Is Anybody Out There? - Issue #11
OF Diego Hernandez, KCR, AA (0%)
Shout out to Royals Farm Report for putting Hernandez on my radar.
There's not a ton to add here but I'll try:
Looking at Hernandez's swing, I was reminded of Kenny Lofton (not making a comparison!) - short to the ball, with surprisingly explosive pop off the barrel and a buggy whip finish. Since his promotion, Hernandez is 3-22 (😬) but luckily strikeouts aren't the issue. Instead of looks like an already high GB and Pull rate have climbed even higher causing Hernandez's struggles. The Royals have a recent track record of developing guys after a second bite at the apple, so I think Hernandez is still an intriguing bottom of the roster add as you prepare for the next session.
SS Darell Hernaiz, BAL, A+, (3%)
Hernaiz is someone that Orioles staff have talked up over the past couple of seasons. As a draftee out of high school, he put up respectable numbers in the Gulf Coast League during 2019 before coming back in 2021 at Low A and showing even more potential. The O's had him start this season at Low A but, as part of their massive improvement they've had in the minors, promoted him to High A Aberdeen where he's actually improved most of his stats.
51 games into his High A career, his line is: .293/.365./441 with 4 HRs and 10 doubles to go along with 13/16 in the stolen base department.
Hernaiz obviously doesn't have the star potential of a Gunnar Henderson but he's one of several middle infielders in the Baltimore system that has power and speed along with a great approach. The front office loves his glovework and he should be able to remain at SS primarily. That's a combination for rising fast, in an org already filled with talented infielders.
OF Jonathan Clase, SEA, A, (8%)
The Mariners are lousy with tooled up international signees, and Clase is no exception. Coming in at 5'8 and 150(ish) lbs, Clase doesn't impose but his abilities become readily apparent, specifically his speed. In his first two seasons combined (2019 Rookie, 2021 Complex), he stole 47 bags in 77 games. This season at Low A Modesto, he's stolen 46 bases in 89 games played. But it's not just the 70+ grade speed but also his ability to drive some pitches as well. He currently has 8 HRs and 15 doubles, while his GB and FB rates are almost equal (40.6% and 41.8% respectively).
Clase is an enticing player for me, especially given the Mariners' proclivity to trade from their farm. If they decide to big game hunt in the offseason, Clase could be sent to a team with a more shallow prospect pool OR benefit from some of the talented hitters in front of him being shipped out. Of course, everything isn't perfect as Clase still strikes out at a high clip (27.7%) and you could wonder if it was a good thing for Clase to resume switch-hitting. The Mariners weren't even aware he could while they scouted him; I do think the left hand side delivers a good swing.
C Endy Rodriguez, PIT, AA (9%)
I don't know why Endy isn't rostered more and I don't know why I ever dropped him from my team. Well I do know but it's a dumb reason. Rodriguez first came on the scene last season with amazing EVs while at Low A Bradenton and then worked his way up to High A Greensboro to close out his season. This year, he struggle to begin the year (hence me dropping him) before getting as hot as the temps in Southeast U.S. In the past 30 games, Rodriguez is batting .373/.470/.755, 11 HRs, 9 doubles, and more walks than strikeouts. There is something to be said for the park factor, which could have a negative impact on Rodriguez moving forward.
The one "negative" I could easily find for Rodriguez isn't really one; he's become a more full-time catcher than any other season since being traded by the Mets. Last season, Rodriguez logged time at second base and left field but he has a cannon of an arm so he's more than able to play behind the dish.
I know the Pirates don't have the best track record but Rodriguez and Henry Davis present some interesting dynamics as they both rise through the minors at the same position. The Pirates should be so lucky to have both end up as significant.
P Yosver Zulueta, TOR, AA, (9%)
Zulueta might be the only player on this list with legit top 100 consideration so it's amazing to me that he's still be under-rostered by so much. The stuff is evident if you look at his Savant data from Low A this season and he's dominating at every stop. He just makes the cut, turning 25 in January 2023 and he's almost guaranteed to see MLB time next year as he's going to be protected by the Blue Jays in the Rule 5 draft.
There's still a question around his command and his walk rate has ballooned as he's walked 10 batters in 10.1IP at AA New Hampshire. That said, I'd buy the stuff and worry about where he ends up later. If he corrals it even by a bit, he's a SP3 ceiling. If not, he should be a phenomenal late inning reliever, maybe even the next Toronto closer.
Next Month
The playoffs are almost here in fantasy leagues while the minors have one last full month before 2022 is in the books.
For September's issue, we'll focus on who in the 2022 draft class has already made a splash in their pro debuts, potentially raising their stock for your FYPD in the offseason.
Thanks you for reading as always!