MLB Pipeline’s Top 5 prospects consist of international signings and past top-of-the-draft talent. Featuring three hitters and two pitchers, the list offers players who could all make an immediate impact on their big league club once promoted, with All-Star potential.
Here are player comps for all five of the prospects.
The List:
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Wander Franco, SS, Tampa Bay Rays
Player Comp: Javier Baez
Wander Franco is considered by many to be a generational talent. He signed a massive $3 million dollar deal with Tampa two years ago, so they clearly had faith in the young 16-year-old. When Franco reached pro ball, he tore up the Appalachian League, smashing 11 bombs with a 1.005 OPS. He rose up the prospect ranks throughout the summer last year and with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s promotion to the Blue Jays, there was little question as to who would take over the top spot in the prospect rankings.
MLB Pipeline gives Franco a 70 grade (20-80 scouting scale) which means they’re about as high on him as one could be for an 18-year old unknown. The best comp here is Javier Baez and while Franco gets on-base at a higher clip, his hit tool is considered his best and defensive skills are ranked as a 60 (Baez’ future value gloves was also ranked as a 60). While Baez was an MVP candidate last year, Franco’s ceiling could be higher. His bat-to-ball skills are incredible and his pitch recognition ability rivals any minor league hitter.
Javier Baez 2011 Scouting Report
2. Casey Mize, SP, Detroit Tigers
Player Comp: Masahiro Tanaka
MLB Pipeline’s own Jim Callis said Casey Mize was probably the best pitching prospect since Gerrit Cole came out of UCLA and perhaps the best overall prospect since Bryce Harper. That’s high praise for someone who went undrafted coming out of High School. So far, Mize has shown why he was the top pick of 2018. Moving through the Tigers’ system quickly, Mize could see big league action as early as 2020.
He also possesses the rare combination of plus command and plus stuff. Mize’s fastball sits in the mid-90’s with a plus slider and a splitter that many consider being one of the best pitches in all of minor league baseball. Someone who relies so heavily on his splitter as an ‘out pitch’ reminded me immediately of the Yankees’ Masahiro Tanaka. Now, Tanaka’s splitter has taken a step back in the past couple years, but in 2016, hitters could only muster a .192 wOBA against it, leaving it virtually unhittable. I think Mize ultimately will have better overall stuff than Tanaka, but his splitter will always be his bread and butter.
3. Mackenzie Gore, SP, San Diego Padres
Player Comp: Patrick Corbin
If you want some out-of-this-world high school statistics, look no further than Mackenzie Gore. Between his junior and senior seasons, Gore held a 24 K/9 ratio. This left little doubt in many scouts’ minds, that he would be a first-round draft pick. Gore was just that in 2017 when the Padres took him third overall. When he’s healthy, Gore throws like an ace pitcher. MLB Pipeline gives Gore an overall grade of 65, because all of the pitches in his arsenal are considered to be plus.
The player I compare him to here is Washington Nationals starter, Patrick Corbin. Like Gore, Corbin is a southpaw who throws in the low-to-mid-90’s. Corbin is also known as a strikeout pitcher and utilizes all of his offerings to fool hitters. Corbin also faced tremendous pressure when he was drafted, but unlike Gore who was drafted third overall, Corbin was the second overall pick in the 2009 Draft and has certainly met i9f not exceeded) expectations as a big leaguer.
4. Jo Adell, OF, Los Angeles Angels
Player Comp: Byron Buxton
Some were concerned that Jo Adell’s athleticism wouldn’t translate at the next level. He consequently slipped to the 10th overall pick of the 2017 Draft, when in years previous, he would have been a Top 5 pick — no question. Adell can do it all, making him a true five-tool player. Staying healthy is his biggest worry.
This reminds me of an almost identical prospect who was drafted five years ago: Byron Buxton. In 2012, Buxton was widely considered to be the best overall player in the draft. Although he wasn’t drafted with the top pick (he went second overall), Buxton would no doubt be the next great Minnesota Twins outfielder following Torii Hunter. Injuries have lambasted Buxton’s seasons, but when he is on the field, he flashes tremendous speed both in the outfield and on the basepaths. Buxton even possesses power, which compares similarly to Adell.
Adell is rising through the Angels’ ranks quickly and we could see him patrolling the outfield with Mike Trout as early as 2020. He, too, will need to stay healthy if he hopes to produce.
5. Luis Robert, OF, Chicago White Sox
Player Comp: Ronald Acuna Jr.
Luis Robert was signed off the international market for $26 million, so the White Sox clearly had high hopes for the lanky outfielder. Robert really burst onto the scene in 2018, shooting up prospects lists with his on-field performance. This year, he’s done nothing but affirm his potential. Robert cracked 32 home runs in 2019 to accompany a 1.001 OPS.
The comparisons to Ronald Acuña, Jr. are striking, and it’s difficult not to make this player comp. Acuña was known as being the greatest thing since sliced bread and is certainly proving it this year. He has real 40-40 potential, leading the Braves to another division title. MLB Pipeline gives Robert a 55 hit tool (they gave Acuna a 60 hit tool) in addition to a 65 run tool and 60 power, with the last two matching up perfectly with Acuña’s profile.
