The Top 15 Prospect Series: NL East
After finishing up the American League, it's time to dive into the National League. Starting off with the National League East!
The Miami Marlins
The Marlins seem to be in their second rebuild after the last one. Still, they have done a fantastic job of adding prospects to the system. Some are highly regarded by scouts and analysts, while others put together record-breaking seasons in the minors. It’s by far the best system in the division.
1. Deyvison De Los Santos: 21,1B/3B (AA/AAA)
De Los Santos had a historic MiLB season. He played 137 games to a .294/.343/.571 slash line, hit 40(!) home runs and stole a single base. I made an in-depth thread about his actual records, which you can find here. His power numbers are fantastic: Max EV of 116.2, Hard-hit% over 40%… They’re pure insanity. However, he’s got some glaring issues too. His approach will need cleaning up as he makes the jump to the MLB level. He has a 44% chase rate and a 5.2% walk rate, and that makes him a strikeout risk. His defense is average at most, but has improved considerably over the last year. People tend to forget he was 20-21 years old for the entire season. His numbers are out of this world, and with a few adjustments, De Los Santos could be a 30+ home-run player in the future.
2. Thomas White: 20, SP (A/A+)
Thomas White pitched 96 innings to a 2.81 ERA, 29.2% K%, 9.2% BB%, 1.31 WHIP and kept opponents to a .241 BAA. His 92-95 MPH fastball and fantastic curveball are both plus offerings already, while his changeup is solid, but not used nearly as often. Some believe he should add a slider to add horizontal movement to his arsenal, but whether or not he will remains to be seen. At 6’5”, 210 pounds, at 20 years old, White is extremely projectable, and most expect an uptick in fastball velocity as he physically matures. White is one of the more elite pitching prospects in baseball and will look to take another step forward in 2025.
3. Augustin Ramirez: 23, C/1B (AAA)
Ramirez played 136 games to a .267/.358/.487 slash line, hit 25 home runs and stole 22 bases. He’s a bat-first-catching prospect with a lot to like - his approach is solid, shown by his 11.1% BB%, 18.6% K%, and his 26% Chase%. He makes contact consistently and drives the ball to all fields, helped by his quick and explosive swing. His 47.6% GB% is something to monitor, as it hit a 59% peak during his AAA stint for the Yankees and could impact his future power output if the issue flares up again. His defensive profile is well below average, and he’s likely ending up at first base. With below-average pop time, framing, and receiving, Ramirez is getting feasted on by fast runners. Overall, he’s a bat-first catcher that has some similarities to former Padres prospect, Luis Campusano.
4. Noble Meyer: 20, SP (A/A+)
Meyer pitched 74 innings to a 4.01 ERA, 26.6% K%, 17.2% BB%, 1.31 WHIP and kept opponents to a .164 BAA. Meyer throws a mid-90s fastball, which can be too straight and primarily relies on his plus, mid-80s slider to generate whiffs. Just like most young pitchers, Meyer is still working on a changeup that could be a plus in the future, and he’s flashed it more in 2024. Control is an obvious and worrying issue. Meyer’s lowest BB% was 11.8% in 2023, which is still 4% too high to be ideal. This impacts his effectiveness, and the fact it worsened in 2024 isn’t a great sign. His stuff is great, but he will need to figure out these issues to reach his potential.
5. Starlyn Caba: 19, SS (A)
Caba played 78 games to a .228/.385/.284 slash line, hit two home runs, and stole 50 bases. His offensive profile is centered around making contact and getting on base, without much power involved as of now. His SwStr% of 4.2%, overall contact% of 88%, and BB/K rate of 1.37 indicates just how good he is at making contact at an elite rate. This hasn’t translated into results just yet, as he hits the ball on the ground too often, resulting in easy outs. His 19.7% BB% is elite and helps him make the most of his plus-plus speed. He’s an elite defender at short, with some drawing comparisons to Francisco Lindor. A contact-speed profile with elite defensive tools gives him an extremely high floor.
6. Robby Snelling: 21, SP (AA/AAA)
Snelling pitched 115 innings to a 5.15 ERA, 22.6% K%, 8.9% BB%, 1.52 WHIP and had opponents hitting .283 against him. It's far from ideal for one of the former Padres pitching gems, right? Well, since the move to Miami, Snelling pitched 36 innings at AA to a 4.00 ERA (2.76 FIP) and six at AAA to a 1.50 ERA, with improved strikeout and command numbers across the board. He throws a mid-90s fastball, a sinker, a slider, and a changeup, with the fastball and slider potentially being plus pitches. He does have a curveball that has plenty of depth, but he hasn’t used it as often as he did in the past. His dip in velocity looks to be past us, and his 42-inning sample is promising. Let’s not forget how young Snelling is. Still an extremely talented pitcher.
7. Joe Mack: 22, C (A+/AA)
Mack played 112 games to a .252/.338/.468 slash line, hit 24 home runs, and stole three bases. He’s a well-rounded catching prospect who made leaps forward compared to 2023. He’s got plus power, and has tapped into it more by being more aggressive, especially against fastballs. His 25% K% isn’t worrying for now, but could be in the future, as his pitch recognition still needs work. He sits fastball so often that he gets fooled by breaking pitches, something that has been an issue in the past as well. He’s a good defender and pairs it with a strong arm, throwing out over 50% (30 out of 59) attempted base-stealers in 2024. Mack’s power and defense alone should give him a good chance to play in the majors, with ample improvements in approach and pitch recognition.
8. Max Acosta: 22, SS/2B (AA)
Acosta played 104 games to a .288/.353/.425 slash line, hit eight home runs, and stole 26 bases. Acosta showed plenty of promise earlier in his career, but got sidetracked by the pandemic and injuries. His projected 20-home run power is still a distant dream, but Acosta has a polished approach and above-average contact skills to go with it. His 7.8% BB% isn’t ideal, but he pairs it with an extremely low 13.4% K% and 9.3% SwStr%, all while making contact overall at an 81.2% clip. His speed has decreased as he added muscle over the years, but Acosta will remain a threat on the bases for the foreseeable future. Overall, Acosta is a well-rounded player with plenty of everyday potential if it all clicks.
9. Echedry Vargas: 19, SS (A)
Vargas played 97 games to a .276/.321/.454 slash line, hit 14 home runs, and stole 29 bases. Despite his smaller frame (5’11”, 170 pounds), Vargas packs plenty of pull-side power that he’s able to tap into fairly consistently. His approach still needs work: Vargas is extremely aggressive at the plate and rarely takes walks, shown by his 5% BB%. This is fine for now but it might become a problem as he faces more advanced pitching. This, in combination with his 70% Contact% and 16% SwStr%, gives his hitting profile some form of variance that’s hard to ignore at Single-A. He’s an above-average defender with solid arm strength, both of which could become plus tools in the future.
10. Dillon Head: 20, OF (CPX/A)
Head only played 26 games in 2024 to a .243/.317/.396 slash line, hit two home runs, and stole five bases. Unfortunately, Head underwent hip surgery in mid-June, and this resulted in 50 games over a two-year stretch for Head. As a player, Head is a tooled-up prospect with elite speed, plus defense and arm, average bat-to-ball skills, and questionable power. However, we haven’t seen any of them truly on display because of the lack of game time and injury problems. Head could be a very well-rounded outfielder if everything clicks, but the lack of games is slightly worrying, to say the least. The head should be healthy by the start of the 2025 season.
11. PJ Morlando: 19, OF (DRAFT)
PJ Morlando was drafted by the Miami Marlins as the 16th overall pick in the 2024 draft and was one of the more exciting college bats in the class, albeit a surprise they drafted him that early. His 6’3”, 200-pound frame is extremely projectable, which might be one of the reasons why he went that early. He’s got solid bat-to-ball skills with potential plus power, but he's undermined by his average speed and fringy arm. His reads and reactions are solid, but overall, Morlando is a high-upside prospect with plenty of questions surrounding his ceiling. We will get to know more as he gets ready for 2025.
12. Karson Milbrandt: 20, SP (A+)
Milbrandt pitched 97 innings to a 4.33 ERA, 20.7% K%, 13% BB%, 1.51 WHIP and kept opponents to a .239 BAA. His mid-90s fastball averages 2,800 rpm, resulting in plenty of movement, he has a solid mid-80s curveball, and is working on his changeup, although it still requires more polishing. He does have a slider, but doesn’t utilize it enough for it to be a true part of his arsenal. However, command issues have impacted his numbers in a negative way. Milbrandt’s mechanics are clean, but he gets sloppy toward the end of his outings. Most believe this is an issue that can be resolved by appropriate S&C, which is a promising sign for the future. Milbrandt is a step down from White, Meyer, and Snelling but still a talented pitcher in his own right.
13. Victor Mesa Jr.: 23, OF (A/AAA)
Mesa Jr. played 83 games to a .255/.318/.423 slash line, hit 13 home runs, and stole five bases. Mesa is a nice blend of above-average power and plus, potentially plus-plus defensive reads and actions. His approach tends to be over-aggressive, as shown by his 36% Chase% and 8.1% BB%, impacting his outcomes. His Hard-Hit% of 32.7% has the potential to be a lot higher once he cleans up his approach and could make him a 20-HR threat. His speed plays well on the defensive side but is unlikely to have an impact on the bases. Mesa looks like a promising prospect that keeps making solid steps forward.
14. Andres Valor: 19, OF (CPX)
Valor played 54 games to a .289/.374/.421 slash line, hit two home runs, and stole 35 bases. Valor is, for now at least, a speedy outfielder with solid contact rates and flashes of above-average power in the future. However, his 6’3”, 180-pound frame has significant room for power projection, which could raise his ceiling by quite a bit. Valor is still young, and this is reflected in an often over-aggressive approach, shown by his 8.8% BB% and 25.1% K%. His bat-to-ball skills are average for now, with some swing and miss present in his swing (17% SwStr%) and 65% Contact%. Valor will look to make the step to Single-A and potentially High-A in 2025 and could outperform expectations if he manages to make the right adjustments.
15. Jared Serna: 22, 2B/SS (A+/AA/AAA)
Serna played 133 games to a .251/.337/.414 slash line, hit 15 home runs and stole 15 bases. Serna is your classic, compact middle infielder with quick hands, although the power in his profile makes him stand out. He consistently makes hard contact, which works well with his ability to pull the ball consistently. His bat-to-ball skills and approach are solid, but his willingness to pull has led to plenty of ground balls and rollovers in the past. Despite his 15 stolen bases, Serna’s speed is average at most, and he combines it with average-to-solid defensive tools at second, with an arm too weak to stick at short. Overall, he’s probably slightly overrated because of his Yankee past, and looks suited for a utility role in the future.
The New York Mets
The Mets system is in a weird place: A lot of their highly-regarded prospects underperformed in 2024 or were injured, and others have graduated. It’s still a nice system with a few solid prospects in there, especially considering the talent they already have at the MLB level.
1. Brandon Sproat: 24, SP (A+/AA/AAA)
Sproat’s first professional season instantly announced him to the world. He pitched 116 innings to a 3.40 ERA, 28.3% K%, 9.1% BB%, 1.11 WHIP and kept opponents to a .211 BAA. He sits mid-90s with his fastball, and has an upper-80s changeup, slider, and cutter. His command was considered a weakness before the Draft, but the Mets have done a good job of reining his stuff in and have him attacking the zone on a consistent basis. Sproat doesn’t just have swing-and-miss stuff but is also able to generate ground balls when he needs it, as shown by his 49% GB%. The Mets announced that Sproat might be a rotation option in the second half, so it’s likely we see him at the MLB level at some point.
2. Carson Benge: 21, OF (DRAFT/A)
Benge was drafted by the Mets as the 19th overall pick in the 2024 Draft and impressed in his pro debut. He played 15 games to a .273/.420/.436 slash line, hit two home runs, and stole three bases. Benge has a solid approach, shown by his 15.9% BB% and exceptional bat-to-ball skills, making contact at an 82% clip, combined with a SwStr% of just 7.2%. His power will play as above-average, at least, and he’s a solid defender on the right field with a strong arm. It’s unlikely Benge will become a base-stealing threat in the future, but he will swipe a bag when he sees a chance to do so. Overall, it’s a nice first impression for the first-rounder, and he’s set for a big 2025.
3. Jonah Tong: 21, SP (A/A+/AA)
Tong pitched 113 innings to a 3.03 ERA, 34.2% K%, 10% BB%, 1.17 WHIP and kept opponents to a .202 BAA. Tong throws a fastball that sits 92-94 with the elite ride, a downer curveball, and a gyro slider in the mid-80s. His mid-80s changeup has taken a leap forward in 2024 and has proven to be a potential ‘out’ pitch in the future. Tong decreased his BB% from 22% in 2023 to 10% in 2024, and it’s helped him trust his stuff and dominate hitters. If he can keep his command in check, Tong has the potential to emerge as another top pitching prospect in the Mets’ system.
4. Ryan Clifford: 21, 1B/OF (A+/AA)
Clifford played 129 games to a .228/.372/.421 slash line, hit 19 home runs, and stole four bases. Clifford has a ton of power in his bat and can generate power in all fields. However, his swing-and-miss inside the zone often affects his ability to truly tap into all of his power. Furthermore, he could probably generate even more power once he pulls even more fly balls. His approach, on the other hand, is incredibly mature, and it helps him to get on base at a great rate despite the batting average. He’s a slow runner and is likely to stick at first with the ability to fill in an outfield spot when required. He could launch 25+ home runs in the future in combination with a good walk rate, but none of that will matter if he doesn’t make contact more consistently.
5. Jett Williams: 21, SS (A/AA/AAA)
Williams played 33 games to a .215/.358/.298 slash line, hit no home runs, and stole five bases. Overall, it’s a very disappointing season for the face of the Mets farm system. He struggled with injuries, eventually getting wrist surgery in June. He came back for the AFL and sprained his right ankle. When healthy, Williams has shown solid bat-to-ball skills with an advanced approach and average power, helped by elite speed and above-average defensive tools. However, a fast-twitch athlete like Williams, who has these injuries and decreasing numbers, is something to worry about. That sprained ankle will undoubtedly have an impact on his offseason work, so it remains in question how healthy he is. He’s invited to Spring Training, so I guess we will find out soon.
6. Jeremy Rodriguez: 18, SS (CPX)
Rodriguez played 50 games to a .282/.355/.400 slash line, hit three home runs, and stole 17 bases. What immediately stands out are both his bat-to-ball skills and approach, shown by his 9.7% BB%, 17.1% K%, 82.3% Contact% and 8.2% SwStr%. His frame (6’0”, 170 pounds) projects for more power, and Rodriguez’s gap power could eventually become more of a home run threat as he matures. He’s got a plus arm and above-average defensive skills according to scouts, so his 2025 campaign is one to look forward to. His overall skill set gives him an extremely high floor.
7. Blake Tidwell: 23, SP (AA/AAA)
Tidwell pitched 122 innings to a 4.86 ERA, 22.6% K%, 12% BB%, 1.41 WHIP and has kept opponents to a .234 BAA. His mid-90s fastball averages around 18 inches of IVB, which makes it play extremely well up in the zone, and he pairs it with a low-80s sweeper, upper-80s cutter, and changeup. He does have a curveball but rarely uses it (1.7%). His sweeper is a true ‘out’ pitch but can vary too much in shape and result in further command issues. Tidwell’s walk rate went up from 7.5% in AA to 13.7% at AAA, a career-high (or low) and it has drastically impacted his numbers. His 6’4”, 210-pound frame is one of a potential workhorse, but if he doesn’t clean up the command issues, Tidwell could wind up as a mid-to-late inning reliever.
8. Drew Gilbert: 24, OF (AAA)
Gilbert played 62 games to a .205/.3113/.371 slash line, hit 10 home runs, and stole three bases. This is another disappointing season from a top Mets prospect, especially considering how good he looked by the end of 2023. He struggled with injuries throughout the season, and his numbers are worrying. Gilbert always has been a hit-over-power profile, and now he’s hitting .205. His 26% Hard)Hit% added onto this is another cause for concern. He hasn’t been able to show off his speed much on the bases, and the time is ticking for the 24-year-old. At this point, Gilbert has 4th outfielder ceiling written all over him, despite the initial thought he could be a regular.
9. Nolan McLean: 23, SP (A+/AA)
Mclean pitched 109 innings to a 3.78 ERA, 25.1% K%, 9.1% BB%, 1.26 WHIP and kept opponents to a .236 BAA. Mclean sits in his mid-90s with his fastball and has an absolutely fantastic mid-80s sweeper that surpasses the 3,000 rpm mark consistently with over 20 inches of horizontal movements. He has been mixing in a cutter, while the changeup and curveball are still in development. Mclean was considered a reliever early on, but he has shown that he belongs on the hill every fifth day as a starter. His command has taken a leap forward in 2024, and McLean’s stuff and potential make him an exciting prospect.
10. Nick Morabito: 21, OF (A/A+)
Morabito played 119 games to a .312/.403/.398 slash line, hit four home runs, and stole 59 bases. Morabito’s profile is centered around contact, speed, and approach in combination with plus defense. He won’t hit for much power but has a solid approach, avoids the strikeout, and has plus bat-to-ball skills. Ideally, Morabito adds a little more pop to drive more balls into the gaps - 17 doubles with that kind of speed is quite underwhelming. He’s considered a plus defender in center field and if Morabito handles the step up to AA well, he could become a super-utility outfielder in the future or a leadoff hitter as the best-case scenario.
11. Jesus Baez: 19, 3B/SS (A/A+)
Baez played 72 games to a .262/.335/.447 slash line, hit 11 home runs, and stole nine bases. Baez is a compact, 5’10”, 190-pound infielder who has more power potential than initially expected. Baez has lowered his K% to 16.1% but still has a tendency to chase, which results in a lot of weaker contact and an 8.5% BB%. Baez doesn’t have the speed to beat out these ground balls, and his BABIP of .284 further reflects that. He could be an actual 15-20 home-run threat in the future. He played second, third, and short in 2024 but looks best suited for third base, where his very strong arm and good defensive instincts play better than short, where his range lets him down. Overall, Baez is a player who could rise up the prospect ranks in 2024.
12. Boston Baro: 20, UTL (A/A+)
Baro played 95 games to a .278/.358/.390 slash line, hit four home runs, and stole nine bases. What makes Baro stand out is his excellent approach and bat-to-ball skills, as shown by his 11% BB%, 18% K%, and 8.6% SwStr%. However, that’s so far about it. Baro is an average runner, with solid defensive tools but an average arm and doesn’t have the power to profile well at third for now. However, at 6’0”, 170 pounds, Baro has plenty of room for physical projection, and his power could eventually play up to be above-average at most in the future. Overall, Baro looks to be a player that could outperform the initial ceilings set if he continues to make contact at an elite rate.
13. Daiverson Gutierrez: 19, C (DSL/CPX/A)
Gutierrez played 37 games to a .259/.396/.435 slash line, hit two home runs, and stole a single base. He split time between all three levels, and dominated in the DSL & CPX leagues, but struggled with the step up to Single-A. He showed an improved approach compared to 2023, cutting his K% from 17% to 7.4% and increasing his BB% by nearly 2%. At 5’11”, 205 pounds, Gutierrez doesn’t project much more physical growth but could pack above-average pop over a full season. His defensive skills still need plenty of work, but his above-average arm will be a weapon behind the dish. His numbers are promising, but we can’t forget that this is after a repeat of the DSL level. His 2025 will have a big impact on his prospect status.
14. Simon Juan: 19, OF (CPX)
Juan played 50 games to a .273/.337/.459 slash line, hit seven home runs, and stole four bases. He was the Mets’ top IFA of the 2022 class ($1.9 million) but disappointed early on. However, his 2024 is a big step forward. Juan is listed as 6’0” and 190 pounds, but he’s definitely over 200 by now. He added a lot of muscle and adjusted his swing to make more consistent contact while mitigating the swing-and-miss that was present before. His SwStr% of 18.8% is still high, but a huge increase on his 37% of 2023. His approach will still need work as he’s over-aggressive and doesn’t walk enough for the level he’s playing at. However, Juan’s plus, potential plus-plus power profile, in combination with his general athleticism, make him a prospect to watch in 2025. He’s not the fourth-highest-paid IFA in Mets history without a reason.
15. Yovanny Rodriguez: 18, C (INTERNATIONAL PROSPECT)
Rodriguez was signed for $2.85 million out of Venezuela by the Mets in this years’ international window, and he was a Top 10 Prospect on MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 of this year’s class. Scouts are raving about his great arm strength and overall approach, specifically his bat-to-ball skills. His power isn’t his most spectacular tool, but the Mets are confident his bat-to-ball skills give him room to work on developing more power in his game in the future. Already considered an above-average defender despite his age, Rodriguez is shaping up to be a very well-rounded catching prospect in a system full of good ones. Just how good he is will be clear in a few months, but the initial reports are promising.
The Philladelphia Phillies
The Phillies farm system is extremely talented, one through six, but there’s a serious drop-off in talent after that. However, they could have a generational pitching talent in Andrew Painter, with some other very interesting prospects behind him.
1. Andrew Painter: 21, SP (INJURED/AFL)
Andrew Painter had a fantastic start to his career but was halted in his development because of Tommy John's surgery. He missed the entire 2023 season, didn’t rush his comeback, and only returned for the AFL this fall. He looked great, pitching 15 innings to a 2.30 ERA and 0.89 WHIP. Granted, a small sample size. His fastball hovers around 96 and has touched triple digits, he pairs it with a sinking variant, a low-80 slider, curveball, and changeup. Some say all pitches are plus, although I’d say the curveball and changeup are slightly above average. His command has never been an issue, and his frame has starter written all over it. It’s highly likely we see Painter in the MLB sooner rather than later, and he remains one of the top pitching prospects.
2. Justin Crawford: 20, OF (A+/AA)
Crawford played 110 games to a .313/.360/.444 slash line, hit nine home runs, and stole 42 bases. Crawford has the profile to be a fantastic power-speed blend. His 6’2”, 190-pound frame still leaves some room for physical maturation, and he’s extremely fast already. He makes contact consistently but might need to tighten up his approach as he progresses through the levels. His bat-to-ball skills remain fantastic, shown by his 18% K% 9.4% SwStr%. Crawford’s GB% of 60% impacts his power output and will further impact his future output if he doesn’t improve this part of his game. He’s a plus, potentially plus-plus defender and has one of the more complete prospect profiles.
3. Aidan Miller: 20, SS (A+/AA)
Miller played 102 games to a .261/.366/.446 slash line, hit 11 home runs and stole 23 bases. Miller has raw power and pairs it with solid bat-to-ball skills. His approach is advanced for his age, shown by his 12.2% BB%. Just like Crawford, Miller’s sub-10% SwStr% of 9.3% is a good sign. He’s less aggressive but doesn’t have the same speed as Crawford, which does play a part. His defensive profile is solid and well-rounded, although most believe he will eventually slide over to third base as he fully matures. His speed might eventually play up less and less as he gets older, but Miller’s overall profile of power and defense will play well in the future. He will be 20 until mid-June, which makes it even more impressive.
4. Eduardo Tait: 18, C (CPX/A)
Tait played 79 games to a .302/.356/.486 slash line, hit 11 home runs, and stole five bases. Tait has a quick swing that stays in the zone for a long time, and his power already plays as a plus, potentially becoming a plus-plus in the future. His approach will need some polishing, as he chases too often, which results in weak contact and/or strikeouts. This is further demonstrated by his 13% jump in K% between the CPX and Single-A and 6.4% BB%. His arm is plus, throwing out 44% of attempted base stealers in 2024. This currently carries his defensive profile, as the rest of his defensive tools need work. However, Tait will be 18 for much of the 2025 season, and he has plenty of time to develop into a big-league catcher.
5. Aroon Escobar: 20, 2B/3B (CPX)
Escobar is an extremely interesting prospect. He only played 24 games but was impressed, as shown by his .338/.495/.481 slash line, three home runs, and nine stolen bases. His approach is built around patience and contact and could quickly be recognized as one of the best in the minors. Escobar’s 20.2% BB% and 9.6% K% are truly elite, further shown by his CAREER BB/K rate over 1.00. He’s compact and strong and could tap into more power as he physically matures and pulls more fly balls. Some scouts compare his defensive skillset with a young Alex Bregman, which should tell you more than enough. Overall, Escobar is looking to confirm these good reports in 2025 but could emerge as one of the top infield prospects.
6. Moisés Chace: 21, SP (A+/AA)
Chace is an extremely fun prospect. He pitched 80 innings to a 3.59 ERA, 37.1% K%, 12% BB%, 1.21 WHIP and kept opponents to a .198 BAA. Chace is on the smaller side at 6’1”, 215 pounds, but he’s a good athlete with a smooth delivery. He throws a low-90 fastball, sweeper, and changeup, with all three pitches grading out as bat-missing, plus pitches. He creates tons of deception because of his low approach angle and subsequent release, truly making it a ‘rising’ fastball. His 12% BB% is a solid improvement on his 17.5% from 2023, but it will need further improvement if he wants to stick as a starter. How well all of his stuff will play at the highest levels remains to be seen, but his 45.5% K% in 16 Double-A innings is promising, to say the least.
7. Dante Nori: 20, OF (DRAFT)
Dante Nori was drafted by the Phillies as the 27th overall pick in the 2024 draft, and could quickly make an impact. He’s got a quick, contact-oriented swing, focused on driving balls into the gaps instead of over the fence, and pairs it with a solid approach. He’s considered a plus defender in center field already, thanks to his plus speed and arm, which further helps him be aggressive on the bases. At 5’10”, 190 pounds, Nori could be considered a pocket version of fellow Phillies prospect Justin Crawford, albeit with less room for power projection. Overall, Nori is a well-rounded contact, speed, and defense blend that results in a pretty high floor.
8. Gabriel Rincones Jr.: 23, OF ((AA)
Rincones played 59 games to a .263/.357/.487 slash line, hit 11 home runs, and stole 20 bases. Rincones is a fun athlete with a 6’3”, 225-pound frame and a swing that has plus-plus power potential. However, his swing is currently too flat and generates gap-to-gap power more than it does generate home runs, and a mechanical adjustment is needed to help him make the most of his power. He’s a good runner despite his size and will continue to steal bases when chances present themselves. Defensively, an outfield corner looks like his only fit, with an average arm and below-average read and reaction times. His 25% K% and 11% BB% have been consistent for the majority of his career, which isn’t a bad sign. Overall, Rincones is a fun, power-first outfield prospect.
9. Alirio Ferrebus: 19, C/1B (DSL/CPX)
In a farm system that lacks overall depth, rankings can differ. So meet Alirio Ferrebus. He only played 24 games to a .351/.424/.558 slash line, hit three home runs, and stole three bases. Ferrebus has only appeared in 45 games over the last two years but has a lot of tools to like: His approach and bat-to-ball skills both stand out as above-average to plus, shown by his sub 10% K%, 79% Contact%, 10.9% SwStr%, and 8.7% BB%. He combines this with interesting raw power, to say the least. Some of his hard-hit balls still get lost because of a 50% GB% and lack of pull in his swing, but these are tweaks that could be made in the future. He has the potential to be an average defender and is likely to see more time at first base in the future as well. His 6’2”, 175-pound frame leaves even more room for power projection. Ferrebus is an underrated prospect that could impress in 2025.
10. Griffin Burkholder: 19, OF (DRAFT)
Burkholder was drafted by the Phillies in the second round as the 63rd overall pick and is another well-rounded outfield prospect who could make it to the top of their system fairly quickly. His power has already been graded as above-average, although his swing does have some holes in it. It tends to be flat, which doesn’t help him truly drive balls instead of muscling them out. This will be something to watch once he makes his (real) pro debut. He’s a plus-plus runner, resulting in plus defense and extreme aggressiveness on the bases. His arm is average at most, but he will still play in center field. Burkholder made two plate appearances in 2025 and ripped a triple in one of the two - a good first impression. Looking forward to more in 2025.
11. Mavis Graves: 21, SP (A)
Graves pitched 84 innings to a 3.64 ERA, 31.8% K%, 9.8% BB%, 1.35 WHIP and kept opponents to a .236 BAA. Graves has a true starters’ pitch mix - he throws a low-90 fastball, both four-and-two-seam variants, a 78-82 cutter, and gets a downward break on his curveball and changeup. He’s a 6’6”, 205-pound behemoth with a quick and compact delivery, and most scouts believe there’s a high chance his fastballs eventually settle in the mid-90s range. His ability to get both strikeouts and high ground-ball rates are solid indicators for future success, and Graves’ success at the higher levels will tell us a lot more about his future. Looking forward to his 2025 campaign.
12. Mick Abel: 23, SP (AAA)
Abel pitched a total of 108 innings to a 6.46 ERA, 22.7% K%, 15.1% BB%, 1.81 WHIP and had opponents hit .275 against him. This is, unfortunately, the fifth-worst pitching season in the minors. His stuff remains as good as it was in the past with a mid-90s fastball, an upper-70s curveball, a mid-80s slider, and a changeup/splitter, but they’re of little use when you can’t locate them right. Abel’s BB% has increased from a manageable 10.6% in 2022, to 13.5% in 2023 and eventually 15.1% in 2024. This truly stands in the way of his future as a starter, and it’s something he will need to resolve. If he doesn’t, he could wind up as a late-inning reliever who flirts with triple digits on a regular basis.
13. Jean Cabrera: 23, SP (A+/AA)
Cabrera pitched 106 innings to a 3.80 ERA, 24.7% K%, 7.4% BB%, 1.21 WHIP and has kept opponents to a .238 BAA. He throws a mid-90s sinker-fastball combo and fills out his arsenal with an upper-80s changeup and mid-80s sweeper, with some believing all four pitches can end up being plus pitches in the future. His command is solid, allowing him to locate his stuff consistently. He did struggle at Double-A in his 30-inning stint there, with a 4.85 ERA and 14.4% K%. It’s a small sample, but it’s slightly worrying. His pitch mix and makeup do make him look like a starter, and durability concerns aren’t relevant until they are. If he can start his 2025 at Double-A and improve upon his 2024 stint there, Cabrera could be set for a breakout season.
14. Devin Saltiban: 19, SS/2B (A)
Saltiban played 97 games to a .237/.346/.428 slash line, hit 17 home runs, and stole 22 bases. His bat speed is excellent and helps him generate a lot of power despite his more compact frame, and he makes the most of it by pulling at a 46% rate. His bat-to-ball skills are more than solid, but his approach will need tightening up - Saltiban has a tendency to chase which resulted in a 24.8% K% in 2024. He’s a plus runner with a solid arm, although some believe the former outfielder will eventually end up at second base. His approach has impacted his batting average, and more advanced pitchers will take advantage. The uncertainty around his defensive home puts more pressure on his bat. Saltiban is a fun prospect with a ceiling higher than initially expected.
15. Carson DeMartini: 22, 3B/SS (DRAFT/A)
DeMartini was drafted in the fourth round by the Phillies and immediately made a good impression during his pro debut. He played 24 games to a .315/.385/.478 slash line, hit two home runs, and stole eight bases. The Phillies have a clear love for compact power hitters, and DeMartini fits the bill. He looks to do damage with every swing he takes but has cleaned up his approach significantly compared to his college days. His 13.5% K% is a career-low, and his SwStr% of 9.1% further indicates he’s getting the bat to the ball very consistently. Despite not being labeled as a plus runner, DeMartini has shown off his aggressiveness on the bases early on. His arm was considered one the best in the draft class, although his overall defensive attributes are below average. He could end up being a fourth-round steal if he can keep this up.
The Washington Nationals
The Nationals farm would likely have ranked a lot higher on this list if it wasn’t for the graduation of some elite talents like James Wood & Dylan Crews. They have a very exciting, young core at the MLB level and have dedicated time and resources to the development of young players, which is good to see.
1. Brady House: 3B, 21 (AA/AAA)
Brady House played 129 games to a .241/.297/.402 slash line, hit 19 home runs, and stole six bases. Despite it being a down season for House, his talent is undeniable. He generates high exit velocities (109+ MPH) and is a plus defender at third base. His bat-to-ball skills are fantastic, as shown by his 87.7% Z-Contact%. What lets him down is his approach - House’s 5.7% BB% and 40% Chase% are not sustainable against high-level pitchers and further downplay his elite power potential. If House can clean up the approach, he could be an offensive force paired with potentially elite defense. However, the approach has been unchanged throughout his career, which gives me little hope for drastic changes.
2. Jarlin Susana: SP, 20 (A/A+)
Susana pitched 103 innings to a 4.34 ERA, 35.4% K%, 10.8% BB%, 1.31 WHIP and kept opponents to a .226 BAA. Susana’s 2.25 FIP is a whole 2 points lower than his ERA. He sits in the high-90’s with his fastball, although it can get too straight at times. He has a plus, high-80s slider and is still working on improving his average changeup and below-average curveball. Susano doesn’t just strike people out; he gets ground balls at a 59% clip, making his chances of a good outcome higher than most pitchers. His 6’6”, 235-pound frame is the one of a frontline starter, and Susana has the stuff to go along with that projection. His command has improved, with a sub-10% BB% during his 47-inning stretch at High-A. The reliever risk is somewhat gone for now, and Susana is one of the best young pitching prospects out there.
3. Travis Sykora: 20, SP (A)
Sykora pitched 85 innings to a 2.33 ERA, 39.2% K%, 8.2% BB%, 0.91 WHIP and kept opponents to a .167 BAA. He sits in the 95-97 range with his fastball that has some nice run to it and pairs it with a mid-80s splitter. His slider has shown flashes of being above average, but it’s not a true, reliable slider yet. Unlike Susana, Sykora doesn’t generate an above-average amount of ground balls but has dominated lower-level hitters with his stuff. His command has been great so far. His 6’6”, 225-pound frame is once again exactly what you want from a starter. Sykora’s numbers are flashier than Susana’s, but I think the former holds the long-term upside.
4. Seaver King: 21, SS (DRAFT/A)
King was the 10th overall pick of the 2024 draft and made a good impression in his pro debut. He played 20 games to a .295/.367/.385 slash line, hit no home runs, but stole ten bases. King’s swing is built around making contact and driving the ball to the gaps, with a swing path that won’t generate a ton of home runs. He’s got a plus arm but average defensive actions at shortstop, and he made four errors in 20 games. However, his defensive versatility is what makes him valuable - he can play all outfield spots and has seen time at third base. The Nationals announced they will use him as a shortstop for now, hoping he can become a plus defender in the future. His approach got expansive at college, but he’s shown improvements in the short time we’ve seen him. His speed will remain a real threat throughout his career, and he could easily steal 30 bags next year.
5. Andry Lara: 22, SP (A+/AA)
Lara pitched 124 innings to a 3.34 ERA, 24.2% K%, 8.1% BBM, 1.16 WHIP and has kept opponents to a .225 BAA. Lara has a straight, four-seam fastball and a two-seam, sinking variation that both sit 92-95, with the sinker generating plenty of horizontal runs. His mid-80s slider carries plenty of depth, while his changeup has improved dramatically in 2024. Lara has above-average command, was 21 for the entire season, and performed well against Double-A hitters. His K% increased by nearly 10%; his BB% stayed the same, and overall, Lara had a fantastic season. He was 5th overall prospect in the system in 2021, and Lara’s 2024 is a true comeback season. If he can add a little more velocity to his fastball variations, Lara could be a breakout in 2025.
6. Daylen Lile: 22, OF (A+/AA)
Lile played 130 games to a .262/.347/.388 slash line, hit six home runs, and stole 25 bases. Lile showed off impressive contact skills in 2024, further confirming early scouting reports. His 10% SwStr%, 80% Contact%, and 17.3% K% are all career highs, while he kept his BB% at a steady 9.6%. Lile’s speed is impressive, shown by his 23 doubles and 10 (!) triples, which help him cover a lot of ground in the outfield. Some believed Lile would still hit for average power, but it’s looking more & more like he will be a gap-to-gap hitter with plenty of speed and the occasional home run, although he could tap into more power if he starts pulling his flyballs more often.
7. Yohandy Morales: 23, 1B/3B (AA)
Morales played 69 games to a .269/.362/.384 slash line, hit five home runs, and stole four bases. Morales was signed as a true power bat at third base, but we haven’t seen much of it on display yet, likely because of a thumb injury that’s hampered him for much of the 2024 season. His approach is solid, but he tends to chase on sharp-breaking balls quite easily. His 70.7% Contact% is worrying when you take the little power output into account, although his SwStr% of 14.4% helps his cause. He is an above-average defender at third, but House is better and younger, which led to Morales spending time at first. Overall, Morales’ career start was great, but I’m still waiting to see the power truly on display.
8. Angel Feliz: 18, SS (DSL)
Feliz played 49 games to a .310/.381/.468 slash line, hit four home runs, and stole 27 bases. Feliz’s 6’3”-185-pound frame is extremely projectable, and Feliz has already noted down a 90th percentile EV with a max over 107 MPH. He’s a plus runner and will continue to steal bases once he enters pro ball. His swing is smooth but tends to get long, and this has been addressed by the Nationals as a work in progress. His overall Contact% & SwStr% further affirm this, and 2025 will help a lot in determining how big of an issue this will be. He’s a good fielder with a strong arm, which makes him a very projectable prospect that could turn a lot of heads in 2025. BUT, once again, the DSL numbers are nearly worthless.
9. Robert Hassell III: 23, OF (A+/AA/AAA)
Hassell III played a total of 85 games to a .241/.319/.328 slash line, hit five home runs, and stole 15 bases. Hassell has been struggling with some nagging injuries throughout his campaign, and this has impacted his overall numbers in a big way - not ideal if you’re looking to bounce back from a sub-par 2023 campaign. His swing is butter from the left side, although he still struggles to generate loft, as shown by his 53% GB%. His power has been on a downward trend, likely due to the nagging hand/wrist injuries, so it’s extremely hard to truly attribute a ‘loss of power’ to him so far. His overall contact of 79% is solid, and the 15% SwStr% is certainly sustainable. He also trimmed his K% back down to 21%, and still is an above average runner & defender with a strong arm. If he can return to full health in 2025, Hassell could quickly make his way to the majors.
10. Brad Lord: 24, SP (A+/AA/AAA)
Lord pitched 129 innings to a 2.43 ERA, 25.3% K%, 9.2% BB%, 1.20 WHIP and has kept opponents to a .223 BAA. His fastball averages 92, and he pairs it with a sinking variant that sits around the same velocity, a mid-80s slider, and a changeup. He has improved his K% by over 7% compared to 2023, kept his BB% under 10%, and has tinkered with his mechanics (i.e., lower arm slot), and it has returned tremendous results. He has been durable for his entire career and has continued on that trend in 2024. If he manages to keep missing bats at this rate, it’s highly likely we see him in the MLB at some point. He’s not going to blow you away, but Lord could turn into a solid back-end starter with these adjustments.
11. Luke Dickerson: 19, SS (DRAFT)
Dickerson was the Nationals’ second-round pick and received the biggest second-round bonus in bonus pool history. Dickerson’s swing is what makes him stand out - it’s quick, short, and compact, which makes his potential for strikeouts not as worrying. Although his power is considered a plus, it’s hard to fully grade it out until you see it in play at the pro level. What does stand out already is his speed and defensive range - Dickerson is a plus runner with a wide defensive range. His hands are soft, but his arm is probably not strong enough (yet) to stick at short. This could develop over time, and Dickerson looks like a potential standout at short. 2025 will tell us more.
12. Carlos Tavares: 19, 1B/OF (CPX)
Tavares played 30 games to a .276/.409/.460 slash line, hit one home run but stole no bases. Tavares’ left-handed swing is smooth and is geared towards putting the ball in the air towards the pull side. His approach is advanced, as shown by his 20% BB%, a nearly 7% increase compared to the DSL, and he did so while decreasing his K% by over 3%. His Contact% improved by 17%, his SwStr% by 18%, and overall, Tavares could be a very promising hitter. Defensively, Tavares split time between mostly first and left field, where his below-average range and arm suit him best.
13. Kevin Bazzell: 21, C (DRAFT/A)
Bazzell was the Nationals’ third-round pick, and is another draftee that made a good first impression. He played 14 games to a .273/.433/.386 slash line, hit no home runs, and stole a single base. However, it’s his approach that stands out - Bazzell walked more than he struck out and combined this with excellent bat-to-ball skills. He rarely swings and misses, but this comes at the cost of reduced power output in a power position. Defensively, Bazzell is considered average, helped by a quick release and a very accurate arm. His 4/10 for thrown-out base stealers further confirms that. He also has the ability to play any infield corner and can handle left field as well.
14. Alex Clemmey: 19, SP (DRAFT)
Clemmey was the Nationals’ second-round pick and is one of the more interesting pitching prospects out there. He throws a mid-90’s fastball, with good IVB numbers and command. His curveball is also considered a plus pitch because of the power-depth combination. However - that’s it. He’s throwing a mid-80s slider on occasion, but not often enough to call it a third pitch. And the same goes for his changeup. He’s a 6’6”, 205-pound behemoth, but he still struggles to fully repeat his delivery - not a surprise for a 19-year-old. Some think he could be a frontline starter, and some think he will be a reliever. I’d say he will fall somewhere in the middle.
15. Caleb Lomavita: 22, C (DRAFT/A)
Lomavita is another 2024 draftee, and he has another interesting profile behind the dish. He played 17 games to a .213/.310/.246 slash line, hit no home runs, and stole three bases. Lomavita is a stocky and powerful catcher with an uphill swing that creates solid launch angles. His approach was far too aggressive in college, but he’s toned it down, with his 82% Contact% and 7% SwStr% being encouraging first sign. His receiving and framing need work, but Luavita has a very powerful arm, proven by the fact that he threw out 7 of the first 11 attempted base stealers in his pro career. He could become a defense-first catcher with plus power in the future if he manages to keep his approach tight over a longer run of games.
The Atlanta Braves
From an outside perspective, the Braves farm looks as depleted as it has been in the last few years. Graduations of Smith-Sawver, Waldrep & Nacho Alvarez Jr. definitely don’t help, but it’s generally quite an underwhelming system. However, knowing the Braves, they have a diamond in the rough somewhere. It’s just not very apparent as of now.
1. Drake Baldwin: 23, C (AA/AAA)
Baldwin played 124 games to a .276/.370/.423 slash line, hit 16 home runs, and stole two bases. Baldwin’s numbers at AA are quite underwhelming, but he has been fantastic at Triple-A. He has a 100th percentile xWoba, Average EV, 99th in Hard-Hit%, and has elite walk, strikeout, and chase percentages. Baldwin has been one of the best hitters at AAA, and it’s very likely he’s going to feature at the MLB level at some point in 2025. He’s an average defensive catcher with a solid arm and is definitely going to stick behind the plate. He could be a backup catcher, but he could be a lot more if he re-creates his AAA performances.
2. Drue Hackenberg: 22, SP (A+/AA/AAA)
Hackenberg pitched 129 innings to a 3.07 ERA, 26.3% K%, 11.3% BB%, 1.25 WHIP and kept opponents to a .210 BAA. He throws a 92-95 MPH fastball, a high-80 cutter, has a sinking fastball variation, throws a sharp curveball, and has been working on a changeup that’s still in development. Hackenberg has already decreased his K% from 20% in 2023 to 11.3% this year, although it ideally dips below the 10% mark in order for him to stick as a long-term starter. Although none of his stuff is ranked as plus, he’s returned tremendous results so far, and it’s going to be interesting to track him in 2025. He could definitely make the MLB level at some point.
3. Cam Caminiti: 18, SP (DRAFT)
Caminiti was drafted by the Braves as the 24th overall pick and immediately soared to the top of the system. He throws four legit pitches, with a mid-90s fastball, slider, curveball, and a developing changeup. His delivery adds another layer of deception, and it adds something extra to all his pitches. He’s not the biggest at 6’2”, 195 pounds, but most scouts project Caminiti to add a little extra velocity onto his pitches as he physically matures. He’s still extremely young, will be 18 for much of the season, and has plenty of time to develop his secondaries and command. He did pitch 3 innings at Single-A, gave up three hits, struck out four and walked none. His 2025 campaign will be one to watch and could make him the system’s top prospect.
4. Didier Fuentes: 19, SP (A)
Fuentes pitched 75 innings to a 2.74 ERA, 32.1% K%, 6.9% BB%, 1.02 WHIP and has kept opponents to a fantastic .199 BAA. He sits 92-94 MPH with his fastball and pairs it with a great splitter that works extremely well off the fastball and a slider. Fuentes has shown he likes to attack hitters and has been able to overpower much of his competition early on. However, with mainly a two-pitch combo, Fuentes ideally adds another pitch or truly sharpens all three pitches to be average offerings, at least. There are reports that he’s been working on a curveball, but we will find out more soon. He’s still only 19 years old and has plenty of time to develop alongside Cam Caminiti as the Braves’ future starter.
5. JR Ritchie: 21, SP (CPX/A/A+)
Ritchie fully came back from injury in June and eventually pitched 49 innings to a 2.90 ERA, 27.3% K%, 8.3% BB%, 1.13 WHIP and has kept opponents to a .212 BAA. Ritchie’s low-90s fastball is special, but his breaking stuff stands out. He throws an extremely good slider, a plus curveball, and an above-average changeup. Ritchie’s health is one of the main concerns surrounding his profile, and he has shown he’s durable enough to stick as a starter. His delivery is repeatable, command hasn’t been an issue in the past, and he misses bats at a solid rate. The real question is whether or not he can miss enough bats by relying on his secondaries alone as a starter.
6. Owen Murphy: 21, SP (A+/INJURED)
Murphy pitched 41 innings to a 1.54 ERA, 38.7% K%, 7.7% BB%, 0.73 WHIP and has kept opponents to an insane .127 BAA. Unfortunately, Murphy got Tommy John surgery in May, and it’s unlikely we'll see him return before 2026. When healthy, Murphy sits in the low 90s with his fastball, a mid-80s slider, and a mid-70s curveball. He was working on incorporating a changeup more as well. What’s worrying is that Murphy’s velocity already took a step back, from 93 to 91 on the four-seamer. Whether or not this is because of his lingering elbow issues remains to be seen, but it gives him little room to lose even more as he returns.
7. Jose Perdomo: 18, SS (INTERNATIONAL SIGNING)
Perdomo was the third overall ranked international prospect in the 2024 class, as eventually got signed by the Braves, who paid him a $5 million bonus, the largest anyone received this year. His bat-to-ball skills, in combination with his low strikeout rates and high exit velocities, made him stand out, and he’s a solid runner as well. His 17-game stint in the DSL didn’t directly show off these reports, but he was only 17 at the time, with a nearly worthless sample size. He currently grades out as a solid defender who can play short for a long time. 2025 will tell us a lot more about just how good he is.
8. Garrett Baumann: 20, SP (A/A+)
Baumann pitched 99 innings to a 3.18 ERA, 21.9% K%, 5.7% BB%, 1.13 WHIP and kept opponents to a .235 BAA. He sits around 93 with his sinker, has a potential plus changeup, and has been working on a slider and slurve to add a horizontal break to his arsenal. At 6’8” and 245 pounds, Baumann is an absolute unit who still has to work on repeating his delivery consistently. So far, it hasn’t led to issues with walks or general command, but higher-level hitters will be faster to take advantage of any mistake. At only 20 years old, it’s almost automatic for Baumann to project a few upticks in velocity, which would significantly raise his ceiling. For now, it’s crucial he rounds out his arsenal to be one of a true starter.
9. Lucas Braun: 23, SP (A+/AA)
Braun pitched 143 innings to a 3.26 ERA, 27.7% K%, 7.2% BB%, 1.14 WHIP and has kept opponents to a .227 BAA. Braun’s best stretch came after his promotion to Double-A, where he kept hitters to a .205 BAA and 2.38 ERA. His fastball sits 92-94 with some run to it; he has a solid low-80 slider and has improved his changeup and curveball to really round out his arsenal. His stuff isn’t overpowering, but his command and feel for locating have been great early on. He limits hard contact and is helped by his simple and clean delivery. He might not be more than a future back-end starter or middle-inning reliever at the lowest, but his ability to control the strike zone and all four pitches makes him better than initially expected.
10. Juan Mateo: 17, SS (DSL)
Mateo played 44 games to a .250/.345/.333 slash line, hit one home run, and stole nine bases. On the surface, they aren’t overly impressive. But Mateo’s 9.7% K%, 12.7% BB%, 75% Contact%, and 14.9% SwStr% are all elite metrics for a kid who won’t turn 18 for another four months. Combine this with his .276 BABIP (which is extremely low for the DSL level) and you can kind of see where I’m coming from. At 6’0”, 165 pounds, Mateo could still grow and will undoubtedly fill out more as he matures. He’s already shown to be a plus runner and has split time between short, second, and third. He’s incredibly unknown, but his underlying metrics made him stand out immediately.
11. Cade Kuehler: 22, SP (A/A+)
Kuehler pitched 53 innings to a 3.74 ERA, 20.8% K%, 10.4% BB%, 1.38 WHIP and kept opponents to a .240 BAA. However, these numbers aren’t all that impressive, considering 95% of them came against Single-A hitters that are, on average, younger than he is. He sits in his mid-90s with his fastball and has a cutter, curveball, changeup, and a splitter. His arsenal is deep, and his movement is, according to scouts, above average on at least three pitches. However, the results haven’t been shown yet, and this, in combination with his delivery, might make him a good future reliever. A reliever with a deep arsenal that sits high can be a weapon for any team. Kuehler goes into 2025 with a lot to prove.
12. Luis De Avila: 23, SP (AA)
De Avila pitched 101 innings to a 3.74 ERA, 18% K%, 10.5% BB%, 1.40 WHIP and has kept opponents to a .244 BAA. He throws a low-90s sinker that gets him a ton of ground balls paired with his plus changeup. He also throws a low-80’s slider and a curveball. His 67.5% GB% is elite, but his command is what’s keeping him from getting more elite results. Besides this, his K% has dropped by 5.6% compared to 023, and the BAA has improved. He’s going to need to improve this drastically if he wants to stick as a starter. He could end up being a lefty specialist - he kept LHB to a .180 BA & .465 OPS, so there is most definitely a route to the bullpen for him as well.
13. Carlos Monteverde: 19, 1B/OF (DSL/CPX)
In a system that lacks depth, good performers rise up. It’s that simple. Monteverde played 34 games to a .304/.443/.402 slash line, didn’t hit a single home run or stole a base. However, his strike zone understanding and approach are fantastic. He walked at a 19% clip and struck out at a 20% clip, but the promotion to the CPX stands out: 10 games, .400/.514/.533, four doubles, seven walks, four strikeouts, and a SwStr% of 4.5%. Granted, it's an insanely small sample size. But this, in combination with his strong arm and solid defensive tools, makes him an interesting prospect. However, we will need a bigger sample size to truly see what he’s all about at the pro level.
14. Jhancarlos Lara: 22, SP (A+/AA)
Lara pitched 82 innings to a 3.92 ERA, 25.3% K%, 16.2% BB%, 1.57 WHIP and has kept opponents to a .231 BAA. He sits in the high 90s with his fastball, pairs it with a power slider that sits in the high 80s, and has attempted to throw a changeup on occasion. Lara looks to be destined for a job in the bullpen, with the lack of a third pitch and an increasingly high walk rate all working against him. Furthermore, his K% decreased by nearly 8%, and the BB% increased by over 4%. These are not very promising signs, and there’s a chance the Braves will give up on the starter project next year. His stuff is electric, and harnessing it has proven to be quite the challenge.
15. Luis Guanipa: 19, OF (CPX/A)
Guanipa played 52 games to a .219/.286/.291 slash line, hit two home runs, and stole ten bases. It’s a disappointing first season in the States for a kid who came over with a lot of hype behind him. His approach is overly expansive and got exposed at Single-a, where he struck out 25.7% of the time, walked only 8% of the time, and hit .184 over 32 games. He’s considered a prospect with plus power, defense, and speed, but all of those tools might prove to be worthless if he can’t make contact consistently. As long as he doesn’t clean up his approach, Guanipa will remain on the struggle bus. However, I believe the Braves player development works in his favor. Let’s hope he can make everything click in 2025.
Up next: The NL Central
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Belgian Brilliance™