Top 100 Prospects
The world of MLB prospects is a beautiful cult that not enough people pay enough attention to. It’s the first look at the next Trout or Kershaw. What’s crazy is that today, they are getting easier and easier to see coming. Thanks to advanced data in the minor leagues being available and the amount of video online, the next big thing is a lot easier to predict than in years past. Combine that fact with the preference of teams to play their young guys early because of cost-controlled contracts and you will see prospects all year long.
This list will be the current top 100 prospects in the game. It will come in ten parts and each will have a brief description of every prospect. The list will take in consideration all aspects of a players game, including defense. This will not be a list based for fantasy purposes. Finally, I like to compare the prospects to MLB guys. This doesn’t mean that I think they will be as good as their comps, but rather when I watch them I think of who they remind me of. Without further ado, let’s do it!
Top Prospects 100-91
100. Heliot Ramos, OF – San Francisco Giants (MLB Comp: Yoenis Cespedes)
Ramos has fallen a bit since his eye-popping 2017 debut but the talent is still there. After a lackluster 2018, Ramos showed his impressive bat speed. He is also very fast, although he is still learning how to steal bases. He should be a fixture in the outfielder providing 25-30 home runs, passable defense and a strong arm in right field.
99. Erick Pena, OF – Kansas City Royals (MLB Comp: Curtis Granderson)
One of the youngest players on this list, Pena is a name you may be just learning. Learn it quickly. He already is showing plus power and a plus hit tool to go along with strong 6-foot-3 frame. The sky is the limit for the Dominican, who draws rave reviews for his baseball IQ and work ethic.
98. Daulton Varsho, C – Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB Comp: J.T. Realmuto)
Ever heard of the five-tool catcher? Besides JT Realmuto, there aren’t too many. However, Varsho is showing signs of all the major tools. He has power and speed as well as good defense behind the dish. Some think he may move from catcher, but regardless there is a lot to like here.
97. Tarik Skubal, LHP – Detroit Tigers (MLB Comp: James Paxton)
Often forgotten behind Casey Mize and Matt Manning, Skubal is an intriguing left-handed starter. He throws hard for a southpaw and has four pitches that should keep him in the starting role. Had 179 strikeouts in only 122.1 IP last season.
96. Alexander Canario, OF – San Francisco Giants (MLB Comp: Justin Upton)
Canario gets mixed reviews, mainly because of his strikeout rate. When he isn’t striking out, however, he is doing damage with his huge raw power and ability to barrel up balls. He is also currently in center field where he should be able to stick.
95. DL Hall, LHP – Baltimore Orioles (MLB Comp: Jon Lester)
The stuff here is ridiculous. Mid 90’s with life on his fastball, and a high spin rate curveball that can be lethal. The only issue is his control. His 18.5 BB% is simply too high to be successful at the moment. If he can improve that, there is legit front line starter potential here.
94. Luis Campusano, C – San Diego Padres (MLB Comp: Jorge Alfaro)
Campusano had a big rise in the rankings for 2019. He hit .325 with 15 home runs and showed nice defensive ability as well. The true two-way catcher is becoming increasingly rare, but Campusano is well on his way.
93. Jesus Sanchez, OF – Miami Marlins (MLB Comp: Jason Heyward)
A really exciting prospect for a long time, Sanchez has above-average tools across the board. He is very close to making his debut and should have success right away as he hasn’t shown many weaknesses.
92. Greg Jones, SS – Tampa Bay Rays (MLB Comp: Jose Reyes)
Jones is a switch-hitting middle infielder with blazing speed. He is also stronger than people think and has shown excellent plate discipline. A true table-setter, Jones knows what he does best and attacks through his skill-set.
91. James Karinchak, RHP – Cleveland Indians (MLB Comp: Trevor Bauer in the Pen)
I don’t like putting relievers on top 100 lists, but Karinchak is the exception. He struck out 56% of batters he faced last year. That is simply incredible. He is going to be a lethal weapon out of the pen and teams covet his type of arm.