MLB Top 100 Prospects Part 2
Let’s get one thing straight; I love the guys at this range. Just because they might not be in the top 50 doesn’t mean I don’t think they aren’t any good. Quite the opposite. If they are on my top 100 MLB prospects list, I am very sure of their skills and ability to reach the big leagues.
This range of MLB prospects features a good mix of talent and proximity to the majors. There are a lot of good hit tools here, albeit with some power missing. I am anxious to see how these guys perform in 2020 because we could have some major risers for next year.
Top MLB Prospects: 90-81
90. Jake Cronenworth, SS/RHP – San Diego Padres (If Seth Lugo could play the infield and hit)
Alright, this guy is just fun. He is a slick-fielding infielder with a nice hit tool. He also can run a little and has some pop as well. But the best part? He throws 95+ mph on the mound with a wicked cutter. He is going to provide a ton of value if he can do both things at the big league level, which I believe he can do. Keep a close eye on him as he might be what the future holds for Major League Baseball.
89. Seth Beer, OF – Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB Comp – Kole Calhoun)
Beer can hit. If he could field or at least play another position adequately he would be much higher on this list. For now, he will play left field or first base and he will be below average at both spots. But Beer can hit. He will have to if he wants a sustained big league career.
88. Sean Murphy, C – Oakland Athletics (MLB Comp – Kurt Suzuki)
You are looking at the starting catcher for a playoff team. Yes, Murphy is rising quickly and he has a nice set of tools, especially defensively. His bat is pretty good too, with the hit tool currently ahead of his power. His power might develop and if he does he will be very valuable at a premium position.
87. George Kirby, RHP – Seattle Mariners (MLB Comp – Aaron Nola)
Kirby is an intriguing prospect. He offers great control and command and he has the body of a pitcher that should throw very hard. He is sitting in the low 90’s at this point, however, and his off-speed pitches could use some work. The right-hander has a pretty high floor, but also offers some nice upside.
86. Josh Jung, 3B – Texas Rangers (MLB Comp – Matt Chapman without the defense)
It’s pronounced “YOUNG” by the way. Jung is a well-rounded hitter who should develop some over-the-fence power as he matures. The only problem is that he is pretty mature already. The power might never come, in which case you would still have a decent prospect that boasts an excellent hit tool.
85. Luis Matos, OF – San Francisco Giants (MLB Comp – Prime Melvin Upton Jr.)
As a 2018 J2 signing that didn’t quite have the hype when he signed, he performed as well, if not better than his peers during his debut. He shows off elite bat speed to go along with some nice foot speed. The thing that really sparks my interest is when these young kids come up and simply dominate in their young years. Matos did exactly that and out of every type of prospect, the J2 signee that dominates early often gets huge helium in the industry.
84. Luisangel Acuna, OF – Texas Rangers (MLB – Ronald Acuna Jr., with less loud tools)
Yes, he is the young brother of Ronald but he is not quite the same type of player. Little Acuna is a more polished hitter but lacks the elite tools that his older brother has shown. Still, a nice hit tool, plus speed and great bloodlines mean that Acuna is one to watch as he matures.
83. Keoni Cavaco, SS – Minnesota Twins (MLB Comp. – Manny Machado)
I might have him higher than most outlets, but I really like his game. Loud tools and has plus defense, plus speed and a plus arm already. He had a poor debut, but it was his first taste of elite competition. I am betting that he makes the adjustments and rockets up the list by this time next year.
82. Vidal Brujan, 2B – Tampa Bay Rays (MLB Comp. – Infielder Mallex Smith)
Brujan is almost always ranked higher on other outlets, but to me, he is a bit of a one-trick pony. He is a switch-hitting speedster, that will get on base and play solid defense. There isn’t much power here and his hit tool isn’t elite. I also would like to see him walk some more. With all that being said, he has a nice floor and most definitely will make the big leagues and contribute.
81. Ryan Mountcastle, 1B/OF – Baltimore Orioles (MLB Comp. – Luke Voit)
He is going to get a ton of at-bats this year and he is going to hit with some power. That’s about it, however, as he won’t provide much value on defense or the bases. Still, he has hit well at every stop in the minor leagues and he seems major league ready right now. I tend to have the major league ready guys a little higher because they are more of a sure thing and with him, I am very confident he will have immediate success.