The Fastest Runners in the Diamondbacks Farm System

Which top prospects could give Corbin Carroll a run for his money in a race?

As continued coverage of the Diamondbacks farm system, here at Inside the Diamondbacks we are going to do a tool-by-tool analysis and pick out the best prospects for each tool. Each tool is graded on the 20-80 scouting scale, where 50 is the major league average.

Next up is the run tool, which only factors in speed as opposed to baserunning value. No organization does a better job of weaponing speed than the D-backs, led by arguably the fastest outfield in baseball and the best baserunning coach in the game in Dave McKay. Most prospects are given a score based off 60-yard dash times, but given a player is rarely ever going to cover that much ground in a game scenario it's a less useful metric compared to Home to 1st times. Here's the criteria for the run tool and what that should mean moving forward.

One extra thing to note is the grade is the average between right-handed and left-handed hitters. If you want to isolate for each side of the plate, subtract 0.05 seconds for left-handed hitters and add 0.05 for right-handed hitters.

These four prospects on the current Top 30 list all possess at least a plus (60) run tool and not too surprisingly rank near the top of the list.

Druw Jones (70)

Full Scouting Report

Jones ranks at the top for speed, which already shows up on the defensive side of the ball. Once he gets a chance to work with Dave McKay, as both an outfielder and baserunner, it would not be surprising to see Jones finish near the top of the leaderboard in stolen bases in both the minor leagues and the major leagues. However the total impact he could have will depend on his ability to reach base. He's the type of player that if he reaches his ceiling could put up some impressive counting numbers, such as a 30 home run and 30 stolen base season. That's an accomplishment that has never been done before in franchise history despite multiple players putting up a 20/50 season.

Jordan Lawlar (60)

Full Scouting Report

Based off Statcast metrics (99th percentile Sprint Speed, 4.18 home to first time), you can make an argument for Lawlar having a 70 run tool. Lawlar is the type of bat who could consistently put up 20 home run and 30 stolen base seasons, and perhaps even join the 25/50 club during his peak. He'll have a chance to take over the shortstop job in the 2024 season and get a chance to show off that speed on an everyday basis.

Tommy Troy (60)

Full Scouting Report

Troy is an aggressive and smart baserunner who will put up impressive stolen base numbers as a prospect. Like Lawlar, he's a well-rounded offensive shortstop with the athleticism and instincts to play any position on the field. He's exceptionally quick and likely to stick on the dirt, either as a second or third baseman depending on how Lawlar handles the shortstop position. At his peak Troy could put up a 25 home run and a 25 stolen base season.

Jack Hurley (60)

Full Scouting Report

Hurley fits a similar mold to Alek Thomas, an aggressive hitter with plenty of speed to burn in center field. The impact his speed could provide will depend on how the bat develops, as he's likely to end up as a fourth outfielder who could still get 400 plate appearances. He projects to be an above-average defender in center and perhaps get enough opportunities to swipe 15-20 bases.

Top 30 Diamondbacks Prospects Entering the 2024 Season