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Hit Power SB Field Overall 60 70 30 45/50 75

Background: Recognized as the top amateur international free agent heading into the 2013 summer. The Cubs signed the man-child to a deal worth $2.8 million – including a quarter-million dollars for a college scholarship. After struggling in his debut in the Arizona Summer League in 2014, the 6-foot-4, 205-pound corner outfielder batted a respectable .284/.328/.418 with 10 doubles and seven homeruns in 57 games in the Northwest League. But it was his dominant breakout in Low Class A the following year that vaulted Jimenez’s name among the best minor league prospects in the game; he batted a scorching .329/.369/.532 as a 19-year-old. The Cubs would ship him off to the cross-town rivals, along with fellow top prospect Dylan Cease as well as Bryant Flete, and Matt Rose, in exchange for veteran southpaw Jose Quintana. Despite the organizational shift, Jimenez continued to impress, slugging .312/.379/.568 with 22 doubles, three triples, and 19 homeruns between the Carolina and Southern Leagues. Last season the Dominican-born outfielder turned in his best performance to date: in 108 games between the Birmingham Barons and Charlotte Knights he battered the competition to the tune of .337/.384/.577 with 28 doubles, three triples, and a career-best 22 homeruns. His overall production, as measured by Weighted Runs Created Plus and Deserved Runs Created Plus, topped the league average mark by 68% and 50%, respectively

Analysis: Jimenez possesses the rare combination of plus-power and a plus-hit tool. And he’s still tapping into his limitless potential. Jimenez is willing to spray the ball all over the field, belting shots from foul line to foul line. Simply put: he’s the type of prospect everything organization seeks as a potential face-of-the-franchise. Jimenez will never be considered Devon White in the outfield, but he plays a passable enough left-/right-field so it won’t detract from his overall value. With respect to his work in Class AAA last season, consider the following:

Since 2006, here are the top three performances – as measured by Weighted Runs Created Plus – by 21-year-old hitters in the International League (min. 200 PA):Eloy Jimenez, Jay Bruce, Mookie Betts. Bruce, a long time veteran outfielder with a career earnings north of $70 million, owns a career 107 wRC+ mark. And, of course, Betts has quickly established himself as a transcendent superstar.

Jimenez doesn’t own the former’s platoon splits, nor the latter’s elite patience and defensive aptitude. But Betts’ performance in 2016 when he slugged .318/.363/.534 with 42 doubles, five triples, and 31 homeruns seems like a reasonable baseline for Jimenez moving forward. One more final thought: Jimenez has – seemingly – been given a pass for his inability to remain in the lineup; he’s appeared in just 309 total games over his past three seasons. Hopefully, this isn’t a trend that continues moving forward.

Ceiling: 6.0-win player

Risk: Low to Moderate

MLB ETA: 2019

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2. Michael Kopech, RHP

FB SL CH Control Overall 80 65 50 40/45 70

Background: It’s difficult when an organization trades away a once-in-a-generation talent like Chris Sale. It’s less difficult, however, when the deal involves another potential once-in-a-generation caliber talent. Enter: Michael Kopech. Chicago acquired the well-built, fire-bolt slinging right-hander along with Yoan Moncada, Luis Alexander Basabe, and Victor Diaz from the Red Sox in exchange for Sale, a seven-time All-Star left-hander. Kopech, a supplemental first round pick by Boston in 2014, was in the midst of his best season to date before an elbow injury – which required Tommy John surgery – forced him under the knife in mid-September. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound right-hander spent the majority of last season twirling gems in the International League, posting an absurd 170-to-60 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 126.1 innings of work. He also made four additional starts with the White Sox, recording 15 strikeouts against just a pair of walks. He likely won’t return to regular season action until 2020.

Analysis: Possesses one of the best fastballs in organized baseball. Kopech’s heater sits comfortably in the mid- to upper-90s with the ability to touch several ticks above 100 mph at times. But the Mount Pleasant High School product is more than just a one-trick pony. His slider is a hellacious, knee-buckling bender that hovers in the 81- to 85-mph range. And his changeup is a solid third offering. The lone knock on Kopech has been his ability – or inability – to command the strike zone, though he may be able to ascend up to true ace-dom without average control/command.

Ceiling: 5.0-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: Debuted in 2018

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3. Dylan Cease, RHP

FB CB SL CH Control Overall 70 65 50 55 45/50 70

Background: Overshadowed by Eloy Jimenez in the Jose Quintana trade with cross-town rival Cubs two years ago. Cease continued to impress after a stellar performance in 2018. Originally drafted in the sixth round by the Cubs in 2014, the hard-throwing righty split time between Winston-Salem and Birmingham last season. Cease opened the year up with 13 starts with the Dash, posting an 85-to-28 strikeout-to-walk ratio through 71.2 innings of work. Chicago bumped the talented hurler up to Class AA, the most important challenge for a minor leaguer, and his production improved: in 10 starts with the Barons he fanned 78 and walked just 22 to go along with a tidy 1.72 ERA. Cease finished his fourth professional season with a career best 160-to-50 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 124.0 innings of work. For his career, he’s averaging 11.9 strikeouts and 4.2 walks per nine innings with a 2.67 ERA.

Analysis: Probably the most unheralded Top 100 prospect in today’s game. Cease showcases an impressive four-pitch arsenal that – when it’s at its best – is comprised of two plus pitches (fastball and curveball), one above-average offering (changeup), and a solid, workable four pitch (slider). The Milton High School product’s heater hovers in the 95- to 97-mph range with surprising ease. The curveball, with hard-biting 12-6 action, is a hammer. And his changeup shows solid dive-and-fade. Cease isn’t afraid to challenge hitters, especially in on the hands, at any point in the count. And his control/command, which at one point was a 30-grade, has been trending in the right direction for several years now. Along with (a healthy) Michael Kopech, Cease should give the White Sox a reliable one-two combination at the top of their rotation for years to come.

Ceiling: 5.0-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: 2019

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4. Nick Madrigal, 2B

Hit Power SB Field Overall 55/65 40/45 40 55 65+

Background: Elk Grove High School has churned out a handful of impressive big leaguers and big league prospects, including: former Tigers first round pick Derek Hill, teammates Dom Nunez and Rowdy Tellez, and Houston Astros infielder J.D. Davis, a third round pick taken after his three-year tenure at Cal State Fullerton. But it’s Madrigal, a pint-sized middle infielder, who’s very likely going to be the best of the bunch. Originally taken by the Cleveland Indians in the 17th round four years ago, Madrigal turned more than a few heads after his dominating performance for the 18U National Team prior to his senior year in high school. Playing alongside the likes of Trent Clark, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Daz Cameron, and Blake Rutherford; Madrigal slugged a robust .462/.522/.513 with one triple in 11 games. So, of course, it wasn’t surprising that he garnered more than a few awards after the completion of his final prep season; he was named All-League, Delta League MVP, and MVP of the Sac Joaquin section. And stepping into a starting gig on one of the biggest powerhouses in college baseball failed to slow his offensive firepower. In 49 games as a true freshman for the Oregon State Beavers, the 5-foot-8, 165-pound infielder batted .333/.380/.456 with 11 doubles, five triples, and one homerun to go along with eight stolen bases. Easily the most impressive part of Madrigal’s magical debut collegiate season: he finished with a 14-to-15 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The California-native followed that up with an even better sophomore campaign in 2017: playing in a career best 60 contests, Madrigal paced the school in batting average (.380), on-base percentage (.449), slugging percentage (.571), doubles (20), and stolen bases (16). And just for good measure, his plate discipline improved as he posted a 16-to-27 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He would spend the ensuing summer playing on the Collegiate National Team, though his bat cooled considerably for the first time in his career (.258/.292/.323). Madrigal suffered a hairline fracture in his wrist while sliding into home plate in late February last season, knocking him out for several weeks. Finally healthy – and showing no side effects from the injury – Madrigal batted a scorching .367/.428/.511 in 42 games. Chicago snagged the middle infielder in the opening round last June, fourth overall, and signed him to a deal worth $6,411,400. Madrigal continued to produce, slugging .303/.353/.348 during his debut.

Analysis: Here’s what I wrote about the 5-foot-7, 165-pound infielder heading into the draft last year:

“To put it frankly: if Madrigal was two or three inches taller, he would have likely been a first or second round pick coming out of high school. But his offensive firepower continues to prove any – and all – doubters wrong. The kid’s a stud. Beyond his diminutive stature, the lone knocks on him are an average-ish eye at the plate and the fact that he’s likely relegated to the right side of the infield. But make no mistake about it: if I’m picking first, Madrigal would easily be my pick. As far as the production is concerned, let’s take a look back at his 2016 season. Consider the following:

Between 2011 and 2017, there were only 46 instances in which a PAC 12 hitter batted at least .330/.375/.450 (min. 200 PA). Now here’s another impressive feat: of those 46 instances, only 18 of them walked more times than they punched out. Madrigal, of course, accomplished this as a true freshman.

Certainly noteworthy enough, but let’s take a look at his work in 2017. Consider the following:

Between 2011 and 2017, there were only two PAC 12 hitters that batted at least .380/.440/.525 (min. 200 PA): Jeremy Martinez, a fourth round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals after his junior campaign at USC, and – of course – Nick Madrigal.

And, granted, his sample size is still quite small during his injury-interrupted 2018 season. But consider the following:

Between 2011 and 2017, Madrigal is on pace to become the only PAC12 hitter to slug .400/.500/.600 in a season.

Finally, one more comparison:

Player PA AVG OBP SLG SB CS BB% K% ISO Nick Madrigal 615 .377 .436 .523 28 6 8.46% 5.53% .146 Alex Bregman 909 .337 .409 .514 66 17 9.57% 7.48% .177

Stolen base efficiency notwithstanding, Bregman’s peripherals narrowly edge out Madrigal’s mark.”

Ceiling: 4.5- to 5.0-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: 2020/2021

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5. Luis Robert, OF

Hit Power SB Field Overall 50/55 55 50 55 65

Background: With plenty of hype swirling about as he moved from Cuba to the states, Chicago inked the toolsy outfielder to a massive deal that included a $26 million signing bonus in May 2017. Robert, who slugged .401/.526/.687 as an 18-year-old in the Cuban National Serie, was handed the cautious assignment to the Dominican Summer League after signing. He would go on to hit a .310/.491/.536 in 28 games. Unfortunately for Robert and the White Sox, he injured his thumb in early March last season and missed the opening two months of the year. He would also miss all but two games in the month of July as well. Robert batted an aggregate, injury-marred .269/.333/.360 with just 11 doubles and three homeruns in only 50 games.

Analysis: Basically a lost season for one of the minors’ most talented outfielders. Robert got off to a late start and then just a month into his season he missed another significant stretch of the schedule. Under normal circumstances the lack of power wouldn’t be too concerning given the hand/thumb injury, but Robert’s groundball rate last season was up precipitously from the previous year. And it’s also not surprising that he suffered some serious first. vs. second half production woes as well (because of the second layoff). Robert batted .308/.382/.385 in 22 High Class A games to start the year, but managed a meager .211/.280/.289 showing after missing the month of July. Expect significantly better production in 2018 as long as (A) he’s healthy and (B) the groundball rate normalizes again. One final thought: Robert’s bat speed looked impressive during his stint in the Arizona Fall League.

Ceiling: 4.0-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: 2020/2021

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6. Dane Dunning, RHP

FB SL CH Control Overall 60 55 55 55 55+

Background: The 29th overall pick by the Nationals in 2016. Dunning was flipped to Chicago – along with Reynaldo Lopez – in a swap that sent center fielder Adam Eaton to D.C. Dunning, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound right-hander, was a key cog in the Florida Gators’ historical pitching staff which included A.J. Puk, Alex Faedo, Logan Shore, Brady Singer, Jackson Kowar, Scott Moss, and Shaun Anderson. Dunning made 15 starts between Winston-Salem and Birmingham before a sprained elbow prematurely ended his season in 2018. The former Gator tossed 86.1 innings, recording 100 strikeouts against just 26 walks to go along with a 2.71 ERA. For his career, Dunning’s averaging 10.2 strikeouts and just 2.4 walks per nine innings.

Analysis: Dunning owns one of the more underrated fastballs in the minor leagues. Not because of sheer velocity – it sits in the low 90s and grades out as a 55 – but the late movement and action pushes it up into 60-grade territory. The University of Florida product complements the plus-pitch with two above-average secondary offerings – a high 70s slider (that looks more like a traditional curveball) and a fading, sinking changeup. Dunning is a strike thrower that has the makeup necessary to fill out a spot in the middle of the White Sox’s rotation. Reports released in early October indicated Dunning resumed throwing – pain-free – so hopefully the elbow woes won’t be an issue moving forward. With respect to his work in Class AA last season, consider the following:

Between 2006 and 2016, here’s the list of 23-year-old pitchers to post a strikeout percentage between 25.5% and 27.5% with a walk percentage between 8% and 10% in the Southern League (min. 50 IP): Jake McGee, Jeff Niemann, Justin Orenduff, and Jake Reed.

Ceiling: 2.5- to 3.0-win player

Risk: Moderate to High

MLB ETA: 2019

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7. Gavin Sheets, 1B

Hit Power SB Field Overall 55 40/50 30 50 50

Background: Wake Forest University churned out an impressive amount of early-round talent over the past three seasons. The Cardinals grabbed talented right-hander Griffin Roberts in the supplement first round. Pirates prospect Will Craig was the 22nd overall pick three years ago. Stuart Fairchild and Gavin Sheets, the heart of the Demon Deacons’ lineup, were taken just 11 picks apart in the second round in 2017. A career .306/.391/.515 hitter during his tenure in the ACC, Sheets turned in a solid, promising debut as he transitioned to pro ball, hitting .279/.365/.397 between two stops. Last season the 6-foot-4, 230-pound first baseman handled the club’s aggressive assignment up to the Carolina League with aplomb. In 119 games with the Winston-Salem Dash, Sheets slugged .293/.368/.407 with 28 doubles, two triples, and six homeruns. His overall production, as measured by Weighted Runs Created Plus and Deserved Runs Created Plus, topped the league average threshold by 23% and 16%, respectively.

Analysis: Heading into the 2017 draft I remarked how Sheets “looks like a .280/.340/.460-type hitter, capable of slugging 15- to 20-homeruns.” And he’s only reinforced that after a solid, aggressive promotion up to the Carolina League. Despite the big stature, Sheets is more of a gap-to-gap type hitter, spraying line drives all over the field. He takes balls the other way especially well too. With respect to his production, consider the following:

Between 2006 and 2016, only three 21-year-old hitters met the following criteria in the Carolina League (min. 350 PA): 118 to 128 wRC+ total, 9.0% to 12.0% walk rate, and a sub-20.0% strikeout rate. Those three hitters: Jordan Brown, Micah Schnurstein, and Josh Rodriguez. Brown and Rodriguez only made it to the big leagues for a handful of games.

Sheets’ ceiling as a solid, league average MLB bat is largely predicated upon his future power. And if he doesn’t show some of that previous thump soon, he’s likely going to head down the path as a Quad-A bat.

Ceiling: 2.0-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: 2020/2021

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8. Jake Burger, 3B

Hit Power SB Field Control 55 50/55 30 50 55+

Background: It’s been a rough couple of years for the former Missouri State slugger. Taken with the 11th overall pick two years ago, Burger tore his left Achilles tendon – and then re-tore it – during Spring Training last season.

Analysis: Here’s what I wrote about the hulking third baseman prior to the 2017 draft:

“Again, the prolific collegiate power hitter in this year’s draft class. Burger has not one, but two seasons in which he’s reached the 20-homer mark – the only hitter to accomplish that feat since 2011. In fact, here’s some more contextual evidence to support Burger’s dominance throughout his amateur career:

Since 2011, there are only 61 instances in which a slugger – at any level – batted at least .340/.400/.675 in a season (minimum 240 plate appearances).

Continuing with the aforementioned factoid, only four hitters have accomplished that twice in their respective careers: Adam Giacalone, Dylan Johnson, Kyle Lewis, D.J. Peterson.

Of those aforementioned four, only Kyle Lewis and D.J. Peterson played at the Division I level. Burger, of course, would be the third.

Keeping with the original production levels (.340/.400/.675), only six of those hitters have slugged 20 homeruns in their respective seasons: Casey Allison, Miguel Beltran, Jake Burger (twice, potentially), Nick Feight, Jake Lowery, Heath Quinn.

Again, extending the constraints a little more, no player has accomplished that with a walk rate north of 15.0%. If the season ended at the time of this writing, Burger would eclipse that mark.

There’s really nothing to not like about Burger: above-average to plus power, a premium defensive position, and impressive plate discipline. Depending upon his defensive ratings, Burger has the potential to be an All-Star.”

Burger’s now entering his third professional season with a grand total of just 51 games on his resume. At this point it’s difficult envisioning the former first rounder sticking at third base as his mobility will likely suffer from the multiple Achilles tendon tears.

Ceiling: 2.5-win player

Risk: High

MLB ETA: 2021? Maybe?

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9. Blake Rutherford, CF

Hit Power SB Field Overall 55 40/45 50 45/50 45+

Background: Acquired along with Tyler Clippard, Ian Clarkin, and Tito Polo from the Yankees in the deal that sent veterans Todd Frazier, Tommy Kahnle, and David Robertson to the Big Apple midway through the 2017 season. Rutherford, the 18th overall pick in 2016, struggled mightily as he transitioned from one organization to another two years ago, batting a disappointing .213/.289/.254 in 30 games with the Kannapolis Intimidators. Last season, though, he looked more comfortable donning Chicago’s affiliate’s uniform. In a career best 115 games, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound center fielder hit .293/.345/.436 with 25 doubles, nine triples, and seven homeruns. He also swiped 15 bags 23 attempts. His overall production, as measured by Weighted Runs Created Plus and Deserved Runs Created Plus, topped the league average mark by 20% and 6%, respectively

Analysis: Rutherford’s a slashing, speedy center fielder with a do-everything-approach without a true standout tool. The Chaminade College Preparatory product shows a little bit of power, though it likely never develops into an average skill, with pull-homerun pop. And his defense, surprisingly enough, isn’t particularly strong either. According to Clay Davenport’s metrics, he’s been a slightly below average performer in center field for the duration of his career. There’s enough here to be a batting average-driven starter, though he could very easily settle in as a fourth outfielder. With respect to his production, consider the following:

Since 2006, here’s the list of 21-year-old hitter to post a 115 to 125 wRC+ with a 6.0% to 9.0% walk rate and a sub-20% strikeout rate in the Carolina League (min. 350 PA: Michael Almanzar, Joe Dickerson, Willie Cabrera, Concepcion Rodriguez, and – of course – Blake Rutherford. Almanzar, Dickerson, Cabrera, and Rodriguez all failed to reach the big leagues.

Ceiling: 1.5- to 2.0-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: 2020/2021

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10. Micker Adolfo, RF

Hit Power SB Field Overall 45 55/60 30 50 45+

Background: Micker Adolfo, to put it succinctly, was not only Luis Robert before Luis Robert but he was viewed as the official kickoff to the club’s long awaited rebuilding process. And then he wasn’t. He failed and flailed at the plate as he finished three consecutive seasons of sub-.700 OPSs. But slowly Adolfo, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound corner outfielder has been trending upward. After batting .219/.269/.340 in half of a season in the Sally in 2016, Adolfo repeated the Low Class A with significantly better results the following year; he hit .264/.331/.453. Last season Chicago bumped the Dominican-born outfielder up to the Carolina League for the entirety of 2018. Adolfo responded with his best offensive showing to date: he slugged .282/.369/.464 with 18 doubles, one triple, and 11 homeruns in 79 games. Adolfo’s season abruptly ended in early July with an elbow injury that eventually required Tommy John surgery.

Analysis: Just when things had moved from a slow simmer to a boiling point Adolfo hit the DL for a lengthy stay. There are still several areas that remain problematic for the upward trending prospect – like his contact rates – but he’s come a long way since his horrific debut. Adolfo showed a new found patience at the plate as his walk rate morphed from below-average to above-average. He still hasn’t fully tapped into his pure raw power, but it’s a 55-grade tool now. A couple years ago Adolfo was – more or less – written off as a bust. Now, though, he has a shot to be a solid low end starting outfielder.

Ceiling: 1.5- to 2.0-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: 2020/2021

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Statistics provided by FanGraphs, BaseballReference, BaseballProspectus, ClayDavenport, and TheBaseballCube.