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2. Miguel Amaya: The rough edges on a 20-year old show at times on passed balls and in the .200 batting average, but his plate discipline remains sound (14.3 BB%), his power has played (.257 ISO), and his defensive issues can be chalked up to lack of experience.
3. Brailyn Marquez: We haven't seen improvements up this point. His stuff looks very similar to what we saw last year. His control and command have been spotty at times, but as a 20-year old playing in bad weather, there has been nothing real concerning.
4. Cole Roederer: Easing him in w/South Bend (.229/.296/.314), and we've seen flashes of his all-around game. Performance has been acceptable for a 19-year old in full season ball less than a year after draft. Hopefully he heats up with the weather.
5. Brennen Davis: He's filling out his frame and making necessary swing alterations in EXST. Reports have been good and he did launch a massive grand slam in a game yesterday.
6. Adbert Alzolay: After injury marred 2018 that began w/ a minor injury in ST, his 2019 has started off in similar fashion, but reports are his stuff looks crisp in EXST and is due to rejoin Iowa soon. Still capable of making a push for a roster spot in Chicago by season's end.
7. Justin Steele: Injuries have slowed him, he wasn't fully stretched out when the season opened, went on the IL after one short start, then got bombed in his first game back this week. Hasn't had a chance to get his feet under him yet.
8. Aramis Ademan: 📈Added much needed strength in offseason. Combined w/his improved plate discipline from 2018 (which has continued trending up this year: 17.2 BB%), and he is back to making an impact at the plate (.275/.422/.490). His 161 wRC+ trails only Robel Garcia in system
9. Cory Abbott: 📈The 23-year old is missing a solid amount of bats (24.3 K%), issuing few walks (4.3 BB%), and leads the system in IP (28.1). Emerging as the top prospect from the team's college pitching heavy 2017 draft class.
10. Dakota Mekkes: He's been fine. Which is to say he hasn't been as dominant as we've become accustomed to. He's remained difficult to hit (.212 AVG), and his BB rate remains elevated (12.2%), but the difference over his first 9 IP is he just isn't missing as many bats (12.2 K%)
11. Zack Short: Got off to a great start (.368/.455/.474) in AAA debut, albeit it unusual for him as he was hitting the ball on the ground, before getting hit by a pitch on the hand in the season's opening week that is expected to keep him out a while.
12. Alex Lange: 📉YIKES. He was the most difficult prospect for me to rank this offseason because of my concerns about his FB and command. I bounced him from 10-25. I never expected this start though (9 IP, 27 H, 21 ER). Some hope: a .600 BABIP isn't plausible over a full season.
13. Keegan Thompson: Made one start, and I would say it was mildly successful (5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 8 K), but has been out with an injury since.
14. Tyson Miller: 📈My guy keeps emerging. He's added a curveball to complement the natural cut on his elevated 4 seam fastball. His 1.42 ERA is benefiting from BABIP luck (.196) but Miller has dictated pace and controlled at bats every time out so far.
15. Jared Young: The power continues to flash and he has been solid in his AA debut (115 wRC+) but his high ground ball rate (56.4%) and low walk rate (3.4%) remain areas he needs to improve.
16. Yovanny Cruz: Remains in Mesa despite mounting a serious case for earning a rotation spot in South Bend this spring. He won't turn 20 until the end of the season, so there is no rush. Reports on stuff are positive and potential velo increase this spring.
17. Jose Albertos: The talented righty also remained in EXST. His massive control problems from 2018 have reportedly shrunk to Dillon Maples levels so far in 2019, so hopefully he has taken a step towards regaining the momentum he had in 2017.
18. Brendon Little: An injury suffered late in ST has kept him out all of April. He is rehabbing in Mesa, but has yet to pitch in any game action, so Little will not be returning in the near future. June seems the earliest we could see him.
19. Nelson Velazquez: 📈Previously a three true outcomes hitter. This season, he's making more contact (24.9%) but taking fewer BB and hitting for less power (0 HR, .113 ISO). His .338/.361/.450 line provides encouragement the 20-year old can one day balance out all of the skills
20. Riley Thompson: 📈My top breakout candidate heading into 2019 is doing just that. Blessed with a powerful arm that generates movement and spin on his offerings, He's shown improved control and consistency (so far), matching Tyson Miller with a 1.42 ERA through 19 innings.
