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5 AFL Prospects Flying Under The Radar
Plus: Prospects who are making the best swing decisions, Bryce Eldridge on the Nov. mag cover & more
5 Arizona Fall League Prospects With MLB Potential Flying Under The Radar
If you’re an avid follower of the Arizona Fall League, you know the kind of big leaguers it produces. This World Series alone features AFL alums Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Freddie Freeman and Will Smith.
The players in this year’s AFL who could fit into the future star category are fairly obvious: Mariners shortstop Colt Emerson, Padres catcher Ethan Salas and Giants first baseman Bryce Eldridge all have that kind of potential.
Undoubtedly, the league will produce players who never come close to a Top 100 list or make an all-star roster but nevertheless settle into long-term roles in the big leagues. Today, Josh Norris took a look at five players from this year’s AFL ranks who come to mind for that profile.
Highlights include:
A Blue Jays righty with 129 punch outs in 76.1 career innings
A Rangers righthander who could become a regular in the Texas bullpen
An Orioles catcher ranked fourth amongst qualified Baltimore prospects in 90th percentile EV
WHO’S MAKING THE BEST SWING DECISIONS?
Evaluating 4 Types Of Swing Decisions For Top 2024 MLB Hitting Prospects
Ever wonder which of baseball’s top prospects are making the most aggressive and most passive swing decisions?
Earlier this week, Dylan White led a deep statistical dive on exactly that premise in what was an extremely interesting (and visually pleasing) presentation on how minor league hitters are strategizing their approach at the plate.
The result is a visualized “cloud” of hitters’ swing decisions plotted on a four-quadrant graph broken down into key categories: elite swing decisions, passive hitters, free-swingers and a so-called “danger zone.”
From statistical outliers with questionable decision-making processes to well-regarded names whose swing choices back up their lofty scouting reports, it’s an intriguing and innovative look at how the game’s young hitters are approaching at-bats.
BRYCE ELDRIDGE ON THE LATEST MAG COVER
Pre-Order Your November Issue Of The Baseball America Magazine
Do you know the last time your favorite team made the cover of the Baseball America magazine?
If you’re a Giants fan, the answer is easy—next month!
Giants prospect Bryce Eldridge, one of the top sluggers in the minors, headlines our upcoming November NL Top 10s issue. This marks the first SF prospect on the cover since 2018.
Highlights for the issue, which will ship the week of November 18, include:
Top 10 prospects for all 15 National League teams
How Bryce Eldridge powered his way up four levels to Triple-A in his first full season
Top graduated NL prospects & more
Be on the lookout for more NL Top 10 content on the website beginning next week, including daily prospect list drops and live chats for each team.
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