Los Angeles Dodgers OF Alex Verdugo - Buy Immediately

Alex Verdugo is currently on a 13 game hit streak in AAA and 5 years younger than the league average. He is batting .455 in his last 10 games. Verdugo has a 10.4% walk rate and a 9.3% K rate to go along with 14 doubles, 3 triples and 3 home runs on the season. These stats indicate a high level of plate discipline that you want to see in a major league hitter. In my opinion, there is a strong chance that prices could reach Bellinger/Seager levels in the future. I expect a callup to the majors in 2018 (possibly 2017) and I expect Verdugo to rake. The power numbers are not a concern as home run power is the last skill to develop. As I stated on Twitter previously, Mike Trout only hit 23 home runs in his minors career and Verdugo has hit 25. What is scary is that when you compare both players minor league statistics they are very similar. Am I saying that Verdugo is the next Trout? NO. What I am saying is Verdugo is an advanced hitter with 20-30 HR potential with a 70 rated arm. Time is running out so do not wait to invest. Verdugo's cards can still be bought for decent prices.

Link to Stats via Fangraphs
                                       

MLB Prospect Alerts & Updates

As we approach the All Star break, I would like to provide some updates and thoughts on various events happening in the minor leagues. As always feel free to send me a message on the blog or on twitter if you have any questions.


New York Yankees - Dustin Fowler - Back in 2016 I recommended you invest in Fowler. If you bought at that time you are in good shape. Prices have doubled. You hope he would increase his walk rate in the future but the talent is legit.

Oakland Athletics - A.J. Puk - A.J. Puk is now a STRONG BUY. Scouts were initially skeptical but Puk has delivered. He is the lefty that Oakland needs.

Cleveland Indians - Will Benson - I will be watching Will Benson closely as short season begins. Can he cut down on the strikeouts?

Boston Red Sox - Jay Groome - If you like Groome, I strongly suggest investing now. He was a steal in the draft due to character issues but the arm is front end.

Colorado Rockies - Brendan Rodgers - I am aware that Rodgers is on fire right now but there is one issue... He plays in Colorado. If he were to ever be traded I would buy immediately. He's that good.

Short Season Leagues - Keep an eye on all short season & rookie ball leagues. Performance will be a key factor when 2017 Draft is released in September. (Obvious I know)


Stay tuned for more updates from Prospects For Cash!

NY Yankees INF Gleyber Torres Out For the Season - My Thoughts

It was announced today that Gleyber Torres will undergo Tommy John surgery and will be out for the season. Tommy John surgery for a position player is not as negative than surgery for a pitcher so I'm not worried but his debut with the Yankees will be delayed a significant amount of time. The injury presents a possible new investing opportunity. Most prospectors will hold and some will sell at at a discount. Might be a good time to take advantage of a rare opportunity. Torres will be a star.

My Thoughts on the 2017 MLB Draft

The MLB draft is tonight and while most individuals could care less I will be watching all three rounds. Most scouts would say the talent is not as good as previous years draft (see 2011) but I still am interested on where certain players will end up. This draft has a few two way players that I have been watching closely. Hopefully all the kids drafted sign sooner than later so an adequate sample size can be logged before Bowman Draft is released in December.

Taylor Trammell - Cincinatti Reds (OF) - Strong Buy

After a slow start to the season Taylor Trammell has started heat up. He currently has 11 doubles, 7 triples and 3 home runs on the season. The most impressive stat is that Trammell has 28 walks so far. For a two sport player that is a very good sign. The tools are there and I expect him to continue his success. I strongly recommend prospectors invest in a few auto's. He is a speedster with the power potential to hit 15-20 Hr's.

Taylor Trammell Stats