2022 Triple-A Minor League Prospects With The Best Scouting Tools

HENDERSON IS THE REAL DEAL

The ability to control the strike zone goes beyond just identifying balls from strikes. It’s also the ability to identify the right pitches to hit, and few prospects do that as well as Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson. This season, the 21-year-old has hit for contact and power across Double-A and Triple-A, while exhibiting an outstanding overall approach.

Henderson’s ability to avoid chase swings is notable. He swings at pitches outside the zone just 18% of the time. To put this in perspective, no qualified MLB hitter owns a chase rate lower than 20%. Henderson’s discerning eye translates to high walk rates and a higher probability that the pitches he’s swinging at are hittable strikes. The results make this apparent, because Henderson has consistently gotten to his power.

Not only has Henderson produced high extra-base hit totals in 2022, but his exit velocity data places him among the best power hitters in the game. This season, just 24 MLB hitters have a max exit velocity of 115 mph or higher. Henderson’s max exit velocity this season is 115.8 mph, which would rank among the 20 hardest-hit balls in MLB this season. This isn’t an isolated incident for Henderson: He has recorded more than 90 batted balls at 100 mph or harder.

—Geoff Pontes

BROWN EMBODIES THE MODERN PITCHER 

Few pitching characteristics define the modern era of baseball quite like fastball velocity. Pitchers continue to throw harder at all levels each year, and MLB organizations have put increased emphasis on training it in the minor leagues.

Astros 23-year-old righthander  Hunter Brown is among the hardest throwers in the minors. He mixes four pitches, with his fastball and slider standing out for their elite velocity.

Brown’s four-seam fastball sits 96 mph and has touched 100. He generates average spin on his fastball, but his velocity allows the average ride on his fastball to play up, making it difficult for hitters to time. Of starters who have thrown 800 or more fastballs in the minors this season, Brown is the only one to average 96 mph or better.

Brown’s slider is equally unique. He’s the only minor league pitcher to average 90 mph or higher on his slider with a sample of at least 300 pitches. His slider moves like a cutter and drives a higher rate of chase swings. He also throws a low-80s curveball and a firm changeup.

With two pitches that boast 99th percentile velocity, Brown embodies the modern pitcher and is one of the best…