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The Arizona Diamondbacks will be our next stop on the farm to evaluate the best prospects on each MLB team. Once the 2020 MLB season begins, it may turn out that Minor League systems will be more important than usual. Franchises are losing money during the pandemic layoff, so many teams will be looking for sources of cheap production. It might also take older players longer to rebound from a long layoff meaning we could see more injuries and more roster moves. We might even see expanded rosters, at least in the early going.
One important question to ask is: How will a long layoff affect prospects? One has to assume the more advanced prospects prior to the work stoppage will be at an advantage, while the more “toolsy but raw” type could be hurt with the lack of repetition and in-game action; throwing or hitting in simulated environments just doesn’t match up to the real thing. Many prospects will have to work jobs during the pandemic just to make ends meet, while players who signed for large bonuses will have an advantage. Other prospects that lack strong discipline and commitment to their craft could struggle to stay in shape.
We won’t really know what the layoff impact will have on baseball in general until things start ramping up. But we do know that a strong prospect pool will continue to be an important element for a successful baseball franchise. We're looking at the Top 10 (or more) dynasty prospects in each organization with an eye to discovering which organizations are best positioned to succeed with their player development when games resume. Make sure to check out all of our prospect content, including Top 50 for 2020 and Top 250 for Dynasty Leagues.
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Quick Synopsis
The Diamondbacks system features some of the most impressive depth among high-ceiling, young hitters in the game. The pitching is another story…
1. Daulton Varsho, C/OF
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 44
2020 Prospect Rank: 45
2020 LEVEL: AAA
MLB ETA: 2020
Varsho has a chance to have immense fantasy value if he ends up playing both behind the plate and in the outfield when he reaches the Majors. He’s an incredibly athletic catcher and he could end up with a few 20-20 seasons. He’s almost MLB ready.
2. Corbin Carroll, OF
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 48
2020 LEVEL: A-
MLB ETA: 2022
The 16th overall selection from the 2019 draft, Carroll is an advanced bat who could move quickly through the minors assuming the lost 2020 season doesn’t impact him too much. He can impact the game with his ability to hit for average and also wreak havoc on the base paths (with strong defensive instincts in center field). The power is of the gap (doubles/triples) variety.
3. Kristian Robinson, OF
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 52
2020 LEVEL: A-
MLB ETA: 2022
An impressive athletic specimen at the age of 19, Robinson has a chance to hit for power while providing speed on the base paths. He could eventually develop into a 20-20 player. His hit tool is a little bit behind as he swings and misses too much but he comes from the Bahamas where the pitching talent is modest. He has a good eye at the plate so he may just need additional reps in that area before he takes a step forward.
4. Geraldo Perdomo, SS
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 58
2020 LEVEL: A+
MLB ETA: 2022
Perdomo’s development allowed the organization to trade fellow shortstop prospect (with more holes in his game) Jazz Chisholm in the Zac Gallen steal-of-a-deal. Perdomo doesn’t have the plus power potential but he’s a much stronger hitter, better base runner, and better fielder. He’s just 20 and may soon be ready for Double-A
5. Alek Thomas, OF
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 66
2020 LEVEL: A+
MLB ETA: 2022
The Diamondbacks organization’s top five young hitters as quite likely the envy of the league. Thomas is an advanced hitter for his age and has easily hit more than .300 over his two-year career. He also has a strong eye and should have added value in on-base leagues. The biggest knock on Thomas is that his line-drive swing isn’t geared for over-the-fence power but he could still hit 15-20 home runs at maturation.
6. Seth Beer, OF/1B
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 102
2020 LEVEL: AA
MLB ETA: 2021
Beer has impressive power and could one day hit 30 home runs. To date, he’s shown the ability to hit for a solid average but he has some holes in his approach, which could eventually lead to a lower batting average unless he continues to make adjustments. He’s a fringe fielder in left so he could end up stuck at first base or DH.
7. Levi Kelly, RHP
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 148
2020 LEVEL: A+
MLB ETA: 2022
Kelly had a breakout season in 2019 and has now held pro hitters to a .196 batting average over two seasons. The right-hander has an impressive fastball-slider combo but needs a reliable third offering to help him stick in the starting rotation. His command and control are hurt by his delivery so he may never be more than average in that area, which puts additional importance on rounding out the repertoire.
8. Corbin Martin, RHP
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 147
2020 LEVEL: Injured
MLB ETA: 2021
Martin looked like he could be a key contributor for the Astors in 2019 but Tommy John surgery derailed those hopes. The fact that Arizona still wanted him while hurt goes to show how talented he could be when back at full strength. He has a chance at three above-average offerings.
9. Jon Duplantier, RHP
Dynasty Prospect Rank: 151
2020 LEVEL: AAA
MLB ETA: 2020
Duplantier has bounced around a bit between starting and relieving while also battling persistent health issues. He might be better suited to relieving where he can really focus on getting swings-and-misses with his two above-average breaking balls.
10. J.B. Bukauskas, RHP
2020 LEVEL: AAA
MLB ETA: 2020
Bukauskas is another former top college pitcher that could be better suited to relieving. The short right-hander is a spin-rate poster child with above-average velocity but his lack of physicality and below-average command/control really undermines his effectiveness as a starter.
