Maximo Acosta - Scouting Report

Rank History

Year	Team	Position	Team Rank	OFP
2021	TEX	2B	9	45

Grades Update: Mar 2021

OFP	Role	Hit	Power	Field	Arm	Run
45	40	50	40	45	55	40

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Mar 2021 Report

Evaluator: Matt Thompson

Age: 18 yr
Height: 5-9
Weight: 187 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2019 IFA
RuleV: 2023

Physical Description: Short armed athletic build. Lower half is stockier. Small forearms. Frame has room to add significant strength but could also put on bad weight in the middle without putting in work. Signed for $1.65 million out of Venezuela, Acosta turned heads with a strong showing at instructs against older pitching.

Hit: Acosta has a simplistic swing, easy to repeat mechanics. Starts upright with a wide base, little to no movement. Keeps weight firmly planted on back leg, with thigh high leg kick and an aggressive, but controlled swing with violent, one-handed finish. Supreme contact skills drive the profile, and Acosta covers the plate extremely well. Will alter his swing plane based on pitch type, and handles fastballs up in the zone extremely well. It will be difficult to sneak a fastball in the zone by him. Has issues with recognizing spin, but that's not anything unusual for a prospect his age. Potential future plus tool if he adds strength. Grade: 50

Power: The power is developing, but Acosta will drive the ball with authority when he finds the barrel. Power plays down due to his aggressive, contact-oriented approach, but as he gets stronger this can be an average tool due to how good the overall hit tool is. Standing at only 5'9", Acosta can still drive the ball when he sits on his back leg. Gap power now, can top out as an average tool down the line. Grade: 40

Field: I don't have much on his defensive skills, but his future home will depend on the frame. If he fills out like I believe he will he won't be long for shortstop. His lack of footspeed and potentially limited range make him a decent fit at the keystone. Reports say he's an instinctual shortstop but physical limitations and a crowded organizational depth chart make him a better fit for second, or perhaps even left field. The hands are good enough, but again, all depends on frame. Grade: 45

Arm: Acosta has an above-average arm. The arm will allow him to play anywhere on the diamond. Grade: 55

Run: Source at 2019 instructs had consistent below average run times, but as his body changes it wouldn't surprise me to see him evolve into an average runner with time. Grade: 40

Overall: Acosta is a still developing prospect that has drawn some rave reviews from big names in the industry in the past. I'm operating on information from 2019 instructs here, and based off of that he has the look of a hit over power second baseman, with a chance to hit near the top of the lineup due to his bat-to-ball ability. With no present plus skills there's a better chance than not he ends up as a utility man more than anything, but the foundation is here for Acosta to become a future big league regular.

OFP: 45
Role: 40 - Below-Average Player: Bench or Platoon
Risk: High

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Sam Huff - Scouting Report

Rank History

Year	Team	Position	Team Rank	OFP
2021	TEX	C	8	45

Grades Update: Mar 2021

OFP	Role	Hit	Power	Field	Arm	Run
45	40	40	55	50	55	30

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Mar 2021 Report

Evaluator: James Chipman

Age: 23 yr
Height: 6-5
Weight: 240 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2016 Round 7
RuleV: On 40-Man Roster

Physical Description: Giant human. XL frame. Every bit of 6' 4" 230 pound list. Average athleticism. Broad shoulders; long limbs; high waist. Above-average upper body strength; strong forearms; muscular thighs and backside; thick, strong legs. Injury history includes a recent grade two hamstring strain (February, 2021).

Hit: Upright, squared stance; slight bend forms a wide base. Quiet hands sit just above the letters. Quiet pre-load; modest toe tap trigger. Strong hands and quick wrists generate above-average bat speed. Long swing with natural loft. Aggressive approach that sells out for power. Strikes out a ton; allergic to walks. Handles premium velocity well. Exposed often by solid average or better off-speed and breaking balls. Does damage when he does make contact. Hit tool will ultimately influence his role and big league future. Grade: 40

Power: Impressive double-plus raw in BP yields loud towering drives. Hit tool deficiencies lower the in-game power substantially to above-average. A marriage of impressive raw strength and above-average bat speed, Huff's power production will ultimately depend upon whether or not he's able to shore up some of his hit tool deficiencies and make contact on a more consistent basis. Grade: 55

Field: Inconsistent but capable defender behind the dish. Pro instruction and work ethic have yielded significant gains. XL frame helps him present a large quiet target. Calls a good game; appears to adapt to pitchers strengths and weaknesses throughout starts. Shows decently mobility considering his size. Average receiving skills; strong wrists allow for decent framing - occasionally over frames and stabs, especially at balls low in the zone. Footwork and blocking need refinement but are average. Overall, Huff is a solid average defender behind the dish. Grade: 50

Arm: Plus arm strength; long transfers and occasional errant throws bring the grade down a half tick. Pop times typically in 1.98 to 2.03 range. Grade: 55

Run: Occasional below-average clocks (4.39; 4.41 digs) mostly a well below-average runner. Slow out of the box; lacks an impactful second gear; low top speed. Not station-to-station yet but will likely become a base-clogger. Grade: 30

Overall: Huff's alarming strikeout rate and inability to walk hang additional risk on the profile. There's enough raw power and defensive prowess though to project a solid second-division everyday regular backstop.

OFP: 45
Role: 40 - Second Division Regular
Risk: High

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Leody Taveras - Scouting Report

Rank History

Year	Team	Position	Team Rank	OFP
2021	TEX	OF	7	45

Grades Update: Mar 2021

OFP	Role	Hit	Power	Field	Arm	Run
45	40	40	40	55	50	70

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Mar 2021 Report

Evaluator: Jake Boes

Age: 22 yr
Height: 6-2
Weight: 195 lbs
Hits/Throws: B/R
Acquired: 2015 IFA
RuleV: On 40-Man Roster

Physical Description: Tall, lean, wiry frame; tapered shoulders, long arms, trim and high waist, long legs. Likely 10 lbs below list weight. Back injury in his past. Ample room to fill out. Cousin of journeyman minor leaguer Luis Taveras and seven-year MLB outfielder Willy Taveras. Frame reminds me of former MLB player Alexei Ramirez.

Hit: Athletic setup; square stance but open from the left side, toe-tap timing mechanism; slight crouch and knee bend to form a wide base. Hands above the letters; above-average bat speed generated with quick hands through the zone. Spray approach; passive early in counts, prone to overswing. Gets deep into counts often leading to both walks and strikeouts; gets fooled on offspeed, causing swing and miss or weak contact. Overall, a below-average hit tool at the highest levels. Grade: 40

Power: Below-average power; still generates impressive bat speed considering the frame, but spray approach limits the amount of over-the-fence pop. Needs to sell out to drive the ball; not likely to run into one. Home runs favor the pull field heavily; likely to approach double-digits across a full season long-term; would play well below-average in a corner. Grade: 40

Field: Above-average defender; strong routes and shows enough speed to cut off balls in the gaps, but effort and focus occasionally waver in the grass. Mainly, issues with running down gap-shots and seeing the ball into the glove. Regardless, speed still helps the tool play at the highest levels. Grade: 55

Arm: Solid average arm; good to hit cut-offs but throws tend to lack significant carry. Can get to home on a couple of hops from medium depth. Stays online, will play fine at any spot in the grass. Grade: 50

Run: Double-plus runner; home-to-first times in the 3.98-range. Effortless runner; glides around the bases and in the field, leveraging his long legs to get down the line. Should have no issue amassing 20+ steals across a full season at the highest levels. Grade: 70

Overall: Taveras' carrying tool is his running ability, which pads his hit and field tools. I have concerns about the ceiling of his hit tool, which will affect the role regardless of the rest of his game. That said, his speed makes his reserve/bench floor pretty firm. Overall, a second division regular future remains the most likely outcome for him long-term.

OFP: 45
Role: 40 - Second Division Regular
Risk: High

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Davis Wendzel - Scouting Report

Rank History

Year	Team	Position	Team Rank	OFP
2021	TEX	3B	6	50

Grades Update: Mar 2021

OFP	Role	Hit	Power	Field	Arm	Run
50	50	50	50	55	60	40

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Mar 2021 Report

Evaluator: Geoff Pontes

Age: 24 yr
Height: 6-1
Weight: 206 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2020 Round CBA
RuleV: 2022

Physical Description: Average height, with a muscular, frame, highlighted by defined shoulders and strong arms. Somewhat unassuming build, but with more twitch and athleticism than you'd expect. Has worked hard to maintain conditioning, improving his physique while at Baylor.

Hit: Sets open; deep bend in knees, hands by ear flap. Minimal load; toe tap, draws hands back, longer swing path, but he gets around quickly, and manipulates barrel well. Discerning eye leads to a tremendous amount of walks and deep counts. Shows the ability to grind out at bats and make pitchers work. Will struggle versus velocity and harder breaking stuff. Mistake hitter. There's some swing and miss due to the length of the swing but he limits his exposure with strong swing decisions. Grade: 50

Power: Doubles over home run power. Does possess the strength and bat speed to flirt with home run royals in the mid-20s at peak. Looks to make hard contact and elevate, with his best contact coming in the form of hard hit flyballs and liners to his pullside. Not enough juice to push for above average power, but it's an element of his game that boosts the overall profile. Grade: 50

Field: Excellent infield actions, smooth transitions and hands. Very strong footwork and natural reads off the bat. Possesses innate instincts for the position. Lacks the range of the elite defenders but his defense is good enough to project him as an above average defender everyday at third. Grade: 55

Arm: Strong throwing arm with good on-line carry, with good accuracy and the ability to make all the throws. His single plus tool, and it plays up his defense at third base. Grade: 60

Run: Below average runner, not a base stealing threat or someone who gains speed underway. Shows solid footwork in the field and does a good job of getting around his range limitations. Grade: 40

Overall: Strong all-around talent with stellar defensive ability at third that should give him a high floor profile. Near-elite on base ability and approach. Has shown developing game power over the last year with more of his raw unlocking in games. Will carry some swing and miss due to the length of his swing but shows the ability to adjust when challenged in different quadrants. The question of just how good Wendzel is comes down to how much he hits. The tools are there and his final college season showed he can be an impact offensive player. Still some questions as to if it will translate to pro-ball.

OFP: 50
Role: 50 - Average Everyday Regular
Risk: Moderate

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Cole Winn - Scouting Report

Rank History

Year	Team	Position	Team Rank	OFP
2021	TEX	RHP	5	50

Grades Update: Mar 2021

OFP	Role	FB	CB	SL	CH	Cont/Cmd
50	50	55	60	50	50	50/45

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Mar 2021 Report

Evaluator: Tyler Henninger

Age: 21 yr
Height: 6-2
Weight: 190 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2018 Round 1
RuleV: 2022

Physical Description: Typical body for a SP. Strong, well built. High waisted with long, tapering legs. Long, loose arms. Athletic, good balance and body control. Frame has strength with some room for continued development.

Delivery & Mechanics: Semi-windup, drop and drive. High 3/4 arm slot with above-average arm speed and moderate effort in the delivery. Solid deception due to shoulder tilt and ability to hide ball. Smooth arm path, hides ball well. Above-average extension. Athleticism and fluid motions allow for delivery to be repeated well.

Fastball: Sits 92-95 mph. Can touch 97 mph. Features solid armside running action. Attacks hitters with pitch. Creates good downhill plane when low in the zone. Flashes ability to throw to all four quadrants. Will lose feel for spurts. Has to command pitch, gets hit hard when left over the middle. Concern for frequency of hard hit balls but velo and movement should make for an above-average offer. Grade: 55

Curveball: Best offspeed pitch. Sits 78-82 mph. True 12-6 break with big downward action. Pairs nicely with FB with large velo difference. Shows above-average feel with ability to command the pitch. Has potential to miss bats frequently. Potential plus offering. Grade: 60

Slider: Sits 82-85 mph. Flashes depth with late bite when thrown well. Throws with conviction. Consistency with pitch could improve, will lose bite occasionally. Around zone with pitch. Has wipeout potential, needs more development time. Grade: 50

Changeup: Sits in the mid-80's with fading action. Continues to improve, flashes some feel for the pitch. Lack consistency, needs to continue to develop confidence in the pitch. Below-average command currently. Potential to become average offering with more development. Grade: 50

Control and Command: Shows good pitchability, continues to improve sequencing. Throws all four pitches with confidence. Keeps composure, wants to attack hitters. Lost feel for release point in pro ball debut, improved as season went on. Flashes potential for improved control. Athleticism and clean delivery allow for mechanics to be repeated, maintains throughout game. Needs to develop but should develop into at least average control. Control: 50 | Command: 45

Overall: Winn looks like the prototypical SP prospect with four offerings of at least average or better. His fastball has good riding action and can touch 97 mph. Winn will need to continue to improve his ability to command the pitch, but he throws it with confidence and attacks hitters with it. His curveball is easily his best offspeed offering. It features a big 12-6 bend that can get hitters to swing and miss consistently. The slider has flashes potential to be a wipeout pitch, but needs to be thrown with more consistency to reach its full potential. At the very least it should be an average offering. The changeup continues to get better. It has good fading action and should offer at least another average offering. Winn did not display great command or control during his debut season, but he did regain some feel as the season went on. With mechanics that can easily be repeated and an athletic body type, Winn should be able to at least manage average control as he continues to develop. Winn looks like at least a backend SP with the potential to become a #3 starter if the slider reaches its full potential and his command improves.

OFP: 50
Role: 50 - #4 - #5 Backend SP
Risk: Moderate

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Evan Carter - Scouting Report

Rank History

Year	Team	Position	Team Rank	OFP
2021	TEX	OF	4	50

Grades Update: Mar 2021

OFP	Role	Hit	Power	Field	Arm	Run
50	50	50	55	45	55	50

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Mar 2021 Report

Evaluator: Ian Smith

Age: 18 yr
Height: 6-4
Weight: 190 lbs
Hits/Throws: L/R
Acquired: 2020 Round 2
RuleV: 2024

Physical Description: Long, chiseled frame. Has really added significant muscle in his upper half since draft day. Very long levers show a ton of remaining projection.

Hit: Carter presents a simple, effective stroke from the left side. Working out of a slightly open stance with an even base, while nearly upright and hands right below the ears preload. Uses a very low hanging leg trigger to begin his swing, hands will drift back and incorporates his lower half well. Above average bat speed in a swing that's surprisingly short to the ball for his long levers. Attacks the ball out front and will rotate well on fastballs. Steep bat path creates easy loft to the pull side and shows ability to work the whole field late in counts. Some reports out of the Alt site said he struggled against breaking balls, but against his first pro competition. Will need to see his approach in the minors to fully see his ceiling with the bat. Grade: 50

Power: Creates easy, pull side loft in his swing, so that allows his above average bat speed impact the ball regularly in BP without selling out. Should grow into a substantial amount of raw power as he continues to fill out his frame and adds more strength. Grade: 55

Field: Fluid movements in the limited looks I saw. Shows ability to track balls down, but lackluster routes at the moment. Has the natural athleticism to stick in the OF. Grade: 45

Arm: Carter shows consistent ability to get carry on the ball with pace behind it. Uses his long frame to get big extension on his throws. A former pitcher and catcher will show great accuracy as well. Grade: 55

Run: Gets a great first step out of the box and will reach top speed quickly due to long legs and stride. Not a burner, but will cover a ton of ground quickly. Grade: 50

Overall: Carter was a surprising pick to most in last year's draft, but you can see what the Rangers fell in love with. A prototype future LH corner outfield with athleticism and potential to grow into a true five tool talent. Drew some of the best praise out of the alt site this past year and has a chance to shoot up boards in 2021.

OFP: 50
Role: 50 - Average Everyday Regular
Risk: Moderate

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Justin Foscue - Scouting Report

Rank History

Year	Team	Position	Team Rank	OFP
2021	TEX	2B	3	50

Grades Update: Mar 2021

OFP	Role	Hit	Power	Field	Arm	Run
50	50	55	55	45	45	40

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Mar 2021 Report

Evaluator: Geoff Pontes

Age: 22 yr
Height: 6-0
Weight: 203 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2020 Round 1
RuleV: 2023

Physical Description: Compact muscular frame, broad shoulders, with a strong lower half, shorter arms and legs.

Hit: Sets up open on is front toe, with a deep bend in his knees; hands set by back shoulder. High leg lift trigger closes off front side considerably during load. Quick compact swing with above average bat speed. Shows the ability to handle pitches to all parts of the plate, but feasts on middle in. Walked more than he struck out in the SEC, smart hitter that makes good choices at the plate. Works deep into counts and makes contact in two strike counts. Above-average hit tool. Grade: 55

Power: Above-average game power that plays to primarily his pullside. Shows the ability to get out in front of the ball and drive it with authority. Added more loft to his swing over the last year. Lots of hard line drives and deep flyballs. Fastball hitter that shows the ability to identify mistake pitches. Looking to add more power in pro-ball and has the bat speed and strength to push this grade higher. Grade: 55

Field: Below average range at second, good infield actions and clean hands. Will benefit from positioning at the major league level. Good turns on the double play and shows the ability to not rush through his motions. Physically limited but fundamentally sound. Grade: 45

Arm: Fringe-average arm that is adequate at second base, and could still likely handle third in a pinch. Shows the ability to turn the double play with strong accurate throws under pressure. Accuracy over strength. Grade: 45

Run: Below average runner that is not a stolen base threat. Station to station runner. Lacks range in the field. Grade: 40

Overall: Offensive minded second baseman with the ability to provide steady but unspectacular defense. A strong combination of power, approach, and feel to hit could make him a middle of the order contributor for years. Possible fringe all-star in his best seasons. Due to the lack of tools and defensive value there's pressure on the bat to perform. Not a great athlete, but Foscue gets the most from his profile.

OFP: 50
Role: 50 - Average Everyday Regular
Risk: Moderate

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Dane Dunning - Scouting Report

Rank History

Year	Team	Position	Team Rank	OFP
2021	TEX	RHP	2	50

Grades Update: Mar 2021

OFP	Role	FB	CB	SL	CH	Cont/Cmd
50	50	55	50	55	50	55/50

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Mar 2021 Report

Evaluator: Tyler Henninger

Age: 26 yr
Height: 6-2
Weight: 225 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2016 Round 1, WAS
RuleV: On 40-Man Roster

Physical Description: Tall, large frame. Prototypical SP build. Long, tapering legs. Fair muscular development. Near full maturity, future strength gains minimal.

Delivery & Mechanics: Semi-windup, tall and fall. High 3/4 arm slot with average arm speed and moderate effort in the delivery. Solid deception due to high leg kick and ability to keep ball hidden behind body. Issue with arm timing. Arm lags behind at foot strike. Above-average extension. Delivery repeated fairly well besides arm timing issue.

Fastball: Sits 91-94 mph. Shows ability to run it up to 96 mph. Mixes 2-seam and 4-seam. Solid sinking, arm-side run on 2-seam. Riding life when he climbs the ladder with 4-seam. Ability to get whiffs with both. Commands well to both sides of the plate. Above-average pitch, especially when velocity is up. Grade: 55

Curveball: Sits 78-82 mph. Downer rotation, lots of break. Bite through the zone when on top. Break lacks consistency. Around the zone frequently, but command and feel waver at times. Pitch will back up on him at times. Potential out pitch. Needs to get more comfortable throwing. Has chance to be an above-average offering with improved consistency, currently an average pitch. Grade: 50

Slider: Sits 80-84 mph. Tight rotation with depth and downward bite. Good feel for pitch, comfortable throwing often. Will miss glove side occasionally, rarely misses over the plate. Out pitch with swing and miss ability. Grade: 55

Changeup: Sits 83-87 mph. Features impressive arm-side run at its best. Creates deception with arm speed. Has ability to get chase swings, needs to be in the zone more often. Shows feel for the pitch, needs to throw more often. Potential swing and miss pitch versus LHH. Grade: 50

Control and Command: In the zone frequently with feel for all pitches. Shows flashes of advanced pitchability, sequences and mixes pitches well. Ability to throw fastball to all four quadrants, attacks hitters with it. Nibbles with offspeed at times, gets plenty of chases but could be more aggressive. Command profile suited well for starting role. Control: 55 | Command: 50

Overall: Dunning has five pitches that are at least average or better. He shows good pitchability, mixing and sequencing all of them well. He has above-average control and shows the ability to hit majority of his intended spots. His 2-seam fastball has good arm-side tail with the ability to locate it. The 4-seamer has going riding life with the ability to elevate and get whiffs. The slider is his best offspeed pitch. It has good downward bite and he commands it fairly well. The pitch has the ability to get swing and misses not only in the zone but also get chase swings. Dunning's curveball has good vertical break, albeit the movement is slightly inconsistent. The pitch will back up on him at times, but shows potential to be an above average pitch if he can be more consistent with it. His changeup shows good horizontal movement with some arm speed deception. He shows good feel for the pitch and it could be a weapon versus LHH. He needs to throw the pitch more often to become more comfortable, but it is at least an average offering. The variety of quality pitches and the ability to mix them will allow Dunning to fill a backend SP role in a big league rotation.

OFP: 50
Role: 50 - #4 - #5 Backend SP
Risk: Moderate

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Josh Jung - Scouting Report

Rank History

Year	Team	Position	Team Rank	OFP
2021	TEX	3B	1	55

Grades Update: Mar 2021

OFP	Role	Hit	Power	Field	Arm	Run
55	60	60	55	50	55	40

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Mar 2021 Report

Evaluator: Geoff Pontes

Age: 23 yr
Height: 6-2
Weight: 214 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2019 Round 1
RuleV: 2022

Physical Description: Strong thick build, broad shoulders, muscular lower half, and barrel chested. Strong and physically mature player.

Hit: Sets square; shoulder width base, slight bend in knees. Leg lift trigger, hands stay back, allowing the ball to travel deep before taking compact angular swings. Quick powerful wrists that allow him to drive the ball to the opposite feel with ease. Strong swing decisions, rarely chases and limits his swing and miss. Will struggle with curveballs, but has little issue with sliders and offspeed. Strong contact skills, advanced approach and hard contact. Grade: 60

Power: Plus raw power, that has yet to fully materialize in game. Lots of opposite-center hard contact, that limits overall home run production. Has made adjustments the last year to connect a little earlier, with the goal of unlocking more pullside pop. Jung's advanced hitting approach avoids selling out for power, but it may limit his home run totals. He still possesses raw strength and strong contact skills that could lead to eventual plus power. For now it's a comfortably above-average. Grade: 55

Field: Average at third base, good hands and clean actions, not very rangey, but good first step and natural reads and instincts. Should stick at third base long term with little question but is unlikely to be a standout defender. Grade: 50

Arm: Above average arm, good on-line carry, and the ability to get the ball off quick. Does a good job of staying square even on the move. Grade: 55

Run: Below average runner that can move when underway, but rarely will steal a base. Shows good but not great range at third, but he is agile enough to react quickly Grade: 40

Overall: In many ways Jung presents a prototypical package at third base. A strong bat and sure-handed defender with a strong arm. He takes professional at bats and should maintain a high average and on base due to his approach. He's near ready for the major leagues but should see some seasoning at the alternate site and then AA or AAA for a few months. Likely to debut in 2021, with a likely foothold on the hot corner in Arlington for the foreseeable future.

OFP: 55
Role: 60 - Above-Average Regular; Occasional All-Star
Risk: Moderate

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