1. Addison Russell, ss, A’s to Cubs: Not even close. Top five prospect in
baseball for his all-around athleticism and offensive ability.
2. Billy McKinney, of, A’s to Cubs: Advanced bat for his age puts McKinney
this high. Just 19, he’s off to a strong start in his new organization
(.301/.386/.446) through 24 games in high Class A.
3. Colin Moran, 3b, Marlins to Astros: Houston liked Moran so much in 2013, it
almost drafted him No. 1 overall. B.J. Surhoff’s nephew has a similar skill
set with a bit less athleticism, but his arm strength and good hands should
allow him to stick at third base.
4. Willy Adames, ss, Tigers to Rays: Potentially the key to the David Price
deal, Adames has the highest ceiling of any prospect traded on July 31. He’s a
smooth fielder and potentially plus defender with athleticism. Moreover, scouts
give the 18-year-old a chance to hit.
5. Eduardo Rodriguez, lhp, Orioles to Red Sox: Rodriguez threw more than 160
innings last season as a 20-year-old, culminating with a start in the Arizona
Fall League championship game. He’s shown effects of the fatigue this year,
but he’s still a lefty with a chance to throw three average-to-above-average
pitches, and he’s reached Double-A.
6. Jake Thompson, rhp, Tigers to Rangers: Thompson throws four pitches for
strikes, and some scouts love his slider, considering it a plus pitch. He’s
reached Double-A by age 20 and has a potential innings-eating No. 3 starter
profile at 6-foot-4, 235 pounds.
7. James Ramsey, of, Cardinals to Indians: St. Louis had a glut of outfielders,
but that’s not the case in Cleveland, where Ramsey could move quickly. Scouts
who like him see him as a center fielder with solid-average power, defensive
savvy and a strong arm. Others see him as a ‘tweener who lacks corner-profile
power.
8. Victor Caratini, c, Braves to Cubs: A switch-hitting Puerto Rican out of
Miami-Dade CC, Caratini saw his draft stock rise when he added catching to his
repertoire. He has made a strong impression already at the plate, hitting
.279/.352/.406 in his full-season debut.
9. Taylor Lindsey, 2b, Angels to Padres: He entered the year as the Angels’
top prospect, but Lindsey has gone a bit backward with a power drop in the
Triple-A Pacific Coast League. He’s still just 22 and has a chance to be an
offensive second baseman.
10. Edwin Escobar, lhp, Giants to Red Sox: Escobar’s low release point leaves
his breaking ball inconsistent, and he’s been punished for it at Triple-A
Fresno. Some scouts see him as a reliever, and his Futures Game look showed
diminished arm speed.
Missed the Cut
R.J. Alvarez, rhp (Angels to Padres): Hardest thrower traded this month
steadily reaches the upper 90s, may fit eighth-inning profile
Rafael De Paula, rhp (Yankees to Padres): Still starting and still throwing in
the mid-90s, but secondary stuff portends bullpen future
Mitch Haniger, of (Brewers to Diamondbacks): Modest, injury-plagued 2014
season, but if he clicks he fits the right-field profile; likely a
second-division regular
Peter O’Brien, c/1b/of (Yankees to Diamondbacks): Has tremendous power, but
doesn’t control strike zone and lacks a defensive home
Jose Rondon, ss/2b (Angels to Padres): Lacks impact tools but has the
athleticism to make contact and play in the middle infield
Zack Walters, util (Nationals to Indians): Likely swings and misses too much to
be a regular, but has power and can play the infield
Austin Wates, of (Astros to Marlins): Contact-oriented potential center
fielder, not a burner but could be a table-setter