ARJUN NIMMALA (SS, TORONTO BLUE JAYS)
DOB: Oct.16/2005
6 ft 1 in/170 lbs, B/T: R/R
DRAFTED: 2023 - 1st Round, 20th selection overall, Strawberry Crest HS (FL)
The former cricketer has plenty of physical projection remaining standing in at a lean 170 lbs and only 18 years of age. Arjun is a bit of a “toolbox” so to say. If you’re an evaluator you’d be putting 50s and 55s on all his tools and dreaming of the very high ceiling that Arjun has if everything goes to plan. He may end up at 3B long-term as he fills out but the capability and ability to stay at SS is there. Nimmala debuted in the complex already playing in nine games where he walked 14 times against 8 strikeouts over 40 plate appearances.
Potential OFP: 55
MLB ETA: late 2027/28
CAYDEN WALLACE (3B, KANSAS CITY ROYALS)
DOB: Aug. 7/2001
5 ft 10 in/205 lbs, B/T: R/R
DRAFTED: 2022 - 2nd Round, 49th selection overall, University of Arkansas
Another toolbox. The former Razorback (Woooooooo! Pig Sooie!) has found his home at the hot corner. Cayden brings a plus arm to 3B along with 50s on his hit, power &, and run tools while being above average defensively. Wallace brings above-average contact rates while making good swing decisions as shown by the swing rates below. Cayden also boasts above-average K & WHIFF rates while not walking very much. I wouldn’t mind seeing that increase to get on base a little more often. There is some stolen base potential here that can be tapped into and Cayden is generally considered a good to very-good baserunner. Being on base a little more would add to an already very good profile. Cayden should solidify the left side of the infield in Kansas City long-term with Bobby Witt Jr soon enough.
Potential OFP: 55
MLB ETA: 2025
CHASE PETTY (RHP, CINCINNATI REDS)
DOB: Apr. 4/2003
6 ft 1 in/190 lbs
DRAFTED: 2021 - 1st round, 26th selection overall, Mainland Regional HS (NJ) by the Minnesota Twins
ACQUIRED: March 2022 - Cincinnati Reds traded RHP Sonny Gray & RHP Francis Peguero to Minnesota Twins for RHP Chase Petty
Chase hit my radar as a high-school pitcher who touched 100 mph with his fastball but is now developing an impressive arsenal. This is the “Thrower To Pitcher” maturing process on full display with Petty now coming with a three pitch mix:
FB: 92-95 2 seam & has 4 seam offering (above-average/55 grade)
SL: 87-89, highest graded and best pitch (60)
CU: 87-89, improving and could develop to be an above-average pitch
Over 18 games (18 GS) and 68.0 IP in 2023, Chase posted a 1.15 WHIP while striking out 66 and walking 15. The about-to-be 21-year-old Chase should start the year in Double-A Chattanooga where he can further develop ideally while pitching a starter workload.
Potential OFP: 55
MLB ETA: 2026
REDS PROSPECT UPDATE
Cincinnati Reds top prospect Noelvi Marte has been suspended 80 games for testing positive for Boldenone - Here’s an article from Geoff Pontes giving a quick rundown.
BLUE JAYS SIGNING
JOSEPH DANIEL VOTTO signed a non-roster deal with the Jays. Check the article from Keegan Matheson here.
SPRING BREAKOUT rosters have been announced. The Breakout features top prospects from around the league playing in showcase games coming up from March 14-17—MLB.com link for coverage HERE.
A very good list of Canadian Dirtbags representing the North with six of our 2024 Preseason Elite EH!ght making appearances.
Thank you for checking in today. Until the next time…KEEP IT 80 GRADE!