Joey Gallo is mashing again in Triple-A, but with fewer swing and misses
We are finally at the stage of the minor league season where we have enough of a sample size to get a glimpse of which prospects are going to be rising up the charts. A handful of guys are making a name for themselves and some others are preparing to make a big league impact any day. Who will be the next Nomar Mazara and what do we make of these hyped pitchers that were just called up? Lets take a look.
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Hitting Prospect of the Week
Victor Robles (WAS)
Two weeks ago, the young outfield that is surging up lists, also made his way on this report for having a huge week. This time around, he is the number one guy after getting on base 16 out of 34 plate appearances, stealing 4 bases, driving in 9 runs and scoring 10 runs. The 18-year-old is now slashing .333/.461/.583 with 9 SB and a minor league-leading 21 runs in just 17 games against much older pitching. Come mid-season ranking updates and the Nationals might just have a top-five prospect on their hands.
Pitching Prospect of the Week
Mitch Keller (PIT)
The Pirates’ No. 2 pick in 2014 is all the rave right now. Going into this week’s start, he had 13 Ks in 10 IP with just 5 hits, 0 BB and 0 runs. He followed that up with a masterful 5 scoreless innings with 10 Ks, 2 H, and 0 BB. His K/BB ratio on the season is now 23:0 and he has a 15-inning scoreless streak to start the year. If this 20-year-old continues to perform well, he may break into the top-50 on our Expert Consensus Prospect Rankings.
Eye Catching Stats
Jameson Taillon (PIT, SP) – 16 Ks, 0 BB, 1.65 ERA in Triple-A
Joey Gallo (TEX, 3B) – Swing and miss rate in 2016: 14% (23% last season), oh and 7 HR in 17 games
Andy Ibanez (TEX, 2B) – Brought over from Cuba for his glove, but hitting .435/.487/.710 after two seasons off
Mike Zunino (SEA, C) – Minor league leading 7 homers and a .403 BA in Triple-A
Yoan Moncada (BOS, 2B) – .474 OBP with 13 steals in 16 games
Austin Allen (SD, C) – 27 hits in 53 at-bats. Yes, he is still batting over .500
Top Call-Ups of the Week
J.O. Berrios
The Twins’ future ace (and perhaps current ace) was called up today after posting a 1.06 ERA in 17 IP with 20 Ks and just 8 hits allowed. Not only was he one of the youngest players (21) in Triple-A last season, but he posted a 0.965 WHIP in that time too. This high ceiling prospect is polished and ready to help your fantasy squad right away. Don’t go crazy with a huge FAAB bid on him, but nab him if you can.
Blake Snell
The lefty looked quite good in his debut this week, striking out six and allowing just one run and two hits in five IP. Last season’s Minor League Player of the Year was sent back to the minors after handling the Yankees in New York, but he should be back up in a matter of weeks. When he does get the call, he should be worth owning in standard fantasy leagues and will end up in contention for Rookie of the Year
Aaron Blair
The Braves don’t have much going for them this year, but there certainly is a lot of excitement surrounding their rookie pitcher. Blair wasn’t overly impressive in his first MLB start, but did have a 1.42 ERA with 22 K and 10 H in 19 IP before being called up from Triple-A. That was enough to build some hype, but keep in mind, this guy only struck out 120 hitters in 160 innings last season. He may be a fine fantasy asset someday, but don’t bank on him saving your fantasy team.
On The Horizon
Joshua Bell – The Pirates’ top-40 prospect is slashing .300/.408/.550 and is bound to be called up to man the outfield or first base for the big league club any day.
Sean Manaea – The 6-foot-5 lefty might have the highest ceiling of any pitching prospect. He has 257 Ks in 214 minor league innings and should get the call next week.
International Notice
Ruben Paz – This Cuban centerfielder was hitting .361/.411/.476 as a 21-year-old when he decided to jump to America this week to earn a likely eight-figure contract.
Injured Prospects
James Kaprielian – Off to a dazzling start (1.50 ERA, 22 Ks in 18 IP), the 6-foot-4 high ceiling SP just received an MRI on his elbow, indicating inflammation.
Yusniel Diaz – Batted .348 as a 17-year-old in Cuba. Now has a .600 SLG in High-A Ball, but was just sidelined with a stiff shoulder.
Thanks for reading. Next week I’ll be posting an updated top-100 prospect list so keep your eyes peeled.
