Diamondbacks 2020 Top 20 Prospects

Diamondbacks 2020 Top 20 Prospects

Written By: Drake Mann
Follow him on Twitter: @DrakeMann4
Follow Prospects Worldwide on Twitter: @ProspectsWorldW


**Right below is the Diamondbacks Top 20 list simplified. Scroll further down for FULL Present/Future Grades, FV, ETA and summaries on EACH PLAYER ranked in the system! Tons of Statistics on each player as well! Some player highlights, future outlooks and moreenjoy!**

If you like Podcasts, Click here to take a listen to the Diamondbacks Top 20 Pod where you can hear our prospect Analysts discuss the Top 5 prospects, and 5 others they find interesting in the system! Who doesn’t like more prospect analysis?

RankNamePositionHow Acquired
1Kristian RobinsonOFInternational FA signing 2017
2Daulton VarshoC2nd Round – 2017 Draft
3Alek ThomasOF2nd Round – 2018 Draft
4Corbin CarrollOF1st Round: 16th Overall – 2019 Draft
5Geraldo PerdomoSSInternational FA signing 2016
6Blake WalstonLHP1st Round: 26th Overall – 2019 Draft
7Bryce JarvisRHP1st Round: 18th Overall – 2020 Draft
8Corbin MartinRHPTrade with Astros
9Levi KellyRHP8th Round – 2018 Draft
10Wildered PatinoOFInternational FA Signing 2017
11Matt TaborRHP3rd Round – 2017 Draft
12Luis FriasRHPInternational FA Signing 2015
13Slade Cecconi RHP1st Round: 33rd Overall – 2020 Draft
14Blaze AlexanderSS11th Round – 2018 Draft
15JB BukauskasRHPTrade with Astros
16Dominic FletcherOF2nd Round – 2019 Draft
17Seth Beer1BTrade with Astros
18Andy Young2BTrade with Cardinals
19Tommy HenryLHP2nd Round – 2019 Draft
20Jon Duplantier RHP3rd Round – 2016 Draft

1. Kristian Robinson OF – Arizona Diamondbacks (A)
19 Years Old -Throws: R – Bats: R – 6’3” – 190lbs – ETA: 2024

HITRAW PWRPWRFLDSPDARMFV
25/4560/7040/6040/4560/5560/6055
Present/Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.282.368.514.8811417526.5%10.7%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.23115012.3%47.7%16.5%35.8%47.5%25.7%26.8%
**Combined stats from the entire 2019 season, from all levels they played at*

Robinson was the Diamondbacks top international signee in 2017 when the Diamondbacks signed him for 2.5 million dollars, they knew he had power but Robinson wasn’t displaying it consistently. Since then we’ve seen that power translate fairly well, with 21 home runs across 547 plate appearances. The only problem so far has been that he’s struck out at a career-high 29.4% clip for Single-A Kane Country. However, he’s 19 years old and still has plenty of maturity to reach his potential. He also must hit the ball more in the air, as with Kane Country, Robinson had a 54.1% ground ball rate and a 36.1 flyball percentage. In terms of fielding, he profiles more in the corner outfield spots where his above-average arm will play better and overall making him hit his potential easier. There is no doubt that Robinson is the best Diamondbacks prospect but is also one of the top prospects in all of the MLB. 

2. Daulton Varsho C/UTIL – Arizona Diamondbacks (AA)
24 Years Old – Throws: R – Bats: L – 5’10” – 205lbs – ETA: 2020

HITRAW PWRPWRFLDSPDARMFV
40/5555/5540/5040/4560/6050/5050
Present/Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.301.378.520.8991821513.9%9.3%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.2201598.9%38.3%15.0%46.7%40.5%27.1%32.4%
**Combined stats from the entire 2019 season, from all levels they played at*

The Diamondbacks might’ve found their new starting catcher of the future in Varsho. He’s everything you want in a catcher, Varsho has one of the purest hit tools in the Diamondbacks system while providing enough power to stick in the big leagues. More impressive about Varsho is his versatility, he plays the outfield as well. However, with his average arm strength, it remains to be seen if he can stick behind the plate long term. He has a slightly open stance with his hands lower in his stance and with his short swing, it generates good hitting to all fields as he will hit to his pull side about 40% of the time and about 27% to center and 32% to his opposite side. One of his better tools is is Varsho’s speed as he had 21 stolen bases in 2019. Varsho has already gotten the call by the Diamondbacks in 2020. Fairly soon he’s going to be competing with Carson Kelly for the starting catching role. 

3. Alek Thomas OF – Arizona Diamondbacks (A+)
20 Years Old – Throws: L – Bats:  L – 5’11” – 175lbs – ETA: 2023

HITRAW PWRPWRFLDSPDARMFV
30/6050/5530/45+50/5560/6045/4550
Present/Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.300.379.450.82910151120.8%10.3%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.15014012.8%54.0%20.5%25.5%35.7%24.6%39.8%
**Combined stats from the entire 2019 season, from all levels they played at*

Thomas was a 2nd round draft pick back in 2018, since then he has made strides to become one of the Diamondback’s best prospects. He has a longer swing meant to create loft, and he consistently barrels up the ball, making for more extra-base hits and a higher slugging percentage. Thomas moves quite a bit in the box and has a leg kick for a load, he has some raw power that he should be able to tap into easily with how well he uses his lower half. Thomas has an advanced hit tool and lower strikeout rates in his career. The only downfall is his K% went from 17.9% to 31.7% between Single-A and Single-A Advanced. However, it was in 298 fewer plate appearances. His walk rate continues to hover around 9% in his minors career. Defensively, he should remain in the center field with his average arm strength and speed. Thomas is a nice piece for the Diamondbacks and with how quickly he’s progressing we could see him in Chase Field sooner rather than later. 

4. Corbin Carroll OF – Arizona Diamondbacks (A)
19 Years Old – Throws: L – Bats: L – 5’10” – 165lbs – ETA: 2023

HITRAW PWRPWRFLDSPDARMFV
30/6045/5530/4555/6070/7055/5550
Present/Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.299.409.487.896218122.0%15.6%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.18814614.1%50.5%22.9%26.7%46.1%21.7%32.2%
**Combined stats from the entire 2019 season, from all levels they played at*

Carroll was drafted 16th overall in 2019, he has a mix of potential plus contact tool and already possesses incredible speed. While we may never see his power develop, his consistent line drive approach makes him a future leadoff hitter. Plus, with his on-base abilities, it makes him that much more of a sure thing in the leadoff spot. There is a bit of a luck factor as in his first 31 games, he hit a ground ball 56% of the time. The majority would end up being hits. Carroll has a slightly open stance and a slide step for a load, he has a nice bat path and a smooth left-handed swing. While there still is plenty of progression in his bat Carroll should rise quickly through the minors. He has the plus arm strength and is a plus fielder that covers a lot of ground in the outfield. 

5. Geraldo Perdomo SS – Arizona Diamondbacks (A+)
20 Years Old – Throws: R – Bats: S – 6’2” – 185lbs – ETA: 2022

HITRAW PWRPWRFLDSPDARMFV
35/5545/5030/4550/5555/5555/5550
Present/Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.275.397.364.7613261313.414.0
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.0881287.8%49.3%17.2%33.5%45.2%23.6%31.1%
**Combined stats from the entire 2019 season, from all levels they played at*

Perdomo may be the Diamondback’s best overall hitting prospect. He’s made strides since being signed out of the Dominican Republic for $70,000.  Here’s another Diamondbacks prospect that’s an on-base machine as in 2019 he had a .397 OBP in 499 plate appearances. Perdomo just adds to a list of players that can be potentially game-changing top of the lineup bats. Perdomo’s best tool is his contact that is among the best in the Diamondbacks organization. While his ground ball rates are worrisome, Perdomo makes up for it with his speed and acceleration. His simple toe tap and quick left-handed swing make hitting to all fields look easy. What’s been impressive with Perdomo are his strikeout rates and advanced hitting abilities as his career K% is 14%. His plus arm strength and above-average range make Perdomo a future shortstop but the Diamondbacks could turn him into a versatility player if he continues to progress at the rate he is. 

6. Blake Walston LHP – Arizona Diamondbacks – (A)
19 Years Old – Throws: L – Bats: L – 6’5” – 175lbs – ETA: 2022

FBCBCHSLCMMDFV
40/5550/6040/5045/5045/5545+
Present/Future Grades
IPGGSERAWHIPK%BB%HR/9
11.0652.450.9140.5%4.8%0.00
SwStr%xFIPGB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
26.0%1.9554.5%13.6%31.8%47.8%21.7%30.4%
**Combined stats from the entire 2019 season, from all levels they played at*

In a limited sample size in 2019, Walston had a 2.45 ERA and a 40.4 K% in 11 innings. The 6’5” Walston uses more of a deceptive delivery that he repeats well. Walston throws from a lower three-quarter arm slot. Walston’s arm slot does need to get more consistent as he lowers it sometimes. However, this could also be to create more deception than he already does in his delivery. He has a high spin fastball that’s in the high 90’s, a high 70’s curveball that is already showing signs of being a plus pitch, a hard breaking slider and a promising changeup that is another showing in his impressive four-pitch mix. While he does tend to get wild, he excels at keeping the ball in the bottom of the zone. This makes his curveball that much better against both lefties and righties alike. If he continues to progress, the Diamondbacks might have a future top of the rotation starters for years to come. 

7. Bryce Jarvis RHP – Arizona Diamondbacks
22 Years Old – Bats: L – Throws: R – 6’2” – 195lbs – ETA: 2023

FBSLCBCHCOMMANDFV
55/5550/6045/5045/5550/6045
Present/Future Grades

No Professional Stats Yet

One of the biggest risers of the 2020 draft, he used social media to his advantage showing off his high spin rates and velocity on his fastball. After being taken 18th overall, Jarvis is one of the Diamondback’s best pitching prospects. When watching Jarvis pitch the immediate comparison that I see is Sonny Gray, the mechanics are extremely similar. Jarvis has a fastball that touches 96 MPH, his best secondary offering is a  changeup with tremendous amounts of fade and deception in the mid-’80s. He also displays a nasty curveball in the high 70’s and a slider that could become another weapon with more use. His mechanics do look rushed but with how well he commands his pitches, it works well for him. Jarvis throws from an overhand arm slot and remains to have good balance throughout his delivery, making for better pitches. I could see Jarvis being another fast riser in the Diamondbacks system.

8. Corbin Martin RHP – Arizona Diamondbacks (AAA)
24 Years Old – Bats: R – Throws: R – 6’2” – 228lbs – ETA: 2020

FBCBCHSLCOMMANDFV
55/5545/5040/4545/5550/5545
Present/Future Grades
IPGGSERAWHIPK%BB%HR/9
37.1983.131.3728.5%11.4%0.48
SwStr%xFIPGB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
12.4%4.8940.4%21.3%38.2%40.9%26.9%32.3%
**Minor League stats for the 2019 season*

Another key piece from the Zack Grienke trade but Martin when healthy has great stuff that makes him a potential middle of the rotation arm for the Diamondbacks. Martin has a three-pitch mix, a high 90’s fastball that he works both sides of the plate with well, a knuckle-curve that is his best secondary offering, with his slider not that much further behind in terms of effectiveness. His final offering is a changeup that Martin rarely uses, but can still be an effective pitch. While watching one of his starts from last year, I noticed that he would open up too soon. This shows a decline in velocity and command. If he comes back healthy after undergoing Tommy John surgery, the Diamondbacks are going to give every indication to let him start but some time in the bullpen wouldn’t hurt his development and might help him work out the few kinks in his delivery. 

9. Levi Kelly RHP – Arizona Diamondbacks (A)
21 Years Old – Bats: R – Throws: R – 6’4” – 205lbs – ETA: 2023

FBSLSPLCOMMANDFV
50/5555/6040/4535/4540+
Present/Future Grades
IPGGSERAWHIPK%BB%HR/9
100.122222.151.1130.9%9.6%0.36
SwStr%xFIPGB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
13.5%3.0146.5%14.5%39.0%46.8%22.4%30.8%
**Combined stats from the entire 2019 season, from all levels they played at*

Kelly is among the fastest rising prospects in the Diamondbacks farm system. The right-hander has a mid-90’s fastball that touches 98 MPH, a slider with late depth on it that he controls well. His changeup is another look for hitters and may be crucial to know if he stays in the rotation long term. Kelly uses his lower half extremely well but with a high effort delivery that might affect his stamina for the near future. He throws from an overhand delivery and repeats his mechanics well. As of right now, until the changeup starts showing more, Kelly is a two-pitch pitcher, which makes it hard to go through a lineup more than once. If he adds a fourth pitch to compliment his devastating slider and developing changeup, Kelly could thrive and continue to progress at the rate he is.

10. Wilderd Patino OF – Arizona Diamondbacks (ROK)
19 Years Old – Bats: R – Throws: R – 6’1” – 175lbs – ETA: 2024

HITRAW PWRPWRFLDSPDARMFV
30/5045/5530/5045/5060/6055/5540+
Present/Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.319.378.447.825114427.9%7.9%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.12812023.3%61.2%16.3%22.4%46.1%21.6%32.4%
**Combined stats from the entire 2019 season, from all levels they played at*

Patino signed for $985,000 in the international signing period from 2016-17. He’s had a small injury history as he’s had some problems with his elbow through his time in the minors. As long as Patino stays healthy, he has the potential to be a 5-tool prospect but he’s still incredibly raw. His quick bat and toe-tap load help with his gap to gap power. Adding on, his maturity and plate discipline are both among his better traits and he could not only hit for power but with his high walk rates, he could contribute a high on-base percentage as well. Patino has plus speed, which makes him versatile to any spot in the lineup. His above-average arm strength and good range in the outfield make him your prototypical center fielder. Patino was among the Diamondbacks top targets during the 2016/17 International signing period, they walked away with their guy and could have a future starter on their hands. 

11. Matt Tabor RHP – Arizona Diamondbacks (A)
22 Years Old – Throws: R – Bats: R – 6’2” – 180lbs – ETA: 2022

FBCHSLCMMDFV
45/5050/6050/5545/5540+
Present/Future Grades
IPGGSERAWHIPK%BB%HR/9
95.121212.931.0026.8%4.2%0.57
SwStr%xFIPGB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
15.02.6841.9%21.0%37.1%45.7%26.6%27.7%
**Combined stats from the entire 2019 season, from all levels they played at*

Tabor was a 3rd round draft pick in 2017. The first thing that pops out about Tabor is the clean delivery that he repeats well, but he does tend to overthrow quite a bit. He throws from a three-quarter arm slot and uses deception by quick pitching and slowing down his delivery. In terms of stuff, Tabor has a low 90’s fastball, a changeup in the mid-’80s, and a slider in the mid-’80s as well. With his slider being his best secondary pitch with its good depth to it. I do believe that Tabor’s stuff could be better out of the bullpen than in the rotation, his fastball would have a little more velocity and with Tabor having two true pitches it overall might be the best option for him going forward. 

12. Luis Frias RHP – Arizona Diamondbacks (A)
22 Years Old – Bats: R – Throws: R – 6’3” – 180lbs – ETA: 2024

FBCBSPLCMMDFV
55/6045/5550/5035/4540+
Present/Future Grades
IPGGSERAWHIPK%BB%HR/9
76.116162.831.1432.79.4%0.12
SwStr%xFIPGB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
17.3%3.0139.8%17.0%43.2%41.8%19.8%38.4%
**Combined stats from the entire 2019 season, from all levels they played at*

Frias broke out last year as he pitched to a 1.99 ERA and a 13.0 K/9 in 76.1 innings pitched. Frias is another high-velocity pitcher as his fastball touches 99 MPH and is consistently 95-97 MPH, he has a great curveball that has 12-6 movement and good depth to it. He has a split-changeup that is easily his best secondary offering. Continuing, Frias uses very little effort in his delivery, but when throwing a changeup will slow his arm down just a bit. Making him tip his pitches and making his changeup a valuable pitch. Overall with his smooth mechanics and good stuff, Frias could surprise in this farm system but I do worry that there might be some reliever risk with this young right-hander but if everything continues to click for Frias his long term potential could turn into a nice rotation piece for the Diamondbacks. Then again, his highest numbers of innings pitched were the 76.1 innings in 2019, so that’s something to monitor as well 

13. Slade Cecconi RHP – Arizona Diamondbacks
21 Years Old – Bats: R – Throws: R – 6’4” – 219lbs – ETA: 2023

FBSLCBCHCOMMANDFV
50/5550/6040/5040/5035/4540+
Present/Future Grades

No Professional Stats Yet

The 2020 draft proved one thing, the Diamondbacks were hunting for quality right-handed pitchers and they got them with Bryce Jarvis and Slade Cecconi. Cecconi was a right-hander out of the University of Miami. Where he had a 4.09 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and a 10.6 K/9. Cecconi has a fastball that touches 96 MPH with some arm side run, a slider that can get some swings and misses because of its movement and velocity. He also has a changeup and curveball both are just more looks for a hitter and at the moment don’t carry any clarity. With his command being shaky and not having a true secondary offering, Cecconi could find a future in the bullpen, his mechanics are similar to another reliever, Chad Greene. It’s deceptive but Cecconi uses a lot of his elbow in his delivery, which will lead to more tension in his elbow and fatigue. Cecconi is an interesting pitcher, if he starts developing his other pitches more he’s a long term rotation piece if not, his role in the bullpen looks to be a much better fit for Cecconi. 

14. Blaze Alexander SS – Arizona Diamondbacks (A)
21 Years Old – Throws: R – Bats R – 6’0” – 160lbs – ETA: 2024

HITRAW PWRPWRFLDSPDARMFV
30/5045/5030/4055/5560/6080/8040
Present/Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.262.355.382.737714421.9%10.3%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.12011715.1%40.5%17.9%41.6%49.2%25.4%25.4%
**Combined stats from the entire 2019 season, from all levels they played at*

Alexander is your prototypical high on-base. His quick bat speed and consistent line drive approach make him one of the better all-around hitters in the Diamondbacks farm. Right now, Alexander doesn’t generate as much power, just based on strength. He has a projectable frame, which may make the power come naturally. What’s interesting about Alexander is he has two different loads a leg kick when he’s ahead of the count and a slide step when he’s behind in the count. This displays how mature of a hitter Alexander already is. As mentioned prior, his ability to get on base is his best trait as in 2019 he had a .348 wOBA in 406 plate appearances. There’s a lot of moving parts in the box that affects his timing a bit but overall he has strong plate discipline. His 80 grade arm and solid range make shortstop his main position going forward. Alexander will take some time in the minors to fully develop but the finished product shouldn’t be overlooked in this system.

15. JB Bukauskas RHP – Arizona Diamondbacks (AA)
23 Years Old – Throws: R – Bats: R – 6’0” – 210lbs – ETA: 2020

FBSLCUTCHCOMMANDFV
55/6055/6045/5045/5030/4040
Present/Future Grades
IPGGSERAWHIPK%BB%HR/9
92.222165.441.6226.2%14.2%0.78
SwStr%xFIPGB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
14.1%4.2646.5%20.2%33.3%49.6%24.8%25.6%
**Combined stats from the entire 2019 season, from all levels they played at*

He was a highly-touted prospect out of North Carolina around the draft time when the Astros took him 15th overall. Bukauskas stuff is sharp when he is on, he has a fastball that’s 95-96 and touches 98 MPH, a cutter at around 92-93, a sharp-biting slider that’s his best secondary pitch and a changeup that has the potential to be a plus offering. However, he’s been injury-prone since breaking into the league with the Astros and the command of his pitches is subpar. Bukauskas delivery is fluid but he does short arm his pitches. This puts stress on his elbow and causes an increased risk of further injury. I think he ends up in the bullpen unless the Diamondbacks make some major adjustments to his mechanics. Just because of the high reliever risk and control issues Bukauskas lands on the lower part of this list but don’t let that fool you he’s an extremely talented pitcher but has some tinkering for him to reach his potential.

16. Dominic Fletcher OF – Arizona Diamondbacks (A) – 22 Years Old – Throws: L – Bats: L – 5’9” – 185lbs – ETA: 2023

HITRAW PWRPWRFLDSPDARMFV
30/4550/5535/5055/5545/4555/5540
Present/Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.318.389.463.85251120.9%9.2%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.14514711.3%41.5%15.7%42.8%34.5%24.9%40.6%
**Combined stats from the entire 2019 season, from all levels they played at*

When the Diamondbacks traded Paul Goldschmidt to the St. Louis Cardinals, the Diamondbacks acquired the Competitive Balance B pick of the 2019 draft, which the Diamondbacks used on Fletcher.  Fletcher is more of a defensive first prospect and has an eerily similar stance to Angels infielder David Fletcher. Fletcher put up a 147 wRC+, a .395 wOBA and hit .318/.389/.463 with five home runs and a .852 OPS. As of right now, he’s extremely raw, especially in the power department. But with every power potential prospect comes with plenty of swing-and-miss. As he had a 20.9 K% but more encouraging is that he had a BB% of 9.2 in that span. Fletcher hits to all fields nicely and with his quick bat speed and gap-to-gap power, making his bat one of his better potential tools going forward. If the swing-and-miss doesn’t change I do fear that he turns into an AAAA player. Fletcher is someone to watch as he could surprise some people with his power and his defense is already among his best tools. 

17. Seth Beer 1B – Arizona Diamondbacks (AA) – 23 Years Old – Bats: L – Throws: R – 6’3” – 225lbs – ETA: 2021

HITRAW PWRPWRFLDSPDARMFV
35/4560/6035/5035/3530/2040/4040
Present/Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.289.388.516.90426 0421.2%8.6%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.22715511.3%39.2%19.2%41.6%41.4%26.8%31.8%
**Combined stats from the entire 2019 season, from all levels they played at*

Seth Beer was drafted 28th in 2018, Beer was once one of the best college hitters when at Clemson he hit .321/.489/.648 with 56 home runs and a 1.137 OPS. He’s an extremely balanced hitter and is another big-time pure hit player in this system. The reason he isn’t higher on this list is that his defense isn’t that great. Plus, he struggled last year after being traded to the Diamondbacks. He put up an 83 wRC+ and a .205/.297/.318 slash line with one home run and a .615 OPS. Beer’s stance is closed and he has a toe-tap for a load. He has some launch angle to his swing making for more flyball contact and more extra-base hits. With Christian Walker patrolling first for the near future, there’s no spot for Seth Beer on the roster, unless the DH continues in`the NL. Beer is a poor runner and at this point, if the bat continues to decline, it’s hard to see his bat translating to the MLB. 

18. Andy Young 2B – Arizona Diamondbacks (AAA)
26 Years Old – Throws: R – Bats: R – 6’0” – 200lbs – ETA: 2020

HITRAW PWRPWRFLDSPDARMFV
40/5055/5540/5040/4035/3545/4540
Present/Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.271.368.535.903293322.4%7.8%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.26413513.4%41.8%16.5%41.8%46.8%25.7%26.5%
**Combined stats from the entire 2019 season, from all levels they played at*

Acquired by the Diamondbacks in the Paul Goldschmidt trade from last year. He’s in a similar situation to Seth Beer as his defense is nothing special but all Young does is mash. With being 26 years-old he’s older in terms of prospects but since 2017 he’s hit 67 home runs and hit .271/.368/.535 with 29 home runs and a .903 OPS. There’s plenty of swing-and-miss as he struck out 24.5% of the time. There are concerns in that department but Young is still overall a solid prospect. He looks like a second baseman for the short term with his below-average arm but much like Beer could have a future as a DH. He’s enjoying a short stint with the Diamondbacks in 2020 but expects 2021 to be the year where we see Andy Young regularly. 

19. Tommy Henry LHP – Arizona Diamondbacks (A) – 23 Years Old – Throws: L – Bats: L – 6’3” – 205lbs – ETA: 2023

FBCHSLCOMMANDFV
45/5050/5540/5045/5040
Present/Future Grades
IPGGSERAWHIPK%BB%HR/9
3.0336.001.3326.7%0.0%0.00
SwStr%xFIPGB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
15.7%1.2855.6%33.3%11.1%36.4%18.2%45.5%
**Combined stats from the entire 2019 season, from all levels they played at*

Henry was a compensation pick in the 2019 draft. While velocity isn’t Henry’s game he still throws a fastball with some late-life at 90-92 MPH. He also includes a changeup at about 80-83 and a slider as well in the low 80’s. Henry is a control freak and can command both sides of the plate well. His mechanics are interesting as they are quite deceptive, making his pitches harder to square up. He uses his lower half extremely well and has a nice downhill plane perfect for spotting pitches down in the zone. Henry does use a little too much of his shoulder in his delivery, which might cause arm issues going forward. However, I could see Henry being a back end of the rotation pitcher. He’s one of the most underrated arms in the Diamondbacks system and any baseball fan should pay attention to this young lefty. 

20. Jon Duplantier RHP – Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
26 Years Old – Throws: R – Bats: R – 6’4” – 240lbs – ETA: 2020

FBSLCBCHCOMMANDFV
50/5040/5550/5035/4530/4540
Present/Future Grades
IPGGSERAWHIPK%BB%HR/9
43.016145.441.6026.2%16.2%0.42
SwStr%xFIPGB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
11.2%5.1145.7%26.7%27.6%36.4%26.2%37.4%
**Combined stats from the entire 2019 season, from all levels they played at*

Duplantier is in a bit of an interesting spot, for the past couple seasons he’s been deemed the Diamondbacks best pitching prospect. So you might be asking, why do I have him so far down on this list? Now in his age 26 season, Duplantier at this point in his career has some reliever risk to him and it’s hard for me to see him hit his ceiling as a top of the rotation arm that he was once projected as. When healthy, Duplantier has decent stuff but it was a lot better in the past. He has a four-seam and two-seam fastball that are consistently 92-93 that touches 94 MPH, he has a high 70’s curveball that he spots down and has plenty of late movement on it. He also displays a low 80’s slider and rarely will show a changeup at the same velocity as his slider. Duplantier creates deception from a three-quarter arm slot and uses all of his 6’4” frames to have a nice downhill plane. All in all, his command and injury history are the main reasons for his rankings and as of right now we could see kind of a spot starter/back end of the bullpen type of role for Duplantier, that’s only if he can stay healthy over a full season. 


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