4. Kevin Maitan, SS/3B
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 2/12/2000 (18)
2017 teams/levels played for: Gulf Coast League Braves, advanced rookie Danville Braves
2017 Stats: .241/.290/.340, 176 PA, 2 HR, 2 SB, 11/49 BB/K
Info: The biggest “name” among players that were stripped away from the Braves, Maitan was the top prospect in the 2016 international class, and was considered one of the most elite hitters to come out of Latin America in years.
Many felt his pro debut in 2017 was underwhelming as Maitan played across two rookie levels with mediocre overall numbers and some reported concerns with weight. The real issue behind all of that was a hamstring injury that Maitan struggled to get proper conditioning while he worked to heal his hamstring.
Back at full strength in fall workouts, Maitan moved as well or better than before
Back at full strength in fall workouts, Maitan moved as well or better than before and showed the quickness in first step and bat that many scouts noted lost or diminished during the 2017 season. Twitter videos of Maitan’s batting workouts had that familiar sound that Braves fans got used to hearing in fall instructs after the 2016 season, a unique sound off the bat that very few hitters generate.
Maitan trimmed down a ton of the extra frame that many scouts were ragging on him for already, and he would seem primed to truly take off. He does still have some concerns to overcome in his approach at the plate, which was exposed more strongly when his bat speed couldn’t make up for pitch recognition issues.
That really is the biggest draw back on Maitan right now, though. With his returned first step quickness, he could work at shortstop for a bit longer, and his plus arm would work at third if/when he moves there down the road.
It’s quite feasible that the Los Angeles Angels push Maitan in his first season in their system directly to the Midwest League, but he might do so after opening in extended spring.
3. Jahmai Jones, OF
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 8/4/1997 (20)
2017 teams/levels played for: low-A Burlington Bees, high-A Inland Empire 66ers
2017 Stats: .282/.348/.446, 578 PA, 14 HR, 27 SB, 45/106 BB/K
Info: Jones was one of the best athletes in the 2015 draft, selected in the 2nd round by the Los Angeles Angels out of high school in Georgia. Jones comes from a family of athlete, with a father and two brothers that have played in the NFL.
The Angels knew Jones would be a guy who took a couple of seasons on complex before he was ready, but could be a major reward once he got it. In 2016, Jones started to “get it”, working his way to A-ball by the end of the season.
In 2017, he took the next step forward, opening his season in low-A and spending 40+ games in high-A. He actually hit better after being promoted, flashing power, speed, excellent defense, and solid plate discipline throughout the season.
Jones has a quick bat, plus raw power, and his muscular build belies his plus speed, though he could use polish on his base running and base stealing instincts. His instincts on the ball in the air works in center field, but his arm is average, and he really projects best in left field.
After just short of 200 plate appearances with success at high-A, it’s certainly feasible that a 20 year-old Jones would open 2018 in AA, which would put him on track to see major league time in 2019. With Kole Calhoun having a 2020 club option, Jones could be ready to take over in 2021 in left field for the Los Angeles Angels.
Next: #1 and #2