Arizona Diamondbacks 2021 Top 50 Prospects

Graphic design by John Stewart, @jonance on Twitter

The Diamondbacks system is vastly underrated. The group includes top-end talent, flame-throwers, high-floor guys, and everything else in between. What’s even better is that there are plenty of very fantasy-friendly prospects here as well. From Corbin Carroll’s 20/30 potential to Kristian Robinson’s 40 home run ceiling to Alek Thomas’s all-around game, there are fantasy gems all over the place. Recently the D-Backs have placed an emphasis on hard-throwing draft picks, and those guys are sprinkled throughout the system too.

Looking further down on the list shows some very safe bets, meaning there are likely many future major leaguers here. Granted, they may not become superstars, but there are regulars, utility guys, and solid bullpen options here to pick from. There is a lot to like and it’s starting to rival any of the top-end farm systems. With the team still acquiring prospects, it should only continue to get better in 2021.


These organization rankings are a unique team effort. Eight Prospects1500 writers (Alex Sanchez, Stoffer Cochran, Kurt Moody, Paul Woodin, Dave Funnell, Jim Zele, Tony Bps and Scott Greene) shared the player write-ups and each submitted their own Dbacks Top 50 rankings. We used all 8 lists to come up with the final system ranking for each player. Thanks also to Gail Verderico for the awesome photos shared for this column.

Prospects1500 Tiers:
Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years
Tier 2: Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential of making the majors, or have high likelihood of making the majors but providing minimal impact (e.g. middle reliever, low-ceiling UT guys)
Tier 5: Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a team’s 40-man roster

Tier 1

1. Kristian Robinson, OF
Age: 20
Highest Level: A

The 2017 International Signee out of the Bahamas displays power to all fields, in a low-risk, high-reward projection. Robinson excelled in the Rookie League at only 17 and continued to show off his impressive abilities in A Kane County. One area of struggle in 2019 was plate discipline, where Robinson struck out 77 times in 255 AB. To become an MLB slugger, he needs to work on his launch angle without losing his contact-first approach. Kristian will lose a little bit of speed and range in the outfield as his 6’3” frame matures, but his plus arm should lend itself to a corner outfield spot in the Majors.

2. Corbin Carroll, OF
Age: 20
Highest Level: A-

Carroll is a fantasy manager’s dream, with elite speed and an advanced hit tool. The only thing missing right now is the power, and his stature does give some pessimism that he can develop into more than average power. However, we have seen shorter guys hit 20+ homers in the bigs, so it doesn’t necessarily cap Carroll’s ceiling. His swing path and strength do suggest the ability to get to 20+ homers in his prime. The speed and hit tool are what you’re signing up for anyway, and they are both excellent. In his prime, he should be an elite table-setter, netting you huge gains in average, runs, and stolen bases.

Tier 2

3. Alek Thomas, OF
Age: 20
Highest Level: A+

Selected in the 2nd round of the 2018 draft, Thomas has the best all-around tools in the Arizona system, with above average hitting, speed, and defensive ability. Like Robinson, Thomas moved quickly through Rookie and Low-A leagues, exciting scouts and coaches along the way. His hitting approach enables solid contact to all fields, with good gap power to pair with his plus speed. As Thomas develops, he needs to identify LHP better and be more patient into counts. In 2019, Thomas drew only 52 walks in 506 plate appearances, limiting his speed’s impact on the basepaths.

4. Daulton Varsho, C/OF
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB

Prospects1500 2019 Catcher of the Year award winner made his major league debut July 30, 2020. Varsho caught in 10 games and played in the OF 19 games committing no errors in the field. At the plate his debut could have gone better but in 101 at bats he hit 3 HR and stole 3 bases only getting caught once. Making the jump from AA might have been premature for Varsho but it was 2020 and there was no minor league ball to help his at-bats stay consistent. His strikeout rate was much higher than his career minor league average and I see a reversal in fortunes due to his short left handed stroke and his advanced knowledge of the strike zone. From a fantasy point of view, it looks like he will be given enough opportunities to qualify at catcher, which is good news because he should be a fantasy contributor to every offensive category even stolen bases.

5. Geraldo Perdomo, SS
Age: 21
Highest Level: A+

Probably the safest prospect in the system. A plus hit-tool, with the instincts and ability to stay at shortstop, make Perdomo an exciting prospect. The power is not quite there and I’m not sure it will ever develop, but even if it doesn’t Perdomo is still very valuable. As a switch-hitter, he will always have a good chance to hit close to .300 and if he can add some power then you have an elite prospect. For now, you are getting some speed, some plus hitting, and everyday at-bats, with the potential for even more.

Tier 3

6. Wilderd Patino, OF
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

Patiño has potential for solid tools across the board. He owns a quick bat that generates power to all fields with his solid approach that will help him hit for average and power as he gains strength and experience. At times he gets too aggressive at the plate and chases bad pitches. Wilderd needs to put more loft in his swing which will help hit balls to gaps instead of rolling balls over which he does too much. A plus runner, Patiño is very aggressive on the bases, often trying for that extra base and going for SBs. He has the potential to turn into a five-tool player, at worst a fourth outfielder with plus speed. Patino has had two elbow surgeries early in his career so it’s something to keep an eye on.

7. Slade Cecconi, RHP
Age: 21
Highest Level: College

Cecconi was drafted this past year with the 33rd overall pick and immediately looked impressive during his time with the team in the 60-man camp and the Instructional league. Cecconi throws an overpowering fastball and has the confidence and poise on the mound to move up the rankings quickly. He has command issues which he needs to iron out as he develops but we could be looking at a future 2 starter in the majors.

8. Blake Walston, LHP
Age: 19
Highest Level: A-

Walston owns a mid 90s fastball that should gain more velocity once he grows into his projectable frame. He’s currently only 175 so putting on some muscle may be key. He also owns what is said to be the best curveball in the D-backs system. It’s thrown in the mid-to upper 70s with tight spin and good depth. Walston throws a good lateral-breaking slider and promising changeup that’s a work in progress. All four pitches have the potential to be above average offerings. Blake’s control and command should improve even more with time. He’s on pace to become a mid to back end starter.

9. Luis Frias, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: A

Frias has an electric arm with a very quick release that helps him hit mid to high 90s with his plus fastball. He owns a 12-to-6 spike curveball that is a plus swing and miss pitch while also owning a split-changeup that runs in the upper 80s. This pitch is a work in progress but has potential. Frias doesn’t use his slider much but is an average offering at best. He has good control of the zone but his command is a work in progress missing his spots too often. Frias has mid rotation potential and worse case scenario, a high leverage reliever.

10. Seth Beer, 1B/OF
Age: 24
Highest Level: AA

Beer struggled a bit after the trade to Arizona (in the Greinke deal), but his 2019 slash line of .289/.388/.516 is indicative of his talent at the plate. He projects as a middle of the order hitter who will hit for a solid average and above average power. The concern about Beer is his defense. He’s a below average outfielder, so he’ll have to make his home at first base in Arizona. Should he struggle in the field, it may take time for Beer to earn a full-time spot in Arizona.

11. Bryce Jarvis, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: College

The 2020 1st rounder out of Duke threw a Perfect Game in one of his four starts in 2020. An above average fastball paired with an above average changeup, allows Jarvis to keep batters off-balance. Adding strength and consistency to his frame and delivery from 2019 to 2020, Jarvis was able to have a K:BB ratio of 40:2 in the limited 2020 season. Jarvis will need that command against the better bats of MiLB in 2021 while working on his additional off-speed curveball and slider. With his intelligence and competitiveness, look for a quick progression through leagues in 2021, for a potential MLB Debut in 2022.

12. Corbin Martin, RHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB

Seemingly always underrated, Martin is probably even more so now having just recovered from Tommy John. The stuff is electric and he has already made his debut in the big leagues. The real appeal here is the 4-pitch mix that Martin is able to harness, all with varying degrees of effectiveness. He is almost assuredly a starter for the long term, and his path to the rotation is very clear. He’s probably quite cheap to acquire now, as well, considering the upside.

13. Levi Kelly, RHP
Age: 21
Highest Level: A

Kelly was the team’s 8th round pick in the 2018 draft and impressed in both Rookie and Single A ball. In both years combined, he’s thrown in 106.1 innings pitched with a 2.03 ERA, 1.091 WHIP and averaging 11.2 K/9. He throws a solid slider and a low-to-mid 90’s fastball and is developing other pitches as he matures. His success led him to be included as part of Arizona’s 60 player pool and an invitation to the team’s Fall Instructional Team.

14. J.B. Bukauskas, RHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: AA

One of four players in the 2019 Zach Greinke trade, Bukauskas has a filthy four pitch arsenal. An above average slider sharply moves away from right-had batters, while being a back-foot strikeout pitch to lefties. The slider action allows Bukauskas to utilize a mid-90’s fastball that jumps on hitters looking for the slider. Command and consistency keep Bukauskas from reaching his original potential as a 2017 1st round pick. If the BB/9 numbers do not come down to earth, J.B. will end up a high-leverage bullpen arm who can focus on only his top two pitches.

15. Jon Duplantier, RHP
Age: 26
Highest Level: MLB

Duplantier profiles as a solid mid-rotation pitcher when healthy. He effectively keeps the ball on the ground, pitching to a 1.51 GO/AO rate throughout his Minor League career. He also utilizes his four-pitch mix to strike out 20.9% of batters. Duplantier has two areas of concern: Health and control. He missed significant time in 2018 and 2019 to injury, and his career MiLB BB% is 3.72. With health and improved control, Duplantier will be in contention for a rotation spot in Arizona.

Tier 4

16. Stuart Fairchild, OF
Age: 24
Highest Level: AA

A nice overall package here. Can do pretty much everything average or better and should stick at a premium position in the long run. The power even started to show, with 12 home runs in 2019. The ceiling is not as high as others in the system, but he is a good bet to make the major league roster. Won’t carry your fantasy team, but he is a guy that will certainly help in multiple categories.

17. Pavin Smith, 1B/OF
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB

Arizona included Smith in its 2020 player pool and called him up in mid-September. In his 44 plate appearances for the D-backs, Smith stayed true to form: His good eye and plate approach led to reasonable OBP and K%, and his power numbers remained average to below average. The good news on Smith is that he put up his highest ISO and SLG% in AA in 2019, so he’s trending in the right direction. Smith will likely start the year in AAA, but a solid performance in Reno could see him called up to play first base or a corner outfield spot at some point during the year.

18. Jeferson Espinal, OF
Age: 18
Highest Level: Rookie

Espinal’s amazing athleticism and plus speed is his calling card. He hits for a good average with his smooth bat to ball swing but will need to gain some strength to hit for power. Right now he’s more of a gap to gap hitter. Jeferson does a good job controlling the zone and has great patience at the plate and doesn’t chase bad pitches. Espinal has the athleticism and tools package to dream on. He could shoot up this list.

19. A.J. Vukovich, 3B/1B
Age: 19
Highest Level: High School

Arizona’s 4th round pick in 2020 has a lot of projectable strength in his huge athletic 6’5 210 pound frame. He owns good bat speed with quick hands and good loft, while his right-handed stroke helps him produce great raw power. His swing and miss is cause for concern but that’s a work in progress. Reports from instructs suggest he worked on this and looked good hitting to all fields. More power will come as he adds more muscle. Vukovich is currently listed as a third basemen but he could move to first base or to corner outfield in the near future. He looks to be more of a part time starter and platoon player in the future.

20. Drey Jameson, RHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: A-

A bit undersized at 6’0, 165, Jameson has a very quick arm, high effort delivery that he repeats well. That helps him generate a mid 90s fastball that has hit upper 90s at times. He also owns a good curveball with depth and a slider with lateral break. Both these pitches are above averages with potential to miss bats. He also features an average changeup that he doesn’t use often. He needs to improve his command to have more success and times getting his body out of sync which caused him to be wild. The D-backs will give him a chance to continue to start but it’s safer to project him as a long reliever.

21. Dominic Fletcher, OF
Age: 23
Highest Level: A

The younger brother of the Angel’s David Fletcher. His ceiling is higher than his brother’s due to his power potential. Very strong and athletic, he has all the makings of a big leaguer but is lacking in a few areas that will decrease his dynasty appeal. For one, he is probably not going to stick in center because of the lack of foot speed. If that is the case, his bat probably isn’t exactly what you’re looking for in a corner outfielder. The power is also untapped for now, making him an average fantasy prospect. However, he is a grinder and has good bloodlines, so there is a chance for more, especially if he can stay in center.

22. Matt Tabor, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: A

After a very tough 2017 debut with the Diamondbacks, Tabor worked extensively in the off season at the Powerhouse Sports Complex in New Hampshire to develop a slider. Now it is one of his best pitches, and a third pitch to add to his arsenal. Tabor looks to get back to it in 2021 and take the next step before debuting with the big league club.

23. Blaze Alexander, SS/2B
Age: 21
Highest Level: A

Slashing .329 over Rookie Leagues in 2018, Alexander’s 11th round selection seemed to be the late-round steal of the 2018 draft class. But in 2019, Alexander struggled in A Kane County, hitting .262 with 89 strikeouts. His approach at the plate produces above average contact but at times Alexander presses; lengthening his swing and looking for power that is limited. Defensively, Blaze is an outstanding fielder with a laser rocket arm. His range and intelligence allow him to play any infield position.

24. Liam Norris, LHP
Age: 19
Highest Level: High School

Norris was Arizona’s 3rd round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft. He got his pro debut started with a stint on the D-backs’ Instructional League Roster this past fall. According to D-backs farm director Josh Barfield, Norris touched 94 mph regularly, commanded the ball well, and was one of the “bright spots” in camp.

25. Glenallen Hill Jr., 2B
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie

The son of former MLB’er Glenallen Hill, Hill Jr is a plus runner with high baseball IQ. Hill Jr’s hitting and power limits his projection into the Majors. His plate approach lacks discipline from both sides and needs to shorten the swing to find infield holes. Hill’s small frame limits the power numbers, but his speed can turn long singles into doubles.

26. Jake McCarthy, OF
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+

Missed out on Corbin Carroll in your fantasy league? Well, take a look at McCarthy, who might be a discount Carroll for the D-Backs. He is nearly as fast and has more power than Carroll, but ultimately his hit tool is behind where it needs to be. However, there is a lot to like here in terms of fantasy and his ceiling is very high for a player ranked this low. 15 home runs and 30 stolen bases are possible here if he can continue to progress.

27. Taylor Widener, RHP
Age: 26
Highest Level: MLB

Widener has struggled since his phenomenal 2018 season where he had a 2.75 ERA, 1.034 WHIP and 11.5 K/9. The numbers were the complete opposite in 2019 – 8.10 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, 9.8 K/9. Because of these struggles, Widener was relegated to bullpen us in 2020, where he appeared in 12 games and looked sharp in 9 of those. So where does that leave him going into 2021? Widener is looking more like a middle reliever where his 95 MPH fastball would play better in shorter spurts.

28. Justin Martinez, RHP
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

Still only 19 years old, the right hander has spent two years playing in Rookie Ball for the Diamondbacks. He shows good velocity alongside a decent breaking ball, but his command is in question, as evidenced by his 1.41 WHIP in 2019. Another year in the minors will be a great way to see if he can limit the walks and become something more in the future.

29. Tommy Henry, LHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: A-

A consistent delivery and command of each of three pitches allowed Henry to lead Michigan to the College World Series in 2019. While none of his pitches are overwhelming, Henry pitches well to contact, relying on the placement of the pitch to create off-center contact. Henry will need to develop more swing and misses in 2021, as in MiLB and MLB off-center contact is far more detrimental than in the NCAA. Tommy could see an MLB Debut in late 2021.

30. Andy Young, 2B/3B
Age: 26
Highest Level: MLB

Young’s power and versatility should have him as a staple on the D-backs roster as early as 2021. While he primarily figures to be a second baseman, Young has seen time at all four infield spots in his Minor League career. Young’s 2019 slash line of .280/.373/.611 (yes, a .611 SLG%) over 277 PAs in Reno show his bat is ready for Arizona. While improved defense and a lower K% would help his cause, he’s ready to help Arizona in 2021.

31. Josh Green, RHP
Age: 25
Highest Level: AA

Green split 2019 between High-A Visalia and Double-A Jackson. Following a stellar 78 IP and 1.73 ERA in Visalia, the promotion to Jackson challenged Green. In only 48.1 innings he posted a 4.28 ERA and his K/9 dropped to 6.0, which had been 8.0 at the A+ level. Look for Green to start 2021 at AA again.

32. Humberto Mejia, RHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: MLB

A big part of the trade of Starling Marte to the Marlins, Mejia pitched ten big league innings for the Diamondbacks in 2020. In his major league debut, he struck out six batters over 2.1 innings, but struggled the rest of the way, with walks being the main culprit. Still, he had a successful minor league career, and his above average fastball and curveball both project him to being a bullpen piece for Arizona in the future.

33. Wyatt Mathisen, 3B/2B
Age: 27
Highest Level: MLB

Someone who has been a prospect since 2012, Mathisen slowly made his way through the Pirates’ organization for years, providing minimal power and speed with a decent batting average. Now in Arizona, he’s probably destined for another year in the minors after scuffling in his lone opportunity with the big league club last September.

34. Jeremy Beasley, RHP
Age: 25
Highest Level: MLB

Beasley was the Angels 30th round pick in the 2017 draft and was traded to the D-backs for Matt Andriese. Beasley was at the alternate training site and even made his MLB debut, One game for 1/3 of an inning. He gave up two hits but did notch his first career big league strikeout. Beasley projects to be a back of the rotation type of starter but would bet he spends time bouncing between AAA and MLB as a spot starter and long reliever for 2021.

Tier 5

35. Tristin English, 3B/2B/OF
Age: 23
Highest Level: A-

Someone who had great bat to ball contact skills in college, English brought over that talent to the Diamondbacks as he hit .290 in his professional ball debut, and showed double digit power potential. Armed with a big bat and a strong arm, he’s someone to monitor when minor league play resumes.

36. Franyel Baez, OF
Age: 17
Highest Level: 2019 international signee

Baez was the nice signing by the D-backs from the 2019 international free agent signing period. Baez signed out of the Dominican Republic for $1M. Depending on the list, Baez ranked anywhere from the high teens to the 30’s in the ’19 IFA class. He’s a tall (6’3) lean (159) CF, that projects to decent power and speed combination.

37. Jorge Barrosa, OF
Age: 20
Highest Level: A-

Barrosa spent his 18-year-old season with the Short Season Hillsboro Hops in 2019. The switch-hitting centerfielder doesn’t possess much power yet (1 HR in 252 PA), but a full season in A ball in 2021 could do wonders for the speedy contact hitter. For what it’s worth, he had 37 steals in the Dominican Summer League back in 2018, and stole 8 bags in 12 attempts in 2019, so the wheels are there.

38. Alvin Guzman, OF
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

Guzman was a highly touted prospect signed during the J2 signing period in 2018 where there was talk of him becoming a potential five-tool contributor. It hasn’t panned out like that as Guzman hasn’t shown much in the way of hit or power. He’s shown a good arm in the outfield and good speed but needs to develop hit hitting in order to make good on the original prediction.

39. Ryne Nelson, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: A-

Nelson’s biggest value probably comes as a high-leverage reliever and I think that’s where he probably ends up. His fastball is very good, with lots of movement that could be difficult to square up if used as a one-inning guy. The slider is decent too, but the lack of command over it and the lack of potential other offerings make Nelson’s path to a starter very murky. However, his potential as a closer makes him worth monitoring.

40. Brandon Pfaadt, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: College

Arizona’s 5th round pick, Pfaadt has his first licensed baseball card in 2020 Bowman Draft so he has to be a great prospect, right? Seriously, Pfaadt averaged 10.7 K/9 through 3 seasons at Bellarmine University in Kentucky, while maintaining a 2.9 BB/9. He impressed in the 2019 Cape Cod League, posting a 2.81 ERA in 32 innings with 34 SO. Now 22, Brandon hopes to see A-ball action in 2021.

41. Buddy Kennedy, 3B/2B
Age: 22
Highest Level: A

Kennedy, from the same hometown as Mike Trout (Millville, NJ), is a very patient hitter who works counts and draws plenty of walks. He’s an average power type of guy, hitting the gaps for doubles. He can drive the ball to the opposite field with authority. Buddy profiles as a bench bat with the spot start every now and then. If he can tap into more power, he could become an average starter.

42. Matt Mercer, RHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: A+

Mercer’s best pitch is a changeup with above average movement. His fastball sits mid 90s although he was upper 90s in college. He owns an average curve that causes weak contact. Mercer profiles more of a low leverage reliever and spot starter unless he finds his velocity on his fastball again.

43. Conor Grammes, RHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: A-

Grammes was Arizona’s 5th round pick in 2019 after being selected in the 35th round the year before by Baltimore, but stayed at school (Xavier University). Conor made his pro debut in 2019 with Short Season Hillsboro. The good: an 11.7 K/9 and he kept the ball in the park, yielding 0 homers. The not-so-good: a 4.7 BB/9 (which was actually down from his college numbers).

44. Ronny Polanco, OF/3B/SS
Age: 18
Highest Level: 2019 international signee

Signed for $600K, Polanco was one of the better SS/3B prospects in the player pool and one of the youngest. Polanco hit .385/.484/.538 for the Dominican Republic at the U-15 World Cup in Panama. Polanco looks comfortable at the plate possessing the ability to barrel up pitches and is fluid in the field presenting excellent feel for his position, but time will tell if he is able to stick in the infield. The young 6’0, 170-pound prospect will look to get his professional career started in 2021.

45. Avery Short, LHP
Age: 19
Highest Level: A-

Drafted out of High School in the 12th round of the 2019 draft, Short started off his professional career the same year, getting in 8 innings with 9 strikeouts. Short doesn’t offer overpowering heat topping out around 93 MPH but he throws all his pitches from a ¾ arm slot keeping the hitters guessing in the box. His best pitch would be his curve that he throws in the mid 70’s and has good depth. Short projects to be a durable player and had one of the higher floors in the 19 Draft and should work back in A ball this season defining his changeup.

46. Jhosmer Alvarez, RHP
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

Dynasty leagues buyer beware. Alvarez missed some time in 2019 to a shoulder injury. Alvarez’s fastball sits in the low to mid 90s, sometimes hitting 97, with good command which helps him limit walks. His curveball is a work in progress but he does snap off some nasty curves at times. His best pitch is a changeup with good depth and fade. Alvarez is a nice depth piece to keep a eye on that could turn into a high leverage reliever.

47. Eduardo Diaz, OF
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+

Signed in 2015, Diaz was successful in the ROK league in 2016 and 2017, those two years he had 468 at-bats and hit 10 HR, 26 doubles, 7 triples, stole 34 bases and hit above .300. He struggled in 2018 moving on from the ROK league and dealing with some minor injuries but in 2019 he showed us that he still has some potential hitting .283 with 42 XBH in 473 at-bats, also stole 18 bases in 23 attempts. He has the offensive upside to be a contributing outfielder and stick in center but he will need to continue to improve against advanced competition and keep his K-rate in line.

48. Spencer Brickhouse, 1B
Age: 22
Highest Level: Rookie

Often people do not live up to their names but that is not the case with Brickhouse as he is 6’4 inches and 235 pounds of 1st base prospect! Brickhouse has light tower power thanks to massive strength and leverage. He is not afraid to walk and will make a pitcher work to challenge him, but his hitting ability ranks as average at best and has shown swing and miss concerns especially with wood bats in the Cap league and his first year in the Pioneer League. Another downer on his prospect profile is that he really doesn’t possess a natural position and would be best as a DH as he made 7 errors in only 53 games at 1st in 2019.

49. Drew Ellis, 3B/1B
Age: 25
Highest Level: AA

Ellis manages to hit for some power and get on base via the walk, but consistently puts up a BA below .250. While he’ll never win a batting title, Ellis’s solid defense and decent on-base numbers could make him a decent utilityman.

50. Brock Jones, LHP
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

The 2019 16th round pick of the D-backs, Jones is a left pitcher standing at 6’1” and weighing in at 180. His fastball is a little underwhelming considering his size but being around professional pitching coaches could enhance that offering. Jones possess the ability to control his breaking balls in and out of the zone which does help keep the hitters off balance. Jones does have a clean repeatable delivery and needs to focus on limiting the free passes.

Prospects1500 is your comprehensive dynasty league resource, featuring deep MLB/MiLB top prospect lists, news and rankings.




10 Comments

  1. Deep group of talented prospects! Keep an eye on West Tunnell. Led DBacks org in saves in 2019 and put up solid numbers as a closer for Visalia & Jackson. Converted position player who didn’t start pitching until professional baseball. Rehab in 2020, throwing now & ready for 2021 spring training. AAA roster.

    • We definitely will! Continuing those numbers hopefully he’s on our midseason update later this summer.

      Thanks for reading and keeping us honest!

      • I think you left out Dominic Miroglio, a 2-time all-star catcher who hit over 400 in the AA playoffs 2 years ago. He was injured in 2020, and seems to have been lost in the Covid shuffle. He was trending as a tier 2 before the injury, and was in major league camp last year, so I would think if he is healthy he should still be tracking as a top prospect.

  2. I think it would be huge to have all the prospects by position. If you do this, you will way too many RHPs on the list. It’s like Mike Hazen has done this on purpose so that he’d have lots of pitching currency to swing deals at the MLB level. There aren’t nearly enough 3rd basemen, catchers or speed burners in the total.

  3. I noticed Taylor Guilbeau is not on the list. He was listed as a Tier 3 prospect in 2020 with the Mariners and pitched well with limited playing time last year. Why is he not even good enough to be considered even a tier 4?

    • Thanks for the question Jarrett. We had a group of writers work on the Dbacks Top 50. Guilbeau is a 27 year old middle reliever, soon to be 28 (in May). He may be an MLB arm, he may be AAA, but he’s just not a player we as a team had in our Top 50 heading into 2021. More often than not, we, and all of our writers, tend to lean towards younger players and those who aren’t profiling just as middle relievers, especially since we lean dynasty over real life.

  4. But this raises a question about definitions. A tier 5 player is defined as a person who is worth keeping an eye on but is unlikely to ever make a teams 40-man. Guilbeau and players like him are already on a teams 40-man so by definition, he’s at least a tier 4. If Guilbeau is below players who are ranked in the 5th tier, than it seems that the tier 5 class ought to be redefined.

    • You’re exactly right. Guilbeau could not be in Tier 5 according to our definitions, but the group who ranked the Dbacks just didn’t want him in Tier 4 so as to be able to rank another player that might have more ceiling in the future. There’s no doubt he can help you in a dynasty league if he starts to pull in some holds. But he’ll be 28 in May and that’s not the direction we usually go with “top prospects.” If he’s killing it by midseason and is over the 50 IP mark in his MLB career, and you want to come back and tell us “I told you so,” then we’ll be here ready for it.

  5. Also, my dynasty league is a 6 x 6 that rewards holds (like traditional 5 x 5 but batting average is replaced with slugging and on base percentage and wins are replaced with holds and quality starts). How much of a boost would a relief prospect get in this format? For that matter, what players would change the most in value in this type of format relative to 5 x 5? My assumption is that much of a prospects value is making it to the MLB and making a contribution and only a small adjustment to the rankings would be needed.

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