Tampa Bay Rays: Brent Honeywell, SP
Honeywell was one of the favorites to win the AL Rookie of the Year for 2018 at this point last year, but Tommy John Surgery knocked him out of professional baseball for the season. Honeywell is still recovering to 100% and may not be ready to play by Opening Day, but once he is healthy and rehabbed, the Rays will be sure to make a spot for their former 1st round pick in the starting rotation. The scouting report on MLBPipeline.com has great things to say about his repertoire and how he uses it:
“Honeywell has no shortage of weapons at his disposal, as he’ll show the ability to execute five distinct pitches in a given outing. He throws his fastball in the low to mid-90s, at times touching 95-96 mph, with late sinking action and backs it with a host of secondary offerings, including his trademark screwball as well as a plus changeup. His feel for commanding his above-average slider down in the zone gives him yet another out pitch, while his curveball represents a quality change-of-pace offering.
Throwing strikes has never been a problem for Honeywell. His natural athleticism, smooth mechanics and repeatable delivery all work in harmony to allow him to pound the zone consistently, and club officials note that his command has improved as he’s climbed the Minor League ladder. Honeywell is also a fearless competitor on the mound, and he receives raves for his ability to mix pitches, set up hitters and execute a game plan.”
It’s pretty clear why Honeywell is often near the top of MLB-wide prospect lists. The biggest issue, of course, is the injury. Should he not fully recover, his once-promising career could be headed downward. If he bounces back to the pitcher with a 2.84 FIP in his first and only AAA season, the Rays have another high upside pitcher on their hands. He’ll be one to watch in the upcoming season for sure.
Toronto Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 3B
There isn’t a more obvious pick for any other team. The Hall-of-Famers son is the consensus top prospect in all of baseball, and most believe he should have been in the MLB last season if it weren’t for Toronto’s likely service-time manipulation. The Blue Jays likely won’t be competing this season, but just watching their possible future face-of-the-franchise play should keep fans in the seats.
The 19-year-old isn’t expected to be a great defender at the hot corner, but his bat is good enough to catch the eye of every scout. MLBPipeline.com gives him an 80-grade hit tool (the best that you can have) and a 65-grade power tool (well above-average). Most reports grade him somewhat similarly. Guerrero hits missiles off the bat and may hit dozens of homers a season, as well as walk more than he strikes out. There is no denying that his ability to hit matches just about any prospect in recent memory.
Guerrero Jr. spent some time in AA to start 2018 and had an injury cut short his time in AAA, but in the limited time, he was one of the best hitters in the minor leagues. In 30 AAA games, Guerrero Jr. posted a 175 wRC+. His numbers and scouting reports from the minor leagues are so impressive that they led to Steamer projecting him to be worth as much WAR in 2019 as Aaron Judge and Nolan Arenado (despite also being projected to play fewer games). Even if Guerrero Jr. doesn’t surpass his expectations, he is in for an award-filled season.
As of now, Roster Resource doesn’t have Guerrero Jr. slotted into any starting spot for Toronto. It is possible that he spends April in AAA, but ultimately, they won’t be keeping the Rookie of the Year favorite out for long. Brandon Drury is the current 3rd baseman for the Blue Jays, and even if they like him that much, he can move across the diamond to 2nd base.
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