Our new 2019 pro-side video, scouting report, and spotlight libraries are now live! Check out the links below–and you can always refer to our 2018 libraries for even more player info:
Pro Video Library (2019, 2018)
Pro Scouting Report Library (2019, 2018)
Pro Spotlight Library (2019, 2018)
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FV 55+ PROSPECTS
Taylor Trammell, OF
From: Reds | To: Padres | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 55 Risk: High ETA: 2021
Ht/Wt: 6’2” / 194 lbs. B/T: L / L Highest Level: AA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 21y, 10m
Video #1 | Video #2 | Scouting Report
Trammell placed in the top-20 of our most recent Top 125 list entering 2019, though the young outfielder has scuffled in his first taste of Double-A. He’s an excellent athlete who receives high marks for makeup and aptitude, which paired with his age and level allows reason to believe Trammell can make long term adjustments. Originally a CF, he has moved nearly full-time to a corner this year and will likely be limited to LF given a below-average throwing arm. Even so, Trammell’s hitting ability, on-base skill, and plus-plus wheels still give the ceiling of a FV 55 prospect whose sum-of-parts can make him better than a regular in the best-case scenario. Though it hasn’t fully translated to game action, this will be especially true if he can harness his above-average raw power and become more of a home run threat at maturity. Though he’ll likely slide just a bit when we re-rank the mid-season Top 125, it’s worth remembering Trammell is the same age as most college juniors in this year’s draft class. He’s a prominent prospect acquisition by San Diego and should contribute at the big league level for a long time.
Jazz Chisholm, SS
From: Diamondbacks | To: Marlins | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 55 Risk: High ETA: 2021
Ht/Wt: 5’11” / 165 lbs. B/T: L / R Highest Level: AA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 21y, 5m
Video #1 | Video #2 | Spotlight
Chisholm’s enticing blend of youth, center-diamond athleticism, and power potential placed him among baseball’s best infield prospects heading into 2019. He cemented his status as a top prospect with an excellent Fall League performance, though the 21-year-old struggled with an aggressive assignment to Double-A this year. His tools have still showed through in 2019 despite holes in his stat line, swatting 18 home runs and swiping 13 bases at the time of the trade. Chisholm is too aggressive at the plate, evidenced by a strikeout rate above 30-percent right now against older competition. If he can cut down on the whiffs and improve his hit tool, the ceiling is (at least) an impactful FV 55 shortstop with tools on both sides of the ball. Even if he doesn’t, Chisholm is enough of a defender at shortstop to still be an everyday player with some sneaky pop at a premium position. Though they gave up a valuable long term piece (Zac Gallen) in order to acquire him, the Marlins are returning a very high-ceiling piece.
Jesus Sanchez, OF
From: Rays | To: Marlins | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 55 Risk: High ETA: 2020
Ht/Wt: 6’3” / 230 lbs. B/T: L / R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 21y, 9m
Video | Scouting Report
Sanchez was the lone prospect in a trade between Tampa Bay and Miami, heading to the Marlins (along with big league reliever Ryne Stanek) in exchange for Major League pieces Trevor Richards and Nick Anderson. He has prototype corner outfield tools, with the chance to produce average and power and impact the game defensively in RF. Sanchez has performed while being young for the level each of the last two years, recently getting a promotion to Triple-A before the trade after slashing .275/.332/.404 in the Southern League. His strikeout rates and overall bat control have been encouraging for a young power hitter, though his plus raw power still hasn’t fully come into games. There’s reason to believe it will, though, as the 21-year-old is still filling out a large, long-levered frame and doesn’t lift the ball much. Especially if he grows into more power, Sanchez checks the boxes of an above-average regular and could be a familiar face in the big leagues for years to come.
Corbin Martin, RHP
From: Astros | To: Diamondbacks | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 55 Risk: High ETA: 2019
Ht/Wt: 6’2” / 200 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: MLB Age (as of July 31, 2019): 23y, 7m
Scouting Report
We were fairly early on the Corbin Martin train and marked him as a Top 125 dating back to the fall of 2018, but the righty has broke out even more since then. He was the latest in a long line of Astros development success stories, finishing his first full pro season in Double-A and opening 2019 with excellent results in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. Martin showed glimpses of his upside in five big league starts, then was optioned back to Triple-A and blew out his elbow there. He will miss the rest of this season–and likely most of 2020–recovering from Tommy John surgery, though the tools are here to slide into a mid-rotation profile upon returning. Martin’s mid-90s fastball averaged an impressive 95 mph in his Major League debut, and he’s able to reach back for a few extra ticks past there. He favored a slider in the minors but now goes interchangeably with two breaking pitches, with both his slider and curveball grading solid-average or better. His changeup has developed into an effective offering that rounds out the arsenal.
FV 50 PROSPECTS
Logan Allen, LHP
From: Padres | To: Indians | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 50 Risk: High ETA: 2019
Ht/Wt: 6’3” / 200 lbs. B/T: L / L Highest Level: MLB Age (as of July 31, 2019): 22y, 2m
Video | Scouting Report | Spotlight
Allen only turned 22-years-old earlier this season but has already debuted in the big leagues. His polish allowed the former eighth-rounder to move quickly through the minors, splitting the last two years between the high minors and Major Leagues. Allen’s fastball ranges anywhere from 90-to-95 mph, backed by a deep mix of solid secondaries and advanced pitchability. His Triple-A numbers are skewed given the massively hitter-friendly climate in the Pacific Coast League, though Allen has missed bats at a good clip. He’s a nice mix of ceiling and safety, checking the boxes of a future reliable mid-rotation lefty.
Zac Gallen, RHP
From: Marlins | To: Diamondbacks | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 50 Risk: High ETA: 2019
Ht/Wt: 6’2” / 190 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: MLB Age (as of July 31, 2019): 23y, 11m
Spotlight
We were higher on Gallen than most outlets entering 2019, even by placing him seventh overall on our Marlins Organizational Review. That speaks to the degree he has come on even stronger this season, dominating in Triple-A and more than holding his own through seven big league starts. Though he’s basically a finished product, Gallen has proved capable of performing in the big leagues and can help a team right away–with loads of controllable seasons ahead of him to sweeten the deal. He will immediately slide into Arizona’s rotation and has a chance to be a prominent member of the organization’s pitching staff moving forward.
J.B. Bukauskas, RHP
From: Astros | To: Diamondbacks | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 50 Risk: High ETA: 2020
Ht/Wt: 6’0” / 196 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: AA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 22y, 9m
Video #1 | Video #2 | Scouting Report
Bukauskas has always had impact stuff, though his shorter frame, mechanical effort, and iffy walk numbers have kept questions about a future move to the ‘pen in play. He hasn’t done much to dispel those, walking nearly 15-percent of opposing batters in Double-A this year despite posting huge strikeout numbers. Bukauskas’ fastball touches the upper-90s early in starts, often tailing off as his pitch count rises. The slider is a true plus pitch and could be even more of a weapon facing lineups once, though there’s enough of a changeup to dream on him remaining in the rotation. It’s not completely clear which direction Bukauskas will break, profiling as either a #4 starter with more stuff than feel or a potential high-leverage weapon with closer potential.
Seth Beer, 1B/OF
From: Astros | To: Diamondbacks | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 50 Risk: High ETA: 2020
Ht/Wt: 6’3” / 195 lbs. B/T: L / R Highest Level: AA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 22y, 10m
Video #1 | Video #2 | Spotlight
Beer was the third of three FV 50+ prospects Arizona received in the Zach Grienke blockbuster with Houston. He’s a corner-only defender that might wind up landlocked at 1B, but it’s all about the bat with Beer. He has a long track record of offensive performance, stemming back to a successful three-year career at Clemson that included the best offensive season by a power conference freshman in recent memory. Beer has the hit tool, power production, and on-base skill to potentially clear the high offensive bar at a bat-only position, coming with the upside of a valuable everyday player on a corner. There’s risk because all his value is tied to offensive output; Beer also shows signs of carrying a bit of a platoon split against same-side pitching. His overall offensive game is fairly polished and could get him to the big leagues in the next two years.
Joey Wentz, LHP
From: Braves | To: Tigers | Date: 7/31/2019
Ceiling: 50 Risk: High ETA: 2021
Ht/Wt: 6’5” / 210 lbs. B/T: L / L Highest Level: AA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 21y, 9m
Video #1 | Video #2
Wentz was the main prospect returned to the Tigers for big league closer Shane Greene. He reached Double-A for the first time . His 6-foot-5 and 210-pound frame is built to eat innings, coming with the upside of a durable #4 starter. Wentz isn’t overpowering in terms of velocity, but his fastball is firm enough in the low-90s with feel for both a curveball and changeup. He hasn’t managed contact well early in his pro career, allowing lots of aerial contact and working with more control than command. Wentz repeats his delivery well, but there are some moving parts he could live to smoothen out in order to work down in the zone more consistently.
Simeon Woods Richardson, RHP
From: Mets | To: Blue Jays | Date: July 28, 2019
Ceiling: 50 Risk: Extreme ETA: 2022
Ht/Wt: 6’3” / 210 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: A+ Age (as of July 31, 2019): 18y, 10m
Video | Scouting Report
Woods Richardson was the Mets’ second round pick from a Texas high school in 2018. Extremely young for the class, he’s still 18-years-old and won’t turn 19 until after his first full professional season. He was turning heads in the South Atlantic League as the circuit’s youngest regular starter prior to the trade, posting a 2.51 ERA in six starts after the all-star break. The Mets had just promoted him to their High-A affiliate and Toronto has opted to keep him there, as the young righty was assigned to Dunedin’s roster in the Florida State League. Woods Richardson has the ingredients of a solid mid-rotation starter, with a lively mid-90s fastball and two big league caliber off-speed pitches on a strong, projectable frame. There’s risk with any teenage arm, but we’re very enthusiastic about the upside here. Woods Richardson could take another step forward and ultimately move into the FV 55 tier when all is said and done.
FV 45 PROSPECTS
Kolby Allard, LHP
From: Braves | To: Rangers | Date: July 30, 2019
Ceiling: 45 Risk: High ETA: 2018
Ht/Wt: 6’1” / 190 lbs. B/T: L / L Highest Level: MLB Age (as of July 31, 2019): 21y, 11m
Allard has been a notable prospect name for years, dating all the way back to high school. He was one of the top prep arms in the 2015 Draft, considered a potential top-10 selection until a back issue slid him to the middle of the first round. Allard’s brief big league stint did not go well in 2018, though he has rebounded fairly well in Triple-A this season. His stuff has backed up the last few years, now operating with a fastball that doesn’t get above the low-90s. Allard won’t be the #2/#3 starter some hoped coming out of the draft, but there’s still room to grow into a serviceable backend starter. If his stuff just isn’t enough to consistently work back through lineups, Allard is at least a safe bet to soak up innings in a swingman/spot-starting role (FV 40).
Anthony Kay, LHP
From: Mets | To: Blue Jays | Date: July 28, 2019
Ceiling: 45 Risk: High ETA: 2020
Ht/Wt: 6’0” / 218 lbs. B/T: L / L Highest Level: AAA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 24y, 4m
Video #1 | Video #2 | Scouting Report
Kay was the 31st overall pick in 2016, though his heavy college workload at the University of Connecticut caught up with him. The lefty didn’t pitch in an official game until two years after signing due to injuries, and he was shaking off the rust for most of 2018. Kay has rebounded this year, breezing through Double-A and earning a promotion to Triple-A a few weeks before the trade. The hitter-friendly conditions of the minors’ highest level are mostly to blame for his unsightly 6.61 ERA through six International League starts, though Kay’s struggles keeping the ball on the ground could become more of a problem against better hitters. As a starter, his fastball sits in the low-90s with a solid curveball but average overall stuff. It’s notable that Kay flashed mid-90s velocity in his Futures Game appearance this year, though he likely won’t bring that type of arm-strength to a traditional rotation role. Already 24, he’s close to ready and could compete for backend innings with the Blue Jays next year.
Lewin Diaz, 1B
From: Twins | To: Marlins | Date: August 27, 2019
Ceiling: 45 Risk: High ETA: 2020
Ht/Wt: 6’4” / 225 lbs. B/T: L / L Highest Level: AA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 22y, 8m
Video #1 | Video #2 | Scouting Report
Diaz’ size and left-handed power potential kept him on scouts’ radar moving through the lowest rungs of Minnesota’s system, though he never put everything together at the plate in full-season ball prior to this season. He came into 2019 both fully healthy and in the best physical shape of his career, vaulting back into prospect territory with a resurgent offensive showing across two levels. Diaz torched the Florida State League–slashing a ridiculous .317/.351/.702 in May–before continuing the torrid pace after a promotion to Double-A. His long levers and loose, fast stroke through the zone generate huge raw power that could finish a 70-grade tool. There’s a high offensive bar to clear to fit as an everyday player as a 1B-only prospect, but Diaz could mash enough to do just that. The 22-year-old posts enthusing strikeout numbers for a slugger but rarely walks, also struggling in tough same-side matchups at times. The rebuilding Marlins did well in this deal relative to the cost, acquiring an emerging power prospect with the potential to fill a role long term.
Mauricio Dubon, SS
From: Brewers | To: Giants | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 45 Risk: High ETA: 2019
Ht/Wt: 6’0” / 160 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: MLB Age (as of July 31, 2019): 25y, 0m
Video
Dubon missed most of last season with a torn ACL, though he made his big league debut this year with Milwaukee and has had a resurgent year at the plate in Triple-A. His massive spike in power is likely aided by the Triple-A hitting environment, but Dubon’s bat-to-ball skill and contact profile both hint he could hit enough for regular playing time. The 25-year-old is a versatile defender that plays a big league shortstop and can move around the infield, attributes that raise his floor. The Giants have a track record of identifying and getting value out of this type of prospect.
Jameson Hannah, OF
From: Athletics | To: Reds | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 45 Risk: High ETA: 2021
Ht/Wt: 5’9” / 185 lbs. B/T: L / L Highest Level: A+ Age (as of July 31, 2019): 21y, 11m
Video #1 | Video #2 | Spotlight
Hannah’s best trait is his contact ability, projecting as an average (to slightly above-average) hitter at the big league level with doubles power. Defensively, Hannah covers plenty of ground in the outfield and shows closing speed running balls down to both sides. While he has split most of his innings between CF and RF this year, a fringy to below-average arm likely limits him to CF or LF in the big leagues. He’s more of an average runner than plus, able to steal the occasional bag on the strength of his instincts as opposed to burning speed. Despite his solid feel for the barrel, he’s a bit of a tweener given an average glove in CF without big power. The likely outcome is a quality fourth outfielder or capable low-end regular.
Tristan Beck, RHP
From: Braves | To: Giants | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 45 Risk: Extreme ETA: 2021
Ht/Wt: 6’4” / 165 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: A+ Age (as of July 31, 2019): 23y, 1m
Video
Beck was known more for his polish and pitchability than stuff at Stanford, but he’s shown a bit more across the board in pro ball. His fastball sits in the low-90s but has topped out at 95-96 mph this year, and a sharp curveball is now thrown harder as well. Beck’s upper-80s changeup flashes decent fade but is inconsistent. He could be a backend starter with an improved third pitch, though he’ll likely move to the ‘pen to focus on the fastball and curve if that can’t happen. Durability is also a concern given Beck’s narrow frame and past injury history.
FV 40 PROSPECTS
Cody Ponce, RHP
From: Brewers | To: Pirates | Date: July 29, 2019
Ceiling: 40 Risk: High ETA: 2019
Ht/Wt: 6’6” / 240 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: AA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 25y, 3m
Video #1 | Video #2
Ponce was the Brewers’ second round pick in 2015 from the college ranks. Never short on size or velocity, his stuff played down in a rotation role. 2019 has been his first full season pitching exclusively in relief and the results have been enthusing. Ponce has posted much better strikeout numbers from the ‘pen, also cutting his walk rate and inducing more ground ball contact. His fastball touches 95-96 mph in short stints, backed up by a solid cutter and sharp three-quarters breaking ball that both play better facing lineups once. Pittsburgh assigned the 25-year-old to their Double-A affiliate, though he’s a fairly finished product that might crack the big league roster late this year–and certainly by 2020–barring injury or something unexpected. Ponce projects as a standard bullpen piece with the upside of a solid 7th inning type.
Joshua Rojas, INF/OF
From: Astros | To: Diamondbacks | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 40 Risk: High ETA: 2019
Ht/Wt: 6’1” / 185 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 25y, 1m
Rojas is the type of hard-hitting, multi-positional player the Astros have utilized wisely in years past. The fourth piece in Houston’s return to the Diamondbacks for Zach Greinke, Rojas was an unheralded late-round pick from the University of Hawaii in 2017. He has climbed the ladder quickly with strong offensive showings at each level, though at the age of 25, Rojas doesn’t project much more past this point. He’s a nice sleeper added by a prudent Diamondbacks’ scouting group, one that could step in to a bat-first utility role in short order.
Thomas Hatch, RHP
From: Cubs | To: Blue Jays | Date: July 30, 2019
Ceiling: 40 Risk: High ETA: 2020
Ht/Wt: 6’1” / 200 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: AA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 24y, 10m
Video
Hatch’s raw stuff seems to fit the profile of a starting pitcher, with a mid-90s fastball backed by a slider and changeup that both flash like effective off-speed pitches. Though he has both missed more bats and walked fewer hitters this year in Double-A, trouble managing contact has led to him getting hit hard at times. The absolute ceiling is a #5 starter, but Hatch more realistically comes with the upside of a controllable swingman/spot-starter capable of filling a number of smaller roles on a pitching staff.
Alex Lange, RHP
From: Cubs | To: Tigers | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 40 Risk: High ETA: 2021
Ht/Wt: 6’3” / 200 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: AA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 23y, 10m
Video | Scouting Report
Lange was the 30th pick in the draft just two years ago after a decorated college career at LSU. He has hit a wall in the time since, though, and seen his stuff back up significantly under the every-fifth-day grind of pro ball. Lange entered Chicago’s system with a mid-90s fastball and power breaking ball, but he has now morphed into a low-90s starter whose best off-speed is a changeup. The 23-year-old has scuffled across two levels in 2019 and was a good candidate for a change of scenery, an opportunity he’ll get with Detroit. Lange’s best chance at big league value now looks like it will come in the ‘pen, where there’s a chance he can get back to his stuff of old airing it out in short stints.
Joe McCarthy, OF
From: Rays | To: Giants | Date: 7/31/2019
Ceiling: 40 Risk: High ETA: 2019
Ht/Wt: 6’3” / 220 lbs. B/T: L / L Highest Level: AAA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 25y, 5m
Video | Spotlight
The Rays added McCarthy to their 40-Man Roster in advance of last year’s Rule 5 Draft, though he has continued to struggle to stay on the field. Tampa Bay will clear a roster spot without needing to DFA him, opting to send McCarthy to the Giants in a small trade instead. The 25-year-old has continually battled injuries and 2019 has been no different. He was placed on the IL to begin the season and didn’t get back into game action with Triple-A Durham until June. He has an excellent eye at the plate and draws a ton of walks, showing raw power in BP that has yet to carry over to a full season. McCarthy had some speed early in his career, but a thickening frame–paired with a few years’ worth of bumps and busies–has taken its toll. The Giants hope they’re scoring a potential bench or platoon bat on the cheap and hoping for a rebound.
Paul Richan, RHP
From: Cubs | To: Tigers | Date: 7/31/2019
Ceiling: 40 Risk: High ETA: 2021
Ht/Wt: 6’2” / 200 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: A+ Age (as of July 31, 2019): 22y, 4m
Video | Spotlight
Richan commands a low-90s fastball well, able to throw strikes with four pitches. His best off-speed is a low-80s slider, and he’ll mix a workable changeup and curve as well. None of his offerings grade above-average, but his strikethrowing and pitchability could get him to the big leagues in a long relief/spot-starter role. Richan doesn’t miss a ton of bats and struggles to manage contact, with ground ball rates under 40-percent in each of his two pro seasons. He was named an all-star in the Carolina League this season.
Ray Black, RHP
From: Giants | To: Brewers | Date: 7/31/2019
Ceiling: 40 Risk: High ETA: 2018
Ht/Wt: 6’5” / 225 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: MLB Age (as of July 31, 2019): 29y, 1m
Black is one of the hardest throwers in pro baseball, consistently cracking triple-digits and averaging a ridiculous 99 mph in his big league outings this year. His power slider can also play as a miss-bat pitch, and the combination of 80-grade velo and a breaking ball has allowed Black to rack up huge strikeout numbers throughout his career. Injuries and walks limit his ceiling, and he’s remarkably still prospect eligible at the age of 29. The power stuff could continue to afford him opportunities at the Major League level as a standard bullpen piece.
Taylor Guilbeau, LHP
From: Nationals | To: Mariners | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 40 Risk: High ETA: 2019
Ht/Wt: 6’4” / 180 lbs. B/T: L / L Highest Level: AAA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 26y, 2m
Video | Scouting Report | Spotlight
Guilbeau put himself on the prospect radar by transitioning to the bullpen and started to get some buzz during Fall League last year. He kept that up this season, albeit as a 26-year-old in Double-A for the first time pitching exclusively in relief. His value is driven by proximity and a high floor more than upside, as Guilbeau doesn’t fit as more than a middle relief profile but could pitch in the big leagues quickly. His fastball touches the mid-90s from a deceptive delivery, backed by a hard slider in the 84-to-88 mph range.
Scott Moss, LHP
From: Reds | To: Indians | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 40 Risk: High ETA: 2020
Ht/Wt: 6’5” / 215 lbs. B/T: L / L Highest Level: AA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 24y, 9m
Video
Moss was Cincinnati’s fourth-round pick from the University of Florida in 2016. Injuries and a deep Gators rotation clouded his draft stock and made it tough for him to get innings, but he’s progressed steadily up the ladder in the time since. None of Moss’ pitches grade above-average, though improved spin and arsenal depth have lead to a career-high strikeout rate in Double-A. Unfortunately, his walks have also ticked up, and the lefty has never managed contact particularly well. He’s the type of swingman/spot-starter candidate who might sneak into the back of a lesser rotation but pitches below that for a contender.
Travis Demeritte, OF
From: Atlanta | To: Detroit | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 40 Risk: High ETA: 2019
Ht/Wt: 6’0” / 180 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 24y, 10m
Video #1 | Video #2 | Spotlight
Demeritte has basically moved full-time to the outfield, though he played numerous infield positions earlier in his career. He has always had big power, historically held back by a high-strikeout approach and poor hit tool. The 24-year-old has turned a corner offensively this year in Triple-A, though it’s tough to fully buy in given the inflated hitting environment at the level right now. Demeritte never cracked .240 in the high minors prior to this season, though he slashed .286/.387/.558 with Gwinnett in 2019. If he can reach base at a respectable clip and continue to cut down on strikeouts, the power and potential for defensive versatility could make Demeritte a bench player. He’ll wind up a 4A/callup type that spends more time in Triple-A than the big leagues if those changes don’t take hold at the highest level.
Jaylin Davis, OF
From: Minnesota | To: San Francisco | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 40 Risk: High ETA: 2019
Ht/Wt: 6’1” / 190 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 25y, 1m
Video #1 | Video #2 | Scouting Report
Davis has worked his way up the ladder, now on the cusp of the big leagues after entering pro ball as an unknown 24th round pick. He has always shown raw power, though the question historically has been how much of it he’ll tap into in game action. Davis has started answering some of those questions, moving into the FV 40 tier on the strength of a big year at the plate, including a .331/.405/.708 line in 41 Triple-A games prior to the trade. The ceiling is a slugging bench or platoon bat, though Davis will quickly fall into 4A depth territory if he doesn’t hit at the big league level.
Ismael Aquino, RHP
From: Athletics | To: Royals | Date: July 27, 2019
Ceiling: 40 Risk: Extreme ETA: 2022
Ht/Wt: 6’2” / 170 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: R Age (as of July 31, 2019): 20y, 10m
Video | Spotlight
Aquino is a lottery ticket pitching prospect that has yet to pitch above the complex level. The 20-year-old righty touches the high-90s with his fastball and sits at 94-95 mph, flashing a quality split-like changeup in the high-80s as the man off-speed. His mid-80s slider/cutter hybrid is a fringy pitch, and considering his below-average control, Aquino is likely to move to relief down the road. There’s plenty of risk here, but the mix of youth, physicality, and arm-strength bump him into the FV 40 tier.
Prelander Berroa, RHP
From: Twins | To: Giants | Date: 7/31/2019
Ceiling: 40 Risk: Extreme ETA: 2022
Ht/Wt: 5’11” / 170 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: R Age (as of July 31, 2019): 19y, 3m
Video
A short, hard-throwing righty, Berroa’s fastball reaches the mid-90s from a quick arm and smooth delivery. His 79-to-82 mph curve has some power to it, giving the upside of a solid future offering. Like most teenage arms in the lottery ticket category, his changeup and control/command are fairly raw. Berroa is a wildcard prospect, though he sneaks into the FV 40 tier due to more athleticism and feel for spin than most fastball-only pitching prospects below the full-season level.
FV 35+ PROSPECTS
Kyle Johnston, RHP
From: Nationals | To: Blue Jays | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 35+ Risk: Follow ETA: 2020
Ht/Wt: 6’0” / 190 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: A+ Age (as of July 31, 2019): 23y, 0m
Video | Scouting Report
Johnston has worked mostly as a starter in pro ball but profiles better in relief long term. His low-90s fastball could play up in short stints, aided by its above-average movement and late ride. Neither of his off-speed pitches project to miss bats, and even with a few extra ticks of velocity, he’s not working with a true plus offering. Johnston could move quickly in the ‘pen and has a chance to get big league time in a middle relief role.
Dairon Blanco, OF
From: Athletics | To: Royals | Date: July 27, 2019
Ceiling: 35+ Risk: Follow ETA: 2020
Ht/Wt: 6’0” / 170 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: AA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 26y, 3m
Video #1 | Video #2
Blanco is 26-years-old, but the Cuban outfielder shouldn’t be compared directly to other similarly-aged players because he only has been in pro ball since 2017. He’s a speedy CF who can play all three positions in the grass and has shown a bit more life at the plate in Double-A this year. Blanco profiles as a solid upper-level depth piece with the speed and defensive versatility to get cups of coffee.
Cal Stevenson, OF
From: Blue Jays | To: Astros | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 35+ Risk: Follow ETA: 2021
Ht/Wt: 5’10” / 175 lbs. B/T: L / L Highest Level: A+ Age (as of July 31, 2019): 22y, 10m
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Stevenson’s tools grade as a tweener, lacking the power for a corner or speed and defense for a premium position. He’s having a nice year in the Florida State League and displaying encouraging zone control, walking nearly as much as he has struck out. Stevenson makes plenty of contact, though there isn’t a ton behind it. He projects for minimal power and puts most of his balls in play on the ground, something that often causes issues at higher levels for players that aren’t plus runners. He’s the type of prospect that often flames out in the upper-minors but can occasionally simply perform their way into a small big league role.
Aaron Fletcher, LHP
From: Nationals | To: Mariners | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 35+ Risk: Follow ETA: 2021
Ht/Wt: 6’0” / 220 lbs. B/T: L / L Highest Level: AA Age (as of July 31, 2019): 23y, 5m
Fletcher was an 18th round pick in 2018 from the University of Houston. He breezed through two A-Ball levels in his first full pro season, receiving a promotion to Double-A shortly before being dealt to Seattle. A funky lefty reliever, Fletcher relies on deception and command over what’s mostly a two-pitch mix. His fastball sits in the low-90s and tops out around 94 mph, backed by a sweepy slider at 78-to-81 mph he keeps from the same slot. Fletcher has both control and command, able to throw consistent strikes down in the zone to both sides of the plate. He hides the ball well from a closed front side that gives hitters a late look. There isn’t a ton of ceiling for this type of prospect, but it’s a profile that often reaches the big leagues in a smaller capacity.
Raider Uceta, OF/1B
From: Astros | To: Angels | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 35+ Risk: Follow ETA: 2023
Ht/Wt: 6’0” / 215 lbs. B/T: L / L Highest Level: R Age (as of July 31, 2019): 18y, 6m
Uceta is a stocky, bat-only prospect that likely moves to 1B full-time down the road. There’s feel for the barrel and advanced contact skill for his age, with reason to project on more power given his youth and thick frame. Scouts are concerned about the body and know there will be a high offensive bar to clear as a young player already landlocked on a corner.
Victor Nova, INF
From: Padres | To: Indians | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 35+ Risk: Follow ETA: 2023
Ht/Wt: 5’9” / 160 lbs. B/T: L / R Highest Level: R Age (as of July 31, 2019): 19y, 6m
Nova is an interesting lowest-minors sleeper that served as a flier to pad Cleveland’s return for Trevor Bauer. He’s an offensive-minded utility player that shows intriguing hitting tools and feel for the barrel. Nova can play a number of positions (2B, 3B, even some outfield) but doesn’t project as a center-diamond defender. He is a follow to keep an eye on for now, with the ceiling of a versatile bench player (FV 40) if he continues on an upward trajectory higher up the ladder.
Jeffry Abreu, RHP
From: Dodgers | To: Cardinals | Date: 7/31/2019
Ceiling: 35+ Risk: Follow ETA: 2023
Ht/Wt: 6’4” / 200 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: R Age (as of July 31, 2019): 19y, 6m
Abreu moved from the Dodgers to St. Louis in the small deal that sent Jed Gyorko to Los Angeles. He’s a teenage righty who has yet to pitch above the complex level and was in the midst of his stateside debut before the trade. Abreu has good size and physical projection remaining, already able to scrape 93-94 mph at best with his fastball and sit in the low-90s.
Elvis Alvarado, RHP
From: Nationals | To: Mariners | Date: July 31, 2019
Ceiling: 35+ Risk: Follow ETA: 2023
Ht/Wt: 6’4” / 183 lbs. B/T: R / R Highest Level: R Age (as of July 31, 2019): 20y, 5m
Alvarado signed with the Nationals as an outfielder for $700K in 2016. He only appeared in official games as a hitter in one season, an ill-fated offensive campaign in the DSL back in 2017. Washington converted him to the mound last year, though he’s more pieces than final product and too raw to place in the FV 40 tier or higher. Alvarado has a live, loose arm and shows above-average velocity on his fastball that still projects a bit. His off-speed, control, and feel to pitch are in the early stages.
