Now, top (insert number here) lists are very subjective for the most part. Especially when you are dealing with players who have barely any professional experience. Trying to predict how an 18-year-old’s career is going to pan out is fool’s gold. For every Ken Griffey Jr., there is a Brien Taylor, with most top picks falling somewhere in between.
The differences between these 20 players are minuscule as far as talent. They are all on the list for a reason. Any one of them could be a total bust and never make it, or he could be a Hall of Famer in 20-30 years. Without further ado, let’s dive into 20 players that you should be watching at a major league stadium near you…or at least on TV.
More of the Top 100: #1-20 | #21-40 | #41-60 | #61-80
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81. Cole Winn, Right-Handed Pitcher, Texas Rangers, 15th pick in 2018 (Orange Lutheran HS, CA)
DOB: 11/25/1999
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 200
Highest Level: AAA
Fastball: 60
Curveball: 60
Slider: 55
Changeup:: 55
Control: 50
Winn was drafted 15th overall in 2018 after he earned Gatorade Player of the Year in two different states (Colorado in 2017 and California in 2018). At 19 years old in 2019, the right-hander struggled for much of the year but finished strong, allowing just two runs and striking out 18 in his final 18 innings. He worked on his control and on repeating his delivery in 2020 with the season shut down, and it showed in 2021.
Winn started last season at Double-A and made 19 starts for Frisco. He was nearly unhittable as opponents batted just .144 against him. Winn also allowed just six home runs and struck out 97 in 78.1 innings. The performance earned him a promotion to Triple-A where he started twice. While he is mostly a fastball-curveball pitcher, with both offerings plus, his slider gets plenty of swings and misses and his changeup has improved with his refined delivery. The Rangers are definitely looking to make some noise in the AL West over the next few years and Winn should be a big part of that.
82. D.L. Hall, Left-Handed Pitcher, Baltimore Orioles, 21st pick in 2017 (Valdosta HS, GA)
DOB: 09/19/1998
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 195
Highest Level: AA
Fastball: 65
Curveball: 55
Slider: 50
Changeup: 55
Control: 45
The lefty was taken 21st overall by the Orioles in the 2017 draft. Hall had a rough start to his professional career. He went straight to the Orioles Rookie Team in 2017 and held a 6.97 ERA in just five games. Luckily, in 2018 with the Single-A Shorebirds, Hall bounced back. He recorded 100 strikeouts with a 2.10 ERA.
In 2019, Hall was promoted to the High-A Frederick Keys where he rang up 116 batters and allowed just a .189 batting average. After the 2020 canceled season, the Georgia native made his Double-A debut with the Baysox and struck out 56 in just seven appearances. Hall has a blazing fastball ranging from 96-99 mph and a solid changeup with good fade. His curveball and slider now have distinct differences in both velo and break.
While injuries and inconsistencies are still a concern and give Hall some reliever risk, he has some of the best stuff in the minors. His performance throughout his minor league career proves his case for the next level. The O’s have struggled mightily to find some semblance of a rotation and could use Hall to turn that around. Whether this season or the next, Orioles fans will see Hall make his debut at Camden Yards.
83. Reginald Preciado, Shortstop/Third Base, Chicago Cubs, Signed July 2, 2019 (Panama)
DOB: 05/16/2003
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 185
Highest Level: RK
B/T: S/R
Hit: 60
Power: 50
Run: 50
Arm: 55
Field: 50
Preciado got his first taste of pro ball last year with the Cubs affiliate in Arizona. He showed off the talent that made him Panama’s top prospect in 2019 as the San Diego Padres signed him for $1.3 million. However, he was traded to the Cubs in the deal that sent Yu Darvish to San Diego. Although he only played 34 games in Arizona, Preciado slashed an impressive .333/.383/.511. The 18-year-old also had 16 extra-base hits and swiped seven bases. Right now he is better from the left side of the plate, yet still batted .308 from the right side. He should improve against left-handed pitching as he gains experience. Preciado has a compact swing and keeps things simple which is rare to see from a tall teenager just making his pro debut.
Defensively, Preciado split time between shortstop and third base. While he has a quick first step and a good arm, he may be better suited for third base especially as he fills out his 6-foot-4 frame which could sap some range. The youngster is by no means a speed demon, but he is aggressive and fast enough to steal some bags even if he does lose a step. Although it will be a couple of years before Chicago sees Preciado on the dirt, the ceiling is high for him and he could be up as soon as 2024.
84. Kyle Harrison, Left-Handed Pitcher, San Francisco Giants, 85th pick in 2020 (De La Salle HS, CA)
DOB: 08/12/2001
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 200
Highest Level: A
Fastball: 60
Curveball: 50
Slider: 55
Changeup: 50
Control: 45
The Giants shelled out first-round caliber money to draft Harrison in the third round of the 2020 Draft. For $2,497,500, the Giants were able to convince the prep lefty to forgo his commitment to attend UCLA and turn pro. Harrison’s fastball sat at 90-93 before the draft, but he sat at 94-95 and topped out at 98 mph during his first professional season.
Pitching from a three-quarters arm slot, Harrison’s fastball also has significant run and sink on it. His slider is another plus pitch due to its effectiveness against hitters from both sides of the plate. Harrison’s changeup is his worst pitch for now, but his polish as a pitcher should allow for it to develop nicely. In his age 19 season, Harrison made 23 starts in the Low-A-West league. He finished with a solid 3.19 ERA with 157 strikeouts and just 52 walks over 98.2 innings pitched. He is only 20 years old, but his upside should propel him quickly through the Minor League system. Harrison will likely begin the season at either Low-A or High-A, with a shot at reaching Double-A this year.
85. Kevin Alcantara, Outfield, Chicago Cubs, Signed July 12, 2018 (Dominican Republic)
DOB: 07/12/2002
Height: 6’6″
Weight 190
Highest Level: RK
B/T: R/R
Hit: 50
Power: 60
Run: 60
Arm: 55
Field: 55
Alcantara started his 2021 season off at the Florida Complex League playing for the New York Yankees organization. After just nine games, he was traded to the Cubs as part of the Anthony Rizzo deal. Once at the Arizona Complex League, Alcantara continued to hit. Altogether he slashed .345/.423/.588 with five homers and five stolen bases in 34 games.
The 19-year-old has plenty of tools. He produces high-end exit velocity and should add even more power to his profile as he fills out. Right now he covers plenty of ground in centerfield but depending on how much he matures physically, Alcantara may need to move to a corner outfield spot. His arm profiles well in right field and his offensive potential profiles anywhere. Alcantara has some swing-and-miss so he will just have to make adjustments as he moves up to reach his ceiling.
86. Michael Busch, Second Base, Los Angeles Dodgers, 31st pick in 2019 (North Carolina)
DOB: 11/09/1997
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 210
Highest Level: AA
B/T: L/R
Hit: 55
Power: 55
Run: 45
Arm: 50
Field: 50
Busch was selected 31st overall by the Dodgers in the 2019 MLB Draft. The second baseman doesn’t have a lot of experience on his plate after breaking his hand in 2019 to end his season. However, in those 10 games, Busch struggled tremendously. Splitting time between the Dodgers Rookie League and Single-A, Busch had a .125 average with just three hits.
Thankfully, the 24-year-old turned the tables in 2021 and impressed the Dodgers’ organization. With the Tulsa Drillers, Busch held a .267 average along with 20 dingers. Despite the lack of experience, Busch has a ton of skill. From his raw power to his developing field skills, the young second baseman could definitely turn into a star. However, Busch could use some tweaks in the field, mainly in his throwing arm.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, he is not the quickest around the bases and needs improvement there, as well. While he improved in 2021, Busch still needs time to develop to his highest potential. The second baseman is currently hovering in Double-A but could see the big leagues in 2022. With Gavin Lux currently occupying second base, Busch might have to adjust to seeing limited time in the majors.
87. Shea Langeliers, Catcher, Oakland Athletics, 9th pick in 2019 (Baylor)
DOB: 11/18/1997
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 205
Highest Level: AAA
B/T: R/R
Hit: 50
Power: 55
Run: 40
Arm: 70
Field: 60
After the Braves selected Langeliers back in 2019, the young catcher went to work. He put on a show in Single-A with the Rome Braves and quickly impressed the team. In 2021, the promotion came and Langeliers got his shot at Double-A. Down in Mississippi, he smacked 22 homers with 52 RBIs in 92 games. The 24-year-old then spent the last five games of the season in Triple-A with the Stripers.
Langeliers has a fabulous arm behind the plate and can gun down pretty much anyone, while also considered a ‘brick wall’ and doesn’t let anything get by his glove. The star catcher’s game has many stellar attributes, along with some that need improvement. On the offensive side, the Portland native needs some work. While his bat is considered above-average, Langeliers needs some touching up at the plate in order to contend in the majors.
The backstop doesn’t have much experience at the minor league level, but his improvement in all facets has proven his MLB qualifications. He is an all-around fabulous catcher and will be trouble for MLB pitchers in the near future. Langeliers might have a rough time finding a spot in Atlanta as the position is currently occupied by backstops Travis d’Arnaud and William Contreras. However, Langeliers may be the most talented of the three and will be given a chance to break into the majors even if it takes another year or two.
88. Josh Winder, Right-Handed Pitcher, Minnesota Twins, 214th pick in 2018 (Virginia Military Institute)
DOB: 10/11/1996
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 215
Highest Level: AAA
Fastball: 60
Curveball: 55
Slider: 50
Changeup: 50
Control: 60
Unlike most of the players in the top 100, Winder was not highly-touted coming out of college. However, Winder pitched well between Double-A and Triple-A last year. In 14 starts, the right-hander had a 2.63 ERA and a 0.944 WHIP. He struck out 80 and walked just 13 in 72 innings. Keeping the ball in the yard is where he needs to improve as he surrendered nine homers. Winder was a seventh-round pick out of the baseball hotbed that is the Virginia Military Institute.
He added a little weight to his 6-foot-5 frame and now hums his fastball up to 98, sitting 93-96. The slider and changeup have come along well and Winder’s repeatable delivery and good mechanics allow him to pound the strike zone. At 25 years old, he should be in camp with a shot at the major league rotation for the Twins.
89. Oswald Peraza, Shortstop, New York Yankees, Signed July 2, 2016 (Venezuela)
DOB: 06/15/2000
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 170
Highest Level: AAA
B/T: R/R
Hit: 55
Power: 50
Run: 60
Arm: 60
Field: 60
Peraza was added to the taxi squad and the 40-man roster in 2021, although he was never actually added to the big league roster. His strong glove means that he could move Volpe over to another position, like third base, in the future. Peraza’s stock grew tremendously this past season thanks to an offensive breakout. He reached Triple-A, although most of the year was spent with Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset.
Between the three levels, Peraza swiped 38 bags with 18 home runs, a .297 average, and an OPS of .834. At the age of 21, these numbers are incredibly impressive mostly at a level higher than Volpe. If both reach their full potential, then the Yankees could have another Judge-and-Torres-like duo on their hands (please refer to only 2019).
90. Andy Pages, Outfield, Los Angeles Dodgers, Signed October 18, 2017 (Cuba)
DOB: 12/08/2000
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 215
Highest Level: A+
B/T: R/R
Hit: 50
Power: 60
Run: 50
Arm: 60
Field: 50
At just 17 years old, Pages spent the 2018 season splitting time with two of the Dodgers’ rookie-affiliate teams. He struggled immensely that season, slashing .229 with just 10 home runs. In 2019, Pages returned as a new player. He cranked 19 home runs with a slash of .298/.398/.651 for Ogden of the Pioneer League.
In 2021 with the Great Lakes Loons, he kept mashing with a .933 OPS and a jaw-dropping 31 homers in just 120 games. Pages is a home run machine at the plate and a menace in the field. He has a cannon in the outfield and can gun down nearly anyone on the basepaths. Pages does struggle with his whiff rate which could affect his batting average later on although he is willing to take a walk as well.
The newly 21-year-old seems to have a ton to bring to the table and hopes to see the majors in the near future. Regardless of his heavy bat at the dish or his cannon in the outfield, being the only outfielder in the Dodgers top-10 prospect list puts a ton of pressure on Pages. The Dodgers already have a dangerous outfield that stars Mookie Betts and Chris Taylor. Hopefully, Los Angeles can make room for the upcoming Pages and give him a chance to shine.
91. Gunnar Henderson, Shortstop/Third Base, Baltimore Orioles, 42nd pick in 2019 (John T. Morgan Academy, AL)
DOB: 06/29/2001
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 210
Highest Level: AA
B/T: L/R
Hit: 50
Power: 60
Run: 50
Arm: 60
Field: 50
Drafted by the Orioles back in 2019, Henderson is part of their bright future. Starting out with the O’s Rookie Team immediately, the shortstop went to work. While he struggled a bit in the field, his bat showed potential. He cranked 17 home runs and 28 doubles along with a respectable .258 average in 2021 as the 20-year-old bounced from Single-A to High-A and Double-A. Henderson made an impact on all three levels despite some swing-and-miss in his game.
The lefty hitter has a ton of pop in his bat along with a strong arm. Baltimore is still deciding whether to put Henderson at shortstop or third base as his arm will play at either spot. With Jorge Mateo at short and Kelvin Gutierrez at third, it might be rough for Henderson to find a spot on the diamond. The Orioles played him in the outfield as well in camp and Henderson’s arm will certainly play at a corner spot. There is time to figure it out as long as he continues to improve at the plate, Baltimore will find a place on the diamond for him.
92. Jordan Groshans, Shortstop/Third Base, Toronto Blue Jays, 12th pick in 2018 (Magnolia HS, TX)
DOB: 11/10/1999
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 210
Highest Level: AA
B/T: R/R
Hit: 55
Power: 55
Run: 50
Arm: 60
Field: 50
Groshans was a first-round pick out of High School back in 2018 and played all of last season at Double-A New Hampshire. In 75 games, the infielder slashed .291/.367/.450 with seven homers. He is a big kid at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds so his in-game power should come more. What is impressive is that Groshans struck out at just 19.3 percent. His pitch recognition is plus and he barrels the ball well to all fields.
Groshans is another player who probably profiles better at third base. He has solid hands and has worked on his footwork, but the Texas native doesn’t have the range to play shortstop in the majors. He, just like Martinez, may find himself at third or in a corner outfield spot. The bat will certainly play. Groshans is hit over power right now, but he could be a 20-25 HR guy in the future.
93. Coby Mayo, Third Base, Baltimore Orioles, 103rd pick in 2020 (Stoneman-Douglas HS, FL)
DOB: 12/10/2001
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 215
Highest Level: A
B/T: R/R
Hit: 50
Power: 60
Run: 40
Arm: 70
Field: 50
After showing off exceptional power at instructs in 2020, Mayo went on to have a very good year in 2021 in real games. In 26 games in rookie ball, he slashed .329/.440/.566 and blasted four homers. The performance earned him a promotion to the Low-A Shorebirds. Mayo continued to rake slashing .311/.416/.547 and hitting five bombs in 27 games at Delmarva. Initially, there was some worry that Mayo might swing and miss too much to tap into his prodigious power. That hasn’t happened yet as he struck out just 20.8 percent of the time once he got moved up to Low-A.
Defensively, there is a question as to whether he will stick at third. He has a cannon for an arm as he was throwing in the 90s in High School off the mound. His hands and footwork at the hot corner are average. He has time to improve as he just turned 20 in December. Even if Mayo needs to move across the diamond, his bat, if it develops as the Orioles hope, will play anywhere.
94. Brandon Williamson, Left-Handed Pitcher, Cincinnati Reds, 59th pick in 2019 (TCU)
DOB: 04/02/1998
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 215
Highest Level: AA
Fastball: 60
Curveball: 55
Slider: 55
Changeup: 50
Control: 50
Williamson formed a dynamic duo with fellow lefty Nick Lodolo at TCU in 2019. While the Reds took the Horned Frogs’ ace in the first round, Seattle jumped on Williamson in the second round and had to have been pleased with what they got as he struck out 25 and walked just five in 15.1 innings in his first taste of pro ball. He followed that up last year with 153 strikeouts and 33 walks in 98.1 innings. Considering control was initially a question, the low walk rate is promising.
Williamson has a solid four-pitch mix with his fastball as his main offering. He throws it 92-95 with riding life and it plays up due to his release point and long arms. His primary offspeed pitch is a curveball and may be even better than his heater with excellent depth. His slider sits in the mid-80s and bores in on right-handed hitters. The changeup rounds out his repertoire and while it is still a work in progress, it could be a plus offering. If Willaimson maintains his control improvements and continues to refine his repertoire, he could be a top-of-the-rotation pitcher in a few years.
95. Greg Jones, Shortstop, Tampa Bay Rays, 22nd pick in 2019 (North Carolina)
DOB: 03/07/1998
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 180
Highest Level: AA
B/T: S/R
Hit: 50
Power: 50
Run: 70
Arm: 55
Field: 50
Jones was a first-round pick in 2019 out of UNC-Wilmington. He showed off his considerable speed immediately swiping 19 bags in 48 games in the New York-Penn League. He continued that thievery last year between two stops, stealing 34 bases in just 72 games. Jones struggled in his 16 games at Double-A Montgomery, but the Rays believe in his bat.
Defensively, Jones can stick at shortstop as he has good range and an above-average arm. His power is also coming around and he should be a regular double-digit guy once he settles in. Jones needs to make more consistent contact as the strikeouts are starting to pile up as he faces better competition. If he can cut down on the swing and miss and just put the bat on the ball, Jones’s speed would be even more of a weapon.
96. Cristian Hernandez, Shortstop, Chicago Cubs, Signed January 15, 2021 (Dominican Republic)
DOB: 12/13/2003
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 175
Highest Level: RK
B/T: R/R
Hit: 55
Power: 50
Run: 60
Arm: 60
Field: 55
An elite candidate from the 2020 international class, MLB Pipeline hears that the Cubs believe Henandez “offers more upside than any international player they’ve signed in recent memory, including Eloy Jimenez and Gleyber Torres in 2013.” Regardless of the validity of that statement, it’s a clear testament to the promise that Hernandez shows in the field and at the plate. The 18-year-old hit .285 with five homers, 22 RBI, 30 walks, 39 strikeouts, and 21 stolen bases through 47 games in the Dominican Summer League last year.
Hernandez is a talented hitter with power upside, too. It’s not quite clear what type of slugging output he could be capable of in the majors, but there’s reason to believe he’ll be more than worth the $3 million bonus he fetched a year ago. The 18-year-old also has speed on the basepaths and in the infield, as well as a slick glove and very strong arm. He’s still several years away from the majors, but it’s impossible to ignore the upside that Hernandez offers Chicago.
97. Michael Harris, Outfield, Atlanta Braves, 98th pick in 2019 (Stockbridge HS, GA)
DOB: 03/07/2001
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 200
Highest Level: A+
B/T: S/L
Hit: 55
Power: 50
Run: 65
Arm: 55
Field: 55
Drafted in 2019, Harris has a bright future ahead of him. The lefty has not seen higher than Single-A, but has performed at a high level consistently. Harris began with the GCL Braves in 2019 and flourished. He smoked a .349 batting average with 16 RBI. He then upgraded to the Single-A Rome Braves for the remaining 22 games.
After the canceled 2020 season, Harris was promoted to the now High-A Rome Braves. He performed to his fullest potential and slashed .294/.362/.436. Harris is similar to Cristian Pache and Drew Waters but is much less experienced. The kid from Georgia has lighting speed along with an exceptional glove. He has raw power and is a machine when it comes to stealing bases. Harris is young and skilled but has plenty of time before his debut in the majors.
Being only 20 years old gives Harris time to improve. His raw power and lighting-quick motor can turn him into a superstar one day. With Pache and Waters sharing positions with Harris, it could be complicated when all three are in the majors. Nevertheless, the Braves should expect Harris to join their squad seemingly soon.
98. Emerson Hancock, Right-Handed Pitcher, Seattle Mariners, 6th pick in 2020 (Georgia)
DOB: 05/31/1999
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 215
Highest Level: AA
Fastball: 65
Curveball: 55
Slider: 55
Changeup: 55
Control: 55
The sixth overall pick in 2020 out of Georgia, Hancock only made 12 starts in his first professional season. However, those innings came in High-A and Double-A, a high level for a recent draft pick. Hancock posted a combined 2.62 ERA with 43 strikeouts in 44.2 innings, plus a very low 5.8 H/9. If there are any areas to improve on, Hancock’s 9.5 percent walk rate could be it. It was not a big issue in college though, so that should not be a major concern.
Hancock throws a four-seam fastball and a two-seamer, both at 94-98 mph. His other three offerings play well off the heaters, especially his slider which he gets up there in the mid-80s. His curveball and changeup have a good chance of being at least above average. Hancock repeats his delivery well and has solid command of all of his pitches. With the former Bulldog progressing quickly, we could see Hancock with the big club in 2023.
99. Jose Miranda, Infield, Minnesota Twins, 73rd pick in 2016 (Leadership Christian Academy, PR)
DOB: 07/29/1998
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 210
Highest Level: AAA
B/T: R/R
Hit: 60
Power: 55
Run: 40
Arm: 50
Field: 50
Miranda struggled a bit in 2019 between High-A Fort Myers and Double-A Pensacola with just eight home runs and a .671 OPS in 483 plate appearances. His walk rate was a hair under 5.0 percent and a strikeout rate of 11.2 percent. Fast forward to 2021 and Miranda started to improve significantly at the plate. Between Double-A and Triple-A, the right-handed slugger had a .973 OPS and 30 bombs in 591 plate appearances. He also raised his walk rate to 7.1 percent while keeping his strikeout rate more than respectable at 12.5 percent.
While the 23-year-old seems to get the bat on every pitch, therein lies the problem sometimes. Miranda manages to hit pitches he should take. It is working for him now but major league pitching is a different animal. On the defensive side, he has played first, second, and third and is an average glove at all three positions. The Puerto Rican infielder will more than likely end up at first, but the Twins won’t care if he is crushing the ball like he did this past season.
100. Korey Lee, Catcher, Houston Astros, 32nd pick in 2019 (California)
DOB: 07/25/1998
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 210
Highest Level: AAA
B/T: R/R
Hit: 45
Power: 55
Run: 40
Arm: 70
Field: 50
Lee was Houston’s first-round pick in 2019 out of California. He bounced around the diamond a bit in college but became the full-time catcher in his final season with the Golden Bears. Lee started the season at Advanced-A and moved up to Triple-A by the end of the year. The Astros are pleased with his development as he has shown good agility behind the plate. He has a cannon for an arm and with a quicker release, he projects to be able to neutralize opponents running.
Lee’s bat has come along as well. He drives the ball from gap to gap and has a short, compact stroke. He has quieted his movement and doesn’t sell out for power. The Astros believe his bat will play even if he needs to change positions. He has the arm for right field or third base and as long as Lee keeps his strikeout percentage below 20 percent as he did this year, the power will come along with a solid slash line.
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