The Next Big Leaugers: From AFL to MLB

The Arizona Fall League always is loaded with talent, and it was stronger than usual in 2016. In the initial installment of MLBPipeline.com’s “The Next Big Leaguers,” which premieres Tuesday, we focused on five prospects: Dodgers first baseman Cody Bellinger, Twins shortstop Nick Gordon, Cubs outfielder Eloy Jimenez, Red Sox infielder Yoan Moncada and Yankees shortstop Gleyber Torres.

We could have spotlighted many more promising prospects if not limited by time constraints, and below we’ll do exactly that.

The Next Big Leaguers: Bellinger, Gordon, Jimenez, Moncada and Torres

Here are “The Next Big Leaguers” for all 30 organizations, selected from their AFL contingents:

Arizona: Jared Miller, LHP: Part of Vanderbilt’s 2014 College World Series team, Miller was the most untouchable pitcher in the Fall League. Working with a mid-90s fastball and a mid-80s slider, both of which feature high spin rates, he gave up no runs, six hits and four walks while striking out 30 in 18 1/3 innings.

Atlanta: Travis Demeritte, 2B/3B: His power made him a Rangers first-round pick in 2013, and Demeritte did lead the AFL in total bases (48) and triples (four). He also displayed more athleticism and defensive ability than expected.

Baltimore: Tanner Scott, LHP: Few left-handers can match the velocity Scott gets on his fastball (upper 90s to 102 mph) and slider (upper 80s to 92). If he can learn to harness his stuff, he can be a late-inning bullpen weapon.

Boston: Yoan Moncada, 2B/3B: He may have struggled in his first brief taste of the big leagues and gotten hurt after a week in the Fall League, but he’s living up to all those “Robinson Cano with more speed” comparisons.

Chicago (AL): Zack Collins, C: If he can develop into an acceptable catcher, the 10th overall pick in the 2016 Draft could be an All-Star. If not, Collins still has the power and on-base skills to get the job done at first base.

Chicago (NL): Eloy Jimenez, OF: As if the Cubs needed another gifted young hitter, here comes a guy with classic right-field tools who starred at the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game and won the low Class A Midwest League MVP award — at age 19.

Cincinnati: Zach Vincej, SS: Fairly anonymous outside of winning a Rawlings Minor League Gold Glove, Vincej made a name for himself with his all-around play in Arizona. He chased the AFL triple crown and topped the league in extra-base hits (13), total bases (48) and slugging percentage (.676).

Cleveland: Bradley Zimmer, OF: Few Fall Leaguers could match the all-around tools of Zimmer, who has 20-20 potential, center-field range and a right-field arm. He still needs to make more consistent contact to reach his ceiling, but he led the league in runs (25) and walks (19), while ranking among the leaders in most offensive categories.

Colorado: Ryan McMahon, 3B/1B: He’s blocked by Nolan Arenado at the hot corner, so McMahon is trying to find a second home at first base. After succeeding in the lower levels of the Minors, he struggled in Double-A in 2016, but he has a feel for hitting and power to put up nice numbers at Coors Field.

Detroit: JaCoby Jones, OF: The Cameron Maybin trade opens up the Tigers’ center-field job. While Jones still has to win it in Spring Training and demonstrate …

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