TOP 5 PROSPECTS
1. Kyle Tucker, OF: Tucker, 22, continued to flash multiple-category impact but struggled in his major league debut. He has easy power with one of the smoother swings in the minors and gets on base enough to put his speed to use.
2. Forrest Whitley, RHP: There isn’t a better prospect arm available, as Whitley, 21, boasts at least three plus offerings: a mid- to upper 90s fastball, hammer curveball and changeup. He pitched just 521⁄3 pro innings in 2018 after violating the minor league drug prevention and treatment program, but he is the complete package.
3. Josh James, RHP: James, 25, flashes an electric fastball and slider that consistently misses bats. He reached 200 strikeouts in 1371⁄3 innings across three levels. The 25-year-old’s long-term value will depend on whether he sticks as a starter, but he can operate as a highwhiff middle rotation arm.
4. Yordan Alvarez, 1B-OF: A hulking 6-5, Alvarez annihilated Class AA (.325 batting average, 12 home runs in 43 games) before receiving a promotion to AAA. He combines plus raw strength with explosive hips and plus bat speed.
5. J.B. Bukauskas, RHP: A bulging disk limited him to 59 innings in 2018. When healthy, he dazzled batters with an upper 90s fastball and nasty, biting slider. He can miss bats, but his height (6-0), frame and health history might put him in the bullpen. The 22-year-old should return to AA to start 2019.