Prospect Report: Luisangel Acuna Leads The Charge In Wichita
Image credit: Luisangel Acuna (Photo by Ben Ludeman/Texas Rangers/Getty Images)
Luisangel Acuña, CF, Rangers: There were more fireworks in Wichita on Wednesday night than New York City on the Fourth of July. The two teams combined for 29 runs over nine innings. Acuña was arguably the standout of the game, going 4-for-5 with a home run, two RBIs, a walk and two stolen bases. Other performers for Frisco included Evan Carter, who had multiple hits, including his 11th home run of the season, and Thomas Saggese, who went 3-for-5 with his 15th home run of the season. Acuña has experienced an excellent season—he’s hitting .315/.379/.452 with seven home runs and 41 stolen bases. He boasts an excellent combination of feel to hit, power, speed and positional versatility.
Jud Fabian, OF, Orioles: It’s been somewhat choppy seas for Fabian, who’s sailed his way to Double-A Bowie by midseason. Much of what plagued Fabian as an amateur still does—he struggles with high fastballs and swing-and-miss. On Wednesday Fabian went 2-for-4 with a home run, hinting at the three true outcomes center fielder he projects to become.
Vaun Brown, OF, Giants: It’s been a bit of a rude awakening for Brown, who has struggled to find the same success in Richmond he experienced at the Class A levels. On Wednesday, Brown showed his ability to change a game due to his athleticism and twitch. He reached base twice, driving in two and scoring twice. One of those runs came on a steal of home.
Brooks Lee, SS, Twins: While many of the top picks in the 2022 draft have struggled to find their footing Lee has been strong all year long at an advanced level. After being extremely consistent over the first three months of the season, Lee has exploded in July, hitting .375/.439/.653 with five home runs over 17 games. He went 4-for-6 on Wednesday, scoring three runs, adding a homer and driving in two.
Ryan Clifford, OF, Astros: It’s been a tremendous season for Clifford, who signed as an over-slot 11th-rounder in 2022. He went 2-for-3 on Wednesday with a pair of home runs, pushing his season total to 18. The 20-year-old is hitting .290/.403/.522 over 80 games across two levels.
Carson Williams, SS, Rays: Williams went 4-for-5 on Wednesday with a home run, five RBIs and three runs. His combination of an elite approach, power and plus defense at shortstop makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in the game.
Roman Anthony, OF, Red Sox: Since his promotion to High-A Greenville, Anthony’s true talent has started to show in his stat line, as he’s seen better luck on balls in play and significantly more power. On Wednesday he went 1-for-4, slugging his ninth home run since moving up to High-A in mid-June. One of the most talented hitters in the minor leagues, Anthony has an outstanding combination of bat-to-ball skills, approach and power.
