TOP 5 PROSPECTS
Excerpted from BaseballHQ.com’s 2019 Minor League Baseball Analyst. To order: https://www.baseballhq.com/ mlba2019
1. Brendan Rodgers, 2B-SS: Rodgers, 22, is a top-shelf prospect with exciting raw tools but can’t stay healthy. A hamstring injury limited him to 19 games at Class AAA. He has a plus hit tool with good bat-to-ball skills but can be overly aggressive at the plate. He could be in the majors by midseason.
2. Colton Welker, 3B: An advanced hitting prospect, Welker showed an uptick in power with 13 home runs while also hitting .333 in 454 at-bats in high A. The 21-year-old is a plus defender and profiles as an impact hitter.
3. Garrett Hampson, 2B-SS: Hampson, 24, had a stellar AAA campaign (.314 batting average, 17 steals) before contributing to Colorado’s late-season playoff run. He has an advanced hit tool, patient plate approach and plus speed, though below-average power limits his home run appeal.
4. Grant Lavigne, 1B: One of the top power bats in the 2018 draft, Lavigne uses his massive frame, bat speed and smooth lefty stroke to rocket balls to the pull side. The 19-year-old has a solid approach and debuted with more walks (45) than strikeouts (40) in rookie ball.
5. Ryan Rolison, LHP: A collegiate lefty, Rolison was excellent in his pro debut with six earned runs in nine starts. He features a low 90s fastball, a work-inprogress changeup and a power curveball. The 21-year-old has repeatable mechanics with some deception. He’ll join Lavigne at Low A next year.