Updating the Diamondbacks Top 10 Prospects After the Draft

We have a major shakeup on this list update with some recent breakouts in the system.

With the conclusion of the 2023 MLB Draft and some recent breakouts in the system, I've decided to shake up the top prospects list. The main part of the list to pay attention to will be the Top 10, as those are the prospects that the organization will likely value the most.

Like with other prospect lists, it's good to compare to what other talent evaluators see in these same prospects. Going into the trade deadline it's very unlikely Arizona will trade the guys near the top of the list, but it could give you an idea of who could be a part of the next core group of players throughout the latter half of this decade. 

For more thoughts on what I think of each individual player, check out this video.

@BaierWesley and I have come up with a new Top 10 List for #Dbacks prospects with the draft and 2023 breakouts coming in mind. Enjoy!https://t.co/JY5ZCgAuwK

— Michael McDermott (@MichaelMcD8393) July 27, 2023

No. 1 - SS Jordan Lawlar

© Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Lawlar started the season in a bit of a deep slump, but has broken out of it and improved at the plate. His total season numbers don't look great for a 20-year-old prospect, but he has been on fire since May 21st. Over that time, he's hitting .313/.397/.553 with 15 doubles and eight home runs. Lawlar might not be an elite prospect, but he still has the chance to be an above-average regular at shortstop who makes a couple All-Star teams with Arizona.

No. 2 - RHP Brandon Pfaadt

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Despite being 0-4 and an 8.81 ERA in his first seven MLB starts, there is zero reason for the D-backs to trade Pfaadt in the next two years. Possessing a full four-pitch mix with an ideal starter's build, he has the upside to be a solid No. 3 or 4 starter in the big leagues. The main issue has been the long ball, allowing 12 home runs already, which could limit his ceiling until he finds a way to get ground balls and miss bats. He's actually not that far from reaching his ceiling, as his issues are more about pitch execution than pitch quality.

No. 3 - OF Druw Jones

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It has not been a good 2023 season for Jones, who has spent almost the entire season on the injured list with quad and hamstring injuries. Drafted for upside, a missed year now greatly increases the bust risk considering how much of a project his swing is. However the upside is enough that Arizona should not give him up unless they a player who drastically improves their playoff chances for the next 2+ seasons. He has the potential to be a .270 hitter with 30 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and could win a Gold Glove at any outfield position.

No. 4 - SS Tommy Troy

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Troy was drafted by the Diamondbacks in the first round and signed for a well below-slot deal. Arizona values his makeup and ability to handle pro level velocity. There is the possibility he could develop a plus hit tool in the future along with five-tool impact on the left side of the infield. Based on current events, he likely will end up starting off at third base with Lawlar as the shortstop of the future.

No. 5 - SS Jansel Luis

© Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Luis, who is not pictured here, might have the most upside outside the top tier of Arizona's farm system. A potential five-tool impact player at shortstop, Luis has a projectable 6'0", 170-pound frame that lends for plus power in the future. As a switch-hitting middle infielder with a similar height and weight to Ketel Marte in his prospect days, he'll draw those comps. Like Marte, depending on what Arizona's infield looks like in four years he may have to move to second base. 

No. 6 - 1B Ivan Melendez

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If you're looking for which bat has the most power upside in the system, the Hispanic Titanic fits the bill. Melendez is the D-backs' best bet in developing a 40 home run power bat, but has to overcome some holes in his swing before he's MLB ready. The main impetus is strikeouts, where he has 102 in his first 295 plate appearances of the year. However he's also mashed 24 home runs on the year. While he'll never be above-average in strikeout rate, if he can get to 25% at the MLB level he may be able to hit his ceiling as a middle of the order bat who can play quality first base defense.

No. 7 - RHP Slade Cecconi

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Cecconi hasn't quite had the year we'd all expect, but he's not that far removed from being a potential rotation option. The main issue is he's been shelled in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, with 23 home runs allowed in 96 innings. There are starter traits in his profile, so it's too early to start considering a move to the bullpen. However that window may be the end of the 2024 season before they need to consider a long term role. If he can show improvements over the final month, he could earn a small MLB cameo to close out the year.

No. 8 - LHP Yu-Min Lin

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Already in Double-A in his Age 19 season, Lin has established himself as one of the top prospects in Arizona's system. Showing an advanced feel for command for his age as well as the ability to move the ball, change speeds, and mix things up, he profiles as a capable starter. However his upside is more of a backend starter due to the lack of a physical profile with a 5'11", 160-pound frame, although he may be hitting the big leagues before he's finished growing into that body. Even then, as a pitch-ability lefty, he has value as a No. 4 or 5 starter in the long term.

No. 9 - 2B Cristofer Torin

© Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Torin possesses arguably the best hit tool in Arizona's system, as both the Dominican and Complex Leagues were not much of a challenge. Possessing a discerning batting eye, Torin forces pitchers into the strike zone where he has just enough pop to make them pay when throwing over the heart of the plate. Defensively he's likely limited to a second base only profile, although the position could very well open itself up long before he reaches the big leagues. Given that Arizona has three middle infield prospects ahead of him with more upside, Torin will have to really hit to be a difference maker in Arizona.

No. 10 - DH Deyvison De Los Santos

© John E. Moore-Getty Images

De Los Santos offers the best raw power in Arizona's system, with a batting practice exit velocity max of 117.2 MPH in last year's Fall League Home Run Derby. Tapping into that has been an issue in his Age 20 season, as he's only nine home runs in 72 games at the Double-A level. Far too often he hit roll over ground balls to the left side of the infield, which with his profile are typically outs. After being placed on the Development List in early July, De Los Santos has returned with a vengeance with a .381 with two home runs and a 1.028 OPS in his past 11 games.