Modesto Nuts (32-14, 1st place Cal League North)
The Nuts were the first minor league team to have 30 wins and a +131 run differential. This dynamic team is a force in all its facets. Lazaro Montes is displaying more contact and less swing-and-miss, and it's paying off: He is leading the Cal League in RBIs with 56.
2023 draftees Aidan Smith, Jonny Farmelo, and Tai Peete are all clicking simultaneously. Peete is displaying his five-tool skill set, raising his average to .282 over the past month and swiping 13 bases. Keep an eye on Farmelo and Smith, as the Mariners could get aggressive and promote them to Everett for the stretch run.
Like the offense, there are plenty of pitching stars this month. Brody Hopkins is flashing his plus-plus fastball and slider, holding the opposition to a .188 average. 23-year-old Will Schomberg is a little older for the league and is destined for Everett shortly. However, the late life on his heater, deception, and command could make him the next pitching gem down on the farm.
Arizona Complex League Mariners (10-9, 3rd place ACL West)
Felnin Celesten is one of many intriguing prospects toiling in the ACL. The Mariners' 5th-rated prospect is slashing .324/.427/.942 in his first 18 professional games and even recently carried a 12-game hit streak.
Australian first baseman Jarrod Belbin is in the top 10 in hits, RBI, average, OBP, and SLG. The only caveat is Belbin's age, 23, which will likely help him cover multiple farm levels this season. The entire lineup performs, leading the ACL on average (.283).
The pitching staff is hit or miss, with Jeter Martinez and Walter Ford being bright spots on the bump. Both young starters will likely spend the entire season in the ACL, acclimating to full-season baseball.
The Dominican Summer League action kicks off next week, with backstop Gabriel Guanchez leading the long list of talented prospects.
It's exciting times down on the farm, and now is the time to stop by your local minor league affiliate because some of your favorite prospects might be on the move soon.