Thanks to the introduction of Hawk-Eye data in some minor league parks, prospect analysts are able to measure particular skills at a level that no one would have imagined 10 years ago.
Over the years, my process of evaluating prospects has evolved to a blend of analytics, in-person scouting and video.
I’ve started to appreciate particular skill sets. These biases are noticeably prevalent when discussing hitters. I like position players with a well-balanced skill set: a blend of impact (90th percentile exit velocity), good swing decisions (out-of-zone chase rate), average bat-to-ball skills (contact rate) and the ability to be able to turn that into production.
The minor league hitters presented here caught my eye because of metrics and in-person observation. No player highlighted here ranked as an end-of-season Top 100 Prospect.
MIGUEL BLEIS, OF, RED SOX
FLORIDA COMPLEX LEAGUE
Chase: 27%. 90th EV: 104 mph. Contact: 74%.
This story is from the October 2022 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2022 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HOW THE MAJORS HAVE CHANGED FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
When negotiating the 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the MLB Players Association prioritized the earning power of young major league players, especially young stars.
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Blaze Alexander entered spring training as a long shot to make the team, but there he was on March 28, starting and batting seventh in the D-backs’ Opening Day lineup.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Louisville Slugger makes Prime bat 30% harder by dipping into 1902 company patent
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
After narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament last year, UC Irvine is determined to finish strong
MORE HARM THAN GOOD?
Dramatically scaling back young pitchers’ workloads has failed to keep them healthier
GEM COLLECTOR
In just four years, Diamond Baseball Holdings has become the most powerful owner ever in Minor League Baseball. What is the plan for their 33 teams—and counting?
LIFE AFTER AFFILIATED BALL
For many minor league teams that lost their MLB affiliations, it has been business as usual— with some unexpected benefits
EARNING POWER
A dramatic upgrade to playing conditions for minor leaguersincluding pay, housing and nutrition has made pro baseball economically viable for all players
NOBODY'S PERFECT
No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday has one flaw in an otherwise airtight profile
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
At nearly every level of his professional career, outfielder Colton Cowser has taken time to acclimate. His major league debut last season was no different.
