Braden Shewmake, ATL, SS
Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
Drafted 21st overall by the Braves, Shewmake reminds me of a more advanced version of a guy I covered earlier in Bryson Stott. He is a high-floor, low-ceiling hitter who rates at average to above average in all categories. He is ranked higher than Stott, however, as he has shown more advanced and MLB ready skills both at the plate and on the base paths, and although his ceiling isn’t exceptional, he does project as a serviceable player in multiple categories. The Braves agree as Shewmake advanced to AA ball in 2019 with an excellent 151 wRC+ in A ball. He’s a lanky, projectable shortstop at 6’4″, so he could fill out his frame for more power moving forward, which, coupled with his impressive bat speed, could lead to league average power output in the big leagues and 20+ HR seasons at his peak. His AVG and OBP numbers will be his selling point, however, and I think he could lead the SS position in those categories once he gets the call-up. To round out his calling card, Shewmake has shown impressive base path instincts paired with a deceptive long-stride speed, which should lead to double-digit steals. Let’s see how he adapts to AA to start 2020 before we buy-in on this low-ceiling prospect, but his fast rise through the low minors warrants his current FYP ranking, and a good showing out the gates will certainly add some helium to his overall prospect ranks.
Brett Baty, NYM, 3B
Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 40 | Arm: 60 | Field: 50 | Overall: 55
Baty’s potential with the bat was so enticing that the Mets made him their first, 1st round 3B selection since 1987 at 12th overall. He hasn’t disappointed yet, making his way up to A ball by the end of 2019 to the tune of an impressive .368 OBP and .462 SLG. Baty’s AVG might never be high enough to contribute in that category; however, If you’re looking to stash a pure power hitter, Baty is a guy to keep an eye on. Baty hits from the left side of the plate but has the raw power to all fields and has shown that it translates to the game just fine. I expect plus to plus-plus power by the time he reaches the majors. Beyond the power, Baty has shown impressive plate discipline along with a solid hit tool. He’s a big kid at 3B, but at 20 years old already and 6’3″, 210 pounds, he’s likely reached his maturity and has shown that the size does not affect his ability to play the position. Great news, as his power will be highly coveted at the hot corner when he is big-league ready. Given his advanced age for a prep player, expect a fast track through the Mets org. His power will move him up prospect boards quickly, so get in now while you have a chance, and look forward to gaudy HR numbers soon.
George Kirby, SEA, P
Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 60 | Overall: 50
The Mariners have had a recent trend of success from their first-round college draft picks, and Dipoto and the M’s seem to have found another winning piece in George Kirby, whom they selected 20th overall in the 2019 draft. Kirby is already on a fast track through the M’s system, having shown an impressive four-pitch arsenal that is all but big-league ready and could develop as plus across the board. That arsenal contains a plus fastball which can touch 98 but sits at 93-94., a curveball and slider that both flash plus potential and a deceptive, sinking changeup with plus potential. His calling card to-date has been his plus command that was brought over from the college world to his professional debut, walking zero batters in 23 innings pitched at A ball. You read that right, zero batters. Anytime you can couple plus command of that caliber with an elite arsenal and a big-league frame (6’4″, 201lbs), you’ll be looking at a number 2 starter in any rotation, enough to warrant his top SP ranking in my FYP Top 100. This arsenal certainly has the potential to be elite with some added professional instruction, and an impressive start to 2020 could lead to Kirby seeing the top ranks of SP prospect boards.
Hudson Head, SD, P
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 60 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50+
Hudson Head being this high on my top 100 might seem lofty, as the Padres didn’t select him til pick 84 in the 2019 draft, but he showcased some serious talent last Spring and certainly warranted a discussion as a top prospect. I am personally highlighting him in this discussion over guys like Bleday and Green because he is still available in most dynasty leagues; however, Head will soon be climbing up prospect rankings, so pick him up while you still can! Head is a toolsy outfield prospect who could excel in multiple fantasy categories and already showed off his impressive skills during his rookie league debut with a .283/.383/.417 line. His plus bat speed and lofty swing could produce 20-25 HR power in the future, coupled with 20+ steal seasons thanks to a plus speed rating, and although he is only 18, he should not outgrow his speed. He passes the eye-test, as he looks like a great center-field prospect, and his well-rounded skillset will certainly play at the major league level.
Andrew Vaughn, CWS, 1B
Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Run: 30 | Arm: 50 | Field: 45 | Overall: 60
My number one ranked FYP was the third overall selection by the White Sox in the 2019 draft, but likely has the highest floor of any player in the class. Vaughn slots in just above Dominguez at number one because of his very high floor (at 21 years old, we know what we’re getting here) and the system he plays within. The White Sox are moving him quickly through their minor league system, hoping to have him up in the majors for their big 2021 push for a title, and Vaughn’s workup should adapt well. His 2019 numbers were not gaudy by any means, but you can expect some “positive regression” as he adapts to this fast track; he is too good of a hitter not to. Vaughn can become a plus-plus hitter thanks to a simply beautiful, natural, effortless swing, which allows him not to have to try too hard at the plate. Considerable bat speed and strength coupled with an all-fields approach and patient eye will lead to .300/.360/.515 type seasons with 30+ home runs as a floor. Those numbers will turn Vaughn into an elite hitter in any format, but with more big-league instruction, he could produce a much loftier ceiling, which will add fuel to the barnburner he’ll surely produce in the majors. While Dominguez’s current ceiling might be higher than Vaughn’s, it’s hard to place all your bets on a 17-year-old prospect when Vaughn can make a major impact on your fantasy roster in a short time.
Rank | Prospect | Team | Pos | B | T | Age | Level | ETA |
25 | Luis Rodriguez | LAD | OF | R | R | 17 | Rookie | 2024 |
24 | Braden Shewmake | ATL | SS | L | R | 22 | AA | 2021 |
23 | Josh Jung | TEX | 3B | R | R | 21 | A | 2021 |
22 | Daniel Espino | CLE | P | R | R | 19 | Rookie | 2023 |
21 | Greg Jones | TB | SS | S | R | 21 | Rookie | 2022 |
20 | Will Wilson | SF | SS | R | R | 21 | Rookie | 2022 |
19 | Alek Manoah | TOR | P | R | R | 22 | Rookie | 2021 |
18 | Brett Baty | NYM | 3B | L | R | 20 | Rookie | 2022 |
17 | Jackson Rutledge | WAS | P | R | R | 20 | Rookie | 2021 |
16 | Kameron Misner | MIA | OF | L | L | 22 | A | 2021 |
15 | Kody Hoese | LAD | 3B | R | R | 22 | Rookie | 2021 |
14 | Robert Puason | OAK | SS | S | R | 17 | NA | 2024 |
13 | Hudson Head | SD | OF | L | L | 18 | Rookie | 2023 |
12 | JJ Bleday | MIA | OF | L | L | 22 | A+ | 2021 |
11 | Nick Lodolo | CIN | P | L | L | 21 | A | 2021 |
10 | Erick Pena | KC | OF | L | R | 16 | Rookie | 2024 |
9 | George Kirby | SEA | P | R | R | 21 | Rookie | 2021 |
8 | Riley Greene | DET | OF | L | L | 19 | A | 2021 |
7 | Hunter Bishop | SF | OF | L | R | 21 | Rookie | 2021 |
6 | Adley Rutschman | BAL | C | S | R | 21 | A | 2021 |
5 | Bobby Witt Jr. | KC | SS | R | R | 19 | Rookie | 2023 |
4 | Corbin Carroll | ARI | OF | L | L | 19 | Rookie | 2022 |
3 | CJ Abrams | SD | SS | L | R | 19 | A | 2022 |
2 | Jasson Dominguez | NYY | OF | S | R | 16 | Rookie | 2023 |
1 | Andrew Vaughn | CWS | 1B | R | R | 21 | A+ | 2020 |
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