Outfielder Alex Jackson
(Bats right, throws right, 6 feet 2, 215 pounds, age 19, first-round pick in 2014). Generally viewed last year as the nation’s top high school player, he validated those views when selected by Baseball America as the top prospect in the Arizona Rookie League. A catcher who shifted to the outfield to accelerate his timetable, Jackson is a good bet to open the season at Lo-A Clinton.
Third/first baseman D.J. Peterson
(R-R, 6-1, 190, 23, first round in 2013.) A right-handed power bat who didn’t disappoint last year in his first full pro season when he batted .297 with 31 homers and 111 RBI in 123 games at Hi-A High Desert and Double-A Jackson. Received an invitation to big-league camp but likely to start in the minors.
Shortstop Ketel Marte
(S-R, 6-1, 180, 21, signed in 2010 as non-drafted free agent/Dominican Republic). A slick-fielding (though somewhat erratic) shortstop who closed last season at Triple-A Tacoma. Received an invite to big-league camp but will likely return to Tacoma. He could be a serious roster candidate in 2016.
Outfielder Gabby Guerrero
(R-R, 6-3, 190, 21, signed in 2011 as non-drafted free agent/Dominican Republic). Reminds scouts of his uncle, former MVP Vladimir Guerrero, in the way he attacks pitches in and out of the strike zone. Some rough edges still apparent but must now prove himself at high levels.
Outfielder Austin Wilson
(R-R, 6-4, 210, 23, second round in 2013). He oozes potential when healthy but … he’s had trouble staying healthy. Wilson battled Achilles’ tendon and elbow problems a year ago but had a .517 slugging percentage in 75 games at lower levels. Could make a big jump this season if he avoids injuries.
Right-handed pitcher Edwin Diaz
R-R, 6-2, 178, 20, third round in 2012). Still slender but no longer rail thin, Diaz flashes three usable pitches and draws raves from some scouts as the organization’s best minor-league arm. Just 20, he faces a real test this season since he’ll likely start at Hi-A Bakersfield in the hitter-friendly California League.
Utilityman Pat Kivlehan
(R-R, 6-2, 210, 25, fourth round in 2012). See story (right).
Left-handed pitcher Luiz Gohara
(L-L, 6-3, 210, 18, signed in 2012 as non-drafted free agent/Brazil). Got pummeled last season at Short-A Everett (0-6 with an 8.20 ERA in 11 starts), so it will be interesting to see how he bounces back. Still, there’s a lot to like: He’s just 18, can pitch in the mid-90s and shows a promising breaking ball and changeup.
Catcher Tyler Marlette
(R-R, 5-11, 195, 22, fifth round in 2011). Farm director Chris Gwynn calls him “an offensive catcher who is learning how to catch. He’s held his own everywhere he’s been as far as hitting.” Got an invitation to big-league camp but likely to start the season at Jackson.
Right-handed pitcher Carson Smith
(R-R, 6-6, 215, 25, eighth round in 2011). It’s easy to argue he should be higher on this list after watching him dominate big-league hitters last year as a September call-up. His sidearm motion makes him particularly tough on right-handed batters. Unless he regresses this spring, look for him on the big-league roster.
Watch list
(alphabetical order)
Outfielder Austin Cousino draws high marks for speed and defensive skills and could make a big move if he reins in his free-swinging approach; outfielder Brayan Hernandez was viewed last year as one of the top international prospects but battled shoulder problems and might remain this year at the club’s Venezuelan academy. … catcher John Hicks already has the catch-and-throw skills to play in the majors; left-hander Danny Hultzen, the second overall pick in the 2011 draft, could be the organization’s best pitching prospect if he rebounds completely from major shoulder surgery; first baseman/designated hitter Jordy Lara must show he can repeat last year’s breakthrough, when he came out of nowhere and joined Peterson as the system’s co-player of the year; outfielder Gareth Morgan, an oversign last year as a second-round pick, faces a key year after showing little in the Arizona Rookie League; outfielder Tyler O’Neill, another converted catcher, shows pop and could be poised for a breakout after holding his own last year as a 18/19-year-old in Lo-A Midwest League; right-handed pitcher Victor Sanchez is a linebacker-type who probably gets too little credit for going 7-6 with a 4.19 ERA in 23 starts last year at Jackson after making a two-step jump as a 19-year-old; and left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough, tall and slender at 6-6 and 210 pounds, showed unexpected zip while posting a 1.27 ERA last year over 14 games in his pro debut at Short-A Everett and Rookie Pulaski.
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