Anyone who’s anyone loves prospect, right? Especially in fantasy, more specifically dynasty players because, let’s face it, dynasty players are more hard-core than redraft players! That’s right, I said it; prove me wrong if you disagree! But I digress; I wanted to write an article that ended up turning into a series about prospects outside the top-100 that dynasty owners should be paying attention to mainly because, well, that’s what we do, isn’t it?!? Over the next few articles, I will discuss prospects outside the top-100 who should be on your radar. Today we start with prospects in the 401 to 500 range, all under the age of 20-years-old. So let’s jump right in, shall we?
Catcher – Antonio Gomez, NYY (age: 19)
45 Hit | 50 Power | 30 Run | 60 Arm | 50 Field
Keep an eye on this development in the coming season because I’ve seen his organizational ranking vary from #10 to #22 overall. With that much disparity, I’m more likely to believe some scouts see potential but need more games played to get an accurate grade/ranking. At 17-years-old Gomez played in 15 games where his slash line was .288/.351/.442 and had a K% of 15.8%.
1B – Mahki Backstrom, ATL (age: 19)
40 Hit | 60 Power | 50 Run | 40 Arm | 50 Field
Mahki played in 23 games in 2019, where he slashed .300/.402/.457 with a .413 wOBA. Yes, he has some swing and miss in his game with a 32.9% K%, but that is to be expected at his age. For being an 18th round pick, he’s a big kid with a ton of power upside. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 220 pounds, Mahki will grow into his size, and once he finds his power stroke, he may very well turn some heads in the organization.
2B – Jorbit Vivas, LAD (age: 19)
50 Hit | 40 Power | 50 Field | 40 Arm | 45 Run
Jorbit has already been climbing the ranks within the Dodgers organization. He has increased his slash lines at every level he’s stopped at thus far in his young professional career, all while managing to keep his K% under 17%. Vivas doesn’t project to have much power, but his hit tool and fielding will make him an interesting play. Since the Dodgers are loaded with young talent all over the infield, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Vivas get traded in the next couple of years.
3B – Malcom Nunez, STL (age: 19)
45 Hit | 50 Power | 45 Field | 60 Arm | 30 Run
Malcom, a Cuban native, has progressed through three levels of the Cardinals organization to date. He’s got apparent power in his swing hitting 13 home runs in 44 games during his stint in rookie ball while keeping his BB% and K% to 13.1% and 14.6%, respectively. He struggled a little in Advanced ball to end 2021, but he did play winter ball and has made some key adjustments in his game.
SS – Milan Tolentino, CLE (age: 19)
40 Hit | 40 Power | 55 Field | 45 Arm | 50 Run
Milan was drafted in the 4th round of the 2020 amateur draft and, as such, because of COVID, has yet to play any professional ball. Scouts will be watching how his power progresses to project his future more accurately, but it’s believed Tolentino maybe a 4th round steal by the Indians.
OF – George Feliz, SEA (age: 18)
45 Hit | 50 Power | 50 Field | 60 Arm | 55 Run
Feliz was the highest-paid international signing the Mariners made in 2019. He’s projected to be a power-hitting center fielder because of his natural athleticism. Keep an eye on Feliz in the upcoming years.
OF – Darryl Collins, KC (age: 19)
60 Hit | 50 Power | 50 Field | 40 Arm | 40 Run
Collins played in one season of rookie ball where he slashed .320/.401/.436 with a wOBA of .396 over 48 games. He has yet to hit a home run in his professional career, but scouts aren’t overly concerned with that saying he’ll grow into his power stroke.
OF – Elio Prado, BAL (age: 19)
50 Hit | 40 Power | 50 Field | 45 Arm | 55 Run
Elio is being viewed as a toolsy lottery ticket within the organization. He was part of the package the Orioles got for Andrew Cashner. He’s athletic and defensively skilled with developing power and a good eye at the plate as he’s managed to keep a fairly balanced BB% to K%.
Pitcher – Markevian “Tink” Hence, STL (age: 17)
60 FB | 60 CB | 45 CH | 60 Control | 55 Command
“Tink” has flashes of a plus fastball, plus curveball, and plus command. He needs to mature in both strength and profile, but the upside is there for sure. His ceiling looks to be a 3-pitch arsenal but projects to be mid to back of the Cardinals’ end rotation arm.
Pitcher – Alex Santos, HOU (age: 19)
55 FB | 60 CB | 45 SL | 45 CH | 55 Control | 50 Command
Santos is said to have a big-time fastball and curveball with plus control. He’s being viewed as a high strike-out, mid-rotation arm in the Astros organization. Keep your good eye on this kid as he develops because I’m expecting a quick ascension through the Astros organization.
Here are the links to the other articles in this series:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
As always, feel free to reach out to me via Twitter @drunkenangelz.
