Eyewitness Accounts: September 15, 2016

Jimenez was the best prospect in the Midwest League this year. He has transitioned from a raw, physical player with some questions on his approach, to a potential monster who has made adjustments to become more selective and reduce his swing-and-miss profile significantly. That he has made these improvements without trading off any of his power utility speaks to the offensive ceiling. His bat will carry him, but he he is by no means a bad fielder, with average potential in a corner outfield spot and enough arm strength for right. This is a potential All-Star player at the big-league level, with an impact, middle-of-the-order bat.

Lo-fi player, goes about his business, has taken instruction to address situational awareness and mild effort issues, steady progress through the season

Signed out of Cuba for a hefty bonus last fall, Diaz has held his own as one of the youngest regulars in the California League all season. He's a raw player, and while there is in some cases a sizable gap between his present and future grades, his skill set doesn't really have any holes. The approach and swing mechanics are both inconsistent, but he has the skill set to develop into a quality hitter, and he has the frame to grow into more power. He's not a great base-runner at present, but there's above-average or better straight-line speed that plays well in the outfield. There's enough track-and-close skill to leave him primarily in center for now, and he possesses enough arm strength to handle either corner if he doesn't quite get there up the middle.

This is a potential above-average regular if it comes together, one who does a little bit of a lot of different things to help a team win, and does everything pretty well. The skill set is broad enough to where he's a lower-variance prospect despite a longer probable lag time to the majors.

Inconsistent body language; stood on second base with arms crossed for extended period of time after called out, similar actions at plate; shy nature, still adjusting to new culture; aggressive and intense competitor

Acuna flashes all five tools with quick-twitch ability and true plus power, and he has the potential to play an up-the-middle position. Offensively, he projects as a .250 hitter with 25 home runs, 15 stolen bases, and the ability to walk enough for an average on-base percentage. The biggest question is whether he sticks in center. The range is there, but the reads are inconsistent at present and must develop further. Even with the defensive questions, Acuna has the chance to be an excellent everyday player in the majors, and if he puts it all together and surpasses a grade or two, there is All-Star potential here.

A fifth-round pick in 2014, Hoskins is a bat-first prospect experiencing a breakout season at Double-A. The hit tool shows average potential; he demonstrates feel to hit and patience to work counts, though swing-and-miss tendencies, a pull-heavy approach, and a fly ball-heavy profile are limiting factors. The swing generates loft, with power that plays to the pull side and up the middle. Ballpark and lineup factors have contributed significantly to his present production, and the game power is more of an average tool. Hoskins profiles as a first baseman all the way, with a fringe arm and suspect glove. The foot speed is lacking, though he is a competent baserunner. His ability to adapt to off-speed exposure could push hit tool another half grade, making projection of a second-division first baseman more probable. More likely, this is a platoon player and power bat off the bench.