It was a hell of a Saturday night, we had parties, little league playoff games, and heavy drinking to do. So we’re rolling a little late today, but it’s all good because Geoff (Triple-A/Double-A), Rhys White (High-A), and Matt Thompson (Low-A) are here to walk you through the top performers in the minor leagues from June 5th 2021.
Ryan Vilade, RF COL (Triple-A) 2-for-4, 2 R
When it comes to hitting singles, Ryan Vilade is the bee’s knees. Which is an expression once explained to me by an attractive 40 year old woman as “cool because bee’s don’t have knees”. I just figured it was a rhyme… Anyway, Vilade has plus bat to ball skills, and solid approach but doesn’t hit the ball with much impact.
Scott Blewett, RHP KC (Triple-A) 6 IP, 2 H, 6 K
A former second round pick way back in 2014, Blewett is a big bodied righty that pitches off of his slider and mixes two variations of his fastball. Likely a spot starter/low-leverage relief profile.
Kyle Isbel, OF KC (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 R
After breaking camp with some initial buzz, Isbel has faded a bit since the demotion and has struggled at Triple-A. A strong all-around performer, I’ve always been a fan of Isbel. He should fit in nicely as a higher end second division regular with some upside if he starts to show average game power with consistency.
Jo Adell, OF LAA (Triple-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2 R
Another day on the sheet, another homer. Jo Adell is like Buddy Holly just snatching Elvis’ crown. That’s a very old reference that only old people will get. But at this point Adell is showing the power and even went a whole game without striking out on Saturday! Imagine what his stock would be if he was doing this and the 2020 struggles never happened?
Yariel Gonzalez, 3B DET (Triple-A) 1-for-4, HR
He’s 27 years old, was released by the Cardinals in March of 2020, he signed as an MiLB free agent this January and is now hitting .374/.426/.692 with nine home runs between Double-A and Triple-A. He’s a watch and see guy to see if this is just an “old for the level” flash in the pan, or a late career breakout.
Curtis Terry, 1B TEX (Triple-A) 3-for-5, RBI, 2 R, SB
The president of the #MassiveHuman club is out here stealing bases! He continues to hit at the Triple-A level as his season slash is now up to .344/.402/.667. Terry has graced these pages a few times, and the question remains; will his combination of power and approach work at the MLB level?
Andy Ibañez, 3B TEX (Triple-A) 3-for-5, HR, 6 RBI, 2 R
Once upon a time Ibañez had some hype as a Cuban import that would make his living off his bat. Fast forward five years and he’s a 28 year old in his third run through Triple-A. Ibañez has hit in the minors to the tune of .285/.351/.445 but there’s not enough power, approach, or defensive skills to matter much.
Jonathan Stiever, RHP CWS (Triple-A) 6 IP, 3 H, 4 K
After a rough MLB debut and some uneven performance for Stiever in the early part of the 2021 Triple-A season, this was Stiever’s best outing to date. He works primarily four-seam, slider, changeup, but also features a curveball. He’s been struggling with his control and command this season but perhaps this efficient outing will turn the corner of his season.
Vidal Bruján, 2B TB (Triple-A) 1-for-4, BB, SB
While the bat has been quiet after an early season heater, Bruján continues to wreck havoc on the bases. This was his 13th steal of the season to go along with 7 home runs.
Josh Lowe, OF TB (Triple-A) 2-for-4, SB
Another of the Bulls trio of studs showing off the wheels. It’s a power and OPS based skillset but he has some wheels too. A dangerous offensive player in the making.
Riley Adams, C TOR (Triple-A) 2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI
The Blue Jays seem to always have an interesting catcher or two in their system and while Gabriel Moreno is getting the headlines in 2021 - and deservedly so - Smith has been strong with Buffalo, showing power and on base ability.
Forest Wall, OF TOR (Triple-A) 2-for-4, SB
It feels like Wall’s ultimate ceiling is utility guy, speed off the bench. He has 12 steals on the season and is showing elite base stealing ability but little else.
Cristian Pache, OF ATL (Triple-A) 3-for-6, 2 RBI, 2 R
Also struck out twice, but the pair of doubles and three hits overshadows that a little. He’s three games into his second tenure in Triple-A and frankly Pache needs a good month or two to get right. The approach is still rough but there’s bat to ball skills and more power than he gets credit for. It will click at some point.
Jesus Sanchez, OF MIA (Triple-A) 1-for-5, HR, 2 RBI
I’ve heard whispers that Sanchez will be up in Miami shortly but that’s still very much up in the air. The Marlins are looking to move Corey Dickerson and Sanchez, if that happens, is the primary beneficiary. He went cold for two weeks, but looks like he’s heating up again. Even the cold streak wasn’t so fridged as the strikeout rate the last few weeks has stayed under 20%.
Lewin Diaz, 1B MIA (Triple-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB
He is on an absolute tear the last three games, as he’s gone 6-for-12, with four extra base hits, a pair of walks, and six runs scored. Diaz has always been able to hit, but it’s a matter of the power and approach playing at the MLB level. He’s a prototype first baseman, left/left with hit and power.
Hoy Jun Park, SS NYY (Triple-A) 1-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
One of my favorite unheralded higher minors prospects, Park has been murdering the ball in Triple-A. He’s showing more power than expected with a strong baseline of foundational contact and approach. One of those players that might be developing power off the strength of his hit tool. He’s short to the ball and has better than average bat speed.
Matt Tabor, RHP ARI (Double-A) IP, BB Game Suspended
This was Tabor’s Double-A debut but the game was suspended in the top of the second.
Logan Davidson, 3B OAK (Double-A) 2-for-5, 2 RBI, R
Has now reached base in 11 of his last 13 games as he hits .375/.462/.563 with just four strikeouts to six walks. I’m telling you, Davidson struggled at each level, then adjusts. He’s an extremely talented player, a switch-hitter with the ability to play all over the dirt and the twitch and speed you expect from a player of that archetype.
Reid Detmers, LHP LAA (Double-A) 5 IP, 5 H, ER, 10 K
The former Louisville ace has been best case scenario Reid Detmers, missing a ton of bats with improved velocity on his fastball. His 18% swinging strike rate is the fourth best mark in all of Double-A. Not bad for an arm that had zero professional experience prior to 2021. Detmers is likely to see promotion to Triple-A in the next few weeks to a month, where he’ll likely remain for the majority, if not the rest, of 2021.
Brennan Davis, OF CHC (Double-A) 2-for-4, 2 R
The Cubs top prospect is likely to see a big jump on prospect lists universally this summer as he’s a true five tool prospect with top overall upside. The power has to play in games and he must continue to run for it to get there, but he is a premier prospect.
Bobby Witt Jr., SS KC (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB
Now up to nine home runs on the season, eight of those have come over his last 14 games as he has slashed .281/.344/.719 over that time. He’s showing elite power but he’s swinging and missing a lot. As he’s still as he’s running a 30% K-rate over the course of his two week run.
John Rooney, LHP LAD (Double-A) 4 IP, H, 2 BB, 7 K
After struggling in his first three starts of the season Rooney has now gone 11.2 IP in his last three turns and allowed just one ernie. Another arm to watch in the Dodgers system as the 2018 third rounder looks to be clicking.
C.J. Abrams, SS SD (Double-A) 3-for-5, 3 R, BB
While he perhaps hasn’t been as loud as some would like with gaudy home runs and steal totals, Abrams has been unbelievably productive in 2021. He currently has the 20th highest wRC+ for players 20 years of age or younger in all of affiliated ball with just two players ranking higher that play above A-Ball, Wander Franco and Riley Greene.
Eguy Rosario, 3B SD (Double-A) 4-for-5, 5 RBI, 2 R, BB
The Eguy has been hot over his last two weeks slashing .356/.412/.667 over 13 games. He’s still just 21 and can play all over the infield, there’s not much in the way of power and speed but he might be able to hit enough to carve out a role as a bench hitter or utility guy.
Jordan Balazovic, RHP MIN (Double-A) 3.1 IP, H, 2 BB, 5 K
This was the season debut for the 2016 5th rounder out of Canada. He’s one of the Twins better pitching prospects at the moment. He sat 95 MPH and was relatively efficient and definitely effective in his debut.
Jose Miranda, 3B MIN (Double-A) 2-for-3, R, BB
All he does is hit, as Miranda is producing one of the top lines in all of Double-A. He’s been on the sheet a ton this season as seemingly everyday he’s on base two to three times. He’s running an 87.8% contact rate in 2021. That’s elite.
Riley Greene, OF DET (Double-A) 1-for-5, HR
Go back to the C.J. Abrams blurb and come back here. Now why isn’t Greene considered an easy top ten prospect in every way possible (Fantasy, Reality, OBP, etc)? I’m once again asking. Because he’s a better athlete than he was billed and shows the ability to impact the game in a litany of ways.
Peyton Burdick, OF MIA (Double-A) 2-for-4, RBI, R, SB
The Avian Phallic showing the wheels! He’s been off the sheet after cooling down a bit but it’s only a matter of time before he starts mashing again. Speaking of mashing again…
J.J. Bleday, OF MIA (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
Another homer as Bleday is waking up! And just in time for the regional final! I swear these college superstars time their hot streaks.
Gabriel Moreno, C TOR (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR
He’s one of the best catcher’s in the minor leagues period. After watching him and Adley within a week I’ll say this. He’s in that class.
Samad Taylor, OF TOR (Double-A) 2-for-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI
I am telling you it’s legit. Short to the ball, and violent bat speed, there’s a lot to like from the undersized Taylor.
Adley Rutschman, C BAL (Double-A) 3-for-5, HR, 3 R
Speaking of Adley, he homered yesterday as he continues to show impressive power this season. The defense isn’t as strong as I anticipated but the bat is very much for real. Expect him to spend most of the season in Double-A with a month to six weeks in Triple-A. There’s no reason for Baltimore to start his clock in 2021.
Ken Waldichuck, LHP NYY (High-A) 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K (Game 1 of Doubleheader)
Big tall physical left-hander who has yet to give up an unearned run in 2021 and is rocking a 45:10 K:BB ratio this season. I don’t know what to make of him just yet, he’s 23 in High-A and have yet to get some eyes on him but I do know Trevor Hooth, one of my favorite people, has taken time out of his schedule to do some gifs of him and his breaking ball.
Oswald Peraza, SS NYY (High-A) 2-for-4, 2B, R 2 RBI, SB (Game 1 of Doubleheader)
Peraza just wakes up and hits himself a double these days. He’s a good defensive shortstop, he can hit, and flashed some power early in the season. He did get a hit off a major league arm in Fedde, which is encouraging.
Erick Fedde, RHP WAS (High-A) 5 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K (Game 1 of Doubleheader)
Feddewap or as milb.com tells me his nickname is Feddeccini, which is significantly more lame than Feddewap. He was on a rehab assignment and pitched alright.
Ezequiel Duran, 2B NYY (High-A) 3-for-3, HR, 2 R, RBI (Game 2 of Doubleheader)
Yankees second base only profile, who will need to hit to remain relevant, because he doesn’t have a lot of other tools to fall back on. He’s been hitting well, and like this past evening showed some power, where I think he ultimately maxes out as a 50 power guy.
Matthew Fraizer, OF PIT (High-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 R, RBI
Matthew should make the Frasier theme song his walk up song, that’s one way to stand out. Frazier has a great body, and will show power and speed making him an interesting prospect, the question is how much will he hit, which to his credit he has done to start the season.
Wander Javier, SS MIN (High-A) 4-for-4, 3B, 4 R, 2 RBI
DUSTY.
Quincy McAfee, OF CIN (High-A) 3-for-3, 2 2B, 3 R, 3 RBI
Who is this? A former 26th round pick from the 2019 draft, out of Pepperdine had himself a really good game, grabbing himself two doubles, and hitting 1.000 on the evening while driving in a few runs.
Quin Cotton, OF CIN (High-A) 4-for-6, 2 HR, 3 R, 6 RBI
Former Grand Canyon University Antelope has been off to a rough start in 2021 if you look at his slashline, as he’s hitting .211/.269/.389. He does have 5 homers and 9 stolen bases in that timeframe but his lack of consistent contact and striking out in just under 30% of his plate appearances. But hey on the positive side of things he did grab himself 2 homers to boost his counting stats tally.
Graham Ashcraft, RHP CIN (High-A) 7 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 9 K
If it wasn’t for one person I don’t know if I would know if this guy was a stud or not, I mean he’s a fine pitching prospect but a stud is reserved for someone with more than a back-end starter upside, no? The former UAB Dragon has struck out 38 batters thus far in the season. He’s solid, takes the ball every fifth day and is in an organization that can squeeze the most out of him.
Ronny Mauricio, SS NYM (High-A) 1-for-4, HR, R, 3 RBI
I was recently telling someone I am not so sold on Mauricio’s power showing up in games, and then he decides to start carrying that raw power into game power just to spite me.
Alex McKenna, OF HOU (High-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2B, R, RBI
Dude just continues to hit at this level, I wonder how much longer he sticks around here with the way he is hitting.
Colin Peluse, RHP OAK (High-A) 5.2 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 10 K
Not much of a prospect but he pitched well last night and 10 punchouts will get you a spot on the daily sheet. Oakland seems to have a bunch of the random no name guys that will pop every once in a while, now if they could invest in the big league team and figure out a way to get a stadium that would be cool of the notoriously cheap franchise.
Bobby Miller, RHP LAD (High-A) 4 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Miller is starting to get stretched out and he looked nasty out there against a hot hitting Whitecaps lineup. As he shut them down only allowing a single hit. I am not saying Bobby Miller started the tight-pant trend for pitchers but he definitely was an early adopter of it, dude looks like is out there pitching in skinny jeans.
Andy Pages, OF LAD (High-A) 1-for-5, HR, R, RBI
*yawn* Andy Pages hits the ball hard and it tends to travel far, he’s been on a hot streak and now has 8 homers on the season.
Ryan Ward, OF LAD (High-A) 3-for-4, 2 HR, 4 R, 3 RBI
Multi home run days will always get you a shout-out from me on here. Ward came into last night's game with two homers on the season and doubled his home run tally.
Spencer Torkelson, 1B DET (High-A) 2-for-3
I enjoy it when Torkelson hits, the former 1-1 pick has started to look more comfortable and taking good swings, he was drawing walks during his “slump” but he is now hitting and hitting for power.
Griffin Conine, OF MIA (High-A) 2-for-4, HR, R, RBI
Son of newly named FIU associate head coach Jeff Conine, Griffin has been hitting the snot out of the ball recently. He is striking out 36.3% of the time which is umm not great.
Asa Lacy, LHP KC (High-A) 4 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Lacy has had a rough go of it so far in 2021 and while 4 innings of work with 4 punchouts and 2 earned runs isn’t stellar it’s a welcomed sigh of relief for the Royals top pitching prospect. Control issues have plagued him to start the season, but these 2020 draft guys are just getting their first taste of professional experience so I’ll give them a bit more leeway than most other prospects.
Tyler Gentry, OF KC (High-A) 1-for-1, HR, R, 2 2BI, 3 BB
Welp in his only official at bat of the game Tyler Gentry was rather efficient, blasting himself a homer and grabbing himself a trio of walks.
Garrett Mitchell, OF MIL (High-A) 2-for-3, 2 R, RBI, SB
I am glad that Mitchell is back from his injury and he seems fine, being allowed to run on the basepaths which is encouraging. The type-1 diabetic is maybe one of the more tooled up players in all the minors with easy 60 raw and 60 speed, the hit tool and his swing plane will ultimately determine how high his ceiling will be.
Aaron Schunk, 2B COL (High-A) 1-for-5, HR, R, 2 RBI
Playing second base last night and grabbing himself a homer for his troubles. If he is moving around defensively that helps the profile, because he’s a decent defensive third-baseman and may push him into a possible utility type if he can hit alright and play a few different positions.
Brenton Doyle, OF COL (High-A) 2-for-5, 2 2B, 2 R, SB
I am glad to see Doyle has been hitting well in High-A thus far in the season because I had questions how he would do outside of what is now the defunct Pioneer League, RIP. He's probably at best a fourth outfielder, who hits for some power, plays all three spots in a pinch and can utilize his speed.
Seth Corry, LHP SF (High-A) 5 IP, 3 ER, 5 BB, 3 K
The left-hander's lack of command has reared its ugly head with 5 walks. He was able to limit the damage, only allowing 3 runs. The stuff is good, but like I mentioned, command and control, or lack there of, ultimately may facilitate a move to the pen.
Will Wilson, SS SF (High-A) 2-for-5, 2B, R, RBI, SB
The former first round pick out of NC State that was just given away by the Angels is currently hitting .292/.381/.563 on the season. He’s hit well enough and shown that he can tap into some power. I am gonna be interested to see where people put him on lists during midseason list update season, because he’s been really good this season.
Joey Wentz, LHP DET (Low-A) 4 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Another rehab start for the former Braves and current Tigers prospect. Wentz threw 77 pitches in this one and I’d imagine will jump to the higher minors to continue his rehab and make it up to Detroit before the end of the year.
Josh Smith, 2B NYY (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR, SB Game 1 of Doubleheader; 2-for-4 2 HR in Game 2
The former LSU Tiger has had a very strong start to 2021, hitting .333/.467/.833 with six homers and five stolen bases. Smith and Volpe have been a terrific up the middle pair for the Tampa squad.
Anthony Volpe, SS NYY (Low-A) 2-for-2, 2B, 2 BB, SB
Yeah I’ve ran out of things to say about Volpe. He checks all the boxes but lacks a plus offensive tool. He’s hitting .273/.400/.527.
Austin Wells, C NYY (Low-A) 3-for-3, 3B, BB, 3 RBI
Wells has hit but the power output has been largely absent to this point. He’s drawing walks at an impressive rate, slashing .267/.400/.416 on the season so far.
Yohendrick Pinango, OF CHC (Low-A) 2-for-3 Game 1 of Doubleheader, 1-for-2 HR, 2 BB Game 2
Pinango is one of the more interesting prospects you may not know about. If you see him on the right day you can convince yourself you’re looking at a future everyday outfielder, but other times not so much.
Joe Gray Jr., OF MIL (Low-A) 1-for-4, HR
JGJ hit his ninth homer but did strike out twice in this one. He’s hitting .291/.362/.660 with six steals and the aforementioned nine homers.
Gunnar Henderson, 3B BAL (Low-A) 0-for-5, 5 Ks
YEEEEEEEESSH. Gunnar will no doubt forget about this one soon but a platinum sombrero is tough.
Taj Bradley, RHP TB (Low-A) 5 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 10 K
Bradley was dominant in this one, allowing no runs and going the distance in this weather shortened five inning game. He has a big fastball and curveball combination but is waiting on the emergence of a consistent third pitch to improve his odds of sticking in the rotation.
John Beller, LHP STL (Low-A) 6 ⅓ IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 7 K
Beller topped out at 90.6 in this one, but what he lacks in fastball velocity he makes up for in command. His slider was the star of the show with a CSW of 45%. He will also mix in a curveball and changeup.
Nasim Nunez, SS MIA (Low-A) 4-for-5, 2 RBI, SB
Nunez hot streak continues with a four hit game. He lacks power but his defense/speed first package could get him to the big leagues, just needs to continue to hit.
Jase Bowen, 2B PIT (Low-A) 2-for-5, HR
Bowen is enjoying life in Low-A and is showing some serious offensive growth with a large uptick in power. He’s striking out too much for a player with his profile though, but he’s also hitting cleanup on a prospect packed Bradenton team.
Garrett Wolforth, DH CIN (Low-A) 2-for-5, 2 HR, 5 RBI
You know the rule. A multi-homer game gets you in the sheet. Wolforth was the Reds 14th round pick in 2019 out of Nova Southeastern in Florida. He hasn’t hit much since entering pro ball, but he’s got some pop. He’s primarily a catcher but has played every position except 2B or SS since 2019.
Luis Garcia, 2B PHI (Low-A) 3-for-5, 2B, BB
This is becoming standard. We know how good the glove and athleticism are, but if he can hit he’s a top 100 prospect.
Johan Rojas, OF PHI (Low-A) 3-for-6, HR, 2B
Good to see Rojas putting together back to back great games. Same story as Garcia, if he can hit he’s a top 100 prospect due to defense and athleticism.
Casey Martin, SS PHI (Low-A) 2-for-6, 2B
He only struck out once in this one, but this is a glimpse of what Martin is capable of with more consistent contact and better swing decisions. The Javier Baez approach is not one I recommend duplicating.
Rafael Marcano, LHP PHI (Low-A) 5 IP, 8 K
So this might be a dude here. He did it in the line park that doesn’t have data, but he’s been one of the most impressive pitchers in all of the minor leagues so far with 28 strikeouts and just five walks in 20 innings. He has identical WHIP and ERA at 0.90. The breakout was missed earlier with much of his work coming in relief, but he’s a high priority follow for the immediate future.
Marco Luciano, SS SF (Low-A) 2-for-3, 2 RBI
This is what top prospects do, seemingly this is his line every night now and Luciano is the real deal.