B/R's Top 50 MLB Prospects at the Start of the 2017 Season
Established stars drive a team's success at the MLB level and put fans in the seats, but we're always looking to the future.
Who's next?
Ahead, we've taken a crack at answering just that with a look at the top 50 prospects in baseball at the start of the 2017 season.
The following factors helped determine where each player fell in these rankings:
- Potential: Potential trumps production a lot of the time, especially in the lower levels of the minors and with recent draft picks. Skill set and overall tools are often a better indication of what kind of player a guy will be in the future.
- Talent: As for guys in the higher levels of the minors who are close to breaking through at the big league level, production and current talent level are the determining factors, as these players are viewed as more complete products.
- Eligibility: A player must still maintain rookie-eligibility status to be considered for inclusion. That means 130 at-bats for position players, 50 innings pitched for pitchers or 45 days on the active roster prior to roster expansion in September.
When it comes to who's next, the 50 guys to follow fit the bill.
Other Tier 1 Prospects
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When compiling our farm system rankings, prospects are broken into three categories using a tier system.
A Tier 1 prospect was identified as the following: "Prospects who have an elite skill set and legitimate All-Star potential. This is the cream of the crop."
Compiling a list of all the "Tier 1" guys became the starting point for assembling our top 50 prospect list, so before we get started on that, here's a look at the guys who made it onto that preliminary list but didn't end up cracking the final top 50:
Catchers
Zack Collins (CWS), Carson Kelly (STL), Chance Sisco (BAL)
Infielders
Christian Arroyo (SF), Jake Bauers (TB), Bobby Bradley (CLE), Willie Calhoun (LAD), Matt Chapman (OAK), Isan Diaz (MIL), Nick Gordon (MIN), Lourdes Gurriel (TOR), Jorge Mateo (NYY), Kevin Newman (PIT), Dominic Smith (NYM)
Outfielders
Aaron Judge (NYY), Kyle Lewis (SEA), Raimel Tapia (COL), Alex Verdugo (LAD), Jesse Winker (CIN)
Right-Handed Pitchers
Chance Adams (NYY), Ian Anderson (ATL), Tyler Beede (SF), Walker Buehler (LAD), Dylan Cease (CHC), Jharel Cotton (OAK), Erick Fedde (WAS), Carson Fulmer (CWS), Jeff Hoffman (COL), Reynaldo Lopez (CWS), Matt Manning (DET), German Marquez (COL), Triston McKenzie (CLE), Luis Ortiz (MIL), David Paulino (HOU), Franklin Perez (HOU), Riley Pint (COL), Cal Quantrill (SD), Sean Reid-Foley (TOR), Mike Soroka (ATL), Luke Weaver (STL), Forrest Whitley (HOU), Brandon Woodruff (MIL)
Left-Handed Pitchers
Braxton Garrett (MIA), Stephen Gonsalves (MIN), Yohander Mendez (TEX), Adrian Morejon (SD), Sean Newcomb (ATL), A.J. Puk (OAK), Justus Sheffield (NYY)
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50. RHP Robert Gsellman, New York Mets (Age: 23)
Gsellman was not exactly lighting the world on fire last season when he was called up from the minors to help an injury-plagued Mets rotation—he was 4-9 with a 3.99 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 88 strikeouts in 115 innings between Double-A and Triple-A.
However, he pitched to a 2.42 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 44.2 innings in the majors, opening eyes and drawing comparisons to Jacob deGrom for reasons beyond the flowing locks.
With an uptick in his stuff, his fastball is touching 98, and he has a plus changeup and a curveball-slider pairing that he mixes effectively. If what we saw in the majors last season was the real deal, the rich just got richer.
49. SS Kevin Maitan, Atlanta Braves (Age: 17)
Maitan—the No. 1 prospect in last year's international class—has yet to make his pro debut, but there's plenty of raw talent to dream on.
The switch-hitter has an advanced approach and should develop plenty of power as his 6'2", 165-pound frame fills out. He has the arm and the instincts to stick at shortstop, though he may grow his way out of the position and be forced to slide over to third base where his bat would play just fine.
According to MLB.com: "Some scouts have designated him as a once-in-a-generation prospect. Every scout knows he is special."
48. OF Leody Taveras, Texas Rangers (Age: 18)
Taveras was signed for a $2.1 million bonus as part of the 2015 international free-agent class, and he made his stateside debut as a 17-year-old.
The switch-hitting center fielder batted .271 with 21 extra-base hits and 18 stolen bases over three minor league levels last year, closing out the season with 29 games as one of the youngest players at the Low-A level.
He has legitimate five-tool potential, as he has a good approach at the plate and should develop plenty of power as he grows into his 6'1", 170-pound frame. His speed is his best current tool, and it plays well both on the bases and in center field, where he should be able to stay long-term.
47. 2B/SS Franklin Barreto, Oakland Athletics (Age: 21)
Barreto doesn't have the same ceiling as some of the league's elite middle infield prospects, but he still has a chance to be an awfully good one in his own right.
Through no fault of his own, he's also the Oakland front office's last chance to justify the Josh Donaldson trade that also sent Kendall Graveman, Sean Nolan and Brett Lawrie to Oakland prior to the 2015 season.
Barreto has the tools to settle in as a consistent .280 hitter with 15-homer power and 20-steal wheels. An eventual move to second base seems likely, and those types of numbers with some plus defense will carry plenty of value.
46. OF Bradley Zimmer, Cleveland Indians (Age: 24)
The No. 21 pick in the 2014 draft and one of the top college bats in his class, Zimmer has shown the combination of plate discipline and power/speed mix to be a dynamic table-setter for the Cleveland Indians.
He still has work to do to make more consistent contact after striking out 171 times last season, but a 13.8 percent walk rate helped offset that, and he has a good enough approach at the plate that he should be able to get his strikeout rate down.
Above-average defense in center field and consistent 20/20 production at the plate looks like a reasonable expectation if he continues to develop as hoped. Don't be surprised if he's pushing Tyler Naquin for playing time by the second half of 2017.
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45. OF Hunter Renfroe, San Diego Padres (Age: 25)
Renfroe has nothing left to prove in the minors after posting an .893 OPS with 34 doubles, 30 home runs and 105 RBI in a full season at the Triple-A level.
He opens the season as the starting right fielder for the Padres and fits the prototypical right fielder profile well with his plus power and a terrific throwing arm.
After lowering his strikeout rate from 23.7 to 20.4 percent, there's less concern over whether he'll make enough contact to tap into his considerable power. There will likely always be some swing-and-miss to his game, but he should quickly join Wil Myers as the team's primary run producers.
44. OF Tyler O'Neill, Seattle Mariners (Age: 21)
O'Neill has always had intriguing power potential, including a 32-homer season at the High-A level in 2015, but a vastly improved approach has turned him into a top prospect.
He raised his walk rate from 6.5 to 10.8 percent last year, spiking his on-base percentage from .316 to .374 in the process and all while making the sometimes difficult jump to Double-A.
MLB.com wrote: "O'Neill checked all of the necessary development boxes in 2016 and did so against advanced competition. If he can build continue to build on that progress, it may not be long until O'Neill finds himself hitting in the middle of Seattle's order."
43. RHP James Kaprielian, New York Yankees (Age: 23)
The No. 16 pick in the 2015 draft and one of the more polished arms in the class, Kaprielian was limited to just three starts last season while dealing with a strained flexor muscle in his forearm, though he did manage to avoid Tommy John surgery.
Now that he's back to full health, he should resume his quick rise to the big leagues, and he'll open the 2017 season at the High-A level.
With a strong 6'4" frame, a polished four-pitch repertoire and advanced command, he has as high a floor as any prospect in the Yankees system and legitimate front-line upside if everything falls into place.
42. OF Ronald Acuna, Atlanta Braves (Age: 19)
Acuna earns a spot ahead of fellow teenage prospect Kevin Maitan—who probably has a higher ceiling—thanks to the success he's already enjoyed in his pro career.
After making his U.S. debut in 2015, Acuna was sent to Single-A Rome last year, and he responded by hitting .311/.387/.432 with eight extra-base hits and 14 stolen bases in 171 plate appearances.
He still has a lot of developing to do before his raw power starts showing up consistently, but he's well ahead of the developmental curve in every other facet of the game and could wind up being the best prospect in a loaded Atlanta system before all is said and done.
41. RHP Jose De Leon, Tampa Bay Rays (Age: 24)
De Leon is armed with perhaps the best changeup of any pitching prospect in the game, and he complements it with a live mid-90s fastball and a wipeout slider that he uses to get righties to chase out of the zone.
His stock dropped a bit last season when he missed time with an ankle injury and shoulder inflammation, and the Dodgers shipped him to the Rays in the offseason in exchange for second baseman Logan Forsythe.
As long as the shoulder issues don't resurface, he looks like a safe bet to develop into a quality middle-of-the-rotation starter, and there's potential for a bit more if he can take another step forward with his fastball command.
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40. OF Corey Ray, Milwaukee Brewers (Age: 22)
The Brewers took Ray with the No. 5 overall pick last June after he hit .310/.388/.545 with 15 home runs and 60 RBI while going a perfect 44-of-44 on stolen-base attempts during his junior season at Louisville.
With an advanced hit tool and the potential to be a consistent 20-homer threat, it's his bat that will carry him to the big leagues. He's already on the fast track, as he'll open his first full pro season at the High-A level.
The presence of fellow prospect Lewis Brinson in the Milwaukee system likely means he'll slide over to a corner outfield spot once he reaches the majors, but he does have the defensive chops to play center field.
39. LHP Amir Garrett, Cincinnati Reds (Age: 24)
Garrett is still relatively new to pitching—or at least to focusing on it full time—as he was splitting his time between the diamond and the hardwood as recently as 2013 when he played basketball at St. John's.
As MLB.com put it, the athletic 6'5", 228-pound lefty has "an ever-improving three-pitch mix" with a mid-90s fastball, plus slider and a changeup that has developed into a usable third pitch.
Injuries to Homer Bailey and Anthony DeSclafani have opened a spot in the starting rotation. If Garrett continues on his current developmental path, he could be the future ace of the rebuilding Reds.
38. C Jorge Alfaro, Philadelphia Phillies (Age: 23)
Alfaro bounced back nicely from an injury-ravaged 2015 season to hit .285/.324/.458 with 21 doubles, 15 home runs and 67 RBI in Double-A—reaffirming his status as one of the game's top catching prospects.
His receiving skills have been steadily improving to complement his rocket arm behind the plate. The Phillies won't need to rush him with Cameron Rupp and Andrew Knapp currently ahead of him on the depth chart.
Make no mistake, though: He's the catcher of the future in Philadelphia, and he has a chance to be a perennial All-Star once he establishes himself as the everyday guy.
37. LHP Jay Groome, Boston Red Sox (Age: 18)
Concerns about both his makeup and his signability caused Groome—who many considered to be the No. 1 prospect in the draft last June—to slip to the Red Sox at No. 12 overall, where he was given a $3.65 million bonus.
The 6'6" southpaw pitches on a good downward plane with a mid-90s fastball and one of the better curveballs of any prospect on this list. He has a good enough feel for his changeup that it should develop into a third solid offering.
MLB.com wrote, "He has the potential to become an ace if his makeup issues don't get in his way, and he could be the best pitcher signed and developed by the Red Sox since Roger Clemens."
36. 3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays (Age: 18)
Bloodlines don't get much better than being the son of former AL MVP and nine-time All-Star Vladimir Guerrero.
The younger Guerrero jumped straight to the Appalachian League as a 17-year-old in his pro debut, where he hit .271/.359/.449 with 23 extra-base hits in 276 plate appearances.
It's unclear if he'll stick at the hot corner defensively or if he'll need to move to first base or a corner outfield spot. But he has as much offensive upside as any prospect in the game, and his bat should play anywhere.
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35. OF Blake Rutherford, New York Yankees (Age: 19)
The Yankees were given quite the gift when Rutherford fell into their laps at No. 18 overall last June.
Questions about the development of his power tool and the fact he was already 19 when the draft rolled around contributed to his slide, but most feel the Yankees got a potential top-five talent.
A .351/.415/.570 line with 15 extra-base hits in 130 plate appearances over two rookie-level stops only furthered that sentiment. It's easy to dream on a future outfield of Aaron Judge, Clint Frazier and Rutherford a few years down the line in the Bronx.
34. LHP Josh Hader, Milwaukee Brewers (Age: 22)
The Brewers acquired Hader as a midlevel prospect from the Astros at the 2015 deadline as part of the Carlos Gomez trade.
He's taken off since then, continuing to impress last year in the upper levels of the minors with a 3.29 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 161 strikeouts in 126 innings of work.
The left-hander still has work to do on his overall command (3.9 BB/9), and his changeup lags behind his dynamic fastball-slider combination, but his stuff plays up thanks to a deceptive delivery. He could quickly emerge as the ace of the Milwaukee staff.
33. LHP Kolby Allard, Atlanta Braves (Age: 19)
As the first high school pitcher selected in the 2015 draft (No. 14), Allard would likely have gone higher if not for a stress reaction in his back that he suffered during his senior season at San Clemente High School.
He pitched just six innings in his pro debut before undergoing surgery on his back, and he didn't debut until June last season. Yet he immediately turned heads, posting a 2.98 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 95 strikeouts in 87.2 innings.
It appears the kid gloves are about to come off, as he'll make the jump to High-A this season. Armed with an advanced fastball-curveball-changeup combination and plus command, he should move quickly.
32. OF Kyle Tucker, Houston Astros (Age: 20)
With a 60-grade hit tool and one of the smoothest left-handed swings around, Tucker has a bright future manning a corner outfield spot for the Astros.
It's unclear how much power he'll develop as his 6'4", 190-pound frame fills out, but his plus bat speed and quality approach gives him 30-homer upside and a high offensive floor.
Tucker reached the High-A level last season as a teenager, hitting .285/.360/.438 with 25 doubles, nine home runs and 69 RBI to go along with 32 stolen bases. He's as advanced as any hitter his age, and a 2018 arrival in the big leagues is not out of the question.
31. RHP Mitch Keller, Pittsburgh Pirates (Age: 21)
Keller was one of the breakout prospects of 2016, and there are some who feel he's surpassed Tyler Glasnow as the top pitching prospect in the Pirates organization.
The 2014 second-round pick threw just 47 innings over his first two pro seasons, missing time with a forearm strain, among other injuries, but he showed what he's capable of when healthy last year.
Armed with a mid-90s heater, swing-and-miss curveball and a decent changeup, he began the season in Single-A despite his limited pro action. He wound up going 9-5 with a 2.35 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 138 strikeouts in 130.1 innings.
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30. 2B/OF Ian Happ, Chicago Cubs (Age: 22)
Few, if any, prospects looked more like they belonged alongside MLB talent this spring than Happ.
The No. 9 pick in the 2015 draft hit .383 with a 1.191 OPS over 68 plate appearances, tallying seven doubles, five home runs and a team-high 21 RBI before being optioned to Double-A.
Happ might not have a clear path to playing time on the loaded Cubs roster, but he'll force his way into a role of some sort thanks to his defensive versatility and 20/20 potential at the plate. His debut could come as early as the second half of this season.
29. C Francisco Mejia, Cleveland Indians (Age: 21)
As the best catching prospect in the game and the top prospect in the Cleveland system, Mejia looks like a franchise backstop in the making.
He rattled off a 50-game hitting streak last season on his way to a .342/.382/.514 line with 29 doubles, 11 home runs and 80 RBI between Single-A and Double-A.
His receiving skills will probably never be better than average, but he can lock down the running game with a 70-grade arm that tossed out 43 percent of would-be base stealers last season. While he's still a couple of years away, he has a chance to be a perennial All-Star once he arrives.
28. RHP Brent Honeywell, Tampa Bay Rays (Age: 22)
Few teams are better at developing pitching talent than the Rays, and Honeywell looks like the next potential standout in an impressive line of homegrown arms.
The right-hander boasts a five-pitch arsenal that includes a heavy mid-90s fastball, plus changeup and a rare screwball, which is easily his best secondary offering.
After going 7-3 with a 2.34 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 117 strikeouts in 115.1 innings last season between High-A and Double-A, he could be ready to push for a spot in the big league rotation by midseason. That will open the door for a potential trade of Jake Odorizzi or Alex Cobb.
27. OF Lewis Brinson, Milwaukee Brewers (Age: 22)
Brinson was the centerpiece of the blockbuster deal that sent All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy to the Rangers last summer, and it won't be long before Brewers fans get a chance to see him firsthand.
His stock soared after he hit .332 with a 1.004 OPS, 31 doubles and 20 home runs over three minor league levels in 2015, but he struggled a bit last season adjusting to life in the upper levels of the minors.
A scorching finish in Triple-A after the trade (23 G, .382 BA, 1.005 OPS) had him trending back in the right direction, and he could be ready to push for a spot in the big league outfield by the All-Star break.
Best-case scenario: The Brewers are looking at prime Carlos Gomez, at least offensively.
26. OF Clint Frazier, New York Yankees (Age: 22)
Frazier has some of the best raw power of any prospect in baseball, and he has a chance to develop into a perennial 30-homer threat in the middle of the Yankees lineup.
He has some swing-and-miss to his game, fanning 23.5 percent of the time between Double-A and Triple-A last season, and he won't be able to compensate for his swing getting long with his plus-plus bat speed against higher-level pitching.
Still, there's no ignoring that power, and he's shown the ability to make adjustments. A good glove, strong throwing arm and decent wheels are just icing on the cake.
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25. 1B Josh Bell, Pittsburgh Pirates (Age: 24)
The Pirates didn't take "unsignable" for an answer when they selected Bell in the second round of the 2011 draft. They lured him away from what was thought to be a rock-solid commitment to the University of Texas with a $5 million bonus.
That now looks like money well spent as he opens the season as the team's starting first baseman.
Bell is still working to turn his raw power into over-the-fence production, but unlike most corner infield prospects, it's his hit tool that carries his offensive game. A .295/.382/.468 line in Triple-A gives a good indication of what he's capable of, and there's still the potential for 25-homer power as well.
Note: After amassing 128 at-bats as a rookie, Bell exceeded the rookie eligibility limits (130 AB) on Opening Day. But since he still carried rookie status into the season, we're including him here in our initial top-50 rankings.
24. OF Mickey Moniak, Philadelphia Phillies (Age: 18)
Moniak vaulted himself to the top of a deep crop of high school bats with a terrific senior season at La Costa Canyon High School, and the rebuilding Phillies made him the No. 1 overall pick last June.
MLB.com wrote the following while giving him a 60-grade hit tool: "He can flat-out rake, making consistent hard contact from the left side of the plate...Perhaps more impressive than his innate ability to barrel up the ball is his IQ at the plate, with an approach far advanced for his age and a willingness to use all fields."
He's already added 20 pounds of muscle to his 6'2" frame, according to Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly, giving him a chance to be a real five-tool threat. Even if he maxes out at 15-20 home runs, his contact ability, speed and plus defense will make him a standout up the middle in center field.
23. RHP Anderson Espinoza, San Diego Padres (Age: 19)
Despite turning just 19 last month, Espinoza already has 108.1 innings at the Single-A level under his belt.
He's undersized at 6'0" and 160 pounds, but he has a huge arm, touching 100 with his fastball and playing off it well with a plus changeup and a curveball that flashes plus, albeit with limited consistency at this point.
His 4.49 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 8.3 K/9 last season don't jump off the page, but big things are coming as he continues to build up his arm and hones his command. After all, scouts don't throw around Pedro Martinez comparisons lightly.
22. RHP Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox (Age: 22)
Giolito saw his prospect star fade a bit last season amid decreased velocity and some mechanical issues after entering the season as the consensus top pitching prospect in baseball.
Now he'll look to get things back on track under the tutelage of one of the game's best pitching coaches in Don Cooper. He's no longer a slam-dunk future ace, but he still has as much upside as any pitching prospect in the game.
MLB.com wrote: "When he's on, Giolito shows stuff that most pitchers can only dream of. He can sit at 95-98 mph and crack triple digits with his fastball—which also features running life and downhill plane that make it even better—snap off power curveballs that are just as nasty and mix in a third plus pitch with his sinking changeup."
With the White Sox in the early stages of rebuilding, there will be no reason to rush him.
21. SS Willy Adames, Tampa Bay Rays (Age: 21)
Adames took a huge step forward last season while making the jump to Double-A.
He raised his OPS from .721 to .802 while improving his already solid walk rate (11.8 to 13.0 percent) and trimming his strikeout rate (27.0 to 21.3 percent). It's essentially everything you want to see from a developing hitter as he progresses to the upper levels of the minors.
There's never been a question whether he'd remain at shortstop defensively, and now that his bat has caught up to his glove, he's on the cusp of reaching the majors and delivering on the potential that made him the centerpiece of the David Price trade.
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20. CF Manuel Margot, San Diego Padres (Age: 22)
Margot might be the best defensive prospect in baseball, and he could be an immediate Gold Glove contender patrolling center field at spacious Petco Park in his rookie season.
That being said, he's not a glove-first player by any means after hitting .304/.351/.426 with 39 extra-base hits, 30 stolen bases and 98 runs scored for Triple-A El Paso last season. He struck out just 11.5 percent of the time in the minors, and with his plus speed, that ability to consistently put the ball in play will be a boon to his batting average.
It may take a few years for his offensive game to fully translate to the MLB level, but he has all the makings of a dynamic table-setter and an impact defender as one of the key pieces of the puzzle for the rebuilding Padres.
19. RHP Yadier Alvarez, Los Angeles Dodgers (Age: 21)
Alvarez landed a hefty $16 million bonus with a matching tax penalty as part of the Dodgers' spending spree on the 2015 international market.
The 6'3", 175-pound Cuban defector can easily touch triple digits with his fastball, and he backs it with a slider, curveball and changeup that all have the potential to develop into plus offerings.
His results matched his stuff in his pro debut last year as he pitched to a 2.12 ERA and 1.03 WHIP while racking up an eye-popping 81 strikeouts in 59.1 innings. His performance this coming season against older competition will be telling, but the fact that there's still significant projection left in his frame gives him as high a ceiling as any pitching prospect around.
18. 2B Ozzie Albies, Atlanta Braves (Age: 20)
Albies didn't turn 20 until January, yet he spent all of last season playing in Double-A and Triple-A, where he hit a combined .292/.358/.420 with 49 extra-base hits and 30 stolen bases in 618 plate appearances.
The Braves picked up Brandon Phillips in the offseason to serve as a stopgap to Albies at second base, but he could push the veteran aside by midseason if he comes out of the gates strong in Triple-A.
Few prospects are further ahead of the developmental curve, and while he might not offer the same ceiling as the league's top middle infield prospects, his combination of batting average, steals and plus defense up the middle should make him a staple alongside shortstop Dansby Swanson for the next decade.
17. 3B Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox (Age: 20)
After trading away Yoan Moncada and Michael Kopech this offseason, and with Andrew Benintendi set to lose his rookie eligibility in short order, Devers will soon take over as the top prospect in the Boston system.
His plus power has always profiled as his carrying tool, but he's developed into a solid all-around hitter, posting a .282/.335/.443 line as a 19-year-old at the High-A level last season.
Devers uses the whole field well, and he should develop into a consistent 30-homer threat in the years to come, shoring up the hot corner and joining the Red Sox's young offensive core. He'll never be a Gold Glove winner, but his defense has been better than expected, and he should be able to stay at third base.
16. 2B/SS Brendan Rodgers, Colorado Rockies (Age: 20)
Dansby Swanson and Alex Bregman were taken ahead of Brendan Rodgers in the 2015 draft, and they already beat him to the majors, but there's a chance Rodgers winds up being the biggest offensive threat of the three.
He started his first full season in the Colorado organization at the Single-A level and more than held his own with an .821 OPS, 31 doubles, 19 home runs and 73 RBI.
Rodgers can get a bit pull-heavy, and his 7.1 percent walk rate could use some work, but so far he's lived up to his billing as the top high school bat in the 2015 class. He could do some serious damage at Coors Field in a few years.
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15. RHP Francis Martes, Houston Astros (Age: 21)
If not for a slight step backward in his command last season, Martes would likely have a spot inside the top 10 in these rankings.
His walk rate climbed from 2.5 to 3.4 BB/9, and his control was spotty at times. However, he's still young enough to smooth that out and reach his ceiling as a front-line starter and the potential future ace of the Astros staff.
With a strong 6'1", 225-pound frame, a four-pitch mix highlighted by an upper-90s fastball and plus curveball and clean mechanics, he has everything you look for in a top-tier starter.
14. 3B Nick Senzel, Cincinnati Reds (Age: 21)
Senzel wasted little time getting his pro career started off on the right foot after going No. 2 overall to the Reds last June.
The University of Tennessee standout hit .329/.415/.567 with 33 extra-base hits in 249 plate appearances with Single-A Dayton, and he'll open the 2017 season at the High-A level.
Senzel has a great chance of being the first bat from the 2016 draft class to reach the majors. Once he's there, he has all the tools to be a standout third baseman who hits for a high average with 20-plus homer power and the ability to steal double-digit bags as well.
He probably has the highest floor of any position-player prospect—other than Andrew Benintendi and Dansby Swanson, who have both already proved themselves at the MLB level.
13. RHP Tyler Glasnow, Pittsburgh Pirates (Age: 23)
It's all about limiting walks for Glasnow.
The towering 6'8" right-hander has electric stuff with an upper-90s fastball, terrific curveball and a steadily improving changeup that have helped him strike out a whopping 645 hitters in 500 innings for an 11.6 K/9 rate in the minors.
However, he's also walked batters at a 4.4 BB/9 clip, and that includes 81 walks in 140 total innings between the upper levels of the minors and Pittsburgh last season.
Keeping everything working in rhythm is always the challenge when it comes to a pitcher his size, and walks will likely always be something he deals with. Even if he can trim his walk rate to something like 3.5 BB/9, he has a chance to be a front-line arm.
12. SS J.P. Crawford, Philadelphia Phillies (Age: 22)
Crawford appeared to be knocking on the door for an MLB promotion when the 2016 season began, but instead he wound up spending the entire season in the minors. He hit a mediocre .250/.349/.339 between Double-A and Triple-A.
MLB.com wrote, "Crawford, even despite lackluster numbers, still has every chance to be an elite-level impact talent at the premium position."
He tallied nearly as many walks (72) as strikeouts (80) last season, and he didn't carry his offensive struggles into the field, where he remains an outstanding defender. There's a good chance we'll look back on the 2016 season as a temporary bump in the road to an All-Star career.
11. OF Austin Meadows, Pittsburgh Pirates (Age: 21)
Meadows might already be in the majors if he didn't play on a team with three All-Star-level outfielders.
The No. 9 pick in the 2013 draft crushed Double-A pitching to the tune of a .311/.365/.611 line to open last season, earning him a quick promotion to Triple-A. There, he struggled to a .214/.297/.460 amid a host of different injuries.
The Pirates' willingness to shop franchise icon Andrew McCutchen during the winter meetings was directly tied to the presence of Meadows down on the farm. He has the tools to be a perennial .300 hitter with 20/20 potential who covers good ground in the outfield, whether it's in center field or at a corner spot.
10. RHP Michael Kopech, Chicago White Sox
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2016 Stats
A-/A+: 12 GS, 4-1, 2.08 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 33 BB, 86 K, 56.1 IP
Outlook
There's no pitching prospect in the game—relievers included—who throws harder than Michael Kopech.
The 20-year-old consistently works in the triple digits, and he touched 105 mph with a fastball last summer, according to J.J. Cooper of Baseball America.
He's more than just a thrower, though, as he complements his fastball with a wipeout slider and a decent changeup that plays up thanks to his heater.
After joining the Chicago White Sox in the offseason trade that sent Chris Sale to Boston, he'll begin the 2017 season at the Double-A level.
A positive test for a banned stimulant cost him time in 2015, and he was also sidelined after breaking his throwing hand fighting with a teammate last spring, so he does come with some baggage.
As long as he avoids any further off-field issues, he looks like the future ace of a White Sox staff that could also include the likes of Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Carson Fulmer.
9. 1B/OF Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers
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2016 Stats
AA/AAA: 117 G, .271 BA, .872 OPS, 111 H, 44 XBH (26 HR), 71 RBI, 66 R
Outlook
Cody Bellinger is the best power-hitting prospect in baseball entering the 2017 season.
Others might have more power potential, but in terms of current tools, he has the loudest bat of anyone you'll see on this list.
The 21-year-old followed up a 30-homer, 103-RBI season at the High-A level in 2015 by slugging 26 home runs in 477 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A last year.
He also lowered his strikeout rate (27.6 to 19.7 percent) and raised his walk rate (9.6 to 12.6 percent), becoming a more complete hitter against higher-level pitching.
Bellinger has long been viewed as the heir apparent to Adrian Gonzalez at first base, where he has the chance to be a Gold Glove defender.
However, with Gonzalez under contract through the 2018 season, he'll likely break into the big leagues as a corner outfielder. That could happen before the All-Star break if the need arises.
8. RHP Alex Reyes, St. Louis Cardinals
12 of 20
2016 Stats
AAA: 14 G, 14 GS, 2-3, 4.96 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 32 BB, 93 K, 65.1 IP
MLB: 12 G, 5 GS, 4-1, 1.57 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 23 BB, 52 K, 46.0 IP
Outlook
Unfortunately, we won't see Alex Reyes take the mound in 2017 after he underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery this winter. However, his combination of results and potential are still enough to earn him the top spot among pitching prospects.
MLB.com wrote, "When he's healthy, Reyes is arguably the best pitching prospect in the game, with his combination of elite stuff and missing bats all pointing to a future as a frontline starter."
The 22-year-old made a huge impact down the stretch for the St. Louis Cardinals last year after being called up Aug. 9. He tallied four wins, one hold and one save over five starts and seven relief appearances while the team battled for a playoff spot.
It might take some time for his stuff to get back to where it was pre-injury, but the success rate on Tommy John surgery these days is high enough that he still earns a spot inside the top 10.
7. CF Victor Robles, Washington Nationals
13 of 20
2016 Stats
Rk/A/A+: 110 G, .280 BA, .798 OPS, 118 H, 34 XBH (9 HR), 42 RBI, 75 R
Outlook
Teenagers who play above the rookie-league level always garner plenty of attention in prospect circles.
Teenagers who hit .305/.405/.459 with 20 extra-base hits and 19 stolen bases in 285 plate appearances at the Single-A level tend to draw attention on a national level.
That's exactly what Victor Robles did last season, backing up his strong rookie-level performance with more of the same against higher-level competition.
MLB.com wrote: "The Nationals love Robles' makeup and work ethic, and it's already made him a clubhouse leader early in his career. He has the athleticism, physical tools and baseball savvy to continue to pass every challenge the organization throws his way. He's a few years away from the Majors, but Robles is well on his way towards becoming a franchise player."
They went on to grade four of his five tools at 60 or better, and his 50-grade power still has a chance to improve as he develops.
Don't be surprised if the 19-year-old is challenging for the No. 1 prospect spot by next season.
6. RF Eloy Jimenez, Chicago Cubs
14 of 20
2016 Stats
A: 112 G, .329 BA, .901 OPS, 142 H, 57 XBH (14 HR), 81 RBI, 65 R
Outlook
Eloy Jimenez was the consensus No. 1 prospect in the 2013 international class, and he joined the Chicago Cubs with a $2.8 million bonus.
However, his first two pro seasons were underwhelming, and while he still had tremendous potential, he wasn't in the top-prospect discussion at this time a year ago.
What a difference a year can make.
Everything clicked for the Dominican native last season as he ranked among the Midwest League leaders in batting average (.329, third), OPS (.901, first), doubles (40, first), home runs (14, sixth), RBI (81, second) and total bases (230, second).
He also put on a show as one of the youngest players in the annual Futures Game, and he continued to impress this spring with a .962 OPS, two doubles and two home runs in 31 plate appearances.
To put it simply, the 20-year-old has as much offensive potential as any prospect in the game.
5. SS Amed Rosario, New York Mets
15 of 20
2016 Stats
A+/AA: 120 G, .324 BA, .833 OPS, 155 H, 42 XBH (5 HR), 71 RBI, 65 R
Outlook
Amed Rosario was already a highly regarded prospect heading into last season, but he reached elite-level status after a breakout offensive season.
He raised his OPS over 200 points—from .631 to .833—while hitting .324/.374/.459 with 42 extra-base hits and 19 stolen bases between Double-A and Triple-A.
The 21-year-old is also a standout at shortstop, with the potential to be an "elite-level defender," according to MLB.com.
The Mets have veteran Asdrubal Cabrera signed to play shortstop for one more season, with an option on him for 2018, but all signs point to Rosario pushing him for the job by midseason.
"He’s got great poise, he plays with energy," manager Terry Collins told Mike Puma of the New York Post. "He’s got tremendous hands, he’s got arm strength, batting practice—he didn’t show it in the games—but he’s got big power."
Rosario is capable of making an impact similar to what Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa did when they were promoted to the majors midway through the 2015 season.
4. SS Dansby Swanson, Atlanta Braves
16 of 20
2016 Stats
A+/AA: 105 G, .275 BA, .787 OPS, 113 H, 39 XBH (9 HR), 55 RBI, 68 R
MLB: 38 G, .302 BA, .803 OPS, 39 H, 11 XBH (3 HR), 17 RBI, 20 R
Outlook
To call Dansby Swanson "polished" heading into the 2015 draft would have been an understatement. As expected, it didn't take the No. 1 overall pick long to reach the big leagues.
He made his debut Aug. 17 last season and went on to hit .302 with 11 extra-base hits in 145 plate appearances.
He's the prohibitive favorite for NL Rookie of the Year honors and a big piece of the future in Atlanta.
Cory McCartney of Fox Sports provided an interesting take on what Swanson's development means for a rebuilding Braves team: "But it's hard to imagine—in the short term anyway—the take on the rebuild not being tied to Swanson."
He continued: "It's an unfair set of pressures, but considering the few impact bats the Braves have knocking on the door (Albies should arrive in '17, but Maitan is just 16 and Riley has yet to get past Single-A) and Swanson's quick ascension to the bigs, he stands the face of progress."
With plenty of intangibles to match his on-field skills, Swanson should relish his role as the torch-barer for the youth movement.
3. 2B Yoan Moncada, Chicago White Sox
17 of 20
2016 Stats
A+/AA: 106 G, .294 BA, .918 OPS, 119 H, 52 XBH (15 HR), 62 RBI, 94 R
MLB: 8 G, .211 BA, .513 OPS, 4 H, 1 XBH (0 HR), 1 RBI, 3 R
Outlook
There's a reason the Boston Red Sox paid $31.5 million and a matching tax penalty to sign Yoan Moncada when he defected from Cuba.
The 21-year-old is a special talent capable of being an offensive force for years to come, and that's exactly the type of player it was going to take to pry Chris Sale away from the Chicago White Sox.
MLB.com wrote, "With his gifts, he's capable of batting .280/.400/.500 in the Majors, which is why he has been called a faster version of Robinson Cano."
The switch-hitter has legitimate 30/30 upside and the hit tool to make a run at a .300 average, though the aforementioned .280 average and something closer to a 20/40 season might be the more likely outcome.
At any rate, he's a huge part of what figures to be a wide-scale rebuilding for the White Sox. After Brett Lawrie was surprisingly released during spring training, he has a clear path to the everyday second base job whenever he's deemed ready.
2. SS Gleyber Torres, New York Yankees
18 of 20
2016 Stats
A+: 125 G, .270 BA, .775 OPS, 129 H, 45 XBH (11 HR), 66 RBI, 81 R
Outlook
The Chicago Cubs probably don't win the World Series without Aroldis Chapman, but that won't make it any easier to watch Gleyber Torres—one of the players they traded to the Yankees to acquire him—emerge as a star in the years to come.
Already a well-regarded prospect who was well ahead of the developmental curve, Torres has seen his stock skyrocket since joining the Yankees organization.
The 20-year-old captured Arizona Fall League MVP honors with a .403/.513/.645 line that included eight extra-base hits in 76 plate appearances.
Then he followed that up by hitting .448/.469/.931 with six doubles and two home runs in 32 plate appearances this spring.
He'll play second, shortstop and third for Double-A Trenton, according to Mike Mazzeo of the New York Daily News, putting him in position to take over wherever a need might arise.
The Yankees will hold him back as long as possible as they continue to focus on his development and the team's future, but he's going to force their hand sooner than later.
1. LF Andrew Benintendi, Boston Red Sox
19 of 20
2016 Stats
A+/AA: 97 G, .312 BA, .910 OPS, 116 H, 52 XBH (9 HR), 76 RBI, 70 R
MLB: 34 G, .295 BA, .835 OPS, 31 H, 14 XBH (2 HR), 14 RBI, 16 R
Outlook
All due respect to the potential and polish of the four middle infielders ranked below Andrew Benintendi, but the Boston Red Sox left fielder is an easy choice for No. 1 prospect honors.
With a 65-grade hit tool and an impressive body of work over 34 games at the MLB level last season, all signs point to immediate stardom for the 22-year-old.
MLB.com was among the outlets that gushed about his hitting ability while also giving him the No. 1 spot in their rankings:
"Though Benintendi isn't physically imposing, he generates surprising power with his quick hands and strong wrists and projects to deliver 20 or more homers on an annual basis. Even so, his slugging takes a back seat to his pure hitting ability. With a pretty left-handed swing and astute pitch recognition and strike-zone management, he repeatedly barrels balls and holds his own against southpaws.
"
He's also a standout defender capable of playing center field, though he'll be relegated to left field alongside Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mookie Betts.
We've seen rookies like Kris Bryant, Corey Seager, Carlos Correa and Francisco Lindor make an immediate, All-Star-caliber impact on their teams upon arriving in the majors, and Benintendi can be that same type of player in 2017.
All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and FanGraphs unless otherwise noted.
Complete Top 50 List
20 of 20
Top 50 MLB Prospects for 2017
1. OF Andrew Benintendi, Boston Red Sox
2. SS Gleyber Torres, New York Yankees
3. 2B Yoan Moncada, Chicago White Sox
4. SS Dansby Swanson, Atlanta Braves
5. SS Amed Rosario, New York Mets
6. OF Eloy Jimenez, Chicago Cubs
7. OF Victor Robles, Washington Nationals
8. RHP Alex Reyes, St. Louis Cardinals
9. 1B Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers
10. RHP Michael Kopech, Chicago White Sox
11. OF Austin Meadows, Pittsburgh Pirates
12. SS J.P. Crawford, Philadelphia Phillies
13. RHP Tyler Glasnow, Pittsburgh Pirates
14. 3B Nick Senzel, Cincinnati Reds
15. RHP Francis Martes, Houston Astros
16. 2B/SS Brendan Rodgers, Colorado Rockies
17. 3B Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox
18. 2B Ozzie Albies, Atlanta Braves
19. RHP Yadier Alvarez, Los Angeles Dodgers
20. CF Manuel Margot, San Diego Padres
21. SS Willy Adames, Tampa Bay Rays
22. RHP Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox
23. RHP Anderson Espinoza, San Diego Padres
24. OF Mickey Moniak, Philadelphia Phillies
25. 1B Josh Bell, Pittsburgh Pirates
26. OF Clint Frazier, New York Yankees
27. OF Lewis Brinson, Milwaukee Brewers
28. RHP Brent Honeywell, Tampa Bay Rays
29. C Francisco Mejia, Cleveland Indians
30. 2B/OF Ian Happ, Chicago Cubs
31. RHP Mitch Keller, Pittsburgh Pirates
32. OF Kyle Tucker, Houston Astros
33. LHP Kolby Allard, Atlanta Braves
34. LHP Josh Hader, Milwaukee Brewers
35. OF Blake Rutherford, New York Yankees
36. 3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays
37. LHP Jay Groome, Boston Red Sox
38. C Jorge Alfaro, Philadelphia Phillies
39. LHP Amir Garrett, Cincinnati Reds
40. OF Corey Ray, Milwaukee Brewers
41. RHP Jose De Leon, Tampa Bay Rays
42. OF Ronald Acuna, Atlanta Braves
43. RHP James Kaprielian, New York Yankees
44. OF Tyler O'Neill, Seattle Mariners
45. OF Hunter Renfroe, San Diego Padres
46. OF Bradley Zimmer, Cleveland Indians
47. 2B/SS Franklin Barreto, Oakland Athletics
48. OF Leody Taveras, Texas Rangers
49. SS Kevin Maitan, Atlanta Braves
50. RHP Robert Gsellman, New York Mets
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