ENMANUEL BONILLA (OF, Blue Jays)
dob: Jan. 22/2006
6 ft 1 in/180 lbs
Acquired: Jan. 2023 - International FA ($4.1 million*, Dominican Republic)
Bonilla was an elite offensive prospect in the 2023 IFA class and has already shown flashes in the DSL. Over 189 AB during the 2023 Dominican Summer League Bonilla slashed .307/.407/.429 while walking at an above-average rate (11.9%). Enmanuel did strike out a lot (24.3%) but that’s somewhat expected for the 18-year-old. He likely ends up in a corner OF spot long-term defensively. Bonilla will make his US debut this year.
Potential OFP: 45/50
MLB ETA: 2028
* Toronto Blue Jays franchise record for an international free agent
TYLER GENTRY (OF, Royals)
dob: Feb. 1/1999
6 ft/210 lbs
Drafted: 2020 - 3rd Round, 76th selection overall from the University of Alabama
Tyler had a strong second half in 2023 fueled by improving swing mechanics and decisions. Evaluators have put 50 grades on power and hit tools while posting a well above-average OBP (.370). He strikes out at an elevated but not concerning amount (22.2%) while displaying solid defense in RF with an above-average arm. Tyler should stay in RF long-term as their already filled-out frame slows some as he continues maturing.
Potential OFP: 50
MLB ETA: 2024
TY FLOYD (RHP, Reds)
dob: Aug. 28/2001
6 ft 2 in/200 lbs
Drafted: 2023 - 1st Round (Supplemental), 38th selection overall from LSU
Former LSU Tiger Ty Floyd will bring a four-pitch mix to his 2024 professional debut. The arsenal's main attraction is his plus, maybe double plus-ish, fastball (mid-90s, T98). Evaluators note the pitch plays with well above-average carry and spin rates. The secondary offerings (CB/SL/CU) are improving while grading out in the 45-50 range presently. With an excellent fastball, Floyd has a reliever floor with the potential to be a mid-rotation starter.
OFP: 50
MLB ETA: 2026
SMURFING AROUND THE STACK
A few things I’ve enjoyed around Substack:
SHOHEI SCANDAL QUESTIONS
I haven’t a clue what to make of this entire situation…but I do have a few questions to get me started:
Former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara needs to pick a story and stick to it. Which is it? Did Shohei pay off the debt you racked up? That you’re a gambling addict* and you’re friend had the means to help you out of a $4.5 million dilly of a pickle you got yourself into. Shohei had no idea of the payments and this is a theft/fraud situation. I don’t know what the truth is but I have a feeling the real story may be a doozy.
* If you have a gambling problem, please get help. Gambling addiction is not a joke
How much Ohtani involvement was there? Was he unaware completely and did his friend a solid when he found out? Was he 100% involved with making bets and Ippei will effectively take the fall? Shohei had no idea and Ippei stole the funds? Again, this falls under “Who Knows?” but it’s unlikely to be either extreme, and that somewhere in the middle story adds another juicy chapter in a very interesting tale.
MLB isn’t going to punish Ohtani, arguably the global face of the sport, are they? Unless they have stone-cold proof that he bet on baseball and had affected games due to these wagers, I do not see them punishing him in any meaningful way. One more time, this is full “Who Knows?” territory, but yet another layer is added.
Thank you for checking in today. Until the next time, KEEP IT 80 GRADE!