Brandon Lowe and Vidal Brujan among top 2B prospects
MLB Pipeline places both in top ten
MLB Pipeline continues to post rankings by position and Rays prospects continue to earn accolades.
The stacked Rays farm system now includes two of the top second base prospects in baseball. Vidal Brujan was named the 4th best second base prospect, and Brandon Lowe came in 7th on MLB Pipeline’s top ten second base prospects in baseball.
MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects
- Keston Hiura, Brewers
- Luis Urias, Padres
- Nick Madrigal, White Sox
- Vidal Brujan, Rays
- Garrett Hampson, Rockies
- Jeter Downs, Dodgers
- Brandon Lowe, Rays
- Cavan Biggio, Blue Jays
- Jahmai Jones, Angels
- Isan Diaz, Marlins
Brandon Lowe broke out in 2018, thanks to improved power at the plate. His performance allowed him to rise rapidly through the Rays system and make his MLB debut in August. He totaled 28 HR across the three toughest levels in baseball, finishing with 6 HR over 148 big league plate appearances, registering 113 wRC+ and 0.8 fWAR over 43 games. His defense is his weakest tool and with the Rays already having the sure-handed Joey Wendle penciled in as their starting second baseman, Lowe may have to carve out playing time elsewhere on the diamond.
Vidal Brujan also broke out for the Rays, succeeding in all facets of the game throughout the lower levels of the minors. He took advantage of his plus speed, ranked highest among all second base prospects, snagging 55 bases over just 122 games. Meanwhile, he put on a show offensively even in the offensively suppressed Florida State League, hitting .347/.434/.582 with 4 HR over 114 plate appearances after a late season promotion.
Fastest Runner: Brujan (70)
Brujan’s 112 runs scored and 55 steals were the first- and second-highest totals in the Minors, respectively, in 2018. That he hits for average, reaches base at a high clip and doesn’t strike out much provides Brujan with ample opportunities to wreak havoc on pitchers and defenses with his wheels.
Brujan is currently a second baseman, but with his plus speed and decent arm, his future may be in the outfield.
Tomorrow, MLB Pipeline will move on to third base.