Off and Running - Issue #12
C Dalton Rushing, LAD, A-
Rushing was drafted out of Louisville, finishing his draft season as a starter after backing up former #1 overall pick Henry Davis in 2020 and 2021. He lands with the Dodgers, a team that knows a thing or two about player development but also finds himself at a position that isn't exactly thin in Los Angeles. With Will Smith still in the top half of catchers at the major level and Diego Cartaya waiting in the wings at AAA Oklahoma City, it wouldn't surprise if you weren't paying Rushing any attention.
But that would be your mistake. After a quick cuppa in the Complex League, Rushing got to work at Low A Rancho Cucamonga, putting up a 225 wRC+. That would mean he's performing 125% better than the average hitter at the level. Yes, he's a college bat from a good program so he's more advanced than most but digging into the production, it's still pretty amazing:
In 128 PAs - 8 HRs, 11 doubles, a K rate and walk rate that are equal (16.4%). It will get harder and unluckier (.472 BABIP) as he likely begins the 2023 season at High A but those types of numbers (along with being able at both catcher and 1B), moves Rushing into possible back end of the 1st round potential for me.
SS Zach Neto, LAA, AA
Neto finished up a career year at Campbell before being selected by the Angels as the 13th overall pick. After an inauspicious start at High A Tri-City where he hit 5 for 25 in 7 games, Neto was promoted to AA. To most outsiders (mainly myself), it looked like another short-sighted move by the consistently mismanaged Angels. Here they were throwing their first round pick into the deep end when he didn't even show that he could tread water, right? Wrong. Neto as lit up AA, becoming a spark plug for a Rocket City team that made the playoffs (which means more ABs for Neto) and looking like a pro hitter rounding into form.
Not only is Neto batting a robust .320/.385/.492, he's showing that unconventional mechanics, including a leg kick that would make Josh Donaldson proud, could actually work at the highest level against velocity. The production at an advanced level along with the void at SS in the system (other than Kyren Paris?) moves Neto way up. Dare I say he's a top 5 FYPD selection now?
SS/3B Cayden Wallace, KCR, A-
Like Neto, Wallace got a quick introduction at Complex ball before getting his "real" first assignment at Low A Columbia. Unlike Neto, Wallace has had no problems at the A ball level, putting up a slugging percentage over .800 along with 8 stolen bases.
Wallace seeks his place in a lengthening line of underrated and undervalued hitters in the Kansas City system. While there may not be a direct path to the bigs for him, Wallace will continue to accumulate value as he plays well on the left side of the infield. His combination of plate discipline with above average foot speed could create a number of positive outcomes for him as a major leaguer. I'd look for him in the middle of the 3rd round as a perfect dart throw for you to bank on underlying potential.
3B Tyler Locklear, SEA, A+
Locklear played well in a more under-talented conference (Atlantic 10) before being chosen in the second round by Seattle. Locklear finished up his first pro season at Low A Modesto, hitting 7 HRs in 29 games, coupled with an .857 OPS. Locklear is an undervalued power bat, with the ability to hit to all fields and enough discipline to not cause too much concern about strikeouts currently.
Because of the level and his background, he probably is still around in the 4th round for you to select but you could receive 2nd round value in a couple of seasons if he continues on this trajectory.
OF Jud Fabian, BAL, A+
Speaking of potential, Fabian may end up the poster boy for draftees betting on their own potential instead of what's suggested. There was never a question of talent with the former Florida Gator but after Fabian had a disastrous 2021 that caused his stock to tank (resulting in being selected 40th overall by the Red Sox), he returned to Gainesville with more questions than answers. Could he cut down on strikeouts? Would he hurt his value more with another college season for scouts to pick over his flaws? Fabian's senior season was more of a incomplete than a resounding A+ but it was enough for the Orioles (who had been linked to Fabian in 2021) to pick him with their Competitive B selection at #67.
Fabian continues to be a bit of a mixed bag, posting a 17.3% K rate at Low A Aberdeen before delivering a 26% rate in 30 High A games. I think Fabian takes a severe hit in batting average leagues but I still like him as a 3rd round pick-up, especially if you're betting on the power/speed combo as a true CF.
OF Gavin Cross, KCR, A+
Another perfect segue, mentioning power/speed as we cover Royals 1st rounder Gavin Cross. To be fair, this is sort of a cheat given where Cross was drafted in the MLB draft. But Cross is one of several high profile OF prospects in this year's draft and it seems early on, he's making his name as the best of the bunch. Cross was known to have tremendous power and plate discipline along with a body type and arm that lend themselves to an everyday RF. However, thus far at Low A Columbia, he's played only CF and seems to be availing himself well.
Coupling the ability to play all 3 OF positions with his left hand power stroke (7 HRs), ability to steal bases (4 for 6), and aforementioned discipline (.71 BB:K), suddenly Cross looks like a 4-5 category producer in fantasy. He doesn't have the all-world upside of Druw Jones or Jackson Holliday but I'd be surprised if he wasn't consistently coming off the board as the 3rd position player selected in most FYPDs.
Next Issue
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