IBC

From BA's Baltimore Orioles Top 30 Prospects in 2024:

12. Jackson Baumeister RHP

Ht: 6'4" | Wt: 226 | B-T: R-R

Age: 21

BA Grade: 50/Very High

Track Record: Baumeister was one of the highest-rated high school players eligible for the 2021 draft who made it to college, but he did so knowing he would be an eligible sophomore two years later. The Orioles drafted him 63rd overall out of Florida State in 2023 and signed him for an above-slot $1.605 million as the highest-drafted pitcher under Mike Elias. The Orioles appreciated his hoppy fastball and potential to further develop his arsenal, but they also valued his aptitude to make adjustments as his season went on and willingness to learn. Baumeister didn’t pitch in game action after signing.

Scouting Report: Baumeister’s fastball, which in college sat around 93 mph and touched 98, features above-averaged induced vertical break with elite extension and a flat approach angle that helps it play up in the zone. The club believes a focus on elevating it could lead to immediate improvements in results. Baumesiter’s curveball had at least average traits but was inconsistent, while the Orioles believe the slider he added during 2023 has the potential to grow into his best secondary pitch. Even if his changeup remains a fourth pitch, the Orioles believe his arm strength and ability to spin the ball can give him a starter’s arsenal going forward.

The Future: Baumeister has the potential to be the best pitcher the Elias Orioles have drafted, with a midrotation upside and the chance for more if he can consistently throw his most effective breaking balls. He could move quickly through the system but likely will start at Low-A Delmarva in 2024.

Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 45

From BA's Cincinnati Reds Top 30 Prospects for 2024:

25. Naibel Mariano SS

Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 182 | B-T: R-R

Age: null

BA Grade: 50/Extreme

Track Record: The Reds made Mariano a second high-priced part of the Reds’ 2024 international class, joining Adolfo Sanchez. When the pair signed, recent Reds international signees Carlos Jorge, Ariel Almonte and Malvin Valdez came to show their support to their new teammates.

Scouting Report: Mariano is expected to develop into a slugging infielder with plus raw power, thanks in part to a promising 6-foot-3 frame that should fill out nicely. He has above-average bat speed already, and he seems to have a solid understanding of the strike zone. He can get a little pull happy and will need to work on recognizing breaking balls. Defensively, Mariano is likely to eventually outgrow shortstop and slide to third base, but his hands and feet work well. He’s an average runner with an average arm.

The Future: Mariano should join a talented Reds Dominican Summer League club.

Scouting Grades Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50

From BA's 20 Up-Arrow MLB Prospects Who Could Solidify Their Stock At Spring Breakout:

Alexander Clemmey, LHP, Guardians — When Cleveland took Clemmey in the second round of the 2023 draft, it was the earliest they’d popped a prep arm since taking Daniel Espino in the first round in 2019. The southpaw sports a 70-grade fastball and a 60-grade curveball at the front of a three-pitch mix. Clemmey needs to improve his changeup and overall control but his combination of present stuff, remaining projection and the wonders Cleveland works with pitchers could lead to big things down the road.

From Rotoworld:

Guardians RHP prospect Daniel Espino underwent shoulder surgery on Wednesday to repair an injury to the shoulder capsule and rotator cuff.
It’s yet another brutal blow to one of the best pitching prospects in the minors as Espino has missed the majority of the last two seasons due to persistent shoulder issues. Before getting hurt in 2022, Espino posted a sparkling 2.45 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, and 35/4 K/BB ratio across 18 1/3 innings (four starts) for Double-A Akron. Then just 22 years old, he was seen as a future front-of-the-rotation starter in Cleveland, but his development will now be stalled by yet another missed season. At this point it’s fair to wonder if his career will ever get back on track.

Between Adam Miller, Danny Salazar and now Espino, fucking Cleveland arms have killed me over the years with all their time on the shelf and derailed careers.

From Top MLB Prospects: The 20 Hottest Spring Training Performers (Hot Sheet):

2. James Wood, OF, Nationals

What He Did: .364/.509/.705 (16-for-44) 13 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 7 RBIs, 11 BB, 13 SO, 3 SB, 1 CS.

The Scoop: He didn’t make the Opening Day roster, but Wood offered a very clear glimpse of what’s to come. He has massive power potential and a patient batting eye that should allow him to post solid on-base percentages to go with that power. Wood hit three of his four homers during the first week of spring training in February. He has hit .300/.475/.500 since then, so his production hasn’t trailed off as pitchers stretched out.


10. Lawrence Butler, OF/1B, Athletics

What He Did: .346/.407/.462 (18-for-52), 9 R, 6 2B, 6 RBIs, 6 BB, 7 SO, 1 SB, 1 CS.

The Scoop: For Butler, this is actually a letdown from last year’s .478/.556/.870 stint in A’s camp. He has done everything to lock down a spot on the roster as an outfielder/first baseman who should get regular at-bats. It’s a glimmer of long-term hope on a team that seems destined for another difficult season.