Prospect Haul

These were some of the quietest Winter Meetings in terms of acquisition quality and quantity that we’ve seen in a few years, and if not for one team’s complete firesale (you know who you are), you would have been able to hear a pin drop in Orlando.

Fortunately -- unless you’re a fan of the Marlins -- that team did make some high-profile moves, and we saw some talented prospects dealt to and from various clubs as we set up for what should be an interesting final couple months of the offseason.

Here’s a look at some of the best prospects traded over the Winter Meetings.

Jorge Guzman, RHP, Miami Marlins -- Guzman was the centerpiece of the Giancarlo Stanton trade, and while he’s not typically a top prospect you see dealt for a reigning MVP, he is a nice piece acquired by the Marlins in their efforts to rebuild. His arm strength allows him to get his fastball into the high 90s, and he’ll eclipse triple-digits with a not-straight heater. His breaking ball gets a wide variety of views from scouts, but when he’s at his best, it’s an above-average pitch that can cause swings and misses. The key for him will be showing more consistency with that offering, and also developing better command/a competent third offering. If not, he could be a nasty reliever, but Miami will want to see him start.

Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins -- Alcantara is similar to Guzman in that they both have fastballs that grade near 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale, and that they both need to improve their command. The difference being that Alcantara is closer to a finished product, and held his own in his appearances with the Cardinals. Acquired in the Marcell Ozuna deal, the 22-year-old right-hander has inconsistent secondary pitches, but they will flash above-average, especially his change thanks to his arm-speed. There’s a lot of volatility here, but if everything clicks, he could be a mid-rotation starter.

Enyel De Los Santos, Philadelphia Phillies -- The Phillies needed to make room for J.P. Crawford at shortstop, and in return for moving Freddy Galvis to the Padres, they get a high-upside arm in De Los Santos. The soon-to-be 22-year-old right-hander has two plus pitches: A fastball that gets up to 96 mph, and a change that has late fade and deception. His curveball needs work, but it flashes average, and it doesn't need to be much more than that to start. He's probably a couple of years away, but he has the upside to be a mid-rotation starter, maybe more if the breaking-ball takes that next step.

Magneuris Sierra, OF,  Miami Marlins -- Sierra may not have the upside of the arms listed above, but he has the most likelihood of being an impact member of the Marlins, both in 2018 and beyond. He’s a plus runner who excels defensively, and he makes hard contact to all parts of the field with his line-drive stroke. The issue here is that he’s basically devoid of power, but if he improves his plate discipline and steals 30 bases -- certainly not out of the question for his skill set -- he’s more than a fantasy afterthought.

Max Schrock, 2B, St. Louis Cardinals -- Schrock only has one tool that projects above-average, and those type of players generally don’t have long careers at the big-league level. Fortunately for him, that one tool is the hit, and that gives him a chance to be a starter. Acquired in the Stephen Piscotty deal that sent him to Oakland, Schrock has excellent hand-eye coordination, and while he doesnt’ draw a great deal of walks, he doesn’t beat himself by swinging at pitches outside of the zone. He won’t give you many steals or homers, but if you’re looking for a second baseman who can give you a high batting average, you should dig deeper into Schrock.

Yairo Munoz, IF, St. Louis Cardinals -- Munoz was long considered one of the few upside-prospects in the Oakland system. Now, he’s in a much better system after the Piscotty trade, but still offers the same upside. He’s filling out his 6-foot-1, 165-pound frame, but he has above-average raw power, and he’s starting to make more hard contact to all parts of the field. He’s also an above-average runner who could provide 15-plus steals at the highest level. The questions with Munoz come defensively, but because of his strong arm, he could play third or either corner outfield position. If the adjustments he made in 2017 stick, this could be a real sleeper prospect for the 2018 campaign.

Sam Wolff, RHP, San Francisco Giants -- It’s a little weird to be writing about a reliever that’s going to be turning 27 in April in a “top prospect” piece, but hear us out. Sent to the Giants in the deal for Matt Moore, Wolff was converted to the relief role in 2017, and took to it well. His fastball gets into the high 90s in short spurts, and his slider is a plus offering that he can locate for strikes or bury out of the zone when ahead. He’s going to miss the first-half of 2017 with a torn flexor tendon, but his stuff and command is ready to go now, and he could pitch in high-leverage -- possibly even as a closer -- for the Giants going forward.