Prospect Stock Watch: Lugo, Robles, and Reid-Foley

On this holiday weekend, the Prospect Stock Watch takes a look at three players in varying degrees of breaking out for their respective organizations — including one young outfielder from Washington’s system that you don’t want to sleep on if you’re participating in a dynasty league.

Dawel Lugo | SS | Diamondbacks
Value: Inching Upward
ETA: 2018

It’s easy to dismiss Lugo’s solid start to the year given that he’s playing in a very good hitter’s league — and it might partially explain the increase in power — but he’s made some clear adjustments. The young shortstop’s walk rate is up a tad (to near 5% — good for him), the strikeout rate is down to just 13% and his batting average of .289 appears sustainable off of a .305 BABIP. That’s good because it remains to be seen how real the power increase is and Lugo doesn’t run so his offensive value will be very reliant on his batting average. He’ll likely move to third base down the road so consistent power will be important but he’s not going to push Jake Lamb off the hot corner and Brandon Drury is probably a better player too.

Victor Robles | CF | Nationals
Value: Skyrocketing
ETA: 2018

The Expos/Nationals minor league system was so bad for so long that it’s still easy to overlook the system. However, it’s become quiet good thanks to some smart gambles in the draft and some wise signings out of Latin America. Robles is one of the latter and was acquired for less than $300,000. He has amazing makeup for such a young player (19) and recently earned a promotion from low-A to high-A. He has just five home runs on the year but Robles possesses impressive raw power and could eventually hit 20 home runs. And with his speed, he could be a 20-20 man with the ability to hit .300 down the road. He’s a little ways away from The Show but Robles could eventually make for a fun partner in the outfield for Bryce Harper (if the young star re-signs with Washington).

Sean Reid-Foley | RHP | Blue Jays
Value: Rising
ETA: 2018

Reid-Foley is a big, strong hurler who’s only 20 years of age. He was recently promoted from low-A to high-A and has been reinvigorated after being disappointed with the assignment back to low-A ball to begin 2016. The Jays, though, wanted to see him really commit to the game and improve his fastball command. He has outstanding stuff with a mid-90s heater that can touch 98 mph and a wipeout slider. Since being promoted to high-A ball, he’s struck out 23 batters with six walks and just 10 hits allowed in 19 innings. If he can continue to improve with the command and polish a third pitch, Reid-Foley has the stuff and build to be an innings-eating No. 2 or 3 starter. He might taste big league action in late 2017 but is on pace to solidify a permanent role in 2018.