As April transitions into May, we are moving from the early season phase to a point where player statistics begin to solidify. This is an ideal moment to evaluate the performance of top baseball prospects during April. Prior to the season, The Athletic’s MLB expert Keith Law released a ranking of the top 100 prospects in baseball. Below is an overview of how the top 10 prospects have begun their seasons, along with noteworthy performances from the rest of the top 100 and other players worth monitoring.
Top 10 Prospects’ April Performance
Roman Anthony, OF, Red Sox (Triple-A Worcester): At 20, Anthony has been excelling against Triple-A pitching despite dealing with shoulder tendinitis and a foot bruise. In 25 games, he boasts a .292/.423/.539 batting line. Notably, he leads Triple-A in barrels and has an excellent walk-to-strikeout ratio. He has a much higher OPS at home compared to away. The call from Boston fans for Anthony to join the Red Sox is growing louder.
Sebastian Walcott, SS, Rangers (Double-A Frisco): At just 19, Walcott has adapted well to Double-A, achieving a .766 OPS. While he has struck out 23 times in 22 games, his walk rate has improved significantly. He has demonstrated power with two home runs and notable speed with five stolen bases.
Samuel Basallo, C, Orioles (Triple-A Norfolk): Injuries have hindered Basallo’s playtime as he continues to recover from elbow inflammation. He’s only appeared in 12 games as a designated hitter, hitting .229/.317/.486 with three home runs.
Prospects on the Injury List
Walker Jenkins, OF, Twins (Double-A Wichita): Jenkins has been sidelined due to an ankle sprain, managing to play just two games in April. He is anticipated to return by the end of May.
Colt Emerson, SS, Mariners (High-A Everett): Emerson is showing improvement with a .700 OPS, compared to last season. While he is still searching for his first home run this season, he has recorded five extra-base hits.
Other Notable Performances
Max Clark, OF, Tigers (High-A West Michigan): Clark leads the Midwest League in walks and has an .815 OPS with a .450 OBP. His power numbers may increase as the season progresses.
Dylan Crews, OF, Nationals (MLB): Crews started slowly but has made a comeback with a series of hits. His overall line stands at .212/.241/.356 after 28 games.
Jordan Lawlar, SS, Diamondbacks (Triple-A Reno): Lawlar is making a strong comeback after missing last April due to injury, with an impressive .364/.460/.682 batting line and 12 stolen bases already this season.
