50. Ryan McMahon, 1B, Colorado Rockies
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 12/14/1994 (23)
Likely 2018 opening level: MLB
Info: It is very feasible that McMahon won’t be able to be on this list in 2018 due to playing too much at the major league level. After spending some time at second base in 2017, he added the flexibility to be a utility player for the Rockies going forward, though he should be able to find himself with a starting role, barring the club making another addition before opening day.
McMahon has improved his plate discipline and is able to use the whole field with power to the gaps and also pull power for home run power as well. McMahon’s soft hands are an asset at first base, and he’s had some scouts label him a future plus defender at the position.
49. Keibert Ruiz, C, Los Angeles Dodgers
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 7/20/1998 (19)
Likely 2018 opening level: AA
Info: Ruiz was one of the youngest members of the 2014 international free agent class when the Dodgers signed him out of Venezuela. He has been an incredible performer ever since with the bat and behind the plate.
It’s his glove that will be Ruiz’s calling card
Keibert has power potential in his quick, smooth swing, though he currently pounds gaps with his hits rather than putting the ball out of the park very often. He’s been able to hit to a .330/.372/.461 line over his 201 minor league games thus far.
It’s his glove that will be Ruiz’s calling card. he has elite athleticism behind the plate along with a cannon arm, making him one of the most impressive catching prospect in minor league baseball. He will have a chance to see the upper minors, whether it’s immediately in 2018 or soon into the season.
48. Corbin Burnes, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 10/22/1994 (23)
Likely 2018 opening level: AAA
Info: Burnes was known at St. Mary’s for his advanced ability on the mound, but his raw stuff took a big step forward in 2017 in part due to a few physical adjustments in his delivery, and he’s now on the doorsteps of the major leagues less than 2 seasons after being drafted in the 4th round.
Burnes works with a fastball that runs 92-94 with natural cutter movement. He works with three offspeed pitches that are more effective due to his ability to locate them than due to their raw movement. Burnes control is certainly plus, but his command is what is most impressive, hitting exactly where his catcher wants over and over.
Burnes is athletic and picked up adjustments to his delivery well in 2017. Further development in his pitches in 2018 could bump him from a future mid-rotation starter to a potential frontline guy. He will test that with the hitter-friendly environment of Colorado Springs in AAA to open 2018.
47. Jesus Sanchez, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 10/7/1997 (20)
Likely 2018 opening level: high-A
Info: After breaking out in short-season ball in 2016, the Rays challenged Sanchez to move to full-season ball in 2017, and he simply responded by competing for a batting title and slashing .305/.348/.478.
Sanchez is not an elite defensive outfielder, likely headed to left field long-term, but his defense is not what has him ranked in this spot. Sanchez’s bat is one of the most pure in all of the minor leagues, with a swing from the left side that gives vision of future high average and consistent power production both in the same package.
Sanchez will move up to the pitcher’s haven Florida State League in 2018 to challenge his bat, but if he can succeed there, the sky will truly be the limit.
46. Jorge Mateo, SS, Oakland Athletics
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 6/23/1995 (22)
Likely 2018 opening level: AAA
Info: Mateo has been a seeming one-trick pony for a number of years in the Yankees system since signing in 2012 out of the Dominican. Of course, that one “trick” is legit 80-grade speed, so it’s a pretty solid one to have in your bag, but the Yankees were hoping to see more along the lines of power development, bat control, and defensive development that never came before 2017.
Then Mateo exploded over the dours of the 2017 season. He hit for a bit more power in the Florida State League to open the season, but once the Yankees promoted him to AA, his bat took off, and he maintained that progress once traded to the A’s at their AA affiliate. Overall he had 30 doubles, 18 triples, 12 home runs, and 52 stolen bases.
Mateo still has work to do on his plate and zone discipline, and his defense at shortstop is still shaky and could lead to an eventual move to second base or center field. However, the big step forward in 2017 certainly puts him on the map to hit AAA in 2018, just one step from the big time.
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