Toolshed: Shortest, longest roads from first round
Their roads all began together. From here, those roads will look very different. Twenty-nine players were selected in the first round of the 2020 First-Year Player Draft on Wednesday. Eighteen of them are position players. Eleven are pitchers. Eighteen come from the college ranks. Eleven hailed from high school. Because
Their roads all began together. From here, those roads will look very different.
Twenty-nine players were selected in the first round of the 2020 First-Year Player Draft on Wednesday. Eighteen of them are position players. Eleven are pitchers. Eighteen come from the college ranks. Eleven hailed from high school. Because of their backgrounds and skills, some will reach the Majors much quicker than those that need a lot more development time at the lower levels.
To prepare fans for the roads ahead for the Class of 2020, here are the five prospects Toolshed expects to ascend to the Majors the quickest and the five who likely have the longest journeys ahead.
Quickest roads to the Majors
1. Garrett Crochet, left-handed pitcher, White Sox (11th overall): This is a good time to point out that team situations matter as much as talent in these pseudo rankings. The White Sox made clear moves last offseason to try to contend in 2020, and with things potentially getting even weirder in a shortened season, they'll have an even better chance to return to the postseason for the first time since 2008. In order for that to happen, Chicago also will need whatever help it can get. A 6-foot-6 left-hander with high-90s velocity, a plus slider and good changeup certainly would help. The Sox drafted Crochet as a starter, and the work toward that role could begin in earnest next spring. For now, they could make use of potentially expanded rosters and use Crochet out of the bullpen almost immediately. The Tennessee southpaw only pitched 3 1/3 innings this spring due to the pandemic and a shoulder issue he later designated as a sore muscle, so he has the potential to pack on innings. In a normal year, the White Sox would allow Crochet to get his competitive innings elsewhere. But with Minor League Baseball still on hold for the foreseeable future, we know 2020 is far from a normal year.
2. Reid Detmers, left-handed pitcher, Angels (10th overall): Many were quick to make a Chris Sale comparison with Crochet, and indeed if he were to fly the ladder straight to the South Side, those would be apt. But the Halos have an even more recent example of bringing up a pitcher quickly -- 2017 second-rounder Griffin Canning in April 2019. Coming out of Louisville, Detmers already has the polish to follow in Canning's tracks. He sports an above-average fastball and curveball, and his whole three-pitch mix works so well because his command is so impressive. Hitting your spots is a skill that can translate to the pro side quickly, and starting pitching is certainly an area of need for Los Angeles, both now and long-term. (The club didn't have a pitcher ranked among its top five prospects until the Detmers pick.) The southpaw isn't likely to be a candidate in 2020, but one full Minor League season and a quick hook in the second could make his path just like Canning's.
3. Spencer Torkelson, third baseman/first baseman, Tigers (first overall): This year's top pick is certainly the name fans of all stripes might want to see in the Majors the quickest. Torkelson's power would play in The Show right now after he finished with 54 homers and a career .729 slugging percentage in three seasons at Arizona State. But again, team situation matters. Even in an abbreviated season, the Tigers aren't likely to contend in 2020 and won't see the advantage in bringing their new top position-player prospect to the Majors for a short stay. What's more, while Torkelson's bat could be deemed ready for the Majors, it's notable that Detroit announced him as a third baseman. Pretty much every evaluator who has seen Torkelson believes he's headed for the other corner infield spot long-term, but the Tigers might lengthen his Minor League stay to get him lots of time to succeed at third. Even then, the bat is just that good that it wouldn't be much of a surprise for Torkelson to come flying out of the gate in 2021, like Kris Bryant did in his first full season. That would force the Tigers to consider him at any position late in that season or early in 2022.
4. Max Meyer, right-handed pitcher, Marlins (third overall): Meyer is in someways the right-handed version of Crochet, minus six inches in height and the favorable big league situation. With a plus-plus heater and plus-plus slider, the former Minnesota Gopher likely would slide into the Miami bullpen without a problem right now. But the Fish aren't going to push for an National League East title this season, no matter the length of the 2020 campaign, and Miami took Meyer at No. 3 anyway over more heralded talents because they believe in his ability to be a starter. The stuff is just too good for Meyer to stay down for long. Assuming he's healthy and durable despite his size, the right-hander could arrive just shortly after the Marlins' current top pitching prospect Sixto Sanchez, who has already reached Double-A, and give Miami its one-two punch of the future very quickly.
5. Austin Martin, shortstop, Blue Jays (fifth overall): Martin was right there with Torkelson for top talent in this Draft, and it must have felt like an international theft for him to drop to Toronto at No. 5. Martin is a gifted hitter who makes tons of contact and could be poised to move quickly like Nick Madrigal did in his first full season, going from Class A Advanced to Triple-A in 2019. However unlike Madrigal, Martin's position isn't as well defined. He was announced as a shortstop on Draft Day, had played mostly center field and third base the past two seasons and is considered by some to be a future second baseman. The Jays seem to have their shortstop and third baseman set for a while in Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. respectively, and Cavan Biggio had a strong rookie campaign at second as well. It may take some time for Martin to find a fit, but as a career .368 hitter in college, he has the right offensive skills to give Toronto a good problem before long.
Other potential quick movers: Asa Lacy was considered by many to be the top pitching prospect in the Draft but fell to the Royals at No. 4. His mix of three plus pitches (fastball, slider, changeup) and an above-average one (curveball) from the left side could get him to Kansas City quickly, but the Royals, who already have a depth of arms from the college ranks, have shown a preference to keep such pitchers in the middle ranks for their first full season. ... Nick Gonzales drew comparisons to Nico Hoerner from his former Cape Cod League manager Mike Roberts, who told MiLB.com, "He'll be in the big leagues in two years if they leave him alone." The Pirates might be taking notes.
Longest roads to the Majors
1. Nick Bitsko, right-handed pitcher, Rays (24th overall): At 17, Bitsko was the youngest player taken in the first round and appropriately gets the first slot here. The Pennsylvania hurler famously reclassified and graduated early to make himself eligible for this Draft and didn't get to show anything this spring in a competitive setting with the pandemic causing the cancellation of his final high-school season. In other words, he has some catching up to do. (It doesn't help either that first-round high-school righties don't have the best track records.) On stuff, Bitsko could crack a Major League rotation some day. His mid-90s fastball and curveball are potential plus pitches. He has above-average control and plenty of size at 6-foot-4. But given his youth and lack of experience, Tampa Bay will likely ease him in and give him the time and space he needs to develop into a potential frontline starter.
2. Nick Yorke, second baseman, Red Sox (17th overall): Boston's move to take Yorke at No. 17 was one of the most befuddling of the first round, though it later worked out that the organization could use the savings from here to sign third-rounder (and better talent) Blaze Jordan. Still, Yorke gets lumped in with the rest of the first-rounders, and as MLB.com's No. 139 prospect in this Draft, he has some tougher sledding ahead compared to his cohorts. The Red Sox liked the California native's overall hit tool and believed he was on the verge of a spring breakout before the pandemic. Time will tell if that was going to be the case, but even now, Yorke doesn't have a plus tool and is likely stuck to second base with a below-average arm. It'll take some time for him to develop into a higher-level talent, and by taking him where they did, Boston showed it's willing to wait out that process.
3. Mick Abel, right-handed pitcher, Phillies (15th overall): Again, prep right-handers historically seem to have an uphill battle to the Majors, and that's a big reason why Bitsko and Abel were the only two high-school pitchers taken among this year's top 29 picks. Abel is seen as the better pitcher of the two right now with three above-average pitches (fastball, slider, changeup) and good control from his 6-foot-5 frame, so he could get to the Majors a little earlier than Bitsko. It also helps that he turned 18 back in August. Expect the Phils to keep on the kid gloves for a bit all the same.
4. Jordan Walker, third baseman, Cardinals (21st overall): This selection was all about Walker's power potential. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound slugger already shows plus raw pop, and that could translate into even more in-game power as his hit tool improves. How long that process will take is still very much up in the air. Walker will need plenty of exposure to pro pitching to avoid becoming the typical high-K slugger who doesn't make enough contact to take full advantage of his slugging ability. There's also the possibility he'll have to move to first base someday -- a heightened threat now that he's in the same organization as Nolan Gorman -- and if that happens, there will be an even heavier burden on the bat, which would lengthen his stay in the Minors.
5. Tyler Soderstrom, catcher, Athletics (26th overall): No high-school catchers taken in the first round have made the Majors since the Class of 2013 (Reese McGuire and Nick Ciuffo). That says enough about the history that Soderstrom is working against here. It could help his case that some evaluators believe he'll move away from the catching position in time. His overall glove is behind his bat, which has plus potential from the left side, and his plus arm could certainly work at another position. If Oakland is invested in keeping Soderstrom behind the plate, then it'll take plenty of experience for him to make the improvements to stick. If the A's move him to third base or a corner outfield spot, he could move significantly quicker.
Other potential slow roaders: Ed Howard was one of the feel-good stories of the Draft when he stayed in his hometown by going to the Cubs at No. 16. He might be the most defensively gifted shortstop in this class, but his bat, which is behind the glove, will determine how quickly he makes it back to the Windy City. ... Carson Tucker -- the 23rd overall pick to the Indians -- knows the road to the Majors, thanks to his brother, Cole, and has plenty of development ahead of him before he could reach that level. His hit tool has the chance to be above-average while everything else (except for his lacking power) rates as a 50 on the 20-80 scouting scale.
Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB.
Here are the weirdest plays and stats from MiLB in May
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Podcast features first-base promotions for Caglianone, Eldridge
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Cubs' Rojas, Mets' Tong headline May's Minor League Players of the Month
Minor League Baseball announced the Player and Pitcher of the Month Award winners for May in Major League Baseball’s player development system.
Minor League Baseball, Joe Torre Safe At Home partnership enters ninth year
For the ninth year, Minor League Baseball and Joe Torre Safe At Home have teamed up to raise awareness about violence and abuse and to inspire fans of all ages to join them in SAH’s critical work. This year, 63 MiLB teams will participate in an in-ballpark initiative from May
MiLB podcast discusses Anthony, Caglianone at Triple-A
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
These are the greatest Minor League promos happening in June
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
New playoff format coming to 2025 Dominican Summer League
Minor League Baseball announced the 2025 Dominican Summer League (DSL) season will begin June 2 with Opening Day festivities taking place at the Boston Red Sox Academy in Guerra. The 2025 campaign will also see the introduction of the DSL Cup, a new playoff format that will see 16 DSL
Debating best Minor League home caps on podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
The Omaha Storm Chasers' 'Take Meow-t' cat night included a Litter Box Sundae
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Boston's Triple-A affiliate throws birthday bash for Roman Anthony
With all the hype that has surrounded Roman Anthony over the past two seasons, it’s easy to forget how young he really is. MLB's No. 1 prospect played 70 games at the highest level of the Minors before he could order a beer. But he can now. Roman Anthony turned
Friendly foes, 2024 first-rounders Moore and Caglianone trade first Triple-A homers
For years, Christian Moore and Jac Caglianone laced up their cleats against one another in the SEC. A rivalry that spanned Florida, Tennessee and other landmarks across the South moved to Salt Lake City this week as the Royals and Angels' top prospects got simultaneous Triple-A promotions. So it was
Phillies' Moore, Fausnaught join MiLB podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Red Sox prospect rips double THROUGH Fenway-esque scoreboard
Red Sox No. 4 prospect Franklin Arias, an infielder for High-A Greenville, REALLY didn’t want to let visiting Asheville score any runs in the top of the eighth inning on Friday night. With runners on first and second base in the bottom of the fourth, Arias showed he apparently held
April's hottest hitting prospects -- one for each organization
The Minor League season is a month old and several of the game's best hitting prospects are off to fast starts. Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony is tearing up Triple-A (just like he did at the end of last year), Padres shortstop Leo De Vries is leading the High-A Midwest
Check out the best -- and wackiest -- Minor League promos happening in May
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Orioles' Honeycutt joins The Show Before the Show
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
MiLB podcast coming LIVE to a Somerset this June
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
New ballparks highlight 2025 MiLB road trip stops
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Minor League Baseball partners with TruGreen
FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- TruGreen, the nation's leading lawn care treatment provider, is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Minor League Baseball that includes activations across all 120 clubs, a makeover of the home dugout in each market, sponsorship of select MiLB team grounds crews, and a new initiative called
Podcast explains why the Syracuse Mets are looking for Jim Morrison
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Dash im-prom-tu promo and Mets' Suero joins the podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Minor League Baseball partners with Circle K
Minor League Baseball announced a new national partnership with Circle K, which will see the convenience store giant become the “Official Convenience Store of Minor League Baseball.” During the 2025 season, the Circle K brand will be integrated into the MiLB in-stadium experience through in-game video board assets at most
These 15 moments led to season No. 15 of Minor League road trips
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from his newsletter is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
MiLB podcast crew makes Opening Day predictions
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Everything you need to know for Triple-A Opening Day
First, there was big league Opening Day. Now it's Triple-A's turn to take the spotlight. The Minor League season opens Friday when the Triple-A International League and Pacific Coast League seasons get underway for the first of MiLB’s two Opening Days. And right out of the gates, several of baseball's