Padres Prospects (from BP)

[Angels]

2. Javier Guerra, SS
DOB: 09/25/1995
Height/Weight: 5’11” 155 lbs.
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Acquired: Signed July 2012 by Boston out of Panama for $250,000; acquired by San Diego in Craig Kimbrel trade
Previous Ranking(s): Unranked
2015 Stats: .279/.329/.449, 15 HR, 7 SB in 477 PA at High-A Salem
Future Tools: 60 glove, 60 arm, 50-plus power
Role: 60–First-division shortstop

Numerous scouts spoke of how improved Guerra looked this summer, and one AGM said the shortstop was the big get in the Kimbrel trade. Guerra is never going to be an offensive stalwart, but his ability to generate extension, pairs with his strong lower half to give him a chance for above-average power, and it’s already showing in games. The length in his swing and average bat speed limit the functionality of his hit tool, but enough selectivity and plane to project it to fringe-average.

When you’re as good with the glove as Guerra is, any offense is just icing on delicious cake. Exceptionally quick, Guerra is proof that athleticism doesn’t equal speed, as he’s only an average runner. His range benefits from that quickness, and his plus arm allows him to make the spectacular plays. This is an everyday shortstop with or without offensive upside–the fact that he can hit 15-plus homers with not-abhorrent on-base skills is just a bonus.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: Between being involved in a high-profile trade this offseason, projecting as a strong defender, and having a statistically successful season, Guerra is a prime trade candidate this winter. That’s not to say he can’t be a good fantasy contributor–even .250 hitting shortstops with 20 homer potential don’t grow on trees–but the hype is certainly outpacing his dynasty league value right now.

Major league ETA: 2017


3. Hunter Renfroe, RF
DOB: 03/31/1995
Height/Weight: 6’1” 215 lbs.
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Acquired: Drafted 13th overall in the 2013 MLB Draft, Mississippi State; signed for $2.678 million
Previous Ranking(s): #2 (Org.)
2015 Stats: .272/.321/.462, 20 HR, 5 SB in 558 PA at Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A El Paso
Future Tools: 65 power, 60 arm, 55 glove
Role: 55–Above-average regular in right field

Renfroe got off to a terrible start (.224/.278/.324 through May), but from July on he showed why so many believe he’ll hit in the middle of an order (.873 OPS). He keeps his hands in as well as any prospect in baseball, and his natural strength, extension and loft mean he can take the ball out to any part of the park. There’s a good deal of swing-and-miss here, but he recognizes pitches well and will go the other way. An average hit tool is possible.

While Renfroe doesn’t have a classic athletic body, he is a quality athlete, with speed that grades out as a tick above average. A plus throwing arm, good instincts, and his speed combine to make him a quality right fielder. His position limits his upside relative to the names above, but this is a potential 30-homer hitter who should be a regular in the majors at some point in 2016.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: The power is very real, but that’s really the only draw in his fantasy profile. If he can keep the contact rate high enough, Renfroe could turn into Jay Bruce minus Great American Ballpark and profile as a modest OF3 while clearing 25 homers. If not, he could turn into the bad version of Jay Bruce minus Great American Ballpark–and no one wants that.

Major league ETA: 2016


Rymer Liriano, OF — Yep, Rymer Liriano still qualifies as a prospect, and he’s still pretty darn interesting. The ridiculous upside he showed a few years ago isn’t as apparent, but there are still three above-average tools in his speed, glove, and arm. The approach has also improved each season, as the walks have started to catch up to the strikeouts, though the latter is still a very present issue. Is he going to be a middle-of-the-order hitter who plays an elite right field, like many thought he could be? Probably not, but there’s still a chance this is a regular, or at least a bench bat who can crush lefties and help you with the glove and on the bases.