Are you ready for some baseball talk? As we gear up for the 2023 season, we bring to you some exciting news about the top prospects at each position. This week, we’re diving into the outfield position, where we have some amazing talent lined up. So, if you’re a baseball enthusiast like us, sit tight and get ready to be blown away!
Our newly updated top three prospects list is based on where they currently play and where they could end up. We understand that there are many talented players out there, and that’s why we’re narrowing it down to the top five. Join us as we take a closer look at some of the game’s most outstanding outfield prospects.
First on our list is Drew Gilbert. The Houston Astros drafted him in the first round of the 2022 draft, making him their first first-round selection since 2019. Gilbert is a lefty player who possesses exceptional hand-eye coordination, allowing him to consistently barrel the ball. He also has impressive speed that he uses to his advantage on the bases and in the outfield. Make no mistake; he’s more than just a spark plug of a player. Gilbert’s fiery competitiveness and all-out attitude make him stand out from the crowd.
Jacob Melton is our second top prospect on the list that catches our attention. The Astros drafted Melton in the second round of the 2022 draft out of Oregon State. Melton is a left-handed outfielder who stands at 6’3″ and has an advanced approach at the plate. He also has above-average power potential and makes a lot of contact, which makes him all the more lethal. This Pac-12 player of the year awardee should stick to center field defensively, and his plus-running on the bases makes him an even more valuable asset to the team.
Next up, we have Pedro Leon. The Astros signed him in January 2021 for $4 million. He has a compact swing with power to all fields and an above-average arm in the outfield. Although the Astros played with him in the infield, it’s the outfield where his potential lies. Leon’s power and speed combination make him an impact player at the MLB level. He has already demonstrated this potential in the minors, proving his worth as a valuable outfield prospect.
Colin Barber is our fourth top prospect, drafted in the 4th round of high school in the 2019 draft. His impressive bat speed and above-average raw power, paired with his plus speed make him an exciting candidate for center field. Barber has had some injuries over the past few seasons, yet he’s been able to record an impressive .851 OPS in 79 High-A games. His patient approach at the plate and ability to hit the ball all over the park are additional skills that make him stand out.
Last but not least, we have Justin Dirden. Although he was an undrafted free agent following the 2020 draft, he’s proven his worth with an impressive season slashing .274/.397/.537 with 15 HR in 83 games. Along with his power and patience, he recorded a 149 wRC+ in 83 games. Dirden has above-average power and has demonstrated the ability to drive the ball to all fields. While he may appear physically imposing, he’s a good athlete and could potentially stick with center field at the big league level.
In summary, these are the top five outfield prospects to keep your eyes on as we inch closer to the 2023 season. The level of competition out there is incredibly high, and these five prospects demonstrate that. We’re excited to see how they will perform in the upcoming season and look forward to following their journeys. Stay tuned for our updated top 30 prospects list before the season starts!
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