15. Jesus Tinoco, rhp, Lansing (Blue Jays)
Age: 20. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 190. Signed: Venezuela, 2011.
Scouts who came to Lansing expecting to see Sean Reid-Foley pitch often came away being just as intrigued by the 20-year-old Tinoco. Rockies scouts sure noticed, because they insisted upon his inclusion in the deadline Troy Tulowitzki trade.
Tinoco throws a 92-97 mph fastball that comes out of his hand free and easy, and he maintains that velocity deep into games. He throws both a two-seamer and a four-seamer. His sinker helped him keep the ball in the park and he allowed just three home runs all year. He is a strong strike-thrower.
An athletic, long-limbed, 6-foot-4 righthander with a durable lower half, Tinoco scrapped a below-average curveball before the season and replaced it with a slider. That harder offering quickly become his best secondary weapon, and it could end up being a plus pitch he can throw for strikes or to tickle the dirt for swings and misses. Tinoco’s changeup is not nearly as advanced as his slider but it will flash average.
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Prospect Notes
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7. Touki Toussaint, rhp, Rome (Braves)
Age: 19. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 185. Drafted: HS–Coral Springs, Fla., 2014 (1/Diamondbacks). Video
Statistically, Toussaint’s stint in Rome was fairly disastrous. He gave up too many home runs (six in 10 starts), walked too many batters (6.1 per nine innings) and ran up his pitch counts too quickly.
Scouts who saw Toussaint, though, were tantalized by what he could be. He still touches 98 mph with his live, fast, whippy arm, while his curveball could end up being even better than his fastball. His breaking ball is not always consistent, but it has power and depth, and he can already manipulate it to vary the break and tilt on the pitch. Some scouts project it to a double-plus grade. Toussaint’s changeup has much further to go, for he has little feel for locating it yet.
Toussaint’s control and command are well below-average and will have to improve. He struggles to maintain a consistent release point and is prone to overthrowing, which is unnecessary because his arm speed can generate velocity with minimal effort.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/
Rick (SC): As a Braves fan I am a bit surprised by Toussaint's aggressive ranking. I know about his potential, but he had a really rough season and was even worse in the SAL. Why was he ranked so high, and do you expect him to repeat low A next year?
J.J. Cooper: He’s all risk, all reward. There are two 70 pitches at least as his fastball and his breaking ball are both really special. He can’t control them right now and there are questions about whether he will ever figure it out completely but it’s a very special arm and if it all clicks, he could be dominant.
Age: 19. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 185. Drafted: HS–Coral Springs, Fla., 2014 (1/Diamondbacks). Video
Statistically, Toussaint’s stint in Rome was fairly disastrous. He gave up too many home runs (six in 10 starts), walked too many batters (6.1 per nine innings) and ran up his pitch counts too quickly.
Scouts who saw Toussaint, though, were tantalized by what he could be. He still touches 98 mph with his live, fast, whippy arm, while his curveball could end up being even better than his fastball. His breaking ball is not always consistent, but it has power and depth, and he can already manipulate it to vary the break and tilt on the pitch. Some scouts project it to a double-plus grade. Toussaint’s changeup has much further to go, for he has little feel for locating it yet.
Toussaint’s control and command are well below-average and will have to improve. He struggles to maintain a consistent release point and is prone to overthrowing, which is unnecessary because his arm speed can generate velocity with minimal effort.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/
Rick (SC): As a Braves fan I am a bit surprised by Toussaint's aggressive ranking. I know about his potential, but he had a really rough season and was even worse in the SAL. Why was he ranked so high, and do you expect him to repeat low A next year?
J.J. Cooper: He’s all risk, all reward. There are two 70 pitches at least as his fastball and his breaking ball are both really special. He can’t control them right now and there are questions about whether he will ever figure it out completely but it’s a very special arm and if it all clicks, he could be dominant.
Last edited by Rockies on Wed Oct 07, 2015 7:05 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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13. Jomar Reyes, 3b, Delmarva (Orioles)
Age: 18. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 220. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2014.
For a hitter who hit just five home runs all year, Reyes impressed a lot of SAL observers with his power. Still just 18 years old, he hit 27 doubles in 84 games and will likely turn many of those into home runs once he matures and starts pulling the inside pitch more often. He has plus raw power that should turn into above-average in-game power.
Many big power hitters like Reyes are too pull-happy early in their career. Reyes is the opposite. He’s comfortable serving the outside pitch to right field, and he struggled more against pitchers who could bust him inside. He also showed an advanced ability to connect with offspeed offerings.
Defensively, Reyes is limited in range by his size and lack of foot speed (he’s a well-below-average runner), but he’s relatively sure-handed and has an above-average arm. His .948 fielding percentage would have easily led SAL third baseman if a thumb injury had not cost him enough games to keep him from qualifying.
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Age: 18. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 220. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2014.
For a hitter who hit just five home runs all year, Reyes impressed a lot of SAL observers with his power. Still just 18 years old, he hit 27 doubles in 84 games and will likely turn many of those into home runs once he matures and starts pulling the inside pitch more often. He has plus raw power that should turn into above-average in-game power.
Many big power hitters like Reyes are too pull-happy early in their career. Reyes is the opposite. He’s comfortable serving the outside pitch to right field, and he struggled more against pitchers who could bust him inside. He also showed an advanced ability to connect with offspeed offerings.
Defensively, Reyes is limited in range by his size and lack of foot speed (he’s a well-below-average runner), but he’s relatively sure-handed and has an above-average arm. His .948 fielding percentage would have easily led SAL third baseman if a thumb injury had not cost him enough games to keep him from qualifying.
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14. Malquin Canelo, ss, Lakewood (Phillies)
Age: 21. B-T: R-R. Ht: 5-10. Wt.: 156. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2012.
Canelo’s glove never really has been a question, but ever since he signed in 2012 many have worried that he wouldn’t hit enough to be a big leaguer.
Canelo answered a lot of those concerns with a dominant first half in a return to Lakewood, and he didn’t fall apart after a midseason promotion to high Class A Clearwater.
Managers who saw Canelo in the league last year and this year said he smoothed out some of his wildness defensively and played more under control. He has above-average range and good feet and actions. He’s an average runner who picks his spots to steal as a baserunner.
At the plate, Canelo has added strength this year which made a significant difference in his bat speed. He still needs to improve his strike-zone knowledge, but he did a good job of going from someone who projected as a possible utility infielder into someone who may project as a regular.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/
Matt (Earth): What was the reasoning behind Malquin Canelo and Rhys Hoskins from Lakewood over Ricardo Pinto and Carlos Tocci?
J.J. Cooper: Sorry Tocci was in year three in the Sally League. Yes he was very young in his first try at the league but there is very much a sense of almost an expectation that a third trip to the league should lead to a great first half. When he was younger the hope was he was going to add significant strength as he matured. It just hasn’t happened. Canelo impressed by taking a big step forward at the plate and showing some of those strength gains that once were projected as possible for Tocci. I don’t know what really to do with Hoskins, but that kind of production can’t be entirely ignored.
Age: 21. B-T: R-R. Ht: 5-10. Wt.: 156. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2012.
Canelo’s glove never really has been a question, but ever since he signed in 2012 many have worried that he wouldn’t hit enough to be a big leaguer.
Canelo answered a lot of those concerns with a dominant first half in a return to Lakewood, and he didn’t fall apart after a midseason promotion to high Class A Clearwater.
Managers who saw Canelo in the league last year and this year said he smoothed out some of his wildness defensively and played more under control. He has above-average range and good feet and actions. He’s an average runner who picks his spots to steal as a baserunner.
At the plate, Canelo has added strength this year which made a significant difference in his bat speed. He still needs to improve his strike-zone knowledge, but he did a good job of going from someone who projected as a possible utility infielder into someone who may project as a regular.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/
Matt (Earth): What was the reasoning behind Malquin Canelo and Rhys Hoskins from Lakewood over Ricardo Pinto and Carlos Tocci?
J.J. Cooper: Sorry Tocci was in year three in the Sally League. Yes he was very young in his first try at the league but there is very much a sense of almost an expectation that a third trip to the league should lead to a great first half. When he was younger the hope was he was going to add significant strength as he matured. It just hasn’t happened. Canelo impressed by taking a big step forward at the plate and showing some of those strength gains that once were projected as possible for Tocci. I don’t know what really to do with Hoskins, but that kind of production can’t be entirely ignored.
Last edited by Rockies on Wed Oct 07, 2015 7:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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9. Sam Travis, 1b, Salem (Red Sox)
Age: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-0. WT: 195. Drafted: Indiana, 2014 (2). Video
Travis and Kyle Schwarber teamed up at Indiana to give the Hoosiers their version of the Bash Brothers. Now, Schwarber, the fourth overall pick in 2014, is in the major leagues with the Cubs and Travis, a Red Sox second-rounder in the same draft, is proving himself to be a fine prospect in his own right.
An athletic first baseman with a keen command of the strike zone and plenty of patience, Travis drew plenty of compliments from managers around the league. The one question right now is whether he’ll have enough power to profile at first base. He hit just nine home runs across to two levels this season, including four at Double-A Portland in the second half.
Nobody questions whether Travis possesses the strength to mash homers, but scouts are split as to whether his output will be closer to 10 or 20 home runs annually when he finishes developing. He has quick feet around the bag and a strong arm, making him an average defender at first base.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/
Age: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-0. WT: 195. Drafted: Indiana, 2014 (2). Video
Travis and Kyle Schwarber teamed up at Indiana to give the Hoosiers their version of the Bash Brothers. Now, Schwarber, the fourth overall pick in 2014, is in the major leagues with the Cubs and Travis, a Red Sox second-rounder in the same draft, is proving himself to be a fine prospect in his own right.
An athletic first baseman with a keen command of the strike zone and plenty of patience, Travis drew plenty of compliments from managers around the league. The one question right now is whether he’ll have enough power to profile at first base. He hit just nine home runs across to two levels this season, including four at Double-A Portland in the second half.
Nobody questions whether Travis possesses the strength to mash homers, but scouts are split as to whether his output will be closer to 10 or 20 home runs annually when he finishes developing. He has quick feet around the bag and a strong arm, making him an average defender at first base.
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16. Greg Bird, 1b, Trenton (Yankees)
Age: 22. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 220. Drafted: HS–Aurora, Colo., 2011 (5). Video
Coming into the season, the big criticisms of Bird were his lingering back issues and defensive play at first base. Left unquestioned were his abilities as a hitter.
At every stop, Bird has shown an approach at the plate advanced beyond his years, as well as enough power to stick as an everyday player at a corner position. After a strong showing in the EL last year and an MVP performance in the Arizona Fall League, Bird needed just half a season of sharpening before moving to Triple-A.
The Yankees summoned Bird to the majors in August, and he stuck with the big club through the end of the season when Mark Teixeira succumbed to a fractured leg. Evaluators saw the same combination of power and patience that Bird showed in 2014, and also noted smoother actions around the bag at first base.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/
Age: 22. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 220. Drafted: HS–Aurora, Colo., 2011 (5). Video
Coming into the season, the big criticisms of Bird were his lingering back issues and defensive play at first base. Left unquestioned were his abilities as a hitter.
At every stop, Bird has shown an approach at the plate advanced beyond his years, as well as enough power to stick as an everyday player at a corner position. After a strong showing in the EL last year and an MVP performance in the Arizona Fall League, Bird needed just half a season of sharpening before moving to Triple-A.
The Yankees summoned Bird to the majors in August, and he stuck with the big club through the end of the season when Mark Teixeira succumbed to a fractured leg. Evaluators saw the same combination of power and patience that Bird showed in 2014, and also noted smoother actions around the bag at first base.
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16. Jharel Cotton, rhp, Tulsa (Dodgers)
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 195. Drafted: East Carolina, 2012 (20).
Born in the U.S. Virgin Islands and selected by the Dodgers out of East Carolina in the 20th round of the 2012 draft, Cotton has put himself on the prospect map with a strong season.
He gets good plane on his plus fastball despite his small stature and can pump his heater up to 95 mph. He throws from a high arm angle to manufacture the downhill movement. His fastball ranges from 88-94 mph, but the separating pitch for Cotton is his double-plus changeup, which garners swings and misses.
Cotton is an excellent athlete and tremendous competitor, evidenced by his ability to come back strong from a broken wrist sustained on a comebacker in April. In addition to two plus pitches, Cotton can throw strikes to both sides of the plate, but needs to refine his curveball to have a pitch to change eye levels.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/
DODGER ROGER (LA): Is Jharel Cotton a ML starter? Or is he more of a future shut-down reliever type? THANKS.
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: It’s a question posed to scouts and other evaluators and I believe he has enough feel for pitching and enough of a repertoire to be a starting pitcher. He has two pitches that evaluators feel are plus right now. He’s overshadowed by Urias and De Leon, but he’s the type of pitcher who could move quickly.
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 195. Drafted: East Carolina, 2012 (20).
Born in the U.S. Virgin Islands and selected by the Dodgers out of East Carolina in the 20th round of the 2012 draft, Cotton has put himself on the prospect map with a strong season.
He gets good plane on his plus fastball despite his small stature and can pump his heater up to 95 mph. He throws from a high arm angle to manufacture the downhill movement. His fastball ranges from 88-94 mph, but the separating pitch for Cotton is his double-plus changeup, which garners swings and misses.
Cotton is an excellent athlete and tremendous competitor, evidenced by his ability to come back strong from a broken wrist sustained on a comebacker in April. In addition to two plus pitches, Cotton can throw strikes to both sides of the plate, but needs to refine his curveball to have a pitch to change eye levels.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/
DODGER ROGER (LA): Is Jharel Cotton a ML starter? Or is he more of a future shut-down reliever type? THANKS.
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: It’s a question posed to scouts and other evaluators and I believe he has enough feel for pitching and enough of a repertoire to be a starting pitcher. He has two pitches that evaluators feel are plus right now. He’s overshadowed by Urias and De Leon, but he’s the type of pitcher who could move quickly.
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On Joe Musgrove..
Nick (Tennessee): How close was Musgrove to making the cut? Can Feliz pitch well in the rotation next year for HOU or is bullpen more likely?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: He’d have been in the top 20 for sure had he pitched more innings. He fell just short of qualifying otherwise he’d have been in the top 10, certainly. I think the Astros would like Feliz to continue to be groomed as a starter, but if the needs arises, a bullpen role is certainly viable. It’s likely where he ends up anyway.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/t ... ects-chat/
Nick (Tennessee): How close was Musgrove to making the cut? Can Feliz pitch well in the rotation next year for HOU or is bullpen more likely?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: He’d have been in the top 20 for sure had he pitched more innings. He fell just short of qualifying otherwise he’d have been in the top 10, certainly. I think the Astros would like Feliz to continue to be groomed as a starter, but if the needs arises, a bullpen role is certainly viable. It’s likely where he ends up anyway.
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12. Chi Chi Gonzalez, rhp, Round Rock (Rangers)
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 210. Drafted: Oral Roberts, 2013 (1). Video
Less than two years after the Rangers drafted him 23rd overall, Gonzalez made his major league debut. He didn’t allow a run in his first two starts for the Rangers, including a three-hit shutout against the Royals. But throughout the season, both with Texas and Round Rock, he saw both his walk rate climb and his strikeout rate decrease, leaving him less margin for error.
Gonzalez has a good feel for his low-90s fastball, which can get up to 95 mph. He is able to add cut and sink to the pitch to help him create groundball outs. His best secondary weapon is his slider, which can be a swing-and-miss pitch. He also can show a changeup and a curveball, but he doesn’t use either pitch often.
Before this season, Gonzalez had pitched with at least average control. If he can get that back, he has the arsenal and understanding of his craft to develop into a solid mid-rotation starter.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 210. Drafted: Oral Roberts, 2013 (1). Video
Less than two years after the Rangers drafted him 23rd overall, Gonzalez made his major league debut. He didn’t allow a run in his first two starts for the Rangers, including a three-hit shutout against the Royals. But throughout the season, both with Texas and Round Rock, he saw both his walk rate climb and his strikeout rate decrease, leaving him less margin for error.
Gonzalez has a good feel for his low-90s fastball, which can get up to 95 mph. He is able to add cut and sink to the pitch to help him create groundball outs. His best secondary weapon is his slider, which can be a swing-and-miss pitch. He also can show a changeup and a curveball, but he doesn’t use either pitch often.
Before this season, Gonzalez had pitched with at least average control. If he can get that back, he has the arsenal and understanding of his craft to develop into a solid mid-rotation starter.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/
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16. Marco Gonzales, lhp, Memphis (Cardinals)
Age: 23. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 195. Drafted: Gonzaga, 2013 (1).
Gonzales spent spring training competing for a spot on the Cardinals pitching staff, but he opened the season at Memphis and ultimately made only one spot start for St. Louis. His season was derailed by a shoulder impingement that forced him to be shut down twice, which was a bitter disappointment for Gonzales, who pitched in the postseason for the Cardinals in 2014.
When Gonzales was healthy, he showed flashes of the tools that made him the Cardinals’ No. 1 prospect after last season. At his best, he throws his fastball around 90 mph with plus control. His changeup is at least a plus pitch, as he disguises the offering well and gets good movement on it. He also mixes in a sinker and a curveball.
Too often this season, however, Gonzales didn’t have the crispness evaluators have become accustomed to seeing from him. If he’s able to put his injury behind him, he has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/
Age: 23. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 195. Drafted: Gonzaga, 2013 (1).
Gonzales spent spring training competing for a spot on the Cardinals pitching staff, but he opened the season at Memphis and ultimately made only one spot start for St. Louis. His season was derailed by a shoulder impingement that forced him to be shut down twice, which was a bitter disappointment for Gonzales, who pitched in the postseason for the Cardinals in 2014.
When Gonzales was healthy, he showed flashes of the tools that made him the Cardinals’ No. 1 prospect after last season. At his best, he throws his fastball around 90 mph with plus control. His changeup is at least a plus pitch, as he disguises the offering well and gets good movement on it. He also mixes in a sinker and a curveball.
Too often this season, however, Gonzales didn’t have the crispness evaluators have become accustomed to seeing from him. If he’s able to put his injury behind him, he has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/
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6. Greg Bird 1b, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Yankees)
Age: 22. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 220. Drafted: HS–Aurora, Colo., 2011 (5).
Bird’s brief stop in the IL en route to Yankee Stadium as a replacement for the injured Mark Teixeira was long enough to qualify for this list and impress observers with his overall hitting ability.
“The best hitter we saw all year,” Boles said of Bird.
Bird’s potential begins with his mastery of the strike zone. He combines a disciplined approach at the plate with a balanced swing and quick hands to drive the ball to all parts of the ballpark. His power is still blossoming and he has already begun taking advantage of the short right-field porch in the Bronx.
Drafted as a catcher, Bird made significant strides at first base this season: His footwork around the bag is serviceable and he has improved at picking balls in the dirt.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/
Age: 22. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 220. Drafted: HS–Aurora, Colo., 2011 (5).
Bird’s brief stop in the IL en route to Yankee Stadium as a replacement for the injured Mark Teixeira was long enough to qualify for this list and impress observers with his overall hitting ability.
“The best hitter we saw all year,” Boles said of Bird.
Bird’s potential begins with his mastery of the strike zone. He combines a disciplined approach at the plate with a balanced swing and quick hands to drive the ball to all parts of the ballpark. His power is still blossoming and he has already begun taking advantage of the short right-field porch in the Bronx.
Drafted as a catcher, Bird made significant strides at first base this season: His footwork around the bag is serviceable and he has improved at picking balls in the dirt.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/
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Braves # 4 prospect per BA
4. Touki Toussaint, rhp
Born: June 20, 1996. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 185. Drafted: HS–Coral Springs, Fla., 2014 (1st round). Signed by: Frankie Thon Jr. (Diamondbacks). Video
Background: The Braves held the 32nd pick in the 2014 draft and had Toussaint ranked in the top 10 on its board. The Diamondbacks drafted the Florida native, who spent time growing up in Haiti, at No. 16 overall. The Braves acquired Toussaint from Arizona on June 20, the one-year anniversary of his signing date, by agreeing to take on injured veteran Bronson Arroyo. Thus, the Braves essentially purchased Toussaint for $10 million.
Scouting Report: Toussaint combines superior athleticism and a three-pitch repertoire with a frame that has excellent projectability. His lightning-quick arm generates a live fastball that tops out at 98 mph. His plus curveball resides in the mid-70s with a hard, late break. Much like his breaking ball, his changeup needs work but has the depth and fade to be a plus pitch. Toussaint has struggled with his control, which led to elevated pitch counts and a walk rate of 4.9 per nine innings at two low Class A stops in 2015. The Braves believe his athleticism will allow him to repeat his delivery more consistently with some fine-tuning.
The Future: If everything comes together, Toussaint could be a top-of-the-rotation starter. Barring a setback in spring training, he should move up to high Class A Carolina in 2016.
Braves # 4 prospect per BA
4. Touki Toussaint, rhp
Born: June 20, 1996. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 185. Drafted: HS–Coral Springs, Fla., 2014 (1st round). Signed by: Frankie Thon Jr. (Diamondbacks). Video
Background: The Braves held the 32nd pick in the 2014 draft and had Toussaint ranked in the top 10 on its board. The Diamondbacks drafted the Florida native, who spent time growing up in Haiti, at No. 16 overall. The Braves acquired Toussaint from Arizona on June 20, the one-year anniversary of his signing date, by agreeing to take on injured veteran Bronson Arroyo. Thus, the Braves essentially purchased Toussaint for $10 million.
Scouting Report: Toussaint combines superior athleticism and a three-pitch repertoire with a frame that has excellent projectability. His lightning-quick arm generates a live fastball that tops out at 98 mph. His plus curveball resides in the mid-70s with a hard, late break. Much like his breaking ball, his changeup needs work but has the depth and fade to be a plus pitch. Toussaint has struggled with his control, which led to elevated pitch counts and a walk rate of 4.9 per nine innings at two low Class A stops in 2015. The Braves believe his athleticism will allow him to repeat his delivery more consistently with some fine-tuning.
The Future: If everything comes together, Toussaint could be a top-of-the-rotation starter. Barring a setback in spring training, he should move up to high Class A Carolina in 2016.
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Phillies # 9 prospect per BA
9. Adonis Medina, rhp
Born: Dec. 18, 1996. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 185. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2014. Signed by: Koby Perez/Carlos Salas.
Background: Signed for $70,000 as a projectable righthander when he was throwing in the 89-90 mph range, Medina caught the Phillies’ eye with his athleticism and loose, quick arm. He pitched in the Dominican Summer League as a 17-year-old in 2014 and showed well. Brought to the U.S. in 2015, his stuff ticked way up, and he joins Franklyn Kilome as another steal by the Phillies’ international scouting department.
Scouting Report: Medina matured physically and has seen his velocity bump up dramatically. His fastball has become a 91-94 mph weapon, with plenty of sink and hints of 97 every now and again. He couples the pitch with a curveball that has a chance to be plus, as does his changeup, which features excellent angle and sink. As with any 18-year-old, Medina needs to work on consistency and command, the latter of which ranks as well below-average. The Phillies love Medina’s feel to pitch and are waiting to see him mature physically as he gets older, but are understandably very excited about his future once he gets into games under the lights.
The Future: All the ingredients are present for Medina to be part of the Phillies’ rotation in a few years. Much as Kilome did in 2015, Medina likely will begin 2016 in extended spring training before jumping to short-season Williamsport in June.
Phillies # 9 prospect per BA
9. Adonis Medina, rhp
Born: Dec. 18, 1996. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 185. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2014. Signed by: Koby Perez/Carlos Salas.
Background: Signed for $70,000 as a projectable righthander when he was throwing in the 89-90 mph range, Medina caught the Phillies’ eye with his athleticism and loose, quick arm. He pitched in the Dominican Summer League as a 17-year-old in 2014 and showed well. Brought to the U.S. in 2015, his stuff ticked way up, and he joins Franklyn Kilome as another steal by the Phillies’ international scouting department.
Scouting Report: Medina matured physically and has seen his velocity bump up dramatically. His fastball has become a 91-94 mph weapon, with plenty of sink and hints of 97 every now and again. He couples the pitch with a curveball that has a chance to be plus, as does his changeup, which features excellent angle and sink. As with any 18-year-old, Medina needs to work on consistency and command, the latter of which ranks as well below-average. The Phillies love Medina’s feel to pitch and are waiting to see him mature physically as he gets older, but are understandably very excited about his future once he gets into games under the lights.
The Future: All the ingredients are present for Medina to be part of the Phillies’ rotation in a few years. Much as Kilome did in 2015, Medina likely will begin 2016 in extended spring training before jumping to short-season Williamsport in June.
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Reds #2 prospect per BA
2. Cody Reed, lhp
Born: April 15, 1993. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-5. Wt.: 220. Drafted: Northwest Mississippi JC, 2013 (2nd round). Signed by: Travis Ezi (Royals).
Background: The Royals believed that the somewhat-raw Reed had one of the better arms among lefthanders in the 2013 draft. For two seasons, he flashed big-time stuff but also big-time control issues before it all came together. The Reds acquired Reed–along with lefthanders Brandon Finnegan and John Lamb–in the Johnny Cueto deadline trade.
Scouting Report: Reed can dominate with two pitches. His 70 fastball will range anywhere from 91-97 mph. Reed’s fastball has late, darting life and his low three-quarters arm slot makes it especially rough on lefthanded hitters. His 85-87 mph slider is a second plus offering that received double-plus grades from some scouts. It’s a wipeout offering with hard, late tilt. Reed’s changeup is average to a tick above, depending on the outing. He doesn’t use it all that often. His control improved significantly in 2015 and his delivery carries no glaring red flags.
The Future: Reed has a ceiling as a potential No. 2 starter, with his biggest red flag being lack of track record, for he had little success before 2015. He will compete for a spot in the Triple-A Louisville rotation in 2016 and could even be in Cincinnati at some point.
Reds #2 prospect per BA
2. Cody Reed, lhp
Born: April 15, 1993. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-5. Wt.: 220. Drafted: Northwest Mississippi JC, 2013 (2nd round). Signed by: Travis Ezi (Royals).
Background: The Royals believed that the somewhat-raw Reed had one of the better arms among lefthanders in the 2013 draft. For two seasons, he flashed big-time stuff but also big-time control issues before it all came together. The Reds acquired Reed–along with lefthanders Brandon Finnegan and John Lamb–in the Johnny Cueto deadline trade.
Scouting Report: Reed can dominate with two pitches. His 70 fastball will range anywhere from 91-97 mph. Reed’s fastball has late, darting life and his low three-quarters arm slot makes it especially rough on lefthanded hitters. His 85-87 mph slider is a second plus offering that received double-plus grades from some scouts. It’s a wipeout offering with hard, late tilt. Reed’s changeup is average to a tick above, depending on the outing. He doesn’t use it all that often. His control improved significantly in 2015 and his delivery carries no glaring red flags.
The Future: Reed has a ceiling as a potential No. 2 starter, with his biggest red flag being lack of track record, for he had little success before 2015. He will compete for a spot in the Triple-A Louisville rotation in 2016 and could even be in Cincinnati at some point.
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Reds # 7 prospect per BA
7. Nick Travieso, rhp
Born: Jan. 31, 1994. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 215. Drafted: HS–Southwest Ranches, Fla., 2012 (1st round). Signed by: Tony Arias/Miguel Machado. Video
Background: Travieso’s slow but steady climb up the minor league ladder took a step back when a comebacker broke a bone in his forearm in June 2015. He returned in time to help high Class A Daytona to the Florida State League playoffs and went to the Arizona Fall League to make up for lost time.
Scouting Report: Travieso is yet another Reds pitcher with a strong trunk and thick legs, and the plus fastball to go with them. In high school, he was very open in his delivery and finish. He’s straighter to the plate now, which has also helped him create more angle on his pitches. Travieso’s fastball generates easy plus grades because it sits 92-95 mph and touches 97, and he spots it well to both sides of the plate with solid-average control. His secondary offerings are key to his development. His average 83-84 mph slider has some depth and is his go-to weapon, but midway through 2015 he also added a slower curve as an early-count offering to try to disrupt hitters’ timing. His fringe-average changeup showed improvement this year as he threw it with more conviction.
The Future: Even after spending three seasons at Class A, Travieso will be ready for Double-A Pensacola in 2016 as a 22-year-old. His fastball, durability and control give him a good chance to be mid-rotation starter.
Reds # 7 prospect per BA
7. Nick Travieso, rhp
Born: Jan. 31, 1994. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 215. Drafted: HS–Southwest Ranches, Fla., 2012 (1st round). Signed by: Tony Arias/Miguel Machado. Video
Background: Travieso’s slow but steady climb up the minor league ladder took a step back when a comebacker broke a bone in his forearm in June 2015. He returned in time to help high Class A Daytona to the Florida State League playoffs and went to the Arizona Fall League to make up for lost time.
Scouting Report: Travieso is yet another Reds pitcher with a strong trunk and thick legs, and the plus fastball to go with them. In high school, he was very open in his delivery and finish. He’s straighter to the plate now, which has also helped him create more angle on his pitches. Travieso’s fastball generates easy plus grades because it sits 92-95 mph and touches 97, and he spots it well to both sides of the plate with solid-average control. His secondary offerings are key to his development. His average 83-84 mph slider has some depth and is his go-to weapon, but midway through 2015 he also added a slower curve as an early-count offering to try to disrupt hitters’ timing. His fringe-average changeup showed improvement this year as he threw it with more conviction.
The Future: Even after spending three seasons at Class A, Travieso will be ready for Double-A Pensacola in 2016 as a 22-year-old. His fastball, durability and control give him a good chance to be mid-rotation starter.
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Reds # 9 prospect per BA
9. Sal Romano, rhp
Born: Oct. 12, 1993. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 220. Drafted: HS–Southington, Conn., 2011 (23rd round). Signed by: Lee Seras.
Background: A 23rd-round pick who received a well above-slot bonus ($450,000) to turn down Tennessee for pro ball, Romano has lived up to expectations as a big, fresh-armed Northeastern pitcher with room to grow. His fastball just keeps getting better and better, and the once low-90s fastball has now touched 99 mph. He can carry 96 deep into games.
Scouting Report: Romano can elevate out of the zone with a 95-99 mph four-seam fastball, but he’s at his best when he’s throwing a 93-95 two-seamer with turbo sink. He got away from that approach in a late-season promotion to Double-A Pensacola, staying up in the zone too often and getting shelled. He also learned that he has to locate his secondary offerings better. Romano sometimes shelved his power curve for a harder, slurvy slider that is a less impressive, less consistent and more hittable pitch. The Reds have stressed to him the importance of throwing the power, low-80s, downward-breaking curveball more often. He needs to improve the ability to throw his breaking balls for strikes, which can also be said for his improving, but still inconsistent, changeup.
The Future: Romano has the durability and stuff to be a No. 4 starter, but his high-energy approach and velocity would also allow him to move quickly as a setup man or closer.
Reds # 9 prospect per BA
9. Sal Romano, rhp
Born: Oct. 12, 1993. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 220. Drafted: HS–Southington, Conn., 2011 (23rd round). Signed by: Lee Seras.
Background: A 23rd-round pick who received a well above-slot bonus ($450,000) to turn down Tennessee for pro ball, Romano has lived up to expectations as a big, fresh-armed Northeastern pitcher with room to grow. His fastball just keeps getting better and better, and the once low-90s fastball has now touched 99 mph. He can carry 96 deep into games.
Scouting Report: Romano can elevate out of the zone with a 95-99 mph four-seam fastball, but he’s at his best when he’s throwing a 93-95 two-seamer with turbo sink. He got away from that approach in a late-season promotion to Double-A Pensacola, staying up in the zone too often and getting shelled. He also learned that he has to locate his secondary offerings better. Romano sometimes shelved his power curve for a harder, slurvy slider that is a less impressive, less consistent and more hittable pitch. The Reds have stressed to him the importance of throwing the power, low-80s, downward-breaking curveball more often. He needs to improve the ability to throw his breaking balls for strikes, which can also be said for his improving, but still inconsistent, changeup.
The Future: Romano has the durability and stuff to be a No. 4 starter, but his high-energy approach and velocity would also allow him to move quickly as a setup man or closer.
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Cardinals # 5 prospect per BA
5. Marco Gonzales, lhp
Born: Feb. 16, 1992. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 195. Drafted: Gonzaga, 2013 (1st round). Signed by: Matt Swanson.
Background: A prep star who won four state championship games for Rocky Mountain High in Fort Collins, Colo., Gonzales was a two-way All-American at Gonzaga who reached the majors at the end of his first full season, even going 2-1 during the 2014 postseason. However, two bouts of shoulder soreness/weakness, neither of which required surgery, conspired to sap Gonzales’ stuff limit him to 14 starts at Triple-A Memphis in 2015.
Scouting Report: Gonzales wasn’t at his best in 2015, either in terms of velocity or command, and his lack of margin for error was exposed. Even at his best, he pitches with an average 88-91 mph fastball that he must locate with precision to set up his go-to pitch, a circle changeup that has earned double-plus grades at its best. Gonzales plays it off his sinker at times or complements it with a solid, if a bit slow, low- to mid-70s curveball with good depth. He is a fine athlete who repeats his delivery well when he’s at full strength. All his stuff was flatter and less lively for much of 2015, leaving him quite hittable.
The Future: Strength and conditioning in the offseason will be crucial for Gonzales to reclaim a spot on the Cardinals’ depth chart, and he’s fallen behind Tim Cooney, with Alex Reyes gaining quickly. He still has a shot to be a No. 4 starter if he regains his past firmness.
Cardinals # 5 prospect per BA
5. Marco Gonzales, lhp
Born: Feb. 16, 1992. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 195. Drafted: Gonzaga, 2013 (1st round). Signed by: Matt Swanson.
Background: A prep star who won four state championship games for Rocky Mountain High in Fort Collins, Colo., Gonzales was a two-way All-American at Gonzaga who reached the majors at the end of his first full season, even going 2-1 during the 2014 postseason. However, two bouts of shoulder soreness/weakness, neither of which required surgery, conspired to sap Gonzales’ stuff limit him to 14 starts at Triple-A Memphis in 2015.
Scouting Report: Gonzales wasn’t at his best in 2015, either in terms of velocity or command, and his lack of margin for error was exposed. Even at his best, he pitches with an average 88-91 mph fastball that he must locate with precision to set up his go-to pitch, a circle changeup that has earned double-plus grades at its best. Gonzales plays it off his sinker at times or complements it with a solid, if a bit slow, low- to mid-70s curveball with good depth. He is a fine athlete who repeats his delivery well when he’s at full strength. All his stuff was flatter and less lively for much of 2015, leaving him quite hittable.
The Future: Strength and conditioning in the offseason will be crucial for Gonzales to reclaim a spot on the Cardinals’ depth chart, and he’s fallen behind Tim Cooney, with Alex Reyes gaining quickly. He still has a shot to be a No. 4 starter if he regains his past firmness.
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Rockies # 2 prospect per BA
2. David Dahl, of
Born: April 1, 1994. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 195. Drafted: HS–Birmingham, 2012 (1st round). Signed by: Damon Iannelli. Video
Background: Dahl was just turning the corner at Double-A New Britain in 2015 when he was injured in a scary outfield collision, leading to a splenectomy and a few weeks on the sidelines. It was the second major injury for Dahl in four years, as he missed most of 2013 with a torn right hamstring. When healthy, he continued to show the tools that made him the 10th overall pick in 2012, but the injury stalled a potential ascent to Triple-A Albuquerque.
Scouting Report: Dahl has the potential to be a five-tool center fielder. His quick hands allow him to stay inside the ball, and he sprays line drives with a level lefthanded swing through the strike zone. Dahl’s strikeouts were up a tick in 2015 against tougher pitchers, but the Rockies were pleased with the adjustments he made to his aggressive offensive approach. He is learning to come to the plate with a plan. Some evaluators project Dahl to hit 20-25 homers, but at present his power is geared more for the gaps. His above-average speed, instincts, arm strength and accuracy make him an excellent defensive center fielder. His first-step quickness and closing speed help him cover more ground than most.
The Future: Dahl dealt with knee tendinitis at the end of the season, and the Rockies will closely monitor his health. He should reach Albuquerque in 2016, but he must stay healthy to deliver on his star-caliber talent.
Rockies # 2 prospect per BA
2. David Dahl, of
Born: April 1, 1994. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 195. Drafted: HS–Birmingham, 2012 (1st round). Signed by: Damon Iannelli. Video
Background: Dahl was just turning the corner at Double-A New Britain in 2015 when he was injured in a scary outfield collision, leading to a splenectomy and a few weeks on the sidelines. It was the second major injury for Dahl in four years, as he missed most of 2013 with a torn right hamstring. When healthy, he continued to show the tools that made him the 10th overall pick in 2012, but the injury stalled a potential ascent to Triple-A Albuquerque.
Scouting Report: Dahl has the potential to be a five-tool center fielder. His quick hands allow him to stay inside the ball, and he sprays line drives with a level lefthanded swing through the strike zone. Dahl’s strikeouts were up a tick in 2015 against tougher pitchers, but the Rockies were pleased with the adjustments he made to his aggressive offensive approach. He is learning to come to the plate with a plan. Some evaluators project Dahl to hit 20-25 homers, but at present his power is geared more for the gaps. His above-average speed, instincts, arm strength and accuracy make him an excellent defensive center fielder. His first-step quickness and closing speed help him cover more ground than most.
The Future: Dahl dealt with knee tendinitis at the end of the season, and the Rockies will closely monitor his health. He should reach Albuquerque in 2016, but he must stay healthy to deliver on his star-caliber talent.
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Diamondbacks # 2 prospect per BA
2. Aaron Blair, rhp
Born: May 26, 1992. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-5. Wt.: 230. Drafted: Marshall, 2013 (1st round supplemental). Signed by: Rick Matsko Video
Background: Blair has zipped through the minors since becoming Marshall’s highest-drafted player as the 36th overall pick in 2013. He spent time in both the Double-A Southern League and Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 2015, ranking among the top 20 prospects in both. In addition, he pitched for USA Baseball’s silver-medal Pan Am Games team, starting against Cuba.
Scouting Report: The key to Blair’s success is a heavy 91-95 mph fastball that features plus downhill plane, allowing him to keep balls on the ground and inducing weak contact. He gets swings-and-misses with an 11-to-5 curveball that he throws in the 72-76 mph range, a pitch that has improved from below-average to flash plus at times. His best secondary offering is a plus changeup in the 81-84 mph range that he uses to pitch to contact. He also brought out a fringy slider on occasion that gets slurvy at 82-84 mph. Blair is an effective strike-thrower whose big hands and clean delivery give him plus command, and he does a good job of pitching to his strengths. He’s athletic for his size and repeats his delivery, projecting as a workhorse with a knack for going deep into his starts.
The Future: Blair will make his Diamondbacks debut sometime in 2016. The downhill plane on his pitches generates lots of ground balls, making him suited to pitch in hitter-friendly Chase Field.
Diamondbacks # 2 prospect per BA
2. Aaron Blair, rhp
Born: May 26, 1992. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-5. Wt.: 230. Drafted: Marshall, 2013 (1st round supplemental). Signed by: Rick Matsko Video
Background: Blair has zipped through the minors since becoming Marshall’s highest-drafted player as the 36th overall pick in 2013. He spent time in both the Double-A Southern League and Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 2015, ranking among the top 20 prospects in both. In addition, he pitched for USA Baseball’s silver-medal Pan Am Games team, starting against Cuba.
Scouting Report: The key to Blair’s success is a heavy 91-95 mph fastball that features plus downhill plane, allowing him to keep balls on the ground and inducing weak contact. He gets swings-and-misses with an 11-to-5 curveball that he throws in the 72-76 mph range, a pitch that has improved from below-average to flash plus at times. His best secondary offering is a plus changeup in the 81-84 mph range that he uses to pitch to contact. He also brought out a fringy slider on occasion that gets slurvy at 82-84 mph. Blair is an effective strike-thrower whose big hands and clean delivery give him plus command, and he does a good job of pitching to his strengths. He’s athletic for his size and repeats his delivery, projecting as a workhorse with a knack for going deep into his starts.
The Future: Blair will make his Diamondbacks debut sometime in 2016. The downhill plane on his pitches generates lots of ground balls, making him suited to pitch in hitter-friendly Chase Field.
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Dodgers # 6 prospect per BA
6. Grant Holmes, rhp
Born: March 22, 1996. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 215. Drafted: HS–Conway, S.C., 2014 (1st round). Signed by: Lon Joyce. Video
Background: Holmes became the highest drafted South Carolina prep righthander ever when the Dodgers took him at No. 18 overall in 2014. He signed for $2.5 million. He spent the 2015 season at low Class A Great Lakes, where he struck out 10.2 per nine innings.
Scouting Report: Holmes fires a plus fastball at 92-95 mph, with the ability to peak at 98. His fastball has good riding life, and he’s able to throw it with more downhill angle than most 6-foot-1 pitchers. When Holmes is going well, he has a power curveball that can be a plus pitch, but his breaking ball wasn’t reliable in 2015. Re-gaining feel to spin his curveball consistently will be a goal for Holmes heading into 2016. On nights where he struggled to find his curve, he started to throw his changeup more frequently and had some success, which encouraged him to throw it more. Holmes didn’t throw a change in high school, but the pitch now flashes above-average at times. He is an athletic power pitcher who still is learning the touch-and-feel aspects of pitching. He walked 4.7 batters per nine in 2015 and has worked to shorten his arm stroke and stay more on line to the plate to throw more strikes.
The Future: Holmes will head to high Class A Rancho Cucamonga in 2016, where his command will be tested in a run environment where free baserunners can be costly. If he can develop average command, Holmes has a chance to be at least a mid-rotation starter.
Dodgers # 6 prospect per BA
6. Grant Holmes, rhp
Born: March 22, 1996. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 215. Drafted: HS–Conway, S.C., 2014 (1st round). Signed by: Lon Joyce. Video
Background: Holmes became the highest drafted South Carolina prep righthander ever when the Dodgers took him at No. 18 overall in 2014. He signed for $2.5 million. He spent the 2015 season at low Class A Great Lakes, where he struck out 10.2 per nine innings.
Scouting Report: Holmes fires a plus fastball at 92-95 mph, with the ability to peak at 98. His fastball has good riding life, and he’s able to throw it with more downhill angle than most 6-foot-1 pitchers. When Holmes is going well, he has a power curveball that can be a plus pitch, but his breaking ball wasn’t reliable in 2015. Re-gaining feel to spin his curveball consistently will be a goal for Holmes heading into 2016. On nights where he struggled to find his curve, he started to throw his changeup more frequently and had some success, which encouraged him to throw it more. Holmes didn’t throw a change in high school, but the pitch now flashes above-average at times. He is an athletic power pitcher who still is learning the touch-and-feel aspects of pitching. He walked 4.7 batters per nine in 2015 and has worked to shorten his arm stroke and stay more on line to the plate to throw more strikes.
The Future: Holmes will head to high Class A Rancho Cucamonga in 2016, where his command will be tested in a run environment where free baserunners can be costly. If he can develop average command, Holmes has a chance to be at least a mid-rotation starter.
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Dodgers # 9 prospect per BA
9. Jharel Cotton, rhp
Born: Jan. 19, 1992. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 190. Drafted: East Carolina, 2012 (20th round). Signed by: Clair Rierson.
Background: Born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Cotton attended East Carolina and was a 20th-round pick in 2012. After jumping on to the prospect radar with a big second half in 2014, Cotton’s 2015 season was delayed until May 26 after a comebacker broke his left wrist in spring training.
Scouting Report: Cotton has a four-pitch mix but works primarily off his fastball/changeup combination. His low-90s heater reaches 96 mph, and he can manipulate the movement on it, imparting sink, cut or run. His bread-and-butter pitch is a double-plus changeup, a lively, putaway offering with diving, screwball-like action. Cotton throws both a curveball and hard slider, fringy pitches that need improvement. Even though he is just 5-foot-11, Cotton delivers the ball from a high angle and gets solid plane on his pitches. He is an excellent athlete who can repeat his delivery to throw strikes, but his mechanics do contain effort. His below-average command and smaller stature has led some scouts peg him as a reliever.
The Future: Cotton threw 96 innings in 2015 and has worked as a reliever in the past, but if he can hold up in the rotation, he could be a No. 3 or 4 starter.
Dodgers # 9 prospect per BA
9. Jharel Cotton, rhp
Born: Jan. 19, 1992. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 190. Drafted: East Carolina, 2012 (20th round). Signed by: Clair Rierson.
Background: Born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Cotton attended East Carolina and was a 20th-round pick in 2012. After jumping on to the prospect radar with a big second half in 2014, Cotton’s 2015 season was delayed until May 26 after a comebacker broke his left wrist in spring training.
Scouting Report: Cotton has a four-pitch mix but works primarily off his fastball/changeup combination. His low-90s heater reaches 96 mph, and he can manipulate the movement on it, imparting sink, cut or run. His bread-and-butter pitch is a double-plus changeup, a lively, putaway offering with diving, screwball-like action. Cotton throws both a curveball and hard slider, fringy pitches that need improvement. Even though he is just 5-foot-11, Cotton delivers the ball from a high angle and gets solid plane on his pitches. He is an excellent athlete who can repeat his delivery to throw strikes, but his mechanics do contain effort. His below-average command and smaller stature has led some scouts peg him as a reliever.
The Future: Cotton threw 96 innings in 2015 and has worked as a reliever in the past, but if he can hold up in the rotation, he could be a No. 3 or 4 starter.
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Orioles # 4 prospoect per BA
4. Jomar Reyes, 3b
Born: Feb. 20, 1997. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 210. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2014. Signed by: Fred Ferreira/Calvin Maduro/Enrique Constante.
Background: The Orioles signed the Reyes out of the Dominican Republic as a 16-year-old in January 2014 to a $350,000 bonus, the largest in franchise history for a Dominican amateur. He was the starting third baseman for low Class A Delmarva at 18 in his first full season. Limited to 89 games by injuries, Reyes had surgery in mid-October to repair a broken hamate bone in his left hand that he hurt during instructional league. Earlier, he missed six weeks due to a sprained right thumb and ended the regular season missing a few games after suffering a mild concussion.
Scouting Report: Reyes was rated 13th-best prospect in the South Atlantic League by Baseball America. One scout said his build reminded him of Miguel Sano and his batting approach of Jonathan Schoop. He has raw power to all fields and a chance to be a big power guy. The doubles could soon start turning into homers. The hit tool lags behind the power right now but his strike-zone discipline made some strides, though it still has a long way to go. He is a below-average runner. On defense he showed decent hands, but his footwork could improve at third. Some expect that he will eventually outgrow the position, but he remains a third sacker for now.
The Future: Reyes should once again be among the youngest in his league in 2016 when he is expected to begin the year with high Class A Frederick.
Orioles # 4 prospoect per BA
4. Jomar Reyes, 3b
Born: Feb. 20, 1997. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 210. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2014. Signed by: Fred Ferreira/Calvin Maduro/Enrique Constante.
Background: The Orioles signed the Reyes out of the Dominican Republic as a 16-year-old in January 2014 to a $350,000 bonus, the largest in franchise history for a Dominican amateur. He was the starting third baseman for low Class A Delmarva at 18 in his first full season. Limited to 89 games by injuries, Reyes had surgery in mid-October to repair a broken hamate bone in his left hand that he hurt during instructional league. Earlier, he missed six weeks due to a sprained right thumb and ended the regular season missing a few games after suffering a mild concussion.
Scouting Report: Reyes was rated 13th-best prospect in the South Atlantic League by Baseball America. One scout said his build reminded him of Miguel Sano and his batting approach of Jonathan Schoop. He has raw power to all fields and a chance to be a big power guy. The doubles could soon start turning into homers. The hit tool lags behind the power right now but his strike-zone discipline made some strides, though it still has a long way to go. He is a below-average runner. On defense he showed decent hands, but his footwork could improve at third. Some expect that he will eventually outgrow the position, but he remains a third sacker for now.
The Future: Reyes should once again be among the youngest in his league in 2016 when he is expected to begin the year with high Class A Frederick.
