2018 American League East: Sleeper Alert prospect results

At the end of spring training we wrote up a report on Sleeper Prospects for each major league organization. With the minor league season at an end this seems like a good time to review the list and see how we did.

We already looked at the National League East, which you can access here.

Here’s the American League East. This list was originally published on March 29, 2018

BALTIMORE ORIOLES: Yefry Ramirez, RHP;

Pre-Season report: Age 24, from the Dominican Republic, acquired from Yankees for international bonus slot money last summer, went 15-3, 3.47 with 117/49 K/BB in 124 innings in Double-A, fastball 90-95, plus change-up, average slider, chance to reinforce major league staff later this year.

Result: Has split the season between Triple-A (3.88 ERA, 72/22 K/BB in 72 innings) and the majors, with 5.50 ERA in 56 innings for Baltimore, 55/30 K/BB; needs to lower the walks but has a shot as a fourth starter or bullpen asset.

BOSTON RED SOX: Roldani Baldwin, C:

Pre-season report: Age 22, from the Dominican Republic, hit .274/.310/.489 with 14 homers, 19 walks, 73 strikeouts in 368 at-bats in Low-A, also hit 35 doubles; threw out 33% of runners though rest of defense needs work, understandable as converted infielder; watch power production as he moves up, won’t be in majors soon.

Result: Injury-plagued and disappointing season, hitting .233/.282/.371 in High-A, four different trips to the disabled list makes it hard to get momentum; showed some power but strike zone judgment and defense regressed.

NEW YORK YANKEES: Brian Keller, RHP:

Pre-season report: Age 23, 39th round pick in 2016 from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; 3.13 ERA in 144 innings in Low-A/High-A, 157/28 K/BB, would get more attention in other systems; low-90s fastball, plus change-up, average curveball that flashes above-average, throws strikes, great find that low in the draft.

Result: Solid season in Double-A, 3.74 ERA in 125 innings, 114/37 K/BB, no real change in profile, still a sleeper.

TAMPA BAY RAYS: Drew Strotman, RHP:

Pre-season report: Age 21, fourth round pick in 2017 from St. Mary’s; posted 1.78 ERA in 51 innings in NY-P with 42/9 K/BB, just 29 hits allowed; dominant in short-season A-ball, velocity has increased from low-90 into mid-90s and has command of slider and change-up, in most systems he would be a candidate to move quickly but the Rays have so much ahead of him it may take longer.

Result: Made nine starts in Low-A and did pretty well, 3.52 ERA in 46 innings, 43/18 K/BB, but blew out his elbow and had Tommy John surgery.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS: Jordan Romano, RHP:

Pre-season report: Age 24, 10th round pick in 2014 from Oral Roberts but born in Ontario; 3.39 ERA in 138 innings in High-A, 138/54 K/BB, just two homers allowed, Tommy John survivor; fastball 92-96, plus slider, change-up and overall command need work but even small improvements would go a long way, watch his K/BB ratio.

Result: Made 25 starts in Double-A and one in Triple-A, posting 12-8 record, 4.11 ERA, 128/45 K/BB in 142 innings; no real change in profile, should get a look in the majors in 2019.