Baseball America is excited to explore the strengths and weaknesses of the 2020 draft class and talk to as many experts as possible. But before we kick into high gear, we’re looking at what the top draft prospects have on their to-do lists.
Our goal here is to identify specific areas of growth or weaknesses that potential first-round picks will need to address this spring. Each player is listed with his areas to improve.
We display the top 15 draft prospects here, but you can find the complete top 30 at BaseballAmerica.com
1. SPENCER TORKELSON, 1B, ARIZONA STATE
Defensive profile
Torkelson is perhaps the safest bet in this year’s draft class thanks to his exceptional hitting ability and massive power. Even if he had an average season by his own standards this spring, he would probably go off the board as one of the first five picks. But he is a first baseman, and if everything is equal, teams would prefer a more gifted defensive player. Torkelson is fairly athletic, and if he shows he can capably play a corner outfield spot or turns into an exceptional defender at first, that could make teams feel even better about drafting him.
2. EMERSON HANCOCK, RHP, GEORGIA
Breaking ball development
Hancock has plus offerings across the board, but some evaluators don’t think his breaking ball is the true wipeout offering that the top pitcher in a draft class typically has. Hancock’s strong command of a deep pitch mix could make all of his offerings play up against college hitters, but if he takes his slider or curveball to another level this spring, teams would be even more excited about his chances to become a No. 1 starter.
3. AUSTIN MARTIN, SS, VANDERBILT
Handle shortstop, hit for more power
Denne historien er fra February - March 2020-utgaven av Baseball America.
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Denne historien er fra February - March 2020-utgaven av Baseball America.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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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.
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