NEW NAME, SAME GREAT TALENT
A lot changed in the minor leagues between the last pitch of 2019 and Opening Day 2021. The entire player development apparatus was overhauled, teams were cut and leagues took on new names and classifications. The former Midwest League became High-A Central, it’s classification changing from Low-A to High-A. The league dropped from 16 teams to 12.
One constant was the high talent level in the league, topped by Spencer Torkelson, the first overall pick in the 2020 draft. Torkelson started slowly but quickly lived up to his billing as an advanced hitter with huge power. He wasn’t the only high-end prospect to spend time in High-A Central.
The Dodgers sent more prospects through the league than any organization. Great Lakes featured four top 10 prospects: third baseman Miguel Vargas, righthander Bobby Miller, outfielder Andy Pages and infielder Eddys Leonard.
The league’s name and classification were different, but the talent that crossed through High-A Central made it seem like business as usual.
1. Spencer Torkelson, 1B/3B
West Michigan (Tigers)
22. R-R. 6-1. 220. Arizona State, 2020 (1st
