2 The Bigs

By Sal Corso: Jan 16, 2024

I’ll start this write-up with a shoutout to Rotowire. They have an extensive database of statistics for minor leaguers. Rotowire has their own Top MiLB prospects ranking sheet. But unlike MLB.com, theirs is 400 players long. Out of those 400 names, do you know how many recorded a .300-plus batting average and a sub-20 percent K-Rate in 2023 (across 100-plus at-bats)?

Seven.

Of the seven names, you’ll see three ranked in Rotowire’s Top-100:

Luisangel Acuna, Tyler Black and Victor Scott.

When we talk “five-tool players”, most have no issues with four of ‘em. Victor has all of those. He led the minors with 94 stolen bases and won a gold glove in centerfield. Scott is an all-around talent. So much so, here’s what Masyn Winn, fellow teammate and top-ranked Cardinals prospect, had to say about Scott:

“You’ve got guys like [Nolan Arenado], who is different, and he’s an animal. He’s going to go out and compete, he’s not going to smile and he’s a killer. I think Vic Scott’s the same way. He seems like a dog to me. He seems like he wants to go out there and wants to beat everybody.” (courtesy of MLB.com)

As mentioned, most of those four tool players just don’t have a consistent bat. A perfect example is Cameron Maybin. Maybin was an elite prospect. So much so, he was included in the trade package that sent young superstar Miguel Cabrera to Detroit. However, Maybin never panned out. The reason? He couldn’t find consistency at the plate.

I’m thinking Scott will be different. The kid can flat out hit (shown above). He has a quick, lefty swing and drives the ball. What’s more impressive is that he even got better as he moved up the system. Here’s Victor’s stat line in exactly 66 games at each level in 2023:

MLB players and executives usually call out that the jump from Single-A to Double-A is the most difficult for prospects. Victor clearly disagrees. The jump in power and drop in strikeouts is exactly what you want to see from a player who already hits at a .280-plus average. One critique is that he doesn’t walk much (5.8 percent). If you watch his tape, you’ll see that he jumps at breaking balls out of the zone. Not something to worry about as I’m sure the Cardinals development staff is all over this.

Many believe Scott will join Winn up at the big-league level this year. I agree.

Victor’s 1^st-bowman autograph comes in 2022 Bowman Draft. A set highlighted by superstar prospect Jackson Holliday. But one with some sneaky depth as well. Add Victor to that list. For a measly $35 you can grab his 1^st Bowman autograph. For $70 you can get a refractor (/499). Give me his value over most other prospects right now. Let’s give him a BUY rating.