Four Rays in Keith Law’s Top-50 prospect list for 2018

Keith Law released his top 50 prospect list today at ESPN ($). The Tampa Bay Rays went hitless in his 51-100, but placed four prospects in the top 50. The Chicago White Sox and Atlanta Braves also placed four in the top 50.

Law’s lists typically varies from the other publications in that he typically only cares about upside.

15. Brent Honeywell, RHP

He’s a good No. 4 starter right now, but there are plenty of ways for him to exceed that, from tightening the slider to improving his command, and now that he’s fully healthy, I expect him to get to that No. 2-3 starter range in time.

Number four starter doesn’t sound exciting, but that’s quite the praise from Law. A number four is a league average starter.

Honeywell ranks as the 6th highest pitcher and fourth highest right hander.

20. Willy Adames, SS

If he stays at short, he has All-Star upside with the bat, and if he packs on too much muscle to stay there, he may end up a 30-homer third baseman with OBP skills and an above average glove instead.

Law believes he’ll stick at shortstop unless he’s forced off by a true plus defender.

Adames ranks as the fifth best shortstop.

28. Brendan McKay, LHP/1B

He could be an above-average starting pitcher in the majors or a middle-of-the-order bat at first base. My money is very slightly on the former.

It is pretty crazy that these are two very possible outcomes. McKay will likely have to focus on one or the other in the near future.

McKay is the highest ranked first baseman on the list, but part of that is due to the arm.

34. Jesus Sanchez, OF

Sanchez has very fast hands, allowing him to cover more of the strike zone and pitches beyond the zone than most hitters do. He’ll show plus raw power that started to show up more in games this year. He has 25-30 homers very much within his reach as he fills out.

Sanchez was not in Law’s mid-season top 50 unlike the other three Rays. A year from now it’s very possible we’re talking about Sanchez as the best prospect in the system and towards the top of these lists.

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Players not featured in Law’s Top-100 are 1B/OF Jake Bauers, 3B Christian Arroyo, SS Lucius Fox, and top international infield signee Wander Franco.