Catching Up on the D-backs Prospects Playing at the Complex

Earlier in the season, we did a comprehensive review of the Diamondbacks' full-season minor league affiliates from Low A to Triple-A. In June, the Arizona Complex League is officially underway so we can take an initial look at some of the organization's top prospects currently playing at that level. The typical prospect you'll see in the complex are either teenaged Latin American players who have graduated from the Dominican Summer Leagues, players beginning their professional careers, or rehabbing players from higher levels. For the ones playing competitively at this level, they are likely four to five years away from making a big league impact.

Cristofer Torin (No. 18) has one of the best hit tools in the system despite only being 18 years old, although there is more physicality and power in his profile than someone listed at 5'10" and 155 pounds. His best weapon at the plate is strike zone discipline with enough pop to hit mistakes. He's currently hitting .269 with a .361 on-base percentage with a double, triple, two home runs with more walks than strikeouts. On the bases, he's successfully stolen five bases in five tries. Long term he better profiles for second base due to a below-average arm for short.

Landon Sims (No. 9) was thought of as a future closer given his pedigree and high octane stuff. However his stuff has not returned post Tommy John surgery. FanGraphs prospect writer Eric Longenhagen noted that his fastball velocity was down to 90-92 MPH and the swing-and-miss slider has lost its vertical depth. It's very concerning when considering the pitcher the D-backs thought they were getting out of the draft was 94-98 with ride at the top of the zone with a double-plus slider. The hope is he can get his pre-surgery stuff back, which would make him a viable backend of the bullpen candidate, but at his current profile he might not even be a considerable prospect.

Jansel Luis signed with the D-backs for $525K as part of the organization's 2022 international class. The switch-hitting shortstop was one of the best performers from the Dominican Summer League last year, hitting .345 with seven doubles, a home run, and nine stolen bases. He has spent the year at the complex, where he's hit .388 with five doubles and a home run in 14 games. His strikeout rate currently sits at 11%, suggesting he's more than able to make enough contact. Luis doesn't currently show up on the current Top 30 list, but as an 18-year-old putting up solid numbers he's a guy to keep an eye on once he goes to an affiliate next season.

Ruben Santana (No. 19) is another teenager who is putting up good numbers at the complex, batting .358 with five doubles and a triple. There is a bit of swing-and-miss as evidenced by a career strikeout rate above 20% despite facing weaker competition. The strikeout rate isn't that concerning, given he's only had 58 plate appearances at the complex. He'll likely grow more power as he fills out a 6'0" 190-pound frame more. The key in his development will be to limit the amount of swing-and-miss in his game. If the hit tool is enough to play in the big leagues, he has the potential to be an everyday third baseman due to the strong defensive profile for the position.