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
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Esta historia es de la edición September 2023 de Baseball America.
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Wood Has Towering Upside- Nationals rookie James Wood also stands 6-foot-7 and also has game-changing power.
Aaron Judge and Oneil Cruz are 6-foot7 sluggers who stand out for their power in this year’s MLB Best Tools voting. Wood spent half of this season with Triple-A Rochester before making his MLB debut on July 1. While he was in the International League, he captured managers’ attention. Wood unanimously won Best Power Prospect and also claimed Most Exciting Player in a survey of league skippers. Wood hit .353/.463/.595 with 10 home runs in 52 games for Rochester. His .242 isolated slugging was the best for a player 21 or younger at Triple-A this season.
ROAD BLOCK?
Scholarship expansion puts mid-majors at a major disadvantage on the road to Omaha
ROYALS REVIVAL
A revamped and rejuvenated farm system has Kansas City ready to rebound
SUMMER STANDOUTS
The top prospects in summer college leagues are poised to impact the 2025 draft
FLORIDA COMPLEX LEAGUE TOP 10
Last year’s Florida Complex League prospect crop has been beset by lengthy injuries to many of its top players, including Yankees pitchers Henry Lalane and Carlos Lagrange, Mets infielder Marco Vargas and Red Sox catcher Johanfran Garcia.
IN WITH THE NEW
The 2024 draft is in the books. The trade deadline is history.
WALCOTT BLASTS OFF
It took some time for Rangers shortstop Sebastian Walcott to find his footing at High-A Hickory.
A RECORD NIGHT FOR COLLEGIANS
Four key takeaways from the 2024 draft
K.C.MASTERPIECE
Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. wins games for the Royals with his bat, glove, speed and baseball IQ. He might be the most tooled-up player in the game.
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.
