5. Yusniel Diaz
Minors (A-, A+, AA): .265/.341/.464, 22 doubles, 11 home runs
The top prospect luster is starting to come away from Yusniel Diaz.
He was considered to be the top prospect acquired by the Baltimore Orioles when they sent Manny Machado to the Dodgers, a potential five tool player who could be a mainstay in the middle of their lineup. He was the type of outfielder that the Orioles just did not have in their system. However, after an injury plagued 2019, there are questions as to whether or not he can become that player.
Yet, the tools are still there. Diaz has the strength to become a respectable power hitter, and the speed to be an asset on the bases. He shows a solid batting eye, with his patience and contact ability increasing as he has progressed. Defensively, Diaz is capable of playing center, but is likely to remain in right field, and has the arm for the position.
It has been said that Diaz is essentially another Nick Markakis or Jason Heyward in waiting. Even if that is the case, both players have been solid all around major league options. Yes, it would be a disappointment if that was his ceiling, but that would still mean that Diaz turned into a starting outfielder for over a decade.
Yusniel Diaz has lost some of his prospect luster over the past year. However, even at the minimum, he should still be a very good outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles.