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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THE SERVICE TIME CONUNDRUM
MLB’s byzantine service time rules cloud rookie status and now PPI eligibility
LUIS TIANT WAS MLB'S MOST SUCCESSFUL CUBAN PITCHER
On a scouting trip to Cuba in 1957, Bobby Avila discovered 16-year-old righthander Luis Tiant on the island's Juvenile League all-star team.
ORGANIZATION REPORT
Outfielder Heston Kjerstad's career has been unique, to say the least.
TOP 10 NL EAST
From the moment Thomas White stepped on a high school mound, he was viewed as the top lefthander available in the 2023 draft.
PREPARATION PAYS OFF
lowa politician J.D. Scholten makes a surprising return to pro ball at age 44
MAKING THE GRADE
Assessing the future value of graduated National League prospects
TOP 10 NL WEST
Even in high school, Bryce Eldridge could hit the ball a mile. The 6-foot-7 righthander could also touch 96 mph off the mound.
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