The rankings for pitchers are broken into eight parts: the top 10 prospects in order, the next 10 prospects in alphabetical order and six separate lists of pitchers worth following closely at each minor league level. As always, these rankings are done from a scouting perspective but with fantasy baseball in mind, generally focusing on standard 5x5 league categories, though other statistics (e.g., K/9, BB/9, K/BB) are considered.
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The Top 10:
1. Lucas Giolito, RHP, Washington Nationals (Double-A Harrisburg, Eastern League)
2015 Stats: 13 G/11 GS, 69 3/3 IP, 2.71 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 11.1 K/9, 2.6 BB/9, 4.3 K/BB
Widely viewed as the top pitching prospect in baseball, Giolito opened the 2015 season pitching at the team’s spring training facility along with fellow right-hander Reynaldo Lopez before heading out to High-A Potomac in early May. Unsurprisingly, the 21-year-old right-hander made quick work of the Carolina League, posting a 2.71 ERA (2.00 FIP), 1.22 WHIP and 86/20 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 69 2/3 innings, leading to a well-deserved promotion to Double-A Harrisburg in late July. Giolito will spend the final month of MiLB’s regular season in the Eastern League, and it’s a safe bet he’ll return there to begin 2016, too. The real question is whether the Nationals, when the timing is right, will promote Giolito directly from Double-A to the big leagues.
2. Julio Urias, LHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Double-A Tulsa, Texas League)
2015 Stats: 11 GS, 48.2 IP, 3.51 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 10.7 K/9, 1.8 BB/9, 5.8 K/BB
Urias emerged as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball last season, as the precocious southpaw dominated older hitters in the offense-heavy California League. The 18-year-old left-hander has managed to set the bar even higher this season in his first taste of the Double-A level, posting a 3.29 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, .200 opponents’ batting average and 49/9 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 41 innings (eight starts). His numbers might have been even more impressive if not for his two-month stint on the disabled list following cosmetic eye surgery. Given Urias’ age and huge upside as a potential ace, the Dodgers have every reason to be conservative with his development over the next month. A late-season promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City is a possibility, but it’s highly unlikely he will be rushed to the major leagues this year. Don’t worry - I have a feeling we’ll be seeing plenty of him in 2016.
3. Tyler Glasnow, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (Double-A Altoona, Eastern League)
2015 Statistics: 14 GS, 68 1/3 IP, 2.43 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 11.6 K/9, 2.8 BB/9, 4.2 K/BB
Glasnow absolutely dominated in his 2013 and 2014 campaigns in the South Atlantic and Florida State Leagues, combining for a stellar 1.96 ERA, .158 opponents’ batting average and 12.3 K/9 over 234 2/3 innings (47 starts). But because he also posted a 4.5 BB/9 in that span, there were many within the baseball industry who expected the 21-year-old right-hander’s below-average command to be exposed in 2015 at Double-A. That simply hasn’t been the case this season, as Glasnow’s tremendous progress as a strike-thrower and development of a more consistent changeup has enabled him to carve up older hitters in the Eastern League. Meanwhile, he’s been ridiculously good over his last six starts at Altoona after coming off a one-month stint on the disabled list, posting a 2.14 ERA, .172 opponents’ batting average and 53/9 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 33 2/3 innings.
4. Robert Stephenson, RHP, Cincinnati Reds (Triple-A Louisville, International League)
2015 Statistics: 18 GS, 100 1/3 IP, 3.58 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 9.9 K/9, 4.8 BB/9, 2.1 K/BB
Stephenson was challenged last season in Double-A, as the right-hander’s command issues and heavy reliance on his fastball led to an elevated walk rate (4.9 BB/9) and enabled hitters to take him deep 18 times (1.2 HR/9). However, the fact that he managed to hold opposing hitters to a .224 batting average while fanning 140 batters in 136 2/3 innings also highlighted his tremendous room for improvement. Stephenson’s control was a mess at the beginning of the season, resulting in a 0-4 record, 6.85 ERA and 6.9 BB/9 through his first five starts. Things seemingly clicked for the 22-year-old flamethrower after that, however, as he’s pitched to a 2.58 ERA, .179 opponents’ batting average, 9.9 K/9 and 4.0 BB/9 in his last 76 2/3 innings spanning 13 starts. Stephenson’s steady improvement was rewarded with a promotion to Triple-A Louisville at the beginning of July, and he’s held his own in the International League with a 3-0 record, 3.27 ERA and 21/10 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 22 innings (four starts).
5. Jose Berrios, RHP, Minnesota Twins (Triple-A Rochester, International League)
2015 Statistics: 19 GS, 115 1/3 IP, 3.08 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 8.9 K/9, 2.4 BB/9, 3.7 K/BB
A 2012 first-round draft pick out of Puerto Rico, Berrios saw his prospect stock take off last season behind dominant showings across the High-, Double- and Triple-A levels. The 21-year-old right-hander’s surge through Minnesota’s system has continued this season, as he was promoted to Rochester in early July after going 8-3 and with a 3.08 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 9.1 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9 over 90 2/3 innings (15 starts) at Double-A Chattanooga. Berrios is undersized at 6’0”, 187 pounds, but he makes up for the lack of physicality with big-time arm strength and feel for command of three pitches. He should receive a call-up in September, especially if the Twins are still in the playoff race, provided he doesn’t struggle in Triple-A over the final month of the MiLB’s regular season.
6. Jon Gray, RHP, Colorado Rockies (Triple-A Albuquerque, Pacific Coast League)
2015 Statistics: 20 G/19 GS, 109 1/3 IP, 4.53 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 8.4 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, 2.6 K/BB
Gray’s eye-opening showing in big league camp this spring led many to believe that the 2013 first-rounder would make quick work of the Triple-A level and receive an early promotion. Instead, the 23-year-old right-hander struggled mightily over his first seven starts, going 1-4 with a 7.75 ERA and .329 opponents’ batting average in 33 2/3 innings. Gray has since adjusted to the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, evidenced by his vastly improved 3.09 ERA, 8.8 K/9 and .265 opponents’ batting average across his last 75 2/3 frames (13 starts). The Rockies have considered calling up Gray multiple times in the last month, and it won’t be long before he makes his highly anticipated debut.
7. Luis Severino, RHP, New York Yankees (Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, International League)
2015 Stats: 18 GS, 93 1/3 IP, 2.60 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 8.5 K/9, 2.6 BB/9, 3.3 K/BB
Severino needed only eight starts at Double-A Trenton this season (3.32 ERA, 11.4 K/9 in 38 IP) before the Yankees felt comfortable moving him up to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where, despite being six years younger than the average International League player, the 21-year-old right-hander has posted an outstanding 6-0 record, 2.11 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 40/17 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 55 1/3 innings spanning 10 starts. Severino stands out for his electric fastball and devastating changeup, and enough good things can’t be said about his feel for attacking the zone. Detractors will point to the right-hander’s inconsistent breaking ball and lack of durability, though neither has slowed down his overall development up to this point.
8. Alex Reyes, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals (Double-A Springfield, Texas League)
2015 Statistics: 15 GS, 70 2/3 IP, 2.17 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 13.2 K/9, 4.1 BB/9, 3.3 K/BB
Reyes’ lack of control has been an issue early in his career, evidenced by his 4.6 BB/9 in 238 innings since the start of the 2013 season. Luckily, his combination of pure stuff - highlighted by a fastball that hit 101 mph earlier in the season - and ability to miss bats (11.7 K/9 for career) is among the best in the minor leagues. The 20-year-old right-hander turned in a dominant first half in the Florida State League, posting a 2.26 ERA and 96 strikeouts across 63 2/3 innings (13 starts). Reyes still walked 4.4 batters per nine innings in that span, but his overwhelming success - including a minor league-leading 13.6 K/9, 36.4 K% and 1.78 FIP (min. 70 IP) - inspired the Cardinals to promote him to Double-A Springfield in late July. Reyes projects as a potential No. 2 starter at maturity given his combination of athleticism, size and power arsenal, and the recent promotion suggests he might be ready to debut as soon as mid-to-late 2016.
9. Blake Snell, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays (Triple-A Durham, International League)
2015 Stats: 17 GS/15 G, 93 2/3 IP, 1.25 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 10.8 K/9, 3.9 BB/9, 2.7 K/BB
One of the fastest-rising prospects in the minors this season, Snell recently was promoted to Triple-A Durham after a remarkable showing between High-A Charlotte and Double-A Montgomery in which he went 9-2 with a 1.20 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, .180 opponents’ batting average and 106/40 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 89 2/3 innings (16 appearances/14 starts). The 22-year-old left-hander opened the season with 49 consecutive scoreless innings, a majority of which he recorded in the Southern League, and he currently leads all qualified starters in the minors in ERA (1.25) and ranks sixth in strikeouts (112). Snell clearly is on the fast track to the big leagues, but expect his arrival to also be influenced by his workload (career-high 115 2/3 IP in 2014) and 40-man roster status.
10. Jeff Hoffman, RHP, Oakland Athletics (TBD)
2015 Stats: 13 GS, 67 2/3 IP, 2.93 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 6.1 K/9, 2.3 BB/9, 2.7 K/BB
Hoffman was the Rockies’ big return in the trade that sent All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to the Blue Jays on Monday night (or Tuesday morning for fellow East Coasters). Toronto grabbed Hoffman with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2014 draft, investing in the right-hander’s upside even though he underwent Tommy John surgery just months before the draft. The surgery and subsequent rehab hasn’t hurt the 22-year-old’s velocity, as he’s been clocked consistently in the high 90s (as high as 99 mph) since making his professional debut on May 20. In terms of performance, Hoffman finished his brief Blue Jays career with a 2.93 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 46/17 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 67 2/3 innings over 13 starts this season between High-A Dunedin and Double-A New Hampshire.
The Next 10 (Alphabetical Order):
Mark Appel, RHP, Houston Astros (Triple-A Fresno, Pacific Coast League)
Jose De Leon, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Double-A Tulsa, Texas League)
Grant Holmes, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Low-A Great Lakes, Midwest League)
Brent Honeywell, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays (High-A Charlotte, Florida State League)
Tyler Kolek, RHP, Miami Marlins (Low-A Greensboro, South Atlantic League)
Sean Manaea, LHP, Kansas City Royals (Double-A Midland, Texas League)
Sean Newcomb, LHP, Los Angeles Angels (High-A Inland Empire, California League)
http://www.nbcsports.com/edge/player/MLB/7525/Henry-OwensHenry Owens, LHP, Boston Red Sox (Triple-A Pawtucket, International League)
Braden Shipley, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks (Double-A Mobile, Southern League)
Jameson Taillon, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (DL – hernia surgery)
Notable Injured Pitching Prospects (Alphabetical Order):
Dylan Bundy, RHP, Baltimore Orioles (DL – shoulder)
Ian Clarkin, LHP, New York Yankees (DL – elbow)
Max Fried, LHP, Atlanta Braves (Out for Season – Tommy John surgery)
Hunter Harvey, RHP, Baltimore Orioles (DL – elbow)
Nick Kingham, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (Out for season - Tommy John surgery)
Lewis Thorpe, LHP, Minnesota Twins (Out for season – Tommy John surgery)
Triple-A Pitchers to Follow (Alphabetical Order):
Miguel Almonte, RHP, Kansas City Royals (Triple-A Omaha, Pacific Coast League)
Jesse Biddle, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies (Triple-A Lehigh Valley, International League)
Aaron Blair, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks (Triple-A Reno, Pacific Coast League)
Zach Davies, RHP, Baltimore Orioles (Triple-A Norfolk, International League)
Tyler Duffey, RHP, Minnesota Twins (Triple-A Rochester, International League)
Tyrell Jenkins, RHP, Atlanta Braves (Triple-A Gwinnett, International League)
Double-A Pitchers to Follow (Alphabetical Order):
Tyler Beede, RHP, San Francisco Giants (Double-A Richmond, Eastern League)
Jharel Cotton, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Double-A Tulsa, Texas League)
Edwin Diaz, RHP, Seattle Mariners (Double-A Jackson, Southern League)
Zach Eflin, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies (Double-A Reading, Eastern League)
Chris Ellis, RHP, Los Angeles Angels (Double-A Arkansas, Texas League)
Taylor Guerrieri, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays (Double-A Montgomery, Southern League)
Josh Hader, LHP, Houston Astros (Double-A Corpus Christi, Texas League)
Jose LeClerc, RHP, Texas Rangers (Double-A Frisco, Texas League)
Adalberto Mejia, LHP, San Francisco Giants (Double-A Richmond, Eastern League)
Frank Montas, RHP, Chicago White Sox (Double-A Birmingham, Southern League)
Yoan Lopez, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks (Double-A Mobile, Southern League)
Jaime Schultz, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays (Double-A Montgomery, Southern League)
Lucas Sims, RHP, Atlanta Braves (Double-A Mississippi, Southern League)
Jake Thompson, RHP, Texas Rangers (Double-A Frisco, Texas League)
Austin Voth, RHP, Washington Nationals (Double-A Harrisburg, Eastern League)
Kyle Zimmer, RHP, Kansas City Royals (Double-A Northwest Arkansas, Texas League)
High-A Pitchers to Follow (Alphabetical Order):
Amir Garrett, LHP, Cincinnati Reds (High-A Daytona, Florida State League)
Stephen Gonsalves, LHP, Minnesota Twins (High-A Fort Myers, Florida State League)
Rob Kaminsky, LHP, St. Louis Cardinals (High-A Palm Beach, Florida State League)
Reynaldo Lopez, RHP, Washington Nationals (High-A Potomac, Carolina League)
Keury Mella, RHP, San Francisco Giants (High-A San Jose, California League
Marcos Molina, RHP, New York Mets (DL; High-A St. Lucie, Florida State League)
Sean Reid-Foley, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays (High-A Dunedin, Florida State League)
Kohl Stewart, RHP, Minnesota Twins (High-A Fort Myers, Florida State League)
Duane Underwood, RHP, Chicago Cubs (High-A Myrtle Beach, Florida State League)
http://www.nbcsports.com/edge/player/MLB/8441/Luke-WeaverLuke Weaver, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals (High-A Palm Beach, Florida State League)
Low-A Pitchers to Follow (Alphabetical Order):
Spencer Adams, RHP, Chicago White Sox (Low-A Kannapolis, South Atlantic League)
Jack Flaherty, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals (Low-A Peoria, Midwest League)
Michael Kopech, RHP, Boston Red Sox (Low-A Greenville, South Atlantic League – Suspended for 50 games)
Kodi Medeiros, LHP, Milwaukee Brewers (Low-A Wisconsin, Midwest League)
http://www.nbcsports.com/edge/player/MLB/7874/Luis-OrtizLuis Ortiz, RHP, Texas Rangers (Low-A Hickory, South Atlantic League)
Touki Toussaint, RHP, Atlanta Braves (Low-A Rome, South Atlantic League)
Ricardo Sanchez, LHP, Atlanta Braves (DL; Low-A Rome, South Atlantic League)
Devin Williams, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers (Low-A Wisconsin, Midwest League)
Short Season/Rookie-level Pitchers to Follow (Alphabetical Order):
Dylan Cease, RHP, Chicago Cubs (Rookie Arizona League)
Anderson Espinoza, RHP, Boston Red Sox (Rookie Gulf Coast League)
Erick Fedde, RHP, Washington Nationals (Short Season Auburn, New York-Penn League)
Kyle Freeland, LHP, Colorado Rockies (Rookie Pioneer League)
Mitch Keller, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (Rookie-level Appalachian League)
Franklyn Kilome, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies (Short Season Williamsport, New York-Penn League)
http://www.nbcsports.com/edge/player/MLB/8460/Cody-ReedCody Reed, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks (Short Season Hillsboro, Northwest League)
Previous installments from Prospect Positional series:
Catchers (July 22, 2015)
Shortstops (July 15, 2015)
Third Basemen (July 8, 2015)
Second Basemen (July 1, 2015)
First Basemen (June 24, 2015)
Outfielders (June 17, 2015)
Rotoworld Season Pass Prospect Rankings (Updated weekly)
*All stats reflect games through July 27.
