Francisco Alvarez, Photo
Kiley McDaniel of ESPN+ sought to answer the question as to which prospect still in the minor leagues is the best prospect in baseball. After analysis, McDaniel reached his conclusion – Francisco Álvarez.
In his analysis, McDaniel did not he does not prefer to name a pitcher as the top prospect in the game due to different risks and the poor track record of top pitchers performances in the Majors. However, it should also be noted McDaniel said he does not like naming catchers as the top prospect either due to attrition. In many ways, that makes Álvarez being named the top prospect all the more remarkable.
However, after speaking with sources and undergoing his own analysis, that was McDaniel’s conclusion. With respect to Álvarez, McDaniel noted:
Alvarez is the youngest of this group by more than six months (still just 20 years old until almost Thanksgiving) and continues to hum right along, demolishing Double-A. He’s playing the most valuable position on the field at catcher and is good enough to stay back there.
Due to that and other factors, Álvarez edged out top New York Yankees prospect Anthony Volpe for the top spot. When it came down between the two McDaniel noted Álvarez had an edge due to his playing a more valuable position and just performing better. To wit, McDaniel noted Álvarez has “[a] longer track record of elite performance.”
When looking at the decision, there are two major takeaways here. First, while there were some concerns over his recent slump, scouts still see a young future start with a 130 wRC+ at the plate. That mattered.
Another huge takeaway, and perhaps more importantly, is the belief Álvarez will stick behind the plate. While the Mets have never waivered from that position, we have seen teams give up on prospects behind the plate for a quicker promotion to the majors. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber are classic examples of that. However, with Álvarez the Mets and scouts see not reason to do that. The end result could be a superstar.
Going forward, Álvarez is seen as the top prospect in the minors. If Álvarez has his way, that won’t last for long as he wants to make it to the majors this season. If that is the case, the attention could begin shifting to Alex Ramirez.
Ramirez has made a few top 100 prospect lists this season, and McDaniel noted Ramirez is on the cusp of his top 100. Like Álvarez, Ramirez is a well regarded international free agent who has been impressive while being young for his level. Overall, between Álvarez and Ramirez, the Mets clearly have elite young talent impressing everyone.
