TOP 5 PROSPECTS
1. Ian Anderson, RHP: Anderson took a big step up (2.52 ERA in 20 starts at high A) behind added strength and better fastball control. The 20-year-old’s 12to-6 curveball also improved, while he maintains fastball arm speed with his late-fading change-up.
2. Mike Soroka, RHP: Soroka threw just 561⁄3 innings in 2018 as he struggled through a shoulder injury. He has advanced command of his two-seam fastball and sharp slider, while the changeup is an average offering. Soroka likely will start at Class AAA, but the 21-year-old looks ready to contribute.
3. Austin Riley, 3B: Riley, 21, has an advanced approach and compact swing geared toward fly-ball contact, while his plus power is no longer just pull-oriented. He hit .282 with 12 home runs in 291 at-bats at Class AAA.
4. Touki Toussaint, RHP: Toussaint, 22, took a step forward in 2018, ascending from Class AA to the major league postseason. He struggles repeating mechanics and command might hold him back, but his splitter and 11-to-5 curveball are swing-and-miss pitches.
5. Kyle Wright, RHP: Wright, 23, made his major league debut in September. He has a repeatable three-quarters delivery with solid extension, while his mid-90s fastball can miss bats and his slider has off-the-table break. He’ll likely return to Class AAA to work on the consistency of his changeup and command of his fastball.