It’s about to warmth up within the desert.
The Arizona Fall League begins play on Oct. 3 with six weeks of prospect-filled motion across the Valley of the Solar to comply with. Rosters for all six groups have been introduced Friday and are loaded with a number of the finest expertise the Minor Leagues has to supply.
Sixteen of MLB Pipeline’s Prime 100 prospects are included on these rosters, together with 4 of the Prime 20. Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker (No. 6) and D-backs shortstop Jordan Lawlar (No. 13) will workforce up for Salt River, whereas Reds shortstop Noelvi Marte (No. 18) fits up for Glendale and Pirates catcher Henry Davis (No. 20) for Shock.
Listed below are all 16 Prime 100 representatives:
6. Jordan Walker, OF, Cardinals (Salt River)
13. Jordan Lawlar, SS, D-backs (Salt River)
18. Noelvi Marte, SS, Reds (Glendale)
20. Henry Davis, C, Pirates (Shock)
23. Robert Hassell III, OF, Nationals (Peoria)
24. Zac Veen, OF, Rockies (Salt River)
42. Jasson Domínguez, OF, Yankees (Mesa)
47. Quinn Priester, RHP, Pirates (Shock)
51. Brennen Davis, OF, Cubs (Mesa)
54. Masyn Winn, SS, Cardinals (Salt River)
69. Andy Pages, OF, Dodgers (Glendale)
76. Matt McLain, SS, Reds (Glendale)
87. Jackson Merrill, SS, Padres (Peoria)
95. Tink Therefore, RHP, Cardinals (Salt River)
97. Nick Gonzales, 2B, Pirates (Shock)
98. Zack Gelof, 3B, Athletics (Mesa)
The Fall League incorporates six groups yearly with 5 Main League farm methods filling these rosters with expertise. The AFL/MLB associates are as follows for the 2022 marketing campaign:
Glendale: Brewers, Dodgers, Reds, Twins, White Sox
Mesa: Athletics, Cubs, Marlins, Rays, Yankees
Peoria: Guardians, Mariners, Mets, Nationals, Padres
Salt River: Blue Jays, Cardinals, D-backs, Rockies, Tigers
Scottsdale: Angels, Braves, Giants, Orioles, Purple Sox
Shock: Astros, Phillies, Pirates, Rangers, Royals
The annual Fall Stars Recreation will happen Nov. 6 at Sloan Park and might be aired dwell on MLB Community at 7 p.m. ET/5 p.m. MT. The inaugural AFL Residence Run Derby might be held at some point earlier. The AFL Championship Recreation may even be broadcast on MLB Community from Salt River Fields at Speaking Stick on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. ET/5 p.m. MT. In one other new occasion for 2022, the Fall League will maintain a Chase Area Tripleheader that includes all six groups enjoying on the residence of the Arizona Diamondbacks on Oct. 15.
The pitch timer coming to the Main Leagues in 2023 (15 seconds with bases empty, 20 seconds with runners on) might be applied throughout this 12 months’s Fall League marketing campaign, as will the bigger bases and restrictions on defensive positioning (minimal 4 infielders on the filth, two on both sides of second base).
The AFL may even use the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) Problem at Salt River and Chase Area video games. Batters, pitchers and catchers can problem a ball or strike name instantly, and the decision might be decided by the ABS system. Either side has three challenges per sport, and a profitable problem is returned to the membership. These challenges have been used within the Florida State League throughout the 2022 common season.
The preliminary Fall League rosters are under, damaged down by every of the 30 farm methods. Roster adjustments may nonetheless be made earlier than Opening Day and all through the AFL season.
Blue Jays (Salt River): Addison Barger, 3B/SS (No. 14); Tanner Morris, INF (No. 19); Zach Britton, OF; Hagen Danner, RHP; Hunter Gregory, RHP; Anders Tolhurst, RHP
The Toronto contingent ought to give the Rafters some heft on the filth this autumn. Barger, a sixth-round decide in 2018, has loved a breakout season at Excessive-A and Double-A the place improved swing selections have helped him faucet into above-average energy extra often. Morris, who has been on the injured listing since early August, bought off to a tough begin at Triple-A Buffalo however nonetheless confirmed a adequate strategy to stroll as a lot as he struck out on the Minors’ high stage. Regulate Danner. The catcher-turned-pitcher can contact the upper-90s and showcase an above-average slider however was restricted to 4 Double-A appearances with a lat harm.
Orioles (Scottsdale): Heston Kjerstad, OF (No. 10); Cesar Prieto, INF (No. 19); Noah Denoyer, RHP; Nolan Hoffman, RHP; Easton Lucas, LHP; Nick Richmond, RHP; Reed Trimble, OF
It’s been probably the greatest feel-good tales of the 2022 season seeing Kjerstad, the O’s high decide within the 2020 Draft, in motion for the primary time after myocarditis saved him from enjoying in any respect in 2021. He hit his manner from Single- to Excessive-A this 12 months and the AFL can hopefully assist him prepare for the higher ranges. A star within the Cuban Nationwide Collection, Prieto defected in 2021 and signed for $650,000 in January of this 12 months. The 23-year-old infielder raked in Excessive-A (1.000 OPS in 25 video games) and hasn’t hit as properly in Double-A, whereas seeing time at three infield spots.
Rays (Mesa): Mason Auer, OF (No. 13); Sandy Gaston, RHP (No. 22); Alex Ayala Jr., LHP; Blake Hunt, C; Antonio Menendez, RHP; Tanner Murray, INF; Evan Reifert, RHP
Tampa Bay has a knack for getting essentially the most out of a participant’s instruments, and Auer is actually loaded up in that regard. The 2021 fifth-rounder is a plus runner with a cannon of an arm from the outfield, and he confirmed sufficient bat to hit .290/.372/.487 over 115 video games at two A-ball ranges in his first full season. Gaston has thrown exhausting — he’ll tickle triple-digits now and again — since signing for $2.61 million in November 2018. He transitioned to a full-time aid function at Single-A Charleston and matched strikeouts (77) with a heavy dose of walks (56) in 54 2/3 innings.
Purple Sox (Scottsdale): Nick Yorke, 2B (No. 5); Thad Ward, RHP (No. 16); Niko Kavadas, 1B (No. 22); Wilyer Abreu, OF (No. 24); Aaron Perry, RHP; Steven Scott, C; Jacob Webb, RHP; Ryan Zeferjahn, RHP
After a spectacular .325/.412/.516 professional debut between two Class A stops in 2021, Yorke slumped to .231/.303/.365 in Excessive-A this 12 months whereas coping with toe and wrist accidents. Ward regained his plus slider and reached Double-A this summer season whereas getting back from Tommy John surgical procedure in 2021 and will issue into Boston’s pitching plans subsequent season. Kavadas is a slugger who ranks fifth within the Minors with 101 walks and has hit .286/.450/.562 with 26 homers whereas advancing to Double-A in his first full 12 months as a professional.
Yankees (Mesa): Jasson Domínguez, OF (No. 2/MLB No. 42); Nelson Alvarez, RHP; Yorlin Calderon, RHP; Tyler Hardman, 3B/1B; Shaine McNeely, RHP; Leam Mendez, RHP; T.J. Rumfield, 1B
One of the crucial hyped worldwide prospects ever, Domínguez already has performed in two SiriusXM All-Star Futures Video games as a youngster and has the upside of strong or higher instruments throughout the board. Mendez is essentially the most intriguing of those Yankees pitching prospects, lacking bats with a 92-95 mph fastball with driving motion and flashing a promising mid-80s splitter.
Guardians (Peoria): Angel Martinez, SS/2B (No. 12); David Fry, 3B/1B/C; Mason Hickman, RHP; Connor Kokx, OF; Cade Smith, RHP; Lenny Torres, RHP
The son of former huge league catcher Sandy Martinez, Angel is a precocious 20-year-old switch-hitter who has batted .282/.381/.480 with 40 extra-base hits and 12 steals in 98 video games between Excessive-A and Double-A. As soon as ranked as one of many Guardians’ high pitching prospects, Torres is making an attempt to recapture a fastball that touched 98 mph and a slider that confirmed flashes of changing into a plus pitch earlier than he had Tommy John surgical procedure in Might 2019.
Royals (Shock): Tyler Gentry, OF (No. 8); T.J. Sikkema, LHP (No. 18); Samad Taylor, 2B/OF (No. 27); Christian Chamberlain, LHP; Jonah Dipoto, RHP; John Rave, OF; Walter Pennington, LHP
Gentry missed a lot of final season with knee points however has been a breakout star within the KC system this time round with a slash line above the golden .300/.400/.500 commonplace at Excessive-A and Double-A. A productive AFL might be an enormous cherry on his 2022 sundae. Sikkema and Taylor have been Commerce Deadline acquisitions in offers involving Andrew Benintendi and Whit Merrifield, respectively, so a number of additional weeks in Arizona will give the Royals lengthier seems at their latest prospects.
Tigers (Salt River): Colt Keith, 3B (No. 6); Dillon Dingler, C (No. 10); Parker Meadows, OF (No. 17); Joey Wentz, LHP (No. 25); Tyler Mattison, RHP (No. 26); Jack Anderson, RHP; Andrew Magno, LHP; Gage Workman, SS
It’s a Prime-30-heavy group with 5 completely different representatives heading to Speaking Stick for Detroit. Tigers followers will already know Wentz from his current Main League expertise, although he might be making up for time misplaced to shoulder points with further innings in Arizona. Keith was hitting .301/.370/.544 in 48 video games at Excessive-A West Michigan earlier than struggling a shoulder harm in early June. He could have some rust to knock off in Arizona, however his above-average hit device may ease the transition. Meadows will carry some momentum with him, having hit .305/.381/.524 in 82 Double-A video games since June 1.
Twins (Glendale): Austin Martin, OF/SS (No. 12); Edouard Julien, 2B (No. 14); Denny Bentley, LHP; Alex Isola, C; Jon Olsen, RHP; Francis Peguero, RHP; Ryan Shreve, RHP
The one-time No. 5 total decide of the Blue Jays who was despatched to the Twins as a part of the 2021 Commerce Deadline deal for José Berríos, Martin has struggled to realize traction as a prospect offensively, making tons of contact, however with out a lot impression. He additionally missed a piece of this season with a wrist harm, so he’s each making up for misplaced time and making an attempt to get on monitor. Julien is ending up an impressive season with Double-A Wichita, with an OPS over .900, a ton of walks, first rate energy and even some stolen bases.
White Sox (Glendale): Adam Hackenberg, C (No. 30); Moises Castillo, SS/2B; Declan Cronin, RHP; Sammy Peralta, LHP; Lane Ramsey, RHP; Chase Solesky, RHP; Terrell Tatum, OF
One of many higher defensive catchers within the White Sox system, Hackenberg additionally owns strong uncooked energy however wants extra consistency a the plate after batting .221/.316/.324 between Excessive-A and Double-A in his first full professional season. Armed with a low-90s fastball and a low-80s breaking ball, Peralta logged a 3.70 ERA with 68 strikeouts in 56 Double-A innings.
Angels (Scottsdale): Werner Blakely, SS (No. 15); Kyren Paris, SS/2B (No. 20); Ivan Armstrong, RHP; Kelvin Caceres, RHP; Jack Kochanowicz, RHP; Connor Van Scoyoc, RHP; Bryce Teodosio, OF
The Angels took Blakely from the Detroit highschool space ranks within the fourth spherical of the 2020 Draft and went over-slot to signal him. He’s made a really good step ahead with a transfer to full-season ball, although he’s missed a variety of the season on account of harm. Whereas Paris, the membership’s 2019 second-round decide, didn’t put up nice numbers in Excessive-A this 12 months (.229/.345/.387), he has completed the season swinging the bat properly up in Double-A earlier than heading to the AFL. He must proceed engaged on his strategy, however does have an intriguing power-speed mixture.
Astros (Shock): J.C. Correa, C/2B/3B; Colton Gordon, LHP; Rhett Kouba, RHP; Matt Ruppenthal, RHP; Scott Schreiber, 1B/OF; Jonathan Sprinkle, RHP; Will Wagner, INF
Schreiber has a number of the finest uncooked energy within the Astros system, although he has performed simply 20 video games this season following again surgical procedure within the spring. The son of former Houston nearer Billy Wagner, Will stands out extra for his really feel for the sport than his instruments and has hit .259/.375/.392 between Excessive-A and Double-A.
The A’s are sending seven Prime 30 gamers to Arizona (and Guldberg has been on the listing prior to now), led by Gelof, their second-round decide in 2021, who made a really robust leap as much as Double-A for his first full 12 months whereas exhibiting a capability to play each third and second base. Each Ginn and Cusick are commerce acquisitions value watching. The A’s bought Ginn from the Mets within the Chris Bassitt commerce this previous March. He had Tommy John surgical procedure in his Draft 12 months in 2020 and has missed a considerable amount of this season with forearm points. Cusick got here from the Braves within the Matt Olson commerce and is making up for misplaced innings due to an indirect pressure.
Mariners (Peoria): Adam Macko, LHP (No. 8); Alberto Rodriguez, OF (No. 14); Bryan Woo, RHP (No. 15); Robert Perez Jr., 1B (No. 21); Ty Adcock, RHP; Jorge Benitez, LHP; Jose Caballero, INF; Spencer Packard, OF; Juan Then, RHP
Macko’s passport is sort of as attention-grabbing as his stuff. The lefty was born in Slovakia (he’d be the primary Main Leaguer from the nation if he makes it), grew up in Eire and graduated highschool in Alberta, Canada. He’s additionally a lefty who can contact the higher 90s together with his fastball, however has missed a variety of growth time with shoulder tenderness in 2021 and a torn meniscus this 12 months. The Mariners are enthusiastic about Woo’s potential. A sixth-rounder in 2021 who had Tommy John surgical procedure that spring, he’s come again and already pitched his method to Excessive-A with an attention-grabbing three-pitch combine.
Rangers (Shock): Luisangel Acuña, SS/2B (No. 7); Kumar Rocker, RHP (No. 8); Aaron Zavala, OF (No. 11); Cody Freeman, C/3B; Jayce Easley, 2B/OF; Trevor Hauver, OF; Jake Latz, LHP; Nick Starr, RHP; Grant Wolfram, LHP
The No. 3 total decide and one of many highest draft decisions ever to make his professional debut within the AFL, Rocker can push his fastball to 99 mph and destroy hitters with a wipeout slider within the mid-80s. Acuña is not as explosive as his older brother Ronald however reveals strong uncooked energy and pace whereas enjoying a high quality shortstop. Zavala has superior bat-to-ball abilities and hit .283/.428/.462 with 16 homers and 14 steals between Excessive-A and Double-A.
Braves (Scottsdale): Justyn-Henry Malloy, OF (No. 13); Cal Conley, SS (No. 14); Jose Montilla, RHP; Alex Segal, LHP; Austin Smith, RHP; Allan Winans, RHP
Malloy, the Braves’ sixth-round decide in 2021, has made an enormous leap up the Braves’ Prime 30 with a really robust first full season of professional ball. He hit his manner from Excessive-A to Double-A, exhibiting unimaginable endurance (a stroll charge properly over 15 p.c) and a few extra-base thump. Conley was taken two rounds earlier within the 2021 Draft and has performed largely shortstop for Single-A Augusta and Excessive-A Rome. The switch-hitter has grown into some pop, however his pace is his finest device, one which has him with greater than 35 steals this 12 months.
Marlins (Mesa): Jose Salas, INF (No. 5); Joe Mack, C (No. 9); Victor Mesa Jr., OF (No. 15); Tyler Eckberg, RHP; Justin Fall, LHP; Holt Jones, RHP; Chandler Jozwiak, LHP
The second-youngest participant on an AFL roster, Salas is superior for a 19-year-old and has five-tool upside. A supplemental first-round pick of a New York highschool in 2021, Mack has the prospect to hit for common and energy and in addition shows athleticism and a robust arm behind the plate. Mesa Jr. stands out together with his bat-to-ball abilities and total baseball savvy.
Mets (Peoria): Mike Vasil, RHP (No. 11); Grant Hartwig, RHP (No. 22); Stanley Consuegra, OF (No. 23); Christian Scott, RHP (No. 28); Kevin Kendall, SS; Troy Miller, RHP; Brandon McIlwain, OF; Luke Ritter, INF; Franklin Sanchez, RHP
Vasil was our highest climber on the Mets’ midseason Prime 30 after exhibiting improved velocity from his College of Virginia days. The 2021 eighth-rounder missed a while with forearm tightness however completed with 85 strikeouts in 71 1/3 innings, largely at Single-A and Excessive-A. Hartwig’s climb from an undrafted right-hander in 2021 to the Fall League is a enjoyable one; his plus slider might be a powerful weapon in Arizona. Consuegra has plus uncooked energy and a good higher outfield arm, however strikeout considerations blunt his offensive potential.
Nationals (Peoria): Robert Hassell III, OF (No. 1, MLB No. 23); Yasel Antuna, OF (No. 19); Drew Millas, C (No. 30); Darren Baker, 2B; Tim Cate, LHP; Will Frizzell, 1B; Lucas Knowles, LHP; Brady Lindsly, C; Orlando Ribalta, RHP; Amos Willingham, RHP
Hassell extends his Nationals introduction after the 21-year-old outfielder was the headlining prospect included within the Juan Soto/Josh Bell Commerce Deadline blockbuster. Regardless of having simply reached Double-A, the left-handed slugger brings probably the most superior hit instruments of this 12 months’s AFL crop. Antuna simply reached Double-A himself on the tail finish of his second 40-man season and can look to show he nonetheless belongs on that roster. The 22-year-old switch-hitter reveals promising bat pace from either side however has hit simply .154 in 22 video games with Harrisburg. Baker was a SiriusXM All-Star Futures Recreation participant and is the son of Astros supervisor Dusty Baker.
Phillies (Shock): Johan Rojas, OF (No. 5); Francisco Morales, RHP (No. 11); Jhailyn Ortiz, OF (No. 17); Carlos De La Cruz, 1B/OF; Taylor Lehman, LHP; Brett Schulze, RHP
A very dynamic heart fielder whose pace has allowed him to high 60 steals in 2022, Rojas makes a ton of contact, however tends to be too over-aggressive on the plate in consequence. He’ll maintain engaged on his strategy and making an attempt to drive the ball extra this fall. A transfer to the bullpen has allowed Morales to the touch the large leagues, however he’s struggled there and in Triple-A. He does have swing-and-miss stuff with a fastball that touches the higher 90s and a plus upper-80s slider.
Brewers (Glendale): Tyler Black, 2B/OF (No. 6); Jeferson Quero, C (No. 7); Russell Smith, LHP (No. 20); Logan Henderson, RHP (No. 24); Abner Uribe, RHP (No. 26); Ryan Middendorf, RHP; Je’Von Ward, OF; Zavier Warren, INF
Black entered professional ball with a fame as a plus hitter and was assembly expectations with a .406 OBP and 44/45 Ok/BB ratio in 64 video games at Excessive-A Wisconsin earlier than struggling a left scapula fracture in July. If he’s wholesome, his mixture of strategy and flexibility might be very helpful to the Desert Canines. Quero missed a while together with his personal proper shoulder harm however loved a .286/.342/.439 line in 95 video games throughout his first leap to full-season ball at Single-A Carolina. Although he’s a strong hitter, the 19-year-old may be even higher defensively behind the plate and can get an enormous project working with an AFL employees.
Cardinals (Salt River): Jordan Walker, OF (No. 1, MLB No. 6); Masyn Winn, SS (No. 2, MLB No. 54); Tink Therefore, RHP (No. 6, MLB No. 95); Connor Thomas, LHP (No. 24); Ryan Loutos, RHP (No. 26); Mike Antico, OF; Kyle Leahy, RHP; Pedro Pages, C
St. Louis is one in every of solely two organizations sending three Prime 100 prospects to this 12 months’s Fall League. Walker solidified his place within the Prime 10 with one other robust offensive season, hitting for each common and energy, and he’ll proceed his transfer from third base to the outfield to get out of Nolan Arenado’s shadow on the scorching nook. Winn’s 80-grade arm at quick is already the stuff of legend, whereas his offensive enhancements at Excessive-A and Double-A pushed him into the Prime 100 for the primary time. Therefore boasts three above-average pitches in his fastball, curve and alter. He simply wants extra alternatives to point out them off after topping out at 4 innings per begin at Single-A. An aggressive project to Arizona might be an enormous take a look at.
Cubs (Mesa): Brennen Davis, OF (No. 2/MLB No. 51); Matt Mervis, 1B (No. 21); Bailey Horn, LHP; Zac Leigh, RHP; Riley Martin, LHP; Sheldon Reed, RHP
The MVP of the 2021 Futures Recreation, Davis missed a lot of this season following again surgical procedure June 2 to right a nest of blood vessels that was pushing towards a nerve in his again and inflicting discomfort. He has a number of the finest all-around instruments within the system, highlighted by properly above-average uncooked energy. Mervis ought to compete for Chicago’s first-base job subsequent 12 months after contending for the Minor League residence run title (he at the moment ranks second with 33 and leads with 73 extra-base hits).
The Pirates are one in every of two groups sending three Prime 100 gamers, with their final three first-round picks all going. Davis was the No. 1 decide in final 12 months’s Draft and whereas he’s reached Double-A, he’s additionally missed a variety of time with wrist points, so he’ll get extra ABs in addition to the prospect to maintain engaged on his receiving. Priester, their 2019 first-round decide, has pitched properly, largely in Double-A, however an indirect harm saved him off the mound till June. Gonzales (2020 first-rounder) was probably the greatest hitters within the AFL final 12 months, however had a tough time getting going then missed a big chunk of the season with a heel harm.
The Reds have some depth up the center of their group they usually’re sending two very gifted center infielders to Glendale. They bought Marte from the Mariners within the Luis Castillo deal and after an uneven first half of the season, the 20-year previous put up strong numbers, ending a house run shy of becoming a member of the 20-20 membership. McLain has had a little bit of an up-and-down first full season after the Reds took him within the first spherical of the 2021 Draft. He made the leap all the way in which as much as Double-A and although he struggled with the aggressive project at occasions, he nonetheless has topped 15 homers and 25 steals with Chattanooga even whereas lacking a month with a wrist harm.
D-backs: Jordan Lawlar, SS (No. 3, MLB No. 13); Deyvison De Los Santos, 3B/1B (No. 6); Kyle Backhus, LHP; J.B. Bukauskas, RHP; Jackson Goddard, RHP; Cooper Hummel, C; Chad Patrick, RHP
The Fall League will symbolize Lawlar’s fourth stage of 2022. The 2021 sixth total decide has already climbed from Single-A to Double-A in his first full season, exhibiting off a well-rounded skillset at each cease, and he’ll get to proceed to take action in his future residence state. De Los Santos is definitely the youngest participant on an preliminary AFL roster, having simply turned 19 in June. His spectacular uncooked energy might be a number of the finest in Arizona this fall, and with Statcast knowledge out there at Salt River residence video games, maintain a detailed eye on a few of his exit velocities.
Dodgers (Glendale): Andy Pages, OF (No. 5/MLB No. 69); Jose Ramos, OF (No. 8); Jorbit Vivas, 2B/3B (No. 16); Emmet Sheehan, RHP (No. 22); Hyun-Il Choi, RHP; Tanner Dodson, RHP; Ben Harris, LHP
Pages and Ramos are equally tooled outfielders, with properly above-average arm power from the appropriate facet of the plate — they mixed for 51 homers this season — and arm power to match. Vivas is without doubt one of the higher contact hitters within the Minors and batted .269/.3745/.401 in Excessive-A. Sheehan can contact 99 mph together with his fastball and has a sophisticated changeup, two weapons that allowed him to put up a 2.83 ERA, .180 opponent common and 101 strikeouts in 63 2/3 innings in Excessive-A.
Giants (Scottsdale): Luis Matos, OF (No. 3); Carson Whisenhunt, LHP (No. 7); Will Bednar, RHP (No. 13); Adrian Sugastey, C (No. 19); Hunter Dula, RHP; Tyler Myrick, RHP; Andy Thomas, C; Logan Wyatt, 1B
Former Prime 100 Prospect Matos is understood for his bat-to-ball abilities, strong pace and excessive baseball IQ, however he is making an attempt to get again on monitor after batting .211/.275/.344 in Excessive-A. A second-round decide in July out of East Carolina, Whisenhunt had probably the greatest changeups within the 2022 Draft and units it up with a 91-95 mph fastball. The Most Excellent Participant on the Faculty World Collection and the thirteenth total decide in 2021, Bednar battled again points and noticed his stuff again up throughout his first full professional season. Sugastey is a contact hitter with properly above-average arm power behind the plate.
Padres: Jackson Merrill, SS (No. 1, MLB No. 87); Joshua Mears, OF (No. 14); Alek Jacob, RHP (No. 24); Efrain Contreras, RHP (No. 25); Nerwilian Cedeno, 3B/2B (No. 26); Jordan Guerrero, RHP; Chris Lincoln, RHP
Merrill might need ranked larger in our midseason Prime 100 replace if not for wrist and hamstring accidents that restricted him to 45 video games at Single-A Lake Elsinore. He hit .325/.387/.487 in that span, and his AFL project is an indication of simply how aggressive the Padres imagine they’ll get with him. After a busy Commerce Deadline season, the 2021 first-rounder has turn into the face of the San Diego farm. Mears is tooled-up with unimaginable energy and shocking pace for his measurement at 6-foot-3, however a strikeout charge north of 40 p.c might be extra untenable the upper he climbs. He nonetheless might need a number of the loudest contact within the Valley when he does put the bat on the ball this fall.
Rockies (Salt River): Zac Veen, OF (No. 1/MLB No. 24); Warming Bernabel, 3B (No. 8); Grant Lavigne, 1B (No. 13); Blair Calvo, RHP; Fineas Del Bonta-Smith, RHP; Braxton Fulford, C; Stephen Jones, RHP; Peter Lambert, RHP
The No. 9 total decide within the 2020 Draft, Veen hit properly with Excessive-A Spokane and went to the Futures Recreation. Whereas the leap to Double-A in August has been more durable, Veen has stolen greater than 50 bases and has double-digit residence runs total. Bernabel has hit all 12 months, incomes a bump up from Single-A Fresno (.317/.390/.504) to hit over .300 with Excessive-A Spokane. There’s extra energy to come back as he continues to be taught to be extra selective.
