Blue Jays Prospect Report - July 2017

[Orioles]

Players appearing on Baseball America's Midseason Top 10 Lists...


TEAM TOP 10 PROSPECTS

1. Chris Shaw, 1B/OF (Giants) - In a power-oriented game, Shaw’s significant lefthanded power and his improving barrel control makes him a pretty safe bet to be a useful big leaguer in the not-too-distant future. Shaw has played left field exclusively since being promoted to Triple-A, preparing him for his most likely spot in San Francisco.

3. Juan Soto, OF (Nationals) - Much like Robles last year, big things were expected of Soto in his full-season debut in the South Atlantic League. He delivered on that promise until he hurt his right ankle on a slide into home plate. The 18-year-old Soto put up a .950 OPS with three homers and 14 RBIs before the injury. He doesn’t have the same defensive cachet as Robles, but the Nationals see him as an impact corner outfielder.

4. Luis Castillo, RHP (Reds) - Picked up in the offseason Dan Straily trade, Castillo has been a revelation for the Reds. He’s always had a big arm, but his ability to pitch at 97-98 mph while messing with hitters’ minds with a plus changeup and plus control has paved his way to the big leagues. Developing a consistent slider is the last thing he has to do to make sure he’s in Cincinnati to stay.

4. Ryan McMahon, 1B/2B/3B (Rockies) - McMahon bounced back from a subpar 2016 and is tearing the cover off the ball in Triple-A. He is driving the ball to all fields, handling pitches on the outer half and showing the ability to adjust quickly. McMahon has further added defensive versatility, playing first and second base more than his natural third base this season.

4. Justin Dunn, RHP (Mets) - Dunn’s stuff has been fine at its best in his first full pro season, but he’s been less consistent than scouts expected. His secondary stuff is his biggest issue. On his best days, he shows multiple above-average pitches, but on the nights where he can’t locate a breaking ball, hitters have teed off.

8. Dinelson Lamet, RHP (Padres) - Lamet threw his changeup extensively at Triple-A El Paso early in the season in an attempt to make it a viable third pitch alongside his plus fastball and slider. He succeeded and has since risen to San Diego, where he is averaging 12.4 strikeouts-per-nine innings in the rotation but been hampered by inconsistent command.

8. Miguel Andujar, 3B (Yankees) - Andujar got his first taste of the big leagues this year, and has shown tremendous growth on both sides of the ball. He’s learning how to stay behind the ball and drive it with the authority he can because of his quick bat and strong hands. He’s continuing to refine himself defensively at third base as well.

8. Peter Lambert, RHP (Rockies) - Evaluators have been impressed with how well the 20-year-old is handling the challenges of Lancaster and the California League. Lambert’s stuff has been solid across the board, with a 91-94 mph fastball and a curveball and changeup that both draw future above-average-to-plus grades. His intangibles, including his competitiveness and ability to thrive in pressure situations, have further drawn strong reviews.


RISING

- LHP Darwinzon Hernandez (Red Sox) ranked as the team’s No. 30 prospect before this season, and while control remains a problem, he has a power fastball and the ability to miss bats with 11.1 K/9 in low Class A Greenville.

- RHP Jorge Guzman (Yankees) has blazed through the short-season New York-Penn League with a fastball that has touched as high as 102 mph.

- C Danny Jansen (Blue Jays) finally stayed healthy and has shown an above-average contact-oriented hitting ability to go with average catch-and-throw skills while advancing to Double-A.

- 1B/3B Edwin Rios (Dodgers) led the Double-A Texas League with an .891 OPS before being promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City last week. He’s also started seeing time in left field.

- C Keibert Ruiz (Dodgers) hit .317 with a .372 on-base percentage as an 18-year old in the Midwest League while maintaining his excellent defensive reputation, and earned a promotion to Rancho Cucamonga.