clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Keith Law's Updated Top 25 Prospect Rankings

MLB: Cincinnati Reds-Media Day Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

I am late in getting to this, but last Tuesday, ESPN's Keith Law published his updated Top 25 prospect rankings, and here is a look at his new Top 10.

1. Lucas Giolito, SP, Nationals

2. J.P. Crawford, SS, Phillies

3. Julio Urias, SP Dodgers

4. Tyler Glasnow, SP, Pirates

5. Rafael Devers, 3B, Red Sox

6. Andrew Benintendi, OF, Red Sox

7. Alex Reyes, SP, Cardinals

8. Orlando Arcia, SS, Brewers

9. Brendan Rodgers, SS, Rockies

10. Joey Gallo, 3B, Rangers

The only surprise for me is Devers at 5, as he has struggled in his first look at High A pitching, as he is hitting just .185-.269-.309 with 4 home runs, 14 runs scored, 22 RBI and 5 stolen bases in 182 plate appearances. Yet, he is one of three 19 year olds in the High A Carolina league, so he is young for the league.

Dodgers pitching prospect Julio Urias made his major league debut last evening, and it is one to forget, as he gave up 3 earned runs on 4 hits, 4 walks and 3 strikeouts in just 2.2 innings vs the Mets. He was one out away from getting out of a first inning jam, but allowed three consecutive hits with two outs. I expected better, but he wouldn't be the first pitching prospect to get knocked around in his big league debut. He will be on an innings limit this season, so his max innings will be in the 120-140 range, and if the Dodgers decide to keep him on the big league roster, he may see time in their bullpen to limit his innings.

Update: the Dodgers have sent Urias back to Triple A Oklahoma City this afternoon.

Others making the leap into Law's Top 25 includes the Pirates other pitching prospect Jameson Taillon, who is making it look like he hasn't missed the last two seasons due to injury, Reds pitching prospect Cody Reed, Nationals outfield prospect Victor Robles and Mets shortstop prospect Amed Rosario.

Taillon has dominated Triple A hitters, going 3-2 with a 1.82 ERA, 1.91 FIP, a 0.81 WHIP and a stellar 51-5 strikeout to walk rate in 49.1 innings. He hasn't pitched in two years after having Tommy John surgery, but is certainly making up for lost time this season. He will probably be on an innings limit of his own, so if the Pirates plan to call him up, it could be very soon.

Robles is a soon to be 20 year old outfield prospect in the Nationals system, and he is proving that his breakout last season is now fluke, as he is hitting .336-.424-.514 with 5 home runs, 33 runs scored, 22 RBI and 12 stolen bases in 18 attempts. He makes a ton of contact and doesn't strike out much. If the power begins to appear, Robles will be a top 5-10 prospect in due time. He appears to be the Nationals center fielder of the future, and could see High A at some point this season.

Rosario appears to be putting it all together in repeating High A, hitting .296-.353-.441 with 3 home runs, 6 doubles, 6 triples, 21 runs scored, 29 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 15 attempts. A promotion to Double A Binghamton seems to be in order for the 20 year old shortstop.