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Stars of Tomorrow Unveiled in Baseball America 2018 Top 100 MLB Prospects List

Baseball America’s 2018 Top 100 MLB Prospects has been announced with many outstanding Baseball Factory alumni who are the stars of tomorrow. Check out the list below:

#8 – Bo Bichette (Blue Jays)

Combined 2017 stats: (Low A, High A) 110 games, .362 BA, 41 doubles, 14 home runs, 74 RBI, 22 SB, .988 OPS

Bichette needs to be closely watched as the exciting prospect tore up A-ball pitching in 2017 and is skyrocketing up Prospect List boards. Bo attended the 2015 Under Armour Baseball Factory All-America Pre-Season Tournament and was also an Under Armour All-American the same year.

#10 – Forrest Whitley (Astros)

Combined 2017 stats: (A, A+, AA) 23 games, 18 starts, 5-4, 2.83 ERA, 92 1/3 IP, 34BB/143K

Whitley, in his first full pro season, struck out 143 hitters, moving quickly through three levels, rounding out the year as a 19-year old at Double-A Corpus Christi. Whitley will likely start out at Double-A in 2018, but is on the fast track to make his major league debut in 2019. Whitley played in the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game.

#11 – Michael Kopech (White Sox)

Combined 2017 stats: (AA, AAA) 25 starts, 9-8, 2.88 ERA, 134 1/3 IP, 65 BB/172K

Traded to the Chicago White Sox in Boston’s deal to get Chris Sale, Kopech ascended Chicago’s organizational ladder, pitching 22 games at Double-A Birmingham and rounding out 2017 at Triple-A Charlotte. He is fast-tracking to the majors in what is quickly becoming a very deep and talented minor league system. Kopech attended an Under Armour Baseball Factory National Tryout in 2012 and was a 2013 Under Armour All-American.

#14 – Brent Honeywell (Rays)

Combined 2017 stats: (AA, AAA) 26 starts, 13-9, 3.49 ERA, 136 2/3 IP, 35BB/172K

Honeywell, who took home MVP honors in last year’s MLB Futures Game after striking out four hitters in two scoreless innings, put together a solid 2017 season, essentially spending the entire year at Triple-A Durham, where he averaged a shade over 11 strikeouts per nine innings. He made two starts to begin the season at Double-A Montgomery before making the jump to the next level. Honeywell attended an Under Armour Baseball Factory National Tryout in 2011 and was a 2013 Under Armour Baseball Factory Pre-Season All-American.

#15 – Kyle Tucker (Astros)

Combined 2017 stats: (A+, AA) 120 games, .274 BA, 33 doubles, 25 home runs, 90 RBI, .528 slugging %

Tucker spent the first half of the season at High-A Buies Creek, hitting .288 and the second half of the season at Corpus Christi, tearing up Double-A pitching. He hit 16 home runs in 72 games, paving the way to being named the Astros Minor Player of the Year. Tucker will enter 2018 one of 19 players on the list of non-roster invitees to attend big league camp. Tucker who was the fifth overall pick in 2015, was part of the 2014 Under Armour All-America Game.

#16 – J.P. Crawford (Phillies)

2017 (Minor League) stats: 127 games, .243 BA, 20 doubles, 6 triples, 15 home runs, 63 RBI

Crawford made his big league debut as part of the Phillies’ call-ups in early September of last year, playing in 23 games total, gaining experience leading into 2018 where he’s expected to be the starting shortstop. The 16th overall pick in 2013 played in 127 games with Triple-A Lehigh Valley last season, hitting 15 homers and driving in 63 before being moved up. His defense has always been top notch, that of which carried over to the majors. He did not commit an error in 188 1/3 innings between second, third and shortstop. Crawford attended a 2009 Under Armour Baseball Factory National Tryout and was a UA All-American in 2012.

#18 – Lewis Brinson (Marlins)

2017 stats: (AAA-MIL) .331 BA, 66 runs, 22 doubles, 4 triples, 13 home runs, 11 stolen bases

Brinson, the 29th overall pick in 2012, saw some time last September in his call-up with the Milwaukee Brewers before being traded recently to the Miami Marlins in the Christian Yelich deal, will be a reunion of sorts as Brinson is from Coral Springs, FL. Brinson, who hit .331 in the minors, will likely be Opening Day starting centerfielder for the team. Brinson was a 2011 Under Armour All-American.

#22 – Brendan Rodgers (Rockies)

Combined 2017 stats: (A+, AA) 89 games, .336 BA, 26 doubles, 18 home runs, 64 RBI, 64 runs scored

Rodgers spent time at second and shortstop last season and has also been working at third this off-season to prepare for a 2018 season, one in which he’s told the media he has his eyes set on a major league debut this season. 2013 Under Armour Baseball Factory Futures East Showcase and the 2014 Under Armour All-America Game.

#24 – Royce Lewis (Twins)

Combined 2017 stats: (Rk, A) 54 games, .279 BA, 8 doubles, 3 triples, 4 home runs, 27 RBI

The No.1 overall pick in last year’s draft has shown he’s the real deal with the bat and glove. Lewis, who doesn’t turn 19 until June, more than held his own at a higher level after moving to Cedar Rapids, hitting .296 in 18 games against older competition. Lewis was a 2016 Under Armour All-American.

#29 – Hunter Greene (Reds)

2017 stats: (Rk) 3 starts, 4 1/3 IP, 6 strikeouts

Drafted one spot after Lewis in last year’s draft, Greene is anxious to get the 2018 season going and show off the electric arm that we saw in the 2016 Under Armour All-America Game. He pitched in just three games with Rookie-level Billings.

#33 – Triston McKenzie (Indians)

2017 stats: (A+) 25 starts, 12-6, 3.46 ERA, 143 IP, 45BB/186K

McKenzie, the Indians’ 42nd overall pick in 2015, spent the entire season at High-A Lynchburg in 2017, solidifying himself as one of the top pitching prospects in the game. McKenzie attended the Under Armour Memorial Day Classic in 2013 & ’14, Under Armour Fall Classic in 2013 and the Under Armour Southeast Championships in 2015.

#34 – Kyle Wright (Braves)

2017 stats: (Vanderbilt University) 22 starts, 5-6, 3.40 ERA, 31 BB/121K, 103 1/3 IP

Coming out of Vanderbilt, Wright made nine starts in the Braves organization before the 2017 season ended, pitching to a 2.65 ERA, striking out 18 in 17 IP. He’s been rewarded this spring with an invite to big league camp. Wright participated in the 2012 Team One Futures Texas Showcase.

#37 – Alex Verdugo (Dodgers)

2017 stats: (AAA) 117 games, .314 BA, 27 doubles, 4 triples, 6 home runs, 62 RBI, 52 walks

Verdugo has the opportunity to snag the starting left field spot for the Dodgers this spring as the 21-year old OF’er spent 15 games last season in the majors. Verdugo, much younger than the average competition at Triple-A, hit .314 with Oklahoma City as the team is expecting more in the power department in 2018. Verdugo was a 2013 Under Armour Baseball Factory Pre-Season All-American and played in that year’s Under Armour All-America Game.

#39 – Brendan McKay (Rays)

2017 stats: (short-season) 36 games, .232 BA, 4 home runs, 22 RBI, 6 starts, 1-0, 1.80 ERA, 20 IP, 5BB/21K

The talented McKay was drafted by the Rays as a two-way athlete, and did just that in his first taste of pro ball, hitting and pitching for short-season Hudson Valley last season. The 4th overall pick is being allowed to continue pursuing pitching and playing first base in the Rays organization. According to reports, McKay could move to Single-A Bowling Green or Advanced A Charlotte this season to give him more of a challenge. McKay participated in the 2013 Kelly Kulina Classic.

#44 – Austin Meadows (Pirates)

2017 stats: (AAA) 72 games, .250 BA, 19 doubles, 48 runs, 4 home runs, 36 RBI

This could be the year for Meadows to finally show the Pirates what he’s capable of doing after trade of Andrew McCutchen. The 22-year old battled injuries last season, hitting .250 in 72 games at Indianapolis. Meadows played in the 2012 Under Armour All-America Game.

#45 – Jake Bauers (Rays)

2017 stats: (AAA) 132 games, .263 BA, 79 runs, 31 doubles, 13 home runs, 63 RBI

The 21-year old played the entire season at Triple-A Durham and 2018 could be the year he breaks through to the major league club with Tampa Bay. He also stole 20 bases. Bauers played in the 2013 Ryan Lemmon Invitational.

#46 – Jo Adell (Angels)

2017 stats: (Rookie-level) 49 games, .325 BA, 11 doubles, 8 triples, five homers, 30 RBI, .376 OBP

Adell made a huge splash in his first pro ball experience last season and the Angels will take their time with this talented five-tool athlete. Adell was a two-time Under Armour All-American in 2015 and 2016.

#47 – Keston Hiura (Brewers)

2017 stats: (Rookie, Low-A) 42 games, .371 BA, 14 doubles, 7 triples, 33 RBI

Hiura will participate in his first big league camp, earning the invite after a very solid 2017 season at two different levels as the ninth overall pick. Keston, who played college ball at UC-Irvine, participated in the 2012 and 2013 Under Armour SoCal Classic.

#48 – Taylor Trammell (Reds)

2017 stats: (Low-A) 129 games, .281 BA, 24 doubles, 10 triples, 13 home runs, 77 RBI, 41 SB

Trammell built on a successful 2016 with a solid 2017, continuing the ascend in the Reds organization. Trammell was part of the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game.

#50 – Alex Faedo (Tigers)

2017 stats: (Did Not Play – Signed Late)

Faedo will play pro ball for the first time in 2018 as the right-hander has been invited to the Tigers’ big-league camp. Faedo was part of the University of Florida’s College World Series squad in 2017 and was selected 17th overall in last year’s Draft. Faedo attended the 2012 Under Armour Invitational.

#54 – Austin Riley (Braves)

2017 stats: (High-A, AA) 129 games, .275 BA, 20 home runs, 74 RBI

Riley received an invite to big league camp in January after a successful 2017 campaign where he hit .315 at Double-A. Riley played in the 2014 Under Armour All-America Game.

#55 – Carson Kelly (Cardinals)

2017 stats: (AAA) 68 games, .283 BA, 10 home runs, 41 RBI, 33 BB, .834 OPS

Kelly received time in the majors last season with the Cardinals, collecting three doubles and driving in six runs. Kelly is in a rare set of players, having been a four-time Under Armour Baseball Factory Pre-Season All-American. He also attended numerous Under Armour Baseball Factory National Tryout and College PREP events.

#60 – Anthony Alford (Blue Jays)

2017 stats: (High-A, AA, AAA) 77 games, .299 BA, 15 doubles, 19 stolen bases

Alford got eight at-bats with the Blue Jays last season. Alford hit .299 between three levels in 2017. The 3rd round draft pick in 2012 also played well this offseason in the Mexican Winter League, hitting .352 in 26 games. Alford played in the 2011 Under Armour All-America Game.

#61 – Brandon Woodruff (Brewers)

2017 stats: (AAA) 16 starts, 6-5, 4.30 ERA, 75 1/3 IP, 25BB/70K

Woodruff saw extensive time last season in the majors, making eight starts, with a 4.81 ERA in 43 IP. Woodruff played in the 2010 Under Armour All-America Game.

#68 – Chance Sisco (Orioles)

2017 stats: (AAA) 97 games, .267 BA, 23 doubles, 7 home runs, 47 RBI

Made his major league debut on September 2nd and made a nice splash for the O’s, going 6-for-18 with two doubles, two homers and four RBI. Sisco, who could break camp as the O’s backup catcher, participated in an Under Armour Baseball Factory College PREP event in 2010.

#71 – Ryan Mountcastle (Orioles)

2017 stats: (High-A, AA) 127 games, .287 BA, 48 doubles, 18 home runs, 62 RBI

Mountcastle could see a call-up in his future in 2018 if he continues on the pace he’s shown as he’s been invited to big league camp as a non-roster invitee. Mountcastle was the MVP of the 2014 Under Armour All-America Game.

#75 – Monte Harrison (Marlins)

2017 stats: (Low-A, High-A MIL) 122 games, .272 BA, 28 doubles, 21 home runs, 67 RBI, 27 SB

Harrison put together a nice season in his final one as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. He was brought over to Miami in the Christian Yelich deal and is high up the board in the Marlins organization as they continue to revamp. Harrison played in the 2013 Under Armour All-America Game.

#76 – J.B. Bukauskas (Astros)

2017 stats: (Rookie, Low-A) 3 starts, 2.70 ERA, 10 IP, 5BB/9K

Bukauskas, was the Astros 15th overall selection in last year’s draft and showed glimpse of his talents, flashing a mid-90s fastball after a full season at the University of North Carolina. J.B. attended an Under Armour Baseball Factory National Tryout and Baseball Factory’s Team One South Showcase in 2013.

#79 – Heliot Ramos (Giants)

2017 stats: (Rookie-level) 35 games, .348 BA, 11 doubles, 6 triples, 6 homers, 27 RBI, 10 SB

Ramos opened up a lot of eyes playing in the 2016 Under Armour All-America Game and proved it was no fluke with a very impressive beginning to his professional career. He had a .404 OBP in just 138 at-bats with the Giants Arizona Rookie team.

#80 – Brett Phillips (Brewers)

2017 stats: (AAA) 105 games, .305 BA, 23 doubles, 10 triples, 19 home runs, 78 RBI, .567 slugging %

Played in 37 games, hitting .267 with 11 doubles, a triple, four homers, 12 RBI with the Brewers. Phillips participated in an Under Armour Baseball Factory College PREP event and the Arizona Freshman/Sophomore Fall Classic in 2009.

#82 – Dane Dunning (White Sox)

2017 stats: (A, High-A) 26 starts, 8-8, 2.94 ERA, 144 IP, 38BB/168K

Dunning will head to big league camp this year as a non-roster invitee and established himself as yet another prized pitching prospect in the White Sox organization. He is expected to begin 2018 at Double-A Birmingham. Dunning attended an Under Armour Baseball Factory National Tryout and the UA Memorial Day Classic in 2012.

#93 – Nick Gordon (Twins)

2017 stats: (AA) 122 games, .270 BA, 29 doubles, 8 triples, 9 home runs, 66 RBI, 13 stolen bases

Gordon spent the entire season at Double-A Chattanooga as one of the Twins top infield prospects. Gordon was part of the 2012 Team One Futures East Showcase and the UA Memorial Day Classic in 2013. That same year, he was an Under Armour All-American.

#98 – Jesse Winker (Reds)

2017 stats: (AAA) 85 games, .314 BA, 22 doubles, 41 RBI

Played extensively with the big league club, playing in 47 games, hitting .298 with seven doubles, seven homers and 15 RBI. Winker played in the 2010 Team One Futures East Showcase.

#99 – Riley Pint (Rockies)

2017 stats: (A) 22 starts, 5.42 ERA, 93 IP, 79K

Pint struggled in 2017 but looks to bounce back in 2018 to show why he was the fourth overall selection in 2016 out of St. Thomas Aquinas HS in Overland Park, KS. Pint was part of the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game.

 

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