2021 MLB Top Prospects: Ranking the rookies, sleepers to add to your fantasy baseball draft cheat sheets

While many issues about the 2020 season had been distinctive, the flood of prospect expertise into the majors represented the continuation of a constant multi-year development. Half of final 12 months’s preseason Top 50 MLB Prospects noticed big-league motion regardless of the shortened marketing campaign, and you’ll wager there shall be a lot extra in 2021. That means fantasy baseball house owners want a particular spot on their draft cheat sheets and rankings (notably keeper/dynasty rankings) for these potential rookie sleepers.

Last season, Seattle’s Kyle Lewis and Chicago’s Luis Robert, who completed 1-2 in the AL Rookie of the Year voting, every clubbed 11 dwelling runs, a price that might have translated to 30 dingers over a full 162-game season. Lewis additionally swiped 9 baggage to lead all rookies. Alec Bohm solidified himself as the Phillies’ third baseman of the future by posting a .338 common and a .400 on-base proportion over 44 video games. Bohm completed second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting to Milwaukee’s Devin Williams, who used an unhittable changeup to publish a 0.33 ERA whereas hanging out an unbelievable 53 batters and giving up simply eight hits in 27 aid innings. Cleveland’s James Karinchak wasn’t far off Williams’ tempo, as he additionally struck out 53 in 27 innings whereas giving up simply 14 hits.

2021 FANTASY BASEBALL RANKINGS:
Catcher | First | Second | Third | Short | Outfield | Starter | Reliever | Top 300

A complete of 29 rookie pitchers held rotation spots for a minimum of 50 p.c of the season, and 11 of these hurlers posted an ERA beneath 4.00. Kansas City’s Brady Singer led rookie pitchers in strikeouts (61), innings pitched (64.1) and video games began (12) whereas posting a stable 4.06 ERA, with Oakland’s Jesus Luzardo shut behind (4.12 ERA and 59 Ks in 59 IP). Other impression rookies hitters included San Diego’s Jake Cronenworth (.285/.354/.477), Detroit’s Willi Castro (.349 common and 6 HRs), Oakland’s Sean Murphy (seven HRs and .364 on-base proportion), the Angels’ Jared Walsh (.293 common and 9 HRs), and the Dodgers’ Edwin Rios (eight HRs and .645 slugging). Top pitchers included Houston’s Cristian Javier (3.48 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 54.1 IP), Seattle’s Justus Sheffield (3.58 ERA over 10 begins), and two rookie hurlers, Dustin May (2.57 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 56 IP) and Tony Gonsolin (2.31 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in 46.2 IP), who helped solidify the World Series champion Dodgers’ rotation down the stretch.

In addition to all the gamers talked about above, plenty of prospects who retained rookie eligibility and are nonetheless on this listing made constructive first impressions throughout restricted big-league debuts. Tampa’s Randy Arozarena, Pittsburgh’s Ke’Bryan Hayes, Atlanta’s Ian Anderson, Miami’s Sixto Sanchez, Texas’s Dane Dunning, and Cleveland’s Triston McKenzie are amongst the 20 guys on this listing who noticed main league motion in 2020.

The result’s a deep pool of big-league prepared prospects who promise to make a major impression in 2021. While prospects have performed an more and more important half in each season over the previous six years, this 12 months might see the largest crop of impression rookies in current reminiscence.

2021 MLB Top Prospects

1. Wander Franco, SS, Tampa Bay. Franco stays the high prospect in baseball regardless of not seeing any official recreation motion in 2021. He did play at the group’s alternate coaching web site the place he acquired expertise towards superior pitching. Franco will flip 21 in March and ought to make his big-league debut this season. A switching-hitting shortstop who can hit for common and energy, he’s an elite offensive expertise with excellent plate self-discipline and phone abilities (83 BB and simply 54 Ok in 768 professional plate appearances). He’ll want to use his decrease physique extra in his righthanded swing to totally unlock his energy potential, and defensively he might ultimately transfer to second or third. However, wherever he traces up in the subject, his bat is nice sufficient to make him an All-Star.

2. Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore. Rutschman has solely 130 official professional at-bats beneath his belt and posted a modest .254 common in his temporary 2019 minor-league debut, however he’s a top-tier expertise who may very well be a perennial All-Star backstop. He reportedly carried out very nicely at the group’s alternate coaching web site in ’20, and, at 23, has a mature offensive and defensive recreation. Rutschman is has the potential to hit for energy and common and profiles as a plus defender behind the dish. Offensively, Rutschman makes use of plus bat pace and good decrease physique explosiveness to generate plus uncooked energy. He additionally reveals good plate self-discipline, which ought to permit him to hit for common and get on base at a excessive price. The rebuilding Orioles don’t have any incentive to quickly push him to the majors however we must always see him in the bigs in some unspecified time in the future in ’21.

3. Julio Rodriguez, OF, Seattle. Only 20, Rodriguez already has elite uncooked energy. In 2019, he hit .326 with 12 HRs in 84 video games cut up between Low-A and High-A, then impressed as the youngest participant in the Arizona Fall League. Last season, he fractured his wrist in summer season camp, returned to kind in instructionals, after which acquired some work in the Dominican Winter League. Rodriguez isn’t a refined hitter and can chase pitches, however he’s a tough employee who ought to enhance his strategy as he matures. If he proceed to develop, Rodriguez has the potential to bat in the center of a big-league lineup whereas slugging 30-plus HRs a 12 months.

4. Sixto Sanchez, RHP, Miami. Sanchez made his big-league debut in 2020 and appeared each bit the future ace. Just 22, he confirmed off a mature, improved physique that helped him pump his fastball up into triple-digits. His electrical heater and plus change elicited plenty of swing-and-miss, and he acquired batters to chase out of the zone at an elite price. Sanchez will open the season in the Miami rotation, and if he can proceed to refine his command and sharpen his breaking ball, he’ll rapidly attain his ceiling as a No. 1 starter.

5. Jared Kelenic, OF, Seattle. Kelenic had a breakout season in 2019 (.291/.364/.540 with 23 HRs and 20 SBs) and spent ’20 going through top of the range pitching at the different coaching web site. Although he’s simply 21, he’s a refined hitter who reached Double-A in ’19. Kelenic has plus bat pace and an environment friendly swing path that generates plus uncooked energy. He additionally has a powerful work ethic and has made regular talent enchancment in his brief professional profession. Kelenic has the potential to hit 25-plus dwelling runs and publish a .280 common in the bigs. Don’t be stunned to see him in Seattle in ’21.

6. Marco Luciano, SS, San Francisco. Luciano had an electrical professional debut as a 17 12 months previous in 2019 (.302 common with 10 HRs and 9 SBs in 179 at-bats between Rookie ball and Low-A) after which spent ’20 as the youngest participant at the Giants’ alternate coaching web site. He’s a great distance from the majors, however he’s flashing elite expertise, that includes electrical bat pace and prodigious energy. He’ll want to maintain bettering to keep at shortstop, however he’s proven an excellent work ethic and has the uncooked instruments to stick at the six.

7. MacKenzie Gore, LHP, San Diego. Gore was most likely the finest pitcher in the minors in 2019 (1.69 ERA, 135/28 Ok/BB and simply 56 hits allowed in 101 innings between High-A and Double-A) however reportedly confirmed inconsistent mechanics throughout his time at the alternate coaching web site in ’20. At his finest, Gore has good command of 4 pitches (plus low-to-mid-90s fastball, plus curve, above-average slider, and stable changeup). He mixes his pitches nicely, assaults hitters, and reveals the poise of a front-line starter. The Padres’ stacked rotation signifies that there’s no want to rush Gore to the majors. However, if he can preserve the consistency of his supply, he profiles as a No. 1 starter and will make his big-league debut in late ’21.

8. CJ Abrams, SS, San Diego. Abrams had a stellar professional debut in 2019 (.393 common and .647 slugging with extra stolen bases (15) than strikeouts (14) in 150 at-bats between Rookie ball and Low-A) after which acquired in important growth work towards older competitors at the alternate coaching web site in ’20. Abrams’ bundle of plate self-discipline, contact skill, rising energy, and plus pace make him considered one of the highest-upside prospects in the minors. He’ll virtually actually spend all of ’21 in the minors (barring a commerce), however he has the makings of an All-Star shortstop or second baseman at the big-league stage.

9. Michael Kopech, RHP, Chicago White Sox. Kopech missed the 2019 marketing campaign after present process Tommy John surgical procedure, then opted out of the 2020 marketing campaign. Kopech has been dominant at each stage as a professional and was overpowering in ’18 throughout his first three big-league begins earlier than falling sufferer to harm in his final outing. When wholesome, Kopech dominated hitters with an upper-90s fastball and plus slider. In ’18, Kopech had tightened his command and was studying how to assault hitters. Health and potential rust increase questions on his future, but when he return to his pre-injury kind, Kopech has the makings of a No. 1 starter.

10. Nick Madrigal, 2B, Chicago White Sox. Madrigal made his big-league debut in 2020 and carried out as marketed (.340 common in 103 at-bats). A separated shoulder, which required offseason surgical procedure, will maintain him out till probably April or May. When wholesome, Madrigal shows elite contact abilities and plus pace. He received’t hit for any energy, however he might compete for a batting title whereas stealing 20-plus baggage per season and taking part in plus protection at second base.

11. Ian Anderson, RHP, Atlanta. Anderson was a revelation throughout a late-season six-start stint with the Braves (1.95 ERA with 41 strikeouts and simply 21 hits allowed in 32 innings) and will open the 2021 marketing campaign in the Atlanta rotation. Anderson has a plus change that was just about unhittable final season, a plus mid-90s fastball, and a stable change. If he can proceed to enhance his command, he has the stuff to be a No. 2 starter.

12. Spencer Torkelson, 1B/3B, Detroit. Torkelson was drafted first total in 2020 and spent the summer season at the alternate coaching web site. A elegant hitter with wonderful plate self-discipline and plus-plus energy, Torkelson profiles as a middle-of-the-order drive with 30-plus HR potential in the majors. His defensive house is a query, although. If he can play third as the Tigers hope, his worth will increase, however even when he’s relegated to first, he nonetheless has the bat to be an above-average first baseman.

13. Nate Pearson, RHP, Toronto. Pearson had a breakout 12 months in 2019 (2.30 ERA with a 119/27 Ok/BB and simply 63 hits allowed in 101.2 IP between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A), however his command abandoned him and he was shut down with elbow soreness in ’20 throughout a tough five-game big-league debut. At his finest, Pearson reveals good management of a wonderful high-90s fastball, a plus slider, and a stable change. His well being historical past is a priority and his sudden lack of command in ’20 is worrisome, however he nonetheless profiles as a minimum of a No. 2 starter in the majors. He’ll get one other shot at big-league success as a staple in the Jays’ rotation this season.

14. Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B, Pittsburgh. Hayes has all the time been a plus defender, however his offense was restricted by his failure to totally use his decrease half in his swing. This season he adjusted his steadiness and at last began to incorporate his hips, main to a breakout efficiency throughout a quick big-league call-up (.376 common with 5 dwelling runs in 85 at-bats). Hayes strategy wants work and he’s nonetheless gaining consistency along with his new mechanics however he now seems like a man who might hit .275 with 25 dwelling runs over a full season. He’ll get the probability to present what he can do as the Pirates beginning third baseman in 2021.

15. Jasson Dominguez, OF, New York Yankees. Dominguez is simply 18 and hasn’t but performed professional ball in the U.S., however he has as a lot potential as anybody in the recreation. A switch-hitting middle subject with plus energy and plus pace, Dominguez already has a refined swing path that produces excellent bat pace from either side of the plate. He’s a great distance from the majors, however he has the instruments to be a 30-30 man.

16. Luis Patino, RHP, Tampa Bay. Patino put up large numbers in 2019 as a 19 12 months previous (2.57 ERA, 123/38 Ok/BB and solely 69 hits allowed in 94.2 innings largely at High-A), then had a bumpy big-league debut as a reliever earlier than being traded to the Rays in the offseason. In ’20, Patino’s usually stable command abandoned him, as he walked 14 in simply 17 innings. The Rays are trying to him to pitch at the again finish of their rotation in ’21 and Patino ought to proper the ship beneath Tampa’s wonderful pitching growth program. At his finest, Patino has electrical stuff, that includes an upper-90’s heater, a pointy slider, and a good changeup. If Patino can get well his command and discover extra consistency along with his slider, he has all the makings of a No. 2 starter.

17. Spencer Howard, RHP, Philadelphia. Howard was nice in 2019 (2.03 ERA with a 94/16 Ok/BB and solely 43 hits allowed in 71 innings over three ranges) however then struggled in six big-league begins final season. At his finest, Howard has elite stuff together with a mid-to-high-90s fastball, a plus change, and a plus breaking ball. In his big-league begins, his fastball was stable however he didn’t command it in the zone and his change, which normally options good sink, was flat and acquired clobbered. If he can preserve his regular stuff and enhance his command, he has the potential to be a No. 2 starter and needs to be a mainstay in the Phillies rotation this season.

18. Luis Campusano, C, San Diego. Campusano acquired a shock call-up in 2020 and wasted no time making an impression, homering in his first contest. A wrist sprain then shelved him for the remainder of the season, however he needs to be good to go for ’21. The Padres’ acquisition of Austin Nola signifies that Campusano will most likely spend this season in the minors, however he has the potential to be an All-Star caliber backstop. Campusano was the High-A California League co-MVP in ’19. With nice steadiness and leverage, plus bat pace, and wonderful plate self-discipline, Campusano has the instruments to hit shut to .300, publish a excessive OBP, and slug 20-plus homers in the majors.

19. Casey Mize, RHP, Detroit .Mize was excellent in 2019 (2.55 ERA, 106/23 Ok/BB and simply 80 hits allowed in 109.1 innings cut up between High-A and Double-A) however then struggled in seven big-league begins in ’20. Mize has three plus pitches (nasty splitter, mid-90s fastball, and sharp slider), however his stuff was flat, with merely common motion and spin. At his finest, he reveals wonderful command, a repeatable supply, and a capability to combine pitches. If he can regain his sharpness and reassert his command, Mize has the potential to be a frontline starter, however his disappointing debut solid some doubt on his final upside.

20. Dylan Carlson, OF, St. Louis. Carlson had a breakout 2019 marketing campaign (.292 common and .372 on-base proportion with 26 HRs and 20 SBs in a season spent largely at Double-A) after which struggled in an preliminary big-league cameo earlier than being demoted and ultimately turning issues round after a second promotion. His scorching end ought to make him the favourite to begin in left subject for St. Louis this season. The switch-hitting Carlson has a bit extra energy from the left aspect, however he reveals good bat pace and wonderful hand-eye coordination from either side. With stable pitch recognition and plus uncooked energy, Carlson has the potential to hit .275 with 20-plus dwelling runs over a full season in the bigs.

21. Matt Manning, RHP, Detroit. Manning was excellent at Double-A in 2019 (2.56 ERA and 148/38 Ok/BB in 133.2 innings) however was reportedly shut down with fatigue in ’20 after spending a part of the summer season at the alternate coaching web site. Despite his age (23) and professional success, he’s nonetheless very a lot a piece in progress. The lanky righthander has an electrical mid-90s fastball, a plus curve, and a creating change. He additionally mixes in a slider and reveals good management however his stuff may be inconsistent. The Tigers don’t have any purpose to rush him to the majors and will give him the probability to refine his stuff and enhance his consistency in the minors this season. Long-term, he has the instruments to be a No. 2 starter.

22. Andrew Vaughn, 1B, Chicago White Sox. Vaughn had a modest professional debut in 2019 (.278 with six HRs in 205 at-bats in Rookie ball, Low-A, and High-A) however impressed at the alternate coaching web site final season whereas displaying he might deal with superior pitching. Vaughn additionally gained some expertise at third base and in the outfield, which might open up extra avenues to the bigs for him in ’21. Overall, Vaughn is a refined hitter with a compact stroke and good plate self-discipline. He ought to hit for a good common and draw loads of walks. If he can higher use his decrease physique to create leverage and loft in his swing, he has the bat pace to hit for above-average energy.

23. Triston McKenzie, RHP, Cleveland. McKenzie has all the time had great things, however he had a tough time staying wholesome and his slight body raised questions on his long-term position. McKenzie quieted the critics in 2020 with an eye-opening big-league debut (3.24 ERA and 42 strikeouts and a .179 BAA in 33 innings). McKenzie now enters the season with an opportunity to stick in the Cleveland rotation. The slender righthander has above-average command of 4 pitches: High-spin low-90s fastball, plus curve, improved slider, and stable change. If he can keep wholesome, he has the stuff to be a No. 2 starter.

24. Joey Bart, C, San Francisco. Bart had a tough big-league debut in 2020 (.233 and no HRs in 103 at bats), however he’ll most likely get extra minor league growth time in ’21 and nonetheless initiatives as an above-average big-league backstop. Bart is an above-average defender and has proven an excellent work ethic as a professional. He was off-balance at the plate in ’20 which resulted in weak contact towards fastballs. He additionally chased breaking balls at a excessive price, main to an elevated strike out complete. If he can calm down and regain his steadiness, there’s no purpose he can’t ultimately hit for a stable common whereas clubbing 25-plus dwelling runs over a full season.

25. Logan Gilbert, RHP, Seattle. Gilbert had a wonderful 2019 (2.13 ERA and 165/33 Ok/BB in 135 innings mixed between Low-A, High-A, and Double-A), then impressed at the group’s alternate coaching web site final 12 months. Going into ’20, Gilbert already had good command of a refined four-pitch repertoire (mid-90s fastball, stable slider, plus curve, improved change) however reportedly made strides with each command and stuff and now profiles as No. 2 starter. Gilbert will most likely start the season in the minors however needs to be in line for a big-league call-up by midseason.

26. Daniel Lynch, LHP, Kansas City. Lynch was a stable prospect in school, however he’s developed into considered one of the finest lefthanded pitching prospects in baseball. He carried out nicely in 2019 (3.10 ERA in 15 begins at High-A) after which wowed at the alternate coaching web site in ’20. Lynch now sports activities a powerful four-pitch combine that includes a dynamic mid-90s fastball and a plus slider. He’ll most likely open the season in Double-A and will compete for a big-league rotation spot by mid-season. Long-term, he now initiatives as a No. 2 starter.

27. Randy Arozarena, OF, Tampa Bay. Arozarena was a postseason drive throughout the Rays’ World Series run and now seems like a budding star. His electrical bat pace produces elite exit velocity, and his good steadiness and direct swing path present the leverage for his plus uncooked energy. He’ll want to present he can hit breaking balls extra constantly, however he already has the instruments to hit .270 with 25-plus dwelling runs. If can proceed to enhance towards benders, he may very well be even higher.

28. Keibert Ruiz, C, Los Angeles Dodgers. Ruiz was on the quick monitor to the bigs when he had a forgettable 2019 marketing campaign and was overtaken on the Dodgers’ depth chart by Will Smith. He then spent the majority of ’20 at the alternate web site and acquired a quick big-league cameo during which he belted a house run in his first at-bat. The misplaced season might have been a blessing in disguise for Ruiz, who was ready to refine his hitting mechanics with L.A.’s first-rate hitting coaches whereas additionally working to enhance his fringy defensive abilities. Ruiz might not get a chance in L.A., however he ought to ultimately be a major-league common whose wonderful plate self-discipline and good hand-eye coordination ought to permit him to hit for common and get on base at a excessive clip. If he can enhance his protection and enhance his at present common energy, he may very well be an All-Star.

29. Corbin Carroll, OF, Arizona. Carroll had an excellent professional debut in 2019 after being chosen in the first spherical (.299/.409/.487 with 18 stolen bases in 154 at-bats between Rookie ball and Low-A) after which opened eyes at the alternate coaching web site in ’20. Just 20, Carroll already has good plate self-discipline and rising energy. With plus pace and good defensive chops in middle subject, Carroll has all the instruments to be an above-average large leaguer. He’ll most likely start the season at High-A, however he ultimately may very well be a 20-20 man who hits for common in the bigs.

30. Deivi Garcia, RHP, New York Yankees. Garcia made his big-league debut final 12 months, and at 21, he enters the season with a shot to stick in the Yankees rotation this 12 months. Garcia has a four-pitch combine, together with a plus curve, a energetic low 90s fastball, a stable change and a creating slider. Garcia’s curve wasn’t that sharp throughout his six main league begins, however his fastball was an efficient weapon. If he can regain the regular chew on his curve whereas persevering with to refine his changeup and enhance his command, he has the potential to be a No. 2 or 3 starter.

31. Alex Kirilloff, OF, Minnesota. Kirilloff has battled accidents all through his professional profession, however when wholesome he’s a refined hitter with above-average energy. He made his big-league debut in the 2020 postseason and can compete for a beginning outfield spot in ’21. Kirilloff reveals good pitch recognition and the bat pace to deal with plus velocity. His clean swing path and nice steadiness permit him to drive the ball to all fields. Long-term, he has the potential to hit for common and stroke 20-plus HRs whereas taking part in a stable nook outfield in the bigs.

32. Francisco Alvarez, C, New York Mets. Just 19, Alvarez is already a sophisticated hitter with the potential to be an offensive drive. In 2019, he hit .312 with seven dwelling runs in 157 at-bats at Rookie ball after which carried out nicely towards a lot older competitors at the alternate coaching web site. He wants to enhance defensively to stick at catcher, however he has the instruments to be the uncommon backstop to hit for each common and energy in the bigs.

33. Emerson Hancock, RHP, Seattle. Hancock was drafted sixth total in 2020 and noticed restricted motion at the alternate coaching web site. Hancock isn’t a completed product – his fastball may be flat, he might enhance his command, and his breaking stuff isn’t all the time constant – however he has the ceiling of a No. 1 or 2 starter. Hancock has stable command of a four-pitch combine, runs his fastball up to the excessive 90s, and will get good extension which permits his stuff to soar on hitters. He’ll virtually actually spend all of ’21 in the minors, however given Seattle’s wonderful pitching growth program, he may very well be fronting the Mariners rotation as early as ’22.

34. Royce Lewis, SS, Minnesota. Lewis has seen his star fade since being drafted first total in 2017. He stays a high prospect, however inconsistencies in his swing have raised questions on his skill to hit superior pitching. Lewis doesn’t all the time management his decrease physique, which makes it arduous for him to alter to completely different pitch speeds. At his finest, he reveals plus bat pace and common energy (in ’19 he hit .353 and received the MVP award in the Arizona Fall League). Lewis can be a plus runner who ought to swipe 20-plus baggage a 12 months and play above-average protection at shortstop. He acquired helpful developmental work at the alternate coaching web site in ’20 and will open the season at Double-A. Just 21, Lewis has loads of time to attain his potential as an above-average big-league shortstop who will hit for common and reasonable energy.

35. Grayson Rodriguez, RHP, Baltimore. Rodriguez had a stellar 2019 marketing campaign (2.68 ERA, 129/36 Ok/BB and simply 57 hits allowed in 94 innings at Low-A) after which spent ’20 at the alternate coaching web site, the place he gained expertise towards superior hitters. With stable command of a plus mid-90s fastball, above-average change, and respectable slider, Rodriguez may very well be a No. 2 or 3 starter. He’ll most likely open the season at High-A and can probably spend all of ’21 in the minors.

36. Asa Lacy, LHP, Kansas City. Lacy was drafted fourth total in 2020 and noticed time at the alternate coaching web site. A elegant school hurler with a clean, repeatable supply and a very good four-pitch combine, Lacy has the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation starter. His mid-90s fastball and sharp slider are his finest weapons, and his pitches appear to tunnel nicely. He’ll make his professional debut in ’21 and will transfer rapidly given his superior stuff and total polish.

37. Riley Greene, OF, Detroit. Greene had a stable professional debut in 2019 after being drafted fifth total. He spent ’20 at the alternate coaching web site and will open this season at High-A. Green remains to be a piece in progress, however he flashes plus bat pace and above-average energy. He’ll want to present he can deal with superior pitching and proceed to refine his strategy, however he has the instruments to be an above-average nook outfielder who hits for common and a few energy.

38. Forrest Whitley, RHP, Houston. Whitley has been inconsistent as a professional and was shut down with arm soreness at the alternate coaching web site final summer season. At his finest, Whitley reveals elite potential, that includes a energetic mid-90s fastball, plus curve, and stable command. At different instances, his supply has appeared out of snyc and his stuff has been common. If he can present better consistency, he has the stuff to be a front-line starter. Already 23, if Whitley could make progress in 2021 he might discover himself in the Houston rotation earlier than the 12 months is over.

39. Cristian Pache, OF, Atlanta. Pache made a quick big-league debut in late 2020 and rapidly confirmed that he’s already considered one of the finest defensive middle fielders in the recreation. At 22, he’s now poised to open the season in the Braves common lineup. Although he’s already an elite defender, Pache remains to be a piece in progress offensively. He has good bat pace and stable uncooked energy, however he generally loses his steadiness at the plate and doesn’t have a constant swing path. If he can proceed to enhance his plate self-discipline and refine his swing mechanics, he has the power and bat pace to hit for common and reasonable energy in the majors.

40. Max Meyer, RHP, Miami. Meyer was chosen third total in the 2020 draft and made a quick look at the alternate coaching web site. Meyer has but to throw an official professional pitch, however he’s already a sophisticated pitcher with a clean supply and above-average command of three pitches (a devastating plus slider, an explosive excessive 90s fastball, and a creating change). His stuff profiles as a No. 2 or 3 starter, and if his change improves, he might even be a No. 1.

41. Tarik Skubal, LHP, Detroit. Skubal had a breakout 2019 (2.42 ERA, 179/37 Ok/BB and simply 87 hits allowed in 122 innings cut up between High-A and Double-A) however suffered an underwhelming big-league debut in ’20 (5.63 ERA in 32 innings). Despite his struggles, he nonetheless confirmed flashes of his potential as a No. 3 starter. His slider and changeup missed bats and he sat mid-90s along with his high-spin fastball. If he can tighten his command and refine his curve, he needs to be efficient pitching in the center of the Tigers’ rotation in ’21.

42. Matthew Liberatore, LHP, St. Louis. Liberatore had a stable displaying at Low-A in 2019 (3.10 ERA and simply two HRs allowed in 78 innings) after which impressed membership officers along with his growth at the alternate coaching web site in ’20. Liberatore’s finest pitch is a plus curve, however his fastball has improved and reveals driving life in the low-to-mid 90s. Despite his age (21), he’s already a refined hurler who mixes his pitches nicely, reveals good command, and avoids arduous contact. He’ll most likely open the season at High-A and received’t be in the majors anytime quickly, however he has an excellent probability of reaching his potential as a No. 3 starter.

43. Nick Gonzales, SS, Pittsburgh. Despite being drafted seventh total in 2020, Gonzales doesn’t get the hype of another current school center infield draftees however he has the potential to hit for common, present above common energy, and steal 15-plus baggage in the bigs. Gonzales has a compact swing and nice steadiness, which produce plus bat pace and a capability to hit to all fields. Defensively he noticed time at each shortstop and second, however he profiles higher at the keystone. He’ll most likely spend all of ’21 in the minors, however his polished bat might get him to the majors in early ’22.

44. Dane Dunning, RHP, Texas. Dunning had an excellent big-league debut in 2020 (3.97 ERA, 35 strikeouts and .197 BAA in 34 innings) earlier than being traded to Texas in the offseason. He’ll open this 12 months as a candidate for a rotation spot with the Rangers and has the potential to be a No. 3 starter. Dunning is generally a sinker/slider man who mixes in a fringy four-seamer and common change, however the sinker/slider is nice sufficient that even when his different pitches don’t develop, he needs to be a profitable big-league starter.

45. Jordan Groshans, SS, Toronto. Groshans misplaced most of 2019 to harm however hit nicely when he was wholesome, then impressed at the alternate coaching web site the place he eased doubts about his skill to stick at shortstop. Groshans has plus energy and the swing path to hit for common. He reveals stable plate self-discipline and the skill to make changes at the plate. He’ll want to keep wholesome and change into extra constant along with his steadiness and strategy, however he has the potential to be an above-average offensive shortstop.

46. Drew Waters, OF, Atlanta. Waters received the Double-A Southern League batting title and MVP in 2019, then spent final season at the alternate coaching web site. The switch-hitting Waters has above-average uncooked energy from either side of the plate, however he’ll want to enhance his pitch recognition to hit for common in the bigs. He reportedly labored on his plate self-discipline and strategy this season, and he’s proven the skill to make changes as a professional. He’ll probably start the season at Triple-A, the place he’ll work to present that he could make sufficient contact to attain his ceiling as a power-speed risk in the bigs.

47. Edward Cabrera, RHP, Miami. Cabrera can attain triple digits along with his fastball, however not like most younger flamethrowers he additionally has stable command and a three-pitch combine. He had a breakout 12 months in 2019 (2.23 ERA and 116/31 Ok/BB in 97 innings between High-A and Double-A) however handled accidents at the alternate coaching web site and didn’t see any big-league time in ’20. If he can keep wholesome and proceed to enhance his change, Cabrera might make the Miami rotation someday this season and ultimately may very well be a No. 3 starter.

48. Garrett Crochet, LHP, Chicago White Sox. Crochet debuted as a big-league reliever solely months after being drafted eleventh total, then wowed with a triple-digit fastball that he used to strike out eight and stroll none in six scoreless innings. He was shut down with forearm tightness however needs to be wholesome this spring. Crochet is a little bit of a wild card as a result of proper now he’s largely a two-pitch man (fastball/slider) who has not confirmed that he can begin as knowledgeable. However, triple-digit, left-handed fastballs don’t develop on bushes, and to this point no large leaguer has proven that he can hit Crochet’s fastball. Is he a No. 1 starter or a late-inning reliever? Either approach, if he stays wholesome, he might rapidly be again in Chicago.

49. Ryan Mountcastle, OF, Baltimore. I’ve seen Mountcastle quite a few instances over the years, and I’ve all the time appreciated him as a prospect greater than I really feel I ought to. He swings at too many pitches and isn’t an excellent defender, however he has an important swing path and wonderful steadiness which produces plus bat pace and constant arduous contact. Now that he’s proven what he can do at the big-league stage (.333 and 5 dwelling runs in 126 at-bats), it’s time to give in and put him on my Top 50. He is usually a little an excessive amount of on his entrance foot generally, which saps his energy, however he has the abilities to hit for a good common and stable energy regardless of his free-swinging methods. If he may be extra selective and keep again somewhat extra, he might even be an elite hitter.

50. A.J. Puk, LHP, Oakland. In 2019 Puk pitched nicely out of the Oakland bullpen throughout a late-season call-up (3.18 ERA, 13/5 Ok/BB in 11.1 innings), however he missed ’20 with a shoulder pressure that required offseason surgical procedure. When wholesome, Puk has proven electrical stuff, together with a excessive 90s fastball and a plus slider. On stuff alone, he’s an elite prospect. The downside is, he hasn’t been wholesome, and shoulder surgical procedures have a tendency to be more durable to overcome than elbow points (which he’s additionally had). Oakland will probably deal with him cautiously this spring, however, if wholesome, he’ll undoubtedly play a big-league position, both as a mid-rotation man or a late-inning reliever. Long time period, If he can regain his pre-injury kind, Puk profiles as a No. 2 starter.

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