1. C Willson Contreras
Good: Contreras can hit for tremendous average and has shown excellent discipline at the plate for the last year and a half. He's even added some power recently. His arm is great.
Bad: He's a converted infielder playing catcher, so his learning curve behind the dish will be longer. Power isn't ideal, even if it's solid.
ETA: 2016
Optimistic Outcome: 60 catcher; .300/.380/.450, no speed, average defense
Risk: 2
2. 2B/LF Ian Happ
Good: Happ controls the exchange between the pitcher and him. Despite playing only a month apiece at Eugene and South Bend, he was so successful across the board at Myrtle Beach that he got only 293 PAs there before jumping to Tennessee. Spectacular walk rate (17%+) without egregious Ks (23%). Power is above-average and plays to all fields, especially as a lefty hitter. No significant handedness platoon split as a pro. He's got average wheels, better than I expected from him. Only 21 in Double-A.
Bad: He may still be defensively homeless. He does have some length in his swing which could lead to elevated strikeout levels as he adjusts at the top level.
ETA: 2017
Optimistic Outcome: 60 second baseman; .270/.370/.440, average/plus speed, below-average defense
Risk: 3
3. RHP Dylan Cease
Good: Electric arm and clean mechanics after horrifying mechanics in high school. When you work in the mid-to-high-90s, the rest of the arsenal barely matters, but his curve looks 55+.
Bad: Changeup is awful and he's already got Tommy John on his resume. Really far from Majors.
ETA: 2019
Optimistic Outcome: 65 starting pitcher (#2 starter)
Risk: 5
Good: His bat-to-ball ability is plus and his discipline/approach has always been plus/plus-plus. Now, he's added some legitimate over-the-fence power. I've been low on Torres for a long time, but he's making a believer out of me; walk and strikeout rates are holding steady even as he climbs. He's almost 19 1/2.
Bad: He's not a burner. And he doesn't have great power, even if it looks good now.
ETA: 2018
Optimistic Outcome: 60 shortstop: .300/.400/.450, average speed, average defense
Risk: 3
5. 3B Jeimer Candelario
Good: Elite walk rate combined with a better-than-average K% around 18% at every level. Power has grown from average to slightly above average. Huge arm at third and average glove. No discernible platoon split. Young (22) for Triple-A.
Bad: He's slow and limited to a corner infield defensively. No big power. Limited flaws on the whole. Limited sample above High-A.
ETA: 2017
Optimistic Outcome: 55 third baseman: .270/.360/.440, very poor speed, average defense
Risk: 3
Good: Clifton was all heat with nothing else coming out of high school. He still has the low-to-mid-90s fastball. But I've been more impressed with the effectiveness of his changeup. Incredibly, in a year, it's his second-best pitch now. The slurve is still useful enough, if not plus. The fastball is a 60, so with two other 50s, he's in business. Clifton now features repeatable mechanics, even if they aren't perfectly efficient.
Bad: The mechanics are still new, so there's going to be some wobbliness for a while. His command still needs more growth.
ETA: 2018
Optimistic Outcome: 60 starting pitcher (#3 starter)
Risk: 4.5
7. OF Eloy Jimenez
Good: He's a great contact hitter who works the count well. There's tons of raw power, but even if his raw doesn't fully manifest itself, he's going to hit well. Big arm.
Bad: Bad defense. He doesn't move well and he's only getting bigger. He'll have to be hidden defensively.
ETA: 2019
Optimistic Outcome: 55 corner outfielder; .280/.350/.470; poor speed, poor defense
Risk: 4.5
Good: He's a great contact hitter who works the count well. There's tons of raw power, but even if his raw doesn't fully manifest itself, he's going to hit well. Big arm.
Bad: Bad defense. He doesn't move well and he's only getting bigger. He'll have to be hidden defensively.
ETA: 2019
Optimistic Outcome: 55 corner outfielder; .280/.350/.470; poor speed, poor defense
Risk: 4.5
8. 1B/DH Dan Vogelbach
Good: Superb on-base skills. He's always controlled his plate appearances. Game power finally showing up.
Bad: Not a feasible option defensively. He's incredibly slow, which will hurt his baserunning and ability to hit singles in the Majors more than it has in the minors.
ETA: 2016
Optimistic Outcome: 60 designated hitter or 50 first baseman; .270/.380/.450, no speed, horrendous defense
Risk: 1
9. CF Albert Almora
Good: Strong defender up the middle. Good bat-to-ball skills. Below-average power but just barely. Runs well enough.
Bad: His swing-first approach has always gotten him in trouble. Showed some signs of hope last summer but reverted to a "no walks" approach this spring. Too many swings yield weak contact, scuttling on-base and power skills.
ETA: 2016
Optimistic Outcome: 50 centerfielder; .270/.310/.400, average speed, plus defense
Risk: 2
10. SP Duane Underwood
Good: Great ceiling. Good body. Huge fastball. Plus curve with enough changeup to see three average-or-better pitches.
Bad: Elbow injuries ruin lots of careers. Mechanics are wobbly even when fully healty. Never had a lot of strikeouts.
ETA: 2018
Optimistic Outcome: 50 starting pitcher (#4 starter) or 55 relief pitcher (setup)
Risk: 5 (elbow)
11. CF Jacob Hannemann
Good: Speed. He's a burner and it works in center for him. It works on the basepaths, too. He used to have a massive platoon split, but that has been eliminated. Superb athleticism. Has average power with sliver of hope for more. Great range. Solid arm.
Bad: He's old (25) because of Mission and tends to strike out way too much (he has cut the K% this year so far).
ETA: 2017
Optimistic Outcome: 60 centerfielder; .260/.330/.410, plus-plus speed, above-average defense
Risk: 4.5
12. OF Mark Zagunis
Good: Tremendous plate approach. .400+ OBP at every level. Power has emerged some, though it will never be even below average.
Bad: Power doesn't match defensive profile (corner OF). Doesn't run much anymore.
ETA: 2017
Optimistic Outcome: 50 corner outfielder; .280/.380/.400, average speed, average defense
Risk: 1.5
13. RP Dave Berg
Good: He has allowed six walks and no homers in 50 1/3 professional innings. Batters at every level struggle with sidearm/submarine deliveries. He reached Double-A in 11 months.
Bad: The stuff isn't special or overpowering. Low strikeout rate for reliever.
ETA: 2017
Optimistic Outcome: 45 relief pitcher (middle relief)
Risk: 2
14. OF Eddy Julio Martinez
Good: Loud tools in super-athletic frame. Plus raw power. Runs well. Good swing. Big arm.
Bad: Tons of strikeouts and adjustment to pro ball has been slow. Despite big arm, makes bad decisions with where to throw ball. Going to be a longer development process.
ETA: 2019
Optimistic Outcome: 55 outfielder (still a chance for center); .270/.320/.430, plus speed, plus defense
Risk: 5
15. LHP Bryan Hudson
Good: True plus changeup. Still an average curveball, even though new mechanics have scuttled it to a degree. Huge body; still gets some plane, but lower release point minimizes this.
Bad: Raw and command needs lots of work. Not taking full advantage of his frame. Strikeouts are lacking.
ETA: 2020
Optimistic Outcome: 50 starting pitcher (#4/#5 starter)
Risk: 5
16. RHP Carl Edwards Jr.
Good: Electric stuff. Two pitches - fastball, curveball - are plus or plus-plus. Changeup works.
Bad: Awful body; incredibly lanky and lack of muscle has led to numerous injuries. Command is lacking and control is subpar. Stunning risk for a player already in the Majors.
ETA: 2016
Optimistic Outcome: 55 relief pitcher (setup/closer)
Risk: 3
17. RHP Jake Stinnett
Good: Big arsenal with tailing mid-90s fastball, power slurve. Command is improving and his walk rate has been dropping after years of control problems.
Bad: Command is way off. Mechanics still look like they're new to Stinnett, even after years of working with them. Slow development was expected but it's still discouraging.
ETA: 2018
Optimistic Outcome: 55 starting pitcher (#4 starter)
Risk: 5
18. RHP Armando Rivero
Good: Powerful fastball-curveball combination. Both pitches have big movement and velocity.
Bad: Already 28 (Cuban defector). Command woes with big walk rates.
ETA: 2016
Optimistic Outcome: 45 relief pitcher (middle relief)
Risk: 1
19. RHP Paul Blackburn
Good: Always kept walks low. Has dropped home run rate every year as a pro. Diverse arsenal. Still young for level (22 in Double-A).
Bad: Expected velocity jump never came. Body never filled out quite as much as hoped.
ETA: 2017
Optimistic Outcome: 50 starting pitcher (#5 starter) or swingman
Risk: 3
20. CF Donnie Dewees
Good: Plus speed that gives him good range in outfield and helps boost his batting average. Good development thus far with improvements in BB%, K%, and ISO.
Bad: Speed is only plus tool. Severe wrist injury in college still concerning. Average raw power but below-average game power or worse.
ETA: 2019
Optimistic Outcome: 45 outfielder (4th outfielder); .275/.335/.400, plus speed, above-average defense
Risk: 4
21. 3B Christian Villanueva
Good: MLB-ready. Average raw has emerged into over-the-fence power. Remains an above-average defender.
Bad: Severe leg injury will cost him most of 2016. Below-average on-base skills. Done developing.
ETA: 2016
Optimistic Outcome: 45 third baseman
Risk: 5
22. RHP Jen-Ho Tseng
Good: Strong command of a diverse arsenal where everything moves: fastball, changeup, slider, and curveball. Big enough frame to stick in rotation. Possible that movement on pitches generates low BABIP. Only 21 in Double-A rotation. I still love Tseng.
Bad: No plus pitches. HR% and BB% have climbed at every level; K% has dropped at every level and is now subpar. Lost a month to a shoulder injury this year. Could be in trouble if more velocity doesn't come in future years.
ETA: 2018
Optimistic Outcome: 50 starting pitcher (#4/#5 starter)
Risk: 3
23. RHP Oscar De La Cruz
Good: Huge arm with powerful mid-90s heat; effortless gas. Classic starter's build at 6-5, 220 pounds. His 12-6 curve is a plus pitch, although it's not a power hammer.
Bad: Likely facing Tommy John surgery. Only in short-season ball. Will likely be 23 before making full-season debut. No real changeup yet.
ETA: 2021
Optimistic Outcome: 60 starting pitcher (#2/#3 starter)
Risk: 5!
24. C Victor Caratini
Good: Positional bonus. Uses all fields well when hitting. Fantastic BB% and K% hasn't climbed a bit as he climbs system.
Bad: Defense will never be his calling card, a damning proposition for a catcher. Hits lefties much better, so he may be stuck in short side of a platoon - bad fit with Cubs having Contreras.
ETA: 2018
Optimistic Outcome: 45 catcher (fringe starter or plus reserve); .260/.350/.360, no speed, below-average defense
Risk: 2
25. RHP Pedro Araujo
Good: Good build at 6-3, 210 pounds. Average low-90s fastball without much movement, maybe a 45. Two different breaking balls, one slurve and one curve, neither of which is average yet. But the calling card here: the changeup. It's a true plus-plus offering the falls off the table. It's going to get him to the Majors. Command is strong, particularly of changeup.
Bad: Tough to make it as a reliever with an underwhelming fastball. Just reached High-A a few days before his 23rd birthday.
ETA: 2017
Optimistic Outcome: 55 relief pitcher (setup)
Risk: 2.5
26. RHP Jose Albertos
Good: Explosive arm. Sits in the mid-90s for multiple innings and hits 97-98 somewhat regularly. Just as importantly, changeup is already working and slider seems to work well. At 6-1, 185 pounds, he's big enough to start. Stateside at 17 for $1.5M bonus baby from Mexico. Could be top-ten by September. No command problems of note.
Bad: Only 17, so risk is immense. Limited information thus far.
ETA: 2020
Optimistic Outcome: 65 starting pitcher (#2 starter)
Risk: 5!!
27. LHP Carson Sands
Good: Excellent starter's body (6-4, 205 pounds). Solid sinking changeup. Adequate fastball (flat, high-80s).
Bad: Old for his level (already 21). Curveball is underwhelming, lacks movement. No plus pitches.
ETA: 2019
Optimistic Outcome: 50 starting pitcher (#5 starter) or swingman
Risk: 5
28. 2B Chesny Young
Good: Incredible bat control. It's his only tool but it's great. BB% has improved to plus as he climbs. Very low K%; throwback player in that regard. Speed is good.
Bad: No raw power at all. He'll get XBHs from line drives but balls aren't going over the wall. Mediocre defender given limited athleticism.
ETA: 2017
Optimistic Outcome: 40 second baseman (reserve); .275/.345/.355
Risk: 2
29. RHP Jesus Castillo
Good: Incredible return for Tony Campana after signing with Arizona for $250K. Fastball works at 90-91 and can get to 93; good bite on slurve. Very live arm. While he has only two pitches, he throws both to all parts of the plate.
Bad: He's seriously raw: he works out of the stretch full-time despite starting at Eugene. Body is still slight, despite frame looking like it could push 200 pounds. No changeup yet.
ETA: 2019
Optimistic Outcome: 50 starting pitcher (#5 starter) or long relief
Risk: 5
30. RHP Adbert Alzolay
Good: Very live arm. Low-90s fastball and useful 12-6 curve. Won rotation job in full-season ball. Low BB% and low HR%.
Bad: Strikeouts have dropped at South Bend. Slight 6-0 frame.
ETA: 2019
Optimistic Outcome: 45 starting pitcher (#5 starter) or long relief
Risk: 5
31. RHP Erling Moreno
Good: Good build at 6-3, 200 pounds. Plus fastball and plus changeup before injury. Good results in extremely limited Rookie League samples. Still only 19.
Bad: 2014 Tommy John surgery has slowed his development. Breaking ball needed to be scrapped and rebuilt before he got hurt; there's less wiggle room for developing it now.
ETA: 2020
Optimistic Outcome: 50 starting pitcher (#4/#5 starter)
Risk: 5!
32. RHP Tyson Miller
Good: Good starter's frame at 6-4, 195 pounds. Consistent low-90s fastball with light movement. Solid low-80s changeup and slider at about 80. Young for college draftee (still 20). Strong Cape Cod League showing.
Bad: No true plus pitches. Underwhelming collegiate competition at Division II Cal Baptist.
ETA: 2020
Optimistic Outcome: 55 starting pitcher (#4 starter)
Risk: 4.5
33. OF Charcer Burks
Good: Plus-plus speed. Showing signs of development at plate with average-or-better power showing up in games. BB% has stabilized above 10%. True signs of progress. Plus glove. Solid development overall from overslot bonus.
Bad: Still has a long way to go as batting average has cratered at High-A. After big K% drop in 2015, they've climbed some in 2016.
ETA: 2019
Optimistic Outcome: 40 outfielder (reserve); .240/.300/.360, great speed, good defense
Risk: 4.5
34. OF Billy McKinney
Good: Still possess plus hit tool with nice, compact swing. Good pedigree. Strong plate approach leads to consistently high BB% with consistently better-than-average K%.
Bad: Previously slight power has vanished; no thump in bat anymore. Limited to corner outfield and mediocre defender at that. Lacks pure athleticism. Below-average runner.
ETA: 2018
Optimistic Outcome: 45 corner outfielder (reserve); .270/.340/.390, poor speed, poor defense
Risk: 3
35. RHP Pierce Johnson
Good: Fastball-slurve combination used to be organization's best and it's still good.
Bad: Injuries have ravaged body. Previously fringy command has regressed instead of improved. Changeup is poor.
ETA: 2017
Optimistic Outcome: 45 starting pitcher (#5 starter) or swingman
Risk: 3
36. SS Aramis Ademan
Good: Good hands should help him hit once his body matures. Reports on glove and arm are strong, so he should stay up the middle. He's drawn plenty of walks in tiny sample.
Bad: Body is so slight (5-10, 150 pounds at signing). Power is exceedingly unlikely. Speed said to be no better than average. Only in Dominican Summer League and struggling there.
ETA: 2022
Optimistic Outcome: 45 shortstop: average speed, plus glove
Risk: 5!
37. LHP Justin Steele
Good: Gets his strikeouts. Both his fastball and his big-breaking curveball have the ability to be 45-50 pitches with curve having a chance to be plus. Got a big bonus from Epstein/Hoyer/McLeod, so smart people think highly of him.
Bad: 30-35 grade command; in particular, he has an alarmingly poor feel for his fastball, yielding lots of walks and lots of middle-middle hittable heaters. Flamed out in debut in Midwest League and is nearly 21 heading back to short-season ball. Changeup should be scrapped.
ETA: 2020
Optimistic Outcome: 40 starting pitcher (spot starter) or long relief (up-and-down arm)
Risk: 5
38. CF Darryl Wilson
Good: Very fast. Swing is smooth and should help him hit for solid average, especially combined with wheels. Should cover lots of ground in outfield.
Bad: Very small; little to no power in package. In brief pro sample, he has struck out far too often for a powerless bat. Poor arm.
ETA: 2020
Optimistic Outcome: 45 outfielder; .260/.320/.360, great speed, above-average defense
Risk: 5
39. LHP Rob Zastryzny
Good: Fastball has good pace and appears to sneak up on hitters. Changeup drops nicely and curveball has plenty of movement.
Bad: His command is surprisingly awful. He has below-average command of his fastball and basically no command of his secondaries. As he has climbed the system, his K% has dropped substantially and his BB% has climbed at a similar rate.
ETA: 2017
Optimistic Outcome: 40 starting pitcher (spot starter) or long relief (up-and-down arm)
Risk: 3
40. RHP Dakota Mekkes
Good: Huge body at 6-7, 240 pounds. Struck out more than half of the batters he faced in college and didn't allow a single homer in 69 innings. Fastball can get up to 94 and works in the low-90s. Slider has bite.
Bad: Nearly seven BB/9 in college and huge body often portends command issues over time.
ETA: 2020
Optimistic Outcome: 50 relief pitcher (setup)
Risk: 5
41. C Ian Rice
Good: Amazing production at every level. Power has been superb in the pros and he blasted 10 homers in 139 ABs as a sophomore at Chipola Junior College. Ball absolutely explodes off of his bat; true plus power. Dating to sophomore year in college, he has an 18.4% BB%; only 15.9% K% over same span. I genuinely like his swing mechanics, even though there's a weird crouch. He could explode up prospect lists.
Bad: From my very limited viewing, his defense doesn't look good enough at all. He could also never appear on mainstream prospect lists; has an uphill battle as 29th round pick.
ETA: 2018
Optimistic Outcome: 55 first baseman; .270/.370/.470, no speed, poor defense
Risk: 5!!
42. RHP Daury Torrez
Good: Fastball is in low-90s with strong running action. Strikeouts have played up in move to bullpen, though still well below-average for reliever. Breaker is adequate. Body to bear load.
Bad: BB%, though still strong, has kicked up in move to bullpen. BABIP climb too, though sample is tiny.
ETA: 2018
Optimistic Outcome: 45 relief pitcher (middle relief)
Risk: 3
43. RHP Thomas Hatch
Good: Low-to-mid-90s fastball with good running action; previously hit higher in shorter stints. Low-80s slider could be average.
Bad: UCL sprain cost him most of 2015; no Tommy John yet. Mechanics are inconsistent and laborious. 3/4 delivery could hurt command.
ETA: 2020
Optimistic Outcome: 40 relief pitcher (organizational arm)
Risk: 4.5
44. SS Yonathan Perlaza
Good: Switch-hitter with a solid stroke from both sides of the plate. Swing looks good from both sides of plate. Good athlete.
Bad: Very far from Majors - he's still in the Dominican. Small stature will limit power even if he continues to spray line drives. Doesn't look as athletic as other shortstop prospects, so second base could be future home.
ETA: 2021
Optimistic Outcome: 50 second baseman; .280/.340/.430, average speed, average glove
Risk: 5!
45. OF Jonathan Sierra
Good: Good frame for traditional corner outfield power hitter at 6-3, 190 pounds despite being only 17. Reports indicate that he should have a good approach and his minimal sample indicates that as he has drawn plenty of walks.
Bad: Not hitting yet in Dominican Summer League in tiny sample. Very raw. Other teams and publications weren't nearly as high on him as Cubs. Swing has tons of wasted movement that should be ironed out as he spends time with professional coaches and adds muscle, but swing revisions add risk.
ETA: 2022
Optimistic Outcome: 50 corner outfielder; .250/.330/.410, average speed, average defense
Risk: 5!
46. OF Bijan Rademacher
Good: Results. Rademacher has super BB% and K% at Double-A and his power has gone from below-average to above-average in a repeat visit to the level. He's got a nice approach at the plate.
Bad: No speed and my limited looks at his defense have been unimpressive. He doesn't have the most athletic build either; he's undersized and generates his power by using a significant load, something that is often exploited at the top level. The loopiness in his swing reminds me of Hee Seop Choi. Reperating Double-A at 25 isn't encouraging.
ETA: 2017
Optimistic Outcome: 40 corner outfielder; .250/.335/.375, below-average speed, poor glove
Risk: 2
47. LHP Gerardo Concepcion
Good: Two 50-grade pitches with a low-90s fastball and a low-80s slurve. Command has improved significantly in the past year. Solid build.
Bad: Command has been very poor for duration of career to this point.
ETA: 2016
Optimistic Outcome: 45 relief pitcher (middle relief)
Risk: 2
48. RHP Ryan McNeil
Good: His fastball is straight but with good pop. Good build for power stuff at 6-3, 210 pounds. Strikeout rate has risen nicely as walks have dropped. Good signs of progress.
Bad: Full-time reliever as a 22-year-old at High-A. 2012 Tommy John surgery scuttled his development. Slurve is a get-me-over offering.
ETA: 2018
Optimistic Outcome: 40 relief pitcher
Risk: 2.5
49. RHP Tyler Skulina
Good: Ideal starter's build (6-4, 235 pounds). Strong minor league results before this year.
Bad: Already 24 and getting crushed at Double-A. Despite collegiate success, appears to have reached his limit. Home runs, walks, and strikeouts are all serious problems.
ETA: 2018
Optimistic Outcome: 35 organizational arm
Risk: 5
50. RHP Corey Black
Good: He's always had a plus fastball and his slider was once among the best in the organization. After struggling for a couple of years, his big strikeout numbers are back and his walks are back down to a more manageable level.
Bad: Serious command issues have completely derailed his trajectory. Seriously undersized at 5-11, 175 pounds.
ETA: 2016
Optimistic Outcome: 45 relief pitcher (middle relief)
Risk: 2
51. 3B Wladimir Galindo
Good: Decent swing mechanics. Consistently hits for plus average and drives the ball.
Bad: Injuries in bad spots (hands, wrists). Defensive profile ambiguous. No walks and lots of strikeouts. Extremely raw. Swing can be rigid.
ETA: 2020
Optimistic Outcome: 50 third baseman; .290/.340/.460, below-average speed, below-average defense
Risk: 5
52. C Miguel Amaya
Good: Amaya checks off many of the boxes that I like to see in a catching prospect. Scouts rave about his receiving and overall defense, not just his raw skills. Accordingly, he's less likely to undergo a position switch than most teenage catching prospects. He's young for his class, having turned 17 in March. He's got good size at 6-1, 175 pounds, but he's not too big to stick behind the plate. And in his limited sample in three weeks in the Dominican, he's got a 1-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in addition to hitting for good average. So far, so good.
Bad: He's still a 17-year-old who hasn't made it to the states yet. And while he was rated highly in last year's IFA class (#22), he wasn't among the elite names. His current swing does have a hole inside, but it's too soon to worry about that.
ETA: 2022
Optimistic Outcome: 55 catcher; .260/.330/.400, below-average speed, plus defense
Risk: 5!
53. RHP Juan Paniagua
Good: Big fastball.
Bad: Command is very poor. Far too many walks without enough strikeouts to make up for them. Paniagua lost his rotation job last year and the results have been even worse this year.
ETA: 2017
Optimistic Outcome: 40 relief pitcher (middle relief)
Risk: 5
54. OF Jeffrey Baez
Good: Plus raw power. Solid athleticism. Surprisingly plus speed despite somewhat stocky build.
Bad: Lots of strikeouts and not nearly enough game power to justify them. Walk rates have been mediocre. Not too old at 22, but he's scuffling mightily at High-A so he needs to straighten things out quickly.
ETA: 2018
Optimistic Outcome: 40 corner outfielder; .240/.290/.400, above-average speed, average defense
Risk: 5
55. RHP Felix Pena
Good: Tons of strikeouts at Triple-A suggest that he's ready for a crack at the Majors. Good fastball velocity and an average curveball.
Bad: Command woes cost him his rotation job and he's already 26. Never put on much weight and his fastball is plenty straight.
ETA: 2016
Optimistic Outcome: 45 relief pitcher (middle relief)
Risk: 2
56. RHP James Norwood
Good: Plus fastball. Ability to get by on one pitch.
Bad: Both of his breaking pitches are subpar due to lack of velocity and movement. More importantly, injuries have slowed him in college and multiple times as a professional. He's languishing on the disabled list in the Midwest League at 22.
ETA: 2019
Optimistic Outcome: 40 relief pitcher (middle relief)
Risk: 4.5
57. RHP Jonathan Martinez
Good: Excellent changeup. Both his fastball and slider project as average if everything breaks right, giving him a real shot a three average-or-better offerings. Command is strong.
Bad: His velocity is poor and he hasn't shown an ability to strike out batters at any level. Most damning, after a solid 116 innings at High-A last year, the Cubs made the puzzling choice to send him back to Myrtle Beach where he is allowing more home runs, issuing more walks, and striking out even fewer batters. He appears to have stalled.
ETA: 2019
Optimistic Outcome: 50 starting pitcher (#5 starter)
Risk: 5
58. RHP Jeremy Null
Good: Ideal starter's frame at 6-7, 225 pounds. Good two-seam tail on his average fastball. Solid curveball. His walk rate has been superb at every level, yet he doesn't allow an egregious amount of power despite living in the zone.
Bad: Changeup has always been subpar and I haven't seen meaningful improvement this year.
ETA: 2018
Optimistic Outcome: 45 starting pitcher (#5 starter) or swingman
Risk: 4.5
59. OF Kwing-Min Kwon
Good: At 6-2, 210 pounds, Kwon has a solid power-hitting frame. Beautiful compact lefty stroke that is naturally geared toward loft.
Bad: He's still 18 with no stateside game experience. All of his development is ahead of him.
ETA: 2021
Optimistic Outcome: 45 corner outfielder; .260/.335/.430, below-average speed, below-average defense
Risk: 5!
60. RHP Starling Peralta
Good: Big fastball velocity. Good height that generates plane.
Bad: He stopped striking out batters and started walking a ton of them. He's also 25 already.
ETA: 2017
Optimistic Outcome: 40 relief pitcher (middle relief)
Risk: 3
61. LHP Kyle Twomey
Good: Solid command of a varied arsenal. Good prospect pedigree. His sweeping curveball should keep him relevant.
Bad: Velocity and body haven't increased in five years, so it's probably never happening beyond high-80s. Lacks frame to carry workload or develop usable velocity.
ETA: 2019
Optimistic Outcome: 40 starting pitcher (spot starter)
Risk: 5
62. OF Rashad Crawford
Good: Strong raw tools. BB% and K% have both improved significantly at High-A. Plus speed. Some raw power showing up in games.
Bad: Naturally hitting ability is lacking; hence average in .220s at a 22-year-old. Overall production to date is uninspiring.
ETA: 2019
Optimistic Outcome: 50 outfielder; .245/.305/.365, plus speed, plus defense
Risk: 5
63. RHP Chad Hockin
Good: Solid low-90s fastball with tailing action. Slightly below average low-80s slider with chance for a bit more.
Bad: Two-pitch reliever with injury concerns. His velocity on both pitches had been 4-6 miles her hour higher earlier in the year, but after a layoff, the velocity dropped.
ETA: 2019
Optimistic Outcome: 50 relief pitcher (setup)
Risk: 5
64. LHP Jose Paulino
Good: Strong low-90s sinking fastball. 50 slider. Great command and plenty of strikeouts in small short-season sample.
Bad: He's already 21 and just now making his short-season ball debut. Changeup is useless right now.
ETA: 2021
Optimistic Outcome: 55 starting pitcher (#4 starter)
Risk: 5!
65. RHP Ryan Williams
Good: Skipped High-A, yet still has excellent results at every level. He's got a good starter's body. Infinitesimal walk rate throughout minors.
Bad: There's just no stuff. A mid-to-high-80s sinker and a frisbee slider has carried him through the minors. Not nearly enough stuff to make it in the Majors.
ETA: 2017
Optimistic Outcome: 40 starting pitcher (spot starter)
Risk: 1
66. RHP Erick Leal
Good: Strong command and walk rate throughout minors. Chance for three average pitches. 21-year-old pitching very well at High-A. I really like his huge bender. Fastball may not be plus, but his ability to throw it straight, as a sinker, and with good running action, depending on the situation, will help it to play up.
Bad: No pitches are above-average as of yet.
ETA: 2018
Optimistic Outcome: 50 starting pitcher (#5 starter)
Risk: 4.5
67. SS Isaac Paredes
Good: Stateside at 17. Decent line drive plane in swing.
Bad: Looks much too stocky to stay at shortstop, adding pressure to bat. Swing is noisy and choppy.
ETA: 2021
Optimistic Outcome: 50 third baseman; .250/.320/.400, below-average speed, below-average glove
Risk: 5!
68. RHP Bailey Clark
Good: Big fastball velocity in a great power pitcher body at 6-4, 220 pounds.
Bad: Arm injury history with velocity loss having already occurred. Whip in his delivery portends future injuries, too.
ETA: 2019
Optimistic Outcome: 40 relief pitcher (middle relief)
Risk: 4
69. RHP Preston Morrison
Good: Both curveball and changeup are average offerings. Command is solid.
Bad: Subpar fastball that works in mid-to-high-80s. Still in Midwest League despite turning 23 in weeks.
ETA: 2019
Optimistic Outcome: 40 relief pitcher (middle relief)
Risk: 4.5
70. OF Kevonte Mitchell
Good: Sublimely athletic build at 6-4, 185 pounds. Great walk rates as a pro. Excellent speed.
Bad: Way too many strikeouts and no power yet as a pro. Extremely raw. Choppy swing.
ETA: 2020
Optimistic Outcome: 50 centerfielder; .270/.320/.400, plus speed, plus glove
Risk: 5!
71. RHP Zach Hedges
Good: Good starter's frame. Excellent command in limiting walks and avoiding hard contact thus far.
Bad: Lacks pedigree. High-80s fastball with mediocre offspeed pitches. 23 with fewer than 100 innings at High-A.
ETA: 2019
Optimistic Outcome: 40 starting pitcher (spot starter)
Risk: 5
72. LHP Ryan Kellogg
Good:Solid results. Minimal walk problems and great starter's build.
Bad: Stuff is alarmingly underwhelming, especially in person. No real chance to improve stuff at 22.
ETA: 2020
Optimistic Outcome: 40 relief pitcher (middle relief)
Risk: 4
