2018 Top 180 Fantasy Pitching Prospects, Part 4
The Dynasty Guru recently released the annual, consensus rankings of the top 200 fantasy starting pitchers in dynasty leagues (#1-20, #21-50, #51-80, #81-120, #121-160, and #161-200), detailing several pitching prospects. The following rankings focus upon, and dive deeper into, fantasy pitching prospects.
There is no such thing as TINSTAAPP. Pitching prospects exist just as much as hitting prospects. All prospects carry risk, including injury risk, and no prospect is a sure thing.
Of course, Brent Honeywell suffered a torn right ulnar collateral ligament and underwent Tommy John surgery on February 27th.
Major league teams regularly carry 12-13 pitchers; therefore, pitching depth is crucial. Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 covered the top 70 pitching prospects. This article finishes our exploration of pitching prospects, noting 110 pitchers, from high-upside, high-risk teenagers to intriguing prospects on the cusp of majors, but often considered “organizational depth.”
Before delving into the rankings, here is a brief explanation of fantasy tool grades:
A Guide to Fantasy Tools
Publicly-available scouting reports and past production make up a player’s “grades” for each of his skills. Those grades help anticipate a player’s ceiling, which, in turn, helps assess value. For fantasy purposes, only a few grades matter.
Repertoire: Most pitchers have at least three pitches to attack opposing hitters. Repertoire weighs the quality of these three pitches. A pitcher with average repertoire may have two above-average pitches and an average pitch, or one plus pitch and two average pitches, and so on.
Command & Control: Even if a pitcher possesses an elite arsenal, it is meaningless if a pitcher cannot command and control those pitches. Command relates to the quality of a strike or the ability to locate pitches within the strike zone. Control is the ability to throw a strike and is easier to measure using walk rate. In a 16-team dynasty league, the average walks per 9 innings is 3.09, which translates to approximately an 8% walk rate.
Depth Bonus: The depth bonus only applies to pitchers with four average or better pitches. Depth of repertoire allows a pitcher to work through a lineup multiple times by sequencing hitters differently each time.
Risk: Risk considers a multitude of factors, including, but not limited to, level, opportunity, industry reputation, age, and injury history.
Without further ado, the 2018 Top Fantasy Pitching Prospects:
2018 Top 71-180 Fantasy Pitching Prospects
| Rank | Player | Age | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | Logan Allen SD | 20.85 | A/A+ | 2019 |
| 72 | David Paulino HOU | 24.15 | AAA/MLB | 2018 |
| 73 | Nick Neidert MIA | 21.36 | A+/AA | 2019 |
| 74 | Jose Albertos CHC | 19.39 | R/A- | 2021 |
| 75 | Brusdar Graterol MIN | 19.59 | R | 2021 |
| 76 | Hans Crouse TEX | 19.54 | R | 2021 |
| 77 | Zack Burdi CHW | 23.06 | AAA | 2019 |
| 78 | Sam Carlson SEA | 19.32 | R | 2021 |
| 79 | Dustin May LAD | 20.56 | A/A+ | 2020 |
| 80 | Oscar De La Cruz CHC | 23.07 | A+ | 2019 |
| 81 | Anthony Banda TB | 24.64 | AAA/MLB | 2018 |
| 82 | JoJo Romero PHI | 21.56 | A/A+ | 2019 |
| 83 | Cole Ragans TEX | 20.30 | A- | 2020 |
| 84 | D.L. Hall BAL | 19.53 | R | 2021 |
| 85 | Trevor Rogers MIA | 20.38 | R | 2021 |
| 86 | Tony Santillan CIN | 20.96 | A | 2020 |
| 87 | Luis Medina NYY | 18.91 | R | 2021 |
| 88 | Eric Pardinho TOR | 17.23 | N/A | 2022 |
| 89 | Kyle Funkhouser DET | 24.04 | A/A+ | 2019 |
| 90 | Carson Fulmer CHW | 24.29 | AAA/MLB | 2018 |
| 91 | Hector Perez HOU | 21.81 | A/A+ | 2019 |
| 92 | Dillon Tate NYY | 23.91 | A+/AA | 2019 |
| 93 | Jordan Hicks STL | 21.56 | A/A+ | 2019 |
| 94 | Cionel Perez HOU | 21.94 | A/A+/AA | 2018 |
| 95 | Chris Rodriguez LAA | 19.69 | R/A | 2020 |
| 96 | A.J. Minter ATL | 24.58 | A/A+/AA/AAA/MLB | 2018 |
| 97 | Yohander Mendez TEX | 23.20 | AA/MLB | 2018 |
| 98 | Edward Cabrera MIA | 19.96 | A- | 2021 |
| 99 | Bryan Mata BOS | 18.91 | A | 2020 |
| 100 | Jaime Barria LAA | 21.70 | A+/AA/AAA | 2018 |
| 101 | Ryan Borucki TOR | 24.00 | A+/AA/AAA | 2019 |
| 102 | Freddy Peralta MIL | 21.82 | A+/AA | 2018 |
| 103 | Taylor Hearn PIT | 23.58 | A+ | 2019 |
| 104 | Jacob Nix SD | 22.22 | A+/AA | 2019 |
| 105 | Ryan Helsley STL | 23.70 | A+/AA/AAA | 2019 |
| 106 | Dennis Santana LAD | 21.96 | A+/AA | 2018 |
| 107 | Bryse Wilson ATL | 20.28 | A | 2020 |
| 108 | Kyle Cody TEX | 23.64 | A/A+ | 2019 |
| 109 | Kyle Muller ATL | 20.48 | R | 2020 |
| 110 | Alex Lange CHC | 22.49 | A- | 2020 |
| 111 | Brendon Little CHC | 21.63 | A- | 2020 |
| 112 | Thomas Szapucki NYM | 21.80 | R | 2020 |
| 113 | Rogelio Armenteros HOU | 23.75 | AA/AAA | 2019 |
| 114 | Taylor Clarke ARI | 24.88 | AA/AAA | 2019 |
| 115 | Aaron Civale CLE | 22.80 | A/A+ | 2019 |
| 116 | Sean Reid-Foley TOR | 22.58 | AA | 2019 |
| 117 | Jorge Alcala HOU | 22.67 | A/A+ | 2020 |
| 118 | Eric Lauer SD | 22.82 | A+/AA | 2019 |
| 119 | Corbin Martin HOU | 22.25 | R/A- | 2020 |
| 120 | Wil Crowe WAS | 23.56 | R/A- | 2019 |
| 121 | Blayne Enlow MIN | 19.02 | R | 2021 |
| 122 | Griffin Canning LAA | 21.88 | N/A | 2020 |
| 123 | Cody Ponce MIL | 23.93 | A+/AA | 2019 |
| 124 | Matt Sauer NYY | 23.06 | R | 2021 |
| 125 | Tyler Jay MIN | 22.83 | A+/AA | 2019 |
| 126 | Marcos Molina NYM | 23.06 | A+/AA | 2018 |
| 127 | Jordan Sheffield LAD | 22.83 | A/A+ | 2019 |
| 128 | Justin Dunn NYM | 22.52 | A+ | 2019 |
| 129 | Clarke Schmidt NYY | 22.11 | R | 2020 |
| 130 | Jonathan Loaisiga NYY | 23.41 | R/A- | 2020 |
| 131 | Trevor Stephan NYY | 22.34 | R/A- | 2020 |
| 132 | Enyel De Los Santos PHI | 22.26 | AA | 2019 |
| 133 | Grant Holmes OAK | 22.02 | AA | 2019 |
| 134 | Chris Flexen NYM | 23.74 | A+/AA/MLB | 2018 |
| 135 | Ranger Suarez PHI | 22.59 | A/A+ | 2018 |
| 136 | Luis Escobar PIT | 21.83 | A | 2018 |
| 137 | Alex Scherff BOS | 20.15 | N/A | 2021 |
| 138 | Tanner Scott BAL | 23.69 | AA/MLB | 2018 |
| 139 | Cody Carroll NYY | 25.46 | A+/AA | 2019 |
| 140 | Dillon Peters MIA | 25.58 | A+/AA/MLB | 2018 |
| 141 | Domingo German NYY | 25.65 | AA/AAA/MLB | 2018 |
| 142 | Merandy Gonzalez MIA | 22.47 | A/A+ | 2018 |
| 143 | Lewis Thorpe MIN | 22.35 | A+/AA | 2018 |
| 144 | Keegan Akin BAL | 22.99 | A+ | 2019 |
| 145 | Mike Shawaryn BOS | 23.53 | A/A+ | 2019 |
| 146 | Thomas Hatch CHC | 23.50 | A+ | 2019 |
| 147 | Zack Littell MIN | 22.48 | A+/AA | 2018 |
| 148 | Alex Wells BAL | 21.09 | A | 2020 |
| 149 | Jairo Solis HOU | 18.27 | R | 2021 |
| 150 | Jose Soriano LAA | 19.44 | R | 2021 |
| 151 | Dillon Maples CHC | 25.89 | A+/AA/AAA/MLB | 2018 |
| 152 | Peter Lambert COL | 20.95 | A+ | 2019 |
| 153 | Vladimir Gutierrerz CIN | 22.53 | A+ | 2019 |
| 154 | Cody Sedlock BAL | 22.78 | A+ | 2019 |
| 155 | Daulton Jefferies OAK | 22.66 | A+ | 2020 |
| 156 | Chris Paddack SD | 22.23 | DNP | 2019 |
| 157 | Darwinzon Hernandez BOS | 21.28 | A | 2020 |
| 158 | Michael Matuella TEX | 23.82 | A | 2020 |
| 159 | Zac Gallen MIA | 22.66 | A+/AA/AAA | 2018 |
| 160 | Logan Shore SP OAK | 23.25 | R/A+ | 2019 |
| 161 | Taylor Widener ARI | 23.43 | A+ | 2019 |
| 162 | Keury Mella CIN | 24.66 | AA/MLB | 2018 |
| 163 | Eric Skoglund KC | 25.43 | AAA/MLB | 2018 |
| 164 | Garrett Williams SF | 23.54 | A/A+ | 2019 |
| 165 | Foster Griffin KC | 22.67 | A+/AA | 2019 |
| 166 | Andrew Suarez SF | 25.55 | AA/AAA | 2018 |
| 167 | Patrick Weigel ATL | 23.73 | AAA | 2019 |
| 168 | Austin Franklin TB | 20.49 | A- | 2020 |
| 169 | Seranthony Dominguez PHI | 23.34 | R/A+ | 2019 |
| 170 | Nick Kingham PIT | 26.39 | AAA | 2018 |
| 171 | Thyago Vieira CHW | 24.74 | AA/AAA/MLB | 2018 |
| 172 | Matt Tabor ARI | 19.71 | R | 2021 |
| 173 | Conner Greene STL | 22.99 | AA | 2018 |
| 174 | Andres Munoz SD | 19.20 | A-/A | 2018 |
| 175 | Michael Baumann BAL | 22.55 | R/A- | 2020 |
| 176 | Zac Lowther BAL | 21.91 | A- | 2020 |
| 177 | Steven Jennings PIT | 19.38 | R | 2021 |
| 178 | Michael Mercado TB | 18.96 | R | 2021 |
| 179 | Jake Thompson BOS | 23.52 | A- | 2020 |
| 180 | Josh Graham ATL | 24.46 | A+/AA | 2018 |
71. Logan Allen, LHP, San Diego Padres
| Age | ETA | Rep | C&C | Depth | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20.85 | 2019 | 50 | 50 | 0 | 40 |
| 2017 Statistics | ERA | WHIP | IP | K | BB% |
| A/A+ | 2.95 | 1.22 | 125 | 142 | 8.4 |
Acquired: Traded in November 2015 from the Red Sox as part of the package for Craig Kimbrel.
Repertoire: 90-95 mph fastball, mid-70s curveball, low-80s changeup.
Outlook: Logan Allen continues to outperform his average arsenal by way of his his pitchability, command, and plus changeup. Difficult to square up, he only allowed five home runs in 211 2/3 career innings. This year, Allen will likely move to Double-A San Antonio, where this writer will fully report on his progress.
72. David Paulino, RHP, Houston Astros
| Age | ETA | Rep | C&C | Depth | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24.15 | 2018 | 55 | 50 | 0 | 35 |
| 2017 Statistics | ERA | WHIP | IP | K | BB% |
| AAA/MLB | 5.86 | 1.47 | 43 | 47 | 8.4 |
Acquired: Traded in July 2013 from the Tigers as a player to be named later for Jose Veras.
Repertoire: 91-95 mph fastball (averaged 92.5 mph in majors), which benefits from excellent extension generated by 6’7” frame, upper-70s, 12-to-6 curveball, low-80s slider, and low-80s changeup.
Outlook: David Paulino received an 80-game suspension in July and had minor elbow surgery in September. He has a solid four-pitch mix with good control and inconsistent command. As such, Paulino limits walks but makes too many mistakes in the strike zone. Improved command and a full season will help rebuild his tarnished reputation as a potential 3-starter.
73. Nick Neidert, RHP, Miami Marlins
| Age | ETA | Rep | C&C | Depth | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21.36 | 2019 | 40 | 60 | 0 | 40 |
| 2017 Statistics | ERA | WHIP | IP | K | BB% |
| A+/AA | 3.45 | 1.17 | 127 2/3 | 122 | 4.2 |
Acquired: Traded in December 2017 from the Mariners as part of the package for Dee Gordon.
Repertoire: 88-94 mph fastball, upper-70s, 11-to-5 curveball, low-80s, sweeping slider, running changeup.
Outlook: Nick Neidert is a command and control specialist with an underrated arsenal. Further, he creates deception by hiding the ball until release. Although Neidert’s changeup is his best pitch, his breaking balls are improving, leading to a spiking strikeout rate. His floor is high due to his superb command and his ceiling is trending up toward a 3-starter.
74. Jose Albertos, RHP, Chicago Cubs
| Age | ETA | Rep | C&C | Depth | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19.39 | 2021 | 60 | 45 | 0 | 30 |
| 2017 Statistics | ERA | WHIP | IP | K | BB% |
| R/A- | 3.14 | 1.09 | 43 | 48 | 9.3 |
Acquired: International signee in 2015.
Repertoire: 92-97 mph fastball, upper-70s curveball, fading plus changeup
Outlook: Jose Albertos flashes three plus pitches with inconsistent command. There is very little projection remaining for Albertos as he has a big-bodied, 6’1” frame. Nevertheless, few young pitchers can deliver three potential plus pitches. With more consistent command, Albertos has 3-starter upside.
75. Brusdar Graterol, RHP, Minnesota Twins
| Age | ETA | Rep | C&C | Depth | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19.59 | 2021 | 60 | 45 | 0 | 30 |
| 2017 Statistics | ERA | WHIP | IP | K | BB% |
| R | 2.7 | 0.98 | 40 | 45 | 8.3 |
Acquired: International signee in 2014.
Repertoire: 93-100 mph fastball, mid-80s slider, promising curveball, and feel for a changeup.
Outlook: Brusdar Graterol has a big arm, already pumping out upper-90s fastballs and a plus slider. Last year, he made his state-side debut following Tommy John surgery, with a huge increase in velocity. Still just gaining attention, Graterol has huge 2-starter upside if he harnesses his arsenal and further develops his curveball and changeup.
The Best of the Rest
The 2018 Pitching Sleepers
The following prospects may rise significantly with strong showings in 2018. Each has immense upside, but each is also years away from the majors.
Tony Santillan, RHP, Cincinnati Reds: A second-round pick in the 2015 draft, he throws an electric, 94-99 mph fastball and a devastating, upper-80s slider. Last year, Santillan made major progress in the development of his changeup. Now, it appears he could develop into a 2- or 3-starter if he sharpens his command and control.
Luis Medina, RHP, New York Yankees: Only 18 years old, he throws gas in the form of a 95-102 mph fastball. In addition, Medina flashes a plus power curveball and a tumbling changeup. He is still figuring out how to control his exciting stuff and has a sky-high ceiling if he does.
Eric Pardinho, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays: A high-profile international signee from 2017, he is just 17 years old and already touches 97 mph. Pardinho also has advanced command and three promising secondaries (curveball/slider/changeup). The downside is that his frame is slight (5’10” and 155 pounds) and, as such, observers question his upside and durability.
Edward Cabrera, RHP, Miami Marlins: With an upper-90s fastball that touches triple digits, he already brings huge heat with more projection remaining. Further, Cabrera demonstrates good control with an improving slider and changeup. His 2- or 3-starter upside is massive.
Bryan Mata, RHP, Boston Red Sox: He held his own as the youngest player in Low-A South Atlantic League last year (3.74 ERA, 1.31 WHIP). Mata has a solid three-pitch mix, with a heavy, low-90s fastball, an upper-70s curveball, and a fading, low-80s changeup. With a projectable 6’3” frame, he could develop more velocity and profile as a 3-starter.
Others of Note:
- Jonathan Loaisiga, RHP, New York Yankees
- Thomas Szapucki, LHP, New York Mets (Tommy John surgery in July 2017)
- Alex Wells, LHP, Baltimore Orioles
- Jairo Solis, RHP, Houston Astros
- Jose Soriano, RHP, Los Angeles Angels
- Chris Paddack, RHP, San Diego Padres (Tommy John surgery in August 2016)
- Darwinzon Hernandez, LHP, Boston Red Sox
- Michael Matuella, RHP, Texas Rangers
Close to the Show: The 40-Man Roster Pitching Prospect
Expect several of the following players to see time in the majors this year. Injuries or under-performance at the major league level could elevate several to starting jobs.
Oscar De La Cruz, RHP, Chicago Cubs: The most innings he totaled in his career came in 2014 (75). He’s battled injuries since then while flashing a plus fastball and curveball. During Spring Training, he is throwing strictly as a reliever. Be it as a 3-starter or late-inning reliever, De La Cruz has excellent stuff and should provide solid value.
Anthony Banda, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays: Recently involved in a three-team trade, he now will compete for a spot in the Rays rotation. Banda throws hard (averaged 94.2 mph in debut) with two inconsistent secondaries (curveball/changeup). He has 3-starter upside if he irons out his command and gains consistency with his off-speed pitches.
Carson Fulmer, RHP, Chicago White Sox: The eighth overall pick in the 2015 draft, he flew through the minors despite mixed results and wavering command. Fulmer’s arsenal, however, is deep, with four potentially solid offerings. Unfortunately, he lacks much control, his changeup is too firm, and his delivery and size (6’0”) point to a future bullpen role.
Cionel Perez, LHP, Houston Astros: In his first professional season after signing for $2 million from Cuba, he advanced all the way to Double-A. Known for his pitchability, he attacks hitters with an average, four-pitch mix. Despite his diminutive size (5’11”), Perez is a high floor, 4-starter with a chance to be a mid-rotation arm.
Yohander Mendez, LHP, Texas Rangers: Although his surface stats from last year look promising (3.79/1.14 ERA/WHIP), he struggled with command. In fact, he allowed 26 home runs! To reach his potential as a 3-starter, Mendez needs a reliable breaking ball (slider/curveball) to support his solid fastball and changeup.
Other of Note:
- Jaime Barria, RHP, Los Angeles Angels
- Freddy Peralta, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers
- Dennis Santana, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
- Marcos Molina, RHP, New York Mets
- Chris Flexen, RHP, New York Mets
- Ranger Suarez, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies
- Luis Escobar, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
- Dillon Peters, LHP, Miami Marlins
- Domingo German, RHP, New York Yankees
- Lewis Thorpe, LHP, Minnesota Twins
- Zack Littell, RHP, Minnesota Twins
- Merandy Gonzalez, RHP, Miami Marlins
- Keury Mella, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
- Eric Skogland, LHP, Kansas City Royals
- Seranthony Dominguez, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies
- Nick Kingham, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
- Conner Greene, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals
Close to the Show: The High-A & Above Pitching Prospect
The road for prospects is long and winding. These prospects are one step closer, already reaching High-A, and in some cases, beyond.
Kyle Funkhouser, RHP, Detroit Tigers: After the Dodgers selected him 35th overall in the 2015 draft, he returned to college. He chose poorly and fell to the fourth round in the 2016 draft. Last year, Funkhouser dominated Low-A and High-A before landing on the disabled list with elbow inflammation. When healthy, he sits in the mid-90s with a wipeout slider, improving changeup, and restored control. Health permitting, he is a potential 3-starter.
Hector Perez, RHP, Houston Astros: Last year, he walked an unsightly 78 batters in 107 1/3 innings. Although Perez has little present command, he possesses elite stuff, flashing four plus pitches. A boom-or-bust profile, he is a 2-starter if he can harness his arsenal or, most likely, a late-inning reliever.
Dillon Tate, RHP, New York Yankees: The fourth overall pick in the 2015 draft is back! Late year, Tate returned to throwing 93-98 mph heat, a tight, mid-80s slider, and a much-improved, fading changeup. With potential plus pitches, he has the makings of a future 3-starter.
Jordan Hicks, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals: A power pitcher, he throws a 94-99 mph, running and sinking fastball. In addition to the fastball, he features improving secondaries; a mid-80s slider, a mid-70s curveball, and a promising changeup. All his off-speed pitches are inconsistent, and his command is touch-and-go. The Cardinals already are flirting with Hicks in relief. Whether a late-inning reliever or a potential mid-rotation starter, he has huge upside.
Others of Note:
- Ryan Borucki, LHP, Toronto Blue Jays
- Taylor Hearn, LHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
- Jacob Nix, RHP, San Diego Padres
- Ryan Helsley, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals
- Rogelio Armenteros, RHP, Houston Astros
- Taylor Clarke, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
- Sean Reid-Foley, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays
- Jorge Alcala, RHP, Houston Astros
- Cody Ponce, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers
- Tyler Jay, LHP, Minnesota Twins
- Enyel De Los Santos, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies
- Grant Holmes, RHP, Oakland Athletics
- Peter Lambert, RHP, Colorado Rockies
- Vladimir Gutierrez, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
- Taylor Widener, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
- Foster Griffin, LHP, Kansas City Royals
- Andrew Suarez, LHP, San Francisco Giants
- Patrick Weigel, RHP, Atlanta Braves (Tommy John surgery in June 2017)
The 2017 Pitching Draftees
The 2017 Amateur Draft included many intriguing pitching prospects, from raw high school teenagers to seasoned college arms. Here are the most interesting options remaining.
Hans Crouse, RHP, Texas Rangers: A second-round pick, he has a dynamic, upper-90s fastball and a wipeout slurve. Both his changeup and command need lots of work, but his arm is special.
Sam Carlson, RHP, Seattle Mariners: A second-round pick, he is a projectable 6’4” with a mid-90s fastball and two promising secondaries (slider/changeup). Observers also project Carlson to develop excellent command.
DL Hall, LHP, Baltimore Orioles: A first-round pick (21st overall), he has a plus, low-to-mid-90s fastball and a devastating curveball. Hall’s changeup and command are both suspect, but he is athletic with a repeatable delivery and projects well.
Trevor Rogers, LHP, Miami Marlins: A first-round pick (13th overall), he is all about projection, standing at 6’6” and 185 pounds. Rogers already has good command of a low-to-mid-90s fastball, but with inconsistent off-speed pitches (slider/curveball/changeup).
Others of Note:
- Alex Lange, RHP, Chicago Cubs
- Brendon Little, LHP, Chicago Cubs
- Corbin Martin, RHP, Houston Astros
- Wil Crowe, RHP, Washington Nationals
- Blayne Enlow, RHP, Minnesota Twins
- Griffin Canning, RHP, Los Angeles Angels
- Matt Sauer, RHP, New York Yankees
- Clarke Schmidt, RHP, New York Yankees (Tommy John surgery in April 2017)
- Trevor Stephan, RHP, New York Yankees
- Alex Scherff, RHP, Boston Red Sox
- Matt Tabor, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
- Michael Baumann, RHP, Baltimore Orioles
- Zac Lowther, LHP, Baltimore Orioles
- Steven Jennings, RHP, Pittsburg Pirates
- Michael Mercado, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
- Jake Thompson, RHP, Boston Red Sox
The 2016 Pitching Draftees
The 2016 Amateur Draft included many intriguing pitching prospects. Some disappointed and some surprised in their first full professional season. Here are the most interesting options.
Dustin May, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers: A third-round pick, he is a thin and projectable 6’6” with three average-to-plus pitches (fastball/slider/curveball) and a promising changeup. Last year, May advanced to High-A and logged a healthy 134 innings with great control. A boost in velocity could elevate May to a potential 2- or 3-starter.
JoJo Romero, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies: A fourth-round pick, he saw a huge uptick in his stuff last year. Consequently, Romero found little resistance in Low-A and High-A (2.16/1.09 ERA/WHIP). He now has advanced command of a low-90s, sinking fastball and a bevy of solid off-speed pitches, including a cutter/slider, changeup, and curveball.
Cole Ragans, LHP, Texas Rangers: A late first-round pick, he is projectable with three potentially plus pitches. Ragans’ changeup is already receiving plus grades, and he induced tons of swing-and-miss in the Northwest League (34.8 K%).
Chris Rodriguez, RHP, Los Angeles Angels: A fourth-round pick, he had a rough year on the surface (6.16/1.42 ERA/WHIP). However, Rodriguez, already flashes command of three potentially plus pitches (fastball/curveball/slider) and feel for a changeup.
Bryse Wilson, RHP, Atlanta Braves: A fourth-round pick, he tallied an impressive 137 quality innings in Low-A (2.50/1.04 ERA/WHIP). Wilson is a workhorse with a plus, sinking fastball, but mediocre secondaries (slider/changeup).
Others of Note:
- Kyle Cody, RHP, Texas Rangers
- Kyle Muller, LHP, Atlanta Braves
- Aaron Civale, RHP, Cleveland Indians
- Eric Lauer, LHP, San Diego Padres
- Jordan Sheffield, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
- Justin Dunn, RHP, New York Mets
- Keegan Akin, LHP, Baltimore Orioles
- Mike Shawaryn, RHP, Boston Red Sox
- Thomas Hatch, RHP, Chicago Cubs
- Cody Sedlock, RHP, Baltimore Orioles
- Daulton Jefferies, RHP, Oakland Athletics (Tommy John surgery in April 2017)
- Zac Gallen, RHP, Miami Marlins
- Logan Shore, RHP, Oakland Athletics
- Garrett Williams, LHP, San Francisco Giants
- Austin Franklin, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
The Relief Pitching Prospects
Zack Burdi, RHP, Chicago White Sox: A future closer, he unfortunately underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2017. When healthy, he possesses an elite, upper-90s fastball, a wipeout slider, and a tumbling changeup.
A.J. Minter, LHP, Atlanta Braves: Following an impressive debut, he likely will be a mainstay in the back of the Braves bullpen. He pairs his mid-90s fastball with a wipeout slider. Minter could push for closing duties as soon as this year.
Others of Note:
- Tanner Scott, LHP, Baltimore Orioles
- Cody Carroll, RHP, New York Yankees
- Dillon Maples, RHP, Chicago Cubs
- Thyago Vieira, RHP, Chicago White Sox
- Andres Munoz, RHP, San Diego Padres
- Josh Graham, RHP, Atlanta Braves
4 Comments
[…] 2018 Baseball prospect Rankings: TheDynastyGuru.com completes their rankings of the top 180 starting pitcher prospects with #71-180. […]
Can you give a little more info on Andres Munoz? I’m in a pretty deep dynasty league with limited moves within the season. Looking to add a good RP prospect before moves start. I know he pitched well in AZFL but was wondering your thoughts about him. Thx
Andres Munoz throws gas, sitting in the upper-90s and touching triple digits with late movement. As you stated, he impressed at just 18 years old in the Arizona Fall League against older competition. In addition to the 80-grade heater, Munoz utilizes an inconsistent power slider that is often flat. The arm strength certainly profiles well in a late-inning role, but he needs to develop his slider and some semblance of command (18 walks in 26 innings). The arrow is definitely pointing up and TDG’s Jack Cecil even ranked Munoz in his top 125 prospects this Fall. He is a fine flier in deep leagues, but likely only for those that roster over 400 prospects.
Yes, this league rosters 700 prospects so I’m intrigued. Thanks