Roman Anthony has finally been promoted to the major leagues, and now the question on everyone's mind is who will replace him as the #1 overall prospect when he (hopefully) graduates in a few weeks. It feels as if it's a wide open race, as we have plenty of options that you can reasonably argue for to take the #1 spot in our rankings that are going to be updated soon.
Let's look at a few options of the next #1 overall prospect, and why they should or should not be the face of minor league baseball.
I wrote up Basallo recently after I got a live look at him in St. Paul, so I won't echo too much of the same information. Basallo is the face of the new international scouting department for the Baltimore Orioles, as he is the first big signing to be on the cusp of not only a major league role, but a significant one. He is currently at Triple-A Norfolk and while he has a shot to be up in the majors soon, he may end up spending more time than we think he needs to in Norfolk.
Power is the name of the game with Basallo. Basallo has always been a slugger, and with 15 home runs on the year so far in just 49 games. There's no doubt that when he makes the big leagues he's going to hit the ball hard and far. Basallo actually has a really solid approach with a 14.5% walk rate and a 23.5% K rate, and the hit tool was graded a 55 by Rhys White in our offseason top 20 list for the Orioles. If Basallo can stick at catcher, he would be a rare high-power catcher with enough of a hit tool to get there.
Why He Shouldn't Be #1
On the other hand, if Basallo can't stick at catcher, he's likely to end up at first base. If that's the case, is he deserving to be #1? The top of the list is filled with uber athletic shortstop/centerfield that you might want to take over the potential for a first baseman only prospect. And while the approach is good, there is some underlying whiff issues that could potentially be exasperated at the big league level. Hit tool concerns are common when someone slugs this much, and if you're wary of the hit tool with Basallo he might not be your #1 prospect.
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!
Been a baseball fan and player my whole life, played dynasty for 10 years. Co-host on the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast since mid-season 2023 and joined Prospects Live at the start of 2024.
A Giants fan living in San Diego, been playing fantasy baseball since 2005 and dynasty since 2021. Started the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast in June 2023 and joined Prospects Live in March of 2024.
Been a baseball fan and player my whole life, played dynasty for 10 years. Co-host on the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast since mid-season 2023 and joined Prospects Live at the start of 2024.
