Ranking the Top Prospect for All 30 MLB Teams Entering 2018
It's prospect season around the MLB world as various media outlets have begun releasing their top prospect lists.
Prospects are generally ranked on a team-by-team basis to show how each farm system stacks up and then on a leaguewide basis to give an idea of how the top young players in the minor leagues compare as they make their way toward the majors.
However, we're going to do something a little different here.
We've taken the No. 1 prospect for all 30 MLB teams and ranked them, as we compare the cream of the crop from each farm system around the league.
30. Nick Pratto, 1B, Kansas City Royals
1 of 30DOB: Oct. 6, 1998 (19 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'1", 195 lbs
Acquired: 2017 draft, first round (14th overall)
2017 Stats (Rk)
52 G, 230 PA, .247/.330/.414, 22 XBH (4 HR), 34 RBI, 25 R, 10 SB
Outlook
Nick Pratto was arguably the best pure hitter among high school bats in the 2017 draft, and the Kansas City Royals happily scooped him up with the No. 14 pick.
He's just starting to tap into his plus raw power, and the development of that tool will ultimately determine his ceiling at an offensive-minded position.
A two-way player who initially drew considerable interest as a pitcher, Pratto is a better athlete than most first-base-only prospects and has a chance to make an impact with the glove.
29. David Peterson, LHP, New York Mets
2 of 30DOB: Sept. 3, 1995 (22 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'6", 240 lbs
Acquired: 2017 draft, first round (20th overall)
2017 Stats (A-)
3 GS, 0-0, 2.45 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 1 BB, 6 K, 3.2 IP
Outlook
David Peterson shot up draft boards thanks to a dominant junior season at the University of Oregon where he went 11-4 with a 2.51 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 140 strikeouts in 100.1 innings—including a 20-strikeout performance.
He ended up being the fifth college pitcher off the board at No. 20 overall. With plus command and a solid three-pitch mix that includes a mid-90s fastball, plus slider and an average changeup, he looks like a future middle-of-the-rotation starter with a chance for more if his stuff continues to tick up.
Keep an eye on 19-year-old shortstop Andres Gimenez. He has the upside to overtake Peterson as the top prospect in a thinned out New York Mets system.
28. Jose Albertos, RHP, Chicago Cubs
3 of 30DOB: Nov. 7, 1998 (19 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'1", 185 lbs
Acquired: 2015 international free agent, Mexico ($1.5M bonus)
2017 Stats (Rk/A-)
10 GS, 2-1, 3.14 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 17 BB, 48 K, 43 IP
Outlook
The Chicago Cubs have a number of intriguing pitching prospects in the lower levels of the system, and Jose Albertos might have the highest ceiling of the bunch.
The right-hander will be 19 for the entire 2018 season, and he'll likely open the year at the Single-A level after an impressive showing in limited action with short-season Eugene.
He can touch 97 with his fastball and backs it up with a 65-grade changeup that is his best pitch. He also mixes in a solid curveball and shows good command of all three pitches.
He'll be on a short leash once again this coming season as the front office continues to handle him with kid gloves, but the eventual payoff could prove to be worth the wait.
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27. Jay Groome, LHP, Boston Red Sox
4 of 30DOB: Aug. 23, 1998 (19 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'6", 220 lbs
Acquired: 2016 draft, first round (12th overall)
2017 Stats (A-/A)
14 GS, 3-9, 5.69 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 30 BB, 72 K, 55.1 IP
Outlook
Viewed by some scouts as the top talent in the 2016 draft, Jay Groome wound up slipping to the Boston Red Sox at No. 12 overall because of maturity and signability concerns.
The left-hander agreed to a $3.65 million bonus—a Red Sox franchise record for a pitcher—and debuted with a 2.70 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 6.2 innings over three low-level starts.
While his fastball/curveball combination already flashes plus, his changeup remains a work in progress as a viable third offering, and his overall command needs refining. Still just 19, he'll likely return to Single-A after a less than stellar showing in 2017.
He might not move quickly, but with a projectable 6'6" frame and smooth mechanics, it's easy to dream on his top-of-the-rotation ceiling.
26. Kyle Lewis, OF, Seattle Mariners
5 of 30
DOB: July 13, 1995 (22 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'4", 210 lbs
Acquired: 2016 draft, first round (11th overall)
2017 Stats (Rk/A+)
49 G, 213 PA, .257/.329/.412, 14 XBH (7 HR), 31 RBI, 29 R, 3 SB
Outlook
Kyle Lewis has played just 79 minor league games since going No. 11 overall in the 2016 draft.
The Mercer University standout and Golden Spikes winner suffered a torn ACL shortly after starting his pro career that sidelined him to start the 2017 season, and he re-aggravated the knee shortly after returning.
At 6'4", 210 pounds, and with 60-grade power, he has a chance to be a middle-of-the-order force and one who could arrive in short order if he can put those injuries in the rearview.
The Mariners have shipped out a good deal of their high-end prospect talent since Jerry Dipoto took the reins in the front office, leaving Lewis as the clear top dog in the system.
25. Heliot Ramos, OF, San Francisco Giants
6 of 30DOB: Sept. 7, 1999 (18 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'2", 185 lbs
Acquired: 2017 draft, first round (19th overall)
2017 Stats (Rk)
35 G, 151 PA, .348/.404/.645, 23 XBH (6 HR), 27 RBI, 33 R, 10 SB
Outlook
The San Francisco Giants have not had a homegrown 30-homer player since Matt Williams was manning the hot corner in the 1990s.
That could change with Heliot Ramos, who was one of the more polarizing prospects in the 2017 draft class.
Those who were high on the Puerto Rico native saw loud tools, huge raw power and a player who would play most of his first full pro season at the age of 18.
Meanwhile, detractors questioned whether he'd make enough consistent contact to tap into that power, and a 31.8 percent strikeout rate in rookie ball did little to ease those concerns.
Regardless, he's far and away the best prospect in a Giants system that is thin on impact talent.
24. Chance Sisco, C, Baltimore Orioles
7 of 30
DOB: Feb. 24, 1995 (22 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'2", 195 lbs
Acquired: 2013 draft, second round (61st overall)
2017 Stats (AAA)
97 G, 388 PA, .267/.340/.395, 30 XBH (7 HR), 47 RBI, 47 R, 2 SB
Outlook
With Welington Castillo departing in free agency and Caleb Joseph best suited in a backup role, all signs point to Chance Sisco being the primary catcher for the Baltimore Orioles this season.
The 22-year-old has always possessed a solid hit tool with a .311/.390/.426 batting line over parts of five minor league seasons—albeit with limited over-the-fence pop as he's managed just 25 home runs in 1,871 plate appearances.
He's made steady improvements in his receiving skills since going in the second round of the 2013 draft and should be a solid defender in the pros. It's his bat that will drive his value as a big leaguer, though.
23. Jon Duplantier, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
8 of 30
DOB: July 11, 1994 (23 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'4", 225 lbs
Acquired: 2016 draft, third round (89th overall)
2017 Stats (A/A+)
25 G, 24 GS, 12-3, 1.39 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 42 BB, 165 K, 136 IP
Outlook
Pitching prospects from Rice University don't have the best track record of success in the pros.
However, it looks like Jon Duplantier might buck that trend after a breakout season that earned him MLB Pipeline's Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
The 23-year-old didn't miss a beat following a midseason promotion to High-A Visalia, going 6-2 with a 1.56 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and an 87-to-27 strikeout-to-walk rate over 63.1 innings.
As long as he can stay healthy—he has a handful of past arm issues on his resume—he could be ready to join the D-backs rotation in short order.
22. Leody Taveras, OF, Texas Rangers
9 of 30DOB: Sept. 8, 1998 (19 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'1", 170 lbs
Acquired: 2015 international free agent, Dominican Republic ($2.1M bonus)
2017 Stats (A)
134 G, 577 PA, .249/.312/.360, 35 XBH (8 HR), 50 RBI, 73 R, 20 SB
Outlook
Leody Taveras spent the entire 2017 season playing for Single-A Hickory and didn't turn 19 until September, putting him well ahead of the developmental curve.
The on-field production hasn't quite been there yet, but as MLB.com wrote, "He also hasn't been overmatched and his tools have been obvious."
That includes a 60-grade hit tool, the power/speed mix to be a 20/20 guy in the pros and the instincts and range to stick in center field defensively.
As he continues to mature physically and gets more experience under his belt, he could quickly shoot into the upper tier of prospects.
21. Keston Hiura, 2B, Milwaukee Brewers
10 of 30
DOB: Aug. 2, 1996 (21 years old)
Height/Weight: 5'11", 190 lbs
Acquired: 2017 draft, first round (9th overall)
2017 Stats (Rk/A)
42 G, 187 PA, .371/.422/.611, 25 XBH (4 HR), 33 RBI, 32 R, 2 SB
Outlook
Viewed by some as the best pure hitter in the 2017 draft, Keston Hiura might have been a candidate to go No. 1 overall if not for a right elbow injury that limited him to DH duties during his junior season.
While that injury was originally believed to require surgery, he instead completed a throwing rehab program and began his pro career with an impressive 1.033 OPS and 25 extra-base hits in 187 plate appearances.
He'll likely never be more than an average defender at second base, but his bat should put him on the fast track to the big leagues where he has a chance to develop into an elite offensive player on the strength of his 65-grade hit tool.
Trading Lewis Brinson to the Miami Marlins in the Christian Yelich deal opened up the top prospect spot in a talented Milwaukee Brewers system.
20. Franklin Perez, RHP, Detroit Tigers
11 of 30DOB: Dec. 6, 1997 (20 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'3", 197 lbs
Acquired: 2017 trade, Houston Astros
2017 Stats (A+/AA)
19 G, 16 GS, 6-3, 3.02 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 27 BB, 78 K, 86.1 IP
Outlook
Franklin Perez was the centerpiece of the trade that sent Justin Verlander to the Houston Astros, and he's now the top prospect in an up-and-coming Detroit Tigers farm system.
Advanced pitchability and a polished four-pitch mix give him a high floor, and if everything clicks, he has a top-of-the-rotation ceiling.
The precocious right-hander just turned 20 in December and already has 32 innings at the Double-A level under his belt.
The rebuilding Tigers have no reason to rush him, but don't be surprised if he pushes his way into a 2018 debut before competing for a rotation spot in 2019.
19. A.J. Puk, LHP, Oakland Athletics
12 of 30
DOB: Apr. 25, 1995 (22 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'7", 220 lbs
Acquired: 2016 draft, first round (6th overall)
2017 Stats (A+/AA)
27 G, 24 GS, 6-10, 4.03 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 48 BB, 184 K, 125 IP
Outlook
A leading candidate to go No. 1 overall in the 2016 draft after a dominant sophomore season at Florida, A.J. Puk instead slipped to Oakland Athletics with the No. 6 pick after an up-and-down junior campaign that was beset by back spasms.
The 6'7" southpaw makes the most of his big frame, pitching on a good downhill plane, and he pairs an upper-90s fastball with a wipeout slider that helped him lead all of MiLB with 13.2 strikeouts per nine innings last season.
His overall command still needs further refining, and he'll need to avoid the pitfalls that befall some taller pitchers as far as repeating his mechanics are concerned.
Worst-case scenario is he could turn into an Andrew Miller-type weapon out of the bullpen thanks to his two dominant pitches. For now, the hope is still that he can develop into a top-of-the-staff starter.
18. Lewis Brinson, OF, Miami Marlins
13 of 30
DOB: May 8, 1994 (23 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'3", 195 lbs
Acquired: 2016 trade, Texas Rangers
2017 Stats (AAA)
76 G, 340 PA, .331/.400/.562, 39 XBH (13 HR), 48 RBI, 66 R, 11 SB
Outlook
The Miami Marlins finally added a consensus top-100 prospect with one of their offseason trades when they acquired Lewis Brinson as part of the package in the deal that sent Christian Yelich to the Milwaukee Brewers.
That makes the second time the toolsy outfielder has been traded, as he originally joined the Brewers in the blockbuster deal that sent All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy to the Texas Rangers.
The 23-year-old has legitimate 30/30 upside with the defensive tools to man center field, and players like that don't grow on trees.
Unlike many of the incumbents, the Fort Lauderdale native has expressed excitement about being part of the rebuild in Miami.
"I’m super-excited to get the opportunity to play for the hometown team," he told reporters.
17. Royce Lewis, SS, Minnesota Twins
14 of 30
DOB: June 5, 1999 (18 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'2", 188 lbs
Acquired: 2017 draft, first round (1st overall)
2017 Stats (Rk/A)
54 G, 239 PA, .279/.381/.407, 15 XBH (4 HR), 27 RBI, 54 R, 18 SB
Outlook
The Minnesota Twins passed on a potential generational talent in Hunter Greene to take Royce Lewis with the No. 1 overall pick last June.
While he may not possess the same ceiling as Greene, the prep shortstop has a chance to develop into a franchise cornerstone in his own right.
MLB.com wrote: "Lewis has outstanding athleticism on both sides of the ball. When you combine that with his baseball IQ, it's easy to see a future star."
After closing out his pro debut with 18 games at the Single-A level, he could be put on a faster track than most high school picks, and he already has the overall polish to his game to be up to the task.
16. Alex Reyes, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals
15 of 30
DOB: Aug. 29, 1994 (23 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'3", 175 lbs
Acquired: 2012 international free agent, Dominican Republic ($950K bonus)
2017 Stats (N/A)
Did not play, Tommy John surgery
Outlook
Viewed by many as the top pitching prospect in baseball at the start of last season, Alex Reyes will now need to prove he's healthy after he underwent Tommy John surgery last spring.
The 23-year-old might be the biggest X-factor for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018.
Armed with an electric fastball that regularly touches the upper 90s and a terrific curveball/changeup pairing to keep hitters off balance, he looks like a prototypical frontline starter.
Over 46 innings of work during his MLB debut in 2016, he went 4-1 with a 1.57 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and a 52-to-23 K/BB ratio.
He'll likely be on a strict innings limit as the Cardinals ease him back into the mix, and he could wind up being a valuable weapon out of the bullpen before making the move back to the rotation in 2019.
15. J.P. Crawford, SS, Philadelphia Phillies
16 of 30
DOB: Jan. 11, 1995 (23 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'2", 180 lbs
Acquired: 2013 draft, first round (16th overall)
2017 Stats (AAA)
127 G, 556 PA, .243/.351/.405, 41 XBH (15 HR), 63 RBI, 75 R, 5 SB
Outlook
After a disappointing 2016 season and a slow start last year, J.P. Crawford began tumbling down prospect rankings.
The Philadelphia Phillies never lost faith in the presumptive shortstop of the future, though, and he finally looks poised to take over as the everyday starter following the offseason trade of Freddy Galvis.
While his 2017 season started off slow, Crawford finished strong with a .279/.378/.530 line over the final two months of his minor league season.
That earned him his first MLB action, and he posted 0.9 WAR in 23 games thanks to his strong defensive work all over the infield.
It's been a more circuitous path than some expected, but Crawford still has a chance to be a cornerstone piece for the up-and-coming Phillies.
14. Francisco Mejia, C, Cleveland Indians
17 of 30
DOB: Oct. 27, 1995 (22 years old)
Height/Weight: 5'10", 180 lbs
Acquired: 2012 international free agent, Dominican Republic ($350K bonus)
2017 Stats (AA)
92 G, 383 PA, .297/.346/.490, 37 XBH (14 HR), 52 RBI, 52 R, 7 SB
Outlook
If not for a Jonathan Lucroy veto, we would be talking about Francisco Mejia as the No. 1 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewers system right now.
While Lucroy might have helped the team in its pursuit of a title in 2016, all signs point to Mejia being the long-term answer behind the plate and a potential All-Star backstop in the pros.
The 22-year-old arrived on the top prospect scene during the 2016 season on the strength of a 50-game hitting streak, and he's continued to show advanced offensive tools in the upper minors.
Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez are both signed for at least two more years with team options that could keep them around for longer, so there's no reason to rush Mejia.
That said, he could push his way into the starting catcher job ahead of that light-hitting duo in short order if the team feels confident enough in his receiving skills.
13. Brendan Rodgers, 2B/SS, Colorado Rockies
18 of 30
DOB: Aug. 9, 1996 (21 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'0", 180 lbs
Acquired: 2015 draft, first round (3rd overall)
2017 Stats (A+/AA)
89 G, 400 PA, .336/.373/.567, 47 XBH (18 HR), 64 RBI, 64 R, 2 SB
Outlook
Brendan Rodgers was the first high school bat off the board in the 2015 draft and the No. 3 overall pick behind fellow middle infielders Dansby Swanson and Alex Bregman.
While those two both moved quickly and have already carved out starting roles at the MLB level, it's Rodgers who could wind up having the highest offensive ceiling of the trio.
Still just 21, Rodgers slugged 18 home runs in just 89 games between High-A and Double-A last season, missing six weeks with hand and quad injuries.
Thus far, he's impressed at every level, sporting a .301/.353/.505 line in his three pro seasons.
He's blocked by DJ LeMahieu and Trevor Story for a middle infield spot in Colorado, but neither player will stand in his way once he's deemed ready.
12. Mitch Keller, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
19 of 30DOB: Apr. 4, 1996 (21 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'3", 195 lbs
Acquired: 2014 draft, second round (64th overall)
2017 Stats (A-/A+/AA)
23 GS, 8-5, 3.03 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 32 BB, 116 K, 116 IP
Outlook
For all the hype surrounding Tyler Glasnow as he climbed the ranks in the Pittsburgh Pirates system, it's looking more and more like Mitch Keller is the ace of the future.
A forearm strain limited the second-round pick to just 19.2 innings during the 2015 season, but he returned strong in 2016 to go 9-5 with a 2.35 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 138 strikeouts in 130.1 innings between Single-A and High-A.
With that, he quickly emerged as one of the game's top pitching prospects, and similarly impressive numbers while reaching Double-A last season have vaulted him into the upper echelon of minor league hurlers.
The 6'3" right-hander delivers an upper-90s fastball, plus curveball and solid changeup all with plus command and smooth mechanics that give him a high floor and a top-of-the-rotation ceiling.
A 2018 debut is not out of the question.
11. Brent Honeywell, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
20 of 30
DOB: March 31, 1995 (22 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'2", 180 lbs
Acquired: 2014 draft, competitive balance round (72nd overall)
2017 Stats (AA/AAA)
26 GS, 13-9, 3.49 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 35 BB, 172 K, 136.2 IP
Outlook
The Tampa Bay Rays have a rich history of developing starting pitching, and all signs show that Brent Honeywell will be the next in line.
Taken in the second round of the 2014 draft out of Walters State CC in Tennessee, he's been nothing short of dominant in each of his three full seasons in the minors:
- '15 (A/A+): 130.1 IP, 9-6, 3.18 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9, 8.9 K/9
- '16 (A+/AA): 115.1 IP, 7-3, 2.34 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9, 9.1 K/9
- '17 (AA/AAA): 136.2 IP, 13-9, 3.49 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9, 11.3 K/9
His five-pitch repertoire is highlighted by a mid-90s fastball and a dynamite screwball that serves as his primary strikeout pitch and gives hitters a different look.
He might not break camp with a roster spot, but he'll be part of the Tampa Bay rotation before 2018 is over.
10. Walker Buehler, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
21 of 30
DOB: July 28, 1994 (23 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'2", 175 lbs
Acquired: 2015 draft, first round (24th overall)
2017 Stats (A+/AA/AAA)
28 G, 19 GS, 3-3, 1 SV, 3.35 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 31 BB, 125 K, 88.2 IP
Outlook
Taking a chance on a player who slips in the draft due to injury can pay huge dividends if he's able to put those injuries in the rearview.
Case in point: Walker Buehler.
Viewed as the top prospect in a trio of Vanderbilt standouts, Buehler slipped to No. 24 overall in the 2015 draft because of an arm injury. Teammates Dansby Swanson (No. 1 overall) and Carson Fulmer (No. 8 overall) went ahead of him.
Buehler underwent Tommy John surgery shortly after the draft and didn't make his pro debut until the following year with five innings of work.
A clean bill of health was enough to send him shooting up prospect lists last spring, and the Dodgers put him on the fast track. After throwing 88.2 innings over three minor league levels, he joined the big league bullpen for the season's final month.
He'll return to Triple-A to start the 2018 season, where he could be first in line for a call-up if a rotation spot opens up.
9. Forrest Whitley, RHP, Houston Astros
22 of 30DOB: Sept. 15, 1997 (20 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'7", 195 lbs
Acquired: 2016 draft, first round (17th overall)
2017 Stats (A/A+/AA)
23 G, 18 GS, 5-4, 2.83 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 34 BB, 134 K, 92.1 IP
Outlook
Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Chad Billingsley, Dylan Bundy and Forrest Whitley—that's the full list of pitchers this century who were drafted out of high school and went on to reach Double-A in their first full professional season, according to MLB.com.
After dominating hitters at Single-A and High-A, Whitley posted a 1.84 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and .157 opponents' batting average with 26/4 K/BB ratio in 14.2 innings with Double-A Corpus Christi.
While he won't be among the Houston Astros' non-roster invitees, he is expected to see some time in big league camp this spring.
In addition, GM Jeff Luhnow brought up the possibility of a 2018 debut while talking with Brian McTaggart of MLB.com: "He's going to get some exposure in camp, but the reality is there's a good possibility Forrest Whitley will continue to progress and be an option for us late in the summer, and any time you can conserve some innings in February and March [that] you can deposit into September and October, that's a good thing."
With repeatable mechanics despite his 6'7" frame and an advanced four-pitch arsenal that includes a lively upper-90s fastball, biting curveball, plus slider and quality changeup, he's yet another dangerous weapon for the defending champs.
8. Fernando Tatis Jr., SS, San Diego Padres
23 of 30DOB: Jan. 2, 1999 (19 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'3", 185 lbs
Acquired: 2016 trade, Chicago White Sox
2017 Stats (A/AA)
131 G, 575 PA, .278/.379/.498, 56 XBH (22 HR), 75 RBI, 84 R, 32 SB
Outlook
For all the good that Chicago White Sox GM Rick Hahn has done in building up the farm system over the past year or so, the decision to trade Fernando Tatis Jr. for an aging James Shields no doubt still leaves him tossing and turning at night.
After posting a modest .742 OPS with 24 extra-base hits in 236 plate appearances in his pro debut, Tatis exploded offensively last season to emerge as one of the game's elite prospects.
He'll be 19 for all of the upcoming season, and with 14 games already under his belt at Double-A, last year might be just the tip of the iceberg.
MLB.com wrote:
"Tatis Jr. has all the ingredients to become an offensive force in the Majors, as his bat speed, leveraged swing and overall capacity to make adjustments all portend a future plus hitter with plus power. ... Many evaluators believe Tatis Jr. is merely scraping the surface of his offensive potential, as he still has considerable room to grow into his tall and athletic frame."
He has the defensive chops to stick at shortstop, and that only increases his value, though bulking up could force a move to third base where his bat would easily play.
A 24.5 percent strikeout rate is the only minor red flag, but pairing that with a 13.4 percent walk rate makes it a lot easier to swallow.
7. Nick Senzel, 3B, Cincinnati Reds
24 of 30
DOB: June 29, 1995 (22 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'1", 205 lbs
Acquired: 2016 draft, first round (2nd overall)
2017 Stats (A+/AA)
119 G, 507 PA, .321/.391/.514, 57 XBH (14 HR), 65 RBI, 81 R, 14 SB
Outlook
Nick Senzel can flat-out hit.
A .352/.456/.595 line with nearly twice as many walks (40) as strikeouts (21) during his junior season at the University of Tennessee was enough to make him the top college bat off the board, and he's continued to show an advanced all-around offensive game.
It's been more of the same since he's started his pro career. His best numbers to date came after a midseason promotion last year when he hit .340/.413/.560 with 25 extra-base hits in 235 plate appearances for Double-A Pensacola.
MLB.com gave him a 70-grade hit tool as he figures to be a perennial threat to post a .300 batting average. While he'll likely be more of a doubles hitter, there's enough pop in his bat for 20-plus home runs as well.
Incumbent third baseman Eugenio Suarez has turned into a solid two-way player, but he could be looking for a new position or find himself on the trade block by midseason.
6. Gleyber Torres, SS, New York Yankees
25 of 30
DOB: Dec. 13, 1996 (21 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'1", 175 lbs
Acquired: 2016 trade, Chicago Cubs
2017 Stats (AA/AAA)
55 G, 235 PA, .287/.383/.480, 23 XBH (7 HR), 34 RBI, 31 R, 7 SB
Outlook
Gleyber Torres likely would have made his New York Yankees debut last season if not for season-ending Tommy John surgery in June.
The trades of Starlin Castro and Chase Headley have given him a clear path to a spot somewhere on the infield in 2018. That said, don't be surprised if the Yankees handle him with kid gloves for at least the first half of the season.
The precocious 21-year-old joined the Yankees in the deadline deal that sent Aroldis Chapman to the Cubs, and he followed up a breakout 2016 season by winning Arizona Fall League MVP honors.
With Didi Gregorius entrenched at shortstop, it's unclear whether his long-term spot will be second or third base, although Miguel Andujar's presence makes second the more likely outcome.
Regardless, he has the tools to be a perennial All-Star wherever he lines up.
5. Victor Robles, OF, Washington Nationals
26 of 30
DOB: May 19, 1997 (20 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'0", 185 lbs
Acquired: 2013 international free agent, Dominican Republic ($225K bonus)
2017 Stats (A+/AA)
114 G, 496 PA, .300/.382/.493, 55 XBH (10 HR), 47 RBI, 73 R, 27 SB
Outlook
After a strong debut in the Dominican Summer League, Victor Robles hit .352/.445/.507 with 20 extra-base hits and 24 stolen bases in 61 games in his stateside debut.
He followed with a strong showing against significantly older competition in Single-A and High-A, and he continued his rapid ascent through the Washington Nationals system last year when he earned a cup of coffee in September.
He held his own in a 13-game sampling, going 6-for-24 with a double and two triples, earning a spot on the playoff roster in the process.
His 75-grade speed is his best present tool, but he has a chance to be a dynamic talent, as MLB.com wrote: "Robles possesses off-the-charts athleticism as well as five standout tools that he showcases on a daily basis."
With Bryce Harper expected to sign elsewhere next offseason, Robles could go a long way toward easing that loss if he delivers on his tantalizing upside.
4. Eloy Jimenez, OF, Chicago White Sox
27 of 30
DOB: Nov. 27, 1996 (21 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'4", 205 lbs
Acquired: 2017 trade, Chicago Cubs
2017 Stats (A+/AA)
89 G, 369 PA, .312/.379/.568, 44 XBH (19 HR), 65 RBI, 54 R, 1 SB
Outlook
Eloy Jimenez is the headliner in an overhauled Chicago White Sox system—a reconstruction that started with the winter-meetings trades of Chris Sale and Adam Eaton last offseason.
Consensus organizational top prospects Michael Kopech, Dane Dunning, Blake Rutherford and Dylan Cease were also acquired via trade during that time, while Alec Hansen and Jake Burger were selected in the draft and Luis Robert was signed out of Cuba.
The gap between Jimenez and Kopech is a narrow one—the flame-throwing right-hander would slot between Whitley and Buehler in these rankings. Both White Sox prospects have legitimate superstar potential.
Jimenez gets the nod, though, as he continues to move toward his ceiling as a middle-of-the-order stud and prototypical right fielder.
With a 60-grade hit tool and 70-grade power, he has the best mix of average and power of any prospect, and after showing well in his Double-A debut he could arrive in Chicago around the All-Star break.
3. Shohei Ohtani, RHP/DH, Los Angeles Angels
28 of 30
DOB: July 5, 1994 (23 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'4", 203 lbs
Acquired: 2017 international free agent, Japan ($2.315M bonus)
2017 Stats (Japan)
Pitching: 5 GS, 3-2, 3.20 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 19 BB, 29 K, 25.1 IP
Hitting: 65 G, 231 PA, .332/.403/.540, 25 XBH (8 HR), 31 RBI, 24 R, 0 SB
Outlook
Shohei Ohtani will one of the biggest stories of the 2018 season, and he has a chance to be a true two-way star for a Los Angeles Angels team that has improved significantly this offseason.
However, mound-durability questions as a result of a UCL sprain and uncertainty as to how smooth his transition to MLB pitching will be as a part-time hitter are enough to keep him out of the No. 1 prospect spot.
Still, the tools are unlike anything we've seen in modern baseball.
With an 80-grade fastball and multiple plus-off-speed offerings delivered from a strong 6'4" frame, he has all the tools to be a superstar on the hill.
At the plate, his raw power is his biggest asset, but it's his ability to make consistent contact that will be the determining factor in his two-way experiment.
Regardless, his rookie season will be fun to watch.
2. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 3B, Toronto Blue Jays
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DOB: Mar. 16, 1999 (18 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'1", 200 lbs
Acquired: 2015 international free agent, Dominican Republic ($3.9M bonus)
2017 Stats (A/A+)
119 G, 527 PA, .323/.425/.485, 43 XBH (13 HR), 76 RBI, 84 R, 8 SB
Outlook
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has a long way to go to surpass his Hall of Fame father.
He's off to a pretty good start, though.
His .323 average and 43 extra-base hits speak to his tremendous offensive upside, and the fact he accrued more walks (76) than strikeouts (62) makes him one of the most advanced teenage bats in recent memory.
MLB.com graded him as having an 80-grade hit tool, writing: "As a future plus hitter with at least 30-homer potential, Guerrero boasts the offensive profile of a perennial All-Star and possible MVP candidate in his prime. Retaining his athleticism without becoming too bulky could pose a challenge for Guerrero moving forward, though obviously he has the requisite offensive profile to support a move to first base or left field."
While the Toronto Blue Jays have taken a step back from being the offensive juggernaut they were a few seasons ago, the fast-charging prospect duo of Guerrero and Bo Bichette could soon return them to glory.
1. Ronald Acuna, OF, Atlanta Braves
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DOB: Dec. 18, 1997 (20 years old)
Height/Weight: 6'0", 180 lbs
Acquired: 2014 international free agent, Venezuela ($100K bonus)
2017 Stats (A+/AA/AAA)
139 G, 612 PA, .325/.374/.522, 60 XBH (21 HR), 82 RBI, 88 R, 44 SB
Outlook
Ronald Acuna won Minor League Player of the Year honors last season with an age-19 campaign the likes of which we've seen just a handful of times.
After hitting .311/.387/.432 in 40 games with Single-A Rome in 2016, he was aggressively promoted to High-A, and that would be the first of three minor league stops in 2017.
He continued to rake every step of the way, including a .344/.393/.548 line with 25 extra-base hits in 243 plate appearances in Triple-A.
That was enough for the Atlanta Braves to pull the trigger on trading outfielder Matt Kemp this offseason, and while Acuna might start the season in the minors for service-time reasons, a first-half debut is all but guaranteed.
As MLB.com wrote: "Even if the Braves are extra cautious, no one doubts he will make a big impact in the immediate future, with an almost limitless ceiling."
That sounds like the No. 1 prospect in baseball to me.
All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and FanGraphs, unless otherwise noted.
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