Community Positional Prospect Discussion (~30-35)

by auclairkeithbc on Dec 8, 2025 10:09 AM EST

Ok. Right now we've got Bell, Springer, and Gose in a tight race and while those 3 might not be the exact next three to go, they've certainly been discussed a good deal, and probably will continue to be discussed in the upcoming few polls (and runoffs if needed). After that we've got a bunch of names that haven't been discussed a tremendous amount yet. I'm going to see if listing names that have made it to the main poll by position can help the discussion....

OF: Leonys Martin, Starling Marte, Michael Choice, Gary Brown, Mikie Mahtook

MI: Jean Segura, Kolten Wong, Jonathan Schoop

3B: Nick Castellanos, Will Middlebrooks, Jedd Gyorko

C: Gary Sanchez, Ryan Lavarnway, Wilin Rosario

Here is the current tester list, in case people think other names should be in the mix with the ones above for the best prospects at those positions...

TESTERS: Tim Wheeler, Billy Hamilton, Rymer Liriano, Garin Cecchini, Javier Baez, Marcell Ozuna, Eddie Rosario, Andrelton Simmons, Oswaldo Arcia, Cory Spangenberg, James Darnell, Matt Szczur, Aaron Hicks, Joe Panik, Mason Williams, Matt Davidson, Derek Norris, Christian Bethancourt, Brandon Jacobs, Robbie Grossman

Here is the list so far:

#01 - BRYCE HARPER - 59.2%

#02 - MIKE TROUT - 38.8% (In Poll #1)

#03 - JURICKSON PROFAR - 52.9%

#04 - MANNY MACHADO - 31.5% (55.1% In Runoff)

#05 - DEVIN MESORACO - 45.1%

#06 - WILL MYERS - 31.6% (51.4% In Runoff)

#07 - JESUS MONTERO - 61.3%

#08 - ANTHONY RENDON - 53.1%

#09 - TRAVIS D'ARNAUD - 46.6%

#10 - NOLAN ARENADO - 33.3%

#11 - MIGUEL SANO - 37.3%

#12 - YONDER ALONSO - 22.5% (45.3% In 3-Way Runoff)

#13 - FRANCISCO LINDOR - 26.1%

#14 - BUBBA STARLING - 33.8%

#15 - XANDER BOGAERTS - 25.0% (55.2% In 3-Way Runoff)

#16 - ANTHONY RIZZO - 27.8%

#17 - OSCAR TAVERAS - 40.3%

#18 - BRETT JACKSON - 20.3% (58.7% In Runoff)

#19 - YASMANI GRANDAL - 31.3%

#20 - JAKE MARISNICK - 27.3%

#21 - HAK-JU LEE - 28.0%

#22 - NICK FRANKLIN - 24.3%

#23 - CHESLOR CUTHBERT - 30.3%

#24 - CHRISTIAN YELICH - 27.1%

#25 - JONATHAN SINGLETON - 21.9% (53.8% In Runoff)

#26 - MIKE OLT - 21.5% (67.7% In Runoff)

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Players in my top thirty not on yet

19. Ryan Lavarnway
20. Gary Brown
25. Gary Sanchez
26. Michael Choice
28. Leonys Martin
29. Jonathan Schoop
30. Jean Segura

Looks like Sanchez is the best bet to get on next in this group, probably in the next three polls. Segura and Martin look like they could be on in the next 5-6 polls.

I really think people are underestimating Lavarnway. He is a legit power bat who is ML-ready, and plays a premium defensive position well enough to stay there for at least a few years. He has a much better chance of staying behind the plate than Montero, who was seventh on the list. Now, I am not saying he has the same offensive potential as Montero, and he is two years older. But the bat is much closer than what he is being given credit for, and some of the gap is made up by his ability to stay behind the plate. He has shown growth behind the plate, and his control of the running game is at least average. He is a bit more raw in the blocking and framing aspects, but has been given credit as a having a good work ethic and solid baseball IQ. Worse case scenario, he cannot stay behind the plate, and I still think his bat will be good enough for DH/1B. I may have overranked him at 19, but I think the community is starting to underrank him know that we are on poll 27, and it looks like he won’t get on until the late 30s at the earliest.

by cookiedabookie on Dec 8, 2025 8:56 PM EST reply actions

I agree on Lavarnway

I underestimated him some in the past but, he won me over this season. I thuink an extremely telling aspect of his hitting performance is that when he has got called up tio a much hiugher level the past two years - he hasn’t missed a beat! From Salem to Portland last year and, from Portland to Pawtucket this year.

"No good marriage ends in divorce" - Louis C.K.

by casejud on Dec 9, 2025 2:18 PM EST up reply actions

An interesting article

blogs.providencejournal.com/sports/red-sox/2011/07/a-best-case-sce.html

I mean, the dude had a .317 ISO in AAA this year.

by cookiedabookie on Dec 9, 2025 4:30 PM EST up reply actions

and

Pawtucket, I gather, is a tough place to hit. I’ve never heard anybody talk about it a lot but, I’ve seen some good hitters come from raking AA and struggle a bit. I’ll check it out.

"No good marriage ends in divorce" - Louis C.K.

by casejud on Dec 9, 2025 4:54 PM EST up reply actions

I agree on Gary Brown

SF Giants world,
http://forums.sfgiantsworld.net/giants/

by Calvn n Hobbs on Dec 10, 2025 5:56 PM EST up reply actions

Completely forgot about Gary Brown

I was supporting him a while back, and then I think I switched on a close vote sice he wasn’t close, and then afterwards he sort of slipped out of my consciousness. He’s definitely one of the better position players left for me.

Never participated in this type of thing before, and have only got into minor league baseball within the past year or so, and so I’m kind of building my list as I go and it’s difficult to keep ahead on research for some of the guys who I don’t know about, as different names come up.

by MjwW on Dec 13, 2025 2:27 AM EST up reply actions

Me too

I’m with you & cookie. Gary Brown is right there for me. I haven’t voted for him as of yet, but he’s one of my next couple along with Mike Mahtook, Michael Choice & a couple of cats from the tester pool.

by Matt0330 on Dec 13, 2025 9:08 AM EST up reply actions

Defense

I think it is interesting that there are so many centerfielders who project as decent bats who are cantidates here - Gary Brown, Starling Marte, Leonys Martin, George Springer, Mikie Mahtook. It’d be interesting to see where people heere think they stack up?

There is actually some debate amonst them. Martin, for one is a guy I liked a whole lot better before I read some not flattering reports about his defense (and his bat stalled in aaa). Brown also gets varrying reports. What do you guys think ( or even better, have you seen?) of these guys catching the ball?

I’m the vast minority but, I think Mahtook ends up the best player of this group. He hustles, has great skills in the OF and, I think he has a better swing than Springer. Its a tough call though. All of these guys have things to like honestly.

"No good marriage ends in divorce" - Louis C.K.

by casejud on Dec 9, 2025 2:26 PM EST reply actions

Jackie Bradley Jr.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/qa-jackie-bradley-jr-bosox-blueprint/

Here is a guy I just have a hunch on. I think that any player that anyone has a strong feeling will become a good major leaguer should strat to try and get on this list. because once you get to the 60s and, 70s, and deeper, I think we are talking about guys we have some doubts about.

I’ve always liked Bradley, as a lot of people did going into this season. He had a rouigh year but, after reading this interview it reminded me of one of the things a lot of people liked - his makeup. He has solid all around skills but, i think he has an understanding of hitting, his limitations and, making the pitcher work.

I think even if his skills are less, he will make it ahead of many of these guys here perhaps. I tghink of his skills as sort of like Gary Brown with the bat but, more instinctive with the glove. He also isn’t as fats as Brown but, he may have the best batting eye of all these CF’s.

"No good marriage ends in divorce" - Louis C.K.

by casejud on Dec 9, 2025 2:34 PM EST reply actions

Typically though, guys that were deemed mid first round talent aren’t going to jump into the top 50-60 prospects that following year, unless the minor league’s are unusually bare.

Bradley for me isn’t a top-100 at this time. Hunches are nice, but they take second seat to numbers and without any, it’s near impossible to justify a big ranking since it was a extremely talented class and the minor leagues are currently rich in prospects.

Maybe he’s better then Gary Brown, but right now, since Springer hasn’t faced much competition, and we won’t hold his 33 PA’s against him, It’s really hard to say the guy with no data/upper level experience is a better player when the one being compared to came off an impressive season in the mid-minors. That’s pretty much why prospect lists, and organizational lists are usually heavy at the top with guys closer to the majors…. the extra data.

by Amish_Willy on Dec 10, 2025 12:42 PM EST up reply actions

You don’t need numbers when you can spot a ballplayer A-Dub :) Besides, Bradley has outstanding data from his Freshman and Sophomare seasons. Besides that, this list that we are discussing currently has all sorts of guys who have no pro data. Also, the very idea of a list means different things to different folks. For me, I see it like a draft board and, in a draft - as you know - teams don’t have the luxury to wait for the “extra data”.

Also, hunches do not take a back seat to numbers . . . if you trust your hunch enough. One day you may have a feeling like that and, you’ll see. Or, maybe not.

" Kenny G has a Christmas album out this year. Hey, happy birthday, Jesus! Hope you like crap! " - Norm MacDonald

by casejud on Dec 10, 2025 2:08 PM EST up reply actions

In terms of testers

I think Brian Goodwin should get some love, probably not in the 30-35 range, but I’d take him over most of the test group right now. Reports from instructs were good.

by Jaumiusk on Dec 10, 2025 4:13 PM EST reply actions

Guys I'm voting for coming up

Rosario — was impressed with his season coming off a major injury, especially how many games he caught. Bat will round back into form, and premium defense.
Lavarnway — legit bat that can play 1b or C, and I believe that he can catch decently, a la Napoli.
Choice — numbers are intriguing, haven’t seen him in person…the AFL reports on his defense were good, so I’ll bite.
Baez — excellent reports from instructs (one of the factors that elevated Lindor to such heights on this list) and he has a much better bat (tradeoff being the glove).
Mahtook — good all-around game, could be Brett Jackson-esque (tad less speed/power, better contact tool).

guys I have furthest off from the list: Brown (want to see non-Cal LG offensive #s first), Segura, Wong, Schoop

by PrincetonCubs on Dec 12, 2025 1:27 PM EST reply actions

Hey Man, how are ya?

I like Rosario a lot. Every time I see him, I think of Miguel Olivo and, he hasn’t turned out too bad.

Laravnway is going to be a beast and, soon. I think he goes on the list high evn if he doesn’t project as a catcher.

Choice is an interesting one - choice. He doen’t pass the stat/age/level test but, I just have a feeling on him and his skills. His power and, defense in a acorner plays at the very least?

I’m a big Mahtook guy so, I agree with you there as well :)

I like your picks but, where is your boy Szczur buddy? Don’t forget our friendly wager!

" Kenny G has a Christmas album out this year. Hey, happy birthday, Jesus! Hope you like crap! " - Norm MacDonald

by casejud on Dec 13, 2025 2:17 AM EST up reply actions

doing good, hope the same for you

haven’t forgotten about Szczur, I’ve got him in my next bunch of guys for sure. he definitely fits in the group of top defensive CFs you described above.

Choice is confusing to me. I’m still figuring out what I think, but if the positive reports on his defense are true, it’s hard to ignore that power.

by PrincetonCubs on Dec 13, 2025 9:27 PM EST up reply actions

Choice

A guy who I could see Choice having a similar career to is Reggie Sanders. His long swing maty preclude him being consistent a a hitter but, his power and defense could make him usefull. I think there is a chance he could be a star as well, don’t get me wrong. I’ve seen him polay a bit and, I have a hard time getting a handle on his future as well.

" Kenny G has a Christmas album out this year. Hey, happy birthday, Jesus! Hope you like crap! " - Norm MacDonald

by casejud on Dec 13, 2025 11:18 PM EST up reply actions

Gary Sanchez

I don’t get all the love. The guy can’t catch so his value is all bat. Of course there is value in there but we should temper the expectations of a bat only guy in A ball

by peachesnnuts on Dec 12, 2025 6:02 PM EST reply actions

Jesus Montero #6?

you cant put a DH that high unless he hits like 20s Pujols. He is a Billy Butler clone.

I loving the KC love for myers and starling though. Both seem high, but I love the aggressiveness.

by Bronzillo on Dec 14, 2025 11:01 AM EST reply actions

and Cuthbert

23 overall is REALLY high for him. Awesome.

by Bronzillo on Dec 14, 2025 11:03 AM EST up reply actions

23rd on the prospect list

Top 50 overall. Where would you have him? Why?

by cookiedabookie on Dec 14, 2025 12:45 PM EST up reply actions

Thru the end of July, Cuthbert was sitting at around .300/.380/.500

and then he absolutely fell off the table going something like 5 for his last 90.

Since it was his first year of full season ball, and he was soooo young, the easy explanation is that he just hit the proverbial wall, and I still think that is most likely the case. I did read a report though, stating very simply that pitchers started busting him inside religiously and when he didn’t immediatly adjust (in those 90 abs or so), word spread quickly and he got frustrated and struggled.

Do it think he will adjust back eventually? Yes, but until so, i would slide him down to around 50 which is where I think he should be given his final line of: .267/.345/.397….50 is still a very elite level. By most rankings, he is about 4th or 5th in his own system behind Myers, Odorizzi, Monty, and Starling. At best 3rd. …..Don’t get me wrong Cookie, I love the guy, but he has some kinks to iron out.

by Bronzillo on Dec 14, 2025 9:13 PM EST up reply actions

So you have him back end of the top 100?

Still think that is a bit low, especially with the scouting reports and his good defense, especially if you are discounting him over 90 AB (small sample size and all that).

by cookiedabookie on Dec 15, 2025 10:07 AM EST up reply actions

not discounting him at all. Looking at the complete picture

It sound like your the one discounting his last month.

A (.328/.381/.500 thru the end of July) - B (Bad last month) = C (Final season line .267/.345/.397)

You just want to give him a mulligan for his season ending performance. If you do that, you could cherrypick the worst month out almost any prospect and make their overall line look much better.

Also, I wouldn’t say he is considered a “good” defender. He pleasantly surprised at 3B last year, but thats most likely because the reports before that weren’t nifty.

….Back end of the top 100? Do you actually read full user comments or just the first line? I clearly state that I would put him at around the 50th best prospect, a far cry from “the back end”.

by Bronzillo on Dec 15, 2025 12:09 PM EST up reply actions

Okay, I am confused on your ranking talk then

Since this is the positional list, and you complained about him being 23rd, which would put him in the top fifty overall. When you said around 50, I assumed you meant out of positional prospects, meaning he would be a back end top 100 overall. If you think he is top fifty overall, then I am not sure why you have issue with his placement at 23 on the positional list?

by cookiedabookie on Dec 15, 2025 12:37 PM EST up reply actions

I think

that Bronzillo missed that Cuthbert ranking 23rd was hitters only, as he specifically states 23rd overall when first talking about Cuthbert. Your reply to him said 23rd on the prospect list, where it should have read 23rd on the positional list.

I think you both actually have Cuthbert in the same range, top 50, but both sides misunderstood something the other said in regards to rankings leading to the confusion.

http://bullpenbanter.com

RIP Randy "Macho Man" Savage

by gatling on Dec 15, 2025 12:41 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, that is what it is looking like

Also, I think I misread some sarcasm in his first post (stupid internets).

by cookiedabookie on Dec 15, 2025 1:24 PM EST up reply actions

I did miss the positional designation

My bad. I have looked at so many lists…..I missed it.

by Bronzillo on Dec 15, 2025 3:20 PM EST up reply actions

Ah, no problem

Looks like we are on the same page now :)

by cookiedabookie on Dec 15, 2025 4:26 PM EST up reply actions

Plus

Chelsor was playing his age 18 season in full season ball, and had an above average bat at a premium defensive position in a tough league for offense, even with his bad last season:

114 wRC+, 114 OPS+, 107 wOBA+

I am not sure what’s not to like here.

by cookiedabookie on Dec 15, 2025 12:40 PM EST up reply actions

Montero is a consensus top ten positional prospect, even with the defensive shortcomings

That is how special his bat is. Where would you have him?

by cookiedabookie on Dec 14, 2025 12:46 PM EST up reply actions

though I think this is too low,

I really thought Nathanial Stoltz made some convincing points in this article:

http://seedlingstostars.com/2011/11/26/the-seedlings-to-stars-2012-top-100-prospects-42-jesus-montero/

I would put him in the 20-25 range. I understand the hype, but have always thought he was a tad overrated….I will state again, that 42 is too low. His bat is very impressive.

by Bronzillo on Dec 14, 2025 8:37 PM EST up reply actions

Let me add to this that I was disappointed

when, after not making the Yanks big team out of ST, he pouted and played half-assed for the next 2 months in AAA. Yeah well, Fuckin wah.

I admit that this is only my opinion and somewhat speculative, but I can’t motherf….. stand when certain players get drunk on their own inflated sense of entitlement, and it lends me to play devils advocate.

I mean, Desmond Jennings didn’t get his shot until he was 24 (some injuries I know) despite being mostly a Top ten guy for the last 2 years. I never heard or read of him bitching….To a lesser extent, Lorenzo Cain went thru a similar frustrating waiting period…..I digress

To Montero’s credit, he stuffed his sorrys in a sack and “manned up” in the 2nd half including an intimidating Sept call up.

by Bronzillo on Dec 14, 2025 9:53 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs