Part IV of our prospect series is back. This range is quite interesting because you may see guys here that are not on other lists. Sometimes you watch a video and the inevitable “prospect-crush” takes a hold of you to never let you go. In this industry, sometimes trusting your gut is the best method. Keep that in mind when scrolling through this list. Without further delay, here are prospects #70-61.
70. Xavier Edwards, 2b – Tampa Bay Rays (MLB Comp: Dee Gordon)
A speedy infielder, Edwards has no interest in power. Rather his main goal is to get on base and wreck havoc there. He has done that with great success thus far and his defense should be great at 2nd base. This is a guy that every team could use as you know exactly what you are getting. High OBP, elite speed and great defense mean Edwards will be a big leaguer some day.
69. Mitch Keller, RHP – Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB Comp – Dan Haren)
I am up and down with Keller. At times, I see true ace potential with impeccable control and great stuff. Other times (like his debut) I see a guy that should be much further along in his development. I believe that the true Keller is somewhere in the middle. He has had some bad luck in his debut but I don’t see the consistency to be a true ace. Still, a fine #2/3 starter that is basically in the majors already is a nice piece.
68. Kody Hoese, 3b – Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB Comp – Austin Riley)
This actually is more of a bet on the Dodgers development program in combination with high draft pedigree. More often than not, these bets pay off in a big way lately for Los Angeles. He had a monster season at Tulane with 23 home runs and had a terrific pro debut as well. The power is there now and there might be a chance for a plus hit tool as well.
67. Simeon Woods Richardson, RHP – Toronto Blue Jays (MLB Comp – Julio Teheran)
Woods Richardson checks off too many boxes to ignore. Young with awesome life on his fastball? Check. Throws strikes? A ton of them. Clean delivery with a good plan of attack? You betcha. The stuff is good not great, but everything else screams major league starter. Hopefully his stuff can advance even a little bit, but right now we are #3 floor with the potential for a lot more.
66. Abraham Toro, 3b – Houston Astros (MLB Comp – Martin Prado with more pop)
People sleep on Toro because he was a late riser and is low on the depth chart in Houston. These are two things that are minor in the long term and Toro has proven that he has power and an advanced feel to hitting. He can also play all over the infield and already has MLB experience. Speed isn’t quite there but this is a guy that would start on a majority of teams right now.
65. Alek Thomas, SS – Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB Comp – Left-Hand hitting Javier Baez)
Prospects like Thomas get a large bump when it comes these types of rankings. 5 tool middle infielders are gold and he has a chance to be one of the rare ones. The arm is a little average right now, but everything projects to be above-average. He’s also shown the abilities in games as his 2019 was extremely successful. Know as an advanced prep bat when drafted the left-hand hitting infielder has a great chance of being the next big thing.
64. Hudson Head, OF – San Diego Padres (MLB Comp – Grady Sizemore)
Ok, you won’t find him on many top 100 lists, but I am absolutely in love with this guy. He was a 3rd-round pick that got $3 million to sign. That is crazy. But it will be worth it. A 5-tool player, Head can do it all and is going to only grow into his frame. He had a strong debut and I see a complete player here with no holes in his game. He is far off, but I see huge potential for this kid who will be exciting to follow. Remember his name now.
63. Nolan Jones, 3b – Cleveland Indians (MLB Comp – Mike Moustakas)
Jones can hit. He will hit moving forward. The question I have is the power. It’s not showing itself too much in games yet, but there were many scouts who saw the raw power there. I just am not sure. He added some loft in 2019, but his hit tool suffered because of it. He should stick at third and I like pretty much everything else about his game. Here’s to hoping he can add that last tick of power to become a star.
62. Josiah Gray, RHP – Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB Comp – A little Gerrit Cole)
Gray has done nothing but impress during his time in the minors. He has great stuff, a smooth, effortless delivery and has elite results as a young pitcher. I don’t know if he is an ace, but he is a Dodger and those guys seem to work out pretty darn good. He is going to be up soon and provide great value in all areas.
61. Jordan Balazovic, RHP – Minnesota Twins (MLB Comp – Doug Drabek)
Balazovic looks like he belongs in the 1980’s with his look and delivery, but he stuff will play just fine in the modern game. Tall, lanky and athletic, the right-hander gets some serious movement on his mid 90’s heater. His off-speed is also coming along nicely. He is a big riser for me this year and I could see an ace here if I squint long enough.
