USA TODAY Sports Weekly

TOP FIVE PROSPECTS

- Jeremy Deloney

Excerpted from BaseballHQ.com’s 2016 Minor League Baseball Analyst. To order: baseballhq.com/mlba16.

1. Alex Bregman, SS: Bregman will stick at shortstop because of quick actions, solid range and a strong, accurate arm. He makes easy contact with a compact stroke, knows the strike zone and has plus handeye coordinati­on. His flat bat path mutes his power somewhat (four home runs in 272 at-bats), but Bregman, 21, is a safe bet to be a very good major league player. He likely will start in Class AA this spring.

2. Kyle Tucker, OF: Tucker, 19, has a balanced approach at the plate and plus power potential. He might need to revise his swing to handle premium velocity but should improve against left-handed pitching. He exhibits plus instincts for the game, especially on defense, and runs well (18 stolen bases in 232 at-bats). He’ll make Class A his first fullseason stop in 2016.

3. Derek Fisher, OF: Impressive with power and speed, Fisher, 22, can be an impact hitter with the potential of hitting 20 homers and stealing 20 bases in any season. Bat speed, knowledge of the strike zone and a smooth swing result in frequent hard contact. He profiles as a corner outfielder and most likely will play in Class AA.

4. A.J. Reed, 1B: A strong first baseman, Reed was the high Class A California League MVP after leading the minors in home runs (34). Despite all-fields pop and a vicious stroke, he also is very selective and will draw walks. The swing is long and he will strike out, too, but he makes consistent contact for a slugger. Reed, 22, doesn’t run well and has limited range, so he will be relegated to first base.

5. Michael Feliz, RHP: He reached Houston in 2015 as a reliever but still is expected to return to the rotation. An electric fastball is his best pitch and exhibits late movement and power. Feliz, 22, mixes in a slider that can be plus and features a sharp break. Improved control has been a key, and he only needs to develop a changeup. He’ll likely refine things in Class AAA.

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