Ok we aren’t new here anymore. Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the IRISH. That’s me. This is Week 2 of The Irish Prospect Report. We will be diving into a family that may be becoming the first family of baseball and the next Randy Johnson in this unbelievable report. KEEP READING.
The season is not here yet, but why not get a head start and jump in a Fantrax Classic Draft contest? Get a jump on the season with a Best Ball league or maybe a Draft and Hold. Or put some green on the line with a new season-long league to try and conquer. There’s no better time than now to get your baseball on!
The Weekly Irish Prospect Report: Week 2
Bryan Acuna, Twins
If the last name looks familiar, we have the Acuna’s coming in waves. This isn’t even the last Acuna I will be mentioning. Most international prospects don’t climb the charts this quickly, but Bryan Acuna got my attention after hitting over .300 in rookie ball this past year. He doesn’t carry the power that his older brother Ronald carries but there is room for power to develop once he is fully acclimated to Pro ball stateside. There is a plus hit tool here, but he will need to grow into his frame and still might not be done growing as a 17-year-old six-foot-tall teenage phenom.
Luisangel Acuna, Rangers
It’s raining Acunas out here. I have been on the Luisangel Acuna hype train for a few years now. Still only 21 years old and already in Double-A ball, Luisangel could get his first taste of the majors this year. There were some growing pains in Double-A, but the plus hit tool is there along with plus base running capability. It is possible Luisangel grows into an All-Star caliber player, but I see more of an elite Dee Gordon here which is still a pretty solid player.
Luke Little, Cubs
There is nothing little about Luke Little. A 6’8 monster that has dominated at every stop during pro ball. I’m normally not a shove stats in your face kind of guy but look at the following:
- 76.2 INP in the minors
- 1 HR allowed.
- 2.91 ERA
- 120 Ks
- 14.1 K/9
He is barely owned but the film is out there. It’s only a matter of time before he’s scooped up. The Randy Johnson comparison is real here. A lefty with an 80-grade fastball that is 6’8. Think about it.
Dylan Dodd, Braves
An interesting name in the second wave of the Braves’ pitching renaissance Dodd progressed from High A-ball last year all the way to Triple-A with really no plus pitch to speak of. Despite no plus pitches, he was able to punch out a total of 153 batters while only walking 31, showing plus control and the ability to get outs. So far this spring he has pitched eight innings while striking out 11. He is in the running with Bryce Elder and Ian Anderson for the final spot in the Braves 2023 Opening Day rotation.