Shortstops Jefferson Rojas (Cubs) and Austin Charles (Royals) spent mere days in the ACL, while Padres catcher Ethan Salas and Dodgers outfielder Josue De Paula skipped the league entirely.
Players require 50 at-bats or 15 innings to qualify for this ranking.
1. SEBASTIAN WALCOTT, SS, RANGERS
Texas signed Walcott out of the Bahamas in January, and he flashed his talent in a 35-game run through the ACL after beginning in the Dominican Summer League. The 17-year-old clubbed seven home runs and ranked ninth in the ACL with a .524 slugging percentage. Walcott brims with athleticism and physicality not often seen in players his age. Swing-and-miss is a concern. He finished with a 32% strikeout rate and showed a vulnerability to spin. Walcott might become too big to stick on the infield, though his power would easily profile in the outfield.
2. BRYCE ELDRIDGE, OF/RHP, GIANTS
For the second season in a row, the Giants drafted a two-way player in the first round. Eldridge is the inverse of their 2022 choice, Reggie Crawford, and looks likely to stick in the batter's box. Eldridge wowed scouts in his brief time in the ACL, showing controlled at-bats and a short lefthanded swing that produces huge power without selling out. Eldridge played right field in the ACL but likely profiles at first base, where his light-tower power would make the transition fairly seamless.
3. JAISON CHOURIO, OF, GUARDIANS
The younger brother Brewers super prospect Jackson Chourio brings a different skill set but the same high upside. Jaison is a polished hitter whose selectivity can border on passive. He works deep counts and is confident with two strikes. Chourio doesn't show much present power, but bullish evaluators believe he could get to above-average thump as he matures. He's a plus runner who has a good chance to stick in center field with excellent instincts and athleticism.
4. DILLON HEAD, OF, PADRES
The Padres love upside when acquiring talent, and they've done just that with Head, their 2023 first-round pick. He marries a quick, level swing with a mature approach, and the results showed up in contact, impact and zone control before he moved to Low-A. The Illinois prep product has a combination of near-elite speed and athleticism which should make him a layup to stick in center field.
5. JANSEL LUIS, 2B/SS, D-BACKS
Luis projects as one of the safest players in the ACL. He has a chance to be at least an average hitter and could be even better if he makes more sound swing decisions. His bat-to-ball skills can work to his detriment because he has a tendency to hit pitchers' pitches and make suboptimal contact. He has fringe-average power that could tick up over time and is an above-average runner. Luis shows strong actions and arm strength up the middle and has a chance to stick at shortstop.
[https://cdn.magzter.com/1398697516/1693837706/articles/rVVOJ_D301693912492482/7016737608.jpg]
6. DARIO LAVERDE, C, ANGELS
Laverde had been catching only a few years when he signed in 2022 but has already made an impact behind the plate. The 18-year-old Venezuelan is a bat-first player right now, but scouts saw a player with an above-average arm that plays down because of a slower release. ...
Players require 50 at-bats or 15 innings to qualify for this ranking.
1. SEBASTIAN WALCOTT, SS, RANGERS
Texas signed Walcott out of the Bahamas in January, and he flashed his talent in a 35-game run through the ACL after beginning in the Dominican Summer League. The 17-year-old clubbed seven home runs and ranked ninth in the ACL with a .524 slugging percentage. Walcott brims with athleticism and physicality not often seen in players his age. Swing-and-miss is a concern. He finished with a 32% strikeout rate and showed a vulnerability to spin. Walcott might become too big to stick on the infield, though his power would easily profile in the outfield.
2. BRYCE ELDRIDGE, OF/RHP, GIANTS
For the second season in a row, the Giants drafted a two-way player in the first round. Eldridge is the inverse of their 2022 choice, Reggie Crawford, and looks likely to stick in the batter's box. Eldridge wowed scouts in his brief time in the ACL, showing controlled at-bats and a short lefthanded swing that produces huge power without selling out. Eldridge played right field in the ACL but likely profiles at first base, where his light-tower power would make the transition fairly seamless.
3. JAISON CHOURIO, OF, GUARDIANS
The younger brother Brewers super prospect Jackson Chourio brings a different skill set but the same high upside. Jaison is a polished hitter whose selectivity can border on passive. He works deep counts and is confident with two strikes. Chourio doesn't show much present power, but bullish evaluators believe he could get to above-average thump as he matures. He's a plus runner who has a good chance to stick in center field with excellent instincts and athleticism.
4. DILLON HEAD, OF, PADRES
The Padres love upside when acquiring talent, and they've done just that with Head, their 2023 first-round pick. He marries a quick, level swing with a mature approach, and the results showed up in contact, impact and zone control before he moved to Low-A. The Illinois prep product has a combination of near-elite speed and athleticism which should make him a layup to stick in center field.
5. JANSEL LUIS, 2B/SS, D-BACKS
Luis projects as one of the safest players in the ACL. He has a chance to be at least an average hitter and could be even better if he makes more sound swing decisions. His bat-to-ball skills can work to his detriment because he has a tendency to hit pitchers' pitches and make suboptimal contact. He has fringe-average power that could tick up over time and is an above-average runner. Luis shows strong actions and arm strength up the middle and has a chance to stick at shortstop.
[https://cdn.magzter.com/1398697516/1693837706/articles/rVVOJ_D301693912492482/7016737608.jpg]
6. DARIO LAVERDE, C, ANGELS
Laverde had been catching only a few years when he signed in 2022 but has already made an impact behind the plate. The 18-year-old Venezuelan is a bat-first player right now, but scouts saw a player with an above-average arm that plays down because of a slower release. ...
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Baseball America (Digital) - 1 Issue, September 2023