MLB’s Top 125 Minor League Prospects: 101-125
120. Vladimir Gutierrez, RHP, Cincinnati Reds, Reds #3
When one of the best arms to leave Cuba in a long time joins the organization that has shown success in guys like Aroldis Chapman and Raisel Iglesias, it’s usually a good thing, and with Gutierrez’s raw stuff, he has the ability to be something special. At just 21 for the 2017 season, Gutierrez will likely start at a lower level to open, but his mid-90s velocity and very good curve would make for an elite reliever, let alone his solid change playing up.
119. Juan Soto, OF, Washington Nationals, Nationals #2
Nats fans saw Victor Robles leap up prospect ranking charts this season, and Soto very well could do the same in 2017, though with a very different profile. Soto has the prototype right field profile with plus power and a plus arm, though he’s a better athlete than his big frame would lead one to believe. Soto has very solid pitch recognition for a teenager, and a year from now, this could look like a very conservative placement.
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118. Chris Paddack, RHP, San Diego Padres, Padres #6
Paddack has been a guy with an intriguing as a high school pitcher whose best pitch was his change, and as he’s grown into his 6’4 frame, he’s added velocity and movement to his breaking stuff that has allowed him to really see his stuff play up to an elite level. He has tremendous mechanics that he can repeat at will. Sadly, he will miss all of 2017 with Tommy John surgery, which is why he’s down here and not about 30 spots higher.
117. Lazaro Armenteros, IF, Oakland Athletics, Athletics #4
One of the biggest names to leave Cuba in many years, “Lazarito” is still just 17 years old, but he already has the reputation as an elite talent with the ability to have 5 plus tools. He’s got the potential to be a plus defender in the outfield, whether in center or a corner position. He also has a very smooth swing that should allow for contact and power along with high end athleticism that will allow him to flash plus speed at least early on as he fills into his frame.
116. Chance Adams, RHP, New York Yankees, Yankees #8
Adams is a guy that has added velocity in New York’s system, a consistent theme in the Yankees system, but he’s also seen more rest and recovery time as a professional, and that has helped him to really see better control and movement on his pitches. He does have a smaller frame and aggressive approach that may be better suited to the bullpen, but if he can keep that mentality in check throughout the game to keep his pitch count manageable, he’ll be able to be very successful as a starter.
Next: #111-115