With roughly two months worth of baseball activity behind us, it’s time to re-rank some stuff. Sure, that’s an awful reason to rank things, and what’s baseball activity anyway? But Keith Law gets to update his after a couple of months, so why can’t cha boy Ralphie L? Some things have changed, for sure, some top prospects have either graduated, or are on the cusp of graduating. Most notably Andrew Benintendi, Dansby Swanson, Hunter Renfroe, Manuel Margot, Aaron Judge, and Tyler Glasnow. I figure if you’re in the majors, I ain’t gonna rank ya no more. There’s been a few jumps, the most significant of which is Chicago Cubs prospect Ian Happ. For those of you who don’t follow minor league box scores, he’s pretty much the Eric Thames of the minors leagues. Only minus the beard or the Popeye muscles. My excitement over Lewis Brinson and Cody Bellinger should be easily identified, they slot second and third respectively. As for the rest of the list you’re going to have to see for yourself. No, I won’t be sliding Tyler Mahle into my Top 25, after the perfect game last night. I had to get it in somewhere, right?
The Updated Top 25
1. Yoan Moncada, 2B Chicago White Sox: 15 games, .300/.382/.517, 13 runs, 4 HR, 5 RBI, 4 SB
There’s not much to say outside the kid can flat out hit. He brings power, and speed, with a plus hit tool. Strikeouts have absolutely been a problem (21 in 60 at bats), and could make his next taste of the majors bumpy. That said the numbers are still great.
2. Lewis Brinson, OF Milwaukee Brewers: 10 games, .395/.435/.698, 10 runs, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 2 SB
It’s only a matter of time before Brinson is up, and could easily impact redraft teams upon arrival. Great contact skills with power and speed, he’ll fit nicely with this new look Brewers offense.
3. Cody Bellinger, 1B Los Angeles Dodgers: 15 games, .357/.438/.696, 14 runs, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 5 SB
So far Bellinger is loving life in the PCL, bidding his time until the Dodgers finally need him. His ETA is a mystery, as he could easily start in LA now, but I’m sure service time is a consideration. I foresee a utility role, spelling A-Gon at first in American League parks, and splitting time between the corner outfield spots.
4. Austin Meadows, OF Pittsburgh Pirates: 15 games, .196/.270/.286, 5 runs, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 2 SB
So, yeah he’s had a slow start as you can plainly see. There was a slight Meadows callup alarm this week, upon the announcement of Marte’s suspension. But every came to their senses and realized Meadows won’t be up until his super 2 date has passed. It’s the Pirates! He’ll come around, some time in the next few weeks.
5. Victor Robles, OF Washington Nationals: 8 games, .333/.394/.600, 7 runs, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 4 SB
On the DL after already missing a few games due to injury, but has been one of the most exciting players in the minors when he’s in the lineup. All the tools are there, and just a baby at 19, there’s superstar potential.
6. Kyle Tucker, OF Houston Astros: 16 games, .295/.362/.574, 12 runs, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 6 SB
The numbers so far in the Carolina League have been eye popping. He has the pedigree, and I’ve been vocal about him being my greatest under rank on my Top 100. I want to own Tucker in every dynasty, could see some time in the majors late 2018.
7. Gleyber Torres, 2B/SS/3B New York Yankees: 10 games, .237/.341/.342, 5 runs, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1 SB
If you’re a Gleyber owner, please look at those numbers and don’t panic. He’s more than just a product of the Yankee hype machine, though to ignore that element boosting his lofty status would be foolish. He does it all, but has finally hit a snag, and found himself on the DL with a rotator cuff injury.
8. Clint Frazier, OF New York Yankees: 14 games, .224/.322/.449, 7 runs, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 2 SB
Okay, so it hasn’t been a grand beginning for the Yanks two top prospects, once again, small sample size don’t get excited. She didn’t. Frazier will settle in, and he will hit. I’m not sure how soon we see him, but come June or July, he’s one injury away from the Bronx.
9. Eloy Jimenez, OF Chicago Cubs: Has Not Played In 2017
He’s been on the DL with a shoulder injury, but has been nothing less than impressive for the last year. Not much to update other than he’s one of the top power prospects in the minors.
10. Brendan Rodgers, 2B/SS Colorado Rockies: Has Not Played In 2017
Back to back injured young’ins, Rodgers is an exciting bat, with a lot of potential, but much of his stock is boosted by his future landing spot.
11. Ian Happ, 2B/OF Chicago Cubs: 15 games, .266/.338/.609, 13 runs, 7 HR, 12 RBI, 1 SB
I’m willing to overlook the .266 batting average and focus on the power if you can. He’s been super unlucky as his BABIP is .211, however with 7 homers he’s making his own luck sometimes. He looks like he’s ready, if it weren’t for defensive questions, he might push Javier Baez.
12. Tyler O’Neill, OF Seattle Mariners: 15 games, .200/.234/.367, 6 runs, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 4 SB
Through his first 15 games he’s struggled at AAA, and much of what his detractors have cited in the past has held true. But I don’t care, another small sample size, O’Neill will straighten it out.
13. Francis Martes, RHP Houston Astros: 3 games, 2.92 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, 12.1 Innings, 12 K’s
Being president of the small righty fan club it’s my duty to boost up and sell the best a brightest in the small righty world. If you’re going to believe in one small righty believe in Martes. His scoreless streak came to an end last night, and he’s been WHIP’d a bit. Keep in mind he’s young, and is extremely advanced for a 21 year old pitcher.
14. Franklin Barreto, SS Oakland Athletics: 16 games, .344/.400/.574, 9 runs, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 1 SB
The saving grace of the Josh Donaldson deal is blossoming in AAA this season. When the A’s call him up, is up for debate, but my guess is we see him in June, and he stays up. Hit tool and power is there, but is the speed disappearing?
15. Raimel Tapia, OF Colorado Rockies: 10 games, .341/.408/.523, 10 runs, 0 HR, 7 RBI, 2 SB
He’s been up to the majors once this season, but it’s unlikely he sticks for any extended period of time barring a trade. I’ve gone on record as saying I think he can win a batting title hitting at Coors, and I still believe that.
16. Rafael Devers, 3B Boston Red Sox: 12 games, .348/.362/.522, 4 runs, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 0 SB
If Pablo Sandoval continues to struggle in the field, Devers and his strong defense could find himself starting everyday by July. His contact ability is his carrying tool, the hope is he grows into more power.
17. Brent Honeywell, RHP Tampa Bay Rays: 3 games, 2.84 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 19 Innings, 21 K’s
Was called up to AAA this week, and immediately came back down to earth. He’s made a massive jump in my rankings, because his early performances have made me a renewed believer, and reaffirmed what I suspected. He’s capable of keeping hitters off balance with an array of pitches he throws for strikes.
18. Nick Senzel, 3B Cincinnati Reds: 17 games, .239/.311/.313, 8 runs, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2 SB
Th struggles are real for the consensus numero uno in last year’s first year player drafts. He’s not doing any of the things we bought him for. You’re supposed to be safe Senzel! That said I’m not giving up over 17 games. Neither should you.
19. Willie Calhoun, 2B Los Angeles Dodgers: 17 games, .316/.339/.404, 6 runs, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 2 SB
Waiting on the power to start showing, but the .300+ batting average is great to see. I’m a bigger fan of Calhoun than most, all the kid does is hit.
20. Josh Hader, LHP Milwaukee Brewers: 4 games, 3.15 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 20 Innings, 15 K’s
The walks have been a problem, but he’s still maintaining a low 3’s ERA in Colorado Springs, and in the PCL to boot. I’d be lying if I didn’t say the walks and homers worry me.
21. Willy Adames, SS Tampa Bay Rays: 14 games .207/.288/.379, 10 runs, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 0 SB
Not the best start to Adames’ AAA career, but no reason to worry, lots of young players take a month to settle into a new level. I tell my self these things to curb the anxiety.
22. Zack Collins, C Chicago White Sox: 14 games, .191/.339/.340, 7 runs, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 0 SB
Another big mover in my rankings, and based off the above numbers it’s not necessarily merited. He’s still getting on base, and fully trust that he’ll heat up and start swatting homers. His D behind the plate has been very solid so far.
23. Bradley Zimmer, OF Cleveland Indians: 15 games, .241/.302/.466, 10 runs, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 SB
The talk of the Indians camp, didn’t make the team out of spring, and has struggled with contact issues at AAA. Still possesses power, speed, and a glove that will keep him in the lineup.
24. Amed Rosario, SS New York Mets: 16 games, .387/.418/.435, 7 runs, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 4 SB
A great real life prospect, and not a bad one for fantasy, but it’s tough to really see him as a fantasy star. He doesn’t have a ton of power, but does possess a strong hit tool and speed, so it’s tough to write him off.
25. Ozzie Albies, 2B/SS Atlanta Braves: 16 games, .282/.312/.437, 12 runs, 0 HR, 7 RBI, 7 SB
The future double play partner of Dasnby Swanson, in Atlanta, and if Swanson keeps this up Gwinnett too. He brings a contact and speed profile, projecting as a boost in runs, average, and steals. There is more pop in the bat than you see on the surface.
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