Love Me, Hate Me—Call to the Pen
High on:
- SS Franklin Barreto, Athletics–#24, avg. ranking of 53.7
- SS Nick Gordon, Twins–#43, avg. ranking of 60.8
- OF Jahmai Jones, Angels–#59, avg. ranking of 74.8
- OF Austin Meadows, Pirates–#30, avg. ranking of 45.0
- OF Austin Hays, Orioles–#39, avg. ranking of 54.0
House That Hank Built
Low on:
- 1B/LHP Brandon McKay, Rays–#90, avg. ranking of 37.8
- INF Luis Urias, Padres–#89, avg. ranking of 49.5
- 2B Keston Hiura, Brewers–#82, avg. ranking of 46.0
- C Carson Kelly, Cardinals–#99, avg. ranking of 66.7
- RHP Hunter Greene, Reds–#65, avg. ranking of 36.3
None of the six sources like Barreto more than Call to the Pen, where he’s ranked #24. The next-closest ranking is Fangraphs’ #32, but MLB.com, BP, and Keith Law all have him ranked #63 or higher. His write-up at Call to the Pen suggests he could make some noise in the big leagues as soon as this season, most likely at second base rather than shortstop because the A’s have Marcus Semien handling shortstop duties.
The general consensus on two-way player Brandon McKay is that he’s a top-40 prospect, but Call to the Pen disagrees, ranking him #90. That’s 51 spots worse than the next-closest ranking (#39 by Baseball America). Call to the Pen projects McKay to be either a number three or four starter or a first baseman with “solid average and OBP” who hits 20 or so home runs. Either of those outcomes is valuable, but perhaps not top-40 valuable.
Next: Comparing Acuna to Trout
So that’s the breakdown of a host of lists of top prospects. Which do you agree with most? Least? Comment below!