2. Keston Hiura, Milwaukee Brewers
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 8/2/1996 (21)
2018 level: high-A Carolina Mudcats
Info: If not for spending the entirety of his draft season playing DH due to an elbow issue, Hiura very possibly would have been a top 5 selection. He still only lasted to the 9th overall selection to the Brewers and has already established himself as an MLB top prospect.
Hiura has an incredibly smooth swing that creates impact power to all fields, leading to 25 extra base hits in just 42 games. He is focused on contact right now, which is why he did not walk a ton in his pro debut, but he also did not strike out at a crazy rate, especially for the level of power his bat generates.
Many have compared the power he can generate while also handling the second base position to former All-Star second baseman Jeff Kent. Like Kent, his tremendous bat will overshadow the fact that he’s a quality defender at second, albeit not a Gold Glove guy by any means.
1. Scott Kingery, Philadelphia Phillies
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 4/29/1994 (23)
2018 level: MLB Philadelphia Phillies
Info: Considered an excellent “effort” player before 2017, Kingery had a breakout season in 2017, hitting a combined 26 home runs and stealing 29 bases between AA and AAA for the Phillies. Many would consider that a reflection of the environment in Reading, which is a notorious hitter-friendly environment, but Kingery kept up his hitting once he got to AAA.
Kingery is a plus defender with great instincts and tremendous footwork around the bag
Kingery is a plus defender with great instincts and tremendous footwork around the bag. He does only have an average arm at best, so he’s not likely to make deep throws up the middle, but he has the range to get to those plays and knock the ball down at least.
Offensively, Kingery offers excellent plate discipline, above-average raw power, and above-average speed with plus instincts on the bases.
The Phillies saw his impressive skills and wanted to find a way to get him to the majors this season, agreeing to a deal to buy out his pre-arbitration seasons already. Currently, he is being used in a utility role due to the presence of multiple quality players in positions where Kingery would likely play.
Next: On the rise