:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48411101/159753918.YjDUbo2h.0.0.jpg)
Taylor Guerrieri goes back in the pool, and he'll aim for the No. 4 spot. He'll likely face stiff competition from Brent Honeywell, and Justin Williams enters the mix.
1. LHP Blake Snell (95.2%)
2. SS Willy Adames (59.1%)
3. 1B/OF Jake Bauers (60.6% in runoff)
RHP Jacob Faria (6'4 200, 22 in 2016)
2015 statistics with Class A-Advanced Charlotte and Double-A Montgomery: 149 2/3 IP, 1.92 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 8.9 BB%, 27.2 K%
On Faria, Baseball Prospectus quoted a scout saying, "the pitcher with the most upside in their system outside of Snell (and it’s not close)." That's not a surprise after his huge breakout season that featured more strikeouts than innings and three starts with double-digit strikeouts. He gets it done with control of his above-average fastball and changeup and could have an average breaking ball in the future.
RHP Taylor Guerrieri (6'3 195, 23 in 2016)
2015 statistics with Class A-Advanced Charlotte and Double-A Montgomery: 78 IP, 1.85 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 5.9 BB%, 22.4 K%
Guerrieri missed April easing back from 2013 Tommy John surgery, and he was able to return in strong form. He limited his walks and struck out an above-average number of batters, leading to his 1.85 ERA for the season. He has an above-average to plus fastball that sits 91-95 and an above-average curve as well. He has worked in a changeup as well, but as of now it is fringy.
RHP Brent Honeywell (6'2 180, 21 in 2016)
2015 statistics with Class-A Bowling Green and Class A-Advanced Charlotte: 130 1/3 IP, 3.18 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 5.1 BB%, 24.6 K%
Honeywell is known for his screwball, but he's far more than a one-trick pony. While many young pitchers have trouble with control, his athleticism allows him to repeat his delivery and pound the strike zone. His low-90s fastball could still improve as he gets stronger, and he already has no problem striking out batters. His breaking ball and changeup could also be above-average pitches.
SS Daniel Robertson (R/R, 6'1 205, 22 in 2016)
2015 statistics with Double-A Montgomery: 347 PA, .274/.363/.415, 29 XBH, 2-for-5 SB, 9.5 BB%, 16.7 K%
Robertson's season was hampered by a broken hamate bone that took him 1 1/2 months to recover from. Still, he finished 2015 with a 123 wRC+. Robertson is a hit-first shortstop, and profiles as a contact hitter who will hit some home runs here and there. His speed is fringy but his glove and arm are both solid-average.
3B Richie Shaffer (R/R, 6'3 220, 25 in 2016)
2015 statistics with Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham: 457 PA, .267/.357/.539, 26 HR, 54 XBH, 11.8 BB%, 26.9 K%
2015 statistics with Tampa Bay: 88 PA, .189/.307/.392, 4 HR, 11.4 BB%, 36.4 K%
For 2013 and most of 2014, Shaffer's nondescript performance was not befitting of a first-round pick. After heating up in August with Montgomery, he picked up where he left off in 2015. In his Durham debut at the end of May, he hit two home runs, and a few weeks later, he socked three. He'll always strike out a bit, but he'll also walk and show plus power. He has enough arm to play third base and right field and can offer adequate play at all four corner positions.
OF Garrett Whitley (R/R, 6'0 200, 19 in 2016)
2015 statistics with the GCL Rays and short-season Hudson Valley: 164 PA, .174/.293/.312, 10 XBH, 8-for-13 SB, 12.8 BB%, 22.6 K%
Whitley was the Rays' first-round pick at No. 13 overall. He struggled at the plate in his initial season, finishing with an average of .174. He received criticisms on his inability to hit for average before the draft. Whitley does have above average raw power as well. However, Whitley has a plus speed and an above-average arm, making him a solid player defensively. His stock rides on the development of his hit tool.
OF Justin Williams (L/R, 6'2 215, 20 in 2016)
2015 statistics with Class-A Bowling Green and Class A-Advanced Charlotte: 490 PA, .277/.298/.394, 39 XBH, 7 HR, 6-for-8 SB, 2.9 BB%, 18.4 K%
Williams debuted in the Rays organization with an average 2015, carrying a combined 100 wRC+, but he is tearing up the Australian League this winter. Williams struggles heavily with his approach at the plate, which limits his ability to hit. Williams has plus raw power with the potential to have at least above average game power. Williams is a fringy fielder, even with a solid-average arm. He has fringe speed to mix with that, meaning he projects as a corner outfielder.