Fantasy managers with experience know the value of having an offensive-minded infielder. It is a constant pursuit trying to uncover the next big prospect who could jump up the rankings. Infield prospects that have a lot of tools and buzz tend to make for popular trade pieces as well. Not everyone is fortunate enough to land a top pick where they can stash Wander Franco, Marco Luciano, or CJ Abrams, but there are lesser-known players capable of intrigue for a fraction of the price.
Today I would like to discuss six infield prospects that have caught my attention over the last couple of months. I decided to focus more on players that you may not find near the top of every prospect list. Some of these players are well-known among prospect evaluators but not necessarily household names. I value each of these players as a Top 100 dynasty prospect. Every list is different, but you can consider this to be a sleeper list for anyone trying to get a solid infield prospect. All of them have the potential to rise on prospect lists over the next 12 months.
Francisco Alvarez, C, Mets
The talented teenager was given a $2.7 million signing bonus out of Venezuela as part of the 2018 J2 international class. The Mets were betting on his raw plus-power combined with his emerging hit tool, and it has paid off. After dominating seven games in Gulf Coast League, Alvarez went to the Appalachian League, where he was six months younger than the next youngest player. The talented backstop managed to stand out with a solid 11.3 BB% and 21.9 K% while using the whole field. He shows a strong ability to hit the ball in the air, which will help him tap into his power at each level. Most catching prospects his age are several years away from sniffing the Major Leagues, but Alvarez appears to be a special talent. We are talking about a 60-grade hitter (at least) with plus power and good on-base skills. If he continues on his current path, he has an excellent chance of becoming the top catching prospect in baseball this time next year.
Michael Toglia, 1B, Rockies
Selected with the 23rd pick in 2019, Toglia is athletic for a big man, and his calling card is huge raw power to all fields. The switch hitter from UCLA showed off his plus plate discipline in the Northwest League, posting a 15.9 BB%. He will always have some swing and miss to his game, but his ability to get on base at a high rate, coupled with the power stroke, should make him valuable in OBP leagues. Colorado is rapidly developing a reputation for mismanaging their top prospects by letting veterans play over players needing development. But assuming Toglia has an opportunity, he should make for a relatively under the radar slugger, capable of providing well-rounded production while playing half of his games in the hitter’s paradise known as Coors Field. Should the need arrive, Toglia has enough athleticism to move to a corner outfield spot down the line.
Michael Busch, 2B, Dodgers
Selected with the 31st pick in 2019 out of the University of North Carolina, Busch was a very productive college hitter. The lefty’s numbers dropped slightly during his shortened junior season, potentially causing him to slip in the draft. Considered a plus defender at first base, he was announced as a second baseman and will be allowed to prove he can handle it effectively. Considering the Dodgers have been able to turn Max Muncy into a competent middle infielder, he is in the right organization to try it. The lefty uses a patient approach at the plate with a good understanding of the strike zone. Scouts believe he can become a plus hitter with at least above-average power. Due to a hairline fracture in his right hand, Busch was only able to play 17 games after being drafted, but his 9:17 K:BB rate in 58 PA shows he is an advanced college hitter with the upside to flourish in OBP leagues while being groomed in one of the best organizations.
Aaron Bracho, 2B, Indians
Originally, signed during the international period in 2017 for $1.5 million as a shortstop, it was identified early that a position switch would be in the cards. After missing all of 2018 with an arm injury, the switch-hitter showed his upside in 2019. Posting an elite 16.8 BB% and 15.3 K%, the teenager has the potential for a plus hit tool, elite patience, and plus power. While Bracho does not project to contribute in stolen bases, he is a premium four-category contributor if he reaches his upside. His defense will always be a work in progress, but there are expectations he will be competent enough to make getting his bat in the lineup a priority. While it still may take a couple of years before he makes his debut, Bracho is one productive season in the upper minors away from being a highly-regarded consensus top prospect. Dynasty managers should get the intriguing infielder on their roster as soon as possible, as the price should only continue to rise. A bat-first middle infield prospect with an advanced approach at such a young age is a recipe for success.
Brett Baty, 3B, Mets
Drafted 12th overall in 2019 by the Mets, Baty is a bat-first prospect who already has 70-grade power and projects to develop an above-average hit tool. While he is capable of handling third base, some scouts believe he would profile better at first base or DH. Already 20 years old, despite being drafted a year ago out of high school, there is less room for error, as typically older prep players end up busting more than the more traditional 17 or 18-year-old. Baty hit just .234 across three stops in his professional debut, but his 15.4 BB% shows his plus plate discipline, which led to a .368 OBP. Although the sample size is not large yet, Baty is looking like a three-true-outcomes slugger who should hit plenty of home runs, strikeout at a high-rate and take more than his share of walks. The slugger’s ability to keep the strikeouts at a manageable level will determine his ultimate upside.
Orelvis Martinez, SS, Blue Jays
Signed during the 2018 international signing period for $3.5 million, the biggest bonus given out that season. Toronto aggressively jumped him over the Dominican Summer League, sending him directly to the Gulf Coast League as a 17-year old. Martinez stepped up to the challenge, solidifying his spot as a promising prospect in the process. He shows the potential to be a power-hitting infielder who has quick bat-speed and demonstrated a good understanding of the strike zone, which often is the missing link for young players. Nicknamed Baby Beltre, he is expected to fill-out as a matures, and most scouts believe Martinez will end up at third base. While the young slugger does not have the speed to contribute in steals, he shows all the necessary components to be a four-category contributor playing half his games in a hitters park.
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Infield Prospects on the Rise
