The following prospects are bound to make strides this season in the Minor Leagues and hopefully become stars in the Major Leagues one day.
Mick Abel- Philadelphia Phillies
Abel was drafted in the 2020 MLB Draft with the 15th overall pick. The first high school pitcher taken off the board, Mick is a native of Oregon who will begin his career this season in the Gulf Coast League. He can reach 95 MPH with his fastball consistently, topping out at 98 MPH. His slider already clocks in at 85-86 MPH and also has a curveball and changeup as well. He has a solid 6'5 frame and has the upside to be a number two starter in the big leagues one day. He has been compared to pitchers such as Justin Verlander and Jack Flaherty and could be the best pitching prospect in a few years. I am a huge fan of Abel and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
Quinn Priester- Pittsburgh Pirates
The best arm in the Pirates system, Priester in 2019 had a solid 3.19 ERA across 36.1 IP in rookie ball. He can reach 98 MPH with his fastball and added on a bit of strength in 2020. He has a curveball that can reach the low 80's and also shows a good slider. He has a 6'3, 210 pound frame and projects to be a pitcher climbing the prospect ranks. Priester will begin the Minor League season at Class A.
Orelvis Martinez- Toronto Blue Jays
Martinez and fellow teammate and prospect Jordan Groshans are both very close in the Blue Jays prospect rankings. Although the majority lists Groshans higher than Martinez, I give the slight edge to Martinez even though Groshans is a few levels above Martinez in the Toronto system. Martinez's power tool is a bit higher than Groshans' and Martinez is also two years younger. In 2019, Martinez hit .275 with five home runs and 32 RBI in rookie ball. I expect a four category player in the future with close to 30 home runs in his prime years.
Noelvi Marte- Seattle Mariners
One of the prospects I really look forward to watching this season, I expect Marte to advance through the Seattle system at a quick rate and to explode as a whole. Already in a loaded Mariners system, Marte had a great first season in 2019. Hitting .309 with nine home runs and 54 RBI in rookie ball, Marte shows he can both hit for average and for power as well. He also shows speed, but that is not his best strength. Only 19 years old, I think this will be the year he climbs the prospect ranks and will be one of the best prospects over the next few seasons. Finally cracking MLB's Top 100 Prospect list at 97, I expect Marte to shoot up that list very quickly.
Hedbert Perez- Milwaukee Brewers
Arguably the top prospect in the Brewers system, Perez is only 18 years old but is ready to shine. Having a little more advanced hit tool than power tool, Perez projects to be on the fast track to Milwaukee. He will begin his career in rookie ball this season but I can see him becoming one of the best outfield prospects in a few seasons. Expect a call to the majors around 2024.
Zac Veen- Colorado Rockies
The third outfielder taken in the 2020 draft behind Heston Kjerstad and Robert Hassell, I believe Veen is the best outfielder in the 2020 draft. Having a swing and build very similar to Cody Bellinger, Veen hits from the left side of the plate and is very powerful but can also hit for average. Getting drafted by Colorado helps even more given the Coors Field advantage. I expect Veen to be smashing baseballs in the lower levels of the minors this season making huge strides on his way to the show and becoming a future franchise player for the Rockies.
Cristian Hernandez- Chicago Cubs
Signed out of the Dominican Republic, Hernandez projects to be one of the top shortstops in his class. Already being compared to a young Alex Rodriguez Hernandez has the same power and hit tools with an even better run tool. Hernandez projects as a hitter who can hit for both average and power. Expect an average close to .300 with close to 30 home runs in his prime years.
Jasson Dominguez- New York Yankees
I saved the best for last! Personally I am buying into the Dominguez hype and riding the hype train until the wheels fall off. That being said, Dominguez's tools are all above average and projects to be a force in the Bronx one day. I have never heard a baseball being hit so hard in my life from a kid who has never had one professional at-bat before. One of the most hyped prospects since Bryce Harper, Dominguez who is only 18 years old is already being compared to Mickey Mantle and Mike Trout. Dominguez is a five-tool player who does everything well. If everything comes together "The Martian" could be a force for years to come.
Others to Consider:
Asa Lacy- LHP (KC)
Max Meyer-RHP (MIA)
Emerson Hancock-RHP (SEA)
Wilman Diaz-SS (LAD)
Final Thoughts: I enjoy researching prospects more than big leaguers because I think it is so interesting to read into the future of baseball! I am really looking forward to the Minor League season more than I ever have before this year. The young talent baseball currently has is amazing!
See you at the Ballpark!!!
Adam
Comments