TOP 5 PROSPECTS
Excerpted from BaseballHQ.com’s 2020 Minor League Baseball Analyst. To order: https://www.baseballhq.com/mlba2020
1. Spencer Howard, RHP: Howard, 23, took a step forward (1.78 ERA, 86 strikeouts in 13 starts) despite missing two months with a minor shoulder strain. His advanced four-pitch mix is anchored by a swing-and-miss fastball, a diving changeup and a two-plane slider with fantastic break. He’s nearly ready for the majors.
2. Alec Bohm, 1B/3B: Bohm sped through three levels in his first full season with an outstanding hit/power tool combination. He showed an ability to use the opposite field with excellent strike-zone judgment. The 23-year-old will likely be pushed to first base, but the bat will still carry him. He’ll head to AAA.
3. Bryson Stott, 2B: Stott, 22, is a gritty type who plays the game aggressively. He overswings at times but has good pitch recognition and plate coverage. Stott is only an average runner with moderate hit/power ability. He hit .274 with five home runs and five steals in short-season ball.
4. Francisco Morales, RHP: The 6-4, 185-pound Morales had success in his first full season (3.82 ERA at Class A). His fastball velocity ticked up, giving him two plus pitches, as his slider has vicious break. A below-average changeup holds the keys to a rotation versus reliever role.
5. Adonis Medina, RHP: Inconsistency plagued him in his first taste of the upper levels (4.94 ERA at Class AA). His fastball lost a tick of velocity, his slider flattened out, and his change-up was too firm. This year will be big for his future.
Pos SP SP SP SP
CL SP RP
SP RP RP
RP
Pitcher
Aaron Nola Zach Eflin Jake Arrieta Vince Velasquez Nick Pivetta Hector Neris Drew Smyly* Jose Alvarez* Jerad Eickhoff Jason Vargas* Ranger Suarez* Juan Nicasio Cole Irvin* Edgar Garcia Adam Morgan* Mike Morin
Age W 26 25 33 27 26 30 30 30 28 36 23 32 25 22 29 28