MLB Top Prospect Check-In
MLB Top Prospect Check-In
Not all MLB draft picks are Paul Skenes, so let's check in on the Top Picks that still have some time in the Minors
Baseball is the most unique sport in that the top draft picks year over year aren’t immediately at the Big League Level. While these guys can alter the direction of a franchise, it’s nothing like taking the 1.01 quarterback in the NFL Draft, who can impact the organization in one year. The outliers are guys like Wyatt Langford, Nolan Schanuel, and Paul Skenes, who have already made their debuts and make them right away. This blog is for the top picks we may not see for another year or two, so let’s see what they’re up to!
Jacob Wilson/MIF/Oakland A’s - #6 Overall
Wilson was the poster child for a ‘hit tool’ in the 2023 draft class, only striking out 31 times in his career (697 PA) at Grand Canyon University. The A’s grabbed him early, and with his advanced hit tool and solid defensive ability, he is quickly developing to become Zack Gelof’s MIF mate. In his 100 ABs in 2023 between Rookie Ball and High A, he picked up right where he left off in college, slashing .333/.391./.475
Wilson started his 2024 in AA and was promoted to AAA last week. His 2024 totals stand so far at .438/.458/.652 with 15 2B, 3 HR, 22 RBI, and just a 10% K%. His tools have translated to every stop in the minors so far, and the A’s add another fun bat to their young talent pool. I highly anticipate him making the jump to the Big Club at some point this season.
Chase Dollander/RHP/Colorado Rockies - #9 Overall
Dollander’s control issues at Tennesee dropped him from a potential top-5 spot to 9, where the Rockies attempt to develop some homegrown pitching that they can hopefully hold onto. That isn’t to say he wasn’t deserving because he had one of the highest ceilings in the class, as shown by being the #2 prospect in the Rockies system and showed in his 2022 campaign as a Vol. Dollander has been in High A for his 2024 year, racking up 43 Ks in 24.1 innings to a 2.59 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP, with opponents hitting a mere .172 off the righty. It might be a couple of years, but his stuff is nasty, and his ability to locate vertically should play just fine in the altitude.
Enrique Bradfield Jr./OF/Baltimore Orioles - #17 Overall
Enrique Bradfield was a very intriguing prospect, with blazing speed and an undeniable talent defensively, but never quite showed up at the plate. But he’s a guy that, if he can get on base enough and hit around .300, can be one of the most valuable weapons to a team, especially with the rule changes that benefit base stealers. In 20 games in High A, Bradfield is slashing .247/.345/.370 with 16 SBs. With the loaded farm system the Orioles have, do not be surprised if he gets packaged into a deadline deal, but he could be a really solid addition for a team looking to bolster the farm.
Hurston Waldrep/RHP/Atlanta Braves - #24 Overall
After being one of the most sought-after transfer portal players in 2022, the Southern Miss product joined the Florida Gators in the 2023 Championship run, ending up as the runner-up to Paul Skenes and LSU. Waldrep was known for having the most impressive strikeout stuff in the country (next to Skenes) and one of the nastiest splitters you’ll ever see. Waldrep kicked off his 2024 campaign in AA, holding a 2-3 record over 38 IP with a 2.54 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and a .238 B/AVG. While the stuff holds strong, his K% is concerningly low for a guy who is notoriously a K producer, with just 33 so far. Waldrep is the Braves' #2 prospect currently, and while his numbers are solid, I have to imagine it will be a few years before we see him with Bryce Elder and AJ Smith-Shawver taking over some innings with Strider on the shelf.
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