With some of the top Toronto prospects now nearing the higher levels the system is on the rebound. \u00a0Former GM Alex Anthopoulos emptied the cupboard in recent years with the trades of Daniel Norris, Matt Boyd, Jeff Hoffman and others at the 2015 trade deadline along with Syndergaard, d\u2019Arnaud, DeSclafani and Hechevarria prior to that. \u00a0This was in an effort to go all in but it severely set the minor league system back. \u00a0Those deals did however take them to two consecutive trips to the ALCS, re-awakening and returning the fan base to an excitement level not seen in Toronto since the early 90\u2019s.<\/p>\n
We are now entering year 2 of the Mark Shapiro\/Ross Atkins regime. \u00a0They need to figure out how to overcome the losses of Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista (still unsigned) without sacrificing too much in prospects. \u00a0The fans are still looking to get back to the playoffs again and are not prepared to hear any talk of a re-build. \u00a0With the need for outfielders at the major league level, recent interest in Andrew McCutchen and long-running rumors of a trade for either Jay Bruce or Curtis Granderson may cost some of these prospects. \u00a0There are 4 top 100 specs and the Blue Jays<\/a> are one of only a few teams with 12 of the top 200 so they do have some assets to work with. \u00a0For now though, here are the 2017 Top 50 Blue Jays<\/a> prospects.<\/p>\n Prospects1500 Tiers: 2. Sean Reid-Foley, RHP<\/strong> 3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr, 3B<\/strong> 4. Rowdy Tellez, 1B<\/strong> 5. Richard Urena, SS<\/strong> 6. Lourdes Gurriel, SS<\/strong> 7. Jon Harris, RHP<\/strong> 9. Bo Bichette, SS<\/strong> 10. T.J. Zeuch. RHP<\/strong> 11. Connor Greene, RHP<\/strong> 12. Reese McGuire, C<\/strong> 13. Max Pentecost, C<\/strong> 14. Angel Perdomo, LHP<\/strong> 15. Justin Maese, RHP<\/strong> 17. Francisco Rios, RHP<\/strong> 18. Dwight Smith, OF<\/strong> 19. Ryan Borucki, LHP<\/strong> 20. D.J. Davis, OF<\/strong> 21. Mitch Nay, 3B<\/strong> 22. Josh Palacios, OF<\/strong> 23. Clinton Hollon, RHP<\/strong> 24. Zach Jackson, RHP<\/strong> 25. Jonathan Davis, OF<\/strong> 26. Mike Ohlman, C<\/strong> 27. Jose Espada, RHP<\/strong> 28. Shane Dawson, LHP<\/strong> 29. Matt Dean, 1B<\/strong> 30. A.J. Jimenez, C<\/strong> 31. Yennsy Diaz, RHP<\/strong> 32. Roemon Fields, OF<\/strong> 33. Reggie Pruitt, OF<\/strong> 35. Patrick Murphy, RHP<\/strong> 36. Tom Robson, RHP<\/strong> 37. Christian Lopes, 2B<\/strong> 38. Cavan Biggio, 2B<\/strong> 39. Glenn Sparkman RHP<\/strong> 40. Ryan McBroom, 1B<\/strong> 41. Tim Lopes, 2B<\/strong> 42. Lane Thomas, OF<\/strong> 43. Yeltsin Gudino, SS<\/strong> 44. Adonys Cardona, RHP<\/strong> 45. Yorman Rodriguez, 1B\/C<\/strong> 46. Carl Wise, 3B<\/strong> 47. Evan Smith, LHP<\/strong> 48. Maximo Castillo, RHP<\/strong> 49. Juan Meza, RHP<\/strong> 50. Sterling Guzman, 3B<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>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 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
\nTier 1:<\/span>
\n<\/strong>None<\/p>\n
\nTier 2:<\/span><\/strong>
\n1. Anthony Alford, OF<\/strong>
\nAge: 22 (DOB: 07\/20\/94)
\nAlford is a high-OBP\/power guy who plays above-average center field. He was drafted in 2012 but the two-sport star (football) didn\u2019t decide to play baseball full time until the 2015 season. He had some injury troubles (knee\/concussion) last summer after a breakout season in 2015. After the season ended they send him to the AZL fall league where he was an all-star and named an AZL rising star. He should start 2017 at New Hampshire (AA). ETA: Mid-2018.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 21 (DOB: 08\/30\/95)
\nReid-Foley was demoted back to Lansing (A) to start 2016. That turned out to be a good decision as he dominated there as well as at high-A after he was promoted to Dunedin for the second year in a row. He strikes out more than a batter\/inning along with good control. He has a plus fastball and two above-average breaking balls. He experienced some elbow soreness and was shut down in August. Hopefully, no surgery is necessary and he will start 2017 in the New Hampshire (AA) rotation. ETA: Late-2018.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 17 (DOB: 03\/16\/99)
\nGuerrero Jr. was a top ranked international prospect when he was signed in 2015 for $3.9M. He is the son of the former AL MVP Vlad Guerrero. He had a very successful debut in 2016 at Bluefield (Rookie) where he was playing against players four years older than him. He is an above-average hitter with 30-plus HR potential. He is still very young but it should be fun to watch as he continues to develop into a stud. He should start 2017 at Lansing (A). His ETA is probably 2021 but seeing him as early as late-2019 may not be out of the question.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 21 (DOB: 03\/16\/95)
\nTellez was drafted late (30th round) in the 2013 draft. That may turn out to be a steal. He tore up the Eastern League with 23 HR and 54 extra base hits in 2016. He is more than just a left-handed slugger as his .297 average shows. He has worked hard since being drafted to keep his weight down and improve on his defense at first base. At 22 he will be one of the youngest players in AAA when he starts the season at Buffalo. With the possibility of Tellez being MLB-ready as early as late-2017 it may have been one of the reasons that management was not as enthusiastic about re-signing Edwin to the long-term deal as everyone hoped.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 20 (DOB: 02\/26\/96)
\nUrena is a switch-hitting 5-tool shortstop. He is a solid prospect with raw talent who held his own hitting .295 with 8 HR as one of the youngest players in AA last season. He is the heir apparent to take over for Troy Tulowitzki at shortstop. He should start the season again at New Hampshire (AA). ETA: Late-2017.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 23 (DOB: 10\/19\/93)
\nThe Cuban was a nice signing for the Jays when he was given a 7 yr.\/22M contract in November. He has long been reported as a rising star in Cuba. In 2015, his slash line was an outstanding .344\/.407\/.500. He will probably spend at least a year in the minors, possibly starting at Dunedin (High A), and moving up the ladder throughout this season as he gets acclimated to life in the US. Listed primarily as a SS, he has also played 2B, 3B and some OF as well. His versatility will be a plus but focusing on making him a left fielder would make sense for the organization as he is blocked at all the infield positions in Toronto. ETA: 2018.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 23 (DOB: 10\/16\/93)
\nHarris had an excellent season in 2016 going 11-4, 2.71 ERA split between Lansing (A) and Dunedin (High A). He was drafted in the 1st round in 2015. As a college draft pick he has an advanced arm but at 6\u20194\u201d and only 175 lbs. he may need to fill out a bit in order to help him succeed at the higher levels. He will likely start the season again at Dunedin. ETA: 2019.<\/p>\n
\nTier 3:<\/span><\/strong>
\n 8. Harold Ramirez, OF<\/strong>
\nAge: 22 (DOB: 09\/06\/94)
\nRamirez was acquired from Pittsburgh in the Drew Hutchison trade last season. He posted solid numbers, .311\/.360\/.407 in 2016 at Altoona (AA) in the Pirates<\/a> organization before suffering a knee injury shortly after the trade to Toronto. He missed the balance of the season. He has always been a solid contact hitter but the power has still yet to develop. He should start 2017 at Buffalo (AAA). ETA: Late-2017.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 18 (DOB: 03\/05\/98)
\nBichette is the son of former Rockies<\/a> all-star Dante Bichette. He was the Jays 2nd round pick in 2016. He had an excellent debut with the GCL Blue Jays<\/a> where he led the league in AVG, SLG and OPS. Baseball America named him #4 prospect in the GCL. Scouts don\u2019t see him staying at SS and feel he will move to 2B or LF in time. He should start 2017 at Vancouver (short season A). ETA: 2020.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 21 (DOB: 08\/01\/95)
\nZeuch was the 1st round pick in the 2016 draft. He is a towering 6\u20197\u201d right-hander who pitched at three levels his first season. He had a 1.12 WHIP with 10.1 K\/9 and 1.9 BB\/9. He is a polished college pitcher with a fastball in the low\/mid 90\u2019s and a plus slider. He should open 2017 at Lansing (A) and continue to move up the ladder quickly. ETA: Mid-2019.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 21 (DOB: 04\/04\/95)
\nGreene shot up the prospect lists after moving through three levels from Lansing (Low A) to New Hampshire (AA) in 2015. He had a combined 3.54 ERA with 7.8 K\/9 and 2.7 BB\/9. Expectations were high heading into 2016 but he had trouble repeating those numbers between Dunedin (High A) and New Hampshire (AA). Strikeouts were down from 115 to 99 and walks were up from 39 to 71. He should start 2017 in the New Hampshire rotation but with his 96-97 MPH fastball a move into a late-inning relief role in the Toronto bullpen would not be out of the question. ETA: Late-2017.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 21 (DOB: 03\/02\/95)
\nMcGuire was acquired along with Harold Ramirez in the trade deadline deal with Pittsburgh. He is a former 1st round pick (2013) who is a light-hitting catcher with an MLB-ready glove. He had a slash line of .254\/.335\/.332 at AA in 2016 that was on par with his career numbers but he has no power. He has hit only 4 HR\u2019s over his 4 minor league seasons. He will most likely start 2017 at New Hampshire (AA) with a promotion to Buffalo (AAA) at some point in preparation for his role as back-up to Russell Martin starting in 2018.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 23 (DOB: 03\/10\/93)
\nPentecost was advertised as a polished college bat when he was drafted in the 1st round of the 2014 draft. After missing the entire 2015 season with three shoulder surgeries he had a successful return to the plate in 2016. He posted a .314\/.375\/.490 slash line at Lansing (A) and had 3 home runs in 12 games he played after he was promoted to Dunedin (High A). He spent the entire season as a DH so it still remains to be seen how he is as a catcher. He should start 2017 at Dunedin. ETA: Late 2018.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 22 (DOB: 05\/07\/94)
\nPerdomo is a hard-throwing 6\u20196\u201d left-hander with a mid-90\u2019s fastball. He led the organization last season with 156 strikeouts. He has a career 10.8 K\/9 but has struggled with his command at 4.4 BB\/9. They continue to develop him as a starter but if his secondary pitches don\u2019t improve he will more likely end up as a reliever. He should open 2017 at Dunedin (High A). ETA: 2019.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 20 (DOB: 10\/24\/96)
\nMaese is right-hander who is moving quickly through the low minors. He was drafted in the 3rd round in 2015. In his debut that season with the GCL Blue Jays<\/a> he was dominant posting a record of 5-0 with a 1.01 ERA in 8 app (4 starts) and was named league MVP. He finished 2016 at Lansing (A) after posting a 2.05 ERA in 5 starts at Vancouver (short season A). Reports are that he has good command of all four pitches and likes to pitch to contact for quick outs. He should open 2017 in Dunedin (High A). ETA: Mid-2019.<\/p>\n
\nTier 4:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>
\n16. J.B. Woodman, OF<\/strong>
\nAge: 22 (DOB: 12\/13\/94)
\nWoodman has five-tool talent. He was selected in the 2nd round this past year after leading the SEC with 14 HR at the University of Mississippi. He had an excellent debut season hitting .297\/.391\/.445. He spent most of the summer at Vancouver (short season A) before having a strong finish at Lansing (A). Baseball America named him the #6 prospect in the NWL. He should start 2017 at Lansing (A). As a college draft pick hopefully he develops fast and moves quickly through the system. ETA: 2019.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 21 (DOB: 05\/04\/95)
\nRios has moved steadily through the levels since signing as a 17 year old from Mexico in 2012. It was a breakout year for him in 2016. His first 6 starts at Lansing (A) were impressive, 1.20 ERA with 43 K\u2019s in 30 IP. That propelled him onto the prospect radar and earned him a quick promotion to Dunedin (High A). His fastball sits at 92-94 with an above-average curveball. He should start 2017 in the New Hampshire (AA) rotation. ETA: 2018.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 24 (DOB: 10\/26\/92)
\nSmith is the son of former major leaguer Dwight Smith, Sr. He has a good combination of both power and speed with 41 HR, 224 RBI and 56 SB over the last 4 seasons. After spending the past two seasons at New Hampshire (AA) he should move up to Buffalo (AAA) in 2017 and could be in line for a call-up to Toronto in September. He projects him to be a 4th-OF type player similar to Ezequiel Carrera. ETA: 2018<\/p>\n
\nAge: 22 (DOB: 03\/31\/94)
\nBorucki was selected in the 15th round in 2012. He was one of the highest ranked HS lefties that year but he slipped in the draft after having problems with his elbow his senior year. After missing 2013 with Tommy John surgery he had a 2.37 ERA with 8.2 K\/9 and only 1.4 BB\/9 in his 2014 debut at Bluefield (Rookie) and Vancouver (short season A). He then missed most of 2015 with more elbow problems. He finally pitched a full season in 2016 and was 10-4 with a 2.62 ERA at Lansing (A) after being demoted from Dunedin (High A) where he struggled to begin the season. He should start 2017 again at Dunedin and hopefully has better results this time around so that he can move quickly on to New Hampshire (AA). ETA: 2019<\/p>\n
\nAge: 23 (DOB: 06\/27\/93)
\nConsidering he was drafted with the pick before Corey Seager, should he be considered a first round bust? Probably. He has elite speed and all the tools if he can ever figure things out. He needs to work on his pitch recognition and cut down on the strikeouts. In 2016 when promoted to Dunedin (High A) he regressed with a slash line of .197\/.295\/.263 from what appeared to be a breakout year in 2015 at Lansing (A) and a .282\/.340\/.391. The Jays have been very patient with him so far but at age 23 is it time to give up? He should be back at Dunedin in 2017 for a second time. A change of scenery as a piece in a trade package might do him some good. ETA: 2020<\/p>\n
\nAge: 23 (DOB: 09\/20\/93)
\nNay was a first round pick in 2012. He was steadily advancing through the lower levels in his first two seasons with impressive numbers and an OPS over .750. He leveled off however in 2015 at Dunedin (High A) and then missed almost all of 2016 with an injury. He has raw power potential and needs to start taking advantage of that if he wants to be looked at as the third baseman of the future which he was a couple of years ago when he was the #4 prospect in the organization on the Baseball America prospect list. ETA: 2019<\/p>\n
\nAge: 21 (DOB: 07\/30\/95)
\nPalacios was drafted in the 4th round in 2016. He has always been known as a hitter, he was third in the race for the SEC batting title at .385 when he had shutdown his season early with a wrist injury. He is a switch-hitter with plus speed. He had an impressive pro debut moving through three levels in 2016. He split his time playing center field and right field however scouts feel he will be better suited to play left field long-term. He should start 2017 at Lansing (A). ETA: 2019<\/p>\n
\nAge: 22 (DOB: 12\/24\/94)
\nHollon is a high-ceiling right-hander who has had his ups and downs since being drafted in the 2nd round in 2013. He burst on the scene with a 3.12 ERA and 7.8 K\/9 in 17.1 IP in 2013 at rookie levels GCL and Bluefield then missed all of 2014 with Tommy John surgery. He returned in 2015 and had a 3.18 ERA in 9 starts at Vancouver (short season A). He was promoted to Lansing (A) where after just 3 starts he was handed two consecutive 50 games suspensions for substance abuse. When the suspension ended the Blue Jays<\/a> sent him home so he missed all of the 2016 season. Hopefully he has matured when he returns in 2017. ETA: 2020<\/p>\n
\nAge: 22 (DOB: 12\/25\/94)
\nJackson was a college closer at Arkansas. He was taken in the 3rd round of the 2016 draft He has electric stuff with an upper 90\u2019s fastball and a curveball that was rated as the best college curveball in the draft by Perfect Game. Command issues have always been the concern though. He had 23 K and 12 BB in 17.2 innings at Vancouver (short season A). He should start 2017 at Dunedin (High A). If they leave him in the bullpen he could advance quickly providing he cuts down on the walks. ETA: 2020<\/p>\n
\nAge: 24 (DOB: 05\/12\/92)
\nDavis is an under the radar prospect. He is a small, fast and versatile outfielder who had a breakout year at Dunedin (High A) in 2016 with 14 HR and 33 SB. Prior to that he had a couple of injury-filled seasons so hopefully this past season wasn\u2019t just an anomaly. He should start 2017 at New Hampshire (AA). ETA: 2019<\/p>\n
\nAge: 26 (DOB: 12\/14\/90)
\nOhlman was a quiet minor league signing in November. He was once a top 10 prospect in the Baltimore organization who has spent the past two seasons with the Cardinals. He hit .287 with 7 HR in 2016. In spring training he could compete with A.J. Jimenez for the backup catcher role. At 6\u2019 5\u201dand 240 lbs. he may be better suited for 1B long-term. ETA: 2017<\/p>\n
\nAge: 19 (DOB: 02\/22\/97)
\nEspada is still a bit of an unknown. Many felt that he was an overdraft in the 5th round of the 2015 draft out of a high school in Puerto Rico but then he had a surprising debut as he burst on the scene with 3.41 ERA and 8.1 K\/9 in 34.1 IP in the GCL. He was promoted to the Bluefield (Rookie) in 2016 but the numbers regressed to a 4.92 ERA and only 5.4 K\/9. \u00a0A return to Bluefield in 2017 is likely. ETA: 2020<\/p>\n
\nAge: 23 (DOB: 09\/09\/93)
\nDawson is a soft-tossing lefty with marginal stuff but he has had success logging more than 125 innings each of the past two seasons going 15-6 at Lansing (A)\/Dunedin (High A) in 2015 and 10-4 at New Hampshire (AA) in 2016. He ran into some control issues this year though with 72 walks in 134.1 IP. That is something he will need to sort out before he can expect a promotion to Buffalo (AAA). He should start 2017 in the New Hampshire rotation again. ETA: 2019<\/p>\n
\nAge: 24 (DOB: 12\/22\/92)
\nDean has been trending in the wrong direction on prospect lists the last few years. He finally had a breakout power season in 2015 with 14 HR at Dunedin (High A) but then only hit .215 when moved up to New Hampshire (AA) to start 2016. He spent a month on the DL and returned in August to Dunedin. Wherever he starts in 2017 he will need to progress quickly to avoid completely falling off the radar. ETA: 2019<\/p>\n
\nAge: 26 (DOB: 05\/01\/90)
\nJimenez has had many DL stints over his nine seasons and after spending the past three seasons at Buffalo (AAA) it is finally time to see if he can be a major league catcher or not. He is currently listed on the Blue Jays<\/a> depth charts as the backup to Russell Martin. Jimenez is strong defensively with only 4 Errors and 1 passed ball in 2016 while throwing out 35% of runners. Unless they sign a veteran catcher his ETA should be April.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 20 (DOB: 11\/15\/96)
\nDiaz is a hard-throwing right-hander with a fastball at 95+ mph. He had some command issues this year but he is raw and still has lots of projection left. He may become a good late inning reliever in the future. He should start 2017 at Vancouver (short season A). ETA: 2020<\/p>\n
\nAge: 26 (DOB: 11\/28\/90)
\nFields was a relative unknown when he was signed in 2013 after going undrafted. After one year at Vancouver (short season A) he moved quickly through three levels in 2015 including 6 games at Buffalo (AAA), then spent all of 2016 in New Hampshire (AA). He is a speedster with 80 speed and 138 SB in three seasons. He still needs to work on his hitting as he only hit .227. He should begin the season at Buffalo and could someday make a good 4th outfielder\/pinch runner type bench player. ETA: 2018<\/p>\n
\nAge: 19 (DOB: 05\/07\/97)
\nPruitt has a lot of potential. Baseball America rated him as the best defensive outfielder and best outfield arm in the Blue Jays<\/a> system. He dropped to the 24th round in the 2015 draft because he was considered to be a tough sign with a strong commit to Vanderbilt. He has good speed with 31 SB in only 84 GP over his first 2 seasons with GCL Blue Jays<\/a> and Bluefield (Rookie). He should continue his development at Vancouver (short season A) in 2017. ETA: 2020<\/p>\n
\nTier 5:<\/strong>
\n34. Danny Jansen, C<\/strong>
\nAge: 21 (DOB: 04\/15\/95)
\nJansen\u2019s bat has been slow to develop since the strong season he had at Bluefield (Rookie) in 2014. He looked like he might be the catcher of the future with a nice combination of power and plate discipline but injuries have hampered him the past two seasons. He finished the year with a strong showing in the AZL hitting .282 and catching the majority of games for the AZL champion Mesa Solar Sox. He is still young at 21 and should remain behind the plate moving forward and will start 2017 at New Hampshire (AA). Hopefully all the injuries are behind him.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 20 (DOB: 06\/10\/95)
\nMurphy was drafted in 2013 but prior to last season had only pitched 4 innings. He has had a number of injuries including Tommy John surgery during his senior high school season. Murphy was a NWL all-star in 2016 leading the league with a 2.86 ERA in 13 starts at Vancouver (short season A) after beginning the season in the Lansing (A) bullpen. He has a nice four pitch mix with a 91-93 mph fastball. He should start 2017 in the Lansing rotation.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 23 (DOB: 06\/27\/93)
\nRobson has struggled since returning from Tommy John surgery. He had a 7.26 ERA in 2016 mostly out of the bullpen at Lansing (A). Hopefully he can return to the form he showed when he first arrived and went 6-0 with a 1.12 ERA, 0.92 WHIP over 64.1 IP in 2013 at Bluefield (Rookie) and Vancouver (short season A). He has a fastball that can get up to 97 MPH. He should start 2017 at Dunedin (High A) and will be looking to have a big year.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 24 (DOB: 10\/01\/92)
\nLopes has been moving steadily through the system since he was drafted in 2011. He spent almost two full seasons at Dunedin (High A) in 2014\/15 where it looked then like his development may have stalled but he got off to a fast start last season and was quickly promoted to New Hampshire (AA) where he had a breakout season and led the team hitting .295 while setting career highs with 10 SB and 6 HR. He should continue to progress in 2017 at Buffalo (AAA).<\/p>\n
\nAge: 21 (DOB: 04\/11\/95)
\nDrafted in the 5th round last summer, Biggio is the youngest son of Houston Astro Hall of Famer Craig Biggio. He started the year off well at Vancouver (short season A) hitting .282 and was chosen to play in the NWL All-Star Game. When promoted to Lansing (A) later in the season he only hit .222. He is considered to be an above-average contact hitter. He may be moved to the outfield at some point as he develops. He should start 2017 at Lansing.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 24 (DOB: 05\/11\/92)
\nSparkman was selected in the Rule 5 draft from Kansas City and may end up getting sent back there. He was drafted in 2013 and was moved quickly up to Wilmington (Hi A) in 2014 where he had an outstanding year; 8-3, 1.56 ERA. He then had Tommy John surgery early in 2015. Returning last season he made 16 starts at four different levels with 9.7 K\/9 and 1.5 BB\/9. He has a four pitch mix, fastball, curve, change and slider however his 92 mph fastball was down from 96 mph pre-surgery. The Blue Jays<\/a> are hoping he will win a spot in the bullpen during spring training.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 24 (DOB: 04\/09\/92)
\nMcBroom was a FSL all-star hitting 22 HR and slugging .455 at Dunedin (High A). Throughout his minor league career he has always been one of the oldest players at each level he has played so skeptics wonder if he is really a legitimate prospect or not. He should start 2017 at New Hampshire (AA) and continue to prove them wrong.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 22 (DOB: 06\/24\/94)
\nLopes was acquired at the end of the season from Seattle as the PTBNL for Pat Venditte. He had a solid season with the Mariners AA team in 2016 with a slashline of .284\/.358\/.355. He has good speed with 61 SB over the past two seasons but no power. He will probably only be a utility infielder if he makes the major leagues. He should start 2017 in New Hampshire (AA) with older brother Christian moving up to Buffalo (AAA).<\/p>\n
\nAge: 21 (DOB: 08\/23\/95)
\nThomas was moved to CF in 2016 at Lansing (A) after playing 2B the season before. He hit .231 with 8 HR and 19 SB but will need to cut down on the 113 strikeouts. He plays good defense and should return to Lansing to start 2017.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 20 (DOB: 01\/17\/97)
\nGudino signed as an IFA in 2013. He is a said to be a good defensive shortstop yet the errors have increased each year he has played. The bat has been slow to develop with a .189 average over 3 seasons and the strikeouts have increased each season. At 20 years old though he is still young. He should start 2017 at Lansing (A).<\/p>\n
\nAge: 23 (DOB: 01\/16\/94)
\nCardona was a 16 year old bonus-baby who the Jays gave $2.7M to in 2010. He was moved to the bullpen at Dunedin (High A) after returning from Tommy John surgenry. He has a good mid-to upper 90\u2019s fastball but lacks control with 31 walks in 37.2 IP. He should return to Dunedin in 2017.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 19 (DOB: 07\/23\/97)
\nRodriguez continued to hit when he was promoted to the GCL for the last month of 2016 after two strong seasons in the DSL hitting .333\/.392\/.450 along with 20 SB. He has split his time between first base and catcher. He should start 2017 at Bluefield (Rookie).<\/p>\n
\nAge: 23 (DOB: 05\/25\/94)
\nWise was said to have a lot of raw power when they selected the college bat in 2015. He had 15 doubles and 4 HR in 304 AB at Lansing (A) in 2016. We should see increased production as he continues to develop. He will probably start 2017 at Dunedin (High A) to make room for Vlad Jr. at Lansing (A).<\/p>\n
\nAge: 21 (DOB: 08\/17\/95)
\nSmith is a 6\u20195\u201d left-hander who was moved to the bullpen in 2016. He struggled at Vancouver (short season A) with a 7.31 ERA but did have 33K\u2019s in 32 IP. He is a two-pitch pitcher who is still trying to sort out his mechanics. Still young at 21 he should move up to Lansing (A) and get another chance as a starter in 2017.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 17 (DOB: 05\/04\/99)
\nCastillo signed as a 16 year old late in September 2015 for only $10,000. He had previously signed a deal with Yankees<\/a> that fell through due to an issue with his physical. He was promoted quickly stateside to the GCL after posting a 2.45 ERA and 9.0 K\/9 in only 11 IP in the DSL in 2016. He was one of the youngest players in the GCL where his 9 starts led the team. He should return to the GCL again in 2017.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 18 (DOB: 02\/04\/98)
\nMeza signed for $1.6M after being ranked #11 on the MLB International prospect list in 2014. The results have been disappointing so far with a 7.62 ERA and 1.865 WHIP in 52 IP over his two seasons in the DSL and GCL. He is still very young and a work in progress. He will probably be back in the GCL again in 2017.<\/p>\n
\nAge: 18 (DOB: 02\/02\/98)
\nWhen moved to the GCL last season Guzman failed to match the strong numbers he put up in his DSL debut. The numbers dropped to .214\/.303\/.357 from .286\/.384\/.397 the year before. He should be back again in the GCL.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"