2017 DRaysBay Community Prospect No. 6 runoff

For those not familiar, here’s how runoffs work. For one day, you can choose between Jacob Faria and Joshua Lowe. Tuesday, we’ll move on to the next prospect on the list. The loser will not automatically be placed, although it seems likely to me that’s how the next poll will turn out.

Is the No. 6 prospect in the organization Faria or Lowe? Each received 15 votes over the weekend.

RHP Jacob Faria (6'4 200, 23 in 2017)

2016 statistics with Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham: 151 IP, 3.99 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 11.0 BB%, 25.3 K%

While the bevy of early picks in the 2011 draft isn't working out as well as the Rays hoped, it could be their 10th-rounder, Faria, who helps salvage the class. As he's gotten older and stronger, his stuff has gotten better, and his fastball now sits in the low-90s. His changeup is his top secondary offering, but his curveball is inconsistent. While his stuff has gotten better, his walk rate has also climbed.

3B Joshua Lowe (L/R, 6'4 190, 19 in 2017)

2016 statistics with the Gulf Coast League Rays and rookie-level Princeton: 214 PA, .249/.374/.405, 14 XBH, 5 HR, 17.3 BB%, 27.6 K%

Lowe's pro career got off to a poor start, but he quickly rebounded and was named a top-20 prospect by Baseball America in both leagues he played in. With good bat speed and room on his frame to add strength, he has the power projection of a classic hot-corner profile. Eventually, those strikeouts will have to come down. As a successful pitcher, he has a strong arm and has the athleticism to play in the outfield if third base doesn't work out.