LOGIN

Ladies and Gentleman, I present to you my pièce de résistance!! Yes, applaud for me, revel in my greatness. I even broke out a fancy accent marked phrase, who does that but a pretentious liberal arts major with delusions of grandeur? This is my title fight, the list for which all prospectors are measured. It’s my Top 100 Prospects for 2017 Fantasy Baseball. Now that I’ve gotten beyond all the muckedy muck, let me explain a little about my list, and ranks. First: Yes I 100% factor in proximity, and it effects my rankings. Second: Upside is the most important factor. Third: Production in the minors matters to me. Unless it’s in a crazy ballpark (cough, cough FirstEnergy Stadium: Reading, Pa), or contradictory to batted ball data. I’ve been deep in my hole since early October breaking down every system in the minors, reviewing video on Youtube, looking at batted ball data, checking the stats, and reading any and every scouting report I can get my hands on. It’s one part eye test/ one part player profile/ one part production. I’ve been training all offseason for this, only my training involves sweat pants, a laptop, and lots of snacks. Speaking of snacks, I’m hungry let’s get into the list!! You already know who’s ranked first… It’s Top 100 Prospects day!

 

The Pre-Season 2017 Top 100 Prospects for Fantasy Baseball

1.  Andrew Benintendi, OF | Age: 22 | Red Sox | 2016 Level MLB/AA/A+

Benny Baseball, Benny with the good hair, Chainz, Mi Amor! This man will make or break my reputation. After gaining 20 lbs of muscle, I’m all in on him in all formats. ETA: 2017

2.  Yoan Moncada, 2B/3B | Age: 22 | White Sox | 2016 Level MLB/AA/A+

Arguably 1B to Benintendi, netted the Sox an ace in Chris Sale, and there’s a reason many think Moncada was the best piece in the deal. Power/speed combo with hit tool. Moves back to 2B, with Chicago, should start the season in AAA Charlotte. ETA: 2017

3.  Austin Meadows, OF | Age: 21 | Pirates | 2016 Level: AAA/AA

Breaking into his power stroke in 16′ pushes him way up to the top of the list. More than likely spends a majority of the year at AAA, should see promotion immediately if the Bucs find a suitor for Cutch. ETA: 2017

4.  Victor Robles, OF | Age: 19 | Nationals | 2016 Level: A+/A/Rk

19 years old and full of potential. The highest ceiling in the minors with elite hit tool/speed/power mix, turns 20 in May and is still a few years away. Potential superstar in the making. ETA: 2019

5.  Eloy Jimenez, OF | Age: 19 | Cubs | 2016 Level: A+

I love power, it makes my standard issue Prospector sweatpants pitch tents. Eloy has the best power ceiling in the minors. Voted most likely to draw Giancarlo Stanton comps by his Top 100 classmates. ETA: 2019

6.  Cody Bellinger, 1B/OF | Age: 21 | Dodgers | 2016 Level: AAA/AA

First base is one of the most shallow positions in the minors, and Bellinger is the best of the group by a wide margin. Love his flyball focused swing, and multi-position eligibility he’ll have early in his career. ETA: 2017

7.  Brendan Rodgers, SS/2B | Age: 20 | Rockies | 2016 Level: A

He was introduced to baseball by a man named Ralph. Destined for greatness from that moment. Brings plus hit/power tools, from a middle infielder, the prospects of a career at Coors boost his value. Should destroy the Cal League hitting at Lancaster. ETA: 2019

8.  Lewis Brinson, OF | Age: 22 | Brewers | 2016 Level: AAA/AA

Great mix of contact/power/speed, has cut down on the strikeouts of late, still needs to work on breaking ball recognition. Should start the season in AAA Colorado Springs, and could hit his way into the Brewers OF by late June. Built in replacement should Braun be traded, Santana or Broxton falter. ETA: 2017

9.  Dansby Swanson, SS | Age: 22 | Braves | 2016 Level: MLB/AA/A+

The safest shortstop prospect in the minors, he’ll start from day 1 and could be the Braves two-hitter for a decade. His hit tool is his stand out, but speed and power are above average. Defense will keep him at short. ETA: 2017

10.  Gleyber Torres, SS | Age: 20 | Yankees | 2016 Level: A+

I’m buying the hype, because he’s improved at each level along the way. Hit tool and understanding of game is beyond his years. Star of the AFL at 19 years old. ETA: 2018

11.  Manuel Margot, OF | Age: 22 | Padres | 2016 Levels: MLB/AAA

Should be dynamic leadoff threat from day one, I foresee his ceiling as perennial 100 run producer with high average, and 15 homer pop. ETA: 2017

12.  Clint Frazier, OF | Age: 22 | Yankees | 2016 Level: AAA/AA

Bat speed magician, with five category skill set. Could be starring in the Bronx by July if a spot opens up, needs to cut down on the strikeouts to meet his full potential. ETA: 2018

13.  Tyler Glasnow, RHP | Age: 23 | Pirates | MLB/AAA

After the cold hands of TJ touched Alex Reyes, Glasnow shot to the top of the pitching heap. His nasty stuff, and upside make him the top pitching spec for me. If he can harness his stuff and get the Bb/9 under 5 he’s a fantasy ace. ETA: 2017

14.  Raimel Tapia, OF | Age: 22 | Rockies | 2016 Level: MLB/AAA/AA

One of the best hit tools in the minors, bat to ball skills are elite. Could be batting title contender every season with the Coors BABIP bump. ETA: 2017

15.  Tyler O’Neill, OF | Age: 21 | Mariners | 2016 Level: AA

Looks like a superhero and hits like one too. Best player in AA last year, showed another gear in the playoffs. Halp and I are the high men on O’neill, but work ethic, production, and power projection have me drooling. ETA: 2018

16.  Francis Martes, RHP | Age: 21 | Astros | 2016 Level: AA

Case could be made for Martes over Glasnow, higher floor, lower ceiling, but still ace level talent. Body isn’t ideal, and he’s a small righty, but was electric after June 1st posting 2.72 ERA/2.33 FIP/10.0 K/9, 2.7 Bb/9. ETA: 2018

17.  Nick Senzel, 3B | Age: 21 | Reds | 2016 Level: A/RK

Top fantasy player from the 2016 draft, advanced college hitters have moved quickly in recent years, and based on early returns Senzel is no different. ETA: 2018

18.  Willie Calhoun, 2B | Age: 22 | Dodgers | 2016 Level: AA

Came out of nowhere in 2015 hitting 11 homers in first 73 professional games, followed that up with 27 knocks in AA in first full professional season. Almost never strikes out, K% was 11.6% in 2016. Defense is delaying his arrival. ETA: 2018

19.  Josh Hader, LHP | Age: 22 | Brewers | 2016 Level: AAA/AA

The top left handed pitching prospect in the game. He mixes a 95-97 MPH fastball, with a plus plus slider, from an unbelievably deception arm slot. They’ll always be health concerns because of the delivery, and that does worry me a little. RP risk isn’t as great a concern as it was a year ago. If he improves his changeup and control over the next year he could be unhittable. Should compete for a job out of camp. ETA: 2017

20.  Lucas Giolito, RHP | Age: 22 | White Sox | 2016 Level: MLB/AAA/AA

One of the biggest sinkers of the Top 100. Giolito’s down year coupled with a trade to the AL from the NL East, have cut into his upside. Still an elite pitching prospect, with a bright future, but it’s tough to rank him ahead of Glasnow, Martes, or Hader. ETA: 2017

21. Willy Adames, SS | Age: 21 | Rays | 2016 Level: AA

A personal favorite of mine, hit 48 XBH’s to go along with a 13% walk rate, and 13 steals. I’m in the camp that he sticks at short, a poor man’s Gleyber Torres, with a similar floor, and lower ceiling. Plus hit tool, surprising power, and great approach. ETA: 2018

22.  J.P. Crawford, SS | Age: 22 | Phillies | 2016 Level: AAA/AA

Better real life prospect than fantasy, but still a damn good player, with a high floor. His best asset is his on base ability, should be a leadoff hitter, and All-Star shortstop one day. The second best of the elite NL East SS prospects on the list. I predict a .290/15/15/.390 line in his peak years. ETA: 2018

23.  Anderson Espinoza, RHP | Padres | ETA: 2019 | 2016 Level: A

His ceiling is in another stratosphere, mix of precision, pitchability, and stuff. High octane fastball with nasty movement, a fantastic change, and above average curve. He’s a few years away, but he could explode overnight and fast track to the majors a la Julio Urias. ETA: 2019

24.  Hunter Renfroe, OF | Age: 24 | Padres | 2016 Level: MLB/AAA

A grip it and rip it masher, with 30 home run power right now. The strikeouts will be high, and the walks low, so the cold streaks will be cold. His hot streaks will carry you for weeks. NL Rookie of the Year candidate. ETA: 2017

25.  Rafael Devers, 3B | Age: 19 | Red Sox | 2016 Level: A+

Slumped his first two months in A+ as a 19 YO, from June 1st on slashed .331/.371/.522 with a 145 wRC+. Contact/power combo plus the defensive chops to stick at 3rd. ETA: 2019

26.  Bradley Zimmer, OF | Age: 23 | Indians | 2016 Level: AAA/AA

Another exciting fantasy prospect looking for a rebound. Zimmer’s strikeouts were out of control in 2016, but he’s an elite OBP player, with 30+ steal speed, and power in his bat. Makes hard contact to all fields, 6 of his 15 homers went oppo-taco. Looked super in the AFL .with a .962 OPS and 8 steals. Best outfield defender and base-stealer on Indians now. ETA: 2017

27.  Alex Reyes, RHP | Age: 22 | Cardinals | 2016 Level: MLB/AAA

Originally ranked 3rd, but the Tommy John Disease claimed another victim. Even on the shelf until 2018, he’s in the top 1/4 of the list. Ace ceiling, but it might be a few years till we see that. ETA: 2018

28.  Mitch Keller, RHP | Age: 20 | Pirates | 2016 Level: A+/A-

The 2016 breakout was fueled by newly found elite control, misses enough bats to be dangerous (9.5 in A ball), gets lots of grounders (48%), and weak contact. Some think he’s passed Glasnow. Will start the season in the Florida State League w/ Bradenton. ETA: 2018

29.  Derek Fisher, OF | Age: 23 | Astros | 2016 Level: AAA/AA

Exciting power/speed player, but strikeouts are part of the package. Not that different from Bradley Zimmer, but he’s got a tough assignment breaking through with the crowded Astros. Needs a trade. ETA: 2018

30.  Ozzie Albies, 2B/SS | Age: 19 | Braves | 2016 Level: AAA/AA

The best hit tool/speed combo on the list, switch-hitter with 40+ steal speed. Moved to second, where he’ll team up with Dansby Swanson to form an elite middle infield tandem, and top of the order for the next decade. ETA: 2018

31.  Tom Murphy, C | Age: 25 | Rockies | 2016 Level: MLB/AAA

Big power + Coors Field, need I say more? Due to split time with Tony Wolters, but I’m unsure what side of the platoon Murphy sees. If it’s 400+ abs 25 homers isn’t out of reach. NL Rookie of the Year Candidate. ETA: 2017

32.  Kyle Tucker, OF | Age: 19 | Astros | 2016 Level: A+/A

Super talented Prep Prospect from the 2015 draft, mixes elite hit tool with excellent base stealing instincts, and projectable power. Has an all-star ceiling, with a five category contributor floor. Another Astros homegrown fantasy superstar in the making. ETA: 2019

33.  Kyle Lewis, OF | Age: 21 | Mariners | 2016 Level: Rk

Was my top fantasy player heading into the draft, but a bad knee injury coupled with a break out from Nick Senzel, saw him drop to two. He’s been working back from the injury, and should make a return sometime this summer. If he can shake the rust and pick up where he left off he’ll be in the majors by…ETA: 2019

34.  Amed Rosario, SS | Age: 21 | Mets | 2016 Level: AA/A+

Carrying offensive tool is his ability to hit for average, which plays up due to his speed. His fielding might already be Gold Glove caliber, meaning he’s got no chance of moving off the position. Over the last year his approach, and his eye have improved, he’s not far off from Flushing. ETA: 2018

35.  Michael Kopech, RHP | Age: 20 | White Sox | 2016 Level: A+/A

Thor’s evil twin (Loki?), Kopech is a monster, and a must follow on Twitter. Legendary velocity, and work ethic, Kopech was the best pitcher in the Arizona Fall League, and one of 2016’s big risers. The second piece in the Sale trade, needs to silence bullpen, durability, and attitude concerns. Ace upside. ETA: 2018

36.  Dominic Smith, 1B | Age: 21 | Mets | 2016 Level: AA

He’s still only 21, so there could be more power to come, particularity with his keen eye and advanced approach to hitting. While I don’t foresee 30 home run years in Smith’s future he could be a .280/20/85 player with extra value in OBP leagues. ETA: 2018

37.  Aaron Judge, OF | Age: 24 | Yankees | 2016 Level: MLB/AAA

He’s been on these lists forever, so it’s fair to question Judge’s ceiling at this point. Should be a cheap source of power in re-draft this season. Struggled through his first taste of AAA, and then adjusted last season, maybe it’s the same in the bigs. ETA: 2017

38.  Josh Bell, 1B/OF | Age: 24 | Pirates | 2016 Level: MLB/AAA

Hit tool first, with no good place to stick him in the field. Showed power development last season, and will always hit for average. Major League bat, needs a chance to finally show what he can do. ETA: 2017

39.  Yadier Alvarez, RHP | Age: 20 | Dodgers | 2016 Level: A/Rk

Big righty with a 100 MPH heater, and nasty hook. Huge risk/reward prospect, but he’s in good hands with the Dodgers. ETA: 2020

40.  Jose de Leon, RHP | Age: 24 | Rays | 2016 Level: MLB/AAA

Elite changeup, that keeps hitters off balance, will always miss bats, but homers have been a problem. Should be up as soon as the Rays have a need, small chance he breaks camp. Future third starter with K upside. ETA: 2017

41.  Brent Honeywell, RHP | Age: 21 | Rays | 2016 Level: AA/A+

The Screwball is legendary, but there’s so much more to Honeywell. He throws all 5 of his offerings for strikes, and rarely gets in trouble with walks. At best he’s an ace, at worst he keeps your WHIP low. ETA: 2018

42.  Ronald Acuna, OF | Age: 19 | Braves | 2016 Level: A/Rk

Could be this season’s Victor Robles. Five tool player, that tore up Australia this winter, poised for a big jump in the mid-season list. Trade for him now. ETA: 2019

43.  Ian Happ, 2B/OF | Age:22 | Cubs | 2016 Level: AA/A+

Power/speed skillset, with the ability to draw walks. Swing and miss will keep his average lower, and he doesn’t have a true defensive position. On the brightside his future manager values such versatility. ETA: 2018

44.  Francisco Mejia, C | Age: 21 | Indians | 2016 Level: A+/A

Switch-hitting youngster with the historic 2016 season, that included a 50 game hit streak across two levels. Has shown great contact and power from both sides of the plate. Good defense, and big arm make him the best real-life catching prospect in the game. Victor Martinez type. ETA: 2019

45.  Isan Diaz, 2B/SS | Age: 20 | Brewers | 2016 Level: A –

Imagine Jonathan Schoop with a 13% walk rate and some speed.. Hi, let me introduce you to Isan Diaz. Struggled in the AFL, but was one of the youngest prospects there. I love the ceiling here! ETA: 2019

46.  Franklin Barreto, SS | Age: 22 | Athletics | 2016 Level: AAA/AA

Looks like he’ll move off short for the outfield at one point. Brings a plus hit tool, with some power, and 20+ steal speed. Has started to fill out, isn’t quite the runner he once was. ETA: 2018

47.  Alex Verdugo, OF | Age: 21 | Dodgers | 2016 Level: AA

Yes he’s young w/ an advanced approach, and good production, but there’s questions as to how much better he can get. There’s no doubt that he’s more than likely going to be an above average MLB player, but how much upside is there? ETA: 2018

48.  Luke Weaver, RHP | Age: 23 | Cardinals | 2016 Level: MLB/AAA/AA

Blessed with number two starter upside, Weaver mixes a mid-90’s fastball with an above average change, as well as average curve and cutter offerings. He throws all of his pitches for strikes, and pounds the zone frequently with double plus control. Dirty… Has a shot at 15+ starts now that Reyes is on the shelf. ETA: 2017

49.  Harrison Bader, OF | Age: 22 | Cardinals | 2016 Level: AAA/AA

Slashed .286/.350/.491 with 13 homers and 9 steals in 318 at bats, before being promoted to AAA Memphis in early July. In the Arizona Fall League, impressed once again hitting .304/.349/.430 with 2 homers and 4 steals. Likely to see assignment to AAA Memphis out of camp w/ a chance for promotion to the majors by June or July. ETA: 2018

50.  Mickey Moniak, OF | Age: 18 | Phillies | 2016 Level: Rk

The #1 overall draft pick in 2016 draft is a contact/speed prospect w/ developing power potential. Earned the top choice outplaying the more hyped Rutherford leading up to the draft. ETA: 2020

51.  Matt Chapman, 3B | Age: 23 | Athletics | 2016 Level: AAA/AA

True three outcome slugger with elite defense at the hot corner. Has the ability to hit 30 homers, but hit .220 while doing it. Is a no doubt major leaguer in my opinion. ETA: 2017

52.  Rowdy Tellez, 1B | Age: 21 | Blue Jays | 2016 Level: AA

Prospect most likely to have the name of a WWE superstar. A 30th round steal in the 2013 draft, Rowdy plays with a chip on his shoulder. Got to like the power (23 HRs/.520 SLG) and approach (12.3% Bb% to 17.9% K%) he showed in AA. E5’s replacement. ETA: 2018

53.  Triston McKenzie, RHP | Age: 19 | Indians | 2016 Level: A/A-

“Sticks” has the stuff, pitchability, projection, and production. Could easily find himself within the top 25-30, if he has a big 2017. Tribe has a special one right here. ETA: 2019

54.  Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 3B | Age: 17 | Blue Jays | 2016 Level: Rk

Like father, like son. Seriously watch Vlad Jr. take cuts, you would swear they cloned his father. One of the elite power tools in the minors, up there with Jimenez and Chapman. ETA: 2021

55.  Corey Ray, OF | Age; 22 | Brewers | 2016 Level: A+/A-

Top power/speed prospect from the 2016 draft. Sustained knee injury in instructs, will miss some time early. Tough assignment to A+ out the gate, settled in, power was victimized by rough home park/league. ETA: 2018

56.  Jason Groome, LHP | Age: 18 | Red Sox | 2016 Level: A-/RK

Makeup and signability concerns dropped him outside the top 10 to the Red Sox. May be the top pitching talent in last year’s draft. How long does it take Dombrowski to sell him? ETA: 2020

57.  Rhys Hoskins, 1B | Age: 23 | Phillies | 2016 Level: AA

How much of Hoskins production was Reading aided? A lot of it, but not all, had 13 homers on the road and .853 OPS. I trust him more than Cozens. Rarely strikes out, gets on base, flyball hitter. ETA: 2018

58.  Jesse Winker, OF | Age: 23 | Reds | 2016 Level: AAA

An OBP machine with a good chance at 500 MLB at bats in 2017. Power was sapped by wrist injury, and Great America Ballpark is a boost. Could be grossly underrated, or a solid unspectacular everyday player. ETA: 2017

59.  Erick Fedde, RHP | Age: 23 | Nationals | 2016 Level: AA/A+

Another TJ gamble paying off for the Nats. Looks like a solid mid-rotation type at worst, and a high end number 2 starter at best. ETA: 2018

60.  Zack Collins, C | Age: 21 | White Sox | 2016 Level: A+/RK

The bat plays everywhere, but at catcher he has a chance to be a difference maker. White Sox are the right organization for him to stick behind the plate. Elite power and on base ability. There’s some swing and miss to his game, and he’ll more than likely always carry a 250-265 average. ETA: 2018

61.  Robert Gsellman, RHP | Age: 23 | Mets | 2016 Level: MLB/AAA/AA

A groundball pitcher through and through, 56% GB rate between all levels. Improving swing and miss stuff and the inside track for the Mets 5th starter job. ETA: 2017

62.  Bobby Bradley, 1B | Age: 20 | Indians | 2016 Level: A+

If you like power you’ll love Bradley. A first base only, three outcome hitter. Range of outcomes is huge, could be Chris Carter if he doesn’t cut down on the whiffs or he could be Frank Thomas if he does. ETA: 2019

63.  Anthony Alford, OF | Age: 22 | Blue Jays | 2016 Level: A+/Rk 

One of the best athletes in the minors. Former college football player, still refining his baseball skills. Elite speed to go along with an improving hit tool. Risk/reward type prospect. ETA: 2019

64.  Kevin Maitan, SS | Age: 16 | Braves | 2016 Level: Pre-School

The wonder kid, with all the hype, but a long time to wait. He’s just 16 years old, and he draws comps to Miggy and Chipper. The last international with this hype was Miguel Sano. Proceed with caution. ETA: 2021

65.  Kolby Allard, LHP | Age: 19 | Braves | 2016 Level: A/Rk

My favorite Braves pitching prospect, a lefty with frontline starter stuff and makeup. Injury history a concern, and still years away. ETA: 2020

66.  Dylan Cease, RHP | Age: 20 | Cubs | 2016 Level: A-

Nasty swing and miss stuff on display in Short Season ball (13.3 K/9). So was lack of control (5.0), if he can harness his stuff, and stay healthy, lookout. ETA: 2019

67.  Yohander Mendez, LHP | Age: 21 | Rangers | 2016 Level: MLB/AAA/AA/A+

Big breakout last year from the lefty, as he cruised from A+ to the Majors by season’s end. Everything works off of his elite changeup, which plays up his fastball. Should log some innings with Texas this year. ETA: 2017

68.  Justus Sheffield, LHP | Age: 20 | Yankees | 2016 Level: AA/A+

Small lefthanded starter with a famous “Fake Uncle” in Gary, and a real talented brother in Jordan. He’s got a legit arsenal led by a mid-90’s sinking fastball, a mid-80’s slide-piece, and a change he can throw for strikes in any count. Forget the size of the dog, and check his fight. ETA: 2018

69.  Blake Rutherford, OF | Age: 19 | Yankees | 2016 Level: R

Power hitting prep prospect with a smooth lefthanded swing. Adjusted well to pro-ball, but he’s been groomed for stardom over the last two years. Legit lefty power hitter, looks like the perfect hitter for Yankee Stadium. ETA:2020

70.  Christin Stewart, OF | Age: 22 | Tigers | 2016 Level: AA/ A+

A three outcome power hitter, are you starting to get the sense that I like those guys? Yeah, I do. ETA: 2018

71.  A.J. Puk, LHP | Age: 21 | Athletics | 2016 Level: A-

He’s a raw college pitcher, not a profile I’m particularly a fan of, but I’d be crazy to ignore the ace upside. ETA: 2019

72.  Leody Taveras, OF | Age: 18 | Rangers | 2016 Level: A-/Rk

Crazy upside play, mixes great athleticism with some feel for hitting. Power is all projection, but speed is real. ETA: 2020

73.  Sean Reid-Foley, RHP | Age: 21 | Blue Jays | 2016 Level: A+/A

Cut Bb/9 in half in 2016 (3.0), and the 10+ K/9 remained. A 52% groundball rate make him the exact type of pitching prospect I target. ETA: 2018

74.  Casey Gillaspie, 1B | Age: 24 | Rays | 2016 Level: AAA/AA

A long time favorite of mine, and entirely underrated for fantasy. Has great on base skills, and above average power. Should be the Rays first baseman/DH of the future. Depends what happens with Jake Bauers. ETA: 2017

75.  Luiz Gohara, LHP | Age: 20 | Braves | 2016 Level: A/A-

A good get by the Braves this winter, an exciting lefthanded pitching prospect from Brazil that draws C.C. Sabathia comps for his skills, and body type. Top of the rotation upside if he can figure out his change. ETA: 2019

76.  Dan Vogelbach, 1B | Age: 24 | Mariners | 2016 Level: MLB/AAA

“The Jelly Donut of Swat”, needs to show and prove this year in Seattle. Nothing stands in his way from earning a regular big league gig. On base skills, hit tool, and some pop. ETA: 2017

77.  Chance Sisco, C | Age: 21 | Orioles | 2016 Level AAA/AA

One of the top catching prospects in the minors in real life. Great hit tool and developing power for fantasy. ETA: 2017

78.  Austin Riley, 3B | Age: 20 | Braves | 2016 Level: A

When prep hitters follow the draft with 12 homers in their first taste of proball, prospectphiles take notice. The early struggles and K’s scared many away, but I’m not sure why. Turned it on after June 1st and slugged 19 of his 20 homers for a .882 OPS. Buy the rebound! ETA: 2019

79.  Ramon Laureano, OF | Age: 22 | Astros | 2016 Level: AA/A

Loads of hard contact, speed, and some pop. 2014 16th round pick slashed .319/.428/.528 with 15 homers and 43 steals. Might be the most underranked player on the list. ETA: 2018

80.  Jorge Mateo, SS | Age: 21 | Yankees | 2016 Level: A+

An 80 grade speedster with some power in the bat. Had some maturity issues this year, might be rooted in what my Prospect Podcast co-host Michael Halpern calls the Yankees “Get off my lawn” mentality. Still tons to like, but there’s some risk too. ETA: 2019

81.  Thomas Szapucki, LHP | Age: 20 | Mets | 2016 Level: A-

Another in a long line of elite Mets arms with injury ?’s. The 14.9 K/9 in 2016, should tell you all you need to know. Good God! ETA: 2019

82.  Braxton Garrett, LHP | Age: 19 | Marlins | 2016 Level: N/A

The only good Marlins prospect, and they drafted him this year, go figure. A great balance of floor and upside from a prep pitcher. Strike thrower with good stuff, a future at the Crayola Crayon only boosts his value. A safe bet in first year player drafts. ETA: 2020

83.  Kevin Newman, SS | Age: 23 | Pirates | 2016 Level: AA/A

Call him boring all you like, but he’s a no doubt MLB player, with a polished hit tool, and more pop than you think. ETA: 2018

84.  Delvin Perez, SS | Age: 18 | Cardinals | 2016 Level: Rk

Long way off, but he’s got serious upside, gets a lot of high end comps like Carlos Correa, not sure how much of that is rooted in reality or a neat comparison between two talented young SS from the PR. ETA: 2021

85.  Max Fried, LHP | Age: 22 | Braves | 2016 Level: A

A 20 month hiatus following TJ, Fried made his return in a stacked Rome Braves rotation. The organization handled him with kids gloves, so it will be interesting to see if the chains come off this year. Has an outside shot of making a late season cameo in Atlanta. ETA: 2018

86.  David Paulino, RHP | Age: 22 | Astros | 2016 Level: MLB/AAA/AA

A giant with front line starter upside, with real injury, as well as bullpen risk. Upper 90’s heat, with a plus change, and plus 12-6 hook. Biggest question is his workload. ETA: 2017

87.  Dylan Cozens, OF | Age: 22 | Phillies | 2016 Level: AA

Yes, his numbers were Reading aided, look no further than the home/road slugging splits of .744/.441. With that said, he still hits homers and steals bases. ETA: 2017

88.  Luis Alexander Basabe, OF | Age: 20 | White Sox | 2016 Level: A+

The 3rd Top 100 player in the Chris Sale trade. Brings a power/speed skillset that can’t be ignored. The cherry on top of the White Sox winter if Moncada, Kopech, Giolito, and him all workout. ETA: 2019

89.  Fernando Tatis Jr., 3B | Age: 18 | Padres | A-/Rk

Tatis has so much helium he’s talking like Lord Quas. Just turned 18, so this one is projection heavy. He has the bloodlines, bat speed, and plus raw power. More than likely moves off of short, but his bat could play at the hot corner. ETA: 2021

90.  Greg Allen, OF | Age: 23 | Indians | 2016 Level: AA/A+

Former 6th round pick, people still ignore. Slashed .295/.416/.413 in 606 PA’s in 2016, and has stolen 121 bases since 2014. Was dynamic in the AFL, and looks like a prototypical leadoff hitter. ETA: 2018

91.  Amir Garrett, LHP | Age: 24 | Reds | 2016 Level: AAA/AA

Splitting time between AA Pensacola and AAA Louisville, the 6’5 lefty went 7-8 with a 2.55 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, and a K/9 of 8.2. Control is an issue, but gets loads of weak ground ball contact. ETA: 2017

92.  Jharel Cotton, RHP | Age: 25 | Athletics | 2016 Level: MLB/AAA/AA

Elite K/9 in the minors with control, I see more of a mid-rotation pitcher when all is said and done. Plus plus changeup with screwball action (take that Brent Honeywell!) Homers can be a problem. ETA: 2017

93.  Adrian Morejon, LHP | Age: 17 | Padres | 2016 Level: N/A

The top pitching prospect in the 2016 J2 class, was scooped up by the Padres for $11 million. Fastball touches 96, mixes in two changeups, and a curve. One of my favorite pitching prospects in first year player drafts. ETA: 2020

94.  Mitch Haniger, OF | Age: 26 | Mariners | 2016 Level: MLB/AAA/AA

Former top prospect, who was thrown onto the scrap heap and left for dead. Rebounded with .321/.419/.581 slashline across AA and AAA. Traded to the Mariners, where he’s got the inside track for a starting gig. ETA: 2017

95.  Cal Quantrill, RHP | Age: 21 | Padres | 2016 Level: A

One of the top college pitchers in 2014, bit by the TJ bug, didn’t pitch for nearly two years, and still went in the top 10. Has the bloodlines, and the top of the rotation upside. Was inconsistent, out the gate, but looked dominate at times. If it’s all systems go in 2017, he could move fast. ETA: 2019

96.  Juan Soto, OF | Age: 18 | Nationals | 2016 Level: Rk

Super young, but slugged his way onto dynasty manager’s radars, has gone in the top 15 of everyone of my first year player drafts. ETA: 2021

97.  Tyler Beede, RHP | Age: 23 | Giants | 2016 Level: AA

After a rough 2015, the velocity was back up last year, and he’s back on track for a future rotation spot in San Francisco. Not that top of the rotation talent many envisioned at Vandy, but he’s a good mid-rotation type. ETA: 2017

98.  Matt Manning, RHP | Age: 19 | Tigers | 2016 Level: RK

Plus-plus fastball and plus change all delivered from a big 6’6 frame. One of the top prep arms in the 2016 draft. Needs to get feel for his change and improve his control, to fulfill ace upside. ETA: 2020

99.  Reynaldo Lopez, RHP | Age: 23 | White Sox | 2016 Level: MLB/AAA/AA

Name value is greater than it is in reality. Elite fastball with triple digit velocity, but doesn’t miss enough bats. I foresee a future in the pen, but the White Sox will give him every opportunity to start. ETA: 2017

100.  Jahmai Jones, OF | Age: 19 | Angels | 2016 Level: A-/Rk

An NFL body, and a through the roof ceiling. Brings power and speed to the table, with superior athleticism. ETA: 2019

 

Thanks for reading ALL OF THAT… Ralph. Follow me on Twitter @Ralphlifshitzbb & Subscribe to my Youtube series

Check Out Our Minor League Preview Index for all articles and podcasts on all 30 teams!