Here is a team recap of my minors:
AAA Virginia Beach Marvels - 84-60, 1st
AA Elk Run Heights Dobermans - 68-74, 4th
A+ Audubon Park Spuds - 58-82, 7th
A- Plattsburgh Animals - 32-44, 5th
A- Po'ipu Channel Cats - 21-55, 6th
R Anchorage Giants - 37-31, 3rd
R Honolulu Super 66 - 13-55, 9th
And now for the individual performers:
SS Miguel Naranjo, 25 (2025 Int'l FA Signing)
Naranjo has been on several of my prospect lists and has a track record of performing better than his ratings, but had yet to deliver at AAA. Boosted by some defensive value as well, Naranjo led my minors in WAR this year. In AAA this year he had 5.7 WAR (4.1 batting) in 126 games and 548 PA. The rest of his line was .290 AVG, 9 HR, .138 ISO, and 36 SB.
Naranjo is an interesting player as he has great intangibles and his only batting tool of note is a plus avoid k rating. So despite his ability to rise up to or above every level he's played at, he looks to be blocked by others (Carruth and Pellot) and might not have much trade value.
RF Jared O'Brien, 22 (2027 Draft, Rd 1)
O'Brien has a much higher pedigree than Naranjo as a former first round pick, but nonetheless has very similar batting ratings -- plus avoid k with the other categories slightly above average at best. O'Brien played the full year in AA and he had 4.5 WAR in 133 games and 548 PA. The rest of his line was .308 AVG, 9 HR, .125 ISO, and 10 SB.
Despite his success, O'Brien profiles quite differently than how my current outfield looks as it is loaded with power and he appears to have very little of it. He adds plus defense and might have a shot at the majors, but this doesn't look like a guarantee at this point. He could very well be included in a trade if another organization values him highly.
3B David Carruth, 26 (Trade w/LV 7/2029)
Carruth is the first batting prospect in my system to make this list two years in a row. He's still a little old as he just turned 26, but should start in the majors as a utility player next year. At AAA this year he had 4.1 WAR in only 89 games and 386 PA. The rest of his line was .332 AVG, 10 HR, .170 ISO, and 1 SB.
Carruth also has plus avoid k, so this is definitely a trend with this year's top minors performers in my system. He also has above average to great contact ability and gap power. For now he represents valuable depth and positional flexibility. If things break his way (and there are a few other injuries, decline, or attrition), he could see starts in the majors for a good stretch of time over the next few years.
SP Jesus Tejada, 23 (2025 Int'l FA Signing)
Tejada makes this list a second consecutive year as he posted 2.5 WAR in 123.1 IP over 13 starts in AAA before getting his call to the majors.
The rest of his line reads 2.99 ERA, 3.03 FIP, 1.01 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9, and 8.0 K/9. He will get an extended look at the rotation next year and hopefully will be a key contributor in making up for the innings I'm set to lose with Diplan's likely departure.
SP Manny Roque, 23 (2029 Draft, Comp. Rd 1)
Roque has swiftly emerged as one of the top pitching prospects in my system with the performance now backing up his ratings. He posted 2.6 WAR over 180 IP in 28 AA starts. He also had one start at AAA before the season ended.
In AA he had a 3.25 ERA, 3.77 FIP, 1.16 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9, and 6.4 K/9. He should be in the AAA rotation all year next year with the chance for a late season call up to the bullpen. If Roque can increase his strikeouts, he could develop into a very dangerous pitcher.
SP Chris Castiglione, 24 (2028 Draft, Rd 1)
Castiglione posted 1.8 WAR in 160 IP over 25 starts in AAA before getting a late season call up to the Expos bullpen where he made two relief appearances. The rest of his line reads 3.04 ERA, 3.64 FIP, 1.19 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9, and 6.1 K/9.
Castiglione should return to the AAA rotation and be among the top options for a call up for either the bullpen or if there is a rotation opening. If you remember, I was really excited after drafting Castiglione and disappointed when his ratings swiftly cratered. It is safe to say that he has rebuilt his prospect status both in terms of ratings and performance -- he has the looks of a MLB starter now more so than a reliever.
While there weren't any true breakout performances this year (though perhaps I am discounting Naranjo too much), this is still a pretty good showing for my prospects. The pitching pipeline is undeniably strong, especially with SP Guajardo and SP Kamphuis narrowly missing this list. Offensively I am looking for the next big batting prospect and might see one of my young international third base signings make a jump to full season ball next year. I don't see this as a concerning gap, especially given the quantity and quality of batters I've recently graduated to the majors and who are hitting really well.
Next, the offseason begins and my front office gets to work...