TOP 5 PROSPECTS
Excerpted from BaseballHQ.com’s 2020 Minor League Baseball Analyst. To order: https://www.baseballhq.com/mlba2020
Leody Taveras, OF: Taveras showed off his wheels in 2019 with 32 steals despite a lack of in-game power (five home runs in 519 at-bats). The 21-year-old still has all five tools. He pairs top-shelf athleticism and bat speed with excellent defense and plate patience. He’ll probably jump to Class AAA next season.
Josh Jung, 3B: Jung hit the ground running with a .287 batting average in low Class A after being drafted eighth overall. The 21-year-old should be a quick mover, as he is physically developed, has good pitch recognition and is good enough to stick at third base. He’ll likely move to high A.
Hans Crouse, RHP: Crouse posted a 4.41 ERA in 19 starts at Class A in 2019, pitching through bone spurs that were removed this offseason. His mid-90s fastball can be straight, though his slider is plus and changeup is improving. Look for the 21-year-old to graduate to high A in 2020.
Sherten Apostel, 3B: Apostel hit 19 home runs in 418 at-bats across two levels of Class A in 2019. His pitch recognition is shaky at times, but he squares balls up regularly and has all-fields power. The 20-year-old has a third baseman’s arm with enough glove to stick.
Sam Huff, C: Huff, 21, is a bat-first backstop who broke out with 28 home runs in 2019. He has easy plus power but doesn’t draw enough walks and strikes out frequently. The upper minors – his next stop is Class AA – will be a test. He still carries major upside for a catcher.
Pos SP SP
SP RP CL RP
RP
RP
Pitcher
Mike Minor* Lance Lynn Adrian Sampson Ariel Jurado Jesse Chavez Jose Leclerc Brett Martin* Drew Smyly* Shawn Kelley Kolby Allard* Shelby Miller Chris Martin Jeffrey Springs* Rafael Montero Brock Burke*
Age W L 31 32 27 23 35 25 24 30 35 21 28 33 26 28
22