In fact, these rankings are subjective, do not replicate the evaluations of any membership not to mention the consensus, and never all units of rankings are created equal.

Right here at Prospect Insider I’ve at all times blended info gathered from participant growth staffers and scouts with  my very own reside seems and observations.

I additionally worth gamers, abilities, instruments, and profiles otherwise than others, for instance: when a pitcher seems destined for the bullpen however doesn’t profile as a premium, high-leverage kind, I can’t have this participant ranked forward of the extra promising lottery tickets, despite the fact that stated lottery tickets have little shot to see the majors and the reliever has a fairly good probability, as a result of the center reliever isn’t very priceless relative to all the pieces else on a 26-man roster, and it’s not troublesome nor expensive to seek out arms to fill the position.

On account of issues reminiscent of this, my rankings at all times look totally different, even when the player-specific evaluations are comparable or the identical.

Right here is my Mariners Prime 25, post-deadline:

1. Harry Ford, C

Ford is an excellent athlete with an opportunity to catch and supply nicely above-average offensive manufacturing. After a little bit of a sluggish begin this season (.209/.370/.291 in 29 video games by Could), Ford has completely raked to the tune of a .311/.449/.515 slasj in 44 video games. He’s posted 20 extra-base hits in that span — 5 homers, 11 doubles, 4 triples — and even swiped eight luggage.

I don’t count on velocity to be an enormous a part of his recreation long-term, notably if he sticks behind the plate, the place he has each bodily software essential to be a premium defender, however is at the very least 3-4 years from trying like a big-league backstop. His bat might go away his glove behind.

There’s been speak of different positions since Draft day, together with second base and centerfield, and whereas each are believable, I’m targeted on catcher first, and third base second as lengthy he continues to pound the baseball the best way he has the previous two-plus months. Athletically, he’d don’t have any downside enjoying wherever, however the abilities required to play the center of the sector take time, so until that transfer was made quickly, it’s in all probability not going to be made, at the very least by Seattle, at the very least not throughout his most adolescence as a professional.

The fitting-handed batting Ford generates simple leverage with a fast and comparatively brief swing that covers the whole horizontal zone, and he’s proven the power to hit the fastball by the hands, and the smooth stuff down within the zone, together with to proper area with energy. His mechanics are easy with no wasted motion, and his hip rotation is explosive and compact.

Ford does an excellent job retaining his fingers again, although like practically all gamers in his age group will leak out on his entrance foot every now and then. However not a lot, and he’s very selective, displaying common good takes in between searing libe drives. There isn’t a lot swing-and-miss proper now, both, and little or no of it within the zone.

He’ll be challenged by higher pitching down the road — the Cal League doesn’t boast loads of stuffy arms, and many who have velocity and above-average secondaries have 40-grade command — which might current some challenges to his contact charges and skill to regulate. Alas, the lifetime of a younger hitter.

Defensively, the studies I get are a combined bag, however none of it remotely worrisome to Ford’s shot to catch for the lengthy haul. He’s simply not there but, and the actual fact he’s solely catching half Modesto’s video games is most probably as a consequence of all of the work he’s placing in on the place between video games.

Catching coaches have usually famous the video games can kinda-sorta get int he method while you’re studying to catch, and there’s no query that matches with a 19-year-old in his first full season in professional ball. The arm is straightforward plus, however his footwork and approach want refining so he can enhance his accuracy. However he’s fast and agile and assaults the gig like he does a middle-middle fastball.

If he sticks behind the dish, Ford might be not going to see the majors till at the very least mid-2025, and that very simply might stretch into ’26. He might hit his method off the place, nonetheless, which theoretically quickens his arrival in Seattle to as early as summer-to-September, 2024.

Many have requested when the membership may transfer him off catcher. I can’t think about they achieve this anytime quickly until they grow to be satisfied he both can’t catch recurrently, or they see a middle-of-the-order hitter they don’t wish to delay.

I believe for now, so long as catching is a part of his recreation, he won’t play different positions recurrently, since he’d be studying a brand new one, and catching and studying a brand new spot is a ridiculous ask of a child.

The simple comp right here is J.T. Realmuto, however I see some prime Russell Martin right here, in addition to prime Justin Turner, and even some prime Vernon Wells.

At present, Ford is the one place prospect within the system with 60-grade energy and hit, and proper now I’ve him down for 60s throughout the board. The one dings are the uncertainty that comes together with his future place and a brief skilled observe file, however I’d be completely floored — like, awoke with my head sewn to the carpet, floored — if Ford wasn’t a serious leaguer in some important capability.

2. Emerson Hancock, RHP

Hancock is lastly getting constant run. After his junior 12 months at Georgia was reduce brief after simply 4 begins and 24 innings, there was no minor league season publish draft, and what ought to have been his first full 12 months as a professional was abbreviated to 44.2 innings as a consequence of lat/shoulder discomfort (the Mariners are adamanant about enjoying it protected with younger arms).

Then, to start out this season the lat concern stored the right-hander out till Could 17.

Since then, Hancock has held batters to a .206/.280/.360 slash in Double-A Arkansas. What we’ve seen for essentially the most half from Hancock is harking back to Phladelphia Phillies righty Kyle Gibson. It’s common stuff general, regardless of touching 97 mph, and he’s mixing some strikeouts with a repeatable potential to get floor ball outs, however isn’t dominating with bat-missing stuff.

I think about the Mariners imagine there’s extra within the tank, and so do I, however there’s rather a lot to unpack when it comes to how he goes from good No. 4 to one thing nearer to a frontline arm.

Hancock’s fastball form primarily suggests floor balls greater than the rest, producing restricted swings and misses, however he’s going to the highest of the zone extra, giving him a shot to enhance the fastball worth long-term.

He’s but to show a swing-and-miss breaking ball, regardless of helpful slider and projectable curveball he not often makes use of. The slider is of the pretty short-breaking selection at 84-87 mph, usually, and might flatten out above the knees.

His 85-88 mph changeup is his finest shot at a plus pitch proper now. He has good really feel for it, can throw it for strikes, and it exhibits good, late sink and a few tail.

At his finest, Hancock instructions a 94-96 mph fastball, touching 98 with some downhill aircraft and late arm aspect run, a fringe-average slider he throws for strikes, and a plus changeup serving because the strikeout pitch versus hitters from each side of the plate.

The curveball has higher form and projection however is additional away in growth. When the slider is extra 82-85 it presents extra depth and, for my part, a greater probability to overlook bats, bit if the curveball goes to be a part of his future arsenal, the membership is more likely to need that slider on the firmer aspect so he can tunnel with the fastball.

Hancock is athletic and the arm motion is clear, however his supply isn’t as constant as it is going to should be. Proper now, the stuff is moderately extraordinary, however it’s bettering because the season strikes alongside. He sits right here at No. 2 tentatively, as a result of the membership’s fourth-round choose from final season is rising quick, and the trade expects the Mariners so as to add a high prospect when the 12 months’s worldwide class indicators.

3. Bryce Miller, RHP

When the Mariners traded Levi Stoudt as a part of the commerce to amass Luis Castillo, my very first thought was about Miller, who is healthier outfitted to start out than Stoudt has proven this season.

The fitting-hander, who’s a 12 months youthful than Stoudt, has each bit the stuff after which some, beginning with a four-seamer as much as 99 mph with common management. Miller’s slider is about common, flashing above-average, and he’ll combine in an above-average changeup. Maybe most critically, Miller does job finding the fastball to each side of the plate, and has the motion to get swings and misses.

He’s an athletic 6-foot-2 or so and 190-195 kilos, and whereas there’s some effort within the supply, it’s not a reliever-alarm ranges by any stretch, and he’s been discovering the strike zone persistently. He’s additionally holding his velocity deep into outings.

Miller throws from a excessive three-quarter slot and has great arm velocity, which helps him promote the changeup off the high-90s warmth.

I’m an enormous Miller fan, and purchase him as a mid-rotation starter if the slider will get to consistently-average. There’s additionally a comparatively excessive flooring right here as a No. 4 starter or high-leverage reliever within the mildew of Garrett Richards.

Miller is nearly sure to start out 2023 again in Double-A Arkansas, however has an opportunity to see the majors subsequent season in some position, maybe passing Hancock in each MLB ETA and future worth projection. Extra effectivity from the Texas A&M product helps him cruise out of the minors, regardless of the position.

By the best way, the actual fact Miller is ranked No. 17 within the system by MLB Pipeline, however Stoudt was No. 5 is a complete freaking joke and an utter indictment of the method that outlet makes use of to rank gamers. And you’ll inform them I stated so.

4. Cole Young, SS

Younger will get this spot regardless of not having performed a recreation within the skilled ranks. He’s a surefire shortstop to at the very least common ranges with above-average vary and arm power, has the swing and observe file to counsel he’ll make contact and hit for common, and the bodily instruments to get to some energy.

As I stated on Draft day, there’s hope he’s the 2022 model of Dansby Swanson (.300/.358/.469) in his prime, however he’ll do his harm from the left aspect of the plate. (Aspect be aware: Sure, if Swanson doesn’t keep in Atlanta and has any curiosity within the West Coast in any respect — he might not — Seattle ought to be throughout him. Pay him like a shortstop, use him wherever he’s OK enjoying, and supplant J.P. Crawford if want be).

Younger enters professional ball at 18 years of age with a hit-over-power profile, above-average velocity and athleticism, superb fingers and toes, and an actual shot to get some slug into his output as he strikes by the minors. The swing is straightforward, brief, and sound, he makes use of the left-center hole simply, and he doesn’t need to promote out for pull energy. Younger goes to be a really attention-grabbing hitter to observe.

5. Gabriel Gonzalez, LF

I noticed Gonzalez in Stockton earlier this month and three issues stood out from the beginning. He’s greater than I anticipated. I’d say he’s 200 kilos if he’s his listed 5-foot-10, however he might he 5-11 or 6-feet, which can imply he’s extra like 205 or 2010.

He runs nicely, however regardless of 55 current velocity isn’t a quick-twitch defender or baserunner, and consequently belongs in left area, the place he appeared comfy early, together with displaying a mean or barely above-average throwing arm.

Gonzalez’s meal ticket is the hit software; it’s a brief swing producing loads of line drives and what seems like round common energy, although as he’s including power and maturing the swing, perhaps theres a bit extra pop in there, as a result of in any other case he’ll need to hit for prime common and get on base a ton to profile as a mean or higher common.

However he may just do that, which is why he ranks right here at No. 5.

6. Michael Arroyo, 3B

Arroyo obtained sturdy consideration for the No. 4 ,5, and 6 spots and if I have been rating in tiers he’d be proper there with Montes, Miller, Younger, and Gonzalez.

The 17-year-old is a beast, with current power and a sophisticated swing already producing enormous within the DSL, garnering studies he’s higher than Gonzalez on the identical level. The rationale that’s huge isn’t restricted to the straightforward truth Gonzalez profiles as a serious league, it’s additionally as a result of regardless of not projecting long-term at his pure place of shortstop, Arroyo figures to land at third base, with second ot fully out of the equation, both.

The fitting-handed hitter makes constant and loud contact, has proven a mature really feel for the zone, and has sprinkled sufficient energy into the manufacturing to counsel a possible 20-homer, 40-double ceiling.

He’s a bit above-average as a runner now and figures to remain there for a short while and maybe land round common as he will get to the majors. It’s a barely above-average arm when it comes to power, however he’s very correct, his transfers are clear, and his throws constant and correct.

7. Lazaro Montes, OF

Montes comes with extra danger than these ranked behind him, however the upside exceeds all of them, too, because of 30-plus homer uncooked energy and an opportunity to remain in proper area.

He’s a bit uncooked on the plate and the swing often will get lengthy and crazy, however at 17 he’s performing very nicely within the DSL, together with huge energy.

The important thing consideration right here is the swing-and-miss. He’s chasing too usually — which is quite common at this stage, even for eventual All-Star caliber bats — and the swing form and size makes him vulnerable within the zone versus good velocity.

However there are occasions he’s brief sufficient to the baseball and hits loads of liners and deep drives to the center of the sector, and he’s displayed really feel for the zone typically.

There’s a strong probability he finally ends up at first base, relying how nicely he can preserve his foot velocity as he fills out, placing loads of stress on the bat, however for now he’s a mean runner with an above-average arm that’s dealing with proper area nicely, with the bat to again up any place on the diamond.

There’s worry he’ll take 5 or 6 years to get by the minors, and the higher-floor suggests a 3 true final result kind bat that lands within the Luke Voit vary.

However at 17, many imagine he’ll be capable to hit .250 or higher with walks and plus energy, and that’s a daily in any lineup.

8. Matt Brash, RHP

Brash has the uncooked stuff and arm expertise to be among the many finest multi-inning relievers in baseball, however we’re ready for the constant management and command to unlock such outcomes.

As-is, Brash is an entry-level big-league center reliever with strikeout potential however an inclination to concern too many bases on balls to belief with the sport on the road. Primarily, Tyler Thornburg.

Brash’s athleticism and pitchability (two plus breaker, and a changeup if he ever wants it), counsel probability at a stronger final result, maybe within the Adam Ottavino, Bryan Abreu vary or extra.

I’m not absolutely satisfied he can’t begin, however it seems these days are behind him, at the very least in Seattle, which can improve his possibilities of sticking round and growing a shorter stack of abilities to maximise is bullpen worth.

9. Walter Ford, RHP

One other of this 12 months’s draft class within the Prime 10 — this occurs when a high 5 farm system graduates 5 Prime 100-type prospects in lower than two seasons, and trades 5 Prime 10s in 5 months – Ford presents arm power, athleticism, and projection with a projectable body.

He’s simply 17 till December and whereas he gained’t pitch for the org this summer season, lands right here because of the projection. If issues go nicely right here, it’s a mid-rotation or higher arm, and it’s an awfully thrilling piece of clay for the membership to mildew.

Ford has touched 97 mph and scouts like the way forward for the slider, with the knocks coming in regard an immature changeup and inconsistent mechanics, however that sounds an terrible lot like each different prep pitcher draftee, even first-round picks.

It’s important to dream a bit right here, however you don’t need to squint to see the frontline prospects, and it doesn’t damage the ground is comparatively excessive because of the rate, which can land in mid-90s with consistency.

On the finish of the day, that is Connor Phillips, however extra athleic, three years youthful, and with the next ceiling. So, not Connor Phillips in any respect, actually. He’s higher. 🙂

10. Juan Pinto, LHP

That is me selecting upside and far increased danger over prospects nearly sure to see the majors within the subsequent 12 months or twom however carrying considerably decrease ceilings.

Pinto has made eight skilled begins, all within the DSL, punching out 30 batters in 27.1 innings. Hes additionally held opposing batters to a 217 common and .258 slugging. His one blemish? 21 bases on balls.

Pinto is as much as 6-foot-4 and over 200 kilos, touching 92-93 mph most begins, and has been as much as 94. There’s room for him to land within the mid-90s. His finest pitch is a basic overhand curveball with depth, form, and late break, and tasks as a plus providing.

The changeup is younger however has flashed this summer season, and his unfastened arm and athletic decrease half supply probability at common or higher command.

He’s years away nonetheless, however it is a enjoyable, tooled up lefty I thought-about rating even increased right here.

11. A.J. Izzi, RHP

Not in contrast to Walter Ford, Izzi is all dream right here, however one I’m extra offered on the extra I ask about him. He was the membership’s 4th-round choose, and whereas there have been golf equipment that had him as little as the sixth spherical, there have been a number of golf equipment that had Izzi a high 80 participant.

He’s hit 97 mph on the gun, has a smooth, fringey slider he locates, and his changeup is only a child, however there’s a lot bodily projection right here it’s not possible to not love each the ground and the ceiling.

Issi isn’t as polished as Ford when it comes to pitch growth, however does throw extra strikes. His arm works nicely, and he throws from the next three-quarter slot with deception because of a little bit of a slingshot movement that hides the ball longer than most.

Scouts just like the useage of the decrease half and the probabilities Izzi lives 95-plus down the road, together with constant motion and arm velocity on his secondaries. Lengthy-term, there’s main upside right here together with the chance he’s a center reliever.

12. Taylor Dollard, RHP

Whereas Dollard’s 89-92 mph fastball is fringe-average, he’s pounding the zone with three pitches and an opportunity for a fourth, and has one of the best command within the system.

The fitting-hander options two common breaking balls — or just one through which he varies the rate, altering its form, whichever rationalization you favor — however the slurvy model at 76-80 mph is the one he makes use of essentially the most and flashes above-average

He’ll miss a number of bats with the fastball when he goes up within the zone, however it’s been his basic potential to induce weak contact together with his total repertoire, together with a mean changeup.

He can spot the heater and can contact 93 every now and then.

Dollard at present profiles as Chris Flexen; a strike thrower who doesn’t miss loads of bats, and doesn’t induce loads of floor balls, however is environment friendly and savvy and teases you with the possibility of extra. With Dollard, nonetheless, I’ve to surprise if there isn’t extra velocity within the tank. He’s 6-foot-3 and 200 kilos and possesses different bodily traits of a pitcher who can reside 92-95. One thing to contemplate.

Mechanically, he does loads of issues nicely and repeats all of it, therefore the nicely above-average stroll numbers (5.5%), and his command inside and across the zone has helped him keep away from barrels. Batters have managed only a .190/.251/.281 slash versus Dollard this season within the Texas League.

Regardless of the low ceiling, there’s worth in an environment friendly arm, and there’s at all times the possibility Dollard’s stuff performs up within the bullpen, and/or with an adjustment to his uneven arm motion.

13. Bryan Woo, RHP

The 22-year-old Woo, from the identical faculty, Cal Poly, as Dollard, has higher stuff and the next ceiling than his former teammate, providing a fastball as much as 97 mph to go together with a slider and changeup.

Initially, my profile of Woo on Draft day was as a future energy reliever, and whereas that’s nonetheless essentially the most ikely final result, there are people who have seen sufficient from his three-pitch combine and athletcism to offer him an actual shot to start out.

The fastball is into the mid-90s with good life from a three-quarter slot, and he employs constant, fluid mechanics from break by launch level, suggesting an excellent probability to throw strikes persistently.

As a starter, the re-development of his slider and command after UCL surgical procedure will go alongside method in deciding his future position, however his changeup has flashed nicely this season, giving him a reputable third providing.

If he was additional alongside in his return, Woo may rank a it increased, however for now that is as excessive as I can justify contemplating the most probably outcome, however there may be loads of four-seam worth to open up loads of doorways for him to maneuver up the ladder within the rotation.

14. Jonatan Clase, CF

Clase doesn’t get his due respect from loads of of us, however he’s not simply a 65 runner.

Regardless of a wretched July — .209/.351/.363 — Clase has had season, sans the problems with the strikeout, including extra energy and even stretches with higher contact charges.

He’s common in heart the place he’s nonetheless studying routes and easy methods to maximize his jumps, however has an above-average arm and his velocity helps him make up for some instinctual deficiencies, maybe sufficient to permit him to remain in heart long-term.

He’s base stealer, not an excellent one, however has improved his reads in 2022.

If he can discover a strategy to reduce down on the swing-and-miss, Clase has a shot to be a high-quality main leaguer, as much as and together with as an on a regular basis participant. He’s simply 20 — gained’t flip 21 till subsequent Could — and is trending in the appropriate route in all aspects.

15. Adam Macko, LHP

When he’s wholesome and at his finest, Macko is 92-95 mph, touching 97, with arm aspect run and life up within the zone with a four-seamer to arrange two good breaking balls, led by an above-average slider. His curveball has flashed, too, however within the two begins I noticed him it was crazy and he slowed his arm right down to throw it, and general he struggled to seek out consistency regardless of flashing huge potential and performances.

I haven’t seen something resembling a helpful changeup, but when he can refine the supply, throw loads of strikes, and get above-average fastball worth, his two breaking balls could also be sufficient for him.

There’s loads of expertise right here, however Macko’s growth has been disrupted by damage and he might be 22 to start out subsequent season with a observe file of 35/40-grade management, suggesting 2023 might be an enormous 12 months for him.

There’s nonetheless a shot hes’s a mid-rotation starter, maybe a bit like Drew Smyly, however Matt Moore is a comp I run into rather a lot.

16. Prelander Berroa, RHP

Berroa was acquired from the San Francisco Giants in trade for Donovan Walton and has since been spectacular from a stuff standpoint.

The fastball will contact 96 mph, however it’s fairly true forcing him to find it, which he does pretty nicely — he tends to remain up or in (or each) to right-handed batters to arrange a tough slider that has an opportunity to be plus in time.

Berroa, simply 5-foot-11, throws from a excessive arm slot, however does nicely tunnelling the fastball and slider. When he struggles to complete, nonetheless, the slider will cling.

There’s a changeup within the arsenal someplace, however I haven’t seen it, and his arm is usually late. These two elements are why the everyday projection on Berroa is a future bullpen position, and that’s additionally have been I’m.

However it might be an excellent two-pitch assault, and in shorter stints Berroa might method triple digits.

17. Michael Morales, RHP

Morales is extra of a really intriguing challenge than a high prospect, however his clean, simple mechanics already are producing velocity as much as 93 mph with command.

Morales has 4 reputable pitches, one of the best of which is a two-plane curveball with depth. He’ll throw it by the again door to lefties in any rely, and proper now it’s his finest wager for swings and misses.

Morales’ slider can flatten out and he doesn’t throw it rather a lot. The changeup is seldom-used, too, however it flashes, because of good arm velocity and a few sink.

He’s a mean athlete when it comes to quickness and twitchy actions, however operates rather a lot like Greg Maddux — effectively, with a supply he repeats very nicely, and I just like the fastball’s life, even at 91.

It’s comparatively simple to challenge Morales for 4 big-league pitches and a spot in a rotation someplace, however there’s not but rather a lot that jumps out at you. He’s simply 19 and with such simple velocity it’s cheap to assume the membership can go get extra of it with higher use of his decrease half and extra aggression towards the plate, however whether or not or not that noticeably impacts his potential to throw strikes and in the end represents a downgrade in general worth stays to be seen.

18. Isaiah Campbell, RHP

Campbell has been transitioned to a reduction position, which was at all times a reputable vacation spot however maybe cemented after he underwent elbow surgical procedure.

Campbell has 4 pitches, however in reduction has gone solely to a fastball-slider combo. He’s as much as 98 mph and the slider has sharp, late break, although he tends to tug up brief on it some, leaving it up within the zone and really hittable. His fastball lacks life and is healthier when he creates aircraft and stays on the perimeters.

I’m curious how the Mariners handle Campbell. Not from the standpoint of promotions — he’s now in Double-A — however when it comes to  pitches and their growth. He’s proven splitter previously — it was in all probability his finest pitch in faculty — and the fastball might use reshaping. I do know they’re simply wanting him to get innings proper now, however prior to later it must be about what they will flip him into over the lengthy haul.

Campbell in all probability ranks a number of spots increased right here if his observe file was longer and the fastball was a bit higher at lacking barrels, however like Hancock he hasn’t pitch all that a lot and is absolutely enjoying catch-up this season.

19. Alberto Rodriguez, RF

I’m not practically as excessive on Rodriguez as some, regardless of the actual fact he continues to place up fairly good exit velocities because of good bat velocity and a brief swing.

He’s been challenged with each extra and higher breaking stuff this season and hasn’t dealt with it nicely, and he’s expanded the zone greater than ever earlier than. He’s drifted out in at the very least half the 30 or so plate appearances I’ve seen, which is one thing he doesn’t need to do as a result of his fingers are fast and his path to the ball is brief sufficient, however he’s not recognizing pitches and areas quickly sufficient to fight this.

He’s a mean defender at finest, has a plus arm, and is a below-average runner, so it’s all about his bat and I simply don’t actually see it.

I belief the info, nonetheless, so he has a shot to iron out some stuff between the ears and permit his swing to play, however it’ll be a waste of 60 uncooked energy if he doesn’t, and there’s no different method he will get to the large leagues.

20. Tyler Locklear, 1B

Locklear was the Mariners’ second-round choose, a data-driven choice with one strategy to work out in the long run: he has to mash.

At VCU, he did simply that albeit in opposition to questionable competitors, however the numbers are astounding: .402/.542/.799 with 47 extra-base hits — 20 HR — and a 47-25 BB/Ok ratio. He backed that with 9 homers on the Cape final summer season.

The ability is at the very least 60-grade, and there’s rather a lot to love in regards to the swing from a mechanical standpoint. He begins open together with his fingers excessive, settling early and using an abbreviated leg kick and driving by the ball with minimal wasted actions.

He’s a bit stiff athletically, main many to imagine he has to maneuver to first base, and if that’s the case the stress on the bat is big. Locklear isn’t as heavy-footed as I used to be led to imagine initially, however his actions within the area are very… first basey. He does have a plus throwing arm.

This choice and this prospect is a little bit of a litmus take a look at for the membership’s participant growth workers, at the very least from my perspective. They’ve developed Cal Raleigh and Kyle Lewis into big-league hitters — though Lewis was a little bit of a can’t miss in some ways, and Raleigh proved himself versus one of the best competitors in newbie baseball — Locklear might want to hit much more than Raleigh has so far to warrant common time within the present, and Seattle hasn’t but developed that form of participant into that form of main leaguer.

21. Starlin Aguilar, 3B

Aguilar got here to professional ball with a swing engineered for contact and doubles energy, however up to now he’s managed the strike zone nicely, however hasnt discovered many barrels. Within the advanced league this season he has six doubles in 152 plate appeaeances — 0 homers — although he has maintained good contact charges and hit for common.

He’s simply 18, nonetheless, and has time to enhance his conditioning and develop his swing. The preliminary thought was hit-over-power, however with an opportunity to develop pull pop as a result of the swing is clear and Aguilar’s bat velocity is above common.

Defensively there are main questions as to how he says on the grime, until it’s at first base; he’s not athlete and his throwing arm is under common, too.

My hope right here is Aguilar finally ends up a 6-foot-1 or 6-foot-2, 220-pound participant regardless of being listed at 5-foot-11, 170 when he signed two winters in the past. With that form of physicality, it’s not as troublesome to see the facility bloom. However manufacturing is all that may preserve him within the Prime 25.

22. Juan Mercedes, RHP

Mercedes has proven high quality stuff and command all 12 months for Everett, the one bugaboo being the home-run ball (10 in 71 innings). He’s lacking bats within the Northwest League with principally fastball and two breaking balls, one of the best of which is a slurvy slider. The fastball is as much as 95 mph with some arm aspect journey and hop.

He repeats fairly nicely and his body and supply ought to deal with 100-plus pitches, however whereas his changeup flashes, there’s little consistency to it but, which is why Mercedes tasks to the bullpen.

23. Axel Sanchez, SS

Sanchez has been on my radar since Day 1, however not till I received a take a look at him in Stockton did I fall for the child.

I knew he had good fingers, arm, and toes, however what I didn’t know was Sanchez has power, bat velocity, and hits the ball exhausting. He ripped 4 balls over 100 mph in two video games with me in attendance, together with three extra-base hits. The loft and leverage was pure.

He’s a legit long-term shortstop with a 55 arm and straightforward, pure actions. He’ll have some issues protecting the zone versus higher pitching together with his present assault plan, however he’s simply 19 and has proven energy, velocity, and protection each years in professional ball. I wouldn’t be shocked if Sanchez climbs into the Prime 10 in some unspecified time in the future, however his potential to make constant exhausting contact as he strikes up the ladder will dictate that, and all the pieces else.

24. Stephen Kolek, RHP

The knocks on Kolek are age, he’s already 25, consistency — he’s gone two video games with out strolling three or extra simply as soon as all 12 months and has had below-average command in about half his begins — and the shortage of a top quality third providing.

However it’s an enormous fastball, into the 96-97 mph vary with out loads of effort, and an above-average slider with which he generates swing and misses and referred to as strikes.

The whole bundle works in a reduction position the place Kolek in all probability sits 95-100 mph, and there’s shot the slider sharpens, too, giving him a possible high-leverage position.

25. Travis Kuhn, RHP

Kuhn is a pure reliever and doubtless one of the best within the system proper now. He’s 95-98 with a two-seam fastball with good sink, run, and the info to again it, and a 60-grade slider that’s a brief, cutter-style breaker. Each induce swings and misses.

Kuhn must throw extra strikes, nonetheless, which in all probability begins with a tweak to the supply. His uncooked stuff and proximit to the majors lands him right here at 25.

Simply Missed

Robert Perez Jr., 1B
I’m nonetheless eager to see Perez present he could make constant contat earlier than I purchase into his bat, as a result of his profile is all bat. He’s in Everett displaying off now. The offseason replace might very nicely replicate my opinion altering on Perez.

Joseph Hernandez, RHP
He’s a center reliever within the huge leagues, however his fastball-slider combo and lower-than-average arm slot make him very attention-grabbing in such a task.

Milkar Perez, 3B
He began the 12 months with a shot to hit his method into the Prime 10 however the precise reverse has occurred as he’s hit nicely underneath .200 with now energy. Having stated that, he’s nonetheless simply 20 years of age, has bodily instruments to work with and continues to point out he can work counts and draw walks.

George Feliz, CF
Whereas Feliz maintains centerfield projections, they aren’t as sturdy as they as soon as have been, and he’s struggled on the plate with a prolonged swing and lack of zone self-discipline.

Edryn Rodriguez, 2B
The 19-year-old is an efficient athlete who can deal with second base nicely and discover the gaps recurrently.

Martin Gonzalez, SS
He’ll in all probability find yourself at second, however there’s contact abilities and hole energy upon which to construct.

Jean Munoz, RHP
There’s simply not sufficient observe file right here but, however Munoz will sit 92-94 mph and hit 96 with a four-seamer displaying arm aspect tail. He at present is rolling out a 79-83 mph slider I think about the membership would love the tighten and agency into the mid-80s or higher, and a changeup with out a lot sink or fade however it’s a pitch he can win with because of misleading arm velocity.

Hogan Windish, 2B
I simply haven’t seen sufficient of Windish as a professional — nor has anybody else — to get really feel, however I did see him deal with second base simply high-quality for 18 innings in Stockton. He doesn’t have greater than fringe vary however he turned it on the bag, made each play he had the possibility to and confirmed an above-average arm.