – Selected 70th overall in the 2018 draft, Eierman has a plus power/speed combo (8 homers and 10 steals at short season A ball) but hit tool and plate approach are still raw (26.2% K% and 4.9 BB%). ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 52/16/56/.238/.296/.403/13

794) Kody Clemens DET, 2B, 22.11 – Selected 79th overall in the 2018 draft, Clemens broke out in his Junior year at Texas, hitting .351 with 24 homers. He then followed that up with a strong pro debut in full season ball. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 71/19/76/.250/.318/.432/5

795) Tristan Pompey MIA, OF, 22.0 – Selected 89th overall in the 2018 draft, Pompey is a plus athlete with plus raw power but has some swing and miss to his game, and has never put up big homerun or stolen base totals. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 78/16/71/.258/.336/.413/13

796) Josh Stowers, NYY, OF, 22.1 – Was a perfect 60 for 60 in stolen base attempts in college, and then went 20 for 24 in Short-A. Known for a plus hit tool in college, it is not a great sign his strikeout rate spiked to 23.4% in 244 PA in pro ball (and not even full season ball). ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 76/18/73/.263/.346/.431/16

797) Miguel Vargas LAD, 1B/3B, 19.5 – Signed out of Cuba, and after not playing competitive baseball for the last two years, Vargas absolutely destroyed rookie ball with an advanced approach and an advanced feel to hit. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 77/20/86/.275/.355/.468/8

798) Myles Straw HOU, OF, 24.5 – 70 for 79 in steal attempts in 131 games split between Double-A and Triple-A. Type of player who can rack up steals even coming off the bench. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 51/3/32/.263/.333/.351/23

799) Jose Garcia CIN, 2B/SS, 21.0 – Signed for $5 million out of Cuba, Garcia had a rough pro debut in Full-A, but some of those struggles could be attributed to rust. Commiserate with his signing bonus, he is a tooled up player with plus speed, but hit tool and power are still underdeveloped. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 72/15/65/.253/.317/.412/15

800) Jonathan Ornelas TEX, SS, 18.10 – Selected 91st overall in the 2018 draft, Ornelas has a funky swing with elite bat speed and average speed. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 79/20/81/.266/.343/.442/10

801) Osiris Johnson MIA, SS, 18.5 – 53rd overall pick of the 2018 draft, Johnson has an intriguing power/speed combo with an aggressive approach at the plate. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 72/23/79/.254/.320/.448/9

802) Joe Perez HOU, 3B, 19.8 – Selected 53rd overall in the 2017 draft, Perez required Tommy John surgery soon after being drafted. He was able to return for just 4 games in the GCL this season. He has plus power, and if you are going to blindly trust one team, it is the Astros. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 72/25/81/.250/.335/.470/3

803) Jameson Hannah OAK, OF, 21.7 – Selected 50th overall in the 2018 draft, Hannah has a prototypical leadoff hitter profile, demonstrating excellent K/BB ratios in college with plus speed. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 76/13/52/.270/.337/.406/19

804) Jose Devers MIA, SS, 19.4 – 13.5% K% at Full-A as an 18-year-old. Devers is a defense first player with good speed but no power as of yet. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 79/11/58/.279/.342/.401/18

805) Joe Gray MIL, OF, 19.0 – Selected 60th overall in the 2018 draft, Gray has plus power with above average speed but is a major hit tool risk. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 71/22/80/.246/.329/.448/11

806) Cole Ragans TEX, LHP, 21.4 – Underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2018. Selected 30th overall in the 2016 draft, Ragans is a big lefty who can rack up strikeouts, as evidenced by his 87 strikeouts in 57.1 IP at short season ball in 2017. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 11/3.92/1.32/175 in 165 IP

807) Sandy Gaston TB, RHP, 17.8 – Signed for $2.6 million in 2018, Gaston is a flamethrower, reportedly hitting 100 MPH on the radar gun. Control is non existent and secondaries flash average. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 9/3.98/1.35/145 in 130 IP

808) Diego Cartaya LAD, C, 17.7 – Signed for $2.5 million in 2018, the 6’2”, 199-pound Cartaya has an advanced feel for hitting and should grow into more power. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 61/18/67/.273/.345/.429/1

809) Jose De Leon TB, RHP, 26.8 – Underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2018, so he should be ready relatively early in the season. Former top prospect who is almost completely forgotten about, but you should at least keep an eye on him. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 7/4.15/1.32/108 in 110 IP

810) Osiel Rodriguez NYY, RHP, 17.4 – Signed for $600,000 in 2018, Rodriguez has prototypical starters size with a mid 90’s fastball and good feel for a curveball. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 10/4.00/1.30/150 in 150 IP

811) Dean Kremer BAL, RHP, 23.3 – Stuff isn’t electric but has a 4 pitch mix that was good enough to strikeout 178 batters in 131.1 IP split between Advanced-A and Double-A. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 11/3.91/1.29/163 in 170 IP

812) Lewis Thorpe MIN, LHP, 23.4 – Pounds the strikezone with a solid 4 pitch mix. Doesn’t have a high ceiling but is knocking on the door of the bigs. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 11/4.12/1.28/156 in 165 IP

813) Patrick Sandoval LAA, LHP, 22.5 – Back end starter stuff, but had a great season in 2018 with a pitching line of 2.06/0.96/145/29 in 122.1 IP split between 3 levels (Full-A through Double-A). He has a 4 pitch mix which he pounds the strikezone with. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 11/4.21/1.30/139 in 150 IP

814) Hector Neris PHI, Setup, 29.10 – Splitter is his money pitch to go along with a mid 90’s four seam fastball. 2019 Projection: 3/3/56/1.26/89 in 64 IP

815) Tyrone Taylor MIL, OF, 25.3 – Broke out in 2018 with a career high 49.6% FB% while maintaining his strong strikeout rate (15.4%). He has above average speed too. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 48/14/56/.258/.325/.442/9

816) Luis Toribio SF, 3B, 18.6 – Performed very well in the DSL, slashing .270/.423/.479 with 10 homers and a 62/51 K/BB in 64 games. Toribio has plus raw power with an advanced plate approach and good feel to hit. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 73/25/86/.267/.352/.481/2

817) Gabriel Rodriguez CLE, SS, 17.1 – Smooth swing with a good feel to hit and the chance to grow into plus power. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 82/18/76/.277/.359/.438/9

818) Alexander Vargas NYY, SS, 17.5 – Signed for $2.5 million in 2018, Vargas has plus speed and projects for plus hit. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 86/13/61/.276/.341/.403/25

819) Alvin Guzman ARI, OF, 17.6 – Signed for $1.85 million in 2018, Guzman has a plus power/speed combo and one of the more fantasy friendly skill sets in this year’s international class. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 82/18/76/.265/.332/.438/21

820) Tyler Ivey HOU, RHP, 22.11 – 4 pitch mix with all of them having the potential to be above average. Had an impressive full season debut with a pitching line of 2.97/1.03/135/29 in 112 IP split between Full-A and Advanced-A. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 10/4.11/1.29/152 in 165 IP

821) Cionel Perez HOU, LHP, 23.0 – Plus fastball and plus control/command but needs to improve secondaries. Major bullpen risk. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 6/3.71/1.23/121 in 108 IP

822) Anthony Kay NYM, LHP, 24.0 – 31st pick in the 2016 draft. Tommy John surgery delayed his pro debut by 2 years. High spin rate fastball and curveball with a plus changeup. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 11/4.09/1.31/152 in 168 IP

823) CC Sabathia NYY, SP, 38.9 – CC has announced that 2019 will be his final season. He has successfully transitioned himself from a flamethrowner to a crafty lefty the last 3 seasons, and I’m betting on there being enough in the tank for one last good year. 2019 Projection: 10/3.87/1.32/142 in 155 IP

824) Adbert Alzolay CHC, RHP, 24.1 – Strained lat in May ended Alzolay’s season. He has a mid 90’s fastball that he pairs with a power curveball, but if he can’t develop his changeup, there is a decent chance he ends up in the pen. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 7/3.96/1.31/86 in 101 IP

825) Ryan Helsley STL, SP, 24.9 – Mid 90’s fastball with a plus curve. Struggles with fastball command and was shut down with a shoulder injury in early June. Major bullpen risk. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 7/3.72/1.32/118 in 113 IP

826) Chris Rodriguez LAA, RHP, 20.8 – Stress reaction in Rodriguez’ back forced him to miss all of 2018. When healthy, he has a 4 pitch mix highlighted by a mid 90’s fastball and plus slider. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 9/3.85/1.26/148 in 150 IP

827) Taylor Hearn TEX, LHP, 24.7 – Flamethrowing lefty with an inconsistent slider and changeup. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 10/4.02/1.32/155 in 150 IP

828) Jonathan Hernandez TEX, RHP, 22.9 – Fastball sits in the mid 90’s with a slider that flashes plus and a changeup and curveball that have the potential to be average or better. Needs to improve control/command to remain a starter. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 10/4.08/1.33/157 in 163 IP

829) Cal Quantrill SD, RHP, 24.2 – Selected 8th overall in the 2016 draft coming off Tommy John surgery. Quantrill flashes plus stuff but can’t hold it from start to start. Mid-rotation upside but likely a back end guy. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 9/4.23/1.34/146 in 163 IP

830) Zac Lowther BAL, LHP, 22.11 – Dominated in his first full season of pro ball (2.18/0.98/151/35 in 123.2 IP spent mostly at Advanced-A) with a deceptive delivery, good command, and a plus fastball/changeup combo. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 11/4.12/1.28/156 in 167 IP

831) Zack Brown MIL, RHP, 24.3 – Broke out this year at Double-A with a pitching line of 2.40/1.06/119/37 in 127.2 IP. Throws a 4 pitch mix with a plus curveball as his best weapon. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 11/4.13/1.32/145 in 160 IP

832) Kevin Kramer PIT, 2B, 25.6 – Unlocked his offensive potential by successfully transitioning into a flyball hitter in 2017, but with only average raw power and speed, and a 24.1% K%, the upside seems to be lacking. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 53/13/47/.261/.320/.406/5

833) Carson Kelly ARI, C, 24.9 – Better on defense than offense. Should get a large share of at-bats this year, and will ultimately battle Varsho for Arizona’s long term catcher of the future job. 2019 Projection: 34/7/39/.238/.310/.351/0 Prime Projection: 46/12/54/.256/.338/.397/1

834) Anthony Swarzak SEA, Closer/Setup, 33.7 – With the Stickland signing, it is likely Swarzark opens the year in a setup role, although nothing is set in stone. 2019 Projection: 3/3.81/1.26/60/9 in 55 IP

835) Austin Barnes LAD, C, 29.3 – Barnes offense took a major step back last season with his K% jumping to 28.2%. With Russell Martin in the fold, and Smith and Ruiz not far behind, I don’t foresee Barnes getting full time at bats. 2019 Projection: 34/6/29/.244/.358/.379/4

836) Austin Hedges SD, C, 26.7 – Defense first catcher who strikes out a lot, doesn’t walk much, and might lose playing time to Francisco Mejia. 2019 Projection: 30/12/38/.238/.296/.417/2

837) Wade Miley HOU, LHP, 32.5 – Signed with Houston and will now turn into an ace. 2019 Projection: 7/4.34/1.39/101 in 130 IP

838) Ty France SD, 3B, 24.9 – Makes good contact and hits the ball in the air. Machado signing ends any chance of playing time out of the gate. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 58/14/66/.259/.313/.432/2

839) Taylor Ward LAA, 3B, 25.4 – Former 1st rd pick. Converted from a catcher to a third baseman in 2018, and had a breakout season at the plate, slashing .349/.446/.531 with 14 homers, 18 steals, and a 94/65 K/BB in 102 games split between Double-A and Triple-A. Might only be a bench bat, but there is some power, speed, and a good feel to hit. 2019 Projection: 28/6/29/.249/.328/.413/5 Prime Projection: 58/14/61/.267/.341/.438/9

840) Pavin Smith ARI, 1B, 23.2 – Elite strikeout rates make Smith a safe bet to reach the majors, but there might not be enough power to make a real fantasy impact. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 61/16/68/.273/.355/.415/2

841) Patrick Wisdom TEX, 3B, 27.7 – Broke out in the Cardinals system in 2017, and had an excellent MLB debut in 2018, slashing .260/.362/.520 with a 17 degree launch angle, 97.8 MPH FB/LD average exit velocity, and 32.8% K%. Cabrera signing takes away his best chance at full time at bats . 2019 Projection: 39/11/41/.237/.318/.425/3

842) Dustin Pedroia BOS, 2B, 35.8 – Knee injury kept Pedroia out for almost all of 2018, and is not a guarantee to be ready for the start of 2019. I wouldn’t count on much speed, but I will bet on his elite contact ability remaining intact. 2019 Projection: 59/9/50/.280/.341/.401/3

843) Bryan Reynolds PIT, OF, 24.2 – Average skills across the board. Upped his FB% 10% in 2018 to 42%. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 78/16/71/.271/.336/.420/7

844) Michael Hermosillo LAA, OF, 24.2 – Started lifting the ball more and had a power breakout, but his strikeout percentage took a hit too. Likely a 4th outfielder, but with plus speed and his newfound power, he has fantasy friendly skills if he gets in the lineup. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 52/13/43/.251/.318/.420/12

845) Pablo Reyes PIT, OF, 25.7 – Displayed a plus hit tool, plus avg exit velocity, and above average speed in impressive MLB debut. Not locked into playing time, but Reyes will chip in a little bit in every category if given at-bats. 2019 Projection: 34/7/28/.266/.320/.397/7 Prime Projection: 63/14/52/.278/.337/.410/14

846) David Bote CHC, 3B, 26.0 – Crushed the ball in his MLB debut with a 93.5 MPH average exit velocity and 96.6 MPH FB/LD avg, to go along with above average speed. Doesn’t have a clear path to playing time and 28.6% K% is high. 2019 Projection: 41/10/39/.235/.314/.420/4

847) Dominic Smith NYM, 1B, 23.10 – Peter Alonso has seemingly passed Smith for the Mets 1B of the future job, partly due to Alonso beasting in 2018, but also because Smith is regressing as he attempts to lift the ball more. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 72/20/81/.268/.331/.439/2

848) J.D. Davis NYM, 3B/OF, 25.11 – Plus raw power but more of a line drive hitter than flyball. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 45/15/58/.251/.329/.446/2

849) Kevin Maitan LAA, SS, 19.1 – Living more off the hype when he was 15-16 years old, Maitan hasn’t produced as expected, but he still has plus power and is only 19 years old. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 68/23/79/.243/.312/.436/1

850) Sam Hilliard COL, OF, 25.1 – Intriguing power/speed combo but advanced age and 31.2% K% at Double-A likely puts his future as a bench bat. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 66/18/69/.241/.318/.422/14

851) Carlos Hernandez KC, RHP, 22.1 – Mid 90’s fastball with a plus changeup and breaking ball that flashes plus. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/4.05/1.31/155 in 150 IP

852) Jorge Guzman MIA, RHP, 23.3 – Sits in the upper 90’s and regularly hits 100+, but that is all he has right now. Can easily end up in the pen. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 8/3.75/1.31/101 in 93 IP

853) Riley Pint COL, RHP, 21.5 – Selected 4th overall in the 2016 draft, Pint came into pro ball as a high upside project, and remains a high upside project. Multiple injuries limited him to only 8.1 IP last season, but the athleticism and mid 90’s heat are still there. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/4.02/1.35/178 in 173 IP

854) Edward Olivares SD, OF, 23.1 – Average to above average tools across the board. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 76/18/72/.262/.327/.418/16

855) Jacob Nix SD, RHP, 23.2 – Nix has a 93.6 MPH fastball with the potential for two above average secondaries in his curveball and changeup. Awful MLB debut (7.02 ERA and 1.54 WHIP) shows he is not quite ready yet. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 10/4.19/1.29/148 in 165 IP

856) Hunter Harvey BAL, RHP, 24.4 – Major injury concerns but is still young and should be ready to go by Spring Training. Plus fastball and curveball was the allure that made him a top prospect when healthy. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 8/4.20/1.35/123 in 127 IP

857) James Kaprielian OAK, RHP, 25.1 – Injuries have robbed Kaprielian of his last 3 seasons. When last healthy, he was a polished college pitcher whose stuff played up in pro ball, but due to the injuries, he is a complete mystery now. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 8/4.25/1.31/120 in 130 IP

858) Joe Palumbo TEX, LHP, 24.5 – Returned from Tommy John surgery in June 2018 and by the end of the season was back to his normal self. Palumbo has a plus curveball, 92-96 MPH fastball, and potential average changeup. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 10/4.14/1.31/143 in 155 IP

859) Drew Pomeranz SF, LHP, 30.4 – Imploded in 2018 with a 6.08 ERA and 1.77 WHIP. Signing with San Francisco was the best possible landing spot. 2019 Projection: 8/4.19/1.34/133 in 140 IP

860) Jerad Eickhoff PHI, RHP, 28.9 – Missed most of 2018 with shoulder issues. Back end starter profile with low 90’s heat and heavy use of his curveball. 2019 Projection: 5/4.35/1.36/71 in 80 IP

861) Enyel De Los Santos PHI, RHP, 23.3 – Mid 90’s fastball with a plus changeup that he throws 25.1% of the time. Will have to improve his breaking balls in order to miss more bats and stick in the rotation. 2019 Projection: 5/4.41/1.37/74 in 90 IP Prime Projection: 10/4.08/1.32/142 in 158 IP

862) Erick Fedde WASH, RHP, 26.1 – Likely back end starter or bullpen piece. Former 18th overall pick in the draft, so there might be some residual hype for him to have some trade value. 2019 Projection: 6/4.29/1.37/82 in 90 IP

863) Ryan Rolison COL, LHP, 21.9 – Selected 22nd overall in the 2018 draft, Rolison had mediocre college stats in 2018 with a pitching line of 3.70/1.37/120/45 in 97 IP in the SEC. Adding Coors into the equation, and I’m almost certainly staying away. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 11/4.23/1.36/165 in 173 IP

864) Marco Estrada OAK, RHP, 35.9 – Couldn’t have landed in a much better situation than Oakland considering Estrada’s extreme flyball tendencies. 2019 Projection: 9/4.31/1.30/125 in 150 IP

865) Jonathan Lucroy LAA, C, 32.10 – Nothing more than a light hitting catcher at this point. 2019 Projection: 44/7/50/.255/.316/.389/1

866) Chris Devenski HOU, Setup, 28.5 – Down year in 2018, and missed time with a hamstring injury, but stuff is still good so I would expect a bounceback. 2019 Projection: 4/3.49/1.14/76 in 65 IP

867) Jason Martin PIT, OF, 23.7 – Average skills across the board. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 67/15/61/.254/.317/.426/9

868) Tom Murphy COL, C, 28.0 – Power hitting catcher with a poor plate approach and high strikeout rate. Still in the mix to be a part of the Rockies future catcher plans. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 41/16/48/.231/.293/.439/1

869) Jarrod Dyson ARI, OF, 34.8 – Light hitting speedster. 2019 Projection: 49/4/28/.242/.315/.349/19

870) Randy Arozarena STL, OF, 24.1 – It’s going to be a struggle for Arozarena to get at-bats in St. Louis’ crowded outfield, but with a solid feel to hit, a little pop, and above average speed, he’s worth picking up if does make his way into the lineup. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 63/10/49/.262/.324/.398/14

871) Forrest Wall TOR, OF, 23.5 – Up and down minor league career. Plus speed with a good plate approach and enough pop for 10+ homers. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 61/11/52/.263/.325/.413/14

872) Tucupita Marcano SD, 2B, 19.7 – Plus hit and plus speed. 31/64 K/BB split between rookie ball and short-season-A ball. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 76/8/54/.279/.351/.391/20

873) Daniel Brito PHI, 2B, 21.2 – Raw, toolsy prospect with a good feel for contact. Skills haven’t materialized into production yet, but there is time. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 73/14/58/.273/..336/.405/14

874) Luis Santana HOU, 2B, 19.9 – Plus hit tool, putting up elite strikeout rates throughout his minor league career, but doesn’t have difference making power or speed. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 79/14/72/.278/.353/.409/8

875) Eddy Diaz COL, SS, 19.1 – Hasn’t played stateside ball yet, but has put up elite strikeout rates (7.6% K%) and stolen base totals (54 steals in 51 games) in the Domincan Summer League. He signed for $750,000 out of Cuba, so there is certainly some underlying skills here. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 79/9/56/.273/.345/.405/23

876) AJ Reed HOU, 1B, 25.11 – I think he can eventually carve out a strong side of a platoon 1B/DH role if he gets in the right situation. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 43/18/59/.240/.324/.455/0

877) Andy Young ARI, 2B, 24.11 – Old for level but cut his strikeout rate down to career best 16.8% at High-A (17.1% at Double-A), and didn’t sacrifice any power in the process (21 homers). ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 48/14/55/.252/.318/.423/2

878) Lane Thomas STL, OF, 23.8 – Stayed healthy and broke out in 2018, slashing .264/.333/.489 with 27 homers, 17 steals, and a 134/50 K/BB in in 132 games at Triple-A. Above average centerfield defense will get him in the lineup. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 53/14/49/.248/.315/.419/8

879) Mitchell White LAD, RHP, 24.3 – Great stuff at his best but inconsistent and has had injury issues. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 9/3.90/1.29/116 in 130 IP

880) Greyson Jenista ATL, OF, 22.4 – Selected 49th overall in the 2018 draft, Jenista posted high groundball rates in his pro debut, which is not a great sign for a college hitter whose main calling card is power. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 54/16/57/.251/.332/.448/5

881) Steele Walker CHW, OF, 22.8 – Selected 46th overall in the 2018 draft, Walker has a well rounded skillset with a high motor, but no standout fantasy skills. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 78/18/73/.261/.327/.417/14

882) Anthony Seigler NYY, C, 19.10 – Selected 23rd overall in the 2018 draft, Seigler is a plus defensive catcher with a good feel to hit and doubles power. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 63/14/69/.263/.335/.410/1

883) Cal Raleigh SEA, C, 22.4 – Selected 90th overall in the 2018 draft, Raleigh is a switch hitting catcher with above average raw power from both sides of the plate. 50.4% FB% and 17.4% K% in his short season pro debut. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 50/20/65/.247/.326/.427/1

884) Braden Bishop SEA, OF, 25.8 – Plus centerfield defense and plus speed could keep him in the lineup where he is likely to chip in steals and not much else. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 72/9/51/.253/.327/.388/14

885) Richie Martin BAL, SS, 24.3 – Former 20th overall pick in the 2015 draft, Martin has maintained his plus athleticism while putting together his best offensive season in 2018, slashing .300/.368/.439 with 6 homers, 25 steals and a 86/44 K/BB in 118 games at Double-A. With a 22.9% FB%, he is going to have to lift the ball more to tap into his full potential. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 65/9/52/.259/.323/.389/14

886) Esteban Quiroz SD, 2B, 27.1 – Signed out of the Mexican League by Boston in 2016, Quiroz makes good contact, has a plus plate approach, and hits the ball in the air 44.1% of the time. He’s only 5’7”, 175 pounds, and is old for a prospect, but the underlying skills are very good. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 51/13/58/.258/.335/.421/5

887) Raynel Delgado CLE, 2B/SS, 19.0 – Selected 193rd overall in the 2018 draft, Delgado is a switch hitter with potential for plus hit and plus power. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 76/23/83/.274/.350/.476/5

888) Misael Urbina MIN, OF, 16.11 – Signed for $2.75 million in July 2018. Urbina has a plus hit, plus speed profile. ETA: 2026 Prime Projection: 85/11/62/.276/.342/.408/23

889) Brett Anderson OAK, LHP, 31.2 – I remember when he was one the brightest young starters in the game, but now he is just an oft-injured, soft tossing back end starter. 2019 Projection: 5/4.36/1.38/71 in 100 IP

890) Logan Webb SF, RHP, 22.5 – Fully recovered from 2016 Tommy John surgery, Webb showed a mid 90’s fastball with a curveball that flashed above average and a developing slider and changeup. He has mid rotation upside. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 10/4.25/1.32/139 in 150 IP

891) Mike King NYY, RHP, 23.10 – Likely a back end starter but stats are too good to ignore with a pitching line of 1.70/0.91/152/29 in 161 IP. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 7/3.98/1.34/108 in 130 IP

892) Chris Stratton SF, RHP, 28.8 – Pomeranz signing likely bumps him from the rotation to start the season, but he should still see plenty of innings in a variety of roles. 2019 Projection: 6/4.28/1.34/95 in 110 IP

893) Nick Markakis ATL, OF, 35.4 – Re-signing with Atlanta is a best case scenario for Markakis. He will still have to compete with Adam Duvall for playing time. 2019 Projection: 68/12/77/.276/.352/.409/1

894) Mark Reynolds COL, 1B, 35.8 – Short side of a platoon power bat. 2019 Projection: 32/12/41/.242/.318/.455/1

895) Gerardo Parra SF, OF, 31.11 – Makes good contact but doesn’t have much power and leaving Coors. 2019 Projection: 41/6/43/.271/.314/.389/5

896) Zack Short CHC, SS, 23.10 – Worth mentioning for his unique profile alone, Short posted a 15.6% walk rate and 54.9% flyball rate at Double-A. He doesn’t have enough raw power to fully take advantage of it, but he is worth having on your radar. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 52/13/47/.242/.341/.389/9

897) Max Schrock STL, 2B, 24.6 – 7.9% K% in Triple-A makes him a sure major leaguer, and he raised his FB% to 38.1%, but if he doesn’t start making harder contact he is destined to be a utility guy. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 62/7/46/.278/.326/.381/9

898) Blake Swihart BOS, C/OF, 27.0 – Rumors Boston looks at Swihart as trade bait, which would only help his fantasy value. He’s a light hitting catcher with average speed. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 48/9/43/.249/.308/.388/6

899) Jayson Schroeder HOU, RHP, 19.5 – Selected 66th overall in the 2018 draft, Schroeder is a plus athlete with a low 90’s fastball and the potential for two plus secondaries in his curveball and slider. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 11/3.82/1.28/161 in 165 IP

900) Jean Carmona BAL, SS, 19.5 – Hasn’t dominated numbers wise, but Carmona has plus bat speed with high offensive upside. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 78/20/79/.268/.333/.439/10

901) Gabriel Arias SD, SS, 19.1 – Plus defensive shortstop but offense is still very raw. 29.6% K% and 6 homers in 124 games at Full-A. Still very young, and the raw ingredients are there for potentially above average hit and power. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 71/20/77/.268/.331/.438/4

902) Edward Cabrera MIA, RHP, 21.0 – 6’4”, 170 pounds with an athletic delivery and electric stuff but still very raw. Major pen risk. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 10/4.22/1.35/146 in 153 IP

903) Sam Carlson SEA, RHP, 20.4 – Selected 55th overall in the 2017 draft, Carlson was shut down soon after his pro debut, and eventually required Tommy John surgery in July 2018. When healthy, Carlson has a potential 3 pitch mix (fastball, slider, changeup) and the ability to pound the strikezone. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 11/3.80/1.26/161 in 171 IP

904) Yangervis Solarte SF, 3B/2B, 31.9 – Utility infielder with a good feel to hit and some pop. 2019 Projection: 42/12/46/.255/.313/.414/1

905) Mark Canha OAK, OF, 30.1 – Hits the ball in the air with about league average exit velocities. Projected to be in the short side of a platoon. 2019 Projection: 48/12/46/.243/.316/.429/2

906) Kevin Cron ARI, 1B, 26.1 – Hit dingers at every minor league stop since being drafted in the 14th round in 2014. With a 47.3% FB%, there is no question his power will play, but the competition is tough to land full time jobs for 1B only types. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 46/15/57/.245/.318/.442/1

907) Magneuris Sierra MIA, OF, 23.0 – 3rd fastest spring speed in the majors but has no power, a poor plate approach, and a high strikeout rate. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 58/6/33/.248/.291/.357/14

908) Seth Lugo NYM, Setup, 29.5 – Will remain in the bullpen with the Mets, but there are rumors the Astros are interested, and they may move him back into the rotation. 2019 Projection: 6/3.51/1.20/81 in 83 IP

909) DJ Peters LAD, OF, 23.4 – Plus athlete with extreme power (29 homers in 132 games at Double-A) and extreme strikeouts (34.3%). ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 59/18/57/.221/.302/.449/3

910) Dylan Cozens PHI, OF, 24.10 – Elite power, but 35.6% K% at Triple-A (54.5% in 44 MLB at-bats) is likely to prevent him from locking down a full time job. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 41/18/52/.221/.303/.424/6

911) Roberto Ramos COL, 1B, 24.3 – Double plus power (32 homers split between High-A and Double-A) with double plus strikeouts (32.9% K% at Double-A) and zero defensive value. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 44/18/56/.237/.316/.430/2

912) Jose Soriano LAA, RHP, 20.5 – Checks all the boxes for a young, projectable pitching prospect. Mid 90’s heat with a curveball that flashes plus, but is still a project. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/3.92/1.33/147 in 155 IP

913) Roansy Contreras NYY, RHP, 19.5 – Upper 90’s fastball with the potential for two plus secondaries (curveball/changeup). ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 11/4.13/1.31/158 in 167 IP

914) Shaun Anderson SF, RHP, 24.5 – Likely back end starter without any standout pitches, but a back end starter in San Francisco has mid rotation upside in fantasy. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 10/4.01/1.31/149 in 175 IP

915) Mike Shawaryn BOS, RHP, 24.7 – Uses a heavy sinking fastball to induce groundballs, to go along with a plus slider and average changeup. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 10/4.27/1.34/149 in 165 IP

916) Keegan Akin BAL, LHP, 24.0 – 54th overall pick in 2016. Deceptive fastball with a potential average to above average slider and changeup. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 10/4.26/1.34/150 in 160 IP

917) Sam Hjelle SF, RHP, 21.11 – Selected 45th overall in the 2018 draft, Hjelle is 6’11”, 225 pounds but doesn’t have overpowering stuff. Profiles as a back end stater. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/4.14/1.30/145 in 160 IP

918) Zach Britton NYY, Setup, 31.3 – Should be a good source of holds, but isn’t going to make a big impact on your ratios or strikeouts. 2019 Projection: 4/3.24/1.27/60 in 60 IP

919) Yoshihisa Hirano ARI, Setup, 35.1 – With the Holland signing, Hirano moves further away from saves, but it still isn’t inconceivable he finds himself in that role at some point this season. 2019 Projection: 4/3.45/1.19/61/5 in 65 IP

920) Jean Carlos Encarnacion BAL, 3B, 21.2 – 134/16 K/BB in 123 at-bats in Full-A shows he is still very raw, but Encarnacion has plus athleticism and plus power. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 73/21/77/.247/.303/412/8

921) Rylan Bannon BAL, 2B/3B, 23.0 – Demolished High-A, slashing .296/.402/.559 with 20 homers and a 103/59 K/BB in 89 games, but struggled in 98 Double-A at-bats. Selected in the 8th round in 2017, Bannon is a production over scouting prospect. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 63/16/56/.253/.337/.420/5

922) Luis Ortiz BAL, RHP, 23.7 – Plus fastball/slider combo but profiles more as a back end fantasy starter, especially in Baltimore and the AL East. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 9/4.33/1.36/138 in 152 IP

923) Dillon Tate BAL, RHP, 24.11 – 4th overall pick of the 2015 draft. Tate’s stuff has taken a step back in pro ball, but the plus athleticism is still there. Ceiling looks more like a mid rotation guy now. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 9/4.21/1.33/132 in 145 IP

924) Dennis Santana LAD, RHP, 23.0 – Shut down for the season in June with a strained rotator cuff. Throws a mid 90’s fastball with tons of movement, which he pairs with an above average slider and developing changeup. Ultimately may wind up in the pen. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 7/4.08/1.33/127 in 119 IP

925) Tim Cate WASH, LHP, 21.6 – Selected 65th overall in the 2018 draft, Cate has one of the best curveballs in the draft class. His fastball sits in the low 90’s and he doesn’t have much of a changeup. He was also shut down in the middle of his junior year with an elbow injury. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 7/3.91/1.32/136 in 133 IP

926) Luis Campusano SD, C, 20.6 – Displayed a good feel to hit in his full season debut with a 15.1% K%, and while he only hit 3 homers in 70 games, he shows plus power in batting practice. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 55/18/59/.258/.322/.419/1

927) Anthony Banda TB, LHP, 25.8 – Underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2018. When healthy, he throws a mid 90’s fastball with multiple secondaries. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection:6/4.16/1.34/101 in 110 IP

928) Buddy Reed SD, OF, 23.11 – Plus defense and double plus speed could get him in the lineup, but limited power and poor K/BB numbers will make him an offensive liability. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 63/7/47/.233/.291/.388/23

929) Jared Oliva PIT, OF, 23.4 – Projectable 6’3”, 185 pounds, Oliva had a strong full season debut at High-A, slashing .275/.354/.424 with 9 homers, 33 steals, and a 91/40 K/BB in 108 games. He fell off in the 2nd half and is still a bit of a project. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 53/10/47/.249/.318/.407/13

930) Miguel Hiraldo TOR, SS, 18.7 – Signed for $750,000 in 2017, Hiraldo had a strong pro debut is the DSL, with a .313 BA, 12.6% K%, and 15 steals in 54 games. He has plus bat speed and projects for plus hit. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 82/18/72/.278/.356/.441/8

931) Ronny Brito TOR, SS, 20.0 – Signed for $2 million in 2015, Brito is known more for his plus SS defense than his bat. Hit 11 homers and stuck out 30.3% of the time in 53 games as a 19-year-old in rookie ball in 2018, so the power is developing. ETA: 203 Prime Projection: 77/17/72/.244/.303/.409/12

932) Edwin Rios LAD, 1B, 24.11 – Strikeout rate jumped over 10% to 32.3% and ISO dropped to a career low .178. Most likely outcome is a bench power bat. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 41/15/56/.242/.299/.428/1

933) Josh Ockimey BOS, LHP, 23.6 – Extreme strikeout and walk rates with plus power. Strong side of a platoon is his most likely outcome. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 48/17/65/.241/.328/.447/1

934) Luken Baker STL, 1B, 22.1 – Selected 75th overall in the 2018 draft, Baker crushed 3 years of college ball in the Big 12 and then had a solid pro debut. On the downside, right handed power hitting 1B have a hard time getting prospect hype, and also have a hard time breaking into a major league lineup. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 46/15/52/.254/.331/.457/1

935) Nathan Eaton KC, 2B/3B/OF, 22.4 – Dominated in pro debut at rookie ball, slashing .354/.427/.581 with 5 homers, 19 steals, and a 60/33 K/BB in 66 games. He’s got average to above average skills across the board and can play all over the diamond. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 77/14/71/.257/.326/.412/15

936) Taylor Walls TB, SS, 22.9 – Selected 79th overall in the 2017 draft, Walls had a strong full season debut, slashing .304/.393/.428 with 6 homers, 31 steals, and a 80/66 K/BB in 120 games at Full-A. Utility infielder floor with a chance to be a 2nd division regular. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 72/12/58/.262/.345/.408/14

937) Abraham Toro HOU, 3B, 22.4 – Average tools across the board. Performed well at High-A (.834 OPS) before struggling at Double-A (.688 OPS). ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 63/18/67/.262/.338/.445/8

938) Richie Palacios CLE, 2B, 21.11 – Selected 103rd overall in the 2018 draft, Palacios has plus hit and plus speed. He had a 16/52 K/BB and was 25 for 26 on the base paths in 55 games for Towson. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 72/10/58/.275/.332/.403/24

939) Griffin Conine TOR, OF, 21.9 – Selected 52nd overall in the 2018 draft, Griffin has plus power with major strikeout issues. He is the son of former big leaguer, Jeff Conine. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 56/15/64/.237/.318/.435/3

940) Nicky Delmonico CHW, OF, 26.9 – Likely keeping the seat warm for Eloy. 86.8 MPH avg exit velocity and 90 MPH on FB/LD is not a good sign for someone who needs to hit for power to stay in the lineup. 2019 Projection: 38/9/34/.233/.312/.400/2

941) Eric Skoglund KC, LHP, 26.6 – Suspended for 80 games in 2018. Batters hit Skoglund hard last season, with a 90.7 avg exit velocity against and 94.1 MPH on FB/LD. 2019 Projection: 6/4.62/1.38/101 in 130 IP

942) Socrates Brito ARI, OF, 26.7 – 10th fastest sprint speed in the majors, but doesn’t do enough damage with the bat to capitalize on it. 2019 Projection: 36/7/33/.237/.285/.395/6

943) Christian Walker ARI, 1B/OF, 28.0 – Quad-A type player but power is legit. 2019 Projection: 31/10/38/.231/.291/.438/1

944) Brewer Hicklen KC, OF, 23.2 – Plus athlete with a plus power/speed combo but hit tool is still very raw. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 51/12/49/.237/.304/.401/14

945) Jordy Mercer DET, SS, 32.8 – Strikeout rate spiked to 20% in 2018. Mercer has a little pop and that is just about it. 2019 Projection: 49/10/46/.250/.316/.386/1

946) Tyler Naquin CLE, OF, 27.11 – Down year in 2018 and is going to have to compete with a lot of good young talent for playing time in 2019. 2019 Projection: 43/9/45/.261/.317/.408/3

947) Sheldon Neuse OAK, 3B, 24.5 – Disastrous season in the PCL with a .661 OPS, 5 homers, and a 172/32 K/BB in 135 games. Hit the ball on the ground a career low 38.2% of the time, so this might just be growing pains, or it might mean he should go back to his original approach. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 42/12/49/.246/.312/.414/2

948) Yadier Alvarez LAD, RHP, 23.1 – Followed up his poor 2017 with an even worse 2018, walking 44 batters in 55.1 IP. Plus stuff is still there, but all indications point to him ending up in the bullpen. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 4/3.31/1.24/76 in 63 IP

949) Franklyn Kilome NYM, RHP, 23.9 – Will miss all of 2019 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October. When healthy, he has a mid 90’s fastball with a potential plus curve, but lacks command and a third pitch. ETA: Late 2020 Prime Projection: 9/4.11/1.34/96 in 110 IP

950) Tanner Houck BOS, RHP, 22.9 – Selected 24th overall in the 2017 draft, Houck throws a mid 90’s 4 seamer and sinker, to go along with a swing and miss slider. May ultimately wind up in the pen. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 9/4.02/1.33/121 in 130 IP

951) Luis Medina NYY, RHP, 19.11 – Fastball that can hit the upper 90’s with a potential plus curveball and plus changeup. Stats have been awful the last two seasons in rookie ball with a pitching line of 6.25/2.1747/46 in 36 IP. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 10/4.23/1.35/163 in 158 IP

952) Gregory Santos SF, RHP, 19.8 – Nasty 3 pitch mix but still very raw. Santos has obvious major league stuff but may wind up in the pen. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 6/3.88/1.31/108 in 111 IP

953) Victor Mesa Jr. MIA, OF, 18.0 – Skills are similar to his older brother but is mostly a mystery due to his lack of exposure. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 72/11/56/.268/.332/.393/15

954) Rogelio Armenteros HOU, RHP, 24.9 – Average stuff plays up because of a deceptive fastball-changeup combo and 5 pitch mix. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 8/4.18/1.33/101 in 110 IP

955) Yohander Mendez TEX, LHP, 24.2 – Fastball/changeup pitcher. Likely a back end starter unless his fastball ticks up and/or his slider improves. 2019 Projection: 3/4.76/1.45/61 in 70 IP Prime Projection: 10/4.38/1.35/140 in 155 IP

956) Abiatal Avelino SF, 2B/SS, 24.1 – Good athlete with an aggressive plate approach. Had a power breakout in 2018, hitting 15 homers in 126 games to go along with 27 steals. Most likely a bench player, but is knocking on the door of the bigs and is worth having on your radar. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 62/6/41/.251/.298/.391/9

957) Brett Cumberland BAL, C, 23.9 – Power, patience, and strikeout catcher. If Sisco can’t get his act together, Cumberland will overtake him as the catcher of the future. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 44/14/51/.248/.327/.413/0

958) Corey Spangenberg MIL, 3B/2B, 28.0 – Moustakas signing limits how much playing time Spagenberg will get. Moderate power/speed combo with a 32.8% K% in 2018. 2019 Projection: 42/8/34/.248/.310/.398/6

959) Logan Morrison FA, 1B, 31.7 – Hip surgery ended his season in August. Best case scenario is a strong side of a platoon bat. 2019 Projection: 36/14/41/.228/.316/.430/1

960) Daniel Poncedeleon STL, RHP, 27.2 – Strong MLB debut with a pitching line of 2.73/1.12/31/13 in 33 IP. Throws 4 average pitches. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 7/4.22/1.33/81 in 94 IP

961) Wil Crowe WASH, RHP, 24.7 – Selected 65th overall in the 2017 draft, Crowe has a solid 4-pitch mix with no standout pitches. He has good control/command and will throw any of his pitches in any count. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 10/4.21/1.31/151 in 169 IP

962) Erik Swanson SEA, RHP, 25.7 – Predominantly a fastball/slider pitcher, but neither pitch is dominant. Likely a back of the rotation starter. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 9/4.21/1.34/105 in 120 IP

963) Brandon Wagner NYY, 1B, 23.7 – Patient hitter with an advanced approach. Wagner had a power breakout in 2018, hitting 21 homers in 124 games split between High-A and Double-A. He has some defensive versatility, and could see at-bats all over the field. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 53/14/55/.251/.346/.439/1

964) Frank Schwindel KC, 1B, 26.9 – Poor plate approach, but he makes good contact and has good power. Probably a Quad-A player, but with the Royals rebuilding, he could get his shot. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 38/11/46/.252/.291/.416/1

965) Adam Kloffenstein TOR, RHP, 18.8 – Selected 88th overall in the 2018 draft, Kloffenstein is 6’5”, 243 pounds with a low 90’s fastball, inconsistent slider, and developing changeup. He’s raw, but the ingredients are there to develop into a mid rotation starter. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 9/4.18/1.32/158 in 165 IP

966) Kyle Cody TEX, RHP, 24.8 – Underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2018. When healthy, the 6′,7”, 245-pound Cody has a mid 90’s fastball and plus slider. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 8/3.94/1.32/135 in 130 IP

967) Lonnie Chisenhall PIT, OF, 30.6 – Strong side of a platoon bat until Polanco is healthy. Capable of power outbreaks with a high flyball rate, but he doesn’t hit the ball hard enough to consistently capitalize on it. 2019 Projection: 32/9/43/.268/.326/.439/2

968) Robbie Erlin SD, LHP, 28.6 – Back end starter or multi inning reliever. 2019 Projection: 7/4.22/1.28/104 in 130 IP

969) Ranger Suarez PHI, LHP, 23.7 – Deceptive delivery with a low 90’s fastball, average changeup, and a slider that flashes average. Doesn’t have a put away pitch but knows how to pitch. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 9/4.12/1.33/149 in 166 IP

970) Jayce Easley TEX, 2B, 19.8 – Selected 149th overall in the 2018 draft, Easley projects as a top of the order hitter with plus speed. Cracks the list because of the bloodlines (Damion Easley). ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 77/10/52/.265/.336/.402/20

971) Ryan Jeffers MIN, C, 21.10 – Selected 59th overall in the 2018 draft, Jeffers had a strong pro debut, slashing .288/.361/.446 with 4 homers and a 30/14 K/BB in 36 games at Full-A. Above average power, but no guarantee he sticks behind the plate. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 46/14/53/.245/.311/.407/0

972) Joe McCarthy TB, OF/1B, 25.1 – Solid underlying stats at Triple-A with a 47% FB%, 22.5% K%, and 13.1 BB%. Might end up as a bench bat because it is crowded in Tampa, but McCarthy has legitimate offensive potential and can play a few positions. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 48/14/52/.251/.338/.435/6

973) Nick Decker BOS, OF, 19.6 – Selected 64th overall in the 2018 draft, Decker has an advanced approach at the plate with average power and speed. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 76/16/71/.272/.348/.427/10

974) Terrin Vavra COL, SS/2B, 21.11 – Selected 96th overall in the 2018 draft, Vavra has a good feel to hit and an average at best power/speed combo. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 73/14/61/.276/.330/.418/9

975) Will Benson CLE, OF, 20.10 – Double plus power, but with major hit tool risk. Slashed .180/.324/.370 with 22 homers (52.3% FB%), 12 steals and a 152/82 K/BB in 123 games at Full-A. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 53/18/58/.221/.328/.456/6

976) Will Craig PIT, 1B, 24.5 – Completely flipped his batted ball distribution with a 53.7% FB% in Double-A, resulting in 20 homers in 132 games. He took steps back in K% and BB%, but Craig is a hitter I liked out of the draft, and is worth keeping an eye on to see if he can further develop with this new approach. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 43/14/51/.258/.327/.442/2

977) Jamie Westbrook ARI, 2B, 23.10 – Aggressive approach with a good feel to hit and some power. Had his best season since 2015, but it was his third time repeating Double-A. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 52/12/57/.268/.310/.431/3

978) Heath Quinn SF, OF, 23.10 – A favorite of mine in the 2016 draft, Quinn has not lived up to my expectations. He had a strong year at High-A in 2018, but he was repeating the level and was a bit old for it. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 42/13/49/.238/.306/.419/3

979) Dom Thompson-Williams SEA, OF, 24.0 – Good athlete with plus raw power and average speed. Had an excellent statistical year at High-A, but is too old for the level to be impressed by it. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 52/14/53/.238/.291/.421/9

980) Brock Deatherage DET, OF, 23.7 – Selected 285th overall in the 2018 draft, but he didn’t fall that far for a lack of tools. Deatherage is an elite athlete with a plus power-speed combo. Hit tool is raw, and he was a senior coming into the draft, but pro debut was very promising, slashing .326/.385/.504 with 7 homers, 19 steals, and a 64/21 K/BB in 60 games spent mostly at Full-A. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 62/13/54/.244/.318/.414/16

981) Osleivis Basabe TEX, SS, 18.7 – Known for his defense and speed when he signed in 2017, but hit tool was much better than expected in DSL debut, where he hit .344 with an 11.3% K%. ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 78/13/53/.268/.331/.409/18

982) Larry Ernesto MIL, OF, 18.7 – Signed for $1.8 million in 2017, Ernesto displayed his power/speed combo in his DSL debut, hitting 5 homers and stealing 9 bases, but hit tool is still very raw (68/14 K/BB in 53 games). ETA: 2024 Prime Projection: 74/20/78/.243/.311/.441/12

983) Owen White TEX, RHP, 19.7 – Selected 55th overall in the 2018 draft, White is a projectable 6’3”, 170 pounds with a low 90’s fastball and developing secondaries. Multi sport athlete in high school. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 9/4.17/1.31/150 in 160 IP

984) Jake Wong SF, RHP, 22.8 – Selected 80th overall in the 2018 draft, Wong throws a heavy 92-96 MPH fastball, an above average curve and developing changeup. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/4.15/1.33/153 in 170 IP

985) Mario Feliciano MIL, C, 20.4 – Career minor league numbers are bad, but he has been pushed aggressively and dealt with injuries in 2018. If it all comes together, he will be one of those catchers that hits for power without tanking your average. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 61/18/69/.265/.333/.428/1

986) Will Banfield MIA, C, 19.5 – Selected 69th overall in the 2018 draft, Banfield is a plus defensive catcher with plus raw power. ETA: 2023 Prime Projection: 55/18/68/.249/.326/.403/0

987) Francisco Morales PHI, RHP, 19.5 – Prototypical starters build. 92-96 MPH fastball that has the potential to tick up as he gets stronger, to go along with a plus slider. Delivery and control/command need work. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 10/4.08/1.32/167 in 165 IP

988) Bryan Mata BOS, RHP, 19.11 – Prototypical starters build with MLB stuff, but put up a 17.7% BB% at High-A. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 10/4.02/1.34/154 in 163 IP

989) Pedro Avila SD, RHP, 22.3 – Low 90’s fastball with two advanced secondary pitches in his curveball and changeup. He’s struck out 496 batters in 416.1 IP throughout his minor league career. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 11/4.01/1.33/152 in 160 IP

990) Blaine Knight BAL, RHP, 22.9 – Selected 87th overall in the 2018 draft, Knight throws in the low 90’s with an elite spin rate slider and curveball. He is a skinny 6’3”, 165 pounds, so there is potential for him to add more velocity as he gains strength. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/4.17/1.32/152 in 165 IP

991) Tony Watson SF, Setup, 33.10 – Bounced back in 2018 after his changeup returned to being a plus pitch. 2019 Projection: 4/3.38/1.18/65 in 65 IP

992) Taylor Rogers MIN, Setup, 28.4 – Being a lefty, it might be hard for Rogers to be a candidate for saves, but he broke out in 2018 with a plus sinker-curveball combo, to go along with an above average slider he reintroduced into his pitch repertoire. 2019 Projection: 4/3.38/1.19/69/3 in 65 IP

993) Lou Trivino OAK, Setup, 27.6 – Fell apart in the 2nd half, but overall season numbers were strong with a pitching line of 2.92/1.14/82/31 in 74 IP. 2019 Projection: 5/3.51/1.23/72 in 68 IP

994) Cristian Javier HOU, RHP, 22.0 – High spin rate fastball with the potential for two above average breaking balls. 146/50 K/BB in 110 IP split between Full-A and Advanced-A. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 6/3.91/1.32/111 in 105 IP

995) Travis Jankowski SD, OF, 27.10 – It’s going to be tough to get playing time in San Diego’s crowded OF, but he can still provide steals in a bench role. 2019 Projection: 35/2/12/.250/.325/.329/15

996) Wade LeBlanc SEA, LHP, 34.8 – Had the best year of his career in 2018 with a pitching line 3.72/1.18/130/40 in 162 IP. The upside is low, but he has the potential to be serviceable in deeper leagues. 2019 Projection: 8/4.29/1.30/118 in 150 IP

997) Jason Vargas NYM, LHP, 36.2 – Classic back end starter. Only valuable in leagues where accumulating innings has value. 2019 Projection: 8/4.34/1.34/108 in 130 IP

998) Ian Kennedy KC, RHP, 34.9 – More likely to provide negative value than positive. 2019 Projection: 8/4.48/1.33/123 in 140 IP

999) Jordan Zimmerman DET, RHP, 32.10 – Velocity has continued to decline to a career low 91.7 MPH, although he did have his best K/9 (7.61) since 2014. 2019 Projection: 8/4.55/1.35/115 in 150 IP

1000) Jeremy Hellickson WASH, RHP, 32.0 – Back end starter. 2019 Projection: 6/4.41/1.32/70 in 100 IP

1001) Edinson Volquez TEX, RHP, 35.9 – Missed all of 2018 recovering from Tommy John surgery, but is expected to be ready to go in 2019. Back end starter without much upside. 2019 Projection: 7/4.52/1.46/108 in 130 IP

1002) Martin Prado MIA, 3B, 35.5 – Has been awful the last two seasons, but $15 million contract might keep him in the lineup. At best, he will provide a solid average and nothing else. 2019 Projection: 54/9/52/.259/.312/.370/2

1003) Yonathan Daza COL, OF, 25.1 – Plus defensive outfielder with a good feel to hit and plus speed. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 59/6/42/.278/.325/.391/12

1004) Steve Pearce BOS, 1B/OF, 36.0 – Short side of a platoon power bat. 2019 Projection: 37/12/41/.261/.338/.462/1

1005) Denard Span FA, OF, 35.1 – Likely a 4th outfielder at this point in his career as his days of being a viable starting centerfielder are over. 2019 Projection: 46/8/41/.261/.332/.408/8

1006) Daniel Descalso CHC, 3B/2B/OF, 32.6 – The last thing fantasy players needed was for Joe Maddon to have another gritty vet to use to block the kids. But here we are. Descalso cut his GB% to a career low 30.1% in 2018, so his mini power breakout was for real. 2019 Projection: 33/10/33/.234/.338/.420/2

1007) Carlos Gomez FA, OF, 33.4 – Still has some power and speed but in a clear decline. Prime Projection: 38/9/36/.233/.309/.386/7

1008) Austin Allen SD, C/1B, 25.2 – Not likely to stick at catcher, but Allen has plus raw power and a good feel to hit. Would have more value on an AL team. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 47/16/56/.252/.320/.441/0

1009) Felix Pena LAA, RHP, 29.1 – Sinker/slider pitcher who will mix in a changeup. Likely a back end starter, but he had success last season in the majors with a 4.18 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 92.2 IP. 2019 Projection: 5/4.31/1.35/93 in 100 IP

1010) Starling Heredia LAD, OF, 20.8 – Plus power and average speed but hit tool is very raw. Slashed .192/.260/.332 with 7 homers, 4 steals, and a 92/20 K/BB in 61 games at Full-A. ETA: 2022 Prime Projection: 54/17/58/.238/.316/.442/7

1011) JJ Matijevic HOU, OF, 23.5 – Bat first prospect who showed well in his first full season of pro ball, slashing .277/.350/.538 with 22 homers, 13 steals, and a 113/44 K/BB in 101 games spent mostly at High-A. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 53/13/56/.241/.318/.435/7

1012) Juan Guerrero COL, SS, 17.7 – Signed for $600,000 in July 2018. Plus bat speed with a good feel to hit and projectable frame. ETA: 2025 Prime Projection: 73/22/81/.273/.341/.468/8

1013) Tyler Phillips TEX, RHP, 21.5 – Stats over scouting prospect. Put up a pitching line of 2.64/1.02/127/16 in 133 IP spent almost entirely at Full-A. Low 90’s fastball with a plus changeup and average curve. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 10/4.07/1.32/153 in 169 IP

1014) Griffin Roberts STL, RHP, 22.10 – Selected 43rd overall in the 2018 draft, Roberts sits in the low 90’s with a plus slider. He was a reliever until his junior season in college. ETA: 2021 Prime Projection: 5/3.71/1.28/84 in 77 IP

1015) Daulton Jefferies OAK, RHP, 23.8 – Tommy John surgery knocked out his 2017 and 2018 seasons. When healthy, he has three potential above average pitches in his fastball, curveball, and chaneup. ETA: 2020 Prime Projection: 8/4.09/1.26/128 in 140 IP

1016) Chris Bassitt OAK, RHP, 30.1 – Likely the next man up in Oakland’s patchwork rotation. Back end starter. Oakland badly needs rotation help. 2019 Projection: 5/4.41/1.36/73 in 90 IP

1017) Richard Rodriguez PIT, Setup, 29.1 – 14% swinging strike rate in 2018. Doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but is excellent at locating his fastball. 2019 Projection: 4/3.51/1.21/65 in 60 IP

1018) Derek Dietrich CIN, 1B/OF, 29.9 – 15.6 degree launch angle but doesn’t hit it all that hard (90.8 MPH FB/LD avg. exit velo) and has a poor plate approach. 2019 Projection: 38/7/31/.257/.330/.420/1

1019) Lucas Duda MIN, 1B, 33.2 – Strong side of a platoon power bat with the ability to kill your batting average. 2019 Projection: 28/12/35/.237/.325/.449/1

1020) Mike Ford NYY, 1B, 26.9 – K/BB statistical darling until 2018, where his 73/39 K/BB in 108 games at Triple-A was nothing to write home about. ETA: Late 2019 Prime Projection: 38/10/41/.252/.338/.421/1

1021) Adam Wainwright STL, RHP, 37.7 – Will compete for a rotation spot in Spring, but hopefully Alex Reyes wins that spot and Wainwright pitches out of the bullpen. 2019 Projection: 7/4.31/1.38/86 in 100 IP

1022) Wily Peralta KC, Closer, 29.11 – Boxberger signing all but eliminates his value, although there are a myriad of ways he can end up back in the closer role. 2019 Projection: 3/4.21/1.39/61/8 in 65 IP

1023) Jose Iglesias CIN, SS, 29.3 – A few stolen bases are about all he will provide for your fantasy team. 2019 Projection: 38/4/31/.263/.306/.388/7

1024) Devon Travis TOR, 2B, 28.2 – Galvis signing eliminates his best path to playing time, and he doesn’t have much value if he isn’t getting immediate at bats. 2019 Projection: 29/6/26/.261/.301/.412/2

1025) Hanley Ramirez CLE, 1B, 35.4 – Best case scenario is a short side of a platoon role. 2019 Projection: 35/10/41/.248/.316/.421/3

XXXX) Kyler Murray OAK, OF, 21.7 – Announced he will forgo a baseball career to be an NFL QB. 2018 Heisman Trophy winner. Murray is an elite athlete with a plus power/speed combo but needs improvement on hitting off-speed pitches. ETA: Never Prime Projection: 27 Passing TD, 16 INT, 7 Rushing TD, 4,000 passing yards, and 700 rushing yards

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]]> https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/2019-top-1000-dynasty-baseball-rankings-w-short-analysis-2019-projections-and-prime-projections-for-every-player/feed/ 8 4869 2017 Compete Top 36 MLB Draft Fantasy/Dynasty Baseball Prospect Rankings: 1-36 https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/2017-compete-top-36-mlb-draft-fantasydynasty-baseball-prospect-rankings-1-36/ https://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/2017-compete-top-36-mlb-draft-fantasydynasty-baseball-prospect-rankings-1-36/#comments Mon, 12 Jun 2017 14:38:36 +0000 http://www.imaginarybrickwall.com/?p=4428 You won’t find a bigger proponent of drafting college players, in particular, college bats, at the top of the MLB Draft/First-Year Player Fantasy Baseball Draft, but this year’s college class is so uninspiring, I’m shooting for the moon in 2017. The college players are still the much safer play, but the combination of their lack of upside and the extreme upside of the top high schoolers, has me thinking this is the year to roll the dice. Here is the 2017 Compete Top 36 MLB Draft Fantasy/Dynasty Baseball Prospect Rankings: 1-36

1) Hunter Greene (6’3’’, 205) HS, RHP/SS – Greene is the type of generational talent you just don’t pass up. He is both a power hitting shortstop and a flame throwing starting pitcher. The first “comp” to pop in my mind when watching him pitch was Satchel Paige from those old black and white documentaries where the film was sped up so everything looked so fast, except with Greene’s videos, that’s just his normal speed. His secondary pitches are still raw, but the easy mid-90’s heat, extremely athletic delivery, and top notch work ethic/mindset makes him the best bet to emerge as a superstar from this class, regardless of where he plays on the field.

2) Royce Lewis (6’1’’, 190) HS, SS/OF – The best combination of tools, athleticism, speed, and feel to hit in the entire draft. The 17-year-old Lewis can also take some vicious hacks at the plate that foreshadows his future power potential. The best case scenario in his early professional career would be a Victor Robles type, but it’s doubtful the hit tool will be quite that good.

3) Austin Beck (6’1’’, 200) HS, OF – Controlled aggression is the best description of his swing, as it looks like Beck has channeled all of his pent up anger into crushing baseballs. The plus bat speed is almost guaranteed to play at any level, and he mixes that with plus raw power and plus speed. He can still struggle against breaking pitches, and hasn’t gotten many reps against elite competition, which is partially due to tearing his ACL and meniscus last May, but his power/speed combo is truly elite.

4) Jordon Adell (6’3’’, 200) HS, OF – When Major League Baseball talks about losing the best athletes in the country to football, Adell is usually the type of player they are talking about. His dad was actually a star football player at North Carolina State, and was selected in the 12th round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. But Jordon smartly wanted nothing to do with football, and the only choice he had to make was between pitching or hitting. It looks like hitting is winning out, as Adell has put on a massive power display this Spring (video of him hitting 3 homers in a game on May 3rd) while rarely striking out. He is still far more projection than current refinement, but this is a recently turned 18-year-old kid, not a college junior. I’m betting on plenty of refinement down the line, and count me among the Adell believers.

5) MacKenzie Gore (6’2’’, 180) HS, LHP – I am a sucker for a big lefty with a funky delivery, and Gore not only checks those boxes, but he also has elite control of a low 90’s fastball, along with three different secondary pitches (slider, curveball, changeup) that flash plus and project as above average or better. Nothing about him screams ace, and maybe we are all being pulled in by that leg kick (something I am seriously considering, ha), but all together, there doesn’t seem to be many weaknesses, either.

6) Adam Haseley (6’1’’, 195) Virginia, OF – Haseley possesses the best combination of contact, power, and speed in the college class, slashing .390/.491/.659 with 14 homers, 10 steals, and a 21/44 K/BB in 58 games. He currently looks more like a solid across the board type, rather than a true impact 5-category fantasy contributor, but if any college bat is going to creep up the rankings as draft day approaches, it will likely be Haseley … unless Brendan McKay gets drafted as a hitter (more on that next week).

7) Kyle Wright (6’4’’, 220) Vandy, RHP – Solid as a rock, both in build and performance. Wright has a very clean, non-deceptive delivery with an advanced four pitch mix (fastball, curve, slider, changeup). His stuff is clearly MLB quality across the board, but none of his pitches standout as truly dominant. He looks the part, though, and has also pitched very well in the toughest conference in college baseball (SEC). If he lands in a good environment for pitching, I can see a relatively quick moving #2-3 fantasy starter, but I don’t think he is the type of guy who will win you a league or carry your pitching staff.

8) Brendan McKay (6’2’’, 212) LOU, 1B/LHP – McKay is a total wildcard for First-Year Player Drafts because we may not find out his ultimate position until next season. On the hitting side, he has a very loose, quick left handed swing with natural loft and the ability to hit for both average and power. On the pitching side, he profiles as a safe mid-rotation starter. I’m rooting for the bat to win out, especially for fantasy.

9) Keston Hiura (6’0’’, 185) UC Irvine, 2B/OF  – Hiura is possibly the best college bat in the class, and he has the numbers to prove it, slashing .442/.567/.693 with 8 homers, 9 steals, and a 38/50 K/BB in 56 games. His plus bat speed creates loads of hard contact, and he combines that with a plus hit tool and an advanced plate approach. This is a potential stat stuffing “glue guy” on your fantasy squad who will contribute in a different way every night. If he wasn’t likely headed for Tommy John surgery right after the draft, he might have snuck into my top 5.

10) Bubba Thompson (6’2’’, 180) HS, OF – An elite athlete, Thompson turned down multiple major D1 football scholarships in order to finally focus on baseball full time. He is a plus-plus runner with a very projectable frame and plus bat speed. He is still raw, but he looks damn smooth taking swings in batting practice, unleashing some savage hacks. With continued refinement, Thompsom has a legitimate chance to end up the best player in this draft.

11) J.B. Bukauskas (6’0’’, 195) NC, RHP – The “small righty” seems to be one of the last vestiges that traditional scouts have to hang their hats on, much to the dismay (or maybe delight) of Billy Beane, who looks to be collecting them by the dozens. Bukauskas is in the plus fastball/slider mold, leaning heavily on the slider, leading many scouts to pigeonhole him as a typical power righty out of the pen. His college numbers are undeniable, though, putting up a pitching line of 2.53/1.07/116/37 in 92.2 IP, and the team that ends up drafting him is very likely to believe in him as a starter.

12) Pavin Smith (6’2’’, 210) Virginia, 1B – It’s all about that absurd contact rate, as Smith has a 12/38 K/BB in 228 at-bats, along with 13 homers and a .342/.427/.570 triple-slash. Only problem is, you need your first baseman to provide more than “solid” power, especially in today’s homer happy landscape. In 16+ team leagues, I can see giving Smith a bump, but in 10-14 teamers, I’m probably shooting for more upside if I’m drafting in the top half of the first round.

13) Nick Pratto (6’1’’, 193) HS, 1B – The first thing that jumps out at you when watching Pratto hit is how effortlessly he creates plus bat speed and how hard the ball comes off his bat. He combines that with an advanced, patient approach at the plate, along with plus athleticism for a first baseman. If you are looking for a potential .300/.400/.500 slashing first baseman, Pratto is your best bet.

14) DL Hall (6’0’’, 190) HS, LHP – Hall might have the best curveball in the entire draft (or at least my favorite one), reminiscent of Kolby Allard’s, but he doesn’t command it quite as well and his delivery is not as clean, either. I’ve been flipping a coin between him and the next guy on my list for the last two weeks …

15) Shane Baz (6’3’’, 190) HS, RHP – Baz is a big, physical righty with plus spin rates and several secondary pitches. The ingredients are definitely there for him to be a true ace, but there are still some command issues, and the results haven’t played up quite as high as the pure stuff.

16) Evan White (6’3’’, 177) Kent, 1B – During the Razzball Prospect Podcast: MLB Draft Edition, I challenged my co-host, Ralph Lifshitz, to talk me into White, and he did a damn fine job (Ralph and I did a 2-man mock draft on the podcast last Saturday). White is a plus athlete (and not just for a first baseman), with a great feel to hit and very projectable power considering his skinny, broad frame. He reminds me a little bit of the recently broken out Ryan Mountcastle, although Mountcastle is actually one year younger.

17) Jake Burger (6’2’’, 210) MissouriSt./3B – I’m not extremely excited about Burger, but this is fantasy baseball, and there aren’t many big-bopping college hitters out there this year, especially at the top of the draft. Burger is slashing .333/.448/.663 with 22 homers and a 36/42 K/BB in 61 games. He has solid bat speed, plus raw power, and is surprisingly nimble for his physique, although he may still end up at 1B long term. His body type, swing, and approach reminds me of Kevin Youkilis, except without the extreme walk rate, which was kinda what made Kevin Youkilis, Kevin Youkilis.

18) Jeren Kendall (5’10’’, 180) Vandy, OF – I’m not extremely excited about Kendall, either, but he has the best overall tools and power/speed combination in a depleted college hitting class, albeit with an awful hit tool (71/24 K/BB in 60 games). If I’m going to take someone who is raw, I would rather take a shot on one of the teenagers ranked ahead of him, although his plus CF defense has a chance to keep him on the field and force a team into being patient with him well into his mid-20’s.

19) Logan Warmoth (6’0’’, 190) NC, SS – Solid power/speed combo with a chance to stick at SS. Warmoth is a Keith Law favorite (link behind paywall).

20) Trevor Rogers (6’6”, 185) HS, LHP – A big, slingin’ lefty with a nasty delivery and plus fastball/slider combo. Rogers is old for his class, but all of the ingredients are there for him to be a strikeout machine on the next level.

21) Nate Pearson (6’6”, 240) JC, RHP – An absolute beast on the mound, Pearson lights up the radar gun with an upper 90’s fastball, which he pairs with a plus slider and developing changeup. There is some bullpen risk, but the upside is elite.

22) David Peterson (6’6”, 240) ORE, LHP – The Eric Lauer of this year’s draft, except all of the draftnik’s seem to like Peterson better. He destroyed the Pac12 by pounding the strike zone with a plus fastball/slider combo, while occasionally mixing in a curveball and changeup too. He doesn’t have overpowering stuff and it seemed like he dominated the competition more on guile and experience, but Peterson is one of the safer starters in the draft.

23) Alex Faedo (6’5’’, 225) FLA, RHP – The two arthroscopic knee surgeries gives me some pause, but Faedo has been excellent all 3 years in the SEC, and has one of the best sliders in the draft.

24) Heliot Ramos (6’1’’, 188) HS, OF – I don’t love his swing, but Ramos has elite power/speed potential, and being one of the youngest players in the draft, there is plenty of time for refinement.

25) Drew Waters (6’2’’ 185) HS, OF – A switch-hitter who looks smooth from both sides of the plate, although his left-handed swing looks like it is geared to do much more damage than the right. He is a good athlete with plus speed too.

26) Blayne Enlow (6’4’’, 180) HS, RHP – One of the prettiest curveballs in the draft with a low 90’s fastball and an athletic delivery. He is still a bit raw, but Enlow has top of the rotation potential.

27) Sam Carlson (6’4’’, 195) HS, RHP – Carlson has prototypical size with a fastball that just explodes out his hand. His changeup and slider both project to be plus, as well, and has solid control of all of his pitches. Like Enlow, there is still some work to do, but these are the qualities you look for in a high school pitcher.

28) Brent Rooker (6’4’’, 215) MissSt., 1B – Already 22 years old, but Rooker put up some of the best offensive numbers in all of college baseball, slashing .392/.498/.820, with 23 homers, 18 steals, and a 56/47 K/BB in 66 games. He made legitimate improvements to his underlying hitting profile this season, and if you want to ignore his advanced age, I can see ranking him much higher than this.

29) Seth Romero (6’3’’, 205) HOU, LHP – Major off-the-field issues and has problems with his weight too, but Romero is a hard throwing lefty with electric stuff. Before Houston kicked him off the team, he was striking out 15.7 batters per nine.

30) Griffin Canning (6’1’’, 170) UCLA, RHP – Safe, fast moving college starter without dominating stuff, but has a great feel to pitch. Unless his stuff mysteriously ticks up like James Kaprielian’s did after the draft, mid-rotation starter is likely his upside.

31) Brian Miller (6’0’’, 187) NC, OF – A plus-plus runner with a sweet lefty swing and excellent numbers in the ACC (.343/.422/.502 with 7 homers, 24 steals and a 35/38 K/BB). Doesn’t have much power right now, but has plenty of room to pack on mass. Miller is an excellent late round target in dynasty drafts if you are looking for quick moving speed.

32) Stuart Fairchild (5’11’’, 180) Wake, OF – Already built like a rock, Fairchild put up some of the best fantasy numbers in college baseball, slashing .360/.437/.640, with 17 homers, 21 steals, and a 51/29 K/BB. His hit tool is questionable and the swing isn’t all that pretty, but everything else is there.

33) Nick Allen (5’8’’, 158) HS, SS – Everyone loves an underdog, and Allen fits the role at 5’8’’, 158 pounds. He has a plus hit tool, plus speed, and is a sure bet to stick at SS.

34) Mark Vientos (6’4’’, 190) HS, SS – Inconsistent, but looks like one of the very top prospects in the draft during batting practice. At his best, Vientos has a beautiful swing with plus bat speed and natural loft. He is likely to move off SS, but has the plus power potential to profile at any position.

35) Luis Campusano (6’0’’, 200) HS, C – The best catcher prospect in the draft, Campusano has big raw power with plus bat speed, but there are some strikeout concerns on the next level.

36) Tristen Lutz (6’3’’, 220) HS, OF – Lutz is more physically developed than some of the college juniors I was watching, and unsurprisingly, makes harder contact than many of them too. He still hasn’t fully tapped into his raw power, but it isn’t hard to see Lutz turning into one of the best power hitters in this draft.

Just missed: Gavin Sheets, Hans Crouse, Tristan Beck, Clark Schmidt, Garret Mitchell, Tanner Houck, Matt Sauer, Quentin Holmes

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

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