Cubs OF Pete Crow-Armstrong looked like a difference-maker on defense in his debut. I’ve read some speculation that he wouldn’t be a lineup regular over the next few weeks, and I have to disagree with that. Granted, teams don’t always do the things that make sense with their prospects, but PCA is a playoff weapon, and so long as he doesn’t strike out too much (29.7 percent in Triple-A), he’ll make the team better by covering center.
Orioles C Samuel Basallo (19, AA) hit six home runs in his last seven games at High-A and forced a promotion to Double-A just one month into his 19th year on the planet. He has 20 home runs and 12 stolen bases in 101 games across three levels (well, two, considering he’s only played one game in Double-A). Feels like the kind of guy who gets traded for way too much in dynasty leagues this winter, a la Diego Cartaya. If you were quick enough to land Basallo this year, put him on the block this winter and see what trickles in.
In 12 High-A games, Rays 1B Xavier Isaac is slashing .408/.491/.898 with six home runs and two stolen bases, raising his season-long totals to 19 and 12 in 102 games across two levels. With Kyle Mazardo gone to Cleveland, Isaac is the heir apparent at first base in Tampa, and he’s tracking as an easy Top 25 prospect from a fantasy perspective.
Padres OF Samuel Zavala (19, A+) homered in his High-A playoff opener on Tuesday night. He hit .078 in 14 games there to close out the regular season, so it’s great to see a spark on a big stage.
Guardians 1B CJ Kayfus (21, A) is slashing .391/.548/.913 with seven walks, four strikeouts and three home runs over his last seven games. A six-foot, third-round pick in the 2023 draft, Kayfus isn’t the kind of guy who generates much coverage in the prospect-sphere but who hits well every step of the way until he forces the issue.
Reds 2B Carlos Jorge (19, A+) is hitting .239 with a .277 OBP across 23 High-A games but has caught on quickly and is slashing .308/.349/.667 with three home runs in his last ten games. He’s been a named guy for a while but will move way up some lists over the winter if he continues to finish strong.
Guardians SS Kahlil Watson’s (20, A+) season-long slash line is .216/.329/.405, but he’s at .382/.463/.735 with three home runs and six stolen bases over his last nine games.
Padres OF Tyler Robertson (23, A+) has 31 stolen bases across three levels this year, and he’s hitting better than ever in nine games at High-A, slashing .343/.375/.552 with two home runs and five stolen bases. He’s old for the level but baseball-young for his age after being a college freshman at 20 and losing that season to the covid-19 shutdown.
Thanks for reading!
