2017 World Futures Game Rosters And Scouting Reports — College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

Rosters and scouting reports on the players in the 2017 Futures Game, set for July 9 in Marlins Park in Miami. The U.S. Rosters can be found here.

PITCHERS

Domingo Acevedo, RHP

Yankees (Double-A Trenton)
Age: 23. HT.: 6-7. WT.: 240. B-T: R-R.
Source: Dominican Republic.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Yankees, Oct. 17, 2012.
Background: Acevedo has long had plenty of promise, but a variety of minor injuries (blisters, hamstring, shoulder) kept him off the mound a lot. This year, he’s healthy and he’s moved through three levels in three months.
What To Watch For: Acevedo has touched 103 mph at his best and he also has a changeup that plays well off his excellent fastball.

Yadier Alvarez, RHP

Dodgers (High Class A Rancho Cucamonga)
Age: 21. HT.: 6-3. WT.: 175. B-T: R-R.
Source: Cuba.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Dodgers, July 2, 2015.
Background: Alvarez left Cuba and landed in the Dominican Republic in 2015, and scouts flocked to the island to try and sign the flamethrower who touches 100 mph with stunning ease.
What To Watch For: Alvarez has been one of the game’s hardest throwers since landing with the Dodgers, routinely sitting 96-99 mph and hitting 101. As far as electric arms go, Alvarez is the cream of the crop.

Jaime Barria, RHP
Angels (Double-A Mobile)

Age: 20. HT.: 6-1. WT.: 205. B-T: R-R.
Source: Panama.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Angels, April 11, 2013.
Background: A key success story as the Angels try to resuscitate their international program, Barria has taken a jump in 2017, reaching Double-A. Scouts still project him to become more physical and add velocity, and he can pitch at 90-92 mph currently with his fastball.
What To Watch For: An improved breaking ball, feel for a changeup and confident mound presence make Barria a potential middle-of-the-rotation starter if his fastball continues to improve.

Luis Escobar, RHP

Pirates (Low Class A West Virginia)
Age: 21. HT.: 6-1. WT.: 155. B-T: R-R.
Source: Colombia.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Pirates, July 8, 2013.
Background: The Colombian made his full-season debut in 2017 with a pair of double-digit strikeout games, fanning 23 in his first 11 innings. He’s a lithe, athletic pitcher with a fastball that reaches up to 97 mph.
What To Watch For: When Escobar keeps the ball down, he has had success, but at times he’s been homer-prone. He’s flashed promise with his curveball and changeup, but his heater got him this invitation.

Tayron Guerrero, RHP

Marlins (Double-A Jacksonville)
Age: 26. HT.: 6-8. WT.: 210. B-T: R-R.
Source: Colombia.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Padres, Dec. 18, 2009 … Traded by Padres with two others to Marlins for RHP Jarred Cosart and two others, July 29, 2016.
Background: Tall pitchers like Guerrero often take longer to master their mechanics. The Colombia native pitched for his country in the World Baseball Classic and had a one-game big league cameo in 2016 with San Diego.
What To Watch For: Guerrero pitched in the 2014 Futures Game, showing the upper-90s fastball velocity that remains his calling card. When he throws strikes with that and his slider, he’s a potential bullpen piece.

Jonathan Hernandez, RHP

Rangers (High Class A Down East)
Age: 21. HT.: 6-2. WT.: 175. B-T: R-R.
Source: Dominican Republic.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Rangers, Jan. 30, 2013.
Background: The son of ex-big leaguer Fernando Hernandez, Jonathan was born in Memphis when his father pitched in Double-A. He started the year back in low Class A before earning a promotion.
What To Watch For: Hernandez has big league stuff. His fastball averages close to 95 mph, and his slider and changeup both show plus potential, but he’s still seeking consistency and learning how to use his stuff.

Jairo Labourt, LHP

Tigers (Double-A Erie)
Age: 23. HT.: 6-4. WT.: 205. B-T: L-L.
Source: Dominican Republic.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Blue Jays, March 7, 2011 … Traded by Blue Jays with two others to Tigers for LHP David Price, July 30, 2015.
Background: Labourt already has showcased his power lefthanded arm in the Futures Game once, in 2015 prior to being part of the David Price trade. He’s harnessed his erratic command this season so far, getting back to Double-A iwth the Tigers.
What To Watch For: Labourt has moved from starting to relieving and has thrown more strikes and shown more confidence as a result. His fastball (up to 97 mph) and slider are both plus at their best..

Cal Quantrill, RHP

Padres (High Class A Lake Elsinore)
Age: 22. HT: 6-2. WT: 165. B-T: L-R.
Source: Canada (drafted out of Stanford).
Career Transactions: Selected by Padres in first round (eighth overall) of 2016 draft.
Background: The son of Canadian righthander Paul Quantrill, a 14-year big leaguer, Cal went to high school in Ontario before becoming ace of the Stanford staff. He had Tommy John surgery as a sophomore and pitched sparingly as a junior in 2016.
What To Watch For: Quantrill pitches with a low- to mid-90s fastball, an above-average slider and an outstanding changeup that ranked as the best in his draft class.

Mike Soroka, RHP

Braves (Double-A Mississippi)
Age: 19. HT.: 6-5. WT.: 225. B-T: R-R.
Source: Canada (drafted out of high school in Calgary).
Career Transactions: Selected by Braves in first round (28th overall) of 2015 draft.
Background: The first and so far only first-round draft pick from Calgary, Soroka zoomed from low Class A in 2016 to Double-A this season, where he and rotation-mate Kolby Allard were the lone teenage pitchers at the level.
What To Watch For: Thanks to plus control, an athletic delivery and advanced command, Soroka is a burgeoning workhorse with three pitches: a low-90s fastball, a tight curveball and a quality changeup.

Thyago Vieira, RHP

Mariners (Double-A Arkansas)
Age: 25. HT.: 6-2. WT.: 210. B-T: R-R.
Source: Brazil.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Mariners, Sept. 21, 2010.
Background: Vieira toiled for three years in short-season ball and then for two more at low Class A before breaking through in 2016, when he streamlined his delivery and began throwing strikes.
What To Watch For: Working as a reliever, Vieira hit 104 mph in the Arizona Fall League last year and rarely dips below 96 mph. He has closer potential if he maintains his delivery and polishes his slider.

POSITION PLAYERS

Tomas Nido, C

Mets (Double-A Binghamton)
Age: 23. HT.: 6-0. WT.: 205. B-T: R-R.
Source: Puerto Rico (drafted out of high school in Maitland, Fla.).
Career Transactions: Selected by Mets in eighth round of 2012 draft.
Background: Nido moved from Puerto Rico to the Orlando area in high school. His offense has been ahead of his defense as a pro, including a high Class A Florida State League batting title in 2016.
What To Watch For: Nido’s defense has started to catch up to his bat, as he has average to above-average defensive tools. He’s using his feel for hitting to get to a bit more power.

Francisco Mejia, C

Indians (Double-A Akron)
Age: 21. HT.: 5-10. WT.: 180. B-T: B-R.
Source: Dominican Republic.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Indians, July 2, 2012.
Background: Mejia ascended to top prospect status with a scintillating 2016 campaign in which he hit .342/.382/.514 and authored a 50-game hitting streak, which he accomplished at two Class A levels.
What To Watch For: The lean, 5-foot-10 switch-hitter can drive the ball for power and does so while making contact at a high rate. Behind the plate he boasts soft hands and a strong arm.

Yordan Alvarez, 1B

Astros (High Class A Buies Creek)
Age: 20. HT.: 6-5. WT.: 225. B-T: L-L.
Source: Cuba.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Dodgers, June 15, 2016 … Traded by Dodgers to Astros for RHP Josh Fields, Aug. 1, 2016.
Background: The Dodgers signed Alvarez after he emigrated from Cuba, but he never played a game in their system before being traded to the Astros. He made his U.S. debut in 2017 and promptly hit .360 at his first assignment.
What To Watch For: Alvarez looks like an up-and-comer at first base thanks to his textbook lefthanded swing, power production, sound batting eye and the large target he presents on defense.

Josh Naylor, 1B

Padres (High Class A Lake Elsinore)
Age: 20. HT.: 6-0. WT.: 225. B-T: L-L.
Source: Canada (drafted out of high school in Ontario).
Career Transactions: Selected by Marlins in first round (12th overall) of 2015 draft … Traded by Marlins with two others to Padres for RHP Andrew Cashner and one other, July 29, 2016.
Background: The Marlins made Naylor the highest Canadian position player ever drafted, and the Padres acquired him after he put on a power show during batting practice at the 2015 Futures Game.
What To Watch For: Built physically like Prince Fielder, Naylor possesses monster raw power and is learning to tap into it more and more. Only 20 years old, he has lots of time to continue harnessing his power.

Yoan Moncada, 2B

White Sox (Triple-A Charlotte)
Age: 22. HT.: 6-2. WT.: 205. B-T: B-R.
Source: Cuba.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Red Sox, March 11, 2015 … Traded by Red Sox with three others to White Sox for LHP Chris Sale, Dec. 6, 2016.
Background: The Red Sox outbid the field to sign a 19-year-old Moncada in 2015, only to trade him after the 2016 season. He won the MVP award at last year’s Futures Game, becoming the first Cuban to do so.
What To Watch For: A dynamic power-speed player, Moncada pairs strong strike-zone knowledge with incredible athleticism to stand as the most talented prospect in the game.

Mauricio Dubon, SS/2B

Brewers (Triple-A Colorado Springs)
Age: 22. HT.: 6-0. WT.: 160. B-T: R-R.
Source: Honduras (drafted out of high school in Sacramento).
Career Transactions: Selected by Red Sox in 26th round of 2013 draft … Traded by Red Sox with three others to Brewers for RHP Tyler Thornburg, Dec. 6, 2016.
Background: Born in Honduras, Dubon moved to the Sacramento area and flew a bit under the radar despite Sacramento’s recent run as a talent hotbed. The Red Sox got him to Double-A before trading him to Milwaukee, where he’s reached Triple-A.
What To Watch For: Dubon already has set his career high in stolen bases, and his athleticism helps him play any infield spot well. Power is his weakest tool.

Lucius Fox, SS

Rays (Low Class A Bowling Green)
Age: 20. HT.: 6-1. WT.: 175. B-T: B-R.
Source: Bahamas.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Giants, July 2, 2015 … Traded by Giants with two others to Rays for LHP Matt Moore, Aug. 1, 2016.
Background: Fox was attending high school in South Florida before moving back to the Bahamas to sign the largest bonus ever for an amateur player from that country. The Giants traded him just a year after signing him, and he’s gained strength in the low minors.
What To Watch For: A fast-twitch athlete, Fox has started to improve offensively while repeating low Class A. He already has more extra-base hits than he had all of 2017.

Amed Rosario, SS

Mets (Triple-A Las Vegas)
Age: 21. HT.: 6-2. WT.: 190. B-T: R-R.
Source: Dominican Republic.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Mets, July 2, 2012.
Background: Rosario was lauded for his all-around abilities when he was signed, and he’s flourished particularly since hitting the upper levels in 2016. He’s just a call away from the Big Apple now, and with Asdrubal Cabrera sliding over to second base there’s a hole open for him.
What To Watch For: Just watch him. He’s a superb defender at shortstop, and he’s got the potential to send line drives all over Marlins Park or even hit one out.

Rafael Devers, 3B

Red Sox (Double-A Portland)
Age: 20. HT.: 6-0. WT.: 195. B-T: L-R.
Source: Dominican Republic.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Red Sox, Aug. 9, 2013.
Background: Devers ranked No. 3 on BA’s international rankings in 2013, and he’s parked himself in the same prospect real estate as the two players who ranked ahead of him—Eloy Jimenez and Gleyber Torres. Now he’s the youngest player in the Eastern League and knocking on the door of the big leagues.
What To Watch For: Devers has improved himself at third base since his last Futures Game appearance, and he’s still got the same feel to hit and power that he was lauded for four years ago.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 3B

Blue Jays (Low Class A Lansing)
Age: 18. HT.: 6-1. WT.: 200. B-T: R-R.
Source: Dominican Republic.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Blue Jays, July 2, 2015.
Background: The son of the former big league all-star of the same name, Guerrero ranked No. 1 on BA’s list of the top international prospects. And in the two years since he was signed, he’s raised his stock so dramatically that he’s in the conversation for the game’s top prospect.
What To Watch For: Power, power and more power. Guerrero’s swing is a combination of violence and power, and the results are baseballs that are hit very hard and go a long way very quickly.

Ronald Acuna, OF

Braves (Double-A Mississippi)
Age: 19. HT.: 6-0. WT.: 180. B-T: R-R.
Source: Venezuela.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Braves, July 2, 2014.
Background: Acuna was signed by the Braves for a modest bonus and has been providing quick and bountiful returns ever since. He entered the Southern League as its youngest player and rapidly took the league by storm.
What To Watch For: Acuna is blessed with a well-rounded skill set and could show you any of his five tools at any moment during the Futures Game. He’s got a great chance of either robbing a home run or hitting one himself.

Estevan Florial, OF

Yankees (Low Class A Charleston)
Age: 19. HT.: 6-1 WT.: 185. B-T: L-R.
Source: Haiti.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Yankees, March 19, 2015.
Background: Florial has been considered one of the prospects in the Yankees system with the highest upside since the day he signed. This year he’s turning promise into production.
What To Watch For: Florial has made more consistent contact this year, which has paid off in a breakout season. He has power and speed and he can run down balls in the gaps in the outfield.

Eloy Jimenez, OF

Cubs (High Class A Myrtle Beach)
Age: 20. HT.: 6-4. WT.: 205. B-T: R-R.
Source: Dominican Republic.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Cubs, Aug. 1, 2013.
Background: Ranked as the No. 1 player in the 2013 international class, Jimenez has spent the last three years showing off his calling-card power. He starred in last year’s Futures Game with a long home run and a highlight-reel catch in right field.
What To Watch For: Jimenez should put on a show in batting practice and could carry it into the game once again. He might not break any field lights, but his power doesn’t put it out of the question.

Victor Robles, OF

Nationals (High Class A Potomac)
Age: 20. HT.: 6-0. WT.: 185. B-T: R-R.
Source: Dominican Republic.
Career Transactions: Signed as international free agent by Nationals, July 2, 2013.
Background: The Nationals signed Robles to a modest bonus in 2013 and he’s been on the star track ever since. He possesses a tantalizing combination of all five tools and can take over games with electrifying talent on both sides of the ball.
What To Watch For: Robles has speed, defense and the ability to jolt balls out of the yard. He’s one to keep your eyes on as long as he’s in the game.

Alex Verdugo, OF

Dodgers (Triple-A Oklahoma City)
Age: 21. HT.: 6-0. WT.: 205. B-T: L-L.
Source: Mexico (drafted out of high school in Tucson).
Career Transactions: Selected by Dodgers in second round of 2014 draft.
Background: Verdugo was born and raised in Arizona but has long embraced his Mexican heritage, including suiting up for Team Mexico in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
What To Watch For: Verdugo’s hitting polish is almost second-to-none in the minors with a smooth lefthanded stroke geared for line drives. He complements his hitting ability with a rocket arm and excellent defensive instincts, setting him up to join the Dodgers outfield shortly.

2017 WORLD FUTURES GAME ROSTER
Pitchers (10)
Player	B/T	HT	WT	DOB	Team (Org)
Domingo Acevedo	R/R	6-7	240	3/6/94	Double-A Trenton (Yankees)
Yadier Alvarez	R/R	6-3	175	3/7/96	High Class A Rancho Cucamonga
Jaime Barria	R/R	6-1	210	7/18/96	Double-A Mobile (Angels)
Luis Escobar	R/R	6-1	155	5/30/96	Low Class A West Virginia (Pirates)
Tayron Guerrero	R/R	6-8	210	1/9/91	Double-A Jacksonville (Marlins)
Jonathan Hernandez	R/R	6-2	175	7/6/96	High Class A Down East (Rangers)
Jairo Labourt	L/L	6-4	205	3/7/94	Double-A Erie (Tigers)
Cal Quantrill	R/R	6-2	165	2/10/95	High Class A Lake Elsinore (Padres)
Mike Soroka	R/R	6-5	225	8/4/97	Double-A Mississippi (Braves)
Thyago Vieira	R/R	6-2	210	7/1/93	Double-A Arkansas (Mariners)
Catchers (2)
x-Victor Caratini	S/R	6-1	215	8/17/93	Triple-A Iowa (Cubs)
Francisco Mejia	S/R	5-10	180	10/27/95	Double-A Akron (Indians)
*Tomas Nido	R/R	6-0	205	4/12/94	Double-A Binghamton (Mets)
Infielders (8)
Yordan Alvarez	L/L	6-5	225	6/27/97	High Class A Buies Creek (Astros)
Rafael Devers	R/R	6-0	195	10/24/96	Double-A Portland (Red Sox)
Mauricio Dubon	R/R	6-0	160	7/19/94	Triple-A Colorado Springs (Brewers)
Lucius Fox	S/R	6-1	175	7/2/97	Low Class A Bowling Green (Rays)
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.	R/R	6-1	200	3/16/99	Low Class A Lansing (Blue Jays)
Yoan Moncada	S/R	6-2	205	5/27/95	Triple-A Charlotte (White Sox)
Josh Naylor	L/L	6-0	225	6/22/97	High Class A Lake Elsinore (Padres)
Amed Rosario	R/R	6-2	190	11/20/95	Triple-A Las Vegas (Mets)
Outfielders (5)
Ronald Acuna	R/R	6-0	180	12/18/97	Double-A Mississippi (Braves)
Estevan Florial	L/R	6-1	185	11/25/97	Low Class A Charleston (Yankees)
Eloy Jimenez	R/R	6-4	205	11/27/96	High Class A Myrtle Beach (Cubs)
Victor Robles	R/R	6-0	185	5/19/97	High Class A Potomac (Nationals)
Alex Verdugo	L/L	6-0	205	5/15/96	Triple-A Oklahoma City (Dodgers)
*Roster Replacement due to promotion; x-promoted, will not play