{"id":7487,"date":"2018-07-22T07:06:37","date_gmt":"2018-07-22T12:06:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/?p=7487"},"modified":"2018-07-22T07:06:37","modified_gmt":"2018-07-22T12:06:37","slug":"st-louis-cardinals-midseason-top-50-prospects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/top-50-lists\/st-louis-cardinals-midseason-top-50-prospects\/","title":{"rendered":"St. Louis Cardinals Midseason Top 50 Prospects"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Image<\/a>
Outfielder Oscar Mercado<\/a> has emerged as a dynamic force and is turning heads in the Cardinals system. Photo credit: Mark Harrell\/ozarksportszone.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

A slew of promotions has thinned out what was a top-heavy system overflowing with Triple-A talent. But in true Cardinals fashion, while few high upside players abound, there are still plenty of solid-floor prospects that can find a home somewhere. Overall the system is flush with catchers and light on middle infielders and left-handed pitchers.<\/p>\n

As a list geared toward dynasty leagues, I put a lot of weight on hitters because they\u2019re a safer investment and I significantly downgrade relief pitchers or those with obvious bullpen futures. I have an affinity for lower level teens that show promise as these guys can often be lottery tickets that could explode. As a point of reference, here’s the link to my 2018 preseason Cardinals Top 50 Prospects<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Levels<\/strong><\/p>\n

AAA<\/em> – Memphis<\/p>\n

AA<\/em>– Springfield<\/p>\n

A+<\/em> – Palm Beach<\/p>\n

A<\/em> – Peoria<\/p>\n

Short-season<\/em> – State College<\/p>\n

Rookie<\/em> – Johnson City (Appalachian), Cardinals (GCL)<\/p>\n

DSL<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Prospects1500 Tiers:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tier 1:<\/strong> Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years
\nTier 2:<\/strong> Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
\nTier 3:<\/strong> Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
\nTier 4:<\/strong> Players who have the potential of making the majors, or have a high likelihood of making the majors but providing minimal impact (e.g. middle reliever, low-ceiling UT guys)
\nTier 5:<\/strong> Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a team\u2019s 40-man roster<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tier 1:<\/span><\/h3>\n

1.\u00a0Alex Reyes<\/a>, RHP (Preseason rank: 1)
\n<\/strong>Age: 23\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: MLB<\/p>\n

He has exactly 50 innings pitched, meaning he\u2019s still eligible in my book. Upside is still \u2018Ace\u2019, but injury concerns are mounting.<\/p>\n

Tier 2:<\/span><\/h3>\n

2. Tyler O\u2019Neill<\/a>, OF (Preseason rank: 4)
\n<\/strong>Age: 23\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: MLB<\/p>\n

A stacked St.Louis outfield has prevented him from carving out a full-time role. Has a 1.028 OPS at Memphis this year and should hopefully be an everyday outfielder in 2019.<\/p>\n

3. Nolan Gorman<\/a>, 3B (Preseason rank: NR)
\n<\/strong>Age: 18\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: Rookie (Appy)<\/p>\n

The 19th overall pick in the 2018 draft is off to a loud start, hitting seven home runs in 23 games along with almost an equal number of walks to strikeouts. He was touted as the prep bat with the most power and so far he\u2019s living up to the hype.<\/p>\n

4. Oscar Mercado<\/a>, OF (Preseason rank: 18)
\n<\/strong>Age: 23\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: AAA<\/p>\n

If you like steals with some pop and a solid slash line, you\u2019ll like Mercado. He\u2019s carried forth his power breakout from 2017 into this year and is looking like a 12 HR\/35 SB candidate once he reaches the majors.<\/p>\n

5. Elehuris Montero<\/a>, 3B (Preseason rank: 26)
\n<\/strong>Age: 19\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: A<\/p>\n

Mercado and Montero were both preseason picks<\/a> to rise in the system and they haven\u2019t disappointed. Montero is among the league leaders in the Midwest League in home runs, RBIs, and average and he doesn\u2019t turn 20 for another month.<\/p>\n

Tier 3:<\/span><\/h3>\n

6. Andrew Knizner<\/a>, C (Preseason rank: 14)
\n<\/strong>Age: 23\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: AA<\/p>\n

Sorry, Carson Kelly<\/a> fans, Knizner is the best offensive catcher in the system. He has excellent bat-to-ball skills and a strong approach at the plate that ensures his slash line doesn\u2019t deviate too far from .280\/.350\/.415.<\/p>\n

7. Ryan Helsley<\/a>, RHP (Preseason rank: 10)
\n<\/strong>Age: 24\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: AAA<\/p>\n

Helsley is one of the more underrated right-hand prospects in baseball. He has a big fastball that sits in the mid-90s along with a power curve and a developing change and cutter. He was promoted to Memphis earlier this season and has impressed in five starts (32 K%, 3.21 FIP).<\/p>\n

8. Max Schrock<\/a>, 2B (Preseason rank: 9)
\n<\/strong>Age: 23\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: AAA<\/p>\n

The 5-foot-8 Schrock remains one of the hardest hitters to strikeout (7 K%) but he\u2019s been more pedestrian in his first foray at Triple-A, owning a .687 OPS. He doesn\u2019t provide much in power or speed.<\/p>\n

9. Randy Arozarena<\/a>, OF (Preseason rank: 6)
\n<\/strong>Age: 23\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: AA<\/p>\n

Hard to envision him cracking the St.Louis outfield but carries modest value as a 10\/20 outfielder thanks to above-average speed and hit tool.<\/p>\n

10. Griffin Roberts<\/a>, RHP (Preseason rank: NR)
\n<\/strong>Age: 22\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: N\/A<\/p>\n

Thought to have the best breaking ball in college baseball, Roberts\u2019 slider carried him to the 43rd overall pick this summer. Some command problems and repeatable delivery questions leave some to wonder if he\u2019s destined for the bullpen where he can push his fastball to the mid-90s. Expect him to move fast.<\/p>\n

11. Luken Baker<\/a>, 1B (Preseason rank: NR)
\n<\/strong>Age: 21\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: Rookie (GCL)<\/p>\n

Baker is a massive 6-foot-5, 265-pound cornerman who\u2019s going to depend on his bat to get him anywhere. Above-average power (some think plus) paired with his good bat speed should make him a bit better in fantasy than real life, but the ceiling isn\u2019t exciting.<\/p>\n

12. Dylan Carlson<\/a>, RHP (Preseason rank: 17)
\n<\/strong>Age: 19\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: A+<\/p>\n

The switch-hitting Carlson has made some nice strides considering he reworked his left-handed swing entirely. He\u2019s reverted to being more of a pull hitter this season with fewer groundballs and while his power is nothing to write home about, he\u2019s performing admirably for a 19-year-old in High-A.<\/p>\n


\nTier 4:<\/strong><\/p>\n

13. Carson Kelly<\/a>, C (Preseason rank: 7)
\n<\/strong>Age: 24\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: MLB<\/p>\n

I\u2019m not a big fan of rostering catchers in your farm system unless you\u2019re in a 30-team league or a deep two-catcher league. While Kelly has developed into a strong defensive catcher, his bat leaves a lot to be desired, likely topping out at 10 home runs with an OK average in a typical year.<\/p>\n

14. Ramon Urias<\/a>, 2B (Preseason rank: NR)
\n<\/strong>Age: 24\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: AA<\/p>\n

Older brother to Luis Urias<\/a>, Ramon made the jump from the Mexican league to join the Double-A squad. After pushing his OPS past 1.000 in 34 games, he got the bump to Memphis where he\u2019s slowed down. He has good bat speed with a feel to get the barrel to the ball which in turn is helping him tap into some good power. He\u2019ll possess 20 home run power at his peak.<\/p>\n

15. Dakota Hudson<\/a>, RHP (Preseason rank: 13)
\n<\/strong>Age: 23\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: AAA<\/p>\n

A 2.42 ERA belies what\u2019s an overall mediocre profile for the righty. Hudson has a meager 18 K% with an average walk rate. His saving grace is his heavy fastball that\u2019s limited opposing batters to just one home run in 110.2 innings pitched. His slider has been touted as an out pitch but it’s inconsistent in starts. He might be better suited to relief where his fastball reaches the high 90s as he showed in the Futures Game.<\/p>\n

16. Adolis Garcia<\/a>, OF (Preseason rank: 5)
\n<\/strong>Age: 25\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: AAA<\/p>\n

Adolis (who dropped the \u2018Jose\u2019 from his name) is doing a good job racking up the counting stats (12 HR\/9 SB) but has had trouble adjusting his approach (sub-4 BB%). His role is limited on a major league team until he fixes that.<\/p>\n

17. Scott Hurst<\/a>, OF (Preseason rank: 23)
\n<\/strong>Age: 22\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: A<\/p>\n

Hurst is chugging along, virtually repeating his numbers from last season at short-season State College. Now at Peoria (Midwest), he has a respectable .771 OPS with average speed and below average power.<\/p>\n

18. Austin Gomber<\/a>, LHP, (Preseason rank: 12)
\n<\/strong>Age: 24\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: MLB<\/p>\n

Gomber was off to a strong start in the minors (19 K-BB%) and earned a call up to the St. Louis bullpen before losing all semblance of control and strikeout stuff in 14.1 innings (3 K-BB%). Still, given his 6-foot-5 size and high three-quarters delivery should render this cup of coffee more flukish than anything.<\/p>\n

19. Ivan Herrera<\/a>, C (Preseason rank: 21)
\n<\/strong>Age: 18\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: Rookie (GCL)<\/p>\n

20. Carlos Soto<\/a>, C (Preseason rank: 30)
\n<\/strong>Age: 19\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: Rookie (Appy)<\/p>\n

Herrera and Soto are two of the rookie ball catchers that should be on the periphery for Cardinals fans. Herrera is stateside this year in the GCL and needs his 6-foot-1 frame to fill out to get some power in games. Soto is a step ahead in Johnson City with a strong .987 OPS with more walks than strikeouts in about three weeks worth of games. Even better, he\u2019s showing some power that he flashed in spurts last year.<\/p>\n

21. Ramon Mendoza<\/a>, 2B (Preseason rank: NR)
\n<\/strong>Age: 17\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: DSL<\/p>\n

Mendoza signed out of Mexico earlier this offseason and is off to a fast start in the DSL. His frame doesn\u2019t lend itself to much power growth but he\u2019s showing a strong approach at the plate and good contact ability.<\/p>\n

22. Jean Selmo<\/a>, 1B\/OF (Preseason rank: NR)
\n<\/strong>Age: 18\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: DSL<\/p>\n

The Cardinals claimed Selmo from the Diamondbacks in December. Still in the DSL, Selmo has a natural loft in his swing and is flashing some interesting power along with a .1000+ OPS this season.<\/p>\n

23.\u00a0Wadye Ynfante<\/a>, OF (Preseason rank: 15)
\n<\/strong>Age: 20\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: Short-season<\/p>\n

In short-season ball, Ynfante has taken some big steps backward as he\u2019s now morphed into someone who\u2019s become an extreme flyball hitter (57 FB%) and as a result, his strikeouts have skyrocketed and his walks have plummeted.<\/p>\n

24. Nick Dunn<\/a>, 2B (Preseason rank: NR)
\n<\/strong>Age: 21\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: Short season<\/p>\n

Dunn, a 5th-round pick this season, is an intriguing fantasy prospect. He had a power outburst this year in Maryland with a .980 OPS and 10 HR with nearly double as many walks as strikeouts. Most importantly, in two seasons in the Cape Cod league, he was extremely comfortable with wood bats and was an all-star twice and again showed excellent discipline.<\/p>\n

25. Luke Voit<\/a>, 1B (Preseason rank: 25)
\n<\/strong>Age: 27\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: MLB<\/p>\n

Voit just barely sneaks under the rookie requirement and it\u2019s taken longer than the 27-year-old probably wants. He remains someone with a good eye and above-average power but is defensively limited and better suited for an AL team.<\/p>\n

26. Delvin Perez<\/a>, SS (Preseason rank: 11)
\n<\/strong>Age: 19\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: Short-season<\/p>\n

Full disclosure: I nearly forgot to rank Perez. Our view of him has dramatically shifted since he was drafted in the first round of 2016. I have little hope he\u2019s more than a glove-first shortstop with solid speed and little to no power.<\/p>\n


\nTier 5:<\/strong><\/p>\n

27. Connor Jones<\/a>, RHP (Preseason rank: 20)
\n<\/strong>Age: 19\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: A<\/p>\n

Jones remains a one-trick pony with his groundballs (62 GB% in AA) and while he continues to start, it\u2019s more than likely he ends up in a long relief role.<\/p>\n

28. Alvaro Seijas<\/a>, RHP, (Preseason rank: NR)
\n<\/strong>Age: 19\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: A<\/p>\n

Seijas\u2019 numbers aren\u2019t impressive (14 K%, 9 BB%, ERA over 5.00) but he\u2019s a teenager in the midwest league. The team likes the foundation he has with a fastball that can touch 95 and a developing change and curve.<\/p>\n

29. Diomedes Del Rio<\/a>, OF (Preseason rank: NR)
\n<\/strong>Age: 20\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: Rookie (GCL)<\/p>\n

In just over 20 games, Del Rio has a .1250 OPS…but he\u2019s 20 years old and still in rookie ball; he should be doing that well.<\/p>\n

30. Patrick Wisdom<\/a>, 3B (Preseason rank: 31)
\n<\/strong>Age: 26\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: AAA<\/p>\n

I have a soft spot for Wisdom. He\u2019s in his third turn at Triple-A and this season the 26-year-old has improved his strikeout and walk rate by about three percentage points each (10 BB%, 26 K%) and even flashing some wheels (10 SB) that I thought he no longer had. He\u2019s likely an org player but strikes me as someone who\u2019ll have a couple of hot streaks once he\u2019s on the club.<\/p>\n

31. Daniel Poncedeleon<\/a>, RHP (Preseason rank: 37)
\n<\/strong>Age: 26\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: AAA<\/p>\n

Poncedeleon has experienced a nice boost in strikeouts, going from a 7 K\/9 guy to 10 K\/9 in 17 starts for Memphis. The walks (4.7 BB\/9) are an eyesore but he\u2019s kept the ERA in check at 2.15 (3.84 FIP). He\u2019s also turned into an extreme flyball pitcher. With a big 6-foot-4 frame, there are the makings of a No.5 guy here.<\/p>\n

32. Edmundo Sosa<\/a>, SS (Preseason rank: NR)
\n<\/strong>Age: 22\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: AAA\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

I left Sosa off my preseason list because I think light-hitting middle infielders don\u2019t excite me much. Not much has changed, but this is a tip of the cap to someone who\u2019s in Triple-A as a 22-year-old. The Cardinals certainly like him.<\/p>\n

33. Jonatan Machado<\/a>, OF (Preseason rank: 19)
\n<\/strong>Age: 19\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: Rookie (Appy)<\/p>\n

Machado, 19, has been struggling with an aggressive full-season ball assignment in Peoria with an OPS in the .430s. He still has strong bat-to-ball skills but very limited power potential. He hasn\u2019t flashed his speed yet, which is another reason for the drop.<\/p>\n

34. Carlos Soler<\/a>, OF (Preseason rank: NR)
\n<\/strong>Age: 18\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: DSL<\/p>\n

The Cardinals were drawn to Soler\u2019s potential power when they signed him. Though it hasn\u2019t manifested itself in the DSL quite yet, his 6-foot-2 frame is ripe for growth.<\/p>\n

35. Jose Moreno<\/a>, RHP (Preseason rank: 24)
\n<\/strong>Age: 17\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: DSL
\nMoreno, who turns 18 next month and is still in the DSL, has improved his strikeouts from his first DSL stint but at the expense of his walk rate. His 6-foot-1 frame still needs to fill out which should help his present low 90s velocity.<\/p>\n

36. Junior Fernandez<\/a>, RHP (Preseason rank: 28)
\n<\/strong>Age: 21\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: AA<\/p>\n

The inevitable happened: Fernandez was converted to a relief. The righty has a plus fastball and plus changeup. The bad news is in limited action this season the strikeouts still aren\u2019t appearing, but he\u2019s had less than 10 innings so we\u2019ll have to wait to see if this continues.<\/p>\n

37. Ludwin Jimenez<\/a>, RHP (Preseason rank: NR)
\n<\/strong>Age: 16\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: DSL<\/p>\n

Ludwin still hasn\u2019t turned 17 and he\u2019s in the DSL. Information is limited but he\u2019s on here because he\u2019s playing at such a young age and he\u2019s listed at 6-foot-2, 165 pounds aka p-r-o-j-e-c-t-i-o-n.<\/p>\n

38. Conner Greene<\/a>, RHP (Preseason rank: NR)
\n<\/strong>Age: 23\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: AAA<\/p>\n

Greene has a better fastball than anyone below him (and it\u2019s a 70-grade pitch) but he has no control or command. He\u2019s a future reliever until he hones his wildness.<\/p>\n

39. Jacob Patterson<\/a>, LHP (Preseason rank: NR)
\n<\/strong>Age: 22\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Level: A+<\/p>\n

Patterson has one of the most unique deliveries you\u2019ll see, complete with a short stride, slinging motion, and head whack. It\u2019s risky and I\u2019m not surprised that the Texas Tech alum is having control issues (11 BB%) in Palm Beach, but he still has a good breaking ball and should survive in a bullpen.
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