After tonight’s games finish we’ll be exactly one month into the Minor League season. We’re starting to get some jelly in these donuts, Frank! Not to worry, you know this as Geoff, Matt, and Rhys have rundown the top performers each night since the beginning of the season (excluding Mondays). Today’s sheet is provided by Geoff and Rhys as the latter stood in for Matt on Low-A last night. It’s another day of notes on the top performers in Minor League Baseball
Luis Garcia, 2B WAS (Triple-A) 3-for-5, HR, 5 RBI, 2 R
Everyone was teeing off in Worcester last night. That happens when you start Ryan Weber, but regardless, Garcia flashed the developing power. Though, I’m still not sure he develops enough to be an above average offensive performer long term. He doesn’t walk much, is overly aggressive and has just average power.
Carter Kieboom, 3B WAS (Triple-A) 3-for-5, 2 R, BB
Another big game from Kieboom, who has lacked punch early in 2021. He’s walking a ton but hasn’t hit for any power so far. He needs to show more pop if he’s going to stick as a major leaguer.
Hoy Jun Park, SS NYY (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, BB
Since he got the bump up to Triple-A he’s been en fuego! Slashing .349/.462/.651 over his first dozen Triple-A games, Park has contact, and a little speed and power. Ultimately it’s a utility type skillset at the next level.
Albert Abreu, RHP NYY (Triple-A) 3.2 IP, H, 6K
There’s times where you honestly forget a prospect exists. Abreu has always flashed three above-average or better pitches and has already had some success at the major league level. This eight out turn came proceeding an opener and it wouldn’t shock me if the Yankees deploy him in a “bulker” type role.
Vidal Brujan, OF TB (Triple-A) 2-for-4, 3 R, BB, 2 SB
It’s a day that ends in Y so Brujan is off course making things happen on the field. Instant offense, just add water. Stir it like it’s shake, play among the stars, make our bottle service race. That’s Brujan to Franco, these are the games they play!
Wander Franco, SS TB (Triple-A) 3-for-5, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, SB
Launch angle, what? Franco is showing more power than he had as recently as this winter, and it pushing him beyond what we had seen previously. If he continues to bang he’s going to have the most balanced offensive skillset in baseball when it’s all said and done.
Josh Lowe, OF TB (Triple-A) 2-for-4, R, BB, SB
Well his friends Wander and Vidal were already doing it, so what was Josh to do? The best Lowe should be his nickname, but I believe it to be a factual statement. He has a five tool type skill set and has continued to prove me wrong by playing a solid centerfield for Durham. The bat to ball skills are fringe but everything else might be 55+. That’s a #Dude.
Brent Rooker, OF MIN (Triple-A) 1-for-2, HR, RBI, R, 2 BB
It’s tournament time and Rooker yelled “Go Dawgs!” As he rounded the bases. He’s about as three true outcomey as it gets, it’s too many strikeouts, some walks, and seemingly only homers.
Drew Waters, OF ATL (Triple-A) 2-for-4, RBI, 2 R, BB, SB
The hot streak continues for Waters over the last week but it’s been fairly punchless. He hasn’t homered since May 19th.
Kyle Muller, LHP ATL (Triple-A) 5 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 BB, 6 K
After having rough outings in three out of four starts to begin the season, Muller is coming off a pair of encouraging starts. He struggled with his control and command in prior starts but seems to have righted the ship walking just two batters over his last ten innings. If Muller throws enough strikes he has a legitimate chance to hack it as a starter. Though likely more of a number four than true mid-rotation type.
Jackson Kowar, RHP KC (Triple-A) 5 IP, H, BB, 5 K
There can’t be too many turns left for Kowar in Omaha. We’re six starts into his 2021 and he’s allowed just three earned runs, 18 hits, and 10 walks; while striking out 41 batters over 31.2 IP.
Cole Winn, RHP TEX (Double-A) 6 IP, H, 3 BB, 7 K
How long until Winn gets the bump to Triple-A, there’s very few arms that have recovered their prospect stock quiet like Winn. He’s been dominant after not being great in very limited looks during his first run through pro-ball. It’s a great operation, really low release, and he mixes a trio of average of better secondaries. The best of which is likely his changeup. He’s an easy top 100 player on a real life list, but likely is in the 101-150 range on a fantasy ranking.
Bobby Witt Jr., SS KC (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR
HE IS GETTING HOT CHUCK! For real, he hit this absolute shot off of Carrillo - more on him later - and it was the Naturals only run of the night.
Kody Hoese, 3B LAD (Double-A) 2-for-5, HR, 4 RBI, R
Welcome to the party life Hoese! He’s going to turn 24 in a month, hasn’t hit for power, hasn’t walked, and is hitting the ball on the ground a ton. Could just be a bad month and perhaps this is blast off for the bat. His struggles however are something to monitor.
Gerardo Carrillo, RHP LAD (Double-A) 5.1 IP, 3 H, ER, 5 K
The sub-six footer has big stuff with four pitches that flash average or better and a fastball that is plus in every way shape and form. Meaning his data is good, and he passes the eye test. It’s likely a reliever but I’m holding out hope he can cut it as a backend starter due to the quality of his pitch mix.
Jermaine Palacios, SS MIN (Double-A) 2-for-4, RBI, R, 2 SB
He’s 24 which I’m still trying to quantify coming off a missed season. Is that old for Double-A? Or is it just right? He’s hitting at a level that should push Minnesota to promote him in the coming weeks. After last night’s performance Palacios is up to .316/.402/.480 with four homers and six steals.
Jack Suwinski, OF SD (Double-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2 R, BB
I was chatting with Matt Eddy of Baseball America the other day (shameless name drop!). As he had posted some of the strong starters from the minors this season and Suwinski is the name no one’s talking about but should be! He’s still just 22 (turns 23 on late July) and he’s slashing .270/.372/.622 with 12 extra base hits. He’s walking a ton (12.6% walk rate) but also striking out a ton. It looks like a three true outcome type profile, but he’s flashing big power at Double-A and he’s age appropriate.
Garrett Whitley, OF TB (Double-A) 2-for-5, 2 R
I’m telling you, one minute you forget he exists and the next you’re looking at gaudy stat lines almost daily. He’s a leadoff type hitter that needs to cut down on the swing and miss, but there’s impact skills offensively with on base ability, some power, and speed. They’re going to make a play about the Rays farm system from 2018-2022 called “Damn Devil Rays”. It will star Jeremy Piven as Kevin Cash.
Brice Turang, SS MIL (Double-A) 2-for-6, 2 R
After a tough opening two weeks Turang has been on fire. His game is contact and speed and below-average power but it’s working. Starting on May 18th, Turang has slashed .351/.393/.491 since. His contact rate sits at 82.8% for the season and should climb from here.
J.J. Bleday, OF MIA (Double-A) 2-for-3, R, BB
He’s getting hot! If he homers tonight off of Odalvi Javier I’m going to say he’s got his timing back. Might not be the worst time to buy in your dynasty league if you can get him at a discount due to the early struggles. I wouldn’t over pay however, but I’d at least ask.
Shea Langeliers, C ATL (Double-A) 4-for-5, 3 HR, 3 RBI, 4 R
Adley who? Langeliers the “other catcher” in the 2019 draft is a standout defensively that’s showing more pop in pro-ball than he did at Baylor. That’s not altogether fair, as he missed time in 2018 with a wrist injury, and three weeks in 2019 with a broken hand. Not sure if you realize but hand and wrist injuries will make you look worse at the plate immediately proceeding.
Grayson Rodriguez, RHP BAL (Double-A) 5 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 BB, 8 K
I made the trek out to Hartford for this start and Grayson was electric in his Double-A debut. He showed all five pitches sat 96-98 mph, touching 99 once (stadium gun had him at 100 multiple times but it’s always been hot.), mixing his slider and changeup mostly, flashing his curve and cutter when needed. More coming on Grayson in the next few days. Let me cut the damn video!
Terrin Vavra, DH BAL (Double-A) 2-for-4, RBI
Led off for the Bay Sox and looked excellent as he collected a pair of hits. This is going to sound altogether insane, and it probably is, but you can squint and see DJ LeMahieu in Vavra. He’s doesn't have DJ’s size but the game isn’t all that dissimilar.
Donny Sands, C NYY (Double-A) 3-for-5, R
If you cross Donny Sands just know it’s going to be hell to pay. He runs Las Vegas! He knows someone in every penthouse, every casino, every alleyway. You can’t escape Sands stranglehold on that city! Yes, I’m writing a nostalgic gangster flick and Donny Sands is the protagonist.
Glen Otto, RHP NYY (Double-A) 6 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 10 K
Came on in the second following Zack Britton, and proceeded to punch out 10 of the 23 batters he faced. He’s a two pitch mix as he works predominantly with his mid-90s fastball and low-80s breaking ball. He’s likely to follow in the long running tradition of 98% of Yankees pitching prospects developing into solid relievers at the MLB level.
Samad Taylor, OF TOR (Double-A) 1-for-5, HR, 2 R, SB
I love Samad! He’s honestly one of my favorite players I’ve watched this season. He’s got a ton of bat speed and despite a smaller build looks to do damage. His bat’s not punchless either.
Otto Lopez, 2B TOR (Double-A) 3-for-6, RBI, R
There’s not much over the fence power but Lopez can just hit. It’s a profile you have to hope finds some pop long term but it’s fairly unlikely he ever gets to double-digit homers without a swing change.
Oneil Cruz, SS PIT (Double-A) 4-for-5, HR, 4 RBI, 2 R, 3 SB
This has to be the game of the night no? Cruz is….cruising (I’m sorry) over his last ten games slashing .368/.429/.684 with three homers and six steals. This is exactly what you want to see from Cruz as his bat will be carrying the profile.
Ezequiel Duran, 2B NYY (High-A) 2-for-3, 1 HR, 3 R, 1 RBI, 2 SB
Hungry like the Wolf when he is at the plate recently. Duran is making contact, showing some power, and stealing bases now?
Josh Breaux, C NYY (High-A) 2-for 3, 1 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI
Yo great game Breaux, that homer was sick (what have I become). Catching prospect in the Yankees system with a cool last name who can hit a little and has a cannon of an arm.
Luis Medina, RHP NYY (High-A) 4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 K
This is kinda the statline I expect to see when Medina pitches, striking out a bunch of batters and struggling with walks. The limited walks he showed early in the season was encouraging, do you think after Hudson Valley wins a game they hit the renegade?
Brett Baty, 3B NYM (High-A) 2-for-4
More like Brett Hitty lately amirite, that was bad and I am sorry. But Baty has been making contact and the power will come, he still has only the single homer on the season.
Jhailyn Ortiz, OF PHI (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 2 RBI
Big boi who just continues to hit and show some power as well. Below-average defensive corner outfielder who is gonna have to mash to be anything.
Alex McKenna, OF HOU (High-A) 2-for-5, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI
Has that modern day lead-off hitter profile, gets on base, shows some power, and can use his legs. Also can handle a premium defensive position.
Greg Jones, SS TB (HIgh-A) 2-for-4, 2 R, 1 SB
Old Greg continues to make an impact on games showing all the tools in different games. On the season he is hitting .320/.453/.580 with 4 homers 10 stolen bases and has struck out 19 times while walking 12 times.
Blake Hunt, C TB (High-A) 1-for-3, 1 HR, 3 R, 2 RBI
Hunt as well has been performing well in the early goings of the season, showing he can handle catching as well as being a contributor with the bat.
Jared Shuster, LHP ATL (High-A) 2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Atlanta’s first round selection from the 2020 draft who experienced a velo bump in the shortened 2020 season has 3 pitches that are at least average with a changeup that is plus. Atlanta has been slow with stretching out after a bit of missed time but he’s struck out over a batter an inning in his brief amount of work. There’s a back-end starter profile here.
Miguel Vargas, 3B LAD (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 2B, 1 R, 2 RBI
There is just a smoothness when Vargas is up to bat, he goes up to the plate with a plan of attack and when he gets his pitch he attacks. He is still one of the more underrated hitting prospects in all of the minors who can hit and doesn’t have to sell out to tap into his power.
Dillon Dingler, C DET (High-A) 2-for-3, 1 HR, 1 R, 2 RBI
Dingler continues to just hit, not much left to put here he’s been one of the most impressive players in the Tiger's system with what he is doing as a catcher, being an impact hitter, and even pitching in on the basepaths.
Wenceel Perez, SS DET (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI
A newcomer to the league, Perez isn’t known for his power so this is a welcomed surprise from the contact-oriented middle infield prospect. He can stick up the middle the ultimate question is what will the offensive impact end up being.
Kody Funderburk, LHP MIN (High-A) 4.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 9 K
What did you just call me? The Twins as is tradition seem to lead the league in guys with interesting last names. 9 K’s while limiting the walks to just one walk is impressive in the short outing.
Johnny Homza, C SD (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 3B, 3 RBI
Former 5th round pick out of noted baseball hot bed Anchorage, Alaska Homza has shown a propensity to get on base in his brief career, the questions arise about how much contact he will make.
Kameron Misner, OF MIA (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 2 RBI
Misner is one of the more maddening prospects in all of the minors because the tools are clearly there and he will flash them, the problem is he might just not hit enough in the upper minors to utilize the tools. If there is a chance he can refine the hit tool he has all the makings of an above average player.
Tyler Gentry, OF KC (High-A) 2-for-3, 2 HR, 2 R, 6 RBI
Gentry has been pretty solid in his first taste in proball hitting .263/.371/.500 but has hit four homers, doubling his home run tally for the season this past evening. He has struck out 36 times though in his 92 plate appearances thus far which is alarming.
Nick Loftin, SS KC (High-A) 2-for-5, 1 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI
Finally starting to look comfortable in pro ball, Loftin is showing some of the skills that made him a highly thought of prospect in the 2020 draft. He has more power than you would think, showcasing that last night for his third long ball of the season, can play up the middle defensively, and can run as well.
Ryan Jensen, RHP CHC (High-A) 5 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Cubs pitching prospect who they invested a first round pick back in 2019. I believe he ultimately ends up in the pen because he’s on the shorter side, but his fastball breaking ball combo could play up in shorter stints.
David Hamilton, 2B MIL (High-A) 2-for-4, 3 R, 1 RBI, 6 SB
You are in fact reading that correctly, 6 stolen bases on the night for David Hamilton. He was going absolutely crazy last night. He’s got plus speed, so stolen bases are a part of his game, but 6 stolen bases is super fun.
Garrett Mitchell, OF MIL (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 HR, 2 R, 4 RBI
Welcome back Garrett Mitchell and congrats on the first homer of your professional career. Mitchell is big, has tools, the problem is the way in which his bat travels through the zone, if Milwaukee can tinker with his bat path and can get rid of him beating the ball into the ground, those tools might manifest themselves into an above-average big leaguer.
Malcom Nunez, 3B STL (High-A) 3-for-3, 1 3B, 1 R, 3 RBI
Nunez continues to hit well, not a lot of over the fence power but he’s constantly making contact spraying the ball around the ballpark.
Aaron Schunk, 3B COL (High-A) 3-for-5, 1 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI
After a slow start the Colorado Rockies farmhand has his first long ball of the season. For a corner profile I would like to see a bit more power on a consistent basis.
Eduardo Diaz, OF ARI (High-A) 3-for-5, 1 RBI
Older prospect for the level, but a hat-trick of singles is always nice to see.
Masyn Winn, SS STL (Low-A) 3-for-4 Game 1; 1-for-2, 2B, 2 BB Game 2
Game one was a completion from a suspended game. The tools with Winn are loud and the strike zone judgement is sound as well as he’s piling up the walks. He can still be overly aggressive and make some questionable swing decisions at times, but we’re still talking about a 19 year-old making his professional debut and rocking a .355 OBP, so yeah, you’ll take that. He’s hitting .222/.355/.300 with eleven swipes so far.
Eury Perez, RHP MIA (Low-A) 3 IP, 1 H, 3 K
He’s still bringing this gas and was very efficient in this one, 21 of his 30 pitches went for strikes. Sitting in the upper 90s, he’s one of the more exciting pitching prospects in the lower minors.
Patrick Romeri, OF STL (Low-A) 2-for-3, 2B, 3 RBI
Romeri was the Cardinals ninth round selection out of IMG Academy in 2019. He’s a physical kid with plus raw power and speed, but his long limbs mean he’s likely going to struggle making consistent contact. His double was 102.6 off the bat.
Victor Mesa Jr., OF MIA (Low-A) 4-for-5, 2B, 2 RBI
Victor Mesa Jr, son of Victor Mesa and brother of Victor Victor Mesa. He can hit a bit, and while it’s been a bit of a slow start he has been getting his hits in clusters, a lot of multi-hit games with some o-fers in between.
Trent Palmer, RHP TOR (Low-A) 3 IP, 2 BB, 2 K
The professional debut for Trent Palmer, the Blue Jays third rounder in 2020.
Santiago Florez, RHP PIT (Low-A) 6 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 10 K
Florez goes six shutout frames in this one. He’s too much of a riddle for Low-A bats because of how well he commands his arsenal. 60 of his 84 pitches landed in the zone, and he especially commands his curveball very well. His curve is actually his go to pitch as he used it 51% of the time in this game. It had a CSW of 44%, and his changeup was at 50%. His fastball sits in the low-90s but he very much pitches backwards.
Daniel Espino, RHP CLE (Low-A) 5 IP, 6 H, 4 BB, 5 K
Not the most efficient start, but he still went five shutout innings in this one. 46 of his 80 pitches went for strikes, and I guess you can say he was effectively wild.
Gilberto Jimenez, OF BOS (Low-A) 2-for-6
A pair of singles for Jimenez, a relatively boring night by his standards. He’s at .319/.360/.415 on the season.
Nick Yorke, 2B BOS (Low-A) 2-for-3, 2B, SB
Insert Geoff Pontes surprised face.gif here. Yorke is hitting .211/.287/.256 so far, not great but not overly concerning either since he’s only 19 and making his pro debut.
Aldo Ramirez, RHP BOS (Low-A) 5 IP, 1 H, 5 K
No runs or walks allowed in this one for Aldo. The 20 year-old did an exceptional job in this one of working his heater up in the zone and then finishing hitters with a true 12-to-6 curveball that looks as beautiful as it is effective. Really good command of his arsenal here, and there’s room on big league staffs for dudes that throw strikes and compete like he does.
Michel Triana, 1B CIN (Low-A) 3-for-4
I almost included Triana in yesterday’s writeup because he homered so then he goes out and gets three knocks to make sure he’s included. Good for him.
Luis Garcia, SS PHI (Low-A) 2-for-5, 3 RBI
The quest to become THE Luis Garcia has taken an unexpected twist, as Houston’s Luis Garcia has held on to the rotation spot. Well this was a good game at least for THIS Luis Garcia.
Pablo Aliendo, C CHC (Low-A) 2-for-4
Pablo is red hot, and I noticed that I follow a large amount of Cubs prospect accounts because I wasn’t aware of who he was a few days ago, now he’s all the rage. I guess when you go 11-for-19 over his last five games that will attract some attention. He’s at .317/.397/.383 on the season.
Gunnar Henderson, SS BAL (Low-A) 3-for-5, HR
Yeah. It’s beyond ridiculous at this point. .337/.402/.685 with eight homers.
Mason Janvrin, OF BAL (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR, BB, 3 RBI
Big night for Janvrin the pride of Central Missouri University. It’s been a tough year but he’s got some physical tools and just needs to hit enough.
Edouard Julien, 3B MIN (Low-A) 3-for-5, 2B
Julien missed the writeup yesterday but he’s back, and I have to wonder how long he will be down in Low-A, as he’s hitting .313/.482/.470 on the season with 10 steals.
Noelvi Marte, SS SEA (Low-A) 2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 2 RBI
There was some immense hype for Noelvi Marte this offseason and so far Marte has lived up to and exceeded the hype. He’s a big-framed shortstop who has easy power and gets into it easily in game. He’s been the best hitter in the league formerly known as the California League.
Jeremiah Jackson, SS LAA (Low-A) 2-for-5, 1 HR, 1 3B, 1 R, 4 RBI
Jackson runs hot and cold, there are times where you see him like last night and he flashes a few tools while playing a capable shortstop. But unfortunately those flashes are just flashes and you don’t see them all that often. It is more fun when he is hitting.
Drew Romo, C COL (Low-A) 2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI
Outstanding defensive catcher, who for his age is a polished receiver and framer with a cannon of an arm. If he can even become a league average hitter he will be one of the better catching prospects in all of the minors. He does have some power, like he showed last evening but he struggles to make consistent enough contact, there's a chance he carves out a Austin Hedges type career.
Blake Walston, LHP ARI (Low-A) 6 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
The 2019 first round pick of the Diamondbacks is still only 19 and has been pitching well for Visalia. He has struck out 35 batters in his 26.2 innings thus far this season. He’ll turn 20 here later this month and still be young for the level.
Robert Hassell III, OF SD (Low-A) 2-for-4, 2 SB
As a 19 year old in his first taste of professional baseball Hassell III has been hitting well, getting on base, flashing the power and showing some speed on the base paths. There’s a lot to love in the overall profile and he’s in an organization that will be aggressive with him when it comes to promoting him when that time comes. Not a lot of Hassell when it comes to writing about him, I apologize that was bad.
Tyler Soderstrom, C OAK (Low-A) 1-for-3, 1 HR, 1 R, 2 RBI
Soderstrom just continues to hit, he’s a polished hiter who may move off the position but that’s because the bat is so good that the A’s feel they don’t need to slow his development by working on the glove.