Baseball Prospect Rankings for 2012
Now updated for 2012's Top Prospects
Scouting Book's Top Prospects list is a Combined List, a calculated summary of the overall valuations of the entire prospect universe.
Remember: this page is the result of an automatic process that re-sorts and re-ranks players often.
If you think you have found a mistake, please read this blog entry before telling us. Then tell us.
Tyson Gillies is a Canadian center fielder who came to the Phillies as part of the wild winter trading season of 2009. Most noticed him when he stole two bases in the Futures Game that year, and those who did were seeing the best part of his game: he's a very fast player without any other plus tools at present. An important thing to note, though, is that he lost a lot of development time in 2010 and 2011 due to recurring but minor injuries, which means he's still in learning mode, and could still grow enough to develop quite a bit further. Even if it takes until 2014 to see MLB, he's likely to do so sooner or later. If he does make the majors as a reserve, he'll also provide an extra valuable benefit to the team: as a hearing-impaired player, he's an excellent lip-reader, which could come in awfully handy when on the field.
More Scouting Book Info on Tyson Gillies
SB 430BA SC BP SN ES ML
A 13th-round pick way back in the 2004 draft, Egbert made a brief run to the majors with the White Sox in 2009 before being DFA'd at the end of the season and picked up by the Mets. Studying their rebuilt pitcher in 2011, the Mets watched him rise once again from high-A all the way to AAA, showing more than a few flashes of the talent that made him a top prospect a few years ago. Primarily a better-than-average reliever now, he'll get a look in spring but is more likely a spare part at this point in his career.
More Scouting Book Info on Jack Egbert
SB 431BA SC BP SN ES ML
An international signee from 2008, when he was signed as a teenager from San Cristobal, D.R., outfielder Julio Morban is a smooth and talented outfielder with good all-around tools. He swings a mature bat from the left side of the plate with some projectable power. In the field, he's raw but talented. He's battled injuries the past season and a half, so he's really looking to put together an impressive 2012, something a little better than the .256/.315/.382 line he recorded while rehabbing at A-level Clinton in 2011.
More Scouting Book Info on Julio Morban
SB 432BA SC BP SN ES ML
Ah, Dorn. Sometimes the gods of baseball just make the names too good to be true. While he's currently buried deep in the Reds system, Cal State's Danny Dorn is a respectable offensive prospect in his own right, and now that guys like Bruce and Votto are in the bigs to stay, he should get a little more attention. The left-hander with the sweet swing is getting a little old for prospectdom, but he has legitimate power and a decent arm, which means he could find some bench work in Cincinnati sooner or later, at least.
More Scouting Book Info on Daniel Dorn
SB 433BA SC BP SN ES ML
A defense-first shortstop with a promsing hitter's frame, Littlewood is a natural talent who could probably play anywhere on the diamond someday. The son of ex-Royal and current Dixie State College coach Mike Littlewood, Marcus is a smart, toolsy player who evokes comparisons to the similarly-built Troy Tulowitzki, though he hasn't yet shown the bat or leadership that made Tulo a young lion in Colorado. Before he gets to that level, he needs to develop his swing and eye at the plate: he didn't show a great ability to deal with pro pitching in 2011, though his eye seemed to imrpove as the year wore on.
More Scouting Book Info on Marcus Littlewood
SB 434BA SC BP SN ES ML
Selected 30th overall by the Cardinals in the 2006 draft, Ottavino dominated hitters at Northwestern University with a K/9 rate over 10 and a notable ability to handle tough left-handed hitters. He projects a promising mix of confidence and stuff, and scouts see him as a future middle-of-rotation starter. He's had a rocky time in the minors so far, but his advanced mental game and advanced skills should come together sooner or later.
More Scouting Book Info on Adam Ottavino
SB 435BA SC BP SN ES ML
A product of the same high school draft class as Jay Bruce and Colby Rasmus, the less-decorated Brandon Snyder was drafted as a catcher before losing most of a year to a torn labrum. Transplanted to first base, he may have found his long-term home. He's come along slower than his classmates, but his .261/.312/.406 line in AAA last season was enoiugh for a cup of coffee, and hisi 3-for-13 taste didn't scare anyone away. A power hitter who will strike out a lot, he can still contribute serious numbers with his ability to hit both fastballs and breaking pitches to all fields.
More Scouting Book Info on Brandon Snyder
SB 436BA SC BP SN ES ML
A righthander who's probably outgrown his shot at the Ranger rotation, Hurley has developed steadily enough over the last few seasons, and now seems to slot into a mopup or inning-eating role in Texas.
More Scouting Book Info on Eric Hurley
SB 437BA SC BP SN ES ML
The Mets opening day starter at second base in 2011 lasted only 18 days before being designated for assignment, after which he returned briefly to Toronto before being shipped right off to Colorado. A polished infield prospect via Tulane, Brad Emaus projects as a solid-average major league second baseman in the near future, though he's not exactly lighting up scoreboards or filling highlight reels, if you follow. He should be a useful piece in a restructuring Rockies team, but he's just as likely to be rebundled yet again to a team in more desperate middle infield straits.
More Scouting Book Info on Brad Emaus
SB 438BA SC BP SN ES ML
It's always nice having some spare closers in the closet, and the 100mph cannon hanging from Dominican Waldis Joaquin's shoulder might prove very handy indeed for the Nationals as they work toward a competitive future without completely breaking the bank. He's erratic, and his secondary pitches aren't quite ready for prime-time yet, but coaches who watch him inevitably fall in love with his Zumaya-like power, which means he'll keep receiving opportunities to dominate.
More Scouting Book Info on Waldis Joaquin
SB 439BA SC BP SN ES ML
A lefty-hitting corner outfielder, Giant prospect Roger Kieschnick is a potential five-tool talent with both power and speed potential, and it's not at all surprising that he shares his nickname ('Hawk') with Hall of Famer Andre Dawson. In the field he's a giant with deceptive speed, a highlight-reel daredevil without any detectable fear of walls or other barriers. He's got above-average range which should improve as he polishes his routes and jumps, and an arm that has moments of true cannon-power. He's grappled with an awkward swing at times, but it hasn't hindered him much to date:a .255/.307/.429 line in a full-season at AA Richmond last year came with 16 homers and 22 doubles, and 121 homers in 126 games.
More Scouting Book Info on Roger Kieschnick
SB 440BA SC BP SN ES ML
The 26th overall selection in the 2006 draft, Pirate righthander Avery (Bryan) Morris was acquired by the Pirates as part of the multi-team deal that moved Jason Bay. While he's been slowly returning to form following TJ surgery, he's remained one of Pittsburgh's better long-term pitching prospects. Morris has a high-90's fastball and a plus curve, and frustrates batters with an unorthodox delivery. While his name might have been forgotten by many, he should be moving up the ranks again now that he's healthy and has shown that he's still got the stuff that made him a top prospect two years ago.
More Scouting Book Info on Bryan Morris
SB 441BA SC BP SN ES ML
A big, strong lefty, Aaron Miller was a power-hitting outfielder as well as an overpowering pitcher during his time at Baylor, but the Dodgers are thinking of him as a pitcher and nothing else, according to the exec who selected him, Dodger scouting AGM Logan White. He's looked both pretty good and pretty awful in A ball so far, though a lot of people are blaming simple exhaustion for his poor outings, and it's possible he will gain consistency as he picks up more durability. 'He's an athlete and I've got a propensity to taking guys that are athletes,' White said, explaining that Miller as a project was a bit like first baseman James Loney 'in reverse.'
More Scouting Book Info on Aaron Miller
SB 442BA SC BP SN ES ML
Signed by the Royals after being cut by a space-impaired Phillies team, Edgar Garcia is a young, raw, but very promising prospect signed at the tender age of 16 Dominican Years (that is, 18 or 19). Garcia has always shown the potential to bring spectacular stuff to the mound, but his still-developing control and lack of experience have so far made it impossible to judge exactly how good he'll be. At least in Kansas City, he'll be free to grow and develop far from the watchful eyes of pretty much everyone in baseball. Maybe the low pressure will be good for him.
More Scouting Book Info on Edgar Garcia
SB 443BA SC BP SN ES ML
He shares a hometown with Phillies pitcher Carlos Carrasco, but Carlos Rivero-with-an-O is better described as exactly the kind of player you expect from a shortstop: a line-drive hitter with hustle and not much pop. He's a less-than-average runner, too and he won't ever have the power numbers to be any kind of elite player, especially in talent-stacked Philadelphia. While he might be a better fit in a pirahna-style Twins offense, he does give the Phillies some extra depth for the future.
More Scouting Book Info on Carlos Rivero
SB 444BA SC BP SN ES ML
A big, strong Canadian signed by the Reds in 2007's supplemental round, righthander Kyle Lotzkar is one of the most promising arms in the Cincinnati stable. Like most of the Reds' best farm talent, he's awhile away from big-league action, but he's already showing the poise and polish necessary to succeed in pro ball. While he's still wrestling with his control, he looks like he could bring a plus change and curve to bear consistently soon, which could be devastating when combined with his existing 94mph fastball. Thanks to his control problems, his walk rate is way too high, but if he manages to start pitching within himself, look out. Only 22 entering 2012, he's definitely a name to highlight for the next couple of seasons.
More Scouting Book Info on Kyle Lotzkar
SB 445BA SC BP SN ES ML
Angels prospect Fabio Martinez is a long-term development project disguised as a righthanded pitcher in the Anaheim system. His big, exploding fastball can touch 98mph and is already responsible for 245 minor league strikeouts in only 173 innings of work. Fabio tends to work more often in the 94mph range most days, and he comes to work also armed with a quality slider. His command and control are about what you'd expect from such a youngster (not very good, he walked more than six batters per nine innings in 2010) but he's a big enough talent that the Angels can take their time to teach him the finer points of the game. He didn't take the mound much in 2011 as he stumbled through chronic shoulder problems, but if he's actually in good health this year he could zip back to the upper echelon of pitching prospects.
More Scouting Book Info on Fabio Martinez
SB 446BA SC BP SN ES ML
Buster Posey got a lot of attention in the 2008 draft, but Skippy showed the same sort of offensive potential, which led the Marlins to jump on him. A left-handed and more power-hitting type of catcher, he also lags in the defensive and especially game-calling parts of the game, which means he might end up a quality run producer, sure, but not right away.
More Scouting Book Info on Kyle Skipworth
SB 447BA SC BP SN ES ML
Texas A&M's ace in 2009 and 2010 and a Big Twelve All-Star, righthander Barret Loux was drafted sixth overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2010 First Year Player Draft but failed to sign after failing a physical for a shoulder injury. He later signed with Texas as a free agent. A mature pitcher with advanced smarts for the game, Loux leans heavily on his 95mph fastball, which is so good he's seldom needed other pitches to succeed. That will change in pro ball, of course, and the development of his breaking ball should track his progress through the Texas system.
More Scouting Book Info on Barret Loux
SB 448BA SC BP SN ES ML
The M's chose Poythress in round two of the 2009 draft based on his ability to hit baseballs very, very hard. He's preytty much done that, though not to the high levels that Seattle was hoping for. His .267/.347/.416 line at AA Jackson included 11 homers and 28 doubles, great numbers for a 20 year old prospect. Unfortunately, Poythress is 23. A big season this year (probably starting back in Tacoma) could give him a shot in Seattle, but a poor one could see him eclipsed by younger and hotter talent. His defensive shortcomings limit him to first base or DH, but luckily Seattle could use depth in both of those positions right now.
More Scouting Book Info on Rich Poythress
SB 449BA SC BP SN ES ML
Chicago's first supplemental round pick in 2007, Josh Donaldson is a converted third baseman, which means he has a plus arm from behind the plate. Overshadowed by Matt Wieters in that draft class, he was considered to be only a notch or two behind the Georgia grad when it came to actual tools, though he hasn't yet shown that polish in pro ball. Josh is an offensive force with both pull and opposite-field power: he's a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat who only needs to get a little more selective at the plate in order to make the leap to the upper echelon of prospects. His .261/.344/.439 line in 2011 did show an improving contact rate, which is a nice data point. He's still learning the ins and outs of game calling, though, so unlike the all-around Wieters, Donaldson is a couple of years away from having any impact.
More Scouting Book Info on Josh Donaldson
SB 450BA SC BP SN ES ML
A tough, throwback-style catcher, Oakland prospect Max Stassi is one of the best defensive backstops in the minor leagues, with plus catch-and-throw skill and a work ethic that's helped him rise to the top of the prospect class. At the plate he's looking increasingly like an all-or-nothing slugger, striking out more than once per game but reaching the bleachers with increasing frequency. With a solid knack for game calling and the leadership style to hold a team together, he's got all the makings of a major league captain... and probably a manager someday after that, even if he can't ever really hit a good curve ball.
More Scouting Book Info on Max Stassi
SB 451BA SC BP SN ES ML
A two-time minor league player of the year in the Blue Jays' system, Seattle outfielder Johermyn Chavez came to Seattle as part of the Brandon Morrow trade during the 2009 offseason. He chewed up high-A High Desert in 2010 (.315/.387/.577, 32 homers), but ran into a wall at AA last season, dropping to a mere .216/.312/.360 with 13 dingers. His strikeout rate has remained a consisten once-per-afternoon affair for his entire career, but at least it's not getting any worse. Still young, still with room to grow, but now carrying more concerns than hopes, he's starting to look like the modern version of Wladimir Balentine, enigmatic maybe-slugger.
More Scouting Book Info on Johermyn Chavez
SB 452BA SC BP SN ES ML
A first-round selection by the Giants in 2006, Kiker has been up and down during his development as a Ranger, and lately there's been a little more down than up in his game. He still has a real plus fastball, which once touched 97 but today lives closer to 94, and a better than average changeup. The Rangers need to see him focus and sharpen his command before promoting him, He needs to show some progress soon.
More Scouting Book Info on Kasey Kiker
SB 453BA SC BP SN ES ML
A prospect more famous for his MySpace pictures and public urination than his talent (go Google it yourself, lazy reader), Dan Cortes is a young and strong righthander who's already with his third organization. Originally a 7th round selection by the Chicago White Sox in 2005, he has been until recently a one-pitch power arm. His previously-serviceable curve took a leap forward last year, when he used it effectively for the first time.
More Scouting Book Info on Daniel Cortes
SB 454BA SC BP SN ES ML
A sleeper candidate who could zoom up the list at any time, Texas righthander Wilmer Font is yet another righthander in a potent Texas system. The big Venezuelan has missed significant time nursing knee and shoulder problems, but seems to have recovered now. A broad-shouldered (and big-waisted) pitcher who can touch 96mph with his fastball, Font also mixes in a changeup that could be a plus pitch one day along with a so-so curve. While he could be a surprise bullpen arm soon, his real target is as a back-end Ranger starter somewhere in 2013 or 2014. Watch his walk rate to see how close he is to breaking out.
More Scouting Book Info on Wilmer Font
SB 455BA SC BP SN ES ML
Prospects
Top Prospects 2012
Combined Ranking
430 to 455 of 525 Prospects
