SS MANUEL BELTRE, BLUE JAYS
ACQUIRED: International FA, July 2020 ($2.35 million)
Beltre displays a HIT > POWER profile from the right side of the plate while being an above-average defender at SS. Manuel will likely stay at SS but also has the flexibility to play second base as well. While having a smaller frame, Beltre is athletic with projection remaining without having a detrimental effect on his athleticism and speed. The In Zone swing and contact rates are promising as are the strikeout and walk rates highlighting a rather mature approach for the still-just-19-year-old. With above-average MIF defense, on-base rates, and speed there is a solid floor for the young Dominican.
Potential OFP: 50. MLB ETA: 2026.
2B/OF JAVIER VAZ, ROYALS
ACQUIRED: 2022 MLB Amateur Draft - Round: 15, Overall: 445, Vanderbilt University
Javier has elite bat-to-ball skills along with excellent speed and defensive versatility. A smaller-framed athlete, Vaz has well-below-average power and likely won’t add too much strength to his frame going forward. The former Commodore can steal bases with 30 bags swiped in 2023 across two levels (High-A & Double-A). Looking at the High-A numbers above, they were similar to the Double-A numbers over 33 games, the Z-Swing (swings at balls in the strike zone) numbers jumped out. Coming in at just shy of 51% in High-A & 55% with NW Arkansas, I’m wondering if there’s some passivity at the dish or if it is maturity in knowing their strengths and being vigilant in sticking to them. With elite contact skills along with versatility on the defensive side (Javier played 2B/SS/CF/LF in 2023), the floor is rather high for the 2023 KC Royals Organization All-Star.
Potential OFP: 45. MLB ETA: 2025.
Javier Vaz's gorgeous diving stop | Sep.10/2023 | MILB.com
Javier Vaz's three-hit hit game | Aug. 26/2023 | MILB.com
OF BLAKE DUNN, REDS
ACQUIRED: 2021 MLB Amateur Draft - Round: 15, Overall: 450, Western Michigan University
After battling injuries over his first two seasons, Dunn had an outstanding 2023. The Cincinnati Reds Organizational All-Star got on base over 40% of the time (.425 OBP), hitting 23 HR while stealing 54 bases. An outstanding athlete, Blake was a 4 sport star (baseball, football, track & basketball) in HS and is a well-rounded player who can potentially contribute at the MLB level. He can hit for average and power while being good on the base paths and in the field. All five of Blake’s tools would grade out at a 50 or higher. If he can stay healthy, Dunn should make his MLB debut this season.
Potential OFP: 55. MLB ETA: 2024
For the remainder of Spring Training, we’ll spend time with prospects in KC, Cinci, and from the 6. Once the season gets going we’ll hop into Hoser prospects/minor leaguers more heavily and spend the majority of our time in that universe. We’ll also get into Canadian draft prospects as the draft approaches. The capacity to follow college and HS/prep Canucks in any real way is simply not there but we’ll still make time for a visit!
Reading List Update:
Wrapped up Eight Men Out and dropped a new one to my “actively reading” list:
We’ve wrapped up our latest “Pro History Of..” city and are now about to go to the next city on our Canada-wide journey. Heading west a bit and stopping by Winnipeg, Manitoba next!
Keep an eye out for new Inductee In An Instant coming soon. Heading back to the Way Back machine for the next Canadian Baseball HOF inductee.
Thank you for checking in today and I’ll see you all again soon. Until then, as usual, KEEP IT 80 GRADE!