Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2017 19:29:42 GMT -5
Salary Cap: $175,000,000
Current 2017 MLB Payroll
Responsible For (dropped contracts):
Total 2017 Salary on the books:
Cap Space Available:
40-Man Roster:
C - Jonathan Lucroy - C (OAK) - 18-19: (11 Mil)
C - Jason Castro - C - (HOU) - 18:19(500K)
1B - Logan Morrison -1B (TB) - 18: 1.5 Mil
2B - Rougned Odor (TEX) - 18:$1M, 19:$2M, 20:$3M
3B - Maikel Franco (PHI) - 18-19: $500K
SS - Elvis Andrus (TEX) - 18:$15M, 19:$15M, 20:$15M, 21:$14M, 22:$14M, 23:$15M club option
CI - Alex Bregman (HOU) -18-21 (500K) - (promoted on 10/31/16)
MI - Cesar Hernandez - 2B -(PHI) - 18( 9 Mil), 19( 7 Mil), 20: (5 Mil)
LF - Lewis Brinson - OF - MIL -18-21:($500K) -( promoted on 12/12/16)
CF - Delino Deshields (TEX) - 18-19: $500K
RF - Nomar Mazara - OF - (TEX) - 18-20:( 500K) -(promoted on 4/10/16)
OF - Yoenis Cespedes (NYM) - 18-20: (23 Mil)
OF - Hunter Renfroe - OF - SD -18-21:(500K) - (promoted on 12/12/16)
U - Joey Gallo - 3B, OF - (TEX) - 18-19: ($500K)
U - Justin Turner - 3B -(LAD) - 18-20: (15 Mil)
SP - Cole Hamels - SP (TEX) - 18: (22.5 Mil). 19: (20 Mil)
SP - Danny Duffy - SP - (KC) - 18: (6.6 Mil), 19: (11 Mil), 20: (15.4 Mil)
SP - Chase Anderson -SP -(COL) - 18: (1.1 M)
SP - Aaron Nola - (PHI) - 18-19: ( 500K)
SP - Chris Stratton - RP - SF -18-21: 500K -(promoted on 12/12/16)
RP - Corey Knebel - (MIL) - 18-20: $500K -(promoted on 11/24/15)
RP - Ken Giles - (PHI) -18:$1M, 19:$2M, 20:$3M
RP - Blake Parker -(LAA) -18-19: ( 10 Mil)
P - Jose Leclerc RP (TEX) - 18-21: (500K) - (promoted on 4/23/17)
P - Gio Gonzalez -(WAS) - 18-20:( 10 Mil)
BN- Scott Kingery 2B, (PHI) - 18: 0, 19-22(500K) - (promoted on 3/28/17)
BN - JP Crawford SS, (PHI) - 18: 0, 19-22:500K -(promoted on 12/20/17)
BN - Jurickson Profar (TEX) - 18: (3M)
BN - Martin Maldonado - C - (LAA) -18: ($1 Mil)
BN - Brett Phillips OF,CF, (MIL) - 18: 0, 19-22: 500K- (promoted on 12/12/17
BN - Robbie Grossman - OF (MIN) -18: (650K)
BN - Mike Foltynewicz - SP -(ATL) -18: $3 Mil
BN - Jake Thompson -(PHI) - 18-21:( 500K) - (promoted on 10/31/16)
BN - Mike Leake -SP - (SEA) - 18-19: (1.1 Mil)
BN - Joe Musgrove -(HOU) - 18-21: ( 500K) -(promoted on 10/31/16)
BN - Jharel Cotton - SP - OAK -18-21: (500K) -(promoted on 12/12/16)
BN - Jorge Alfaro C, (PHI) - 18: 0, 19-22: (500K) -(promoted on 12/20/17)
BN - Nick Williams OF, (PHI) - 18-21: (500K) - (promoted on 12/12/17)
BN - Andrew Knapp C, (PHI) - 18-21: (500K) - (promoted on 4/1/17)
BN - Alex Reyes -(STL) - 18-21: (500K) - (promoted on 10/31/16)
2018 Free Agent Signings
1) Jonathan Lucroy - C (OAK) - 18-19: (11 Mil)
2) Jason Castro - C - (HOU) - 18:19(500K)
3) Cesar Hernandez - 2B -(PHI) - 18( 9 Mil), 19( 7 Mil), 20: (5 Mil)
4) Yoenis Cespedes (NYM) - 18-20: (23 Mil)
5) Danny Duffy - SP - (KC) - 18: (6.6 Mil), 19: (11 Mil), 20: (15.4 Mil)
6) Blake Parker -(LAA) -18-19: ( 10 Mil)
7) Gio Gonzalez -(WAS) - 18-20:( 10 Mil)
2018 Promotions from the minors
1) Nick Williams - OF - PHI - 500K(2018-2021) -
2) Brett Phillips - OF - MIL - "0" (2018), 2019-2022(500K)
3) Chris Stratton - SP - SF - 500K(2018-2021)
4) J.P. Crawford - SS -PHI - "0" (2018), 2019-2022(500K)
5) Jorge Alfaro - C - PHI - "0" (2018), 2019-2022(500K)
6) Scott Kingery - 2B - PHI - "0"(2018), 2019-2022(500K)
Minor League Hitters
AAA
10. Roman Quinn, OF - PHI
Age: 24
Highest Level in 2017: Triple-A
Injuries continued to halt his development – he didn’t play after May 28th due to UCL tear in his left elbow. Quinn has a history of injuries but has proven to be an OBP and stolen base threat when healthy. If he can stay healthy and put it all together, he will be a valuable leadoff hitter in the future.
19. Dylan Cozens, OF - PHI
Age: 23
Highest Level in 2017: Triple-A
All of his numbers declined last year from 2016. The power is there but his inability to control the strike zone makes it difficult to foresee a regular starting job soon. He is young enough to make the adjustments but it’s not going to be easy.
7. Ronald Guzman, 1B - TEX
Opening Day Age: 23
2017 Highest Level: Triple-A
Guzman’s only plus tool will likely be his bat, but it will be a very big plus. A product of La Vega, DR, Guzman has shown the ability to hit for both contact and power and he could project to be a 25 homer guy with a decent average. His speed is below average and the lack of skills defensively virtually guarantee Guzman will spend his time in the majors as a DH. There is enough potential in the bat to store him in your dynasty leagues
3. Victor Caratini, C/1B - CHC
Age: 24
2017 Highest Level: MLB
Caratini saw his first major league at-bat in June this past year and bounced back and forth between Triple-A and the bigs. Over 66 major league plate appearances Caratini slashed .254/.333/.356 with many coming in pinch hit situations. Those numbers aren’t so hot, but Caratini mashed in Triple-A during the 2017 season to the tune of a .342/.393/.558 slash line. The potential with the bat is certainly there and Caratini continues to find ways to improve as a catcher, but with Willson Contreras blocking his path, Caratini’s value may be highest as a trade piece.
AA
16. Joe McCarthy, OF/1B - TB
Opening Day Age: 23
2017 Highest Level: AA
McCarthy is an OBP machine. He posted a 16.7% BB rate at AA to go with 31 doubles and 20 SB. He lacks the arm to play CF-RF which could limit his ability to crack the MLB line-up, but his advanced approach makes his floor a solid 4th OF. He will need to generate more pull side lift in order to turn his doubles power into HRsTB (23) -2015 - Round 5
16. Travis Demeritte, 2B/3B - ATL
Age: 23
Highest 2017 Level: AA
Demeritte has the feel of one of those guys who will have 1 crazy fantasy month per season for a few years and be a huge disappointment the rest of the time. He has big power for a middle infielder and good speed. His defense is also an asset, so he has a lot going for him. Unfortunately, contact is a big issue, so he’ll likely have trouble carving out a full-time role at the big league level.
Michael De Leon SS, TEX (20) - Dominican Republic
10. Alex Jackson, C/OF - ATL
Age: 21 (DOB: 12/25/95)
Highest 2017 Level: AA
Jackson took his first step toward fantasy relevance is 2017 by getting back behind the plate. He also took a big step forward with the bat, showing the power that was expected when the Mariners drafted him in the first round in 2014. There’s still a lot of work to be done to stay behind the plate, but the Jackson would certainly be an asset if he can stick there and improve his plate discipline a bit
1. Nick Senzel, 3B - CIN
Age: 22
2017 Highest Level: Class-AA Pensacola
Senzel appears to be everything he’s reported to be. Quick hands in the field and at the plate, Senzel starred at High-A Daytona (.847 OPS in 62 games) and was even better at Class-AA Pensacola (.973 OPS in 57 games), while covering third base with aplomb. He will likely head to Louisville after Spring Training, but could make his ML debut this year if he gets off to a hot start. Senzel makes frequent contact, driving the ball into the gaps and popping the occasional homer, though the extra-base knocks are more a product of a mechanically-sound swing and the ability to turn on the best fastballs than raw power. Senzel has a bright future at the hot corner in the big leagues. Here’s hoping the Reds will hold onto him
5. Sean Murphy, C - OAK
Age: 23
Highest Level in 2017: AA
Murphy will be a star for his defensive abilities alone, although in his professional career he’s played well on both sides of the ball. He has more athleticism and agility than your average catcher. His pitch calling skills and ability to handle pitchers has been heralded and has improved as he’s moved through the minor leagues. In fact he is moving so quickly that he skipped the Class A level and jumped right into Class-A Advanced Stockton and later got a call-up to Double-A Midland. His defensive skills, decision making skills and amazing arm strength (we’re talking a 70 on the 20-80 scale) aren’t all he has to offer. Murphy has power potential and knows how to utilize the entire field. He’s got a natural hitting ability but it’s hard to say if it will develop too much farther. If he hits like he did in the minors last season when he hits the majors, he’ll be fine. He batted .250 with 13 home runs last season which is good production from a catcher. That along with his abilities behind the plate will make him a star.
A(Advanced)
43. Eric Jenkins, OF - TEX
Opening Day Age: 21
2017 Highest Level: Single-A
Jenkins was a highly touted outfielder entering the 2015 draft, but has yet to live up to the hype. He stole a combined 79 bases over his first two seasons, but just 10 in 2017. His .553 OPS in last season’s campaign doesn’t help the fantasy value either.
Jairo Beras, RHP - TEX
Opening Day Age: 23
2017 Highest Level: High-A
The “2017 Highest Level” is a little misleading in the case of Beras. Yes, he did spend the majority of the 2017 campaign in High-A, but his career looks a lot different now thanks to his time in Single-A. Rangers fans may be familiar with Beras due to his promising power potential after being signed out of the Dominican Republic. Well, things didn’t quite go as planned over the first four and a half years of his pro career, so the 6’6 righty is now trying to cut it as a pitcher. There is some potential for Beras to make an impact as a pitcher due to his near triple digit fastball and his slider, but the mechanics need to improve immensely before that happens
34. Josh Morgan, SS/C
Opening Day Age: 22
2017 Highest Level: High-A
There is not much offensive potential for Morgan as an infielder, but it seems as though he is making the switch to catcher where his bat will be a little bit more valuable. Still, he has a long way to go before being considered for a spot on your dynasty roster.
33. Michael Gettys, OF
Age: 22
2017 Highest Level: A+
2017 Mid-Season: 27
Led the CAL League in strikeouts with 191. The guy who came in second almost had 50 more ABs than him. It’s a pretty disconcerting stat, but he’s always been a defense first guy with an outstanding throwing arm
TiQuan Forbes 3B, TEX (21) - 2014-round 2
Yeyson Yrizarri SS, TEX (20) - Dominican Republic
Jake Fraley - OF - Rays (22) - CBB in 2016
23. Ronnie Dawson, OF - HOU
Age: 22
Highest Level (2017): A+
How acquired: 2nd round selection in 2016 (61st overall)
After a rough debut, Dawson found his stroke in 2017. Hit a combined .278/.363/.423 with 14 HR and 67 RBI while scoring 88 runs and adding 18 steals. Did strikeout 110 times in 490 at-bats. Above average power, average speed, and good sense and range in the outfield give Dawson the projection of 4th OF, at the very least
13. Yanio Perez, OF/1B - TEX
Opening Day Age: 22
2017 Highest Level: High-A
After a couple of professional seasons in Cuba, Perez defected and signed with the Rangers before the 2017 season. He saw time in both Single-A and High-A last year where he slugged a combined .434. He has outstanding power potential and he raked in the AFL this offseason. The right handed hitting Perez has the potential to be on equal footing with Ronald Guzman power wise, but there is no sign of the contact rate developing the same way. Unlike Guzman, Perez isn’t destined for the DH role. He has decent defensive skills and may find an outfield spot down the road. He has a high strikeout rate, but doesn’t walk near enough. He won’t be a high on base player, but the power is worth keeping an eye on.
A(Full)
22. Lucas Herbert, C - ATL
Age: 21
Highest 2017 Level: A
Herbert’s 2017 numbers were nothing special, but they were a huge improvement over 2016. Defense will always be his calling card, but if the bat can continue to develop, there might be something here. Herbert likely heads to High-A this year with a chance to continue to develop his offensive game.
43. Eric Jenkins, OF - TEX
Opening Day Age: 21
2017 Highest Level: Single-A
Jenkins was a highly touted outfielder entering the 2015 draft, but has yet to live up to the hype. He stole a combined 79 bases over his first two seasons, but just 10 in 2017. His .553 OPS in last season’s campaign doesn’t help the fantasy value either
1. Andres Gimenez, SS - NYM
Age: 19
2017: Columbia (Low-A): .265/.346/.349, 9 2B, 4 3B, 4 HR, 22 SB, 28 BB, 61 K
Blessed with great athleticism his best attributes may end up being his defense and ability to hit for a high average. There is still time to develop some power however he will not want to compromise the contact he is making and his speed should lead to extra infield hits if he continues to hit more line drives and ground balls as opposed to swinging for the fences. While is speed is adequate he should settle into the 15-20 SB tier, which is beneficial based on the scarcity of SB at this home run era of baseball. Gimenez has a short, compact swing that should lead to some decent “gap power”. As his body matures that could potentially lead to a small uptick in HR’s although settling into the 10-15 HR range may be his upside in this category. Defensively Gimenez appears to have all the skills to stick at shortstop however with Amed Rosario hopefully manning that position for the foreseeable future a move to 2B may be beneficial as there is no clear future at that position for the Mets
ROK
21. Freudis Nova, SS
Age: 17
Highest Level (2017): Rookie
How acquired: International Free Agent, 7/2/2016
Performed well in a small sample in the DSL (.248/.342/.355) with 15 walks, 33 strikeouts, and 8 SB over 166 at-bats. Has plus bat speed and good raw power. Rough defensive play sees a potential move to 2B or corner outfield. Potential to be a true three outcomes player.
12. Jeisson Rosario, OF
Age: 18
2017 Highest Level: Rookie
2017 Mid-Season #12
Last year Rosario proved he can hit in professional baseball. Now he just needs time to develop. He has the potential to be a well-rounded everyday player
Victor Garcia - OF - Cardinals (18) - Venezuela - Signed for 1.5 Million in 2016
5. Luis Garcia, 2B - WAS
Opening Day Age: 17
2017 Highest Level: Rookie
Big time sign from the 2016 J2 draft. Slick defender at short. Makes decent contact. Scouts have said he’s raw and needs to address his approach at the plate
6. Yasel Antuna, 3B
Opening Day Age: 18
2017 Highest Level: Rookie
Another big sign from the 2016 J2 draft. Plays short currently but scouts think he will eventually move to third. Decent power and above average speed
5. Alex Kirilloff, OF
Age: 20
2017 Highest Level: DNP-Injured (2016 Highest Level: R)
Kirilloff had hoped to avoid surgery after a partial tear of his UCL in his left (throwing) elbow ended his 2016 season, but after elbow soreness reappeared in the spring, he was shut down and underwent Tommy John surgery to end his 2017 season before it started. Before the elbow injury, Kirilloff was putting up impressive numbers in Elizabethton. He finished 2016 hitting .306 with nine doubles and seven home runs in 232 plate appearances. Also impressive was his plate discipline, as he had a strikeout rate of only 13.8 percent. Keep an eye out on Kirilloff this year, and think about stashing him in a deeper league while his stock is low
Minor League Pitching
AA
12. Spencer Adams, RHP - CWS
Age: 21
Highest Level 2017: (AA)
Adams spent his entire year at Birmingham Barons (AA), where he spotted a 7-15 record, 4.42 ERA, 113 SO, 40 BB, 152 IP in 26 games. Spencer doesn’t strike out a ton (6.66 K/9) but has decent control only allowing 2.36 BB/9. His changeup could use some work and he definitely needs to bulk up his 170 pound frame
8. Domingo Acevedo, RHP - NYY
Opening Day Age: 24
Highest Level in 2017: AAA
Acevedo pitched at the High A, AA, and AAA levels this past season and also participated in the Futures Game in July. Acevedo stands a foreboding 6’7″ and can touch 103 MPH with his fastball. He is a physical beast on the mound who has a fantastic changeup offering as well as a slider he is working on developing. His time in AA this year was his strongest showing of consistency with 79 IP, a 2.38 ERA, a 9.3 K/9, and a 1.39 BB/9. He has struggled a bit with his strikeout to walk ratio since making the jump and the questions are still there if he can stick as a starter long term. He was able to throw 133 total innings this year, a career high, prior to being shut down at the end of the season to control his innings.
28. Riley Ferrell, RHP - HOU
Age: 24
Highest Level (2017): AA
How acquired: 3rd round selection in 2015 (79th overall)
Shut down early in 2016 due to an aneurysm in his throwing shoulder, Ferrell bounced back in 2017. Had a 10.00 K/9 and a 2.33 BB/9 striking out 60 and walking 14 in 54.0 innings. Also saved 6 games. Did get roughed up in the AFL, walking 9 and giving up 5 earned runs, but will most likely start back in AA and resume his march to his role as the Astros closer of the future
18. Cody Ponce, RHP - MIL
Age: 23 (DOB 4/25/1994)
2017 Highest level: AA
Ponce pitched his way to a late-season promotion to AA Biloxi last year. He’ll start again there with a four-pitch mix that some scouts expect will get him to the end of a MLB rotation. He has a starter’s build but a funky delivery and injury history that had prevented him to getting more than 72 IP in a season before last year’s 137.2 IP – a successful year for Ponce.
6. Luis Ortiz, RHP - MIL
Age: 22 (DOB 9/22/1995)
2017 Highest level: AA
There was lots to like from Ortiz’s 2017. Still just 21 in AA last season Ortiz pitched to a 4.01 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 94.1 IP. Those numbers don’t jump off the page but did allow just 79 hits. Sources say his focus on improving his delivery and changeup impacted the numbers. A hamstring issue and illness limited his IP as he’s consistently had problems staying healthy and on the mound. His upside may be greater than Burnes but Ortiz has enough to work on that he may not have as high of floor. Ortiz may start in a very strong AAA Colorado Springs rotation if the Brewers think he’s ready. I might prefer he get more IP’s and work on what he needs to improve on in Biloxi.
6. Nick Neidert, RHP - MIA
Age: 21
Highest 2017 Level: AA
Brought to the Marlins in the Dee Gordon trade, Neidert is a prospect that shows great potential. He has 55 career starts in the minors and he owns a 1.07 WHIP with 214 strikeouts and only 44 BB in 254 innings pitched. He knows how to pitch and 2018 could be the year he gets a shot. I project with a good year this year he could be a September call up unless injuries require an earlier debut.
12. Dillon Tate, RHP - NYY
Opening Day Age:23
Highest level in 2017: AA
After having what many consider to be a very rocky start to his professional career after being drafted in the 1st round by Texas, Tate was dealt to the Yankees in the 2016 season for Carlos Beltran. In 2017, Tate began to take the form of what people believed he could be. His fastball velocity was back up in the 94-97 range and his off speed was working as well. He threw 83.1 innings with a sub 3 ERA. He was unable to strikeout as many as some would hope however so there is still room to grow. If Tate can continue his pace from 2017 going forward his name could resurface as a front running prospect
4. Franklyn Kilome, RHP - PHI
Age: 22
Highest Level in 2017: Double-A
Kilome performed very well in 2017 with an overall 2.83 ERA and 103 K in 127 IP. He has greatly improved his control and throws in the mid 90’s. He can be a future 2 starter within a couple of years if he keeps up this pace
A(Advanced)
19. Marcos Diplan, RHP (pre-season #12) - MIL
Age: 20 (DOB 9/18/1996)
Diplan has fallen in my rankings after a full year pretty in A+ similar to what he did last season. The numbers don’t look great but Diplan is almost 3 years younger than average for Carolina league. He posted a 5.23 ERA, 1.580 WHIP with 106 HA, 108 K’s and 63 BBs in 108.1 IP. Brewers have kept his as a starter all through the season but will expect improvements when he repeats level next year. They’ll looking for pitcher that dominated A ball as a 19 year old
A( Full)
49. Juan Hillman, LHP - CLE
Age: 20
2017 Highest Level: Low A
Hillman, the Tribe’s 2nd Round Pick in 2015 has seen his ERA rise each year from 4.13 to 4.43 to 6.08. He has a great change-up, but must command the strike zone much better if he is to advance in the Cleveland system. Hillman also allowed 22 HR in just 135.2 innings worked
A(Short)
3. Cole Ragans, LHP - TEX
Opening Day Age: 20
2017 Highest Level: Short Season
The Rangers took Ragans in the first round of the 2016 draft and have since been conservative with his progression in the system. While he will likely continue his path through the minors at a methodical pace, I am high on Ragans for his pure stuff. He has good movement on his low 90’s fastball and already has a plus change and breaking ball to go with it. His good mechanics and consistent approach have led many to put Cole Hamels comps on the young southpaw. Ragans struck out 87 Northwest League hitters in just 57 innings last year.
ROK
9. Kyle Muller, LHP - ATL
Age: 20
Highest 2017 Level: Rookie
Muller got a late start on 2017, remaining in Extended Spring to start the year. Once he joined Danville, he struggled with consistency, but did show some strikeout upside. Can he follow in the footsteps of draft classmates Anderson, Wentz, and Wilson and develop into a legitimate prospect? Now is probably a prime time to buy and find out.
47. Robert Tyler, RHP
Age: 22
Highest 2017 level: Did not play
Tyler can reach 100 on the gun but forearm injuries have plagued him since his days at the University of Georgia. He appeared in five games at short-season Boise in 2016; none last year. He’s a wait and see prospect