- Thomas Hatch
- Scott Blewett
- Ofelky Peralta
- Cedric Mullins
- Blake Rutherford
- Leody Taveras
- Zack Collins
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| Born: 09/29/1994 (Age: 22) | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6' 1" | Weight: 190 |
| Mechanics |
| Athletic, little projection left, history of arm injuries; compact delivery, high leg kick, balanced, decent extension; low three-quarter slot, clean arm action, loose arm, above-average arm speed, mild effort, good tempo; 1.42 to home
Control: 50/55 |
| Evaluator | Greg Goldstein |
| Report Date | 07/20/2017 |
| Affiliate | Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High A, Cubs) |
| Dates Seen | 7/8/2017 |
| OFP/Risk | 50/Mild |
| Realistic | 45: No. 5 Starter with middle-relief fallback |
| MLB ETA | 2019 |
| Video | Yes |
| Pitch Type | Present Grade | Future Grade | Sitting Velocity | Peak Velocity | Report |
| FB | 60 | 60 | 93-94 | 96 | 4-seam shows some arm-side run and life, won’t blow by hitters on the regular; above-average control, flashed quality command, attacks hitters, worked in the middle of the plate too often, frequently barreled in the zone; 2-seam (88-89) has tight downward arm-side action, heavy usage, creates lots of grounders/weak contact, tough to barrel, rarely missed in the middle of the zone, command got away from him at times, not a swing-and-miss pitch |
| CH | 45 | 50 | 83-84 | Solid fade, slows arm some, hitters were out in front on occasion, potential swing-and-miss, limited by fringe-average command | |
| SL | 45 | 50 | 85-87 | Average bite, average depth, flashed late break, others more trackable; steady arm speed and slot, command was inconsistent, flashed ability to hit the glove-side corner, threw in any count; arm slot and athleticism gives pitch some room to grow |
| Overall |
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Hatch is a fairly advanced and safe pitching prospect (as these things go). He uses an athletic delivery and loose arm to consistently work in the zone with solid control of a plus 4-seamer. He won’t be a huge strikeout guy, and he plays more frequently for weak contact off his tight sinking two-seamer. The slider should play and projects to at least average as it continues to improve thanks to his low three-quarter arm slot. If he can stay healthy he has the stuff and control to profile in the back of a first-division rotation.
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| Born: 04/10/1996 (Age: 21) | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6' 6" | Weight: 210 |
| Mechanics |
| Very high three-quarter arm slot, borderline over-the-top, average arm speed, clean arm action; mild effort, leverages frame effectively to deliver with vertical extension, struggles to maintain consistent release point |
| Evaluator | Victor Filoromo |
| Report Date | 08/01/2017 |
| Affiliate | Wilmington Blue Rocks (High A, Royals) |
| Dates Seen | 6/11/17, 7/18/17 |
| OFP/Risk | 45/High |
| Realistic | 40 |
| MLB ETA | 2019 |
| Video | No |
| Pitch Type | Present Grade | Future Grade | Sitting Velocity | Peak Velocity | Report |
| FB | 50 | 60 | 90-93 | 94 | Average command of pitch, some wiggle to miss bats, arm-side run; can show heavy and boring pitch when he's consistently on top of it; works well east-west, generally stays off barrels but will leak up in zone; better late life on pitch when seen in second outing |
| CB | 50 | 60 | 74-75 | 76 | Shape shifts between 11-5 and 12-6; average command, will flash plus with above-average bite, inconsistent present depth and arm speed, ball-to-strike will get loopy early in counts; 12-6 shows chase potential, can bury it as a put-away |
| CH | 30 | 40 | 84-85 | 86 | Only showed sporadically; flashed average command on a couple, inconsistent present; plays pretty straight, lacks tumble, moderate velo separation; below-average projection |
| Overall |
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Blewett is a tall, projectable right-hander, and there's potential for two plus pitches if he can consistently replicate his motion and get his release point down pat. The changeup doesn't present as a reliable third pitch right now, and is in need of significant development. Blewett could rise to the Majors as a middle reliever with two plus pitches, but for him to play out as a starter, he'll have to gain more traction with a third-pitch to keep lefties at bay. |
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| Born: 04/20/1997 (Age: 20) | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6' 5" | Weight: 195 |
| Mechanics |
| Physical: Projectable frame, starter build, wide torso, below-average athlete
Delivery: Stiff motion, mild kick, head whack, out of sync, finish isn’t clean, high effort Arm Action: Low-three-quarters slot, clean arm action, crossfire, inconsistent release point
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| Evaluator | Greg Goldstein |
| Report Date | 08/15/2017 |
| Affiliate | Frederick Keys (High A, Orioles) |
| Dates Seen | 8/10/2017 |
| OFP/Risk | 40/High |
| Realistic | 30; Up-and-down bullpen arm |
| MLB ETA | 2020 |
| Video | Yes |
| Pitch Type | Present Grade | Future Grade | Sitting Velocity | Peak Velocity | Report |
| Fastball | 70 | 70 | 95-97 | 98 | Big fastball w/life, heavy armside run, plays for swings-misses when near zone, high usage; high effort, crossfire, wandering release point give him little control/command, missed wide arm-side with frequency, pitch sat all over the place |
| Changeup | 30 | 40 | 85 | 86 | Below-average movement at present, shows a bit feel, throws firm, left over plate, decent velo separation can fool hitters |
| Curveball | 20 | 30 | 73-75 | Limited usage, inconsistent shape, bounced consistently, no feel, poor command, lots of development needed |
| Overall |
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Peralta’s sole weapon right now is his swing-and-miss fastball, that can be very tough to put the barrel on because of its life and heavy action. He’s primarily a fastball pitcher at the moment, although he did show a willingness to give hitters a different look with his change. Still, the effort and inconsistent mechanics make it tough for Peralta to consistently throw strikes, which means that a switch to the bullpen is definitely coming. The fastball and potential “show me” change can play in a middle relief role and at just 20 years old, there’s time to grow into enough control to allow his heater to have a chance to stick in a big league bullpen, although there’s risk of just being a taxi squad member in Triple-A because he needs to have some growth in his ability to throw strikes in order for his heater to play in MLB. |
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| Born: 10/01/1994 (Age: 22) | |
| Bats: Switch | Throws: Left |
| Height: 5' 8" | Weight: 175 |
| Primary Position: CF | |
| Secondary Position: | |
| Physical/Health |
| Well-conditioned, smaller frame, notable quick-twitch athleticism plays on the bases and in the field |
| Evaluator | Greg Goldstein |
| Report Date | 06/21/2017 |
| Dates Seen | 6/4, 6/13-6/15/17 |
| Affiliate | Bowie Baysox (AA, Orioles) |
| MLB ETA | Risk Factor | OFP | Realistic Role | Video |
| 2018 | Moderate | 50 | 45; Second division regular | No |
| Makeup |
|
Hustle player, leaves everything on the field; not overly emotional, but plays with energy both in the field and on the bases |
| Tool | Future Grade | Report |
| Hit | 45 | Slight bend in stance; steady at the plate, slight leg kick, moderate load, compact to the ball, mild leverage, little noise; clean follow-through, above-average bat speed as LHH, slightly below-average as RHH; compact stroke can barrel velo, hands could become a little less stiff given athleticism, lays down a good bunt; flashes ability to go to all fields, more comfortable hitting pull-side and up the middle. struggles keeping weight back on off-speed, aggressive approach limits to a fringe average projection |
| Power | 45 | Average raw, LH swing offers more raw power, still brings fringe pop as RHH; uses strength and body well to almost max raw pop in game, can drive balls with loft, more gap power, potential above-average doubles totals |
| Baserunning/Speed | 65 | Clocked 4.00 (LHH), 4.15 (RHH); Plus-plus present runner, produces plenty of infield hits and steals, maintains speed throughout first-to-third run, makes fielders rush throws due to aggressiveness |
| Glove | 60 | Speed yields plus range, frequently makes plays on sinking liners, consistent burst mid-route; glove skills are solid, will play up because of his ability to cover ground and control the outfield |
| Arm | 50 | Average arm strength; won’t gun down runners on close plays, enough carry to make it to cut off man in the air from deep center, throws lack velo out of hand |
| Overall |
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Mullins is a lighting-fast center fielder who brings more to the table offensively than his sheer size suggests. He creates hard contact and produce power thanks to a swing that is mechanically sound on both sides. He makes the most of his pure raw strength by shifting his weight efficiently and producing above-average bat speed from the left side. I’m not convinced that being a switch-hitter brings enough value to the table to justify Mullins continuing to do it, but his left-handed swing should be enough to allow his speed and fielding chops to carry him to a potential starting role. |
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| Born: 05/02/1997 (Age: 20) | |
| Bats: Left | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6' 3" | Weight: 195 |
| Primary Position: CF | |
| Secondary Position: RF | |
| Physical/Health |
| Skinnier build, projectable body, solid athlete |
| Evaluator | Greg Goldstein |
| Report Date | 07/20/2017 |
| Dates Seen | 3x in July |
| Affiliate | Charleston RiverDogs (Low A, Yankees) |
| MLB ETA | Risk Factor | OFP | Realistic Role | Video |
| 2020 | Moderate | 55 | 50; Major League Regular | Yes |
| Makeup |
|
Shows some frustration, quality work ethic |
| Tool | Future Grade | Report |
| Hit | 55 | Above-average bat speed, compact stroke, flashes quality plate coverage; smooth through the zone, will let the ball travel, doesn't frequently roll over pitches; loose hands, controls body well at the plate, adjusts barrel for consistent line-drive contact, advanced approach for age, will struggle finding the barrel against off-speed; projects above-average utility at maturity |
| Power | 50 | Above-average raw, likely to grow into plus, has some leverage to drive it, flashed high loft; lacks consistent leverage for home run pop, more gap power at present, will grow into himself as an all-fields doubles threat, capable HR potential, approach plays more to contact; projects average game power |
| Baserunning/Speed | 50 | Timed 4.18, 4.28; Lacks burst on the basepaths, potential to steal a few bases |
| Glove | 50 | Solid mover in outfield, lacks athleticism and burst to stick in CF full-time, profiles better in the corners, relaxed when approaching routing fly balls, flashed glove skills in the gaps |
| Arm | 50 | Showed fringe to average arm strength, flashes above-average when body is under him, carry to cutoff men, lobbed from deep CF, strength projection to expect improvement |
| Overall |
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Rutherford really doesn’t have a glaring weakness in his profile. The former first-round pick can hit, run, throw and field to at least average levels. His power growth as his body matures may be what puts him over the top to become an above-average regular, though his swing and approach plays more to the gaps. Rutherford is a fairly sure bet to become a capable major league corner outfielder because thanks to an all-around game, though he lacks for standout carrying tools to expect a ceiling much higher. |
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| Born: 09/08/1998 (Age: 18) | |
| Bats: Switch | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6' 1" | Weight: 170 |
| Primary Position: CF | |
| Secondary Position: | |
| Physical/Health |
| Exemplary athlete, lots of projection, athletic build, smooth player |
| Evaluator | Greg Goldstein |
| Report Date | 08/15/2017 |
| Dates Seen | 7/31/17-8/1/17 |
| Affiliate | Hickory Crawdads (Low A, Rangers) |
| MLB ETA | Risk Factor | OFP | Realistic Role | Video |
| 2020 | High | 60 | 50; Major League Regular | Yes |
| Makeup |
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Expected immaturity at 18 years old, plays the game like a pro at such a young age, acts like he belongs playing against older guys |
| Tool | Future Grade | Report |
| Hit | 60 | LHH (hands start above head, little hitch, balanced, some noise, plus bat speed)
RHH (above-average bat speed, should grow to plus, not as crisp as LH stroke, got eaten up on a few inside pitches) Natural feel for barrel, smooth swing, plus all field ability, can get long to ball, but has talent to improve with experience, natural swinger, plus bat-to-ball potential, takes too many chances, flashes ability to turn on pitches, more comfortable using the middle of the field, controls barrel well through zone, chased questionable pitches, flashed patience; has a long way to go, but projects to plus utility at maturity.
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| Power | 50 | Above-average raw, strength projection should grow to plus at maturity, strong enough to drive, shows flashes of power stroke, flashes moderate leverage for home run launch angle, plays more to gaps currently, expected body development will play for more power in the coming years, swing path plays better as premium doubles hitter; projects to average game utility. |
| Baserunning/Speed | 60 | Timed 4.09, could lose some speed as he grows into body, athletic enough to steal bases, glides from station-to-station. |
| Glove | 60 | Plus range in CF, burst to ball in gap, under control, runs down balls in gaps, flashes flash play type glove skills. |
| Arm | 55 | Above-average arm strength at present, potential plus, clean arm action, fluid motion. |
| Overall |
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Taveras is as toolsy as they come, showing the potential to positively affect the game in all five areas at just 18 years old. The center fielder shows an advanced ability to make contact and adjust the barrel in the zone to use the whole field. His swing obviously needs some tightening in order for his plus natural tools to play, but with so much time and his advanced approach to hitting, there’s not much doubt Taveras can reach his plus hit tool ceiling. He’ll also be more than solid option in center field because of his elite athleticism and ability to make flash plays with both his arm and glove. There's some risk investing into his tools considering that he is so young. But overall, Taveras is one of those rare five tool guys with the potential to make his fair share of all star teams in the future. |
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| Born: 02/06/1995 (Age: 22) | |
| Bats: Left | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6' 3" | Weight: 220 |
| Primary Position: C | |
| Secondary Position: | |
| Physical/Health |
| Bit of stomach, soft body, needs to work on conditioning, below-average athlete, no projection. |
| Evaluator | Greg Goldstein |
| Report Date | 08/15/2017 |
| Dates Seen | 2x in August |
| Affiliate | Winston-Salem Dash (High A, White Sox) |
| MLB ETA | Risk Factor | OFP | Realistic Role | Video |
| 2018 | Moderate | 50 | 45; Second-Division Regular | Yes |
| Makeup |
|
Nothing stood out on the negative side, didn't seem overly emotional during games either. |
| Tool | Future Grade | Report |
| Hit | 40 | Collapses back leg frequently, hitch elongates already long swing path, noise makes it difficult to barrel consistently, needs to improve balance, pulls body out of box, plus bat speed, shows looseness through the zone, flashes average barrel control, ball jumps off bat when he squares, gets on top of pitches often, tries pulling too much, frequently rolls over pitches, heavy swing-and-miss, plays for power over contact, patient approach yields high walk totals; enough raw ability to overcome mechanical problems for below-average tool projection. |
| Power | 55 | Plus raw, loose power stroke, drives with minimal effort, power comes mostly pull-side, high leverage allows for high-arching fly balls, below-average translates to above-average game projection. |
| Baserunning/Speed | 20 | Timed 4.57, poor runner, liability on bases. |
| Glove | 40 | 2.05, 2.08, 2.12 pop ups; trouble staying in front, below-average mover side-to-side, poor framer, little feel for the position, below-average glove skills; Likely to shift to first base, where he’ll project below-average. |
| Arm | 50 | Average arm strength, lacks consistent velo to 2B, efficient arm action, threw with carry from knees, relatively accurate, lacks burst out of hand. |
| Overall |
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Collins profiles as a three-true-outcomes bat, who works the count very well, which should shield his weaker bat to ball skills some. There’s a lot going on with the swing as he employs a hitch and gets off balance, which makes his above-average raw ability play down. He’s likely to hit 20+ homers because he can really drive the ball when he puts the bat on it. His upside is somewhat limited because there’s a long way to go in terms of contact with his bat, playing more usual as a first baseman/DH type. He should turn into starting caliber player, but you’ll have to put up with spotty defense and high strikeout numbers. |
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