2019 Cape Cod Baseball League Top 25 Players

We gave you 26 through 50 of our Cape Cod Baseball League Top 50 yesterday, and today we move onto the Top 25. These were the players the shined brightest over the course of the summer circuit’s schedule. Some were here for the entirety of the season, while others spent time with the National Team. Once again this was a collaborative effort between Jason Pennini, Peter Flaherty, Anthony Franco, and myself (Ralph). The ranking portion was handled by Peter and myself, and it’s done with a balance of production and talent. It’s the Top 25 Players of the 2019 Cape Cod League.

25. Kyle Nicolas, RHP | School: Ball State | CCBL Team: Cotuit Kettleers | 24.1 IP, 1-2, 6.28 ERA, 31 K, 21 Bb | Grade: 45 | Draft: 2020

A big 6'4" righty, Kyle was a key contributor with Cotuit all summer, especially in the playoffs. His fastball ran anywhere from 92 up to 97 mph with above average spin, and when on, had a legitimate wipeout slider at 84-88 with above average spin. Like McCambley, the key for him will be developing a third pitch to play himself into Day 1 consideration, as well as refining some control issues.

24. Jared DeSantolo, 3B | School: Florida Atlantic | CCBL Team: Hyannis Harborhawks | 134 PAs, .301/.410/.434, 4 HR, 4 SB | Grade: 50 | Draft: 2020

The Florida Atlantic third baseman was one of the few bright spots for the Harbor Hawks who sported the league’s worst record over the summer by a wide margin. DeSantolo showed well on both sides of the ball, showing range at the hit corner, with fluidity in his actions, strong hands and enough arm to stick. At the plate DeSantolo shows an advanced approach laying off junk on the outer half, looking for pitches to hit in the inner half of the plate. It’s pullside power so good breaking stuff, particularly against lefties is a weakness. His in game power is about average with most of his hard contact going to his pullside or the middle of the field. It’s a smaller frame, but he’s lean and athletic, so there’s the possibility of adding good weight. A good overall profile with some room for growth at the plate.

23. Hunter Goodman, C | School: Memphis | CCBL Team: Hyannis Harborhawks | 165 PAs, .276/.291/.494, 8 HR, 2 SB | Grade: 45 | Draft: 2021

Hunter Goodman exploded in his freshman season at Memphis, winning the conference’s Freshman of the Year slashing .326/.367/.573 with 16 doubles, 13 home runs, and 67 RBI in 55 games. He continued his success on the Cape as he hit .276 with 10 doubles, eight home runs, and lead the league in RBIs with 37. He posted arguably the most impressive BP round at Fenway during the showcase, launching multiple balls that cleared the Green Monster. One trend to keep an eye on is his free swinging tendencies. At Memphis he posted a 55:9 K/BB ratio and with Hyannis posted a 45:3 K/BB ratio. Above average arm strength and was average behind the plate. Even with his swing and miss issues, Goodman is poised to be an early-mid Day 2, and potentially Day 1 selection in 2021.

22. Sean Sullivan, RHP | School: UCLA | CCBL Team: Cotuit Kettleers | 32 IP, 0-2, 1.96 ERA, 37 K, 6 BB | Grade: 50 | Draft: 2021

Sullivan embodies the definition of “California Cool.” An 18-year-old true freshman, he was one of the youngest players in the entire league and was not fazed at all. Coming off of a spring where he struggled at Berkeley, Sullivan was dominant on the Cape. His main issue at Cal was control, and he seems to have figured it out posting a 48:7 K/BB ratio, while also developing a changeup that he primarily threw to lefties. When on, his slider flashes above average, with easily above average spin rate on all of his pitches. He will sit anywhere from 89-94 with his fastball and is one of the most projectable players in the League. Look for him to be a key piece on a Berkeley squad that lost a lot, and potentially a Day 1 selection in 2021.

21. Casey Schmitt, 3B/RHP | School: San Diego State | CCBL Team: Cotuit Kettleers | 149 PAs, .248/.329/.411, 5 HR, 1 SB - 22 IP, 1-0, 2.45 ERA, 26 K, 11 Bb | Grade: 50 | Draft: 2020

Potentially the most intriguing 2-way draft prospect for 2020. After a freshman campaign where he had a 0.32 ERA, Schmitt enjoyed more success at SDSU with a mid-3 ERA and hitting over .300. That spilled over to the Cape where he became a shutdown arm out of the pen, relying on his fastball (89-92 T94) and an above average split/change that had the bottom fall out. Displayed above average raw power at the plate, average bat speed. Above average defender with an easy plus arm across the diamond. Dark Horse Day 1 prospect.

20. Trenton Denholm, RHP | School: Cal-Irvine | CCBL Team: Y-D Red Sox | 7 IP, 0-0, 0.00, 5 K, 2 Bb | Grade: 50 | Draft: 2020

A sinkerballer with an above average curveball, Denholm gets the most out of his three-pitch mix, showing advanced sequencing, and command of all of his pitches. He generates lots of weak ground ball contact, obviously due to the sinker. Smaller at 5-foot-11, but he’s athletic enough to get the most out of his mechanics.

19. Logan Allen, LHP | School: Florida International | CCBL Team: Harwich Mariners | 15 IP, 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 24 K, 3 Bb | Grade: 50 | Draft: 2020

JP wrote up Allen in our week two looks before he jettisoned for Team USA. In typical JP fashion he summed him up perfectly.

“Allen is a short, pitchability lefty with plus command. The mechanics are clean and allow Allen to repeat his delivery seamlessly: balance and posture are excellent through release. On 6/23, the fastball was not overpowering sitting 86-89, touching 91, but Allen still got ample swing and miss on the pitch by changing eye levels and spotting it on the corners. Allen’s curve featured tight spin and a 1-7 shape with moderate depth. He could go to it early in counts as needed. A changeup in the 78-80 range rounded out the mix, flashing 60 with good depth. The pitch was inconsistent in this outing with several firm ones. Allen is a crafty lefty who works the full zone. With his present stuff backend starter is probably a rosier projection. His feel for pitching and command profile give him a chance to get there. Realistically, a tick up in stuff would need to be a part of the equation too.”

18. Joe Boyle, RHP | School: Notre Dame | CCBL Team: Harwich Mariners | 14 IP, 1-2, 1.92 ERA, 28 K, 12 Bb | Grade: 50 | Draft: 2020

Straight cheese is the best way to describe a Joe Boyle appearance. Sitting 97+, hitting 100 with 2400+ spin rates on multiple occasions Boyle’s fastball is double plus. He pairs it with a slider that’s average at best, playing off his fastball. He struggles with command at his worst walking nearly a batter an inning, but his swing and miss ability make him a weapon out of the pen. Boyle made two appearances in our Cape Looks series.

Bonus: Cole Wilcox, RHP | School: Georgia | CCBL Team: Orleans Firebirds | 8 IP, 0-1, 6.75 ERA, 10 K, 6 BB | Grade: 55 | Draft: 2020

Jason Pennini caught Wilcox on 6/20 and wrote him up here. Not the best look for Wilcox, but I’ll let Pennini tell it. A non-ranked Bonus in the top 25.

17. Zach McCambley, RHP | School: Coastal Carolina | CCBL Team: Cotuit Kettleers | 20.2 IP, 1-0, 1.74 ERA, 24 K, 7 BB | Grade: 50 | Draft: 2020

Zach didn't enjoy great success at Coastal, but really broke out during his stint in Cotuit. His curveball is his best pitch, arguably a 60+ with above average spin. Fastball would sit anywhere from 90-95 while bumping a couple of 6's, also with above average spin. If he can refine and develop his changeup, look for him to be a Day 1 selection.

16. Gage Workman, SS/3B | School: Arizona State | CCBL Team: Brewster Whitecaps | 168 PAs, .266/.321/.370, 1 HR, 7 SB | Grade: 50 | Draft: 2020

Some of the best tools in this year's crop, Workman can play multiple spots in the infield, runs well, and shows flashes of above average raw power. His in game power is average at the moment but there's some projectablity. He didn't have a great statistical showing, but he was pitched around often in our looks, before exploding in the all-star game with an electric performance. There's approach concerns and it's a below average hit tool at the moment. It's pitch recognition and some aggressive tendencies at the plate, if he can improve in this area Workman could blow up.

15. Zavier Warren, 3B | School: Central Michigan | CCBL Team: Bourne Braves | 170 PAs, .315/.396/.443, 3 HR, 2 SB | Grade: 50 | Draft: 2020

Warren wasn't a premium name entering the summer season, but he left with some serious prospect cachet. Warren is a switch-hitter with some power, speed, and the ability to stick on the left side of the infield. One of the strongest throwing arms we saw, Warren made strong throws at both third and short. With a great combination of skills and value on both sides of the ball ,Warren's peformance has propelled into the Day 1 conversation.

14. Matt McLain, 2B/3B/OF | School: UCLA | CCBL Team: Wareham Gatemen | .274/.394/.425, 2 HR, 6 SB | Grade: 50 | Draft: 2021

McLain was one of the more highly touted players coming into this summer and he did not disappoint. The 25th overall pick in the 2018 draft, McLain chose to attend UCLA over playing professionally out of high school. He had some growing pains at school slashing just .203/.276/.355 and not finding a consistent position. He’s a ridiculous athlete, as he played center, 2B, and 3B for the Bruins impressing at all three. He seemed to find a home at third base this past summer, impressing with his range and athleticism. He has above average bat speed and as a Cape League All Star he hit .274 with 11 XBHs. Look for McLain to continue trending upward his sophomore season and be a Day 1 pick again in 2021.

13. Noah Campbell, OF | School: South Carolina | CCBL Team: Y-D Red Sox | 129 PAs, .324/.442/.431, 3 HR, 6 SB | Grade: 50 | Draft: 2020

One of the top bats this summer, Campbell built on a strong 2018 showing with Y-D returning for the Red Sox to hit .324/.442/.431 with three home runs. Despite the lower slugging percentage there’s plus raw in the bat. It’s a potentially plus hit tool as well, when you factor in his plate discipline. Campbell walked at an 18.4 percent clip while striking out at an 18.6 percent rate. The bat will have to carry the profile, as he’s a subpar defender in the infield, and despite plus run times he lacks the range for center. Likely best suited for a corner outfield role long term. A lot to like in Campbell's plus hitting corner outfield profile.

12. Ian Bedell, RHP | School: Missouri | CCBL Team: Wareham Gatemen | 30.2 IP, 4-0, 0.58 ERA, 36 K, 3 Bb | Grade: 50 | Draft: 2020

The Cape League Pitcher of the year, Ian Bedell exploded onto the scene this summer. Bedell showed flashes this spring at Missouri, posting a 1.56 ERA and 36:12 K/BB ratio although starting just one game. However for the Gatemen he posted a 0.58 ERA with a ridiculous 36:3 K/BB ratio in 6 regular season starts. His fastball, which some players describe as trying to hit a Blitz Ball, has ridiculous run and he will sit 90-93 while bumping 4s and 5s consistently. He flashed an above average change that would essentially fall off a table crossing the plate, as well as an above average curveball. Likely the Friday Night starter at Missouri, he’s one of the top college arms for the 2020 draft and could be a Day 1 selection.

11. Alika Williams, SS | School: Arizona State | CCBL Team: Bourne Braves | 38 PAs, .286/.342/.314, 0 HR, 0 SB | Grade: 50 | Draft 2020

Outstanding defender with the ability to make all the plays at the six. Excellent footwork, soft hands, and strong actions, Williams was the best infield defender we witnessed this summer. At the plate his linear contact oriented approach leaves something to be desired. There's still some projection in that bat to be an average hitter with below average pop.

10. Carmen Mlodzinski, RHP | School: South Carolina | CCBL Team: Falmouth Commodores | 29.1 IP, 2-0, 2.14 ERA, 40 Ks, 4 Bb | Grade: 55 | Draft: 2020

We got the worst possible look at Mlodzinski as he lasted just two outs giving up four earned. The game got washed and the stats didn't count. He works low to mid-90s bumping it up to 96 at his hottest. A trio of secondaries led by his slider, Mlodzinski will mix in a cutter and a changeup. After missing a majority of his spring season with South Carolina, Mlodzinski made big waves this summer vaulting into the first round with arguably the best showing on the circuit.

9. Jordan Westburg, SS | School: Mississippi State | CCBL Team: Hyannis Harborhawks | 104 PAs, .326/.385/.516, 4 HR, 0 SB | Grade: 55 | Draft: 2020

After not making the Collegiate National Team, Westburg arrived to a struggling Hyannis club and his impact was immediate, clubbing two home runs in his first Cape game. Above average power, his hit tool is his best. Great bad speed and is likely a Day 1 draft pick. Slightly below average athlete at the hot corner, it will be interesting where he sticks at Mississippi State and at the professional level.

8. Jud Fabian, OF | School: Florida | CCBL Team: Bourne Braves | 137 PAs, .290/.350/.500, 6 HR, 1 SB | Grade: 55 | Draft: 2021

Fabian was the youngest player on the Cape this summer turning 19 in late September. The Florida sophomore shows across the board ability, flashing plus defense in the outfield and power at the plate, slugging six homers, the eighth highest total in the CCBL. At times Fabian struggles to pickup spin, but he has plenty of development time to improve his pitch recognition. The top 2021 draft prospect we caught this summer.

7. Trei Cruz, SS/3B | School: Rice | CCBL Team: Falmouth Commodores | 164 PAs, .307/.384/.429, 3 HR, 11 SB | Grade: 55 | Draft: 2020

Cruz showed extremely well this past summer on the Cape. Already proven with the bat and his pure athleticism, Cruz’s big question mark was his glove. He was Falmouth’s everyday third baseman and even played a bit of center field. Above average arm strength and good range, lowered his error total significantly since Rice. Above average bat speed and finds consistent barrels, especially from the right side

6. Zach DeLoach, OF | School: Texas A&M | CCBL Team: Falmouth Commodores | 152 PAs, .353/.428/.541, 5 HR, 8 SB | Grade: 55 | Draft: 2020

DeLoach struggled mightily at Texas A&M, but bounced back very nicely on the Cape, leading the league in average. Switched from a leg kick to a toe-tap this summer and it seems to have worked. Solid defender with average to above average arm, DeLoach could play himself into late Day 1 consideration with a solid season at A&M.

5. Daniel Cabrera, OF | School: LSU | CCBL Team: Harwich Mariners | 131 PAs, .287/.369/.400, 2 HR, 10 SB | Grade: 60 | Draft: 2020

An usual lefty swing, there’s something about his setup that harkens back to the golden age of baseball. His short compact stroke, produces natural loft and above average power. His bat path also leads to swings and misses at times. He showed the ability to turn on balls on the inner-half leading to solid pullside power. He’s not one dimensional however, consistently showing the ability to go to the opposite field and spray hard contact all over the park.

public.jpeg

It's an aggressive approach but it works for Cabrera mostly due to his ability to adjust mid-swing. Defensively Cabrera puts his above average speed to good use, even if he's likely best suited for a corner role. The former 26th round pick of the Padres should find himself among the day one college bats this June. (Spray Chart Courtesy of Pointstreak.)

4. Hayden Cantrelle, 2B/SS | School: Louisiana-Lafayette | CCBL Team: Falmouth Commodores | 159 PAs, .315/.427/.438, 3 HR, 19 SB | Grade: 60 | Draft: 2020

One of the fastest players in the CCBL this summer, Cantrelle is an exciting player consistently in the thick of things. Hitting leadoff for Falmouth, Cantrelle hit .315/.427/.438 with three homers and 19 stolen bases. He’s hyper aggressive at times in counts ambushing fastballs early. Other times this plays against him, as he sports a higher swing and miss tendency than your typical leadoff guy. The power is below average, but his bat is quick enough to take advantage of mistakes. Defensively he showed good actions in at short with a quick first step.

3. Parker Chavers, OF | School: Coastal Carolina | CCBL Team: Cotuit Kettleers | 143 PAs, .270/.359/.467, 5 HR, 3 SB | Grade: 60 | Draft: 2020

Chavers continued his success from Coastal with a solid summer on the Cape, especially late in the season and during the playoffs. Above average athlete who has a cannon from the outfield. Some swing and miss issues at the plate, but showed above average game power all summer. High leg kick, but was able to get it down in time; good barrel depth and bat speed.

2. Austin Wells, C | School: Arizona | CCBL Team: Y-D Red Sox | 180 PAs, .308/.389/.526, 7 HR, 8 SB | Grade: 55 | Draft: 2020

The top hitting catcher this summer Wells showed a quick bat and lots of raw power, hitting 14 doubles and seven home runs, good enough for a .526 slugging percentage, the fifth highest number on the circuit. With the power does come swing and miss concerns. A near 30 percent strikeout rate and difficulty with off-speed could be an issue. His catcher defense is questionable, though his athleticism gives him a shot to hang there for a little while in the professional ranks. Spent some time in the outfield this summer as well.

1. Nick Gonzales, 2B | School: New Mexico State | CCBL Team: Cotuit Kettleers | 185 PAs, .351/.451/.630, 7 HR, 6 SB | Grade: 60 | Draft: 2020

Close second to Torkelson in terms of pure hit tool. Gonzales barrels nearly every ball and puts together consistent quality ABs. Best hands/barrel control in the 2020 class. Greatly improved his defense this past summer, arm strength still average

**Asterisk number 1. Spencer Torkelson, 1B/OF | School: Arizona State | CCBL Team Chatham Anglers | 18 PAs, .385/.556/.1.000, 2 HR, 0 Sb | Draft: 2020

Torkelson gets the one with an asterisk award as he only played in five games. The P-Live team just so happened to catch four, and that doesn't even include in the two at bats in the fog out that didn't happen. He's an elite middle of the order bat with the looks of a power hitting first baseman with all-star upside. That said it's a limited defensive profile, dulling some of his overall value. This year's Andrew Vaughn in a far more traditional package.