MLB Prospects: Every MLB Team's Top Outfield Prospect
In the wake of publishing my updated top 50 prospects, it's time to feature some of the other prospects who were not lucky enough to make the list.
As I continue to write prospect scouting reports for every organization, I will also be ranking prospects by position, tools, roster status and estimated time of arrival.
Today, we look at every team’s top outfield prospect. Although some of these players are on the brink of a big league call-up, most are attempting to make a name for themselves in the low minors as they work towards transforming raw talent into projectable skills.
Los Angeles Angels: Travis Witherspoon
1 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'2", 190
DOB: 4/16/1989
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2009, 12th round (Spartanburg Methodist J.C, SC)
2012 Stats
High-A: .314/.397/.460, 21 XBH, 25 SB, 51 K/33 BB (65 G)
Overview: Witherspoon’s most outstanding tool is clearly his double-plus speed, which translates into excellent range in center field and on the base paths, where he gets excellent jumps.
A highly athletic player, the right-handed hitter has a quick bat and a surprising amount of pop, though it’s mostly to the pull side. He’s made adjustments with his swing over the last two seasons, which has led to improvements in his hit tool. His pitch recognition leaves something to be desired, but there’s reason to believe he may be able to hit for a decent average.
Texas Rangers: Leonys Martin
2 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'2", 190
DOB: 3/6/1988
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011, Cuba
2012 Stats
Triple-A: .347/.414/.532, 14 XBH, 7 SB, 22 K/14 BB (30 G)
Overview: Signed by the Rangers out of Cuba in May of 2011, Martin has top-of-the-order potential largely due to his advanced hit tool and above-average speed. A left-handed hitter, his pitch recognition skills profile well at the big league level, and he has enough raw bat speed to generate above-average power.
In the outfield, Martin’s speed and instinct should allow him to stick in center field, though his plus arm also plays exceptionally well in right field. Although he’s not swiping bases as scouts hoped, Martin has been impressive both at the dish and in the outfield this season, and will be first in line for playing time if something happens to one of the Rangers’ big league outfielders.
Oakland Athletics: Michael Choice
3 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'0", 215
DOB: 11/10/1989
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (UT-Arlington)
2012 Stats
High-A: .262/.343/.365, 14 XBH, 65 K/28 BB (62 G)
Overview: There's some swing-and-miss with Choice, but no part of any park can hold him, and his defense is far better than one would expect from this kind of power bat. He still chases too many breaking balls, but that should improve in 2012.
There's a realistic chance that Choice can stay in center field, and if he can, then he has All-Star potential. While his speed is a 60, he doesn’t necessarily use it very well on the bases.
The down tool with Choice is his arm, so his value drops considerably if he's forced to move away of center, but by no means is that move imminent or even likely. Choice can take a huge step forward with a big 2012 in the high minors.
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Seattle Mariners: Phillips Castillo
4 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'2", 190
DOB: 2/02/1994
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2010, Dominican Republic
2012 Stats: N/A
Overview: Still only 18 years old, Castillo has some pop in his bat thanks to above-average bat speed and a smooth, easy swing. For a young hitter, he possesses an advanced feel for the strike zone and the ability to spit on quality off-speed pitches. He has a projectable frame with room to fill out, and once he does, Castillo should have at least above-average power.
However, as one would expect of a player his age, Castillo’s all-around game is still very raw, as his routes and actions in the outfield tend to be inconsistent. His average speed and arm will probably land him in right field as he develops, though it’s likely he’ll remain in center field until he proves he can’t handle it.
Chicago White Sox: Courtney Hawkins
5 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'3", 210
Bats/Throws: R/R
DOB: 11/12/1993
Drafted/Signed: First round, 2012 (Carroll HS, Texas)
Overview: Hawkins steadily climbed the draft board after his all-around, eye-opening performance at the 2012 NHSI tournament earlier this spring. Of all prep-position players, Hawkins easily has the best bat speed and loads projectable raw power.
An excellent athlete given his size, Hawkins has surprising plus speed as well as a low-90s arm from the outfield. He’ll likely move from center field to a corner spot given his power potential, but that’s far from a knock on his abilities.
As a young power hitter, Hawkins will need to make significant adjustments at the plate as a professional, especially in terms of his pitch recognition and plate discipline.
Despite his explosive athleticism and ahead-of-schedule baseball skills, Hawkins is still a very raw prospect and will need considerable time to develop in the minor leagues. Therefore, 2016 is a safe and realistic estimated time of arrival.
Detroit Tigers: Avisail Garcia
6 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'4", 240
DOB: 6/12/1991
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2007, Venezuela
2012 Stats
High-A: .294/.326/.440, 16 XBH, 11 SB, 45 K/9 BB (55 G)
Overview: At 6'4", 240 pounds, Garcia projects to be a corner player with at least above-average power from the right side of the plate. His hit tool remains suspect, however, as he struggles with pitch recognition and often chases off-speed offerings out of the strike zone.
In the outfield, Garcia has the tools to handle right field, as he has surprising speed for a player of his size and possesses a plus arm with excellent carry. If he outgrows the position, there’s a chance that he ultimately winds up at first base.
Due to the fact that he was signed at young age in 2007, Garcia has already been added to the 40-man roster and therefore is safe from the Rule 5 draft. In order to continue progressing through the Tigers system, he’ll have to improve his plate discipline and cut down on his strikeouts after tallying 113 in 2010 (Low-A) and 132 in 2011 (High-A).
Cleveland Indians: Tyler Naquin
7 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'1", 185
Bats/Throws: L/R
DOB: 4/24/1991
Drafted/Signed: 2012, first round (Texas A&M)
Overview: Tyler Naquin has a smooth, fluid swing from the left side, and is one of the more advanced and consistent hitters in the 2012 draft class, especially relative to the lack of projectable collegiate bats. He won’t hit for much power, but his knack for making hard contact and his ability to utilize his above-average speed will make him an extra-base threat at the next level.
In the outfield, Naquin has the 70-grade, plus arm needed to be a right fielder at the professional level, although his power will need to develop in order to stay there. He takes aggressive routes to the ball and is smooth with his actions. He’s also been known to lure baserunners into testing his arm.
Given his advanced hit tool and cannon from the outfield, Naquin has been compared to the likes of David DeJesus and Melky Cabrera. His ultimate ceiling will be determined once his power is given adequate time to develop, but he could reach the major leagues by late 2014.
Kansas City Royals: Wil Myers
8 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'3", 205
DOB: 12/10/1990
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2009, third round (HS: Wesleyan Academy, N.C.)
2012 Stats
Double-A: .343/.414/.731, 27 XBH (13 HR), 4 SB, 42 K/16 BB (35 G)
Triple-A: .327/.398/.693, 17 XBH (9 HR), 22 K/11 BB (26 G)
Overview: A lot of writers penalized Myers for his lack of power in 2011, which stemmed from a knee injury and subsequent infection that limited his ability to drive through the baseball. However, his .360/.481/.674 slash line in the Arizona Fall League indicated that he had regained his power.
Since entering the minor leagues in 2009, Myers has absolutely raked at every level—excluding his 2011 campaign. His quick wrists and outstanding bat control allow him to effortlessly drive the ball to right field. By the time he makes his debut, Myers should have 20-plus home run potential and the ability to be a .310-to-.320 hitter.
His plate discipline is advanced beyond his years—like teammate Eric Hosmer—and he’s comfortable hitting in any count. He’ll be nothing more than an average corner outfielder, although the plus arm that made him an elite catching prospect plays best in right.
Now fully healthy, Myers has arguably been the best hitter in the minors this season and could force his way to Kauffman Stadium much earlier than anyone expected.
Minnesota Twins: Byron Buxton
9 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'2", 170
Bats/Throws: R/R
DOB: 12/12/1993
Drafted/Signed: 2012, first round (Appling County HS, Ga.)
Overview: Having drawn comparisons to the likes of B.J. Upton and Eric Davis, Byron Buxton is without a doubt the most toolsy and projectable player in the entire 2012 draft class. Also a standout pitcher for his high school, the right-hander originally warranted some draft consideration on the mound, but it’s very clear that his future is in center field.
If Buxton’s hit tool develops as many scouts predict, he has the chance to be a legitimate five-tool player—a term that’s religiously thrown around but rarely used appropriately. The Georgia native has plus speed that is as evident in the outfield as it is on the basepath, and there’s even room for it to improve. In the outfield, he also has arguably the best prep arm in the draft, having been clocked regularly in the low-90s with plenty of carry.
At the dish, Buxton has plus raw bat speed and an easy swing, which has led many scouts to project that the right-handed hitter will develop at least above-average power. Furthermore, his ability to recognize quality off-speed pitches at such a young age suggests that he’ll be able to hit for average in time, as well.
Considering he’s only 18 years old and therefore has time to fully develop his baseball skills, Buxton won’t be rushed to the major leagues despite the struggling state of his new team. Fans should expect to see the exciting outfielder no earlier than 2016.
New York Yankees: Mason Williams
10 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'0", 150
DOB: 8/21/1991
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Signed: 2010, fourth round (HS: Winter Garden, Fla.)
2012 Stats
Low-A: .294/.350/.453, 23 XBH, 16 SB, 20 K/16 BB (53 G)
Overview: In his first professional season, Williams was ranked as the New York-Penn League’s top prospect after leading the league with 28 steals and posting a .349 batting average. He's a toolsy player who is both extremely athletic and projectable.
At the plate, Williams has quick wrists and solid hand-eye coordination and a swing that projects for some power. Right now, he’s mainly an arms/upper body hitter, so the incorporation of his lower half could yield significant results.
He possesses nearly 80-grade speed that plays better in the outfield than it does on the basepath. He has excellent range in center field and a strong enough arm to be considered for right field. In the running game, Williams has the speed but lacks the intuition of a polished base-stealer.
Williams' current performance at Low-A could earn him a promotion to High-A at some point during the season.
Tampa Bay Rays: Drew Vettleson
11 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'0", 196
DOB: 7/19/1991
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (HS—Silverdale, WA)
2012 Stats:
Low-A: .292/.362/.446, 23 XBH, 6 SB, 50 K/26 BB (63 G)
Overview: Vettleson has a quick bat and line-drive swing that allows him to spray the ball from line to line. For someone his age, his plate discipline is beyond his years. The lean, athletic type, his power should emerge as he develops physically, though it will likely never be anything more than average.
He’s a slightly above-average runner in both the outfield and on the basepath, due to good instincts and a knack for getting good jumps. He covers considerable ground in the outfield, although his arm profiles best in right field.
Boston Red Sox: Jackie Bradley
12 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 5'10", 180
DOB: 4/19/1990
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011 (South Carolina)
2012 Stats
High-A: .373/.491/.550, 31 XBH, 15 SB, 38 K/51 BB (63 G)
Overview: After an injury-plagued 2011 season playing for South Carolina, it appears the Red Sox picked up a steal when they drafted Bradley in the supplemental first round of the 2011 draft. A natural center fielder, he gets phenomenal jumps in center field in addition to above-average range. While his arm is strong enough to play right field, his defense is such an asset that he should have no problem sticking in center field in the major leagues.
Although he doesn’t offer much power, Bradley possesses an above-average to plus hit tool from the left side and is adept to working counts and getting on base. Furthermore, his speed plays up on the basepaths, where he gets excellent jumps and repeatedly demonstrates a knack for swiping bags.
His plate discipline and ability to drive the ball from pole-to-pole has made him one of the more impressive position players in all of the minors this season, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he reaches the big leagues at some point in 2013.
Baltimore Orioles: L.J. Hoes
13 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'1", 190
DOB: 3/5/1990
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2008 (HS—Washington D.C.)
2012 Stats
Double-A: ..265/.368/.372, 14 XBH, 12 SB, 33 K/31 BB (51 G)
Triple-A: .146/.180/.250, 4 XBH, 6 K/2 BB (12 G)
Overview: Hoes has responded well to the Orioles’ aggressiveness in moving him through their system, as his hit and power tool blossomed following a midseason promotion to Double-A in 2011. Not only does he have a solid feel for the strike zone, but Hoes has also demonstrated an ability to consistently barrel up the baseball to all fields.
He’s a versatile player who saw time at both second and third base last season, though it’s pretty clear that his future is in the outfield, where he best utilizes his average speed and strong arm. His skills and instincts are still developing as he adjusts to life as an outfielder, but there’s no reason to think he won’t cut it as a big league left fielder.
Toronto Blue Jays: Jake Marisnick
14 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'4", 200
DOB: 3/30/1991
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2009, third round (HS: Riverside Poly, Calif.)
2012 Stats
High-A: .262/.336/.432, 25 XBH, 8 SB, 45 K/16 BB (49 G)
Overview: At 6'4", Marisnick is an extremely athletic outfielder who will stick in center field due to his plus range and arm.
After struggling at Low-A after a midseason promotion in 2010, Marisnick repeated the level in 2011 with much better results. His .320 batting average was second-best in the Midwest League, and his power blossomed after making an adjustment to his swing. He can drive the ball out of the park to all fields, and he should continue to get stronger.
He’s an excellent and intelligent base-stealer who was successful in 60-of 71 attempts over 2010 and 2011. Although his numbers aren't overly impressive, Marisnick is still having a solid season at High-A Dunedin, and I expect him to catch fire during the second half. Still, it remains to be seen if he ascends the minors as fast as I anticipate.
San Francisco Giants: Gary Brown
15 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'1", 190
DOB: 9/28/1988
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (Cal State Fullerton)
2012 Stats
Double-A: .238/.316/.306, 13 XBH, 16 SB, 45 K/19 BB (64 G)
Overview: In his first full season, Brown opened tons of his eyes with his 80-grade speed and ability to make consistent, hard contact. He has a knack for peppering the gaps with line drives and is an extra-base threat—he had 61 last season—the second he stands in the batter’s box.
He may never hit 14 home runs again, but it really doesn’t matter. His speed has him pegged as the Giants' future leadoff hitter.
His speed also makes him an elite defender in center, which compensates for an average arm. His first season at Double-A hasn't exactly gone swimmingly, so don't expect Brown to reach the major leagues before late 2013.
Still, he's a hard-nosed competitor with the type of game-changing speed that will be hard to keep in the minors.
Colorado Rockies: David Dahl
16 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'2", 190
Bats/Throws: L/R
DOB: 4/1/1994
Drafted/Signed: 2012 first round (Oak Mountain HS, Ala.)
Overview: One of the more athletic and toolsy players in the 2012 draft class, David Dahl is a prospect who's incredibly skilled but still involves a considerable amount of projection.
A left-handed hitter, Dahl has a level, smooth swing and plate discipline, allowing him to handle quality pitching and drive the ball across the whole field. He does project to have some power, though it’s never really reared its head, as Dahl appears more focused on roping base hits rather than jumping the yard.
He has the speed to stick in center, though it’s uncertain whether he has the instincts or on-field demeanor to handle the position at the next level. He has all the tools that project well at the next level, though his power remains suspect.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Alfredo Silverio
17 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'1", 215
DOB: 5/6/1987
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2003, Dominican Republic
2012 Stats: N/A
Overview: Signed out of the Dominican Republic as a 16-year-old in 2003, Silverio is already in his ninth professional season. The natural ability has always been there for the right-handed-hitting outfielder, who has average-to-above-average tools across the board.
At the plate, Silverio has plus bat speed and raw power, though it’s been primarily of the pull variety. He’s made noticeable improvements in his plate discipline over the last few years, posting a 66-strikeout season in 2010 after fanning 104 times in 2009. He’s always been a free-swinger and has never been one to consistently draw free passes, and that probably won’t change by the time he reaches the major leagues.
He’s logged most of his time in center field over his extensive minor league career, however his slightly above-average speed and strong arm will likely land him in right.
San Diego Padres: Rymer Liriano
18 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'0", 210
DOB: 6/20/1991
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2007, Dominican Republic
2012 Stats
High-A: .296/.358/.425, 23 XBH, 20 SB, 58 K/18 BB (64 G)
Overview: Rymer Liriano is a young outfielder with tons of upside. He struggled at High-A to begin the 2011 season and was subsequently demoted to Single-A, where he garnered Midwest League MVP honors by slashing .319/.383/.499.
He possesses both plus power and speed as well as an above-average knowledge of the strike zone. His ability to hit for a high average is still suspect, but shouldn’t detract from his overall game.
Liriano’s ability to cover ground in center field and his above-average arm should allow him to stay in center field for the time being, but his thick build suggests he might get bulky over time and require a move to right field.
Already on the Padres' 40-man roster, he’s currently taking another crack at High-A. If it goes well, Liriano could rise quickly through the Padres system.
Arizona Diamondbacks: A.J. Pollock
19 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'1", 205
DOB: 12/5/1987
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2009 (Notre Dame)
2012 Stats
Triple-A: .361/.401/.456, 13 XBH, 9 SB, 18 K/10 BB (33 G)
MLB: .245/.288/.340, 3 XBH, 6 K/4 BB (21 G)
Overview: When Chris Young landed on the disabled list earlier this season, Pollock was called up in his absence and gave fans a brief display of his all-around game. Pollock is a hard-nosed and incredibly instinctual ballplayer capable of playing all three outfield positions. He gets excellent reads and good jumps on balls in all directions, which allows his arm to play up a grade.
A right-handed hitter, Pollock is a doubles machine and should be able to hit for average power once he receives an everyday role in the major leagues. He has a quick bat that yields consistent contact to all fields, and as his plate discipline continues to improve, he should stand to draw a few more walks.
While his speed is only average, he’s an excellent base-stealer who picks his spots and is rarely gunned down. He isn’t the type of player who will wow you with his tools, but his makeup and quiet athleticism should land him a full-time role in the near future.
Chicago Cubs: Albert Almora
20 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'2", 180
Bats/Throws: R/R
DOB: 4/06/1990
Drafted/Signed: 2012, first round (Mater Academy HS, Fla.)
Overview: Albert Almora has been on every scout's radar for years as one of the most well-rounded prospects in the 2012 draft class.
Although he’s merely an average runner with a 50-to-55-grade arm, Almora is an excellent outfielder who gets excellent jumps on the ball (lending to his plus range). Everything he does in the outfield is fundamentally sound, and he takes aggressive routes to the ball. He’s not a particularly fast runner, but his all-out hustle and footwork should allow him to stick in center field.
A right-handed hitter, Almora has a quick bat and surprising power that allows him to go yard to all fields. He has a controlled swing with a consistent path that allows him to jump on the best of velocities while still keeping enough weight back to drive off-speed pitches.
A veteran of the showcase circuit, Almora has drawn comparisons to Carlos Beltran for his all-around athleticism and skill set. Considered as a high first-round draft pick for the last two years, Almora is more advanced than most of the prep players in the 2012 draft class, and therefore has a shot to reach the major leagues by 2015.
Cincinnati Reds: Ryan LaMarre
21 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'2", 209
DOB: 11/21/1988
Bats/Throws: R/L
Drafted/Signed: 2010 (Michigan)
2012 Stats
Double-A: .281/.371/.372, 16 XBH, 16 SB, 61 K/33 BB (65 G)
Overview: In a system that has Billy Hamilton, the fastest player in all of baseball, it’s easy for LaMarre’s plus speed to get overlooked. A tremendous athlete who was the Reds’ second-round draft pick out of Michigan in 2010, he has solid plate discipline and drives the ball to all fields thanks to a quick, compact swing. He has some power, though he seldom taps into it, choosing to lay down bunts and work his way on base rather than cut it loose.
As an outfielder, his speed and instincts are enough to stick in center field, though his strong arm also makes right field a possibility. His debut in the big leagues will ultimately depend on the success and longevity of both Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce, but the development of his hit and power tools could easily expedite his arrival.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Josh Bell
22 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'4", 195
DOB: 8/14/1992
Bats/Throws: S/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011, second round (HS: Dallas Jesuit, Texas)
2012 Stats
Low-A: .274/.288/.403, 6 XBH, 21 K/2 BB (15 G)
Overview: Bell was the premier prep bat in the 2011 draft class and would have been one of the first 10 names off the board had signability not been a concern.
Bell is a 60 hitter from both sides with a 60 future power grading. He has quick wrists and raw, wiry strength that generates easy power while still allowing him to hit for average.
His defense in center field is highlighted by extraordinary range and a strong arm that's better than people gave him credit for prior to the draft. He’ll likely wind up as a corner outfielder, where those tools will be an even better fit.
Unfortunately, it looks as though Bell will miss the majority of the 2012 season following knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus sustained while running the bases.
Milwaukee Brewers: Mitch Haniger
23 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'2", 215
Bats/Throws: R/R
DOB: 12/23/1990
Drafted/Signed: First round, 2012 (Cal Poly)
Overview: A player whose draft stock is gaining momentum, Haniger is a toolsy outfield prospect with a big league frame as well as legitimate baseball skills. He consistently drives the ball to all fields and has shown increasing power potential over the course of the current season.
Haniger has adapted a more patient approach at the plate, which has allowed him to manipulate more counts in his favor and, in turn, see more pitches to drive. He seems more rhythmic at the plate in general, which has led to him being more comfortable even when behind in the count.
He’s played a solid center field this season, but his speed is only a slightly above-average tool, so it has yet to be determined if he’ll continue to play there at the next level. However, Haniger possesses an accurate plus arm, which would likely be a cleaner fit in right field.
Personally, I see him having a Jayson Werth-type ceiling due his power, plate discipline, range and arm. If Haniger retains his approach at the next level, he could conceivably reach the majors by the end of 2014 or mid-2015.
St. Louis Cardinals: Oscar Taveras
24 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'2", 180
DOB: 6/19/1992
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Signed: 2008, Dominican Republic
2012 Stats
Double-A: .325/.378/.588, 35 XBH, 43 RBI, 33 K/19 BB (62 G)
Overview: One of the more impressive hitters in all of the minors last season, Taveras won the Midwest League batting title with a .386 average. The left-handed hitter takes forceful hacks but retains the ability to generate hard contact, thanks to his ridiculous hand-eye coordination and knowledge of the strike zone.
His swing is balanced and smooth—a thing of beauty. His current gap power suggests that it may ultimately be above average.
His above-average speed has allowed him to play all three outfield positions so far, but his highest ceiling comes as a corner outfielder. Given his strong arm, though, he’s more likely to end up in right field.
This season, Taveras has shown the power that the Cardinals hoped for—at Double-A, nonetheless. If he continues to produce at this rate, he may be in store for a promotion to either Triple-A or the show later this season.
Houston Astros: George Springer
25 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'3", 205
DOB: 9/19/1989
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011 (Connecticut)
2012 Stats
High-A: .286/.366/.523, 27 XBH, 13 SB, 74 K/28 BB (59 G)
Overview: The Astros’ first-round draft pick in 2011, Springer is a toolsy outfielder with an impressive blend of speed and power. A right-handed hitter, Springer has plus bat speed that generates explosive pop to all fields. At the same time, his overall approach is still somewhat unrefined, as he is prone to strikeout and often gets himself out. He’s capable of drawing walks, but is still learning how to maintain a consistent approach.
There’s still uncertainty as to whether Springer profiles best in center or right field—his plus speed and arm will likely keep both in play and help him reach the big leagues by 2013. He has enough speed to comfortably play either position, as he gets great jumps and demonstrates plus range at both positions.
New York Mets: Brandon Nimmo
26 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'3", 185
DOB: 3/17/1993
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011 (HS—Cheyenne, Wyo.)
2012 Stats: N/A
Overview: The only first-round draft pick to come out of Wyoming, Nimmo is a toolsy outfielder whose baseball skills are surprisingly advanced. He has an understanding of the strike zone and a short, direct stroke from the left side that could result in a plus hit tool once he’s fully developed. His bat path is pretty flat as of now, but as he continues to fill out and add strength, he should generate at least average power to all fields.
At 6'3", Nimmo is a plus runner who covers considerable ground in the outfield in all directions. However, because his arm strength is only average, he’ll likely be forced to remain in center field. His overall game is still very raw, so don’t expect the Mets to rush him through their system.
Washington Nationals: Brian Goodwin
27 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'1", 195
DOB: 11/2/1990
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011 (Miami-Dade JC)
2012 Stats
Low-A: .295/.420/.446, 12 XBH, 11 SB, 28 K/24 BB (31 G)
Overview: A highly impressive athlete, Goodwin has arguably above-average tools across the board. A left-handed hitter, he has blinding bat speed that is some of the best in the minor leagues. Furthermore, he has a patient approach at the plate that should result in an average hit tool and easy, above-average power.
Due to his above-average speed and aggressive, all-out style, Goodwin projects to be a big league center fielder, as he has above-average range and a strong arm that delivers accurate throws. Despite all the tools, the 21-year-old is still a raw player who will need considerable seasoning in the minor leagues. But once that is said and done, he should have no problem manning center field for the Nationals.
Atlanta Braves: Matt Lipka
28 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'1", 200
DOB: 4/15/1992
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2010 (HS—McKinney, Texas)
2012 Stats:
High-A: .264/.327/.339, 8 XBH, 11 SB, 30 K/17 BB (44 G)
Overview: Drafted as a toolsy, light-hitting shortstop, Lipka’s progress has been disappointing, as he’s severely struggled to drive the ball with consistency. Basically, he treats all of his swings as if it’s a two-strike count, seemingly hesitant to cut it loose. If he can learn to draw more walks and use the entire field, then he’d be able to utilize his 80-grade speed.
Drafted as a shortstop, his unnatural actions and unorthodox arm strike at the position forced a move to center field, where his speed translates into plus range. He always had enough arm strength to handle shortstop, so he should have no trouble sticking in center. Most importantly, the Braves are hoping that the position change jumpstarts his bat.
Philadelphia Phillies: Aaron Altherr
29 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'5", 190
DOB: 1/14/1991
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2009 (HS—Avondale, Ariz.)
2012 Stats
Low-A: .239/.298/.380, 22 XBH, 19 SB, 54 K/17 BB (62 G)
Overview: An exceptional multi-sport athlete coming out of high school, the 6'5", 190-pound Altherr is the epitome of a raw player. There’s a considerable amount of projection involved with the right-handed hitter, as he’ll be growing into his frame for some time. However, there’s a lot to like about his game as it stands.
Despite his lanky frame and long arms, Altherr has a quick swing and direct bat path, so when he squares it up, the ball rifles off his bat. The facet of his game with the most room for improvement is without a doubt his plate discipline, which is inconsistent and will need major refinement as he develops. He may never hit for a high average, but as he adds more muscle, there’s a strong chance that Altherr will have plus power by the time he makes his big league debut.
He’s capable of playing center field thanks to his plus speed, but doesn’t seem natural at the position. Furthermore, his plus arm will likely be a cleaner fit in right field.
Miami Marlins: Christian Yelich
30 of 30Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'4", 189
DOB: 12/5/1991
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (HS: Westlake, Calif.)
2012 Stats
High-A: .276/.354/.519, 21 XBH, 11 SB, 43 K/19 BB (42 G)
Overview: Still just 20 years old, Yelich’s hit tool already grades out as a plus and has room to grow with improvement in his plate discipline. His swing is incredibly smooth and fluid, which allows him to attack pitches throughout the entire strike zone.
Due to the level plane of his swing, Yelich will only hit for slightly above-average power, but I think he’ll have enough to annually belt a quiet 20-to-25. As of now, most of his power is to the pull side, but he should start driving the ball out the other way with more experience.
His easy speed and good instincts on the bases suggest that Yelich will have 20-20, perhaps even 30-30, potential in his prime.
Although he patrolled center field for Low-A Greensboro last season, Yelich profiles as a left fielder due to his fringy arm strength. However, the Marlins will allow him to develop in center for the time being.
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