Every winter, baseball fans from all across the country wait for Baseball America’s Annual Top Prospect List. Not only do fans get to see the Top 100 list for all of MLB, but each team is broken down by the top 10 prospects in their own farm system. After reviewing the list, I always ask myself the following question “But who is next?”
Today I’ll be focusing on three hitters within the Cardinals Minor League Farm System to watch this season that are currently not in the Baseball America Top 10 list but very well could be after this season.
SS/3B Paul DeJong- Selected in the 4th round of the 2015 MLB Draft out of Illinois State University, DeJong has always shown an “advanced approach” at the plate. After being drafted in 2015, DeJong started his season with the Johnson City Cardinals, where he demolished the Appalachian League with 4 HR 15 RBI and a .486 /.578 /.973 with 6 doubles in 10 games. He was promptly sent to Low A Peoria, where he fell back to Earth with 5 HR 26 RBI .288/.360/.438 and an additional 15 extra base hits (12 2B and 3 3B). DeJong spent 2016 at AA Springfield and really put his power potential on display with 22 HR, 29 doubles and 2 triples. With the power surge came a slight reduction in average (.260), OBP (.324) and OPS (.784) but his SLG (.460) increased. DeJong has primarily played at 3B throughout his minor league career but did see 11 starts at SS last season. Many analysts believe the SS position is his to lose this season at AAA Memphis. If DeJong can seize everyday playing time at SS, he will most likely jump into the Cardinals Top 10 prospects by the end of the season.
CF Randy Arozarena- Arozarena was signed out of Cuba this past season, where he was known for his on base ability, speed and overall plate discipline. Arozarena batted .291/.412/.419 in 74 games with 36 walks and 37 strikeouts during his final season in Cuba’s Serie Nacional. The consensus between MLB scouts is that there just isn’t a consensus on Arozarena. He has the potential to become a high on base threat with the ability to steal some bases and play solid defense. The problem is that he just hasn’t had much time at one particular spot to truly learn a position. As an amateur, he primarily played SS but was moved around the diamond during his Serie Nacional days 2B, SS, OF. Prior to signing with St. Louis, Arozarena played in the Mexican Northern League, where he batted .377/.466/.555 and lead the league in batting average and stolen bases (42). Arozarena played winter league ball in Mexico’s Pacific Winter League where he continued to steal bases (14) and get on base .333/.420/.407 while playing in 36 games. Most scouts believe Arozarena will start the year off in high A Palm Beach, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was moved to AA Springfield sooner than later. If Arozarena can finish the season at AA, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in St. Louis in 2018 at some point.
3B Bryce Denton- After decommitting from Vanderbilt in 2015 and signing with the Cardinals as their 2nd round draft pick, Denton was sent to the GCL Cardinals where he struggled with his first taste of professional ball (.194/.254/.245). The Cardinals were confident that his bat speed and plate approach would translate to the professional game but that he needed time to make adjustments, which he appeared to do in the offseason. Denton started last season at extended Spring Training for additional coaching and then was assigned to Johnson City. The extra work that Denton put in appeared to work, as he hit 4 HR 26 RBI and a .282/.356/.376 slash line in 54 games. For now, Denton appears to be primarily working at the hot corner but could transition to the OF depending on the needs at the big league level. His bat has always been his strong suit though, and fans in Peoria should get a good look at his potential in his first full season of professional baseball this year.
