Legends On Deck’s Top 25 Prospects: No. 15-1

On Wednesday, we shared our Top Prospects from numbers 25-16 and now we unveil the rest leading up to our #1 prospect.

15. Lewis Brinson, OF (Texas Rangers)

Brinson has continued to improve on his outfielding skills, even putting work in at center field. He hit .332 last season in a combined 100 games between the California, Texas and PC Leagues.

14. Blake Snell, LHP (Tampa Bay Rays)

Snell is definitely one of the best prospects that the Rays have had. His fastball is definitely his most dominant in his repertoire, that has low to mid-90’s and then a slider which is a valuable second pitch and a changeup that has a lot of movement.

13. Alex Reyes, RHP (St. Louis Cardinals)

Reyes has a lot of potential as a starter in the Majors which makes batters swing and miss frequently. His fastball has hit 100 and even higher and has a curveball and changeup as valuable alternate pitches. However, his biggest issue at the moment is an off the field issue which has him under suspension for fifty games this season for marijuana use.

12. Brendan Rodgers, SS (Colorado Rockies)

A first round draft pick in 2015, Rodgers has great potential as a shortstop for the Rockies in the future. His first season in pro ball was derailed last season as he suffered multiple leg injuries. In 37 games he hit .273 with three homers and 20 RBIs.

11. Trea Turner, SS/ 2B (Washington Nationals)

Originally drafted by the San Diego Padres, Turner was part of the three team trade for Wil Myers but he didn’t officially join the Nats’ system until June 2015. Toward the end of the season he was promoted to the Majors where he played 27 games, and now has the potential to make an even bigger contribution in 2016.

10. Tyler Glasnow, RHP (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Although many believed that Glasnow was ready for the Majors last season, it looks like 2016 will be the year for the young righty to make his debut. His fastball has always been his most reliable pitch and more work to the changeup has now made that his second viable option. His curveball could be his third pitch if he is able to control the movement and delivery of it.

9. Joey Gallo, 3B/OF (Texas Rangers)

Rangers’ fans got their first look at Gallo in 2015 when he appeared in 36 games, homering six times. He does seem like he will be more of a power hitter and less than a player who hits for average. Although he is known as a third baseman, he has also spent time at center and left field.

8. Dansby Swanson, SS (Atlanta Braves)

The first overall pick in the 2015 draft by the D-Backs, Swanson was traded to the Braves as part of the Shelby Miller deal this off-season. Swanson was drafted out of Vanderbilt University where he led the Commodores to two consecutive College World Series. Swanson is definitely poised enough to make his Major League dreams come true and now as part of his hometown Braves, it seems even more possible.

7. Orlando Arcia, SS (Milwaukee Brewers)

The 21 year old has impressed the Brewers so much so  that he was named the “2015 Player of the Year” for the organization. He is a solid shortstop with good movement and his speed allows for him to be a good base-runner.

6. Yoan Moncada, 2B (Boston Red Sox)

The Red Sox have a lot to look forward to in the young Moncada. After signing in March 2015 with a blockbuster deal after arriving from Cuba, the twenty-year old hit .278 in 81 games with eight homers and 38 RBIs. His ability as a switch-hitter and a solid infielder will make him a valuable asset to the future Boston lineup.

5. J.P. Crawford, SS (Philadelphia Phillies)

Crawford had a solid 2015 season that saw him split time between Class-A Advanced Clearwater and Double-A Reading, hitting a combined .288 with 42 RBIs. He then landed an invite to the Arizona Fall League but his time was cut short when he tore the UCL in his left thumb, but with that healed there should be nothing in the way of him heading to Philadelphia at some point in 2016.

4. Julio Urias, LHP (LA Dodgers)

The young lefty has shown that he has a lot of potential as he continues to work his way through the Dodgers’ organization. He has a mid-90’s fastball that is efficient on both sides of the plate  and an alternate pitch in the curveball.

3. Lucas Giolito, RHP (Washington Nationals)

The right-hander had to undergo Tommy John Surgery after being drafted in the 2012 draft but has put the work in since to become one of the best young players in baseball. Although he has a powerful fastball and curveball, work to his changeup continues and could be a strong third pitch to take him to the Majors.

2. Corey Seager, SS/3B (LA Dodgers)

Seager split his time  between the Texas League and then the Pacific Coast League before making his debut and spending 27 games with the Dodgers after his promotion in September. He made a good case for himself in LA, hitting .337 with four homers and 17 RBIs in just the short stint he made. He is Major League ready, but what position he will play when he does become an everyday player, is something to watch.

1.Byron Buxton, OF (Minnesota Twins)

The 22 year old outfielder made his Major League debut in 2015 and is actually barely eligible for the prospect list, but there’s good reason for him to be at the top. He has great defensive skills  and his speed will make him an even better baserunner in the future. Although the time he spent with the Twins wasn’t magnificent, he stepped up when called upon and now has a taste of what the Big Leagues are, so when he gets the call again, he’ll be more than ready this time.