2023 Top 20 Arizona Complex League Hitters

2023 Top 20 Arizona Complex League Hitters

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


The 2023 Arizona Complex League showed some impressive talent on both sides of the ball. But more or less this article will be all about the position players that impressed the most in the ACL. This takes into account, the age, stats, and tools of each prospect listed below. This is with a minimum number of 50 plate appearances so there could be others deserving who didn’t get the sufficient number of plate appearances to be eligible for this list. Enjoy!

1. Sebastian Walcott SS | Texas Rangers
17-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’4″ | 190 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
55605055506
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.273.325.524.84979532.4%6.4%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.25210042.0%39.6%17.0%43.6%62.8%18.1%19.1%
2023 ACL Stats

Easily the top prospect out here in the Complex League. One of the youngest and most advanced bats in the Rangers system. Swing is lofty and powerful. Barrels often and shows a decent eye at the plate. Can be a free swinger at the plate but does make quick adjustments later in counts. Struggles with breaking balls down but his ultimate kryptonite is changeups of any kind. In the end, Walcott looks like a future stud with the bat. His fielding looks smooth, but he has a tendency to rush throws. Thus, messing with his internal clock. He displays average speed at best and his speed won’t be a factor. In the end, his bat-to-ball skills and power potential will propel him through rankings and the minors.

2. Lazaro Montes OF/DH | Seattle Mariners
18-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: R | 6’7″ | 250 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
40704050206
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.282.452.5551.00761225.3%22.6%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.27315023.8%42.3%14.1%43.7%46.7%26.7%26.7%
2023 ACL Stats

Montes was a hyped up prospect after his 2022 season in the DSL. Fast forward to 2023 and he did not disappoint in the Arizona Complex League. Montes was showing massive power potential with his exit velocities north of 118 mph and solid hard hit rates. His swing is lofty and powerful, displaying good power to all fields. While his hit tool is below-average his power and barreling abilities make him into a dangerous run producer when he’s fully matured.

3. Echedry Vargas 3B | Texas Rangers
18-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 5’11” | 170 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
55605055506
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.315.387.569.9561117324.3%9.5%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.25413128.9%32.6%20.6%46.8%49.3%22.9%27.8%
2023 ACL Stats

Vargas was another standout for the Rangers, and this is just another Rangers prospect who’s excelling in the lower levels of the minors. He showed a quick and compact swing, and he hits the ball with authority. Vargas showed tremendous pop and a good ability to hit to all fields. He was tied with Jeral Perez as the league leader in home runs with 11 and showed some advanced tools for his age. In the end, the Rangers are showing some serious talent on this Arizona Complex League squad. With Walcott and Vargas, that’s a solid duo for the Rangers in the future.

4. Juan Baez SS | Milwaukee Brewers
18-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 5’9″ | 175 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
55456055556
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.370.395.557.952417211.2%3.9%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.18813219.6%50.9%19.4%29.7%40.8%29.0%30.2%
2023 ACL Stats

Juan Baez was one of the best all-around players during the 2023 Arizona Complex League. He’s a flashy, athletic and a fun player to watch on both sides of the ball. Baez was 2nd across all of ACL in batting average at .370 and he displayed a good hit tool, spraying hits to all fields. For his age, his exit velocities were good, and his swing displays some loft which should translate to some raw power going forward. In the end, the Brewers have had a long list of successful prospects coming out of the Complex League and Baez should be another stud player rising through the system.

5. Dyan Jorge SS | Colorado Rockies
20-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’3″ | 170 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
60405560556
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.370.495.6441.13839017.1%13.5%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.27417814.6%38.4%24.2%37.4%49.2%19.0%31.7%
2023 ACL Stats

Jorge is an exciting and dynamic player on both sides of the ball for the Rockies. He is athletic and looked like one of the more polished bats during the Arizona Complex League. He draws solid at-bats and shows a plus hit tool. His over the fence power isn’t as prominent and until he gets stronger physically, it won’t be a big-time tool. Overall, the Rockies will have an exciting up the middle combo of Adael Amador and Dyan Jorge for a long time. Jorge is someone to watch during the 2024 season as he could possibly be a massive riser next year.

6. Ricardo Cabrera SS | Cincinnati Reds
19-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 5’11” | 178 lbs

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
50505055555
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.350.469.5591.028521217.1%13.5%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.21015830.4%44.8%26.7%28.6%47.2%25.9%26.9%
2023 ACL Stats

Another young solid shortstop prospect out here in Arizona. He dominated the Arizona Complex League before being promoted to Low-A Daytona. Offensively, he’s got a slightly open stance and a small leg kick for a load. He hits to all fields and shows definite power in his bat. His swing is violent and lofty and the ball flies off his bat. The Reds have sent out some solid prospects to the Arizona Complex League and Ricardo Cabrera is up there as one of the better players of the last few years.

7. Kendall George OF | Los Angeles Dodgers
19-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: L | 5’10” | 170 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
60405545805
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.362.451.414.864011415.5%15.5%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.05212914.9%61.7%23.4%18.2%24.5%34.7%40.8%
2023 ACL Stats

Kendall George showed immense talent during his time in the Arizona Complex League. He has a smooth left-handed swing and showed a plus hit tool. George consistently finds the barrel and displays line-drive contact to all fields. One tool that is rather noteworthy is his elite speed, I’ve clocked him at 3.88-3.91 from home to first. He won’t be much of a power threat, but his hit and speed make up for it. George will be your typical lead-off hitter with his good eye at the plate and ability to get on base.

8. Bryce Eldridge OF | San Francisco Giants
19-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: R | 6’7″ | 223 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
45605055455
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.294.393.6471.04112281326.2%14.8%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.35313931.2%38.2%20.6%41.2%33.3%44.4%22.2%
2023 ACL Stats

In my opinion, Eldridge was one of the riskiest picks of the 2023 draft, but he showed very well during his time in the Arizona Complex League. I only was able to see Eldridge one game and what immediately stuck out with me was how effortless his power was. In the video below, you’ll see his walk off home run and everything from the swing to the use of the lower half and his strong wrists show that there is some legitimate raw power in his game. In the end, the Giants drafted Eldridge as a possible two-way player, but if he can control his swing-and-miss tendencies he could be a solid hitting prospect.

9. Dillon Head OF | San Diego Padres
19-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: L | 6’0″ | 185 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
60305550555
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.294.413.471.88313117.1%13.5%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.17612412.7%62.5%10.0%27.5%25.0%27.3%47.7%
2023 ACL Stats

Dillion Head was the Padres 1st round pick in the 2023 draft and he had an excellent debut. While his power might not be anything too special, his hit and athleticism make him a typical future leadoff hitter. Head shows a solid approach and hits to all fields well. He has above-average speed with run times of 4.15-4.20 from home to first. Defensively, his speed and range give him a perfect center field profile and he’ll provide good walk rates throughout his time in the minors. The Padres are looking smart for taking Head with their first round pick and he’s showing good tools all across the board.

10. Jaison Chourio OF | Cleveland Guardians
18-Years-Old | Bats: S | Throws: R | 6’1″ | 162 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
60355050555
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.349.476.463.939119219.6%20.1%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.11414740.8%54.1%18.0%27.9%36.0%21.9%42.1%
2023 ACL Stats

Chourio is another hitting prospect with a solid hit tool and developing power. He may not have the hype that his brother Jackson has, but there’s definite tools with the 18-Year-old. As stated previously his power isn’t his strong suit but the combination of his eye and solid hit tool are what make him such an intriguing player. In the video below, not only does he show some consistency with finding the barrel but he hits the ball where it’s pitched and is patient at the plate. He looks like a solid rising prospect in the Guardians system and despite having underwhelming power, could be a constant contributor for the Guardians.

11. Rafael Ramirez Jr. SS | Cleveland Guardians
18-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: R | 6’0″ | 159 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
50555050555
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.250.453.426.87946228.4%26.3%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.17613321.7%34.5%20.2%45.2%45.2%31.0%23.8%
2023 ACL Stats

We move from one Guardians player to another as here’s one of the youngest overall players in the 2023 Arizona Complex League. I don’t like to reference stats as much in my writeups, but I do believe that this one is relatively impressive. As one of four to five 17-Year-Old prospects, Ramirez led the group with a 133 wRC+ and second on that list was Sebastian Walcott with a 100 wRC+. He displays some extremely raw power in his bat and good bat speed. While he does have swing and miss in his bat, the now 18-Year-Old is young enough to develop a solid eye at the plate and overall, he is a good prospect to watch in the Guardians system. The combination of Jaison Chaurio and Rafael Ramirez Jr. is an exciting pair that’ll develop into a 1-2 punch in the top of the order for the Guardians.

12. Ronny Hernandez C | Chicago White Sox
19-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: R | 6’1″ | 200 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
55505050455
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.338.430.493.92331020.3%12.8%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.15513423.0%41.8%19.4%38.8%40.0%26.7%33.3%
2023 ACL Stats

Ronny Hernandez is the lone White Sox prospect in the top 20 but his season shouldn’t be overlooked. He has a smooth and lofty stroke from the left side with signs of some power potential in his bat. He’s patient and quiet in the box. Overall, he will be hit over power but the gap-to-gap power will be promising as he matures. The White Sox did acquire Edgar Quero from the Angels, but Ronny Hernandez looks like a solid catching prospect for years to come.

13. Josi Novas SS | Kansas City Royals
18-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’4″ | 180 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
60455050555
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.324.437.450.88738331.1%17.0%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.12613032.2%44.1%22.1%33.8%38.6%31.4%30.0%
2023 ACL Stats

Novas is another younger prospect that turned in a solid 2023 Complex League season. I didn’t see Novas a ton, but watching video I wish I would’ve seen him more. His bat-to-ball skills looks good and there’s some sneaky power in his bat. His swing is quick, and he shows a good feel for the strike zone. Novas looks like a good find for the Royals and joins teammate Erick Torres as two high-contact hitters that look like potential studs in any lineup.

14. Cristofer Torin SS | Arizona Diamondbacks
18-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 5’10” | 155 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
55455055555
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.320.437.427.86421507.1%16.7%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.1071256.8%50.5%20.0%29.5%37.9%21.1%41.1%
2023 ACL Stats

Torin was one of the more hyped-up prospects in the Arizona Complex League and the numbers speak for themselves. He’s a player that’s fun to watch with a good mix of contact and speed. Torin is flashy and barrels the ball consistently. One thing to note is the rising strikeout rates as he got promoted to Low-A Visalia. During the Complex League he had a 7.1% strikeout rate in 126 plate appearances when promoted to Low-A his strikeout rate skyrocketed to 19.2% in only 30 more plate appearances. However, he’s still 18-years-old, very raw and shows plenty of promise. The Diamondbacks have been aggressive with his development but in the end, he could be something of a special prospect going forward.

15. Ruben Santana 3B | Arizona Diamondbacks
18-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’0″ | 190 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
50554555505
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.316.389.487.87547123.7%8.1%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.17111922.7%44.4%14.3%41.4%44.6%23.7%31.7%
2023 ACL Stats

Santana comes as the second Diamondback on this list and signed for $750,000 during the 2022 J2 signing period. He’s an interesting prospect with a good profile in his bat. I believe he will be more power over hit but just slightly as there’s plenty of trajectory for his raw power to become his best tool. One issue that he has is selling out for power with many of his whiffs coming low in the zone, causing a drop to his shoulder slightly. He adjusts well at the plate and hits the ball hard but still has some strikeout tendencies. He looks like he has potential to become an everyday player.

16. Marcos Torres OF | Texas Rangers
19-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: L | 6’3″ | 163 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
45554555505
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.250.378.494.872723323.9%13.4%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.24411528.1%40.9%15.7%43.5%40.0%33.3%26.7%
2023 ACL Stats

The oldest player on this list, Torres still showed fairly well during the 2023 Arizona Complex League. He displayed good ability to hit to all fields and raw power in his bat. He was top five across all of Arizona Complex League with 7 home runs. Torres is a power first prospect with a below-average hit tool and some swing-and-miss. However, with his promising power potential mixed with 4.13-4.18 home to first base run times shows he has potential to be a good power/speed guy. The Complex League Rangers had some of the best talent of any roster and Marcos Torres is no outlier as he has the tools to be a consistent contributor at the major league level.

17. Jeral Perez SS | Los Angeles Dodgers
19-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’0″ | 179 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
40605050505
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.257.389.503.892119223.1%16.3%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.24612024.9%36.3%12.1%51.6%56.3%17.2%26.6%
2023 ACL Stats

Perez was signed with the Dodgers in 2022 and displayed some of the rawest power during the Arizona Complex League. He led all of Arizona Complex League with 11 home runs but did show some severe swing-and-miss tendencies. Breaking pitches in the dirt did cause a lot of trouble for Perez. However, this looks like another successful J2 signing for the Dodgers as the power potential of Perez is legit and if he can control the strike zone better, he has the potential to be something special for the Dodgers.

18. Ricardo Cova SS | Seattle Mariners
19-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 5’9″ | 145 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
60305550505
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.330.425.440.864117331.1%13.2%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.11012532.6%49.1%21.1%29.8%29.3%31.0%39.7%
2023 ACL Stats

Cova was one of my favorite players out here during the Arizona Complex League. Here’s another player with below-average power but a hit tool that’ll get better and better as he moves up the Mariners system. To combine with the solid hit tool, he does have some speed and is a smart and aggressive base runner. He sprays the ball well and hits the ball where it’s pitched. Cova has a patient approach at the plate but does overswing at times causing some misleading strikeout rates. Overall, one of the only reasons he’s so far down on this list is the lack of power in his bat. Cova will be a nice addition to any lineup and the bat should only get better as he matures.

19. Alexis Hernandez SS | Chicago Cubs
18-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’0″ | 155 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
55455050505
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.315.407.515.92231033.3%12.0%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.20013039.0%39.0%23.3%37.4%46.3%23.8%30.0%
2023 ACL Roster

Hernandez is the younger brother of Cristian Hernandez and he shows a very similar profile to his brother. Both have solid potential with the bat but below-average home run power. His swing is short and quick with good abilities to find the barrel. On defense, Hernandez is slick and shows good athleticism. His speed is also a good part of his game, and he looks like a riser in the Cubs system with his ability to hit for a high average and get on-base at a good enough rate to debut in the bigs at some point.

20. Erick Torres OF | Kansas City Royals
18-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 5’10” | 160 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
55305550705
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.319.392.428.820011412.5%10.0%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.10911017.4%46.9%16.8%36.3%30.0%32.5%37.5%
2023 ACL Stats

One of the first players I was able to see this Arizona Complex League and he had a definite combination of speed and contact. He’s got a good feel for the barrel and puts the ball in play, he had the third lowest strikeout rate with a 12.5% strikeout rate. There won’t be much in the power department with Torres but where he will excel with his on-base percentage and eye at the plate. He also displays plus speed with a home-to-first time of around 4.2. At 18-Years-Old, we could see a slight repeat at the Arizona Complex League, but Torres overall looks like a good hitting prospect that will have good on-base percentages going forward.

Honorable Mentions:

There are a few other players that I was able to see that just barely missed this list, so in no particular order here’s a few honorable mentions.

Samuel Munoz INF | Los Angeles Dodgers
19-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: R | 6’3″ | 190 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
50504550504
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.273.338.412.75029217.1%8.8%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.1398719.0%41.3%20.4%38.3%44.5%24.3%31.2%
2023 ACL Stats

Munoz signed with the Dodgers during 2022-2023 J2 signing period and the Dodgers might’ve added another stud prospect to their farm system. Munoz hits the ball extremely hard and has some solid power upside in his bat. He has good barreling abilities and should be a good middle of the lineup presence for the Dodgers. His hit tool is average at best as he is a free swinger at the plate and will struggle with strikeouts going forward. However, the upside with the raw power in his bat cannot be overlooked and he looks like a consistent contributor when he’s fully matured.

Dario Laverde C | Los Angeles Angels
18-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: R | 5’10” | 160 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
55405050454
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.306.419.455.87417318.6%16.8%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.14912317.8%42.5%22.6%34.9%31.8%30.8%37.4%
2023 ACL Stats

Laverde signed for $350,000 and he had an excellent 2023 campaign. He’s an athletic catcher and has a hit tool that allows him to be a decent catching piece in the future. There’s some power potential but nothing too special with Laverde. However, with the mix of contact and being a good defender behind the plate he could make waves in the Angels organization.

Ryan Burrowes SS | Chicago White Sox
19-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 6’2″ | 170 lbs.

HitPWRFLDArmSPDRole
50455550555
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.259.330.386.716212528.7%6.7%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.1278132.7%47.7%6.5%45.8%38.2%26.4%35.5%
2023 ACL Stats

Burrowes was one of the bigger names for the Arizona Complex League White Sox and he showed the full package of tools that come with him. Burrowes gap-to-gap power is one of his better tools and mix that with his above-average speed, he should be an extra base hit machine. He does have a bad strikeout tendency but for a young raw hitter such as Burrowes that is to be expected. The White Sox farm system has gotten a lot better the last few years and with the inclusion of Burrowes and the other player on this list Ronny Hernandez, the White Sox future looks brighter.

Dylan O’Rae SS | Milwaukee Brewers
19-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: R | 5’7″ | 160 lbs.

HITPWRFLDArmSPDFV
55305550704
Future Grades
AVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBCSK%BB%
.362.522.408.930028212.9%22.5%
ISOwRC+SwStr%GB%LD%FB%Pull%Cent%Oppo%
.0461579.8%53.3%25.7%21.0%25.7%21.9%52.4%
2023 ACL Stats

O’Rae was the Brewers 3rd round pick from the 2022 draft and in his first go around at the Complex League, he hit fairly well in his small sample size. Fast forward to this season and he took another step in the right direction being one of the most consistent contact hitters in the 2023 Arizona Complex League. The reason for him barely missing the top 20 is he’s got well below-average power and while his hit is good, the lack of over the fence power is concerning. Overall, he’s a patient hitter with a good eye and hits to all fields well. O’Rae has proven the hit tool is legitimate and with how good his gap-to-gap power is he could be a good piece for the Brewers at some point in the future.


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