D-backs Spring Breakout Roster: Infielders and Outfielders
The Diamondbacks will send 26 of their top prospects to participate in Major League Baseball's Spring Breakout Series. The first piece covered the pitchers and catchers that will be representing the D-backs. The second and final installment will cover the infielders and outfielders participating in the event, from highest to lowest ranking:
Jordan Lawlar (No. 1) is the D-backs consensus top prospect and shortstop of the future. With the team opting to go to Geraldo Perdomo as their everyday starter at the position in 2024, there aren't any opportunities present for Lawlar to make the big league club. After a rough slump early in the 2023 season, he bounced back to torch Double-A and Triple-A pitching from May to September. He struggled in his first major league stint, hitting .129 and looked overmatched against MLB pitchers.
Druw Jones (No. 2) is the D-backs top pick from the 2022 draft, but struggled with health in his first year in the system. Easily the best outfield defender in the organization, his bat has been slow to develop. 2024 may be the most important year for Jones, who will need to be healthy all season. He has the ceiling of an MVP candidate, but could easily bust if his swing is still an issue down the road.
Tommy Troy (No. 3) is the team's most recent first round selection, and is expected to fly up the system. Athletic enough to play any position on either the dirt or grass, Troy could play second, short, or third base long term. He's got a quick bat that plays well against elevated fastballs, not only being able to hit those pitches but slug them. He'll be entering his first year in the organization.
Jansel Luis (No. 6) is one of the younger infielders, having just turned 19 yesterday, but has the makings to be a five-tool player at either shortstop or second base. After dominating the Dominican and Complex Leagues, he held his own with Class A Visalia. There's still a lot of growth left in the bat, but could develop into a 60 hit/55 power type bat that could hit at the top of a lineup.
Gino Groover (No. 8) is in consideration for the best overall hitter in the D-backs farm system. While his defensive future is up in the air, he has the potential to be a rare 60 hit/60 power bat based on his ability to barrel up any pitch in the strike zone. While listed as a third baseman, there's a decent chance he ends up either at first base, left field, or a full-time DH. However regardless of position, the bat will play.
Ivan Melendez (No. 10) is noted for both 80 raw power (60 in-game) but has struggled with strikeouts (34% in 2023) and approach in his career. While he hit 30 home runs between High-A and Double-A while hitting .270 or better at both stops, the swing-and-miss is a major concern moving forward. Being more selective and focusing more on getting the barrel to the ball will be the key to maximize his value as a hitter. He projects as a low-OBP slugger who feasts on mistakes.
Ruben Santana (No. 11) is a young third baseman who has a similar, but less extreme profile as Melendez. He has plus power with some swing-and-miss, but could better stick at third base long term. He's 19 and will be starting full-season ball for the first time in his career.
Jack Hurley (No. 13) is the D-backs third round selection in last year's draft. In his summer debut, there were a shocking number of strikeouts as it climbed to 28%. He's got solid tools across the board, so if he can adjust to pro pitching he has the makings for a possible everyday outfielder. While the D-backs will develop him in center field, he could wind up being an option at a corner.
Cristofer Torin (No. 14) may have the best overall hit tool in the D-backs system. He has an advanced batting eye, especially for his age, and enough pop to punish pitchers who try to lay pitches in the zone. He's splitting time between second base and shortstop, but could end up developing into an everyday second baseman or an offensively-minded utility infielder.
A.J. Vukovich (No. 15) is a very athletic, but raw prospect on both sides of the ball. He set the Amarillo single-season record in RBI, but struggled to hit for power in the Fall League and in Spring Training. His athleticism translates well in the outfield, where his right-handed bat could profile into a potential 4th outfielder role in Arizona.
Jorge Barrosa (No. 16) is a major league ready outfielder who is buried on the D-backs depth chart. He's shown impressive plate discipline in Double-A and Triple-A the past two seasons and has a line drive oriented swing. His size handicaps his power potential, but as a guy who could hit .260 with 10 home runs, 20 steals, and solid outfield defense could be a guy more deserving of MLB playing time soon.
Kristian Robinson (No. 20) is finally back on the field and able to move forward in his career. He put up impressive numbers in his first year back, albeit with some concerning red flags, suggesting he still may have a chance to develop into an MLB player. He has plus power to all fields and is a plus defender in right field, but the strikeouts are the main issue. He has the potential to be at least a fourth outfielder, perhaps more if the hit tool develops better than expected.
Caleb Roberts (NR) barely missed the cut, but offers a profile that could become relevant. As a left-handed swinger, he can play catcher, first base, and both corner outfield spots. He profiles as an end of the bench, versatile defender who can play multiple positions in a pinch who should only start against right-handed pitchers.
Jakey Josepha (NR) flashed at the Complex League in 2023, hitting .315 with three home runs and a 35/22 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 34 games. Signing as an infielder in 2021 out of Curaçao, Josepha transitioned into the outfield the next season. He's a long, projectable player who may grow into more power in the future.
