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The Cardinals finished the 2019 season with a 91-71 record, good enough to win the NL Central by 2 games over Milwaukee. The Cardinals eventually lost to the world champion Washington Nationals in the NLCS. Along the way there were multiple players from my 2019 Top 50 that made their MLB debuts. Andrew Knizner made his much anticipated debut. Genesis Cabrera made 2 starts, and although he didn’t fare too well, he will be looking to redeem himself in 2020. Junior Fernandez pitched 11.2 innings and struck out 16. I’m looking forward to seeing him more in 2020. Tommy Edman became a key part in the Cardinals success and will be a solid contributor to the Cardinals in the 2020 season. While those are only a few of the great, young players that had an impact on the Cardinals 2019 season, I feel that 2020 could be even better. The Cardinals recently acquired one of the top pitching prospects in the game in Matthew Liberatore from the Tampa Bay Rays. St. Louis ended up trading Jose Martinez and Randy Arozarena back to the Rays. This was a great deal for St. Louis who also acquired minor league catcher Edgardo Rodriguez in the deal. I’m really looking forward to seeing who will make their debuts in 2020, and who can possibly make the MLB roster out of Spring Training.



Without further ado, here are my St. Louis Cardinals Top 50 prospects for 2020. Enjoy!!!

Here’s a list of St. Louis’ minor league affiliates:

AAA: Memphis Redbirds (Pacific Coast League)

AA: Springfield Cardinals (Texas League)

High-A: Palm Beach Cardinals (Florida State League)

Low-A: Peoria Chiefs (Midwest League)

Class A Short Season: State College Spikes (New York-Penn League)

Rookie: Johnson City Cardinals (Appalachian League)

Rookie: GCL Cardinals (Gulf Coast League)

Foreign Rookie: DSL Cardinals Blue, DSL Cardinals Red (Dominican Summer League)

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. Dylan Carlson, OF

Age: 21

2019 Highest Level: AAA Memphis

2020 will be an exciting year for Dylan Carlson and Carlson owners. After tearing it up last year between AA and AAA, it’s only a matter of time until Carlson will be in the St. Louis lineup in 2020. But just how soon? There’s no doubt in my mind that he could absolutely win a starting spot out of spring training. But if that doesn’t happen, you may only have to wait a month or two until he’s there. Carlson finished the 2019 season hitting 26 HR, 68 RBI, 20 SB, and slashed .292/.372/.542 across 2 levels. He went on to win the MVP in the Texas League before getting promoted up to AAA, and continued to dominate. If you have Carlson on your fantasy baseball team, get very excited and don’t let him go. The kid is going to be a star for years to come. If you don’t have him on your team and you get the chance at a possible trade to get him, do it. Otherwise you’ll be like me not having Carlson on any of my teams, and super jealous of the guy that does have him.

St. Louis Cardinals prospect Dylan Carlson has been ranked by Baseball America as their 10th best prospect in baseball. Carlson could make his MLB debut at some point in 2020. If he proves he’s fully ready in spring training, he could make the Opening Day roster.#STLCards pic.twitter.com/WmUzrwqhX5 — Poeskie’s Sports News Alert (@PoeskieA) January 22, 2020



2. Nolan Gorman, 3B

Age: 19

2019 Highest Level: High-A Palm Beach

Gorman had a pretty decent 2019 campaign between Class-A and High-A. While his stats from his 2019 aren’t jumping off the page at me, he’s still got great power and could translate into 35+ home runs a year. He’s still only 19 and he’s playing with guys that are on average 3 years older than him. He’s going to strikeout out more than we would like to see, but it’s a work in progress. If he can cut down the K’s a little bit, he will be an elite bat one day in the big leagues. As he matures the batting will start to rise, he will lock in his swing and miss tendencies, and all those strikeouts will be long forgotten.



3. Matthew Liberatore, LHP

Age: 20

2019 Highest Level: Low-A Bowling Green (Tampa Bay Rays)

Liberatore was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays for outfielders Jose Martinez and Randy Arozarena. This was a fantastic trade for the Cardinals as they added an elite left handed pitching prospect and gave up a couple players from a position they have a ton of players at. Liberatore, who just happens to be really good friends with Nolan Gorman, will join the Cardinals system and could wind up being in the MLB together one day. As for what Liberatore brings to the Cardinals, he’s 6-foot-5 with a fastball that touches 95mph. He can mix in a great curveball with a great spin rate and has been working on his slider. His diving changeup could potentially be his best secondary pitch. Last year in Bowling Green, Liberatore pitched in 78.1 innings, with a 3.10 ERA, and an 8.9 K/9. The future is looking a little brighter in St. Louis.

It doesn’t get much cooler than this: 2018 #STLCards first-rounder Nolan Gorman and newly acquired pitching prospect Matthew Liberatore have been best buds since they were five years old, and they’re thrilled to be reunited in the Cardinals organization. pic.twitter.com/Vy9kTwelBD — FOX Sports Midwest (@FSMidwest) January 22, 2020





Tier 2

4. Andrew Knizner, C

Age: 24

2019 Highest Level: MLB

While Yadier Molina continues to be the Cardinals starting catcher, Knizner continues to sit in AAA waiting for his chance to get back and stay in the MLB. Yes he did make his MLB debut last season, but for as well as he’s hit throughout the minors, he didn’t do great in the majors. I still think Knizner can redeem himself this year when he gets the opportunity to get back to the MLB. But with another really good, young catcher moving up the list fast, is his time to be the #1 catcher in St. Louis limited?

5. Elehuris Montero, 3B

Age: 21

2019 Highest Level: AA Springfield

An injury riddled 2019 for Montero left him only getting 237 plate appearance over 2 levels. Montero still hit 7 home runs and 18 RBI, the batting average was a miniscule .194. I still like Montero a lot and while he’s got some work to do to improve his K%, he’s got a decent hit tool. I’d be looking for Montero in 2020 to start in AA, and possibly be there the entire season. If he can stay healthy there is a chance he could move up to AAA later in the year.

6. Junior Fernandez, RHP

Age: 22

2019 Highest Level: MLB

2019 seen Junior Fernandez make his MLB debut and hold his own. He pitched in 11.2 innings with 16 strikeouts. Fernandez has an electric fastball that reaches the high 90’s, and also throws a plus changeup. If Fernandez can work on his breaking pitches and get his command down, he can become an elite arm in the Cardinals bullpen for a long time. Fernandez has a lot of potential to become the best pitcher in the Cardinals bullpen, and most likely get a late inning role with what he can bring to the table. With Jordan Hicks still recovering from injury and Carlos Martinez moving back into the starting rotation, this leaves room for Fernandez to be the guy in the bullpen. Look for him to have a big role on the team in 2020.

7. Zack Thompson, LHP

Age: 22

2019 Highest Level: High-A Palm Beach

Drafted 19th overall in the 2019 draft, Thompson went on to pitch in the GCL, and then moved up to High-A ball. Collectively between the two levels, Thompson pitched in just 15.1 innings with a K/9 of 13.5. Thompson has pretty decent stuff with his mid 90’s fastball, a low 80’s slider, and can generate decent spin on both the slider and curveball. Thompson is looking like a middle of the rotation starter, but with how decent his stuff is, I wouldn’t be surprised if he turns into a potential ace on day. With the addition of Liberatore, Thompson slid down to the #2 LHP in the minors. Cardinals have some great young pitching and I’m looking forward to seeing what Thompson can do with a full season under his belt.

8. Ivan Herrera, C

Age: 19

2019 Highest Level: High-A Palm Beach

Herrera has been climbing up these lists at an outstanding rate. Over the 2019 season he hit 9 HR, 47 RBI, and slashed .284/.374/.405. Herrera has the makings to be the best catcher in the Cardinals organization and it’s only a matter of time until he is. The 19 year hasn’t been great defensively, but he’s still 19 and we need to cut him some slack. Although Knizner is the next in line behind Molina, Herrera could put himself right in the too with the way he’s been performing.



Tier 3

9. Genesis Cabrera, LHP

Age: 22

2019 Highest Level: MLB

Cabrera made his MLB debut in 2019 pitching in 20.1 innings. Although he gave up a lot of hits and runs in those few innings, I still feel Cabrera can redeem himself in 2020 and make his way back into the Cardinals lineup. Cabrera needs to start in AAA and get some momentum going before he gets the call up. Last season he was having a mediocre season in AAA, then the call up to the MLB was what i felt too early for how the season had been going. Nonetheless Cabrera is still one of the best pitchers in the Cardinals system and his time will come back around this season.

10. Johan Oviedo, RHP

Age: 21

2019 Highest Level: AA Springfield

The 6’6″ Oviedo posted a 12-8 record last season pitching in 146.2 innings between High-A and AA. He amassed 163 strikeouts in those innings. Oviedo’s fastball has been sitting in the low to mid 90’s recently, but previously was upwards of 97. He mixes in a curve and a changeup which are both still developing, but already above average. Oviedo should make his way up to AAA sometime this season.

11. Edmundo Sosa, SS/2B/3B

Age: 23

2019 Highest Level: MLB

Sosa tore it up in AAA last season hitting 17 home runs, 62 RBI. He also had 8 AB in the MLB and had a couple hits. Sosa is able to play multiple positions in the infield and that versatility will help him get an everyday role in the MLB. Sosa has done enough in AAA to deserve some more MLB playing time. I think it’s only a matter of time until he’s an everyday player and playing at a high level.

12. Malcom Nunez, 3B

Age: 18

2019 Highest Level: Low-A Peoria

Nunez had a below average 2019 season hitting just 2 HR, 18 RBI in 223 plate appearances. At only 18 years old, Nunez has many years to develop and become a great hitter. In 2018 he was tearing it up in the DSL as a 17 year old, so the hit tools are definitely there. If he can start off the 2020 season well, he could eventually get up to AA, but look for him to be between Low-A and High-A much of the year.

13. Jhon Torres, OF

Age: 19

2019 Highest Level: Low-A Peoria

Torres has the tools to hit for both power and average. The 6’4″ giant can hit with power to all fields and make solid contact. Torres has average speed but a cannon for an arm, so he’s looking like a fit to be an everyday right fielder. While his 2019 season wasn’t great, at only 19 years of age he’s only going to get stronger and develop further into becoming a great player both offensively and defensively. He could make his way up to High-A this season and possibly into AA.

14. Justin Williams, OF

Age: 24

2019 Highest Level: AAA Memphis

Moving between AA and AAA proved to be a good move for Williams in 2019. He improved in all aspects of his hitting game by quite a bit hitting 7 HR, 26 RBI, and slashing .353/.437/.608 in AAA. His AA stats from 2019 were the total opposite at just 1 HR, 3 RBI, and slashing a mediocre .193/.246/.263. Williams has a great shot at getting some MLB time this season, but with many other outfielders close as well, he’s going to have keep up his pace from AAA last season.

15. Trejyn Fletcher, OF

Age: 18

2019 Highest Level: Rookie Johnson City

Fletcher didn’t have a great 2019, but he’s got some real potential to be a pretty good player. He has a mixture of power and speed which could translate into being a 20 HR, 20 SB center fielder. Fletcher will have a lot of work to do to become that 20-20 player, but at only 18 years of age he’s got some time.

16. Angel Rondon, RHP

Age: 22

2019 Highest Level: AA Springfield

Rondon was excellent in 2019 with a 11-7 record, and a 2.93 ERA. He was rewarded by being named the Cardinals minor league pitcher of the year. Rondon seems to be fairly consistent in his pitching abilities and doesn’t seem to falter very often. With his steady rise through the minors, he should make his way to AAA this season and might even get a chance to get to the MLB.

17. Griffin Roberts, RHP

Age: 23

2019 Highest Level: High-A Palm Beach

After serving his 50 game suspension Roberts went on to have a disaster of a 2019. In just 65.2 innings in High-A, Roberts finished with a 1-7 record, and an awful looking 6.44 ERA. His K/9 was a dismal 4.9. Turns out the suspension, which I thought may motivate him to just focus on baseball and work really hard to improve, affected him negatively. He’s still got the stuff to be a great pitcher, but I feel he’s destined to pitch out of the bullpen.

18. Mateo Gil, SS

Age: 19

2019 Highest Level: High-A Palm Beach

Gil spent the majority of the 2019 season in High-A ball and didn’t disappoint. 7 HR, 30 RBI, with a .270 average looks pretty good for the solid hitting Gil in 2019. He is most likely looking like a future utility player, but if he keeps hitting the way he did last season, he can be more of an everyday player.

19. Tony Locey, RHP

Age: 21

2019 Highest Level: Low-A Peoria

Locey was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2019 MLB draft. He didn’t pitch much last season in the minors, but he didn’t finish with 28 strikeouts in just 15 innings. Locey can hit 97 mph with his fastball and mixes in a decent slider, as well he’s working to improve his curveball. Locey looks like he would fit well in the bullpen with the stuff to possibly be a late inning threat.

20. Kodi Whitley, RHP

Age: 24

2019 Highest Level: AAA Memphis

Whitley was drafted in the 2017 MLB draft in the 27th round. He moved from High-A up to AAA in no time in the 2019 season, and dominated each league. Whitley finished the season with a combined 3-4 record, 1.60 ERA, a 10.4 K/9 and 9 saves. Whitley had Tommy John in his junior season at college, but after making some adjustments he’s actually way stronger. His fastball sits in the mid to high 90’s, and projects to be a dominant force in the bullpen. Look for him to hit the MLB sometime in 2020.

21. Andre Pallante, RHP

Age: 21

2019 Highest Level: Class-A Short Season State College

Drafted in the 4th round in 2019, Pallante possesses a mid 90’s fastball, with a curveball, slider, and changeup. He gets lots of strikes and looks like he will be a future back end starter. Still a couple years away from the MLB, Pallante should move up quickly in 2020.

22. Conner Capel, OF

Age: 22

2019 Highest Level: AAA Memphis

Capel can do it all as a hitter. In 2019 he hit 11 HR, 47 RBI, while stealing 10 bases. His mixture of both power and speed, and his strong arm are projecting him most likely as a center fielder. He should be in AAA to start 2020 and look for him to continue to tap into that power.

23. Tommy Parsons, RHP

Age: 24

2019 Highest Level: AAA Memphis

Parsons moved his way through 4 levels in 2019, all the way up to AAA. He finished the season with a 11-9 record and a decent 3.53 ERA in 165.2 innings. While he doesn’t get a ton of strikeouts, he is able to mix up his pitches enough to fool the hitters. He throws a 12-6 curveball and can hit the zone with no issues consistently. Look for him to begin 2020 in AAA.

24. Jake Woodford, RHP

Age: 23

2019 Highest Level: AAA Memphis

Woodford finished with a 9-8 record last season in AAA. In the 151.2 innings he pitched he had 131 strikeouts, and 4.15 ERA. Woodford’s fastball tops out at around 94 mph, but is susceptible to getting hitting around when he leaves it up in the zone. Woodford has been working hard to improve both his changeup and slider, and his work ethic is giving the Cardinals hope that he can get everything together and become a solid MLB contributor.



Tier 4



25. Patrick Romeri, OF

Age: 18

2019 Highest Level: GCL Cardinals

Drafted in the 12th round of the 2019 draft, Romeri has an great hit too, with the addition of some speed. The 18 year old, 6’3″ giant, will end up having huge power once his body fills out. This will affect the speed a bit, but the power numbers will go way up

26. Seth Elledge, RHP

Age: 23

2019 Highest Level: AAA Memphis

Elledge has three pitches with a good sinking fastball in the low to mid 90’s, a low 80’s slider, and a changeup. While he’s almost certainly going to be in the bullpen, he could make the MLB this season if he can improve his control.

27. Luken Baker, 1B

Age: 22

2019 Highest Level: High-A Palm Beach

The 6’4″ first baseman hasn’t quite lived up to the power bat he had in college, he’s still been a solid hitter. He doesn’t have much for speed and his fielding isn’t great, it’s his bat that we’re looking at. He could tap into more power in the near future and stay locked in as the power hitting first baseman.

28. Steven Gingery, LHP

Age: 22

2019 Highest Level: GCL Cardinals

Gingery didn’t play much at all last season after being injured. He’s got somewhat decent pitches, his best being the changeup. He’s more of a back end starter at best if he can stay healthy. Look for him to work his way back from injury and hopefully pitch to his ability.

29. Austin Warner, LHP

Age: 25

2019 Highest Level: AAA Memphis

Warner split time between AA and AAA in 2019 finishing with an 8-8 record, and 4.62 ERA. He’s been great at locating his pitches, which he needs to do because he doesn’t have overpower stuff. But at 25 years old already, and just freshly into AAA, he may be a possible fifth starter in the MLB this season, but time is of the essence.

30. Alvaro Seijas, RHP

Age: 21

2019 Highest Level: High-A Palm Beach

The Cardinals added Seijas to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. He finished the 2019 season with an 8-6 record, and a really good 2.81 ERA. Although he doesn’t have that great strikeout ability, he’s been a pretty solid pitcher, although he’s more suited for the bullpen. He will be looking to continue his success from 2019 going into the 2020 season.

31. Ramon Urias, 2B

Age: 25

2019 Highest Level: AAA Memphis

The older brother of Luis Urias, Ramon is really close to making it to the MLB. In AAA last season, Urias hit 9 HR, with 55 RBI and 4 SB. He’s an decent defender and can play second, third, or shortstop. He will be a solid utility player for the Cardinals this season if he gets the chance.

32. Max Schrock, 2B

Age: 25

2019 Highest Level: AAA Memphis

Max Schrock, what more is there to say? He’s been steadily falling down my lists for the last two years. I had high hopes for him a few years back when the Cardinals got him in the Stephen Piscotty trade, but he just hasn’t lived up to what he once was. He can still hit for a decent average, and has some speed to steal bases, but it seems like many other guys have passed him on the depth chart of getting to the MLB. Will 2020 be the year he gets there however?

33. Justin Toerner, OF

Age: 23

2019 Highest Level: AA Springfield

Toerner had a decent 2019 hitting 11 HR, 47 RBI, and stealing 14 bases between High-A and AA. His batting average dropped significantly moving fro High-A up to AA from .290 down to .211, and his K% went up over 27%. He’s a decent enough hitter to do some damage with the bat, but his inconsistency and strikeouts hurt him.

34. Julio Rodriguez, C

Age: 22

2019 Highest Level: AA Springfield

He has a great name, but don’t confuse him with the Mariners’ young OF prospect. Rodriguez has been improving offensively over the past couple seasons. He’s cut down his strikeouts and been swinging the bat really well. The Cardinals like him more for his defensive play though. He has a plus arm that can throw out almost anybody, and he’s great at blocking the ball behind the plate. He will most likely start the 2020 season in AA.

35. Delvin Perez, SS

Age: 21

2019 Highest Level: Low-A Peoria

Perez is a dominant defensive player. He’s got speed, and range which allows him to make a lot of plays most shortstops can’t. While his bat needs a ton of work, he’s a huge threat on the base paths. In 2020 he will be looking at improving his hitting, and solidifying his defensive prowess.



Tier 5



36. Juan Yepez, 1B

Age: 21

2019 Highest Level: AA Springfield

Yepez is a power bat, and his 6’1″ 200 lb. frame is made for 1B/CI. Across three levels in 2019 (A/A+/AA) he slashed .269/.343/.446 with 10 HR. Needs more time at Double-A to begin 2020.

37. Leandro Cedeno, 1B

Age: 21

2019 Highest Level: A Peoria

Cedeno spent the entire season at Low-A. His numbers dropped a bit between the 2018 and 2019 seasons but he’s still and excellent hitter. At only 21 years old, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him move up to AA sometime this season if he starts off good enough in 2020.

38. Pedro Pages, C

Age: 21

2019 Highest Level: Class-A Short Season State College

Pages, like Rodriguez is a solid defensive catcher. He’s got solid doubles power, but will be looking to expand his horizons in 2020 and tap into some power. The Cardinals have a ton of great catcher depth, so it’ll be tough for him to surpass one of the other guys ahead of him. But if he can improve offensively, he could definitely make a push.

39. Brady Whalen, 1B/3B

Age: 21

2019 Highest Level: Low-A Peoria

Whalen had a solid 2019 season in A-ball. In 508 plate appearances he hit 7 HR, 81 RBI. Although his .248 average is mediocre at best, he gets a lot of hits with runners on base. He will be looking to move up a league or two in 2020, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in AA later this year.

40. Yariel Gonzalez, 1B/3B

Age: 25

2019 Highest Level: AAA Memphis

I’ve been a secret fan of Gonzalez for awhile now, and I have had really high hopes for him. He’s been a really good hitter for much of his minor league career hitting for both power and a decent average. The only problem is his age. At 25 already and only playing a handful of game in AAA after just getting there in 2019, he’s running out of time. But if he can start off the 2020 season with a bang, I hope he makes his MLB debut this season.

41. Lars Nootbaar, OF

Age: 22

2019 Highest Level: AA Springfield

Nootbaar made his way up to AA in 2019 with his stellar play. He is a fairly consistent hitter with a touch of power. He won’t blow you away with any high amount of home runs or steals, but he can hit for a decent .260+ average and get on base quite a bit.

42. Jacob Patterson, LHP

Age: 24

2019 Highest Level: AA Springfield

Didn’t have a great year in AA. He only pitched in 58.1 innings but had a 12.0 K/9. He did have a 6-5 record, but his 5.55 ERA doesn’t look great. He should start in AA this season and will be looking to keep the strikeout rate, but lower the ERA by quite a bit.

43. Edgardo Rodriguez, C

Age: 19

2019 Highest Level: GCL Rays (Tampa Bay Rays)

Acquired by the Cardinals with Matthew Liberatore, Rodriguez was almost a lost soul in the deal. He’s hit pretty well over his first 2 season in the Rays minor leagues, and will be looking to continue the trend as he enters into the Cardinals minors system. He is still years away from the majors, but with the way things are going for him at such a young age, it’s worth keeping an eye on him.

44. Jonatan Machado, OF

Age: 20

2019 Highest Level: Low-A Peoria

Machado spent time between Short Season and Class-A in 2019. He doesn’t have much for power, but can hit one or two over the fence each year. He had a solid average between the two leagues, hitting a combined .287. He can chip in with a steal here and there as well. At only 20 years old he’s got a few years to improve.

45. Nick Dunn, 2B

Age: 22

2019 Highest Level: High-A Palm Beach

Dunn played the entire 2019 season at High-A. He doesn’t have much in the way of power, but he’s improving a little bit at a time. He’s been sitting around the .260 average mark over the last couple seasons, but will need to improve his hitting. Look for him to start in High-A this season with the potential to make his way up to AA.

46. Scott Hurst, OF

Age: 23

2019 Highest Level: AA Springfield

Hurst didn’t have a good 2019 season. He moved up to AA from High-A, but his average dropped below .200. He will be looking to improve that coming into 2020 where he will start in AA.

47. Connor Jones, RHP

Age: 25

2019 Highest Level: AAA Memphis

Jones pitched in just 50.1 innings in 2019 between AA and AAA. He did have 9 saves however, but a 4.47 ERA. He has the potential to be a decent reliever, but with so many other great relievers ahead of him, it’s looking like he’s got a lot of work to do. Fun Fact: Jones is a DJ in his spare time.

48. Evan Kruczynski, LHP

Age: 24

2019 Highest Level: AAA Memphis

Kruczynski had an awful 2019 season. He finished with a 4-10 record and a 6.09 ERA. In the 147.2 innings he pitched he gave up 21 HR, and 100 ER. He should start the year in AAA, but will have to drastically improve.

49. Brendan Donovan, 2B/3B

Age: 22

2019 Highest Level: AAA Memphis

Donovan moved from A ball right up to AAA late last season. He only had 2 plate appearances at the AAA level, where he hit a double, and had one walk. Donovan hit 8 HR, 53 RBI, and 4 SB with Peoria. He has the potential to be a good hitter with some power. I’m not sure he will begin the 2020 season in AAA, but wouldn’t be surprised at all if he eventually makes his way back.

50. Evan Mendoza, 3B

Age: 23

2019 Highest Level: AAA Memphis

Mendoza hit just 1 HR in 241 plate appearance in 2019. He did however steal 5 bases. Although those number don’t blow anyone away, he has been a decent hitter in previous years. He will be looking to get back to his old ways in 2020 where he should start in AAA.