Top 20 MLB Prospects: September 2017

Here’s a quick snapshot of my current Top 20 MLB prospects.

This was originally supposed to be a much longer article: a revised Top 100 prospects list based on performance and reports through early August. However, my son has been hospitalized twice in the last three weeks (he’s recovering thankfully), which threw my work schedule into total chaos.

If I followed my normal procedures and processes, it would be at least another week before I could issue a revised list I was happy with, all the while falling further behind on other projects. Obviously something had to give here.

Rather than producing a Top 100 list that I’m not happy with or fall hopelessly behind on everything else, I’ve decided to shelve the larger list and just do a Top 20 for now. We can then get caught up with player profiles, and begin work on our team prospect lists for 2018!

This list was compiled without going through the normal process I usually use and is certainly open for discussion. I will be happy to answer any questions and discuss specific players in the comments section.

In the meantime, enjoy:

To be eligible for this list, a player can have no more than 130 at-bats in the majors as of September 1st, 50 innings pitched for starters, 30 for relievers. 2017 draftees were not considered.

1—-Rafael Devers, 3B, Boston Red Sox
2—-Ronald Acuna, OF, Atlanta Braves
3—-Vladimir Guerrero Jr, 3B, Toronto Blue Jays
4—-Yoan Moncada, 2B, Chicago White Sox
5—-Amed Rosario, SS, New York Mets

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

6—-Victor Robles, OF, Washington Nationals
7—-Eloy Jimenez, OF, Chicago White Sox
8—-Gleyber Torres, INF, New York Yankees
9—-Nick Senzel, 3B, Cincinnati Reds
10—Francisco Mejia, C, Cleveland Indians

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

11—Michael Kopech, RHP, Chicago White Sox
12—Forrest Whitley, RHP, Houston Astros
13—Fernando Tatis Jr, SS, San Diego Padres
14—Brendan Rodgers, SS, Colorado Rockies
15—Ozzie Albies, INF, Atlanta Braves

16—Luiz Gohara, LHP, Atlanta Braves
17—Triston McKenzie, RHP, Cleveland Indians
18—Mitch Keller, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
19—Lewis Brinson, OF, Milwaukee Brewers
20—Rhys Hoskins, OF-1B, Philadelphia Phillies

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

NOTES: The Top Seven are firm, but after that it gets mushier.

The positioning of Hoskins is problematic. He’s obviously been a complete beast but is the oldest guy on the list and has the least defensive value. The 20 spot could end up looking too low in the long run.

I think you can make a case for Whitley for the top pitching prospect ahead of Kopech.

Discuss!