2018 Top 125 Midseason Prospect Rankings

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Below is the 2018 Top 125 Midseason Prospect Rankings. We spent a lot of time and had a lot of fun putting this together and hope you enjoy reading through it. We’ll have in-depth write-ups on the Top 125 publishing over the next couple of weeks with links to those write-ups added right here above the list (so bookmark and check back). Additionally, our content libraries have pro-style scouting reports, player spotlights and scouting video of hundreds of 2018 prospects in addition to info below. We’ve provided links for easy access — check them out if you want to learn about more of your favorite team’s up-and-coming talents.

 

Hit us up on Twitter (@2080ball, @NickJFaleris, @DaveDefer and @2080Adam) or email us (mailbag@2080baseball.com) with comments and questions. Don’t forget to check out the bonus podcast episode linked below, as well, for further discussion of the Top 125! —Nick, Dave and Adam

 

2080 Baseball Content Libraries

Pro-Style Scouting Reports | Player Spotlights | Scouting Video

 

Defensive Indifference: A 2080 Baseball Podcast

Episode 02.M125 (Midseason Top 125 Prospect Rankings)

 

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Top 125

Rank
Rank
First Name
First
Last Name
Last
Age
Age
Position
Pos
Team
Team
MLB ETA
ETA
Role
Role
Risk
Risk
Summary
Summary
1 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 19.02 3B 2018 70 Moderate Potential generational bat who could hit in the middle of a big league lineup right now and won't turn 20 until next spring.
2 Victor Robles 21.00 OF 2017 70 Moderate Explosive five-tool player who can hit anywhere in the lineup while playing plus defense in center field.
3 Fernando Tatis Jr. 19.05 SS 2019 70 Moderate Plus glove and arm at shortstop to go with a middle-of-the-order stick.
4 Royce Lewis 19.00 SS 2020 70 Moderate Five-tool shortstop with top-of-the-order skill set, including double-plus speed and plus hit tool.
5 Kyle Tucker 21.04 OF 2018 60 Moderate Plus offensive potential with an advanced approach for his age, along with above-average defense on the corner.
6 MacKenzie Gore 19.03 LHP 2020 70 High Uber-athletic southpaw with a chance for four plus-or-better offerings, anchored by a 93-97 mph fastball and a deep and sharp 1-to-seven curve.
7 Eloy Jimenez 21.06 OF 2018 70 High Corner defender with premium power/hit-tool combination and an advanced approach at the plate.
8 Nick Senzel 22.11 3B 2019 60 Moderate Future two-hole stick with quality glovework; will miss the remainder of 2018 with a torn tendon in his finger.
9 Brendan Rodgers 21.10 SS 2018 60 Moderate Above-average offensive skill set with an up-the-middle defensive profile.
10 Forrest Whitley 20.09 RHP 2019 70 High Three plus pitches with advanced feel and a chance for plus command.
11 Mitch Keller 22.02 RHP 2018 70 High Mid-90s heater with a plus curve, clean mechanics and a tough angle.
12 Walker Buehler 23.11 RHP 2017 60 Moderate Power arm with three plus pitches and consistent ability to miss bats.
13 Brent Honeywell 23.02 RHP 2017 60 High MLB-ready righty with three above-average-or-better offerings, headlined by a double-plus screwball; out for 2018 due to Tommy John surgery.
14 Francisco Mejia 22.07 C/3B 2018 60 High Offensive minded back-stop with a plus hit tool, above-average power potential and double-plus arm strength; loses value if shifted out from behind home.
15 Ian Anderson 20.01 RHP 2020 60 High Durable mid-to-front-of-the-rotation arm with three above-average to plus pitches and above-average command.
16 Jesus Luzardo 20.08 LHP 2019 60 High Impact fastball/changeup combo to go with a developing breaker and mid-rotation potential.
17 AJ Puk 23.01 LHP 2018 60 High Big time fastball/slider combo with emerging changeup from a very tough angle; out for 2018 with Tommy John surgery.
18 Mike Soroka 20.10 RHP 2018 55 Moderate Durable mid-rotation arm who keeps the ball on the ground, doesn't walk many and has feel with three above-average or better pitches.
19 Alex Verdugo 22.01 OF 2018 55 Moderate Plus athlete with great energy who brings an advanced approach at the plate and an above-average arm and glove to the outfield.
20 Carter Kieboom 20.09 SS 2019 60 High Advanced approach with impact bat speed and power potential to go with up-the-middle glove.
21 Bo Bichette Jr. 20.03 SS 2019 60 High Plus bat speed and advanced approach for age; more likely than not to shift to third base or second base long term.
22 Willy Adames 22.09 SS 2018 55 Moderate Up-the-middle defense with a chance for above-average offensive profile.
23 Luis Urias 21.00 SS 2018 55 Moderate Plus hit tool with an advanced approach at the plate and excellent game clock at a middle-infield spot.
24 Jo Adell 19.02 OF 2020 70 Extreme Explosive athlete with impact power to go with plus or better defensive profile at maturity.
25 Keston Hiura 21.10 2B 2019 60 High Advanced bat-to-ball skills with surprising pop and limited defensive profile.
26 Kyle Wright 22.08 RHP 2019 60 High Heavy fastball with a chance for three above-average or better secondaries.
27 Yordan Alvarez 21.11 OF 2018 60 High Offensive minded corner bat with plus power potential and feel for the barrel.
28 Taylor Trammell 20.09 OF 2020 60 High .294/.390/.416 in pitcher-friendly Florida State League at age 20 to go with impact power/speed profile.
29 Sixto Sanchez 19.11 RHP 2020 60 High Advanced feel with double-plus heater and future plus curve and changeup.
30 Cristian Pache 19.06 OF 2020 60 High Impact up-the-middle glove to go with solid bat-to-ball skills and increasing strength.
31 Leody Taveras 19.09 OF 2020 60 High Precocious center fielder with a chance for plus defensive tools and above-average or better hit.
32 Hunter Greene 18.10 RHP 2021 70 Extreme Triple-digit fastball and developing secondaries led by a promising slider and changeup and "show me" curve.
33 Matt Manning 20.04 RHP 2020 60 High Impressive athlete with emerging plus fastball/curveball combo, durable build and big time projection.
34 Alex Kirilloff 20.07 OF 2021 60 High Big left-handed power with advanced approach at the plate and the glove/arm to be an asset in right field.
35 Justus Sheffield 22.01 LHP 2018 55 Moderate Power lefty with a plus heater and above-average or better slider/changeup, showing extremely well in the upper minors.
36 Keibert Ruiz 19.10 C 2021 60 Extreme Everyday backstop with a chance for plus defense and an above-average hit tool.
37 Franklin Perez 20.06 RHP 2020 60 Extreme Power arm with a chance for two plus pitches and above-average command; just getting back to work after missing first three months of 2018 with lat strain.
38 Casey Mize 21.01 RHP 2020 55 Moderate The most dominant arm in college baseball this spring, wielding a plus fastball and split/changeup to go with an above-average or slider and advanced command.
39 Jarred Kelenic 18.11 OF 2021 60 Extreme A true five-tool talent, boasting plus speed, plus arm strength (98 mph from the outfield) and impact potential at the plate, including exit velos of up to 104 mph this spring.
40 Michael Kopech 22.01 RHP 2019 60 Extreme Elite triple-digit fastball and wipeout slider but significant struggles with control and likely outcome as a shutdown closer.
41 Freddy Peralta 22.00 RHP 2018 55 Moderate Deceptive righty with excellent extension, three above-average or better offerings and a long track record of missing bats.
42 Travis Swaggerty 20.09 OF 2020 60 Extreme Young up-the-middle defender with good speed, above-average to plus playable power potential and a solid approach at the plate.
43 Yusniel Diaz 21.08 OF 2019 55 Moderate Athletic outfielder who has feel for the barrel and potential for above-average power production; traditional right field profile with a chance to stick in center.
44 Sandy Alcantara 21.10 RHP 2018 55 High Double-plus heater and quality slider but has struggled some with control and in-zone placement this year.
45 Luis Robert 20.11 OF 2021 60 Extreme Toolsy center fielder with potential impact power/speed combo.
46 Corbin Burnes 23.06 RHP 2018 55 Moderate Strike throwing, mid-rotation arm with above average feel for an above-average three-pitch mix.
47 Shane Bieber 23.00 RHP 2018 55 Moderate Double-plus command to go with a balanced four-pitch mix.
48 Jesus Sanchez 20.08 OF 2021 55 High Just 20-years old and has done nothing but hit from the complex to High A Charlotte; future corner profile with plenty of arm for right.
49 Estevan Florial 20.06 OF 2021 55 High Dynamic, plus athlete who brings potential for plus offensive production and above-average defense in the grass.
50 Chris Paddack 22.05 RHP 2019 55 High Top shelf changeup that plays dynamically off of an above-average fastball, elite command; 92 SO and 6 BB in 64 1/3 2018 innings.
51 Tyler O'Neill 22.11 OF 2018 55 High Power/on-base skill set with right field arm and solid feel.
52 Cal Quantrill 23.04 RHP 2019 55 High Heavy fastball runs from 92 to 97 mph with potential for plus changeup and developing slider; San Diego Padres still easing back after 2016 Tommy John surgery.
53 Cionel Perez 22.01 LHP 2018 55 Moderate Potential mid-rotation lefty arm with above-average command of an above-average three-pitch mix.
54 Adonis Medina 21.05 RHP 2019 55 High Swing-and-miss stuff headlined by potential plus fastball/changeup combo and projected above-average or better slider at maturity.
55 Andres Gimenez 19.09 SS 2020 55 High Plus glove at shortstop with developing strength and impressive approach for age/level.
56 Taylor Hearn 23.09 LHP 2020 55 High Makings of a mid-rotation starter with dominant fastball and late-inning fallback.
57 Triston McKenzie 20.10 RHP 2019 55 High High quality arm with potential for two plus pitches and above-average command; inconsistent stuff could play up in multi-inning relief role.
58 Alec Bohm 21.10 3B 2020 55 High One of the top bats in the 2018 draft class thanks to impact power and production, both this spring (.341/.436/.625) and last summer on the Cape (.351/.399/.513).
59 Sean Murphy 23.08 C 2019 55 High Impact defensive tools with a chance for everyday offensive production.
60 Jason Martin 22.09 OF 2019 55 High High-level hit tool with average playable power, solid glove and impressive instincts.
61 Adrian Morejon 19.03 LHP 2021 60 Extreme High upside lefty, just 19, dealing at High A with three above-average offerings and already showing feel and ability to miss barrels.
62 Jonathan India 21.06 3B 2020 60 Extreme The top overall bat in the SEC this spring, showing potential to hit for average and power while providing good defense at third.
63 Joey Wentz 20.08 LHP 2020 60 Extreme Durable, athletic lefty with a chance for three above-average-to-plus pitches and above-average command at maturity.
64 Dylan Cease 22.05 RHP 2020 60 Extreme Rotation piece with an above-average-to-plus power curve to go with a plus fastball and aggressive approach.
65 Michel Baez 22.04 RHP 2020 60 Extreme Big frame backed by big stuff, including a double-plus fastball and perhaps three above-average-or-better secondaries at maturity.
66 Justin Dunn 22.08 RHP 2019 55 High Swing-and-miss arsenal improving in consistency as the converted closer continues to build up strength and endurance.
67 Ryan Mountcastle 21.03 3B 2019 55 High Offensive minded corner infielder with above-average power potential and average defense at 3B.
68 Touki Toussaint 22.11 RHP 2019 60 Extreme Potential mid-rotation arm with plus fastball, double-plus bender and inconsistent execution; could provide impact out of Atlanta's pen right now.
69 Dane Dunning 23.05 RHP 2019 55 High Plus command/control profile with three above-average or better offerings and advanced feel for mix.
70 Nick Madrigal 21.03 2B 2020 60 Extreme Best bat-to-ball skills in the 2018 Draft Class with plus glove at second but questions surrounding strength at maturity and spotty track record with wood.
71 Ke'Bryan Hayes 21.04 3B 2020 55 High Major league bloodlines with plus glove and a chance for above-average hit/power production in the box.
72 Monte Harrison 22.10 OF 2020 60 Extreme Significant swing-and-miss cast a shadow on impact raw power, but plus speed, double-plus arm strength and plus glove provide solid foundational value in profile.
73 Joey Bart 21.06 C 2020 60 Extreme Well-rounded backstop with good arm strength and plus raw power to go with some feel for the barrel; received the highest up-front draft bonus ever for a position player.
74 Jahmai Jones 20.10 2B 2020 55 High Above-average athlete who should be able to contribute as a center-diamond defender on the dirt and in the grass while providing average offensive production and net positive value on the bases.
75 Willie Calhoun 23.07 2B/LF 2017 55 High High-contact corner bat with advanced feel in the box and power to all fields; defensively fits best as a DH.
76 MJ Melendez 19.06 C 2021 60 Extreme High-level defensive skill set with advanced feel and a chance for average-or-better playable power at maturity.
77 Jonathan Loaisiga 23.07 RHP 2018 55 High Ability to fill up the zone with plus fastball and above-average curveball/changeup; can get loose with command.
78 Danny Jansen 23.01 C 2018 50 Low Good feel for contact with pullside power and average defensive tools.
79 Christin Stewart 24.06 OF 2018 50 Low High floor, low ceiling left field profile with plus playable power that should slot into the middle of a big-league lineup soon.
80 Luiz Gohara 21.10 LHP 2017 55 High Power lefty with swing-and-miss fastball/slider who has a chance to eat innings if he can limit the walks; potential impact reliever fallback.
81 Dustin May 20.09 RHP 2021 60 Extreme Loud fastball backed by a plus curveball, average changeup and above-average command; mid-rotation upside.
82 Lewis Thorpe 22.06 LHP 2019 55 High Lefty with a plus heater and potential plus changeup/average breaking ball at maturity.
83 Khalil Lee 20.11 OF 2021 55 High Run-producing bat with a chance to hit in the middle of a big league lineup; should provide solid defense in center or above-average defense in right.
84 Daz Cameron 21.05 OF 2020 55 High Impact defensive tools in center field with a chance for average offensive production across the board; advanced feel for the game.
85 Tony Santillan 21.01 RHP 2019 55 High Above-average -to-plus stuff across the board, but inconsistent control/execution; candidate for late-inning conversion.
86 Shane Baz 19.11 RHP 2021 60 Extreme Highly projectable righty who already shows feel for a  heavy, plus fastball; potential above-average-or-better secondaries across the board (slider/cutter/curve/change).
87 Drew Waters 19.05 OF 2021 55 High Good defensive tools to go with plus run and potential above-average hit and power.
88 Garrett Hampson 23.08 2B 2018 50 Low Middle-infield glove who can really hit; heady baserunner with consistent plus-to-double-plus run times.
89 Logan Allen 21.00 LHP 2019 55 High Average command of quality three-pitch mix, anchored by an above-average fastball and plus changeup; has already shown swing-and-miss stuff along with lots of soft contact in Double-A.
90 Sam Hentges 21.10 LHP 2020 55 High Projectable lefty with potential plus fastball and curve to go with developing changeup.
91 Albert Abreu 22.08 RHP 2020 55 High Power arm with a chance for two plus pitches and above-average swing-and-miss to his game; production hasn't matched the quality of stuff.
92 Michael Chavis 22.10 3B 2019 55 High Corner infielder with plus power potential to go with above-average arm strength and playable hands at the hot corner.
93 Colten Welker 20.08 3B 2020 55 High Corner infielder with plus power potential to go with above-average arm strength and advanced approach at the plate.
94 Nolan Jones 20.01 3B 2021 55 High Potential impact hit and power tools with plus arm strength and at least average glovework at the hot corner.
95 Griffin Canning 22.01 RHP 2019 55 High Plus fastball/changeup pairing with true swing-and-miss potential and a solid average command profile.
96 Austin Beck 19.06 OF 2021 60 Extreme Tool shed who has shown more advanced approach at the plate than expected in first year of full-season ball; arm, speed, power and defense could all be impact.
97 Lazaro Armenteros 19.00 OF 2021 60 Extreme Center field speed and glove to go with left field arm; plus raw power and advanced approach for age/level.
98 Brandon Lowe 23.11 2B/OF 2018 50 Low MLB-ready stick with a chance for average offensive production and an average glove at both second base and left field.
99 Will Smith 23.02 C 2019 50 Low Advanced defensive profile with developing approach at the plate; has flashed above-average raw power in 2018.
100 Peter Alonso 23.06 1B 2019 50 Low Double-plus raw power and ability to draw walks should make this a safe everyday first base profile, even with a fair amount of swing and miss.
101 Yadier Alvarez 22.03 RHP 2019 55 High Power righty with a double-plus fastball and plus slider who needs to find consistency with a third pitch to stick in the rotation; solid late-inning fallback.
102 Franklin Kilome 22.11 RHP 2019 55 High Potential mid-rotation arm with a chance for three above-average pitches; significant control concerns with power reliever fallback.
103 Steven Duggar 24.07 OF 2018 50 Low Plus athlete with some quick-twitch who will stay in center field long term and could bring an above-average offensive profile to the top of the order.
104 Brendan McKay 22.05 LHP/1B 2019 55 High Two-way talent slowly working his way through the system; projects as a command lefty with a plus breaking ball on the bump and a hit-first first baseman on the positional side.
105 Lucas Erceg 23.01 3B 2020 55 High Athletic, lefty bat with above-average power potential and at least average defense at third base.
106 Rogelio Armenteros 23.11 RHP 2018 55 High Back-end rotation arm with above-average feel for an average-or-better four-pitch mix.
107 Kolby Allard 20.10 LHP 2018 50 Low Near-MLB ready back-end arm who works most effectively off of above-average-or-better changeup and curve with fringe-average heater and above-average command profile.
108 Mauricio Dubon 23.10 SS 2019 50 Low Quality defensive shortstop with enough feel for the barrel to carve out an everyday role.
109 Brusdar Graterol 19.09 RHP 2021 60 Extreme Double-plus fastball to go with average-or-better curve/slider, developing changeup and plus future command.
110 Hans Crouse 19.08 RHP 2021 60 Extreme Quirky righty with very loud fastball/slider combo and quality feel for developing changeup; lots of deception and significant upside.
111 Isan Diaz 22.00 2B 2019 55 High Up-the-middle defender with above-average damage potential in the box.
112 Seuly Matias 19.09 OF 2022 60 Extreme Light tower power with prototypical right field tools; significant risk contact concerns could get in the way of double-plus power playing at highest levels.
113 DL Hall 19.08 LHP 2021 60 Extreme High-ceilinged southpaw with good feel for potential plus fastball/curve pairing and developing command.
114 Wander Franco 17.03 SS 2022 60 Extreme Already showing advanced approach and in-game power as a 17-year old in the Appy League along with hands and quick-twitch quickness that should keep him in the middle of the field.
115 Daulton Varsho 22.11 C 2020 55 High Dynamic skill set with above-average hit, average pop and athleticism to profile behind the plate, at second base or on an outfield corner.
116 Calvin Mitchell 19.03 OF 2021 55 High Chance for average or better hit/power combo to go with a corner outfield skill set; already showing advanced approach in first year of full-season ball.
117 Jorge Guzman 22.04 RHP 2020 60 Extreme True "80" fastball with a plus power-breaker, but lacks consistent execution and third offering; likely late-inning profile.
118 Oneil Cruz 19.08 SS 2022 60 Extreme Rangy shortstop who projects to an above-average defender at third with plus raw power at maturity.
119 Heliot Ramos 18.09 OF 2022 55 High Toolsy, raw athlete with a chance for middle-of-the-order offensive production.
120 Miguel Amaya 19.03 C 2022 55 High High-end defensive backstop showing more advanced than expected offensive tools in first year of full-season ball.
121 Luis Garcia 18.00 SS 2022 55 High Ceiling of above-average shortstop with plus hit tool and quality on-base production; impressive feel for age/level.
122 Brady Singer 21.10 RHP 2020 55 High Impressive low-to-mid-90s fastball and above-average-to-plus sweeping slider/changeup, coupled with advanced command profile; some developmental comps to Aaron Nola.
123 Nick Allen 19.08 SS 2021 55 High Elite, MLB-ready defender at shortstop who needs to add significant strength for the advanced offensive approach to play.
124 Anderson Espinoza 20.03 RHP 2021 60 Extreme Yet to return from 2017 Tommy John surgery; when healthy has drawn Pedro Martinez comps thanks to diminutive size, elite fastball/changeup combo and potential plus breaking ball.
125 Esteury Ruiz 19.04 SS 2022 60 Extreme Up-the-middle defender with a chance to provide above-average hit/power production at maturity to go with plus speed; impact bat speed.