FIRST-HALF STANDOUTS
AN ANALYTICALLY INCLINED LOOK AT THE GAME
With the Futures Game in the rear-view mirror, we took stock of minor league players of the year for all 30 organizations at midseason.
The criteria used is simply best performance by a prospect. Statistics are through July 11, the day of the Futures Game and the rough midpoint of the season.
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
ALEK THOMAS, OF
DOUBLE-A AMARILLO
Thomas adapted to Double-A to deliver a well-rounded .273/.366/.481 batting line with five home runs in 47 games. He led off for the National League team at the Futures Game. Age: 21
ATLANTA BRAVES
JESSE FRANKLIN, OF
HIGH-A ROME
The Braves liked Franklin’s power-speed combo at Michigan and drafted him in the third round in 2020 even though he missed the year with an injury. 22
