Shortstops Jefferson Rojas (Cubs) and Austin Charles (Royals) spent mere days in the ACL, while Padres catcher Ethan Salas and Dodgers outfielder Josue De Paula skipped the league entirely.
Players require 50 at-bats or 15 innings to qualify for this ranking.
1. SEBASTIAN WALCOTT, SS, RANGERS
Texas signed Walcott out of the Bahamas in January, and he flashed his talent in a 35-game run through the ACL after beginning in the Dominican Summer League. The 17-year-old clubbed seven home runs and ranked ninth in the ACL with a .524 slugging percentage. Walcott brims with athleticism and physicality not often seen in players his age. Swing-and-miss is a concern. He finished with a 32% strikeout rate and showed a vulnerability to spin. Walcott might become too big to stick on the infield, though his power would easily profile in the outfield.
2. BRYCE ELDRIDGE, OF/RHP, GIANTS
For the second season in a row, the Giants drafted a two-way player in the first round. Eldridge is the inverse of their 2022 choice, Reggie Crawford, and looks likely to stick in the batter's box. Eldridge wowed scouts in his brief time in the ACL, showing controlled at-bats and a short lefthanded swing that produces huge power without selling out. Eldridge played right field in the ACL but likely profiles at first base, where his light-tower power would make the transition fairly seamless.
3. JAISON CHOURIO, OF, GUARDIANS
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Baseball America.
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This story is from the September 2023 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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