Carding Baseball America's MLB Prospects Hot Sheet (June 18)

Here's a look at the top five players on this week's Baseball America Top MLB Prospects Hot Sheet and their seasons so far. It's a little something to help those who might want to dabble with prospecting -- some basics on their baseball cards alongside a highlight line from those more scouting-minded. We may not do this every week, but we'll check in on BA's top crop from time to time for the remainder of the season.

1. Jo Adell, OF, Angels — High-A Inland Empire 66ers
Season so far: Hitting .318 with 14 doubles, 14 homers, 47 RBI and 11 SBs in 50 games
Baseball America’s highlight line: “At just 19 years old, Adell is quickly emerging as one of the top five-tool prospects in the minor leagues. He earned a promotion to the California League roughly a month ago and has taken the circuit by storm.”
CARDBOARD BASICS
Approximate card total (so far): 400
First Chrome auto: 2017 Bowman Draft
One auto to consider: 2016 Leaf Metal
Buzz’s card take: He’s heavily hyped and was very pricey when his first Chrome ink arrived. A season like this won’t change that. Bargain-hunting could be tough here — but he’ll also likely keep appearing on prospect checklists.

Keep reading for the rest of the top five ...

2. Nathaniel Lowe, 1B, Rays — Double-A Montgomery Biscuits
Season so far: Hitting .361 with 17 doubles, 14 homers and 56 RBI in 61 games
Baseball America’s highlight line: “Lowe’s return to the Florida State League in 2018 was outstanding, and he’s kept it going in his first 10 games since his promotion to Double-A with a promising combination of barrel awareness, strike-zone awareness and left-handed power.”
CARDBOARD BASICS
Approximate card total (so far): Fewer than 10 (just MiLB team sets)
First Chrome auto: Not yet
One auto to consider: None yet (that's an in-person MiLB card)
Buzz’s card take: His absence from cards is an interesting one — this 13th-round pick has been in the minors since 2016. If he truly emerges on the field, there could be some interest once (if?) he gets MLB cardboard.

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3. Alex Kirilloff, OF, Twins — Low-A Cedar Rapids Kernels
Season so far: Hitting .333 with 20 doubles, 13 homers, 56 RBI and 1 SB in 65 games
Baseball America’s highlight line: “Kirilloff has eight extra-base hits, seven walks and only eight strikeouts this month.”
CARDBOARD BASICS
Approximate card total (so far): 325
First Chrome auto: 2016 Bowman Chrome Draft
One auto to consider: 2015 Leaf Metal Draft
Buzz’s card take: His career stats aren’t overwhelmingly flashy and he’s still deep in the minors, but his numbers are improved over his previous season (he was out last year) making him one to keep watching. (Baseball America is.)

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4. Nick Senzel, SS/3B, Reds — Triple-A Louisville Bats
Season so far: Hitting .302 with 12 doubles, 4 homers, 22 RBI and 8 SBs in 40 games
Baseball America’s highlight line: “Senzel has rotated back and forth between second base and third base all season, but on Saturday he got his first taste of the season at shortstop.”
CARDBOARD BASICS
Approximate card total (so far): 600
First Chrome auto: 2017 Bowman Chrome
One auto to consider: 2016 Elite Extra Edition
Buzz’s card take: The spotlight has been bright on this No. 2 overall pick from the 2016 MLB Draft after his career with the Tennessee Vols. His MiLB stats may not wow you, but if there are bargains to be found now after he was out, he’s worth a look. (He’ll get attention when he arrives in Cincinnati and that position versatility should help.)

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5. Oneil Cruz, SS, Pirates — Low-A West Virginia Power
Season so far: Hitting .303 with 14 doubles, 8 homers, 39 RBI and 5 SBs in 63 games
Baseball America’s highlight line: “His strength, leverage and bat speed produce towering blasts when everything is in sync. … A corner outfield spot is likely Cruz’s position when he gets to the big leagues, but if everything clicks at the plate, he could certainly profile there.”
CARDBOARD BASICS
Approximate card total (so far): 65
First Chrome auto: 2016 Bowman Chrome
One auto to consider: 2017 Elite Extra Edition
Buzz’s card take: He doesn’t have a lot of cardboard at all with just those two brands -- and just one with the correct spelling of his name. That’s a recipe for price movement when he picks up and gets attention. Long-term? He’s only 19 and in his third season in MiLB so he's one to watch.

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