MLB Top Prospects: the top 150 prospects in MLB for 2019
130. Xavier Edwards, SS, San Diego Padres
One of the premier athletes in the 2018 high school draft class, Edwards was the Padres selection with the #38 overall pick, and he was incredible in his pro debut, putting up a .453 OBP and stealing 22 bases. The switch-hitter will play in full season ball in 2019, and he should get time at both second and short.
129. Ronaldo Hernandez, C, Tampa Bay Rays
Hernandez put up big power numbers in the Midwest League at 20 years old, knocking out 21 home runs without showing big swing and miss. He has quite a ways to go behind the plate, but the bat is such that he could have a future even if he has to move out from behind the plate.
128. Jahmai Jones, 2B, Los Angeles Angels
Moving from the outfield to second base did nothing to hurt Jones’ future stock, as he showed his willingness to do whatever the team needed. He got to AA in 2018, flashing power and speed, and he showed out in the Arizona Fall League, with many considering him to have the best raw speed in the entire AFL.
127. Oneil Cruz, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates
While a 6’6″ guy working at shortstop isn’t something that’s normally seen, Cruz hasn’t shown any reason that he should be pushed off the position by any means, with excellent coordination and hands. He flashed big power, and though his take-off speed isn’t great due to his long legs, once he’s underway, he has excellent speed, which led to 7 triples on the season for him.
126. Cavan Biggio, IF, Toronto Blue Jays
Though his swing is long and likely won’t ever lead to a .300 hitter, Biggio has excellent realization of the strike zone, drawing 100 walks in 2018 before posting a .405 OBP in the Arizona Fall League. Biggio has been playing around the field to get him experience that could allow him to fast-track to the big leagues in 2019, where his big left-handed bat could provide instant impact.
125. Cole Winn, RHP, Texas Rangers
Drafted 15th overall this past June, Winn didn’t pitch at all this year, which is common with the Rangers and newly drafted arms. Winn’s curve received big praise this spring, registering high spin rates and showing solid command of the pitch along with his mid-90s fastball.
124. Vidal Brujan, 2B, Tampa Bay Rays
Coming seemingly out of nowhere in 2018, the diminuitive Brujan hit .320/.403/.459 acros both A-ball levels at just 20. Brujan has elite speed for certain, but he’s really only got a home on the diamond at second base due to his size. He could leap forward as impact speed is a rare commodity in the game now, but color me still skeptical on his future role, in spite of the obvious raw talents.
123. Austin Hays, OF, Baltimore Orioles
Hays had a huge 2017 in his first full season, but injuries and pressing too hard once he returned led to big struggles on his 2018 season. Hays showed his power when he returned in August, hitting 10 doubles and 6 home runs over 32 games. He could potentially compete for a starting role with the big league club in spring training.
122. Luis Alexander Basabe, OF, Chicago White Sox
After struggling in his first year in Chicago’s system, Basabe pushed through with a very solid season in 2018, hitting 15 home runs and stealing 16 bases while also putting up a .354 on base and playing solid center field defense. Basabe is a guy who is average to above-average across the board, including his center field defense, and that can be a valuable 4th outfielder or second-division starter.
121. Taylor Widener, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
One of those college arms that the Yankee farm system did a great job of developing before he was traded, Widener has an impressive fastball and collection of pitches that profile as a mid-rotation arm that has flown under the radar in general, but he could find himself in the majors by the end of 2019.