You don’t need no stinking introduction, do you? Well, we’re a month into the minor league season officially and I think we’re all just relieved to be back in the swing of things with something new to talk about. You know, we did spend a year obsessing over workouts videos and Instagram clips of Jasson Dominguez batting practice. Talk about the silly season that went on forever huh? Anyway, song is the same Geoff on Triple-A and Double-A, Rhys on High-A, and Matt Thompson on Low-A. Let’s Go!
Cal Raleigh, C SEA (Triple-A) 1-for-5, HR, 2 RBI
No, he’s not up yet. When will he be called up? My guess is next week, but that’s legitimately a guess. He’s now rolling in the midst of a 15 game hitting streak.
Jo Adell, OF LAA (Triple-A) 3-for-5, 2 RBI, R
He only struck out once in this game! Adell is hitting and he’s obviously showing his 70 grade pop, but he’s not walking much, if at all. Which is problem for a profile like this. The strikeouts are palatable if you’re walking and hitting for power. If you’re just hitting for power without approach there’s a dozen guys you can sign for under $1 million to do that. Think Renato Nunez.
Thario Estrada, SS SF (Triple-A) 4-for-5, 2 RBI, R
I don’t know who Cash is, but the Yankees may regret not keeping Estrada around. I mean, is he better than Gleyber Torres? Probably… But in all seriousness a good get by San Francisco. He’s likely never an everyday regular but he can play all over the infield and hit enough to be a strong fill in.
Daulton Varsho, C ARI (Triple-A) 4-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 R
He was terrible in his MLB debut, which seems like it’s becoming the norm again as lots of top names have struggled. I still like the player, Varsho’s versatility is valuable.
Seth Beer, 1B ARI (Triple-A) 3-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 R
When does Beer finally get his shot in Arizona? He’s been solid through the first month, and while his power output hasn’t been tremendous he’s shown the ability to hit. Christian Walker has been terrible, at some point something has to give, and when whatever gives, gives, Beer should get that shot. We call that a boilermaker.
Ryan Vilade, OF COL (Triple-A) 3-for-5
The man loves to hit singles and doubles. They don’t charge you for extra bases Ryan, take some! If he’s able to unlock average game power without sacrificing his bat to ball skills we might have something here!
Ryan Rolison, LHP COL (Triple-A) 5.2 IP, 2 H, BB, 5 K
Funny story, I totally forgot that Rolison was promoted to Albuquerque like two weeks ago. Outside of a terrible Triple-A debut against Oklahoma City he’s been good. Wait till he gets to Coors and none of his stuff moves like it’s supposed to.
Daulton Jefferies, RHP OAK (Triple-A) 5.1 IP, 5 H, ER, 3 K
Through three Triple-A starts he’s been lockdown, and only needed 66 pitches to get into the sixth. He’s still building up, but if Jefferies can get to a point where he’s going 85-100 pitches and staying off the IL there’s mid-rotation stuff here.
Carlos Hernandez, RHP KC (Triple-A) 5 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 6 K, HR Allowed
A starter throughout his minor league career, Kansas City has used Hernandez mostly as a reliever during his MLB stints. He relies heavily off of his fastball which averages 97-99 mph, he has a four-seam and two-seam variation but relies more heavily on his two-seamer. He mixes in a curveball and a changeup, with the curveball seeing higher usage. There’s stuff here that could play in a variety of roles, but he needs to take a step forward with his command after struggling to stay around the zone during his time in MLB.
Zach Reks, OF LAD (Triple-A) 2-for-5, RBI, R
With Gavin Sheets being promoted to the big leagues I nominate Zach Reks as the new Triple-A Sheet King. His season slash now stands at .333/.438/.520 on the season. Need to see some more power from Reks for the profile to work. It’s coming!
Keibert Ruiz, C LAD (Triple-A) 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, BB
Anyone remember not too long ago when Keibert was a top 50 prospect? It’s funny the way we build up young catchers when they hit in A ball. That’s not to say Ruiz can’t be an everyday catcher, I very much think he still can be, it just takes longer to master that position than others.
Lewin Diaz, 1B MIA (Triple-A) 2-for-5, RBI, R
Outside of a few games this season Diaz has been pretty putrid, this raised his season average to a robust .219! Hey, at least he’s above the Mendoza line.
Andrés Gimenez, SS CLE (Triple-A) 1-for-4, HR
Good to see something from Gimenez who’s MLB struggles have followed him to Triple-A. He definitely played above his head in 2020, but he’s also not this bad. He’s a good all around player and a future everyday shortstop.
Josh Lowe, DH TB (Triple-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI
Now up to eight home runs on the year as he slashed .295/.337/.659. It’s all about the power and on base ability as Lowe’s bat to ball skills are still below average. He’s going to strikeout a lot at the major league level and will need to curb that in order for it to work.
Hoy Jun Park, 2B NYY (Triple-A) 2-for-4, 2 R, BB
Another day, another game where Park gets on base three times. He’s pushing for a call-up to the Bronx but I’m not sure where he fits, as he’s likely not an everyday regular. That said, you never know with guys that hit and get on base, they often find a way.
Kody Hoese, 3B LAD (Double-A) 2-for-4, 2 R
Claps twice “Here we go Kody, here we go”. A night after parking his first homer of the season Hoese goes out and gets a couple hits. He’ll need to keep this up for a few weeks to recover his season after a terrible start.
Devin Mann, 2B LAD (Double-A) 1-for-2, HR, 2 R, 2 BB
He’s been struggling at the plate, like a lot of the Tulsa lineup, but Mann can hit. This was his third homer of the season, and possibly the first signs of him waking up from a bad early season slumber.
Nolan Gorman, 2B STL (Double-A) 2-for-4
Also made a tremendous play at second coming through the middle. When did Nolan Gorman become Nick Madrigal?
Luken Baker, 1B STL (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR
He’s hit safely in five consecutive games, and homered twice over his last four. This #MassiveHuman seems to be rounding into form. Baker has the type of profile (right/right first baseman) where he needs to mash to make it.
C.J. Abrams, SS SD (Double-A) 1-for-3, RBI, R, SB
When you consider that Abrams had just two games above the complex ball level coming into 2021 it makes what he’s done so far even more remarkable. Only Wander Franco and Riley Greene have higher wRC+’s for players 20 years of age or younger the are above the A-Ball level.
Jack Suwinski, OF SD (Double-A) 1-for-3, 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
The only players 22 or under that have higher wRC+ numbers at Double-A or above are Gabriel Moreno of Toronto and Nick Pratto of Kansas City. Suwinski has been the pop-up guy of 2021 as he’s playing his way into true prospect status. Will be interesting to see how this holds in the coming months and where it goes.
Josh Winder, RHP MIN (Double-A) 6.1 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, BB, 4 K, HR Allowed
Despite a lack of fanfare for Winder this isn’t new, he’s done nothing as pro but get outs and limit free passes while showing above-average strikeout stuff. The stuff is up over the last year and he’s starting to make a real case for a backend starter future.
Peyton Remy, RHP CHC (Double-A) 6 IP, 2 H, BB, 7 K
Tough luck loser as Remy allowed an unearned run in a six inning game. This was his Double-A debut after showing well, albeit with a lot of luck, in High-A. He’s a strike thrower that can miss bats but has struggled to command his stuff and avoid home runs.
Logan Davidson, SS OAK (Double-A) 3-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
So far this year Davidson has been terrible, but over the last week something is happening. He’s 9-for-24, with six walks to three strikeouts, and he’s gotten on base in eight consecutive games. I’ve caught Davidson at three different points (Cape, ACC, NYPL) and he always takes some time to adjust to each level. If he comes out tonight and has another big game and homers, listen to James Todd and don’t call it a comeback.
Brice Turang, SS MIL (Double-A) 2-for-5, 3 RBI
At this pace he’s going to have his average up to .300 by this time next week. As mentioned in yesterday’s sheet Turang has been hot for weeks now. If he starts hitting for power he’s got a shot to be a star. For now he’s a solid everyday shortstop that could hit leadoff.
Shane Baz, RHP TB (Double-A) 5 IP, 3 H, 8 K
The Blizzard of Baz is coming and can anyone stop the snow from falling? He’s always had huge stuff but the relief risk associated with Baz is legitimate. With 43 strikeouts to just 2 walks over 27.2 IP in 2021 that’s a not much of a concern at the moment. If his command has taken that big of a jump, look for Baz to find himself within the top 50 on many prospect lists this summer.
J.J. Bleday, OF MIA (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
It didn’t look good for your boy Geoff as going into the ninth Bleday was 0-for-3. He then hit an absolute shot to right. Prediction fulfilled, sort of. I said he’d do it off of the Mississippi starter which he did not.
Shea Langeliers, C ATL (Double-A) 2-for-4, R, BB
Direct text from Eddy this morning “I also picked up Shea Langeliers in a 16tm dynasty league and when I look in the mirror idk who I am anymore”. Eddy Almaguer adding catchers in dynasty is all you need to know about how Langeliers’ season has gone. #Good
Terrin Vavra, CF BAL (Double-A) 1-for-5, HR, 2 RBI
I have some video coming tonight from Wednesday’s game of Vavra. Apparently he didn’t get the memo that I was in the building and needed him to hit that Wednesday. It’s cool Terrin, we all make mistakes.
Austin Martin, CF TOR (Double-A) 2-for-5, HR
Finally Martin is off the schnide as he connects for his first professional home run. He’s hasn’t been bad per se in the early going just sort of bland. Hopefully this sparks some fireworks and we start to see some power and speed to go with the contact and on base. Also started in centerfield which I firmly believe is his ultimate home.
Ronaldo Hernandez, C BOS (Double-A) 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R
It was a night for former highly touted catching prospects that can hit. Hernandez didn’t stand out in my single look, but it was a single look, you know. The numbers haven’t been great and he’s not strong behind the plate. There’s big raw power in batting practice and it’s showed up in games before.
Brennan Davis, OF CHC (Double-A) 2-for-4
Good showing for one of the game’s top prospects. It’s one of the best swings in the minors and I think we’re all waiting for the fireworks at Double-A to start. This was the second leg of a doubleheader as the game on Wednesday night was suspended due to rain.
Michael Burrows, RHP PIT (High-A) 4.2 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Former 11th round selection out of the Connecticut High School ranks, has been pitching well to start the season, with 31 punchouts in just 20.2 innings thus far. The Pirates had a complete front office makeover since the last MiLB season and it seems like their pitching prospects are some of the main benefactors of the new regime.
Matthew Frazier, OF PIT (High-A) 3-for-4, 2 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI
Frazier has good size, can play any of the three outfield spots and has shown the ability to hit for some power like he did last evening. He doubled his homer total for the season in one game.
Bryce Elder, RHP ATL (High-A) 6 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K
We are always told to respect our Elders and Bryce got plenty of respect last evening. Solid 6 innings of work where he struck out 10, flashed a good breaking ball and most importantly didn’t allow a run or a walk. He was a famous college pitcher at a big time program so he has some pedigree.
Peyton Battenfield, RHP TB (High-A) 5 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 K
Rays pitching prospects are especially tough because you can never really discount them because they turn chicken nuggets into chicken parm all the time. Battenfield has been punching people out left and right to start the season and limiting the walks where he only walked 5 and punched out 44 in his brief 26 innings.
Jose Bravo, RHP HOU (High-A) 6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Fictional Cartoon Network star Johnny Bravo’s long lost Mexican brother Jose pitched well this past evening. 6 innings of 4 hit ball, 1 earned and 7 punchouts is a solid outing for the Mexican right-hander.
Jay Groome, LHP BOS (High-A) 5 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
Groome’s best appearance thus far in the 2021 season, I am just happy he is taking the mound. Here’s to hoping he has a healthy season with no off the field setbacks for the extremely talented southpaw.
Lyon Richardson, RHP CIN (High-A) 4 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K (Game 1 of Doubleheader)
Richardson has become a pitcher that I get excited to see what he does every time it’s his turn through the rotation. He’s got a good frame, four pitches, and has been pitching well to start the season with a 2.25 ERA with 25 punchouts.
Aaron Bracho, 3B CLE (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 2 RBI (Game 1 of Doubleheader)
Bracho playing third base is really interesting, and he took Richardson deep in the first game of the doubleheader.
Logan Allen, LHP CLE (High-A) 6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 8 K (Game 1 of Doubleheader)
Our own Justin was at this double header and got some video, and Justin calls this Logan Allen, Logan T. Allen which helps me not be as confused. Allen has only walked 5 batters this entire season, which is in line with what we viewed him coming out of FIU.
Dillon Dingler, C DET (High-A) 3-for-4, 1 HR, 2 2B, 2 R, 5 RBI
He’s on Fire!! There is nothing this man can’t do, it’s getting crazy at this point. He is hitting the ball with authority. He’s a Dude. I’m gonna be interested to see where many publications have him in their mid season updates of their lists.
Spencer Torkelson, 3B DET (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 2 R, 1 RBI
He’s heating up!! The former ASU Sundevil took this homer to the deepest part of the ballpark. Just took him a little bit to get comfortable in pro ball. I hope if there was a buying opportunity you took advantage of, there shouldn’t have been one but we all know fantasy baseball is.
Korry Howell, SS MIL (High-A) 3-for-5, 1 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI
Welcome to the Korry Howell fanclub, we meet semi regularly around here and admire the way Howell crushes baseballs and watch him play shortstop??? Well okay, Korry. He has been one of the more pleasant surprises this season in High-A because he is mashing, showing speed and playing multiple premium defensive positions now?
Brendan Donovan, 2B STL (High-A) 3-for-5, 1 HR, 1 2B, 2 R, 4 RBI
Old for the level but a double and a homer is always gonna get you on this article. Nothing more than an up/down emergency type but you need plenty of those especially if the rate at which guys are getting injured this year carries over.
Will Banfield, C MIA (High-A) 3-for-5, 1 R
A hat trick of singles from a catcher who has hit tool concerns. This doesn’t change anything in the grand scheme of things but it’s still fun.
Seth Gray, 3B MIN (High-A) 1-for-5, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI
I am a big fan of quality defense at the hot corner and that’s Gray’s calling card. Every once in a while Gray can get into one, the problem is he has a below average hit tool which lowers the ceiling for a player like this.
Bryce Jarvis, RHP ARI (High-A) 7 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 11 K
Former Duke Blue Devil who is making light work of High-A batters. His calling card is his plus changeup and his future plus command. I wonder how long the Diamondbacks keep him here because he’s been pitching well.
Kaden Polcovich, DH SEA (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI
Polcovich has been hitting well in the short month of June, he has three homers in 3 games in the month. Solid switch-hitter who probably maxes out as a bench piece, but with his ability to play a few different positions that will be valuable.
Davis Daniel, RHP LAA (High-A) 5 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 8 K
Dreaded twofirstnameitis in full effect.
Livan Soto, SS LAA (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI
One of the many Braves prospects that were freed after their scandal, and found a new home in the Angels organization. He hasn’t been hitting well to start the season, but he’s only 20 in High-A and there’s a few tools in the glove and the speed that will help him when he starts to make more contact.
Logan Wyatt, 1B SF (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 2 RBI
Wyatt is a hit over power first-baseman, so when he shows power it’s a welcomed sight especially it being his first homer of the season. It has always kinda baffled me that he doesn’t show more in-game power with an imposing frame and a nice swing from the left-side.
Anthony Volpe, SS NYY (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR (Completion of suspended game) 3-for-5, 2 HR, 2B, BB, 2 SB, 6 RBI (Game 2)
A ridiculous 48 hours for the Delbarton grad. The Jersey kid has improved across the board statistically from his pro debut in 2019, and looks to be finding the barrel much more frequently. Volpe is now hitting .257/.378/.514 this year with five big flies and 13 stolen bases. He’s shown more with the bat than I expected him to early on. Two batted balls were hit over 103 MPH in this game.
Josh Smith, SS NYY (Low-A) 2-for-3, 2 BB, SB
Smith has only played in eight games this year and already has three homers and four stolen bases. He’s hitting .286/.459/.607 on the year and is another Yankee infielder whose stock is on the rise.
Elijah Dunham, OF NYY (Low-A) 2-for-4, 2 HR, BB, 5 RBI
The Tampa Tarpons scored 16 runs in the second game of the impromptu double-header so you see a few guys off that squad leading off the rundown. The UDFA is hitting .286 with a .991 OPS in the early going.
Pat DeMarco, OF NYY (Low-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2B, 2 BB
The former Vanderbilt Commodore is putting his terrible 2019 pro debut behind him and is showing himself to be a legitimate prospect as he’s hitting .262/.364/.512. Looks like a future reserve outfielder. His double had an impressive 107.7 EV.
Yoendrys Gomez, RHP NYY (Low-A) 2 ⅔ IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Gomez was making his 2021 debut in this one, and the velocity looks good, averaging 94.9 and maxing out at 97 with the heater. His high spin curveball had a 75% CSW and he also mixed in a changeup and a sinker.
Nasim Nunez, SS MIA (Low-A) 2-for-6, SB
Nunez is red hot, he’s five for eleven to begin the month of June and stole his 17th base of the season in this one. He can run and make contact but his calling card is his potentially elite defense at the six.
Nick Yorke, 2B BOS (Low-A) 2-for-3, 3B, 2 BB
Yorke also stays hot, getting on base three times with his first triple and a pair of free ones. Not to be outdone, Red Sox super prospect Gilberto Jimenez also tripled in this one for his only hit. Yorke seems to be putting his 2021 season back on the rails after a brutal start.
Jeremy Wu-Yelland, LHP BOS (Low-A) 4 IP, 3 H, 8 K
Wu-Yelland was the Sox fourth round selection in the 2020 draft out of the University of Hawaii. He’s walking too many guys but otherwise having a strong professional debut limiting hitters to just 12 hits in 18 ⅓ innings while striking out 27. Low-A is proving to be a place that most collegiate players can use to get their feet wet but probably shouldn’t stay at for too long.
J.T. Ginn, RHP NYM (Low-A) 3 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 1 K
Per statcast Ginn used all of his pitches during his 44-pitch pro debut, topping out at 93.6 with his sinker. He struggled to throw strikes in this one, but it's good to see Ginn back on the mound. He was the Mets second round pick in 2020, but likely goes off the board in the first round if he were fully healthy.
Keoni Cavaco, SS MIN (Low-A) 2-for-4, 3B
A strong showing for the 2019 first rounder. Cavaco is an athletic and tooled up kid but the questions surrounding him as a prospect are all on the hit tool, and specifically his ability to consistently make contact.
Louis Varland, RHP MIN (Low-A) 6 IP, 3 H, 6 K
Six shutout frames for one of Joe Drake’s favorite prospects. Varland relies heavily on his slider, which he throws more often than his fastball/sinker, and for good reason. It’s a potentially plus offering that gets a high percentage of whiffs. His fastball nearly touched 96 in this one, and Varland looks like a future bulk reliever.
Johan Rojas, OF PHI (Low-A) 2-for-5, HR, 3B
Rojas was a mainstay on the sheet in the early going but his season got away from him a bit as he struggled for the last few weeks of May but has started hitting again in early June. Can’t wait to see what he does on the Fourth of July! All kidding aside, Eddy Almaguer identified Rojas as one of his sleeper prospects and you can see why. When it all comes together he’s got plus speed with emerging power and a decent eye.
Mick Abel, RHP PHI (Low-A) 3 ⅔ IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 6 K
No statcast available in Daytona for this one. This is Abel’s strongest pro start to date and the Phillies let him throw 62 pitches, 42 went for strikes. Abel has front of the rotation upside due to his stuff. It’s loud and he can miss bats with multiple pitches. He was locked in during this outing.
Cole Wilcox, RHP TB (Low-A) 5 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 6 K
Not really sure why Cole Wilcox is still down in Low-A, but the Tampa system is stuffed with legitimate prospects everywhere so predicting promotions is especially difficult in this organization. Seven of his outs came via the groundball, and Wilcox excels at keeping the ball on the ground while also pumping strikes and missing bats. In 27 innings this year he’s only allowed 16 hits, and five walks and hasn’t surrendered a homer yet.
Armani Smith, OF SF (Low-A) 4-for-5, 2B, SB
Smith is hitting .394/.417/.606 through his first nine games. He’s a big, strong kid with a massive frame and hits the ball hard quite frequently. I’m trying to make a fashion joke somewhere in here but all I wear are basketball shorts and shirts from Rotowear nowadays so maybe I’ll leave the jokes for Rhys when Armani gets promoted later on.
Marco Luciano, SS SF (Low-A) 2-for-5, 3B, 2B, 3 RBI
Luciano is tired of Noelvi Marte being everyone’s favorite teenage shortstop in Low-A and has really started hitting. He’s twelve for his last 31 (.387), with five extra base hits during that span.
Carson Ragsdale, RHP SF (Low-A) 5 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 10 K
Five shutout frames for the former South Florida Bull. Drafted by the Phillies in the fourth round of the 2020 draft, the huge righty has been blowing up hitters in Low-A so far with 45 strikeouts in 24 ⅔ innings. Another example of a recent college arm making quick work of Low-A.
Ryan Smith, LHP LAA (Low-A) 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 K
I don’t have much information on Ryan Smith, but I can tell you he’s a sub six-foot lefty out of Princeton that was selected in the 19th round in 2019. The season numbers jump out at you as he has 44 strikeouts in 27 ⅔ innings. I do know he pitched on the Cape so I’ll have to ask our Cape master Geoff about him later.
Jorge Barrosa, OF ARI (Low-A) 2-for-4, BB
Barrosa just hits. He’s a likely fourth or fifth outfielder due to his extremely small build, but he’s a switch-hitter that excels at making contact. He’s a plus runner and potential strong defender in center as well. He’s hitting .333/.402/.424 so far in ‘21.
Neyfy Castillo, 1B ARI (Low-A) 3-for-5, HR
The offensive bar for right handed hitting first baseman is a tough hurdle to clear, and it’s impossible when you are rocking a 38% K rate. Castillo has big time power but struggles making contact.
Eddy Diaz, 2B COL (Low-A) 1-for-3 2B, 2 BB
It’s been a rough start for the Cuban infielder. Today’s double was just his third extra-base hit of the year and he's hitting .211/.311/.256 with 11 steals.
Zac Veen, OF COL (Low-A) 2-for-4, BB, 3 R, SB
Veen is still looking for his first professional homer, which is still surprising to me since he has a beautiful left-handed swing that generated easy loft as an amateur. He has plus raw power and was a star in the showcase events that I saw. He’s still been above-average offensively despite the lack of homers though, sporting a 106 wRC+. He’s hitting .242/.368/.341 with 15 steals, and a near 15% walk rate.
Joe Aeilts, OF COL (Low-A) 3-for-4, 2 SB
With Owen Miller getting promoted we need a new Redbird to join the fray. We’ve seen John Rave a few times but Joe Aeilts has been hitting everything so far with a .353/.421/.559 line. This has been today’s version of #RedbirdsHit and it's brought to you by Avanti’s. Only maybe one of you will get that joke but I’m cool with it.
Tyler Soderstrom, C OAK (Low-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 BB
I still haven’t been able to come up with a more baseball sounding name for him yet, but Soderstrom hit his third homer of the year in this one and is one of my favorite prospects in the lower minors. Dude rakes.
Jordy Barley, SS SD (Low-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2B
Barley has some power and some speed to go along with a good glove, but his hit tool deficiencies likely limit his upside to a utility player or even an up and down type.