TOP 5 PROSPECTS
Excerpted from BaseballHQ.com’s 2020 Minor League Baseball Analyst. To order: https://www.baseballhq.com/mlba2020
Jesus Luzardo, LHP: Luzardo has been a quick riser and made his major league debut last September. At his best, the 22-year-old flaunts three plus pitches: a fastball that can touch 100 mph, a hard curveball, and a fading changeup that misses bats. The sky’s the limit.
A.J. Puk, LHP: Puk also made his debut in September – he struck out 13 in 111⁄3 innings – and should be on the openingday roster with Luzardo. The high-octane lefty has an elite fastball with a tight slider leading his trio of secondary pitches. His command can come and go, but the 24-year-old has big upside.
Robert Puason, SS: A touted international prospect, the 17-year-old signed for a hefty $5 million last July. He already has a potential impact bat with plus speed, instincts for a shortstop and a strong arm. His athletic frame has room to add strength but he’s several years away. Puason likely will spend 2020 in the rookie Dominican Summer League.
Sean Murphy, C: A defensively advanced backstop with elite arm strength, Murphy, 25, made his major league debut after hitting .308 with 10 home runs in 120 at-bats at Class AAA. He has a good approach with a compact stroke conducive to contact and gap power.
Daulton Jefferies, RHP: Jefferies, 24, has dealt with injuries but impressed at Class AA last season (3.66 ERA, 72 strikeouts in 64 innings). He’s best known for having a tumbling changeup with advanced fastball command and is developing feel for a cutter and curveball.