Fansided

FanSided 15 MLB Prospects June Update: Happy Graduation

By Roger Castillo

Feb 28, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 6, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Jackson Merrill against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

14.SS Jackson Merrill: San Diego Padres

Baseball America 17 | MLB Pipeline 14

Padres’ fans got a good look at Merrill during spring training, while many regulars were absent because of the World Baseball Classic. Merrill made a strong impression against major league regulars, a performance he’s carried into his first season with High-A Fort Wayne. In May, he hit .329, posted an on-base percentage of .341 and a slugging percentage of .482. Recently, he’s had 11 hits in 22 at-bats.

According to MLB Pipeline, all the Padres’ top five prospects are under 21, with Merrill ranked first. A boon for San Diego indeed.

13. OF Pete Crow-Armstrong: Chicago Cubs

Baseball America 16 | MLB Pipeline 14

The growth of Crow-Armstrong’s offensive profile is paying off well for the Cubs. Crow-Armstrong, who was already known for his glove, continues to hit for power, with ISO numbers over .200 since his swing change last season.

After a slow start, Armstrong has been hitting the ball as of late, with three home runs over the last week to go along with an OPS of 1.000. (7-for-20) with most of the power coming off righties.

12: Catcher Diego Cartaya: LA Dodgers

Baseball America: 14 |  MLB Pipeline: 12

Cartaya was ranked 12th on our initial list and felt did not need to change much as he went up two spots on Baseball America’s list. The hitting for average still has not showed up for Cartaya but, that power has been present, hitting in four straight games to end the month of May. He also finished May strong, posting a wRC of 110+.

11: SS Jordan Lawlar: Diamondbacks

Baseball America:11 |  MLB Pipeline: 8

Lawlar ended May on a high note, posting a .341 batting average since May 23 with a nine-game hitting streak. His ranking in our Top 15 hasn’t changed, but with a continued strong performance in June, he could climb higher.

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