This week’s Big Hype Prospects is all about pre-holiday shopping.
5 BHPs of news
Gabriel Moreno, 22, C, ARI (MLB)
(AAA) 267PA, 3HR, 7SB, .315/.386/.420
Moreno to headline Diamondbacks return Dalton Bajo trade. FanGraphs describes him as: JT Real Mute” Last season, Moreno continued to display his contact skills. His 73-at-bat trial, easy in the majors, gave him a high batting average and a small 11.0% strikeout percentage. He typically produces moderate exit velocities with low contact angles. Simply put, power isn’t a big part of his game, but he’ll still be a valuable hitter, and he’ll need to make significant adjustments to become a regular threat with his 20 home runs. I have.
Considering he has never exceeded 350 plate appearances in a season, there are questions about his ability to carry a full load.He is considered an above-average defender with enough athleticism to improve. carson kelly The Diamondbacks could consider platooning between catchers and designated hitters while increasing Moreno’s durability.
Luis Ortiz, 23 years old, SP, pitted (MLB)
(AA) 114.1 IP, 9.92 K/9, 2.68 BB/9, 4.64 ERA
Halfway through the 2022 campaign, Ortiz got a light bulb. His command improved as he became more aggressive with his domineering stuff, completing a successful 10-inning stint in the Triple-A and completing another 16 frames in the majors. Given that the Vince Velasquez When rich hill. Ortiz has impressive Statcast metrics. Health permitting, he’s on the pace to form a powerful one-two punch in no time. Roangie Contreras in pirate rotation.
Triston Casas, 22, 1B, BOS (MLB)
(AAA) 317PA, 11HR, .273/.382/.481
Virtually everyone in baseball is ready to see Casas sink or swim as a current and future Red Sox first baseman. The only barrier going into this offseason was one veteran.delete Eric Hosmer definitely a manager from the roster Alex Cora No need to juggle difficult decisions. Casas made his mixed debut in 95 plate appearances last season, showing power and discipline, but batting . In this case, his .208 BABIP looks particularly unstable. If anything, his hitting profile is that of a high BABIP hitter. Some of his at bats felt like he sold out for contact, a common “mistake” among debutant hitters (my personal observation, not that of a scout). Further refine his approach and consistency in 2023.
Eury Perez, 19, SP, MIA (AA)
75 IP, 12.72K/9, 3.00BB/9, 4.08 ERA
in the shortlist Andrew Painter Perez, the most exciting teen pitcher candidate, is one reason the Marlins are buying major league starting pitchers. He is on pace to arrive later in his 2023 season. He’s a man’s skyscraper whose size guarantees a unique look. His curveball is considered a less competitive product that can be played on the effectiveness of other pitches.
It’s worth mentioning that this is an organization that made 20-year-olds leapfrog ten years ago. Jose Fernandez A straight line from high A to major. Of course, these decision makers are not left on hand, so the same thing that happened to Perez is highly unlikely.
Ceddanne Rafaela, 22, OF, BOS (AA)
(A+/AA) 522PA, 21HR, 28SB, .299/.342/.539
The Red Sox are reportedly looking to buy upgrade prospects with Rafaela as their most highly rated player. He is now widely regarded as his third best farmer. Marcelo Mayer and Casas. He displayed an intriguing combination of power and speed last season, but there are still some worrisome signs in his offensive stats. He lacks discipline and has a high swing strike rate. Few hitters succeed with the profile of Javy Baez.
If his issues of discipline and whimsy get in the way, Rafaela has immense utility man potential. He also appeared in 12 games at shortstop last season, with experience at second base and his third base. He is considered an above-average outfielder. There are no reports of his infield ability.
three more
Corbyn Carroll, Arizona (22)There was little doubt that Carroll would start for the Diamondbacks in 2023, but a trade for Basho would almost certainly play an opening role. A minor and well-disciplined line drive machine, Carroll made a mixed debut. His 130 wRC+ in his 115 major league at-bats was just average discipline, below average exit velocity. Expect these traits to improve dramatically throughout his 2023.
Dominic Fletcher, ARI (25): Fletcher, another “winner” in the Varsho trade, doesn’t have an entire outfield force ahead of him on the depth chart.should do it Alec Thomas keep fighting, Jake McCarthy If they suffer a sophomore slump, Fletcher might cut into Arizona’s lineup. The Diamondbacks still need pitching depth.
Kumar Locker, TEX (22): Kumar made his Arizona Fall League debut, pitching 14 innings with mixed results. His 18 strikeouts were encouraging, but he was offset with 12 walks and a 4.50 ERA. He appeared on the news last week. Carlos Correaof Contract extension with the Mets. New York selected the locker in the first round of the 2021 draft, but pulled out of his contract, citing his physical concerns.
