2017 Southern League Best Tools

Baseball America asked the men with the best seats in the house to break down the best players in each minor league in a variety of categories. Full-season managers, often with input from their coaching staffs, completed our Best Tools surveys in July.

Southern League Best Tools

Best Batting Prospect: Ronald Acuna Mississippi (Braves)

Best Power Prospect: Kevin Cron Jackson (Diamondbacks)

Best Strike-Zone Judgment: LaMonte Wade Chattanooga (Twins)

Best Baserunner: Mauricio Dubon Biloxi (Brewers)

Fastest Baserunner: Johnny Davis Biloxi (Brewers)

Best Pitching Prospect: Michael Kopech Birmingham (White Sox)

Best Fastball: Michael Kopech Birmingham (White Sox)

Best Breaking Pitch: Dillon Maples Tennessee (Cubs)

Best Changeup: Jordan Guerrero Birmingham (White Sox)

Best Control: Tyler Mahle Pensacola (Reds)

Best Reliever: Jimmy Herget Pensacola (Reds)

Best Defensive Catcher: Michael Perez Jackson (Diamondbacks)

Best Defensive 1B: Joe McCarthy Montgomery (Rays)

Best Defensive 2B: David Bote Tennessee (Cubs)

Best Defensive 3B: Brian Anderson Jacksonville (Marlins)

Best Defensive SS: Nick Gordon Chattanooga (Twins)

Best Infield Arm: Dawel Lugo Jackson (Diamondbacks)

Best Defensive OF: Braxton Lee Jacksonville (Marlins)

Best Outfield Arm: Aristides Aquino Pensacola (Reds)

Most Exciting Prospect: Ronald Acuna Mississippi (Braves)

Best Manager Prospect: Jake Mauer Chattanooga (Twins)