4. Jorge Guzman
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 1/28/1996 (22)
2017 teams/levels played for: short-season A-ball Staten Island Yankees
2017 Stats: 13 GS, 66 2/3 IP, 2.30 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 6.8% BB, 33.5% K
Info: Blessed with an incredible arm, Guzman was a “late sign”, signing at 18 and starting his career in 2015. Now 22, he’s ready for full season ball after completely dominating the New York-Penn League in 2017.
Guzman’s fastball is definitely one of the most elite in all of minor league baseball
Guzman’s fastball is definitely one of the most elite in all of minor league baseball, as he sits in the upper-90s, touching 102 at his top end. What’s most impressive about his premium velocity is that he needs almost no effort to reach those numbers.
Acquired from the Astros in the Brian McCann, the Yankees flipped Guzman as the primary prospect piece in their trade for Stanton with the Miami Marlins. While he was viewed as a reliever when the Yankees acquired him, he has really seen his offspeed stuff take off in the last year as his curve flashes above average, his change flashes plus, and he has shown an ability to control all three.
The Miami Marlins will open Guzman in full-season ball in 2018, and he could finish the year in the Florida State League with a good showing.
3. Monte Harrison, OF
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 8/10/1995 (22)
2017 teams/levels played for: low-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, high-A Carolina Mudcats
2017 Stats: .272/.350/.481, 513 PA, 21 HR, 27 SB, 43/139 BB/K
Info: One of the most elite athletes many could remember coming into the draft out of high school in Missouri when he was drafted by the Brewers in the 2nd round in 2014, Harrison has struggled with injuries throughout his minor league career, never playing more than 80 games in one season before 2018.
Finally healthy, Harrison was able to flash his incredible talent in 2017, combining across both A-ball levels to hit .272/.350/.481 with 21 home runs and 27 stolen bases and absolutely incredible defense no matter where he played.
While his athleticism will allow Harrison to handle center field, he’s likely best suited for right field, where his 80-grade arm is an incredible weapon, already with the reputation such that minor league teams will not run against him. He should be able to be a premium defender in a corner.
Offensively, he’s not had the chance to truly develop his pitch and zone recognition, but the raw talent is obvious, as he hit 5 home runs and stole 5 bases in the Arizona Fall League while hitting .283/.333/.604 against some of the best pitching prospects in baseball.
Harrison should be able to make an impact quickly for the Miami Marlins, likely opening 2018 in AA, but without a lot of fight stopping him from taking a major league job if he really shows out in the upper minors in 2018.
Next: #1 and #2