Don’t forget to pick up your copy of the The 2023 Prospect Digest Handbook here!
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1. Daniel Espino, RHP
| FB | CB | SL | CH | Command | Overall |
| 70 | 60 | 70 | 50 | 60 | 70 |
Background: Throughout the history of the draft, extending all the way back to 1965, there’s never been a high school right-handed pitcher picked with the top overall selection. More than a few have come close, going with the second overall pick – J.R. Richard, one of the game’s greatest “What Ifs”, the underrated Bill Gullickson, Josh Beckett, Jameson Taillon, Tyler Kolek (one of the biggest busts in history), and Hunter Greene. But, again, no teenage right-hander as gone atop the draft. There was a time during his junior season at Georgia Premier Academy that Espino looked like a true 1 / 1 candidate. Social media was exploding with viral clips of triple-digits fastballs and wickedly devastating breaking balls. But even after an equally dominant senior season, Espino tumbled in the draft. He didn’t go #1. Or even among the Top 5. He continued to free fall past the tenth pick, beyond the 20th. And, finally, the team formerly known as the Indians sat with arms wide open with the 24th pick ended his lengthy waiting. With the exception of the Orioles (Adley Rutschman); the Royals (Bobby Witt Jr.), Blue Jays (Alek Manoah), Diamondbacks (Corbin Carroll), and Mariners (George Kirby), all the teams that passed on him have to be re-evaluating their reports. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound right-hander made quick work of the competition during his debut, posting a 34-to-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio in nine brief outings. But nothing could have prepared the baseball world for what was waiting in 2021. After returning from the COVID-induced hiatus, Espino averaged a whopping 14.9 strikeouts and 3.8 walks per nine innings across 20 starts with Lynchburg and Lake County. And the 2022 season started off in an even more impressive fashion – he posted an almost unbelievable 35-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio in only 18.1 innings of work. For those counting at home: he averaged 17.2 strikeouts and just 2.0 walks per nine innings. Unfortunately for fans, the organization, and especially Espino, the dominant righty originally hit the disabled list with a knee injury, but a wonky right shoulder kept him on the shelf the remainder of the year.
Scouting Report: The season lasted just four starts before he hit the disabled list, but Espino was as dominant as I’ve seen any minor league hurler over the past decade or so. His fastball wasn’t just electric, it was nuclear. The type of plus-plus offering that hitters could sit on it and still miss it by a country mile. The curveball will flash plus at times. And his slider adds a second plus-plus offering to his repertoire. Solid-average changeup. Espino’s command showed tremendous improvement as well, moving from average to plus during his limited showings. You could make the argument that his ceiling is higher than any pitcher in the minor leagues. Missing significant time to a shoulder issue is a major red flag. The sky’s the limit as long as he can stay on the mound. If it weren’t for the injuries, Espino would have likely played a factor for the Guardians coming down the stretch.
Ceiling: 6.0-win player
Risk: Moderate to High
MLB ETA: 2023/2024
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2. George Valera, LF / RF
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 45/55 | 55/65 | 50 | 70 | 55 | 60 |
Background: Cleveland’s 2016 draft class will go down as one of the greatest in franchise history. While the books on Will Benson and Nolan Jones, the club’s top two selections, are far from written, the front office somehow unearthed three quality big league starting pitchers in the mid- to late-rounds of the draft. Aaron Civale, the forever underappreciated hurler, was a third round selection out of Northeastern University. Shane Bieber, a product of UC Santa Barbara, fell to them a round later. And Ball State hurler Zach Plesac, who can’t quite seem to get out of his own way at the big league level, was the 362nd overall pick that summer. It was a franchise altering class. One year later the Chris Antonetti-led regime may have pulled off the seemingly impossible task again. This time, though, on the international free agency market. As part of the 2017-18 signing period, the organization added the likes of Jose Tena, Alexfri Planez, Jhonkensy Noel, Brayan Rocchio, and George Valera with the latter two potential franchise cornerstones. Originally born in Queens, New York, Valera moved to the Dominican Republic as a young teenager, allowing him to cash in on his potential as potent, middle-of-the-lineup thumper. He would sign with the club eventually known as the Guardians for $1.3 million on July 2, 2017. And it wouldn’t take long for the 6-foot, 195-pound outfielder to establish himself as one of the system’s – and game’s – best prospects. After a brief debut in the Arizona Summer League in 2018, Valera put together a saber-slanted showing in the New York-Penn League the following summer, batting .236/.356/.446 with seven doubles, one triple, eight homeruns, and six stolen bases (in eight attempts) in only 46 games of work. The New York native, with the rest of minor league baseball, would sit out the 2020 season as the pandemic raged on. And when he returned, Valera looked like a masher on a mission. Appearing in just 86 games between Lake County and Akron, he slugged an aggregate .260/.405/.505 with five doubles, four triples, 19 homeruns, and 11 stolen bases. Last season he continued his assault on minor league arms as he quickly passed the Double-A test by hitting .264/.367/.470 in 90 games with the RubberDucks. He would spend the last few weeks battling the Triple-A competition. Valera finished the year with a combined .250/.353/.463 slash line with career highs in doubles (25) and homeruns (24) to go along with three triples and a pair of stolen bases. Per Weighted Runs Created Plus, his overall production topped the league average mark by 21%.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only three 21-year-old hitters met the following criteria in any Double-A league (min. 350 PA): 125 to 135 wRC+, a 24% to 28% strikeout rate, and a double-digit walk rate. Those three hitters: Josh Lowe, Jordan Schafer, and – of course – George Valera.
Well over a decade ago, the Guardians’ farm system boasted a young power-hitting outfielder by the name of Nick Weglarz, a former third round pick out of a Canadian High School. Weglarz had the look of a future potent big league bat – solid hit tool, above-average power with a 60-grade on his future power, and he drew walks by the gobs. He battled some injuries and never quite took the final step forward. George Valera is at the point in his career when Weglarz eventually stumbled. The young Dominican outfielder has the look of a future big league bopper – plus-plus raw power that’s just beginning to show up in games, a solid hit tool, and a surprisingly above-average glove in either corner outfield spot. Watching Valera at bats are a fun, a bit of a spectacle. Long and wiry, but strong. He has a bit of a bat waggle as he’s progressing through his mechanics, a little bit of Gary Sheffield. What separates Valera from the pack is his ability to adjust mid-pitch. His recognition is off the charts. He’s struggled with middling batting averages throughout his career, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him grow into a .270/.380/.500-type hitter at the big league level. He’s a natural pull hitter, so he may be exploited by good pitching / offspeed low and away.
Ceiling: 6.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2023
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3. Tanner Bibee, RHP
| FB | CB | SL | CH | Command | Overall |
| 60 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 55 | 60 |
Background: The Guardians front office, analytics gurus, and scouting department have seemingly done the improbable – again. They unearthed a competent future big league arm beyond the first few opening rounds of the draft. Following in the footsteps of Shane Bieber, Aaron Civale, Zach Plesac, Xzavion Curry, Hunter Gaddis, among many others. But, perhaps, the most astonishing footnote to the Bibee story is his lackadaisical senior campaign at Cal State Fullerton. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound right-hander averaged just 6.7 strikeouts and 2.1 walks per nine innings across 14 starts and a pair of relief appearances. But Bibee was rejuvenated as he made his professional debut last season. Splitting time between Lake County and Akron, the club’s High-A and Double-A affiliates, the former Titan tossed 132.2 innings with an impeccably dominant 167-to-27 strikeout-to-walk ratio to go along with a sparkling 2.17 ERA and a 2.80 FIP. He averaged 11.3 strikeouts and just 1.8 walks per nine innings last year.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only four 23-year-old hurlers posted a 27% to 30% strikeout percentage with a 4% to 6% walk percentage in any Double-A league (min. 70 IP): Alex Faedo, former Cleveland top prospect Justus Sheffield, Jarod Plummer, and – of course – Tanner Bibee.
There were points last season that Bibee looked like a man among boys, simply overpowering, outthinking, and outperforming the competition by such a wide margin that it was almost unfair. The former Cal State Fullerton hurler not only pounds the strike zone with high regularity, but he consistently throws quality strikes. Here’s the thing: Bibee made 25 starts between the Captains and RubberDucks in 2022; he never walked more than two hitters in any of those games. And he walked one or fewer batters 16 times. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound right-hander, though, isn’t the typical soft-tossing, finesse artist either. Plus fastball that sits, like clockwork, in the 94- to 96-mph range. Average curveball, plus upper 80s slider. But his changeup is a real differentiator. It’s phenomenal. One of the best in professional baseball. Tremendous velocity separation, usually between 12- to 13-mph slower than his heater. Bibee throws it with exceptional arm speed and conviction. He had no qualms about doubling – or even tripling – up on the pitch and Double-A hitters still couldn’t figure it out. It almost seems crazy, but there’s some Aaron Nola type potential here.
Ceiling: 5.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2023
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4. Gavin Williams, RHP
| FB | CB | SL | CH | Command | Overall |
| 70 | 60 | 50/55 | 55 | 50 | 60 |
Background: The Guardians have been universally praised for their pitching development program over the past several seasons, sending the likes of Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie, Aaron Civale, Zach Plesac, Cal Quantrill, Sam Hentges, Trevor Stephan, James Karinchak, and Emmanuel Clase up to the big leagues. Some were drafted, others were acquired via trade and, yet, some found in the Rule 5 Draft (like the underappreciated Trevor Stephan). Cleveland is not only adept at identifying pitching talent, but their incredibly efficient at developing it as well. So it’s no surprise that their first pick in the 2021 draft has shot up every prospect list in the world as he dominated during his first full year in the professional ranks. A product of East Carolina University, the once erratic reliever blossomed during his final season with the Pirates as he averaged 14.4 strikeouts and just 2.3 walks per nine innings with a sparkling 1.88 ERA across 12 starts and three relief appearances. After signing for $2.25 million two years ago, Williams would have to wait until 2022 to make his debut. And, boy, was it worth the wait. The 6-foot-6, 238-pound right-hander allowed three runs in his second professional start. It would be seven starts and 36.1 innings before he allowed another three runs total. He would make nine starts in High-A and another 16 in Double-A, throwing an aggregate 115.0 innings, averaging a whopping 11.7 punch outs and 3.1 walks per nine innings. He finished the year with a sparkling 1.96 ERA.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only two 22-year-old hurlers posted a 28% to 30% strikeout percentage with an 8% to 10% walk percentage in any Double-A league (min. 70 IP): Touki Toussaint and Gavin Williams.
Owner of a deep, well-rounded arsenal highlighted by a true-70 grade fastball that operates in the 96- to 98-mph range. Williams, though, is far from a one trick pony. The former ECU ace is adept at moving the ball around, changing speeds, and commanding all four quadrants of the strike zone. Plus mid-70s curveball. An upper-80s slider that flashes above-average on occasion. And a sneakily good changeup that will generate a surprising amount of swings-and-misses. Williams’ numbers / performance continue to be impressive, but the Guardians limited his workload considerably last season. The big righty threw five or fewer innings in 16 of his 25 appearances. There’s #2/ #3-type potential brewing here, a slight uptick from my report heading into the draft – though the reliever risk has evaporated. Big league ceiling: 10 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9.
Ceiling: 4.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2023
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5. Bo Naylor, C
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 35/45 | 45 | 50/40 | 50 | 60 | 60 |
Background: Like a rising phoenix from the ashes of the catching prospect scrap heap, Bo Naylor’s prospect status – and future big league career – reemerged after phenomenal showing in 2022. Taken with the 29th overall pick out of St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School in 2018, the lefty-swinging backstop quickly established himself as a solid second tier prospect at the position. He moved quickly through the Arizona Summer League during his debut, hitting .274/.381/.402 in 33 games. And he handled the old Midwest League the following season as well, batting .243/.313/.421 as a 19-year-old at the most demanding position – both in terms of physicality and mental – on the diamond. The Guardians, a normally conservative organization, pushed their former first rounder up to Double-A at the start of 2021, bypassing High-A altogether. And the squat 6-foot, 205-pound catcher was abysmal. Appearing in 87 games with the RubberDucks, Naylor cobbled together a paltry .189/.280/.332 showing with just 24 extra-base knocks. Last season, as a shock to no one, the front office sent the then-22-year-old back down to Double-A for another crack at the minors’ most important test. He put together a career-best showing: he mashed .271/.427/.471 in 52 games. And Naylor continued to batter the competition as he moved up to Triple-A as well. He finished his minor league season with an aggregate .263/.392/.496 with personal bests in doubles (26), homeruns (21), and stolen bases (20). His overall production, as measured by Weighted Runs Created Plus, surpassed the league average mark by a stellar 39%. Cleveland called him up for a quick five-game cameo at the end of the year (he went 0-for-8) and even made their playoff roster as well.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only three 22-year-old hitters posted a 125 to 135 wRC+ with a double-digit walk rate and a 25% to 29% strikeout rate in any Triple-A league (min. 275 PA): Yoan Moncada, Mark Vientos, and – of course – Bo Naylor. For those counting at home: Moncada’s been a streaky, rollercoaster-type hitter at the big league level, but sports a career .253/.334/.425 slash line, and Vientos is one of the Mets’ best hitting prospects.
When it comes to Naylor, the conversation is always going to start with his work behind the plate, not at the plate. So let’s start there. Simply put, he’s an elite defender and strong pitch-framer – the best of both worlds for a backstop. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him earn a Gold Glove or two at the big league level. Now the bat… Naylor’s one of the more patient, grind-it-out bats in the minor leagues. He was able to tone down the swing-and-miss issues in his return to Double-A, but they popped back up again with Columbus (25.9% K-rate). His above-average raw power started to show up more consistently in games last season. The above-average speed continues to be an unexpected bonus. In terms of big league ceiling, think: .245/.330/.430 with 15 homeruns, six to eight stolen bases and tremendous defensive value.
Ceiling: 4.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2023
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6. Brayan Rocchio, 2B / SS
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 55 | 50 | 55 | 45 | 60 | 55 |
Background: The Robin to George Valera’s Batman – or maybe it’ll end up being the other way around. Rocchio was part of the club’s massive international free agency heist during the 2017-18 signing period. Though, to be fair, Rocchio’s $125,000 bonus should provide a far superior return on investment (as compared to the seven-figure sum Valera commanded). The switch-hitting middle infielder turned in a dynamite debut showing in 2018, slugging a scorching .335/.390/.442 in 60 games between the foreign and stateside rookie leagues. The front office pushed the then-18-year-old Venezuelan into the old New York-Penn League, but he seemingly left his swing in the Arizona Summer League as he batted a mediocre .250/.310/.373. Following the return of minor league ball from its COVID-induced vacation, Rocchio mashed his way through High-A and breezed through 44 games in at the minors’ toughest level – Double-A. He finished the year with an aggregate .277/.346/.460 with 26 doubles, five triples, 15 homeruns, and 21 stolen bases. Last season, the organization sent the promising youngster back down to Akron for some additional seasoning. But after hitting a solid .265/.349/.432 through 99 games, he was deemed ready for the final minor league stop Rocchio finished the year with an aggregate .257/.336/.420 with career bests in doubles (27) and homeruns (18) to go along with 14 stolen bases. His overall production, as measured by Weighted Runs Created Plus, topped the league average mark by 6%.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only four 21-year-old hitters met the following criteria in a Double-A season (min. 350 PA): 110 to 120 wRC+, a 17% to 20% strikeout rate, and a 7% to 10% walk rate. Those four hitters: Ian Stewart, Ryan Kalish, Chris Marrero, and – of course – Brayan Rocchio.
A gifted defender that may earn a Gold Glove or two on either side of the keystone. Rocchio packs considerable more thump than his generously listed 5-foot-10, 170-pound frame would suggest. The young switch-hitter uncorks a hellacious swing with premium bat speed on either side of the batter’s box. There’s a chance for at least an above-average hit tool, maybe even plus, with average power and strong value with the glove. Rocchio’s the type of player that does everything well without truly standing out. He could really pop like Andres Gimenez.
Ceiling: 3.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2023
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7. Chase DeLauter, CF
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 55 | 55/60 | 55 | 50 | 50 | 55 |
Background: The list of notable sports alumni from Hedgesville High School is short: QJ Peterson, who starred at VMI, has played European pro basketball since 2017, and Gale Catlett, the former University of Cincinnati and West Virginia University basketball coach. Chase DeLauter is about to become the biggest athlete to come out Hedgesville. A three-sport phenom during his prep career, DeLauter, who starred on the court and the gridiron, was spectacular during his junior campaign for the Eagles. He hit a scorching .500 and was practically unhittable on the mound, posting a 1.95 ERA with 64 punch outs. DeLauter followed that up with an even better showing during his senior campaign – en route to winning the West Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year. He bashed .606 with 21 doubles, eight homeruns, and 52 RBIs. He also posted a 0.82 ERA with a 9-2 win-loss record. And DeLauter didn’t stop hitting once he stepped foot on James Madison University’s campus. In the COVID-shortened 2020 season, the 6-foot-4, 235-pound centerfielder slugged .382/.455/.559 with seven doubles, one triple, one homerun, and seven stolen bases (in eight attempts) in only 16 games. Collegiate Baseball named him a Freshman All-American. DeLauter upped the ante even further during his follow up redshirt season, hitting .386/.508/.723 with 12 doubles, two triples, six homeruns, and seven stolen bases in 26 games. The West Virginian spent that summer dominating the Cape Cod League competition to the tune of .298/.397/.589 with seven doubles, one triple, and nine homeruns in 34 games for the New Orleans Firebirds. Last season – despite a foot injury that prematurely ended his junior campaign – DeLauter batted .437/.576/.828 with eight doubles, one triple, eight homeruns, and 10 stolen bases (in 11 attempts). Cleveland selected DeLauter in the opening round, 17th overall, and signed him to a deal worth $3.75 million. He did not appear in a professional game.
Scouting Report: Per the usual, my pre-draft write-up:
“Consider the following:
- Since 2011, only three Division I hitters posted a .400/.550/.800 slash line in a season (min. 100): Erik Ostberg, Michael Carico, and – of course – Chase DeLauter.
The level of competition in the Colonial Athletic Association isn’t exactly equivalent to the SEC – so some of DeLauter’s career .402/.520/.715 slash line has to be discounted. Except that the toolsy center fielder was among the best offensive performers in the Cape Cod League in 2021. Well rounded offensive performer with the rare potential to be a five-tool contributor in the professional ranks. Above-average hit tool, plus power potential, speed, defense, arm. DeLauter hits all the checkboxes. A swing taken out of the Will Clark handbook, DeLauter’s could be the second college hitter off the board – after Brooks Lee. The Chicago Cubs and Minnesota Twins seem like ideal landing spots.”
Ceiling: 3.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2024/2025
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8. Gabriel Arias, 3B / SS
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 50 | 50 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 50 |
Background: Two years removed from the deal with the Padres, it’s clear that the Guardians are winners. The franchise sent veteran right-hander Mike Clevinger, outfielder Greg Allen, and minor league hurler Matt Waldron to San Diego for righty Cal Quantrill, underrated slugger Josh Naylor, who’s become an emotional leader on the team, Owen Miller, Austin Hedges, Joey Cantillo, and Gabriel Arias. Originally signed by the Padres for just under $2 million, Arias was one of the more pleasant surprises in the Cleveland farm system two years ago as he mashed .284/.348/.454 with 29 doubles, three triples, 13 homeruns, and five stolen bases in 115 games in Triple-A as a 21-year-old. And with his prospect status arrow surging upwards, the 6-foot-1, 217-pound infielder missed more than a month due to a fractured hand, which required surgery, and hardly resembled the same hitter at the plate as he batted a mediocre .240/.310/.406 with nine doubles and 13 homeruns in 77 games with the Clippers. Per Weighted Runs Created Plus, his overall production was 11% below the league average mark. Arias also made a couple trips to the big leagues as well, hitting a paltry .192/.321/.319 in 57 plate appearances.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only a pair of 22-year-old hitters met the following criteria in any Triple-A league (min. 300 PA): 85 to 95 wRC+, 23% to 25% strikeout rate, and a 6% to 9% walk rate. Those two hitters: Reid Brignac and Gabriel Arias. For those that don’t remember, Brignac was four-time consensus Top 100 prospect during his minor league career and finished his nine-year big league career with .219/.264/.309 slash line as a utility guy.
Just like the previous season, Arias started 2022 as frigid as a Cleveland winter, hitting a lowly .180/.249/.317 over his first 46 games between Triple-A, his rehab assignment, and the big leagues. But he batted an impressive .288/.366/.458 over his remaining 42 games with Columbus. When Arias is bad, he’s really bad. And when he’s good, he’s a quality player that can help any team. Cleveland needs to unlock the reason as to why he starts the year off so slowly. It feels like Arias is undervalued at this point, thanks in large part to his injury-riddled 2022. I’m still a believer in the bat, power, and speed. There’s some Amed Rosario-type ceiling, something along the lines of .275/.315/.430 with 15 homeruns.
Ceiling: 2.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: Debuted in 2022
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9. Jhonkensy Noel, 1B / 3B / RF
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 40/50 | 60 | 30 | 45 | 45/50 | 50 |
Background: During the 1990s, the John Hart-led regime dealt away a tremendous amount of high-end caliber talent, particularly young power hitters. Guys like Jeremy Burnitz or Richie Sexson or Brian Giles or Sean Casey. But the one guy that the front office did hold onto was Russell Branyan. Owning true 80-grade power and the author of mammoth moonshots, Russell the Muscle was a man well ahead of his time with low batting averages, high OBPs, and massive thump. Jhonkensy Noel turned in a Russell Branyan-esque season in 2022. Added as part of the same international free agent class as Brayan Rocchio, Jose Tena, and George Valera, Noel was one of the system’s biggest surprises in 2021. The 6-foot-2, 250-pound corner infielder / outfielder mashed .340/.390/.615 with 14 doubles, one triple, and 19 homeruns in only 70 games between the Complex League, Low-A, and High-A. Last season, Noel made extended stops with Lake County and Akron and capped the year off with a brief tour of Triple-A. His numbers, though, declined as he batted .229/.310/.489 with 26 doubles, two triples, 32 homeruns, and a surprising trio of stolen bases. Per Weighted Runs Created Plus, his overall production topped the league average mark by a solid 14%.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
| Name | Season | Level | Age | PA | AVG | OBP | SLG | BB% | K% |
| Anthony Rizzo | 2010 | AA | 20 | 467 | 0.263 | 0.334 | 0.481 | 9.64% | 21.41% |
| Jhonkensy Noel | 2022 | AA | 20 | 278 | 0.242 | 0.338 | 0.488 | 10.79% | 22.66% |
Noel had an interesting 2022 season, to say the least. The husky corner infielder / outfielder struggled with his contact rates during his time with Lake County, whiffing in nearly 32% of his plate appearance. And, almost inexplicably, the Dominican bopper made far better, more consistent contact during his time in Double-A, the minors’ toughest level. Noel remains one of the better breaking ball hitters in the minor leagues. But his setup is odd, lacking a typical load. His thump is enough of a carrying rate that he could start with a 40-grade hit tool. I do think the hit tool creeps up close to 50-grade territory. And I’m still firmly on the Jhonkensy Noel bandwagon.
Ceiling: 2.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2023/2024
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10. Angel Martinez, 2B / SS
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 55 | 50 |
Background: Former big leaguer Sandy Martinez was a grinder, a baseball lifer that (A) was once a Top 100 prospect according to Baseball America, (B) spent parts of 15 seasons in the minor leagues, yet only tallied 880 games (or an average of just 59 games a season, and (C) appeared in 218 big league games across parts of eight seasons (or just 27 games per year). One of Sandy’s sons, Angel, has developed into a significantly superior prospect. A switch-hitting 6-foot, 186-pound middle infielder out of Santo Domingo, Martinez turned in an impressive professional debut in his home country in 2019, slugging .306/.402/.428 with a perfectly even 29-to-29 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 56 games. The front office sent the then-19-year up to Low-A in 2021 – though the bat didn’t perform nearly as well as he batted .241/.319/.382 with 20 doubles, six triples, seven homeruns, and 13 stolen bases (in 19 attempts). Last season, though, Martinez regained his offensive prowess with some added thump. He mashed an aggregate .278/.378/.471 with career bests in doubles (23) and homeruns (13) to go along with four triples, and 12 stolen bases (in 19 attempts). Per Weighted Runs Created Plus, his overall production topped the league average mark by an impressive 35%. Following the season, Martinez appeared in 21 games with Peoria Javelinas, hitting .260/.341/.343 with just two extra-base knocks (both of them homeruns) in 85 plate appearances.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only three 20-year-old hitters met the following criteria in any High-A league (min. 300 PA): 135 to 145 wRC+, a 16% to 19% strikeout rate, and a double-digit walk rate. Those three hitters: Joc Pederson, Lars Anderson, and – of course – Angel Martinez.
A power-hitting outfielder, a power-hitting first baseman, and…a middle infielder. Martinez shows a short, lightning quick stroke at the plate, allowing him to give the inside pitch a surprising jolt and just as easily shoot the outside offering to the opposite field. Strong bat to ball skills, average power, and above-average speed (though he’s not overly efficient on the base paths). Defensively, the Guardians are loaded at the shortstop position, but he’s an above-average defender on either side of the keystone. Even after his breakout campaign, Martinez remains one of the more underrated prospects in the minor leagues. There’s the floor as a solid backup infielder with the ceiling as a league average starter, maybe a touch higher.
Ceiling: 2.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2023/2024
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All statistics were provided via the following website: Baseball Reference, FanGraphs, TheBaseballCube, BaseballProspectus, ClayDavenport.com, and Baseball America.
