2017 Post-Season Prospect Rankings (BA, Fangraphs, BP, ESPN, MLB Pipeline)

[Bertz]

He didn't make the list, and he shouldn't have, but I'm really bullish on DJ Wilson. The athleticism is obviously there, and the performance was fantastic after he came back from injury. .255/.339/.516 with a 10.0% walk rate and 19.1% k-rate, and he'll still only be 21 next season.

[Tim]

He didn't make the list, and he shouldn't have, but I'm really bullish on DJ Wilson. The athleticism is obviously there, and the performance was fantastic after he came back from injury. .255/.339/.516 with a 10.0% walk rate and 19.1% k-rate, and he'll still only be 21 next season.

Yeah, if that's his new level of performance he will be shooting up the rankings in 2018

[CaliforniaRaisin]

i have quite frankly never heard of Nelson Velasquez before now

 

4th or 5th round pick.(5th, I think) Big power, had some hamstring issues during his HS season in Puerto Rico last year, so underperformed a bit. Healthy now, seems like we got a steal. Was over slotted, slot was 285k and we gave him 400k.

 

5th round. I can't remember who it was, but one of the national guys was commenting on how legit he was after the season. Went on to compliment the Cubs for being able to look past the injury-plagued HS season to see his talent.

 

I believe it was Longenhagen at Fangraphs, who lives in the Phoenix area and gets in a lot of AZL games.

[Regular Show]

Cubs Top 10 Prospects

1. Aramis Ademan, SS

2. Adbert Alzolay, RHP

3. Jose Albertos, RHP

4. Victor Caratini, C

5. Alex Lange, RHP

6. Oscar De La Cruz, RHP

7. Brendon Little, LHP

8. Thomas Hatch, RHP

9. Jen-Ho Tseng, RHP

10. Nelson Velazquez, OF

 

I'm surprised they have Ademan rated #1 on the list for the Cubs. Everything I've read about him to this point described him as a solid, average-tools infielder with a chance to stick at SS, but not someone who will be a plus defensive player. Just didn't seem like someone with a high ceiling. I wonder where they have the Cubs farm system ranked -- probably in the bottom third in MLB.

 

This list is pretty crappy compared to year's past, but that happens when you're making trades to help the big league team. I'm really not high on T. Hatch or Jen-Ho Tseng.

 

I do like A. Alzolay and O. De La Cruz, and hope they can remain healthy and move quickly next year.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

A few of the questions from the chat:

 

Paul (Chicago, IL): Would the Cubs' system be considered to be in the bottom five right now?

 

J.J. Cooper: Hey everyone. To start this out on a down note, yes I’d agree. This is one of the thinner farm systems in baseball right now. So how did they get here? By having a whole lot of success. Few teams that graduate the wave of prospects that Chicago did from 2014-2016 follow that up with anything equivalent, but more than that, the Cubs have traded away Gleyber Torres and Eloy Jimenez in the past two seasons. If the Cubs still had both of them, they would be a top 10 farm system in my mind–that’s how valuable having two Top 10 Prospects is for a team. Instead, Chicago doesn’t have a sure-fire Top 100 Prospect and most of the best prospects are several years away.

 

Frank (Indianapolis, IN): How many of these guys could make BA's 100 list, if any?

 

J.J. Cooper: Ademan and Alzolay both feel to me like the kind of players who get consideration for the Top 100, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the Cubs are shut out.

 

Jeff (Work): Once I get past health and arm strength what am I loving about Alzolay? Is he ranked ahead of guys like Hatch, Albertos, and Lange on reaching AA or is there more to the story?

 

J.J. Cooper: Those are Alzolay’s strengths, but in this system a potentially reliable back-of-the-rotation starter looks pretty good. Albertos has more upside, but he also has yet to pitch in full season ball and has less than 50 pro innings. Lange has to add a third pitch and has enough of a medical concern that his signing bonus was reduced. Hatch needs to prove he can throw strikes. All four of the pitchers you mentioned have plenty left on the to-do list, but Alzolay is closest to the majors of the four.

[toonsterwu]

I'm not ... surprised at this list. I'm okay with Ademan at the top. This looks to be a kid who can hit for average, be a solid defensive shortstop, and may grow into some double digit home run power. It's a good package. It's not a typical "number 1 prospect package", but our system is thin.

 

I'm fine with Alzolay at 2. The argument makes sense - he might not have the ceiling of a few other guys, but he's got a decent ceiling and stayed healthy. Tbh, a bit surprised that de la Cruz stayed at 6 as I sorta expected him to slide a bit. the lack of work is problematic,so I imagine he'll be on a tight leash this year, as I don't expect them to push him to a pen track just yet.

 

If anything, I'm a bit surprised at Tseng at 9 but the velocity being back makes it a decent placement. Velasquez over Wilson at 10 surprises a bit, but sounds like Velasquez's ceiling is higher and both are extremely far away.

 

All in all, I buy it. I mean, in the grand scheme of things, this was supposed to be the year with Torres/Jimenez/Cease in the top 5, and in that respect, our system wouldn't have missed a beat, which would've been fairly remarkable, but we pushed all in the last two years, and justifiably so.

[CubsWin]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2018-chicago-cubs-top-10-prospects/?amphtml=1

 

Interesting list from BA....

 

Ademan, Alzolay, Albertos, Caratini, Lange, de la Cruz, Little, Hatch, Tseng, and Velázquez.

This list makes a lot more sense to me. We don't know who rounds out 11-20 but at least you can see the reasoning behind this top 10.

 

I'd probably have Albertos, Alzolay and then Ademan but that's quibbling. I'm encouraged BA likes Velazquez and Tseng as much as they do. I like Tseng there and would've had Velazquez in the 15-20 range, so it's cool that guys who presumably know a whole lot more than I do have him higher.

 

I'm interested to see if the Cubs can add anyone to their top 20 from the Braves prospects that were cut. Maitan is a long shot, but there are a handful of other guys that, if signed, could sneak into the back end of the Cubs top 20. That doesn't say a lot about the state of the Cubs system, but hey, you gotta start rebuilding the system somewhere.

 

C Abrahan Gutierrez (15th ranked in 2016 IFA class by BA) got $3.5 million. INF Yunior Severino (8th ranked in 2016 IFA class by BA) got $1.9 million. RHP Yelfri Del Rosario (26th ranked in 2016 IFA class by BA) got $1 million and SS Livan Soto (16th ranked in 2016 IFA class by BA) got $1 million. Each of those players aquitted themselves well in rookie ball this year as 17-year-olds.

[Hrubes20]

I was flipping through BA’s NL Central issue at a Barnes & Noble and really hope the Brendon Little they describe shows up next year.

 

Months later I’m still really like Lange. Stay healthy!

 

Velázquez read like an extremely raw guy with Puig-esque tools and frame.

 

Yeah, really hoping he pulls a Thomas Hatch and gets back the pre-draft velocity. Hatch was 93-95 in the reports predraft, but was 88-91 at the end of the college season and in instructs. Similarly, Little was 92-95 predraft, but 88-91 during his first taste of pro ball.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Fangraphs top 22: https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/top-22-prospects-chicago-cubs/

 

1. Aramis Ademan

2. Adbert Alzolay

3. José Albertos

4. Oscar de la Cruz

5. Brandon Little

6. Alex Lange

7. Victor Caratini

8. DJ Wilson

9. Miguel Amaya

10. Alec Mills

11. Jeremiah Estrada

12. Thomas Hatch

13. Nelson Velásquez

14. Brailyn Marquez

15. Cory Abbott

16. Wladimir Gallindo

17. Dillon Maples

18. José Paulino

19. Jason Vosler

20. Mark Zagunis

21. Bryan Hudson

22. Eddy Julio Martinez

 

Only the first two have a FV of even 50, prospects 3-6 are 45 and the rest all have FVs of 40.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

At this point it's safe to wonder if Rucker killed a scout's family, if Hudson and EJM are getting run on lists instead of him.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

At this point it's safe to wonder if Rucker killed a scout's family, if Hudson and EJM are getting run on lists instead of him.

 

He was 12th in other prospects of note (in order of preference), rightfully behind Junior Lake Jonathan Sierra.

 

Michael Rucker, RHP, 0.8 KATOH – Rucker has terrific command — especially to his glove side — of a deceptively hard fastball that will creep into the mid-90s, and he mixes in two slurvy breaking balls and a moving changeup, all of which are fringe to average. He largely lives off of his fastball and his deceptive, slingy delivery, but he pitched well in long relief and got a look as a starter mid-year. Rucker is a bit older, largely because he was drafted as a redshirt junior after transferring from Gonzaga to BYU and sat out a year.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

MLB.com has their list out.

 

http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2017?list=chc

 

Still no Amaya in their top 30...

 

Jim Callis tweeted that their actual lists would start coming out in January. MLB.com will do the MLB-wide top 100 list first.

[UMFan83]

Sickels previews his Cubs list

 

https://www.minorleagueball.com/2017/11/30/16721232/chicago-cubs-preliminary-prospect-grade-breakdown

[toonsterwu]

I like Longenhagen's list, but the one thing that sorta bugs me is Alec Mills at 10. Dunno ... granted, gap from 10 to the end isn't much ... but that bugged me a tiny bit. I really like the recognition given to Galindo, and to a lesser extent, Hudson.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

It took me longer than normal to find because I had to stop for air after laughing so hard at Underwood being #11, but Rucker finally makes a list at 16.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Never knew TT would be a John Sickels guy

[davell]

I'm really interested in placement for 2018. Does Alzolay start in AA? Or do they fast track him? My guess is they'll protect him in AA, assuming he's still a Cub by then.

 

What about de la Cruz? I have to think he'll start in AA too. And maybe move quick, if he stays healthy.

 

Rucker and Robinson surely start in AA too. They'll be 24 at that point, or very shortly for Rucker anyway.

 

Add in Hatch, which seems definite, and that's an extremely interesting rotation in Tennessee. Alzolay/de la Cruz/Hatch/Rucker/Robinson.

 

Clifton doesn't deserve a AAA spot, but they may need to bump him up, or put him in the pen. I guess Alzolay could be thrown into Iowa, but I don't see it.

 

Iowa should have Tseng, Hedges, Mills(forgot earlier) maybe Clifton, maybe Chris Nunn. They'll definitely add to this over the winter.

 

MB is interesting too. Hudson will have a spot. My guess is this is Lange's starting spot next year too. Erling Moreno will have a spot. The other 2 spots probably come down to Tyson Miller, Paulino, Rondon, and Kellogg competing.

 

SB looks like Albertos and Assad, as definite. Kyle Abbott looks like a safe bet too. Little SHOULD be here, but I'd say there's at least a small shot they'd leave him back at EXST, for a bit. Depending on how he looks obviously. I guess Camargo, Keegan Thompson, Uelman, and Bailey Clark find themselves in piggyback situations.

 

Looking at this, I'm kind of impressed. Its far from perfect, but there's plenty of talent in full season ball now. Plus, we'll get Marquez and Estrada in Eugene, with Didier Vargas coming up from the DSL for Arizona.....Not to mention whatever we draft.....

 

I think we look pretty solid overall, from a starting pitching standpoint.

Edited December 3, 2017 by davell

[Tim]

I'm really interested in placement for 2018. Does Alzolay start in AA? Or do they fast track him? My guess is they'll protect him in AA, assuming he's still a Cub by then.

 

What about de la Cruz? I have to think he'll start in AA too. And maybe move quick, if he stays healthy.

 

Rucker and Robinson surely start in AA too. They'll be 24 at that point, or very shortly for Rucker anyway.

 

Add in Hatch, which seems definite, and that's an extremely interesting rotation in Tennessee. Alzolay/de la Cruz/Hatch/Rucker/Robinson.

 

Clifton doesn't deserve a AAA spot, but they may need to bump him up, or put him in the pen. I guess Alzolay could be thrown into Iowa, but I don't see it.

 

Iowa should have Tseng, Hedges, maybe Clifton, maybe Chris Nunn. They'll definitely add to this over the winter.

 

MB is interesting too. Hudson will have a spot. My guess is this is Lange's starting spot next year too. Erling Moreno will have a spot. The other 2 spots probably come down to Tyson Miller, Paulino, Rondon, and Kellogg competing.

 

SB looks like Albertos and Assad, as definite. Kyle Abbott looks like a safe bet too. Little SHOULD be here, but I'd say there's at least a small shot they'd leave him back at EXST, for a bit. Depending on how he looks obviously. I guess Camargo, Keegan Thompson, Uelman, and Bailey Clark find themselves in piggyback situations.

 

Looking at this, I'm kind of impressed. Its far from perfect, but there's plenty of talent in full season ball now. Plus, we'll get Marquez and Estrada in Eugene, with Didier Vargas coming up from the DSL for Arizona.....Not to mention whatever we draft.....

 

I think we look pretty solid overall, from a starting pitching standpoint.

Is Mills out of options? Otherwise he'll be at Iowa.

[davell]

horsefeathers, he's a definite. Just forgot him.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Mills has one option left. Arizona Phil's work here is tremendous btw, so consulting this page makes the answer for any current Cubs easy: http://www.thecubreporter.com/cubs-40-man-roster

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I'm really interested in placement for 2018. Does Alzolay start in AA? Or do they fast track him? My guess is they'll protect him in AA, assuming he's still a Cub by then.

 

What about de la Cruz? I have to think he'll start in AA too. And maybe move quick, if he stays healthy.

 

Rucker and Robinson surely start in AA too. They'll be 24 at that point, or very shortly for Rucker anyway.

 

Add in Hatch, which seems definite, and that's an extremely interesting rotation in Tennessee. Alzolay/de la Cruz/Hatch/Rucker/Robinson.

 

Clifton doesn't deserve a AAA spot, but they may need to bump him up, or put him in the pen. I guess Alzolay could be thrown into Iowa, but I don't see it.

 

Iowa should have Tseng, Hedges, Mills(forgot earlier) maybe Clifton, maybe Chris Nunn. They'll definitely add to this over the winter.

 

MB is interesting too. Hudson will have a spot. My guess is this is Lange's starting spot next year too. Erling Moreno will have a spot. The other 2 spots probably come down to Tyson Miller, Paulino, Rondon, and Kellogg competing.

 

SB looks like Albertos and Assad, as definite. Kyle Abbott looks like a safe bet too. Little SHOULD be here, but I'd say there's at least a small shot they'd leave him back at EXST, for a bit. Depending on how he looks obviously. I guess Camargo, Keegan Thompson, Uelman, and Bailey Clark find themselves in piggyback situations.

 

Looking at this, I'm kind of impressed. Its far from perfect, but there's plenty of talent in full season ball now. Plus, we'll get Marquez and Estrada in Eugene, with Didier Vargas coming up from the DSL for Arizona.....Not to mention whatever we draft.....

 

I think we look pretty solid overall, from a starting pitching standpoint.

 

I think ODC starts in Myrtle Beach.

 

Iowa:

Alec Mills

Jen-Ho Tseng

Zach Hedges

Duane Underwood Jr

Rob Zastryzny

 

Tennessee:

Adbert Alzolay

Trevor Clifton

Thomas Hatch

Michael Rucker

Duncan Robinson

 

Myrtle Beach:

Oscar de la Cruz

Alex Lange

Erling Moreno

Bryan Hudson

Manuel Rondon

Tyson Miller

Jose Paulino

 

South Bend (they piggyback a lot - some of these guys will definitely be in the rotation):

José Albertos

Brendon Little

Javier Assad

Cory Abbott

Jesus Camargo

Erich Uehlman

Keegan Thompson

Bailey Clark

Enrique de los Rios

[davell]

I think we'll add another Butler or Mills type guy. I'm still thinking Wisler personally. At this point, I kind of expect Underwood to be moved to the pen. ODLC could start in MB, but the quote about them not wasting whatever bullets he may have, by BA(I think) has me thinking AA. Especially since he's on the 40 man now.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

BP's Top 10: https://www.baseballprospectus.com/prospects/article/36392/chicago-cubs-top-10-prospects-2018-adbert-alzolay-jose-albertos/

 

1. Adbert Alzolay, RHP

2. José Albertos, RHP

3. Aramis Ademan, SS

4. Brendon Little, LHP

5. Alex Lange, RHP

6. Victor Caratini, C

7. Thomas Hatch, RHP

8. Oscar de la Cruz, RHP

9. Jen-Ho Tseng, RHP

10. Alec Mills, RHP

 

Next 10 (in alphabetical order):

 

David Bote, UTIL

Wladimir Galindo, 3B/1B

Dillon Maples, RHP

Eddy Martinez, OF

José Paulino, LHP

Yeiler Peguero, 2B

Duane Underwood Jr, RHP

Nelson Velásquez, OF

DJ Wilson, OF

Mark Zagunis, OF

 

Friends in Low Places (sleeper):

 

Jeremiah Estrada, RHP

[CaliforniaRaisin]

No Cubs make BA's top 100. Eloy was 4, Gleyber 6. Somehow Acuña was rated ahead of Ohtani.

 

Man, Nate Pearson made their top 100. He's been getting a lot of love from Kiley McDaniel recently too. Hope the Cubs didn't take the wrong JC pitcher in last year's first round.

[Bertz]

Ademan (#78) and Alzolay (#84) made Law's list. I think those two plus Caratini are guys who could make any given Top 100 but are not good enough to say they definitely should.