ROOKIE
Players require 50 at-bats or 15 innings to qualify for this ranking.
1. WALKER JENKINS, OF, TWINS
The fifth-overall pick lived up to his reputation in his short stint in the FCL. Jenkins reached base in all but one of the 14 games and put up a .927 OPS before moving to Low-A. The sweet-swinging lefthanded hitter has the potential to be a true five-tool talent with plus or better hitting ability, power and arm strength. Jenkins stands as one of the best prospects not only in the Twins' system but in the entire sport.
2. RODERICK ARIAS, SS, YANKEES
Arias signed with the Yankees in 2022 but had his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League muted by a wrist injury. The 18-year-old blew away scouts in the FCL with a five-tool package before his season ended a month early with a broken pinkie. Scouts were universal in their assessment of Arias as a player who could stick at shortstop and produce impact power to all sectors. He has an innate feel for the barrel, a throwing arm that grades as at least double-plus and the athleticism for at least above-average speed.
3. LUIS BAEZ, OF, ASTROS
Baez was Houston's top international signing in 2022 and bullied his way to Low-A in short order this season. The powerful righthanded hitter lasted just 19 games in the FCL. At both stops, Baez showed massive raw power that grades as at least plus and the ability to get to it in games. He may have to tweak his mechanics to get better direction with his stride, but the ingredients are there for a thumper in the middle of the order. Baez throws well but may lose athleticism necessary for the outfield as he matures.
4. HENRY LALANE, LHP, YANKEES
Lalane signed in 2021 and spent two seasons in the DSL before moving to the FCL this year. He impressed scouts with his combination of stuff, athleticism and demeanor on the mound. He operates with a fastball in the low-to-mid 90s and backs it with a pair of breaking pitches that have flashed plus, as has his changeup. Lalane's sublime coordination of his 6-foot-7 frame led to a repeatable delivery and stellar control.
5. MARCO VARGAS, 2B, METS
Vargas was half of the package the Marlins used to acquire closer David Robertson from the Mets. The 18-year-old was a low-dollar signing in Miami's 2022 international class and has spent two pro seasons showing excellent bat-to-ball skills and a strong knowledge of the strike zone. He hit .270 and led the FCL with 48 walks, with more juice than his two home runs might suggest. Vargas is a solid but unspectacular defender at second base with a fringe-average arm.
[https://cdn.magzter.com/1398697516/1693837706/articles/A9ypsC0wI1693912345139/0889886818.jpg]
6. SANTIAGO SUAREZ, RHP, RAYS
The Rays acquired Suarez from the Marlins following the 2022 season in the deal that sent Xavier Edwards to Miami. Suarez established himself as one of the best pitchers in the FCL before moving up to Low-A. He primarily uses a 93-95 mph fastball, a high-70s curveball that scouts project as plus and an unrefined mid-80s changeup. Suarez pounds the zone ...
Players require 50 at-bats or 15 innings to qualify for this ranking.
1. WALKER JENKINS, OF, TWINS
The fifth-overall pick lived up to his reputation in his short stint in the FCL. Jenkins reached base in all but one of the 14 games and put up a .927 OPS before moving to Low-A. The sweet-swinging lefthanded hitter has the potential to be a true five-tool talent with plus or better hitting ability, power and arm strength. Jenkins stands as one of the best prospects not only in the Twins' system but in the entire sport.
2. RODERICK ARIAS, SS, YANKEES
Arias signed with the Yankees in 2022 but had his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League muted by a wrist injury. The 18-year-old blew away scouts in the FCL with a five-tool package before his season ended a month early with a broken pinkie. Scouts were universal in their assessment of Arias as a player who could stick at shortstop and produce impact power to all sectors. He has an innate feel for the barrel, a throwing arm that grades as at least double-plus and the athleticism for at least above-average speed.
3. LUIS BAEZ, OF, ASTROS
Baez was Houston's top international signing in 2022 and bullied his way to Low-A in short order this season. The powerful righthanded hitter lasted just 19 games in the FCL. At both stops, Baez showed massive raw power that grades as at least plus and the ability to get to it in games. He may have to tweak his mechanics to get better direction with his stride, but the ingredients are there for a thumper in the middle of the order. Baez throws well but may lose athleticism necessary for the outfield as he matures.
4. HENRY LALANE, LHP, YANKEES
Lalane signed in 2021 and spent two seasons in the DSL before moving to the FCL this year. He impressed scouts with his combination of stuff, athleticism and demeanor on the mound. He operates with a fastball in the low-to-mid 90s and backs it with a pair of breaking pitches that have flashed plus, as has his changeup. Lalane's sublime coordination of his 6-foot-7 frame led to a repeatable delivery and stellar control.
5. MARCO VARGAS, 2B, METS
Vargas was half of the package the Marlins used to acquire closer David Robertson from the Mets. The 18-year-old was a low-dollar signing in Miami's 2022 international class and has spent two pro seasons showing excellent bat-to-ball skills and a strong knowledge of the strike zone. He hit .270 and led the FCL with 48 walks, with more juice than his two home runs might suggest. Vargas is a solid but unspectacular defender at second base with a fringe-average arm.
[https://cdn.magzter.com/1398697516/1693837706/articles/A9ypsC0wI1693912345139/0889886818.jpg]
6. SANTIAGO SUAREZ, RHP, RAYS
The Rays acquired Suarez from the Marlins following the 2022 season in the deal that sent Xavier Edwards to Miami. Suarez established himself as one of the best pitchers in the FCL before moving up to Low-A. He primarily uses a 93-95 mph fastball, a high-70s curveball that scouts project as plus and an unrefined mid-80s changeup. Suarez pounds the zone ...
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Baseball America (Digital) - 1 Issue, September 2023