The rankings for pitchers are broken into eight parts: the top 10 prospects in order, the next 10 prospects in alphabetical order, five separate lists of pitchers worth following closely at each minor league level and a ranking of the top pitching prospects from the 2015 draft. 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 and K/BB) are considered.
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The Top 10:
1. Lucas Giolito, RHP, Washington Nationals (Double-A Harrisburg, Eastern League)
2015 Stats: 21 G/19 GS, 117.0 IP, 3.15 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 0.2 HR/9, 10.1 K/9, 2.8 BB/9, 3.54 K/BB
Giolito opened the 2015 season pitching at the team’s spring training facility before heading out to High-A Potomac in early May, where, unsurprisingly, the 21-year-old right-hander made quick work of the Carolina League, posting a 2.71 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 86/20 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 69 2/3 innings. Giolito was promoted in late July to Double-A Harrisburg where his performance was up and down over the final two months of the regular season. In eight Eastern League starts, the 6-foot-6, 255-pounder registered a 3.80 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 45/17 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 47 1/3 innings. While it’s a safe bet that Giolito will return to Harrisburg to begin the 2016 season, it will be interesting to see whether the Nationals, when the timing is right, will promote him directly to the big leagues from Double-A.
2. Julio Urias, LHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Triple-A Oklahoma City, Pacific Coast League)
2015 Stats: 18 GS, 80.1 IP, 3.81 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 0.6 HR/9, 9.9 K/9, 2.5 BB/9, 4.00 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 19-year-old left-hander managed to set the bar even higher this season in his first experience at the Double-A level, posting a 3.16 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 74/15 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 68 1/3 innings (13 starts), and his numbers might have been even more impressive if not for a two-month stint on the disabled list following cosmetic eye surgery. The Dodgers offered Urias a taste of Triple-A late in the regular season, but the youngster struggled in pair of starts for Oklahoma City, allowing nine earned runs on 11 hits and six walks over a combined 4 1/3 innings. Considering his age and tremendous upside as a potential ace – and the fact he missed a considerable portion of the season – there was no reason for the Dodgers to rush Urias to the majors for in September, especially with him already likely to debut at some point in 2016.
3. Tyler Glasnow, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (Triple-A Indianapolis, International League)
2015 Statistics: 22 GS, 109.1 IP, 3.46 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 0.2 HR/9, 11.2 K/9, 3.5 BB/9, 3.16 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 22-year-old right-hander’s below-average command to be exposed in 2015 at Double-A. That simply wasn’t the case, however, as Glasnow’s tremendous progress as a strike-thrower along with his development of a more consistent changeup led to immediate success in the Eastern League (63 IP, 2.43 ERA, 2.7 BB/9 and 11.7 K/9). Though the 6-foot-8 righty’s command (1.34 WHIP, 4.8 BB/9) suffered following a late-season promotion to Triple-A Indianapolis, he still managed to post an impressive 2.20 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 41 innings.
4. Jose Berrios, RHP, Minnesota Twins (Triple-A Rochester, International League)
2015 Statistics: 27 GS, 166.1 IP, 2.87 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 0.6 HR/9, 9.5 K/9, 2.1 BB/9, 4.61 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 continued this season, as he was promoted to Triple-A Rochester in early July after going 8-3 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 was even better during his 12 starts in the International League, pitching to a 6-2 record, 2.62 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 83/14 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 75 2/3 innings. Meanwhile, his combined 175 strikeouts between both stops was the highest total among all minor league hurlers. While the Twins opted not to promote Berrios when rosters expanded in September, even with a potential playoff berth on the line, it shouldn’t be long next season until he becomes a fixture in the team’s big league rotation.
5. Alex Reyes, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals (Double-A Springfield, Texas League)
2015 Statistics: 22 GS, 101.1 IP, 3.02 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 0.1 HR/9, 13.4 K/9, 4.4 BB/9, 3.08 K/BB
Reyes’ lack of control has been an issue early in his career, evidenced by his 4.6 BB/9 in 268 2/3 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 (11.9 K/9 for career) is among the best in the minor leagues. The 21-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 inspired the Cardinals to promote him to Double-A Springfield in late July. Reyes’ dominance carried over to the Texas League as hoped, as he registered a 3.12 ERA and 1.13 WHIP while striking out 52 batters in 34 2/3 frames. The hard-throwing righty projects as a potential No. 2 starter at maturity given his combination of athleticism, size and power arsenal, and his second-half success in Double-A suggests he might be ready to debut as soon as mid-to-late 2016.
6. Blake Snell, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays (Triple-A Durham, International League)
2015 Stats: 25 G/23 GS, 134 IP, 1.41 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 0.5 HR/9, 10.9 K/9, 3.6 BB/9, 3.08 K/BB
Arguably the top pitcher in the minors in 2015, Snell capped his remarkable season with an outstanding showing at Triple-A Charlotte, where he posted a 1.83 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 57/13 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 44 1/3 innings (nine starts). This, of course, came after dominant stops at High-A Charlotte and Double-A Montgomery during which he was a combined 9-2 with a 1.20 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, allowed a .180 opponents’ batting average and put up a 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 ultimately led all qualified starters in the minors in ERA (1.41) and tied for fourth with 163 strikeouts. There was a rumor that the Rays might promote Snell to the big leagues in September, but that time has come and gone, meaning fans will have to wait until 2016 to get a look at the talented southpaw.
7. Sean Newcomb, LHP, Los Angeles Angels (Double-A Arkansas, Texas League)
2015 Statistics: 27 GS, 136 IP, 2.85 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 0.3 HR/9, 11.1 K/9, 5.0 BB/9, 2.21 K/BB
Besides Blake Snell, no left-handed pitching prospect was more impressive in 2015 than Newcomb, the Angels’ first-round draft pick in 2014. The 22-year-old hopped on the fast track to the major leagues with his success across three full-season levels, making stops at Low-A Burlington (34 1/3 IP, 1.83 ERA, 11.8 K/9) and High-A Inland Empire (65 2/3 IP, 2.47 ERA and 11.5 K/9) before moving up to Double-A Arkansas, where he pitched to a 2.75 ERA and struck out 39 batters in 36 innings. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound southpaw has a nasty four-pitch mix that includes a mid-90s fastball and swing-and-miss curveball, but he currently relies on more stuff than command and therefore will need further refinement before making his debut in 2016.
8. Jose De Leon, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Double-A Tulsa, Texas League)
2015 Statistics: 23 GS, 114.1 IP, 2.99 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 0.9 HR/9, 12.8 K/9, 2.9 BB/9, 4.41 K/BB
Fresh off a breakthrough 2014 full-season debut, De Leon has continued to improve his stock this with a strong showing at a pair of advanced levels. The 23-year-old right-hander opened the season in the California League, where he dominated to the tune of a 1.67 ERA with 58 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings (13.9 K/9) before receiving a promotion to Double-A Tulsa. De Leon’s command was tested in the Texas League, evidenced by his 1.3 HR/9 and 3.4 BB/9, although that didn’t stop him from fanning 105 batters in just 76 2/3 frames (12.3 K/9). He finished the regular season with the second-best strikeout percentage (35.1%) and strikeout rate (12.8 K/9) among all qualified pitchers, and he also ranked fifth in strikeouts with 163.
9. Robert Stephenson, RHP, Cincinnati Reds (Triple-A Louisville, International League)
2015 Statistics: 25 GS, 134 IP, 3.83 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 1.2 HR/9, 9.4 K/9, 4.7 BB/9, 2.00 K/BB
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 at Double-A Pensacola. However, things seemingly clicked for the 22-year-old flamethrower after that, as he posted a 2.36 ERA, struck out 67 batters and held opposing hitters to a .571 OPS over his next 10 starts (61 IP). The Reds rewarded Stephenson’s improvement in early July with a promotion to Triple-A Louisville, where he logged a 4.04 ERA, .245 opponents’ batting average and 51/27 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 55 2/3 innings over his final 11 regular-season starts. Though he didn’t receive a call-up in September, the fact that the Reds utilized so many rookie starters this season bodes well for Stephenson’s chances of making an impact in 2016.
10. Jeff Hoffman, RHP, Colorado Rockies (Double-A New Britain, Eastern League)
2015 Stats: 20 GS, 104 IP, 3.03 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 0.6 HR/9, 6.5 K/9, 2.3 BB/9, 2.78 K/BB
Hoffman was the Rockies’ big return in the trade that sent All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to the Blue Jays at the trade deadline. 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) – albeit with little movement – 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. After arriving at Double-A New Britain, the 6-foot-4, 185-pounder logged a 3.22 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, .209 opponents’ batting average and 29/10 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 36 1/3 innings spanning his final seven regular-season starts.
The Next 10 (Alphabetical Order):
Mark Appel, RHP, Houston Astros (Triple-A Fresno, Pacific Coast League)
Amir Garrett, LHP, Cincinnati Reds (High-A Daytona, Florida State League)
Taylor Guerrieri, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays (Double-A Montgomery, Southern 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)
Rob Kaminsky, LHP, Cleveland Indians (High-A Lynchburg, Carolina League)
Sean Manaea, LHP, Oakland Athletics (Double-A Midland, Texas League)
Braden Shipley, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks (Double-A Mobile, Southern League)
Jake Thompson, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies (Double-A Reading, Texas League)
Kyle Zimmer, RHP, Kansas City Royals (Double-A Northwest Arkansas, Texas League)
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)
Jameson Taillon, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (DL – hernia surgery)
Lewis Thorpe, LHP, Minnesota Twins (Out for season – Tommy John surgery)
Triple-A Pitchers to Follow (Alphabetical Order):
Jesse Biddle, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies (Triple-A Lehigh Valley, International League)
Aaron Blair, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks (Triple-A Reno, Pacific Coast League)
Jharel Cotton, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Triple-A Oklahoma City, Pacific Coast 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)
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)
Jacob Faria, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays (Double-A Montgomery, Southern League)
Josh Hader, LHP, Milwaukee Brewers (Double-A Biloxi, Southern League)
Jose LeClerc, RHP, Texas Rangers (Double-A Frisco, Texas League)
Francis Martes, RHP, Houston Astros (Double-A Corpus Christi, Texas League)
Adalberto Mejia, LHP, San Francisco Giants (Double-A Richmond, Eastern League)
Jorge Lopez, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers (Double-A Biloxi, Southern League)
Yoan Lopez, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks (Double-A Mobile, Southern League)
Cody Reed, LHP, Cincinnati Reds (Double-A Pensacola, Southern League)
Jaime Schultz, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays (Double-A Montgomery, Southern League)
Lucas Sims, RHP, Atlanta Braves (Double-A Mississippi, Southern League)
Austin Voth, RHP, Washington Nationals (Double-A Harrisburg, Eastern League)
High-A Pitchers to Follow (Alphabetical Order):
Spencer Adams, RHP, Chicago White Sox (High-A Winston-Salem, Carolina League)
Kyle Freeland, LHP, Colorado Rockies (High-A Modesto, California League)
Stephen Gonsalves, LHP, Minnesota Twins (High-A Fort Myers, Florida State League)
Jordan Guerrero, LHP, Chicago White Sox (High-A Winston-Salem, Carolina League)
Reynaldo Lopez, RHP, Washington Nationals (High-A Potomac, Carolina League)
Keury Mella, RHP, Cincinnati Reds (High-A Daytona, Florida State 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)
Luke Weaver, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals (High-A Palm Beach, Florida State League)
Low-A Pitchers to Follow (Alphabetical Order):
Erick Fedde, RHP, Washington Nationals (Low-A Hagerstown, South Atlantic League)
Jack Flaherty, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals (Low-A Peoria, Midwest League)
Austin Gomber, LHP, St. Louis Cardinals (Low-A Peoria, Midwest League)
Ariel Jurado, RHP, Texas Rangers (Low-A Hickory, South Atlantic League)
Tyler Kolek, RHP, Miami Marlins (Low-A Greensboro, South Atlantic 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)
Yohander Mendez, LHP, Texas Rangers (Low-A Hickory, South Atlantic League)
Luis 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)
Mitch Keller, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (Rookie-level Appalachian League)
Franklyn Kilome, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies (Short Season Williamsport, New York-Penn League)
Cody Reed, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks (Short Season Hillsboro, Northwest League)
Top 10 Pitching Prospects from 2015 Draft:
1. Carson Fulmer, RHP, Chicago White Sox
2. Dillon Tate, RHP, Texas Rangers
3. Kolby Allard, LHP, Atlanta Braves
4. Brady Aiken, LHP, Cleveland Indians
5. Tyler Jay, LHP, Minnesota Twins
6. James Kaprielian, RHP, New York Yankees
7. Jon Harris, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays
8. Ashe Russell, RHP, Kansas City Royals
9. Phil Bickford, RHP, San Francisco Giants
10. Mike Nikorak, RHP, Colorado Rockies
Previous installments from Prospect Positional series:
Catchers (Sept. 9, 2015)
Shortstops (Sept. 2, 2015)
Third Basemen (Aug. 26, 2015)
Second Basemen (Aug. 19, 2015)
First Basemen (Aug. 12, 2015)
Outfielders (Aug. 5, 2015)
Rotoworld Season Pass Prospect Rankings (Updated weekly)
*All stats reflect games through Sept. 14.
