9. Adam Engel, OF
Birthdate: 12/9/91 (24 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: high-A, AA, AAA
Stats in 2016: .259/.344/.406, 7 HR, 45 SB
Engel is here for one reason, one reason that will carry him to the big leagues and made him the choice over a few other toolsy outfield options that could have made an argument for this list. Engel’s tool list is pretty meh offensively until you get to “run”. Engel is a pure 80 run tool, one of the fastest runners in the minor leagues currently.
Drafted in the 19th round out of Louisville in 2013, Engel has progressively worked his way up the White Sox system. Last season, he jumped up multiple levels in the season with a great display of what he can be across three levels.
Engel is a pure 80 run tool, one of the fastest runners in the minor leagues currently
Engel has elite defensive skills that allow him to handle center field in spite of average instincts for the position. He also has just a touch of power, though it’s primarily gap power, which led to 30 doubles and 12 triples on the season.
Engel does struggle with his pitch recognition, and if he could get that in line, he would be an elite prospect. However, right now, he projects as a defensive replacement and pinch running extraordinaire.
Next: #8