Minor League Check In

Wikipedia

While it's technically three weeks past the official halfway point for most minor league seasons, the midseason break is lined up with the MLB All-Star game to allow for the Future All-Stars to join in the festivities with their soon to be peers. This years Future's game was Saturday, July 16th in Los Angeles, and featured some exciting performances from Shea Langeliers and Zac Veen. We'll give a brief overview of that game, providing each league's standings, highlighting some strong starts to highlight and discussing some players who won't be in the minors much longer once rosters expand come September. Let's get to it.

Strong Performers

Gunnar Henderson (3B- Baltimore): Arguably the MVP of minor league baseball this season, Gunnar Henderson has absolutely dominated AA and AAA ball. The two-time player of the week and Future's All-Star game starter has hit for a line of .294/13/54 on his ascension to the #5 overall prospect in minor league baseball. His .428 OBP suggests a good eye and mature plate approach while his defense has continued to be strong on the left side of the infield. Henderson's rise has given him a legitimate chance to be the Orioles starting third baseman come 2023.

Jhonkensy Noel (1B- Cleveland): The .216 batting average may not inspire fear in many opposing pitchers, but 25 home runs and a strong .805 OPS show just how valuable Noel can be for Lake County and Akron. The guys at Chopping Lines got to see Noel in action last year for low-A Lynchburg and the pop his bat has is not just something that's on the stat sheet- this dude smokes the ball. Currently second in the minors for home runs, it will be fun seeing how the first baseman's power translates as he moves closer to the majors. Jhonkensy was one of two Cleveland prospects representing the team in the Future's All-Star Game.

Matt Gorski (CF- Pittsburgh): Like Noel, Matt Gorski is a big time power bat. Splitting time this year between A+ Greensboro and AA Altoona, the center fielder amassed 23 home runs in 67 games. On top of the considerable power, Gorski also slashed for a .294 average at both assignments. His development has been incredibly consistent and encouraging for Pirates fans keeping an eye on their farm (often the only source of Pittsburgh baseball excitement). Unfortunately, Matt suffered a quad injury at the end of June and was recently put on the 60-day IL. We're hoping for a quick and full recovery for this underrated prospect.

Corbin Carroll (OF- Arizona): Our last batter on this list, #3 overall prospect Corbin Carroll has been one of the few bright spots this season for Diamondback fans. The pedestrian sized outfielder has spent most of the year in double-A Amarillo holding down center field. Carroll has been electric at the plate in the first half, slashing .315/19/45. Like many on this list, Corbin also played in the Future's All Star Game this past weekend. Expect to see the 21 year old in Arizona by the beginning of next year, especially if he's able to finish the season as strongly as he started.

Taj Bradley (P- Tampa Bay): The only pitcher on this list to earn a nod for the Future's All-Star game, Taj Bradley has had a masterful season for the Montgomery Biscuits. Going 3-1 with a 1.70 ERA in sixteen starts will warrant such an honor. Currently MLB.com's #33 prospect overall, the 5th round pick has seen statistical success at all levels of the minors thus far and has increased his velocity this year through improved mechanics (MLB.com). If Bradley's hard work continues to bear fruit, expect to see him in a Rays' uniform by this time next year.

Mason Montgomery (P- Tampa Bay): Back to back Tampa Bay pitchers here, because man can that team develop talent... A fellow member of the Biscuits, the aptly named Montgomery has been spectacular for the A+ club. He's allowed just fourteen earned runs in 73.2 innings and is striking out 4.3 batters for each walk. Surely a team with scouting as sharp as Tampa could not have seen such a quick rise to dominance for the 6th round pick in his first full season. It seems the Rays are in the midst of developing yet another potential gem of a starter.

Logan Allen (P- Cleveland): The #7 prospect in Cleveland, southpaw Logan Allen had a really solid beginning to his season for the Akron Rubber Ducks. Posting a 5-3 record with a 3.33 ERA and 4.7 K/walk ratio in 13 starts for the Guardians' AA squad, the second year hurler from Florida International earned himself a promotion at the end of June up to Columbus. His three starts for the Clippers have left some room for improvement, allowing more earned runs than innings pitched. We anticipate that Allen will be able to settle in and finish the year strong, helping him to push for a rotation spot next spring training.

Royber Salinas (P- Atlanta): The overall minor league leader in strikeouts with 126 in 73.2 innings, the Venezuelan righty was a real challenge for opposing batters at low-A Augusta. Salinas was promoted after five starts there, only allowing a .127 BAA and four earned runs. Since being promoted to the Rome Braves, his ERA has tripled. Not an optimistic stat there, however his strikeout rates haven't declined too substantially. Royber is still a ways away from the big show, but his ability to stack punchouts must be an encouraging development for Atlanta and is a season worth highlighting.

Futures Game Review

Saturday July 16: Both the American and National leagues boasted rosters stacked with talent and their performances during the game lived up to the hype.

Right out of the gate, Gunnar Henderson had some heads up baserunning, advancing two bases on a pass ball and scoring the first run of the game for the AL. Taj Bradley's stuff looked electric in the bottom half of the first, but he needed a little help from catcher Shea Langeliers throwing out the speedy Corbin Carroll to preserve the 1-0 lead.

Hunter Brown threw in the bottom of the second and was let down by a very uncharacteristic drop in center by Jasson Dominguez, which allowed two unearned runs to come home. Brown was ultimately charged with three runs, but all were not earned.

Dominguez made up for his blunder just an inning later by ripping a two-run home run to tie the game up. Twins' prospect Matt Wallner joined in on the third inning barrage with a two-run shot of his own, putting the AL up 5-3.

Langeliers would show up again in the fourth inning, hitting an absolute bomb to extend the lead by one. The NL would manufacture another run amidst their final push in the bottom of the seventh, but it was not enough as the American League took home the 6-4 victory.

The game itself was a quick and easy watch. Didn't love the half and half orange and blue jerseys, but that's not a deal breaker for me. In-game interviews with guys like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Curtis Mead were cool touches that added a unique entertainment value. Some of the cleats were great too, shoutout Jordan Lawlar and the Scooby Doo's.

It was unfortunate to have the competitive and fun game cut off in the 7th, I feel like Manfred should've found some way to get that through the ninth. Just another smudge on his resume. Nonetheless, it was a great contest while it lasted and we're excited to see these guys continue to work their way

Players to Look Out for in September

Max Meyer (P- Miami) was originally atop this list, but he actually got the call up for the lingering Miami Marlins on July 14th. We're pulling for Max as he embarks on his career in the big leagues. He flashed some good stuff and threw for 5 1/3 in his first start, giving up five earned runs and striking out five.

Shea Langeliers (C- Oakland): The Athletics will certainly not be competing come September, but I believe they'll still want to get a glimpse of their #1 prospect vs. major league arms before year's end. The centerpiece in Atlanta's return package for Matt Olson, the Braves' 2019 first round pick has played all year for AAA Las Vegas, showing decent contact and solid power. While Shea's play has pushed him closer to earning this promotion, the A's may be forced to bring him up just to fill out the roster depending how busy they are at this upcoming trade deadline. Regardless, keep an eye on the Futures' Game MVP as a headliner for Oakland's next wave of young players.

Cade Cavalli (P- Washington): A fast riser from the 2020 draft class, the Oklahoma alumni has sped through the minors with a generally high level of success. Assigned to AAA Rochester for this season, Cavalli's ERA of 4.31 is up slightly from his previous year, but he has been more efficient overall with lower walk rates. Given the injury issues and terrible performance the Nationals have experienced this season, combined with the strong showings by the second year pitcher, I expect that we'll get to see Cade called up before the season's end. He was named an All-Star for this year's Futures game, but did not pitch in the game.

Terrin Vavra (MIF- Baltimore): While many Orioles fans would much prefer to see Gunnar in Camden Yards this September, it's actually more likely that Swiss Army knife Terrin Vavra gets that call. Acquired as part of the Mychal Givens trade in 2020, Vavra's ability to play middle infield and the outfield has helped him to be a useful player at AAA Norfolk. The numbers at the plate have been strong as well, with a .316/2/18 line. Injuries have been the biggest thing holding back the 5th year pro, having had three stints on the IL over the last two years. If Terrin is able to stay healthy however, expect to see him in Baltimore this September battling for his future with the club.

Hunter Brown (P- Houston): Houston's only top 100 player, the 83rd prospect in baseball Hunter Brown has had an outstanding campaign for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (← Shoutout to a great minor league team name there). A bright spot in a thin farm system, the 6'2" righty has been in control in his sixteen appearances, striking out three batters for each walk allowed with a 2.38 ERA and .186 BAA. He rightfully earned his spot in this recent Future's All-Star game, and it's only a matter of time until he's joins in on the Astros' playoff push.

Brice Turang (2B/SS- Milwaukee): A first round pick back in 2018, it feels like Brice's time is upon us. Steadily rising through the Brewer's farm system through the last few seasons, Turang has spent the entirety of 2022 in AAA Nashville. He's been a solid contact hitter for the Sounds, batting .281 with an OBP of .342. With a clean defensive game to add to his active bat, there are a number of tools that Milwaukee would find appealing as they continue their pursuit of the NL Central. It would be a true surprise to not see him on the major league roster by October.

League Standings

International League (AAA)

East		West
1. Lehigh Valley IronPigs PHI (49-41)	*	1. Nashville Sounds MIL (54-35)
2. Durham Bulls TB (48-42)	*	2. Columbus Clippers CLE (51-38)
3. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp MIA (48-42)	*	3. Memphis Red Birds STL (50-40)
4. Rochester Red Wings WSH (47-43)	*	4. Toledo Mud Hens DET (45-43)
5. Worcester Red Sox BOS (47-43)	*	5. Omaha Storm Chasers KC (45-44)
6. Buffalo Bisons TOR (46-44)	*	6. Gwinnett Stripers ATL (44-46)
7. Norfolk Tides BAL (44-46)	*	7. St. Paul Saints MIN (42-46)
8. Scranton/WB RailRiders NYY (44-36)	*	8. Indianapolis Indians PIT (41-46)
9. Syracuse Mets NYM (40-50)	*	9. Iowa Cubs CHC (40-49)
10. Charlotte Knights CWS (33-57)	*	10. Louisville Bats CIN (36-53)

Pacific Coast League (AAA)

East		West
1. El Paso Chihuahuas SD (52-38)	*	1. Las Vegas Aviators OAK (49-40)
2. Oklahoma City Dodgers LAD (52-38)	*	2. Reno Aces ARI (49-41)
3. Round Rock Express TEX (47-43)	*	3. Salt Lake Bees LAA (42-48)
4. Albuquerque Isotopes COL (42-48)	*	4. Sacramento RiverCats SF (40-50)
5. Sugar Land Space Cowboys HOU (38-52)	*	5. Tacoma Raiders SEA (38-51)

Eastern League (AA)

Northeast		Southwest
1. Hartford Yard Goats COL (54-33)	*	1. Erie SeaWolves DET (50-36)
2. Somerset Patriots NYY* (53-34)	*	2. Akron Rubber Ducks CLE (45-40)
3. Portland Sea Dogs BOS (43-44)	*	3. *Richmond Flying Squirrels SF (46-41)
4. Reading Fighting Phils PHI (40-47)	*	4. Altoona Curve PIT (45-42)
5. New Hampshire FisherCats TOR (38-49)	*	5. Bowie Baysox BAL (38-48)
6. Binghamton Rumble Ponies NYM (33-54)	*	6. Harrisburg Senators WSH (35-52)