Post by moenpdc (Shaun, MIL) on Feb 1, 2020 1:53:35 GMT -5
2020 MILWAUKEE BREWERS TOP PROSPECTS
#1 CJ Abrams , SS (SD) : Hit: 60 | Power: 50 | Run: 80 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55
Hailing from the same Blessed Trinity Catholic High (Roswell, Ga.) program that produced big leaguers Tyler Flowers and Matt Skole, Abrams separated himself from most of his 2019 Draft class peers with his blend of elite speed, athleticism and natural hitting ability. After garnering honors as Georgia's high school player of the year as a senior in 2019, Abrams signed with the Padres for $5.2 million, below slot value, after they selected him with the No. 6 overall pick. He immediately rewarded the organization's investment in him with a stellar pro debut, winning the Rookie Arizona League MVP Award -- batting .401 with 23 extra-base hits and 14 steals in 32 games -- before a late promotion to Class A Fort Wayne.
Abrams truly has game-changing speed, with 80-grade wheels that enable him to make an impact in all facets of the game. He's also a very impressive left-handed hitter, one who consistently finds the barrel with a short, fluid stroke that yields hard contact to all fields. More than a slap-and-dash hitter, Abrams already shows some pop and will develop even more as he adds strength to his wiry-athletic frame. Scouts project him for at least average game power at maturity, and there are some who think he'll surpass that projection.
Abrams' defensive outlook comes with a few more question marks, but only because he has the speed and tools to profile just about anywhere on the diamond. That speed gives him outstanding range as a shortstop, and he has the hands, actions and above-average arm strength needed to stick at the position. A move over to second base or even center field is a possibility if that doesn't work out.
#2 Alex Kirilloff, OF (MIN) : Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 55
The list of high schoolers from Western Pennsylvania who have been impactful big leaguers is relatively small. The list starts with Ken Griffey Sr., of course, and includes more recent examples like Neil Walker and Devin Mesoraco. Kirilloff, taken in the middle of the first round of the 2016 Draft as one of the best pure high school hitters in that class, has the chance to be the next. His path has been slowed by injuries -- Tommy John surgery cost him all of 2017 and wrist issues hampered him for much of 2019 after a huge 2018 campaign.
Even with the injury obstacles, Kirilloff is still considered one of the best hitters in the Minor Leagues, one who should continue to hit for both a high average and plenty of power, especially when healthy. He makes consistent hard contact and can drive the ball to all fields, with the left-handed hitter nearly as likely to hit the ball out the other way as he is to his pull side. He's willing to work counts and doesn't swing and miss a lot.
Kirilloff has the skills to be an average corner outfielder, with enough range and a solid arm to fit nicely in right field. He played a good amount of first base in 2019, something that will continue as the Twins want to increase his versatility, and he could be a better than average defender there. More than anything, playing multiple spots will give options to get that bat into the big league lineup, something that could happen in the near future.
THE REST OF THE LIST WILL BE UPDATED AS TOP 30 PER TEAM ON MLB IS RELEASED
#1 CJ Abrams , SS (SD) : Hit: 60 | Power: 50 | Run: 80 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55
Hailing from the same Blessed Trinity Catholic High (Roswell, Ga.) program that produced big leaguers Tyler Flowers and Matt Skole, Abrams separated himself from most of his 2019 Draft class peers with his blend of elite speed, athleticism and natural hitting ability. After garnering honors as Georgia's high school player of the year as a senior in 2019, Abrams signed with the Padres for $5.2 million, below slot value, after they selected him with the No. 6 overall pick. He immediately rewarded the organization's investment in him with a stellar pro debut, winning the Rookie Arizona League MVP Award -- batting .401 with 23 extra-base hits and 14 steals in 32 games -- before a late promotion to Class A Fort Wayne.
Abrams truly has game-changing speed, with 80-grade wheels that enable him to make an impact in all facets of the game. He's also a very impressive left-handed hitter, one who consistently finds the barrel with a short, fluid stroke that yields hard contact to all fields. More than a slap-and-dash hitter, Abrams already shows some pop and will develop even more as he adds strength to his wiry-athletic frame. Scouts project him for at least average game power at maturity, and there are some who think he'll surpass that projection.
Abrams' defensive outlook comes with a few more question marks, but only because he has the speed and tools to profile just about anywhere on the diamond. That speed gives him outstanding range as a shortstop, and he has the hands, actions and above-average arm strength needed to stick at the position. A move over to second base or even center field is a possibility if that doesn't work out.
#2 Alex Kirilloff, OF (MIN) : Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 55
The list of high schoolers from Western Pennsylvania who have been impactful big leaguers is relatively small. The list starts with Ken Griffey Sr., of course, and includes more recent examples like Neil Walker and Devin Mesoraco. Kirilloff, taken in the middle of the first round of the 2016 Draft as one of the best pure high school hitters in that class, has the chance to be the next. His path has been slowed by injuries -- Tommy John surgery cost him all of 2017 and wrist issues hampered him for much of 2019 after a huge 2018 campaign.
Even with the injury obstacles, Kirilloff is still considered one of the best hitters in the Minor Leagues, one who should continue to hit for both a high average and plenty of power, especially when healthy. He makes consistent hard contact and can drive the ball to all fields, with the left-handed hitter nearly as likely to hit the ball out the other way as he is to his pull side. He's willing to work counts and doesn't swing and miss a lot.
Kirilloff has the skills to be an average corner outfielder, with enough range and a solid arm to fit nicely in right field. He played a good amount of first base in 2019, something that will continue as the Twins want to increase his versatility, and he could be a better than average defender there. More than anything, playing multiple spots will give options to get that bat into the big league lineup, something that could happen in the near future.
THE REST OF THE LIST WILL BE UPDATED AS TOP 30 PER TEAM ON MLB IS RELEASED