115. Brent Rooker, OF, Minnesota Twins
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 11/1/1994 (23)
Likely 2018 opening level: AA
Info: The Twins liked Rooker’s bat so much that they drafted him in 2016 before he did some significant swing work and became the most prolific hitter in the SEC in 2017, earning a second drafting by the Twins, this time as a competitive balance pick. He then went about demolishing Appy League and Florida State League pitching, hitting 18 home runs in just 228 pro at bats.
Rooker has a mature approach at the plate, and he should move quickly based on that approach, though whether that will be as an outfielder or a first baseman is still up for debate. Rooker handled the outfield well in 2017, but with already below-average speed, losing any mobility at all will likely stick him at the first sack long term, though with Joe Mauer’s contract up after 2018, the Twins could go year-to-year with Mauer and ease Rooker into that role.
Rooker should get his first taste of upper minors pitching in 2018, and if he can show improved plate discipline, he could find himself on the cusp of the majors at the end of the season.
114. Jesse Winker, OF, Cincinnati Reds
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 8/17/1993 (24)
Likely 2018 opening level: MLB
Info: After moving quickly to the upper minors after being drafted in 2012, Winker had seemingly stalled out in the Reds upper minors over the past few seasons before finally getting his shot with the big league club in 2017, hitting .298/.375/.529 in his 100+ AB debut.
Winker is a below-average defender in the corners, not likely to be a Gold Glover at any point, but he’s adequate enough that his impressive contact ability should allow him to play.
With no true leadoff hitter, the Reds may turn to Winker in that role to open the 2018 season, and while he may not ever steal a host of bases, he is a very impressive base runner and gets on base, so he could be a perfect fit at the top of the lineup.
113. Zack Collins, C, Chicago White Sox
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 2/6/1995 (23)
Likely 2018 opening level: AA
Info: Collins was an impressive hitter in college at Miami, and the White Sox have been working hard with him to develop his skills behind the plate. He’s made significant progress behind the plate, but that has taken him from a below average catcher to an average catcher.
The struggle is that while his catching has been making strides, his bat has been stalling, though he had an impressive on base in 2017, in spite of a Mendoza-line batting average. Collins has flashed above-average power as well, but his swing has often gotten a bit long.
With the strides he’s already made defensively, it’d be foolhardy to bet against Collins as he opens in AA in 2018.
112. Logan Warmoth, SS, Toronto Blue Jays
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 9/6/1995 (22)
Likely 2018 opening level: low-A
Info: Warmoth was the top shortstop in the college class in the 2017 draft. He may not have a single plus tool, without elite speed or power or defense, but he is a guy who has above average tools across the board.
Warmoth was the top shortstop in the college class in the 2017 draft
In his first pro experience, Warmoth showed well in the Northwest League, receiving plenty of note for his consistent, steady play at shortstop and likewise at the plate, without a standout tool that would indicate he ends up a future superstar, but a high floor that would indicate a strong future.
Warmoth should get his first taste of full-season ball in 2018, and he could move very quickly with his steady play.
111. Brett Phillips, OF, Milwaukee Brewers
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 5/30/1994 (23)
Likely 2018 opening level: MLB
Info: Owner of arguably the most infectious laugh in all of baseball, Phillips is an elite defender with an 80-grade arm in the outfield that can handle center field but is a plus defender in a corner.
Getting a chance to make his major league debut in 2017, Phillips showed the ups and downs that come with his offensive skill set as he hit for power (4 home runs), flashed speed (5 stolen bases), and got on base (.351), but also struck out a ton (34 times in 87 at bats).
He’ll need to cut down the whiff rate to have a shot as a future regular, but the balance of power and speed along with his elite outfield defense should give him a shot at a big league career.
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