TOP 5 PROSPECTS
1. Alex Verdugo, OF: Verdugo’s bat speed and discerning eye give him the tools to hit for average; power development is the only thing keeping him from being a top-10 prospect. The 22-year-old hit .329 with 10 home runs in 91 games at Class AAA. He’s ready for the majors.
2. Keibert Ruiz, C: A switch-hitter, Ruiz owns a career .309 batting average due to his line-drive approach and good plate discipline. His power upside is limited, but he’s smooth behind the plate with good receiving and framing skills. The 20-year-old should spend most of the year honing his craft at AAA.
3. Gavin Lux, SS: Lux broke out with a .399 on-base percentage across high A and AA last season. His quick left-handed stroke should play as he moves up, as he now profiles as a potential 20-20 hitter. Just 21, Lux is a plus defender who should stick at shortstop.
4. Dustin May, RHP: May, 21, posted a 3.39 ERA in 23 starts across two levels and has the best stuff in the system. He has plus control and a mid-90s fastball with plus sink, and he ditched his slider for an above-average power curveball. May should jump to Class AAA and could be forced into action late in the year.
5. Will Smith, C: Smith hit a careerhigh 19 home runs at Class AA but cratered when he moved up to AAA. His aggressive plate approach leads to swings and misses despite above-average raw power. The 23-year-old is the best defender in the system.