MLB Pipeline shifted back to the middle infield Wednesday and posted its ranking of the top 10 shortstop prospects in the game. And the rather stacked list included Gleyber Torres, the Cubs No. 1 prospect in the pre-season rankings.
Gleyber Torres was ranked ninth by Jim Callis and MLB Pipeline, which is quite the accomplishment for the 19-year old. Torres is the second youngest shortstop included in the top 10 list.
Torres excelled as an 18-year old during his first year of full-season ball. Torres started the season with Low-A South Bend and earned the Midwest League Top Prospect honor he received from Baseball America.
In 126 games for the South Bend Cubs, Torres hit .293/.353/.386 with 24 doubles, five triples and three home runs for a .739 OPS. Torres had 43 walks and 108 strikeouts in 514 plate appearances before he was promoted to High-A Myrtle Beach at the end of the season.
Torres played in only seven regular season games for the Pelicans. Torres batted .174/.208/.174 and helped Myrtle Beach win the Carolina League Championship.
For the season, Torres hit .287/.346/.376 with 24 doubles, five triples and three home runs for a .722 OPS. Torres swiped 22 bases and walked 44 times with 115 strikeouts. Torres participated in Advanced Fall Instructional League and is expected to begin the upcoming season as the Pelicans’ everyday shortstop.
Jim Callis thinks the Cubs’ logjam in the infield is “only going to get worse when Torres is ready in a couple of years.” Torres has “solid-or-better tools across the board” but questions remain if he will be able to stick at short as he progresses through the system.
According to MLB Pipeline, “Torres seemed a half-step quicker in 2015, enhancing his chances of staying at shortstop … though Addison Russell will have something to say about that. While Torres’ range may just be average, his instincts and strong arm allow him to make plays. If he has to change positions, he’s profile well offensively and defensively at either second or third base.”
MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 Shortstops: Corey Seager (Dodgers), J.P. Crawford (Phillies), Orlando Arcia (Brewers), Dansby Swanson (Braves), Trea Turner (Nationals), Brendan Rodgers (Rockies), Alex Bregman (Astros), Franklin Barreto (A’s), Gleyber Torres (Cubs) and Ozzie Albies (Braves) … Next up: Jorge Mateo (Yankees) and Raul Adalberto Mondesi (Royals)
MLB Pipeline moves to the outfield on Thursday before wrapping up its rankings on Friday with the Top 100 Prospects list.
MLB Pipeline Top 10 Positional Rankings
- Willson Contreras – Catcher – No. 1
- Ian Happ – Second Base – No. 3
- Jeimer Candelario – Third Base – No. 7