TOP 5 PROSPECTS
Excerpted from BaseballHQ.com’s 2020 Minor League Baseball Analyst. To order: https://www.baseballhq.com/mlba2020
Matt Manning, RHP: Manning, 21, is poised to be an impact MLB arm. His fastball is an easy plus offering that plays well in front of a developing curveball and an above-average changeup. He posted a 2.56 ERA with 148 strikeouts in 1332⁄3 innings at Class AA.
Casey Mize, RHP: The top overall pick in the 2018 draft, Mize has sensational command with an ability to locate that sets him apart. His three-pitch mix (fastball, splitter, slider) grades plus or better across the board. The 22-year-old should jump to Class AAA after posting a 3.20 ERA in AA last season.
Riley Greene, OF: Just 19, Greene has a wiry frame with room to add muscle but still manages to produce a deceptive degree of raw power. He has average speed with a subpar arm complemented by advanced instincts. He vaulted through three levels in his summer debut and should return to Class A.
Isaac Paredes, SS: Paredes, 20, has an ability to defend beyond his years. He works the entire field with impressive plate discipline and an advanced ability to barrel the ball. Paredes hit .282 with 13 home runs and five steals at Class AA in 2019 and could jump up to AAA in 2020.
Tarik Skubal, LHP: Skubal pounds the strike zone with a deceptive ability to play his four pitches off one another. His dangerous fastball velocity complements an unpredictable off-speed collection. The 23-year-old struck out 82 hitters in just 421⁄3 innings at Class AA.