Dynasty player of 10+ years. Helping you find the building blocks of your championship rosters as a co-host on the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast since mid-season 2023, joined Prospects Live at the start of 2024.
Hello and welcome to the Dynasty Baseball Pickups written series! Last week, we reached our 100th episode of the podcast. While Taylor took the opportunity to thank everyone who contributed individually in his article, I wanted to thank everyone once more, not only those who contributed but also everyone who has listened to and supported us over the last couple of years. This has truly been a fantastic experience, and I hope we have many more podcasts and articles ahead of us! In this weekend's article I’ve got a repeat from Taylor’s 2024 articles that has looked even better this year, a DSL hitter with unbelievable contact skills, an arm who’s command continues to improve, a pitcher who looks like he’s breaking out since returning from injury, and one last arm that should make Yankees fans feel a little better about an off-season trade with a division rival. Now let’s get into the names you need to know this week.
*Note: all stats current through Friday, July 4/25 and all minor league Statcast figures are sourced from TJ Stats unless otherwise stated.
When Taylor wrote up Jhonny Level last year, MLB Pipeline had given him grades of 55 hit, 45 power and 55 run but they’ve since updated those grades to 55 hit, 50 power, and 60 run and it’s not hard to see why when you look at his numbers from both this year and last. He’s putting the tools to good use and appears likely to reach double digits in both HR and SB for the second year in a row while continuing to walk nearly as much as he is striking out. While the season as a whole has been good to Level, June went exceptionally well, as he posted a .329/.404/.513 slash with four homers and four stolen bases over that span. Level has shown up on the Daily Sheet more than a dozen times this season, a good sign that he’s putting together a strong campaign, and in Alex Jensen’s article highlighting the top prospects under the age of 18 in the DSL last year, he ranked Level at number ten, adding this:
“Level has a monster ceiling with what could be plus power and speed but some concerns about the approach. It wouldn’t shock me if Level struggles a bit coming stateside, but it also wouldn’t surprise me if he winds up a top 100 prospect this time next year. The tools and IQ are very good here, just with some risk.”
Why To Think Twice
Level’s ground ball rate, which was already high last year, has risen even further to 49.6% and his infield fly ball rate has spiked to 22.2%, resulting in a line drive rate that has nearly been cut in half from 18.2% last year to 10.4% this year. He also hasn't been a particularly efficient base stealer despite his speed, he was thrown out on 9 of 27 attempts last year (66% success rate), though that has improved this year so far as he has been thrown out 4 times on 17 attempts this season (76% success rate).
Final Thoughts
When Taylor recommended Level almost precisely a year ago (7/4/24), he had this to say about the youngster who was at that time turning it on in the DSL:
“Jhonny Level, in addition to being an awesome name for an action hero, is an international prospect to keep an eye on. You don’t have to run out and grab him in anything shallower than 450 prospects, but remember the name (shouldn’t be hard) and be ready to pounce should this hot streak continue.”
While I agreed with Taylor at the time, things have changed, and it's now time to pick him up in any league (where he’s still available) with 200+ prospects rostered.
Where to pick up: Leagues with 200+ prospects rostered
FAAB bid: Minimal (0-5%)
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Dynasty player of 10+ years. Helping you find the building blocks of your championship rosters as a co-host on the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast since mid-season 2023, joined Prospects Live at the start of 2024.
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
