25. Brent Honeywell, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 3/31/1995 (22)
Likely 2018 opening level: None
Info: When news came this spring that Honeywell would miss the entire 2018 season with Tommy John surgery, placing him on this list immediately sprang to mind. I had him at #10 overall at the time of his injury, but where to place him without any time away from the surgery to heal or any news on the extent of the damage was difficult.
Honeywell’s excellent stuff made it too hard to drop him too far. He’s earned his way to where he is through hard work after being selected out of JuCo in Tennessee to being one of the top pitching prospects in all of the game.
When healthy, Honeywell works with a five-pitch mix, led by a fastball that sits 92=94 and touches 95-96 with tremendous movement in the zone. He works in a curve and a slider for his more traditional breaking pitches, though most know Honeywell for his screwball, as he’s one of the few in the game who still uses the pitch. With those breaking pitches, it’s his change that’s still the best graded pitch of all of them.
On the mound, Honeywell is a joy to watch, so here’s hoping he returns to that pitcher once he’s back on the hill in a year or so.
24. Franklin Barreto, SS, Oakland Athletics
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 2/27/1996 (22)
Likely 2018 opening level: MLB
Info: Barreto is the main reason that Oakland A’s fans are still not ready to call the Josh Donaldson trade a bust. They may still be enjoying their end of that trade for years to come while the Jays could be losing Donaldson after 2018.
Barreto has an impressive bat at the plate, generating loud all-fields power
More than just a trade piece, Barreto has an impressive bat at the plate, generating loud all-fields power that may not always leave the park, but it does leave plenty of impressions with those watching.
At shortstop, however, Barreto may not be a fit. His arm and range certainly work there, but his natural instincts at the position aren’t quite there. He has shown very well at second base, though, and he could be wearing the green and gold on Opening Day at the keystone.
Whether he opens in AAA or MLB, Barreto should use his above-average power and plus speed to make an impact in Oakland soon in the 2018 season.
23. MacKenzie Gore, LHP, San Diego Padres
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 2/24/1999 (19)
Likely 2018 opening level: low-A
Info: Gore blew away high school hitters to the tune of an 0.19 ERA and a 158/5 BB/K ratio over 74 1/3 innings. In the discussion for the top overall talent of the draft, the Padres took Gore with the 3rd pick in June.
Gore’s high leg kick certainly has visual appeal for “old school” fans, but he has more than just aesthetics to enjoy on the mound, with a mid-90s fastball, plus curve, sinking change, and late-breaking slider to complete a jaw-dropping four pitch collection.
Gore should spend all of 2018 in low-A in the Midwest League, and the weather differences throughout the season will be a good location for Gore to learn and gain pro experience.
22. J.P. Crawford, SS, Philadelphia Phillies
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 1/11/1995 (23)
Likely 2018 opening level: MLB
Info: While Crawford has been the guy on top of the Phillies list the last few seasons, he’s not had a consistent upward climb in his progression, especially in the upper minors, as he seemed to really struggle to define who he was as a player until roughly mid-season in 2017, when he suddenly just took off and never looked back.
The Phillies were impressed enough that they sent away starting shortstop Freddy Galvis to clear space for Crawford to take the big league job in 2018. Defensively, there’s little argument that Crawford’s up to the task.
It’s on the offensive end where Crawford’s future path will be determined. He can be often too patient at the plate, letting great pitches go by and ending up with a host of walks at the end of the season but often missing excellent pitches to hit as he worked deep into the count.
The Phillies will work with Crawford through his offensive growing in 2018 at the big league level.
21. A.J. Puk, LHP, Oakland Athletics
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 4/25/1995 (22)
Likely 2018 opening level: AAA
Info: Puk was in the preseason discussion for #1 overall pick in 2016 before an inconsistent final season with Florida led to him dropping to the sixth pick with Oakland. Those inconsistencies have followed to pro ball, but so have the brilliant moments, and they’ve shone brightly.
When Puk is on, there is not another lefty in minor league baseball with comparable stuff, as he can dial his fastball up to 98, toss a double-plus slider, and also utilizes an above-average change. He’s worked as a pro to get more consistent in his release point, but at 6’7″, he does still have moments when his lower half gets off, and he sees his control and command wane.
While the command issues are certainly concerning and noteworthy, so are the 184 strikeouts in just 125 innings in 2017. A former tall lefty struggled early in his career with command before becoming one of the most dominant pitchers in the recent history of the game – Randy Johnson. Big Unit’s example should certainly remind us to be wary of giving up too soon on a big arm, especially from the left side.
Puk should open the 2018 season in AAA, but with a rotation without a lot of “stud” talent in front of him, Puk could certainly work his way to Oakland at some point in the season with a big performance in Nashville.
Next: #16-20