1. Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., 3B
Birthdate: 3/16/99 (17 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: rookie
Stats in 2016: .271/.359/.449, 8 HR, 15 SB
Growing up as the son of a former MVP, it’s likely Vlad, Jr. had plenty of exposure, which is why when he was one of the most sought-after overall prospects in the July 2015 international free agent class, it was no surprise to anyone.
When the Blue Jays signed him for a big bonus, even they couldn’t have expected him to have the level of success that he did in 2016 in his first exposure to pro ball.
He skipped over the Dominican Summer League and the low-level rookie league and was sent to the Blue Jays advanced rookie league team in the Appalachian League. In spite of being put up against primarily college draft picks and high school picks from 2015, he never once looked overmatched.
More than anything, Guerrero may have looked even more comfortable than some of those college players he was playing against. His 33/35 BB/K ratio on the year showed exceptional plate discipline, something not exactly associated with the Vlad Guerrero name!
Guerrero has elite skills offensively with a big power bat that already rates as a plus game power with plus-plus raw power. He also uses his quick bat to get to balls throughout the strike zone and make solid contact.
The Blue Jays moved Guerrero from the outfield to third base based on below-average speed but an accurate arm. He really made big strides at the position and showed excellent instincts there, though his arm strength is in question.
Even if he does have to move to first base in the end, his bat should be special to the point where it doesn’t matter what position he plays.
Guerrero will be at a full-season league in 2017.
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