Top 10 Second Base Prospects: Holliday Soars Ahead of the Rest

In our third installment of the RDBL Top 10 Prospects by position, we tackle second base which is led by RDBL Hitting Prospect of the Year and Las Vergas Aristocrats phenom Jackson Holliday. Having played five games at second in 2023, Holliday carries eligibility across both positions into 2024 which only adds to his already sky-high value.

The position as a whole is extremely deep with a wave of prospects expected to be positioned for an activation in 2024 by their respective RDBL clubs.

1. 2B/SS Jackson Holliday, Las Vegas Aristocrats

Acquired: 2023 Trade from Idaho Taters | ETA: 2025

Awarded Baseball America’s Player of the Year in the Minor Leagues, Holliday has ascended into RDBL’s top hitting prospect. Originally a selection of the Idaho Taters, Holliday was one of the highest profile prospects to be traded in League History as the Las Vegas Aristocrats were able to pry him away. He’s on track to make his big leagues in 2024 with a potential Playoff activation or 2025 Opening Day addition to follow. Currently eligible at both shortstop and second base, his long-term future will largely be decided by the Orioles loaded depth chart and who has established themselves at the time of his promotion.

2. 2B/SS Matt McLain, St. Joseph Jokers

Acquired: 2021 Reserve Draft, 5th Round | ETA: 2024

McLain was one of baseball’s breakouts in 2023, slashing .290/.357/.507 while taking over the starting shortstop spot for the Cincinnati Reds. He torched Triple-A to start the season, hitting .340/.467/.688 and looks the part of a Top-10 producer at the position over the next three seasons for the St. Joseph Jokers who will look to build around McLain and Gunnar Henderson.

3. 2B Edouard Julien, Maltese Falcons

Acquired: 2023 Reserve Draft, 4th Round | ETA: 2024

Julien might be a surprise for some this early on the list, but the slugging second baseman looks poised to immediately step in as a Top-10 producer at the position in 2024. Julien's Rookie debut went exceptionally well in Minnesota, ranking 5th in OPS (.840) among second basemen with at least 250 at-bats, ahead of the likes of Marcus Semien and Gleybar Torres. Despite just 109 games overall, Julien ranked fifth in walks (64) at his position, aligning his skillset perfectly with the RDBL.

4. 2B Adael Amador, Alamo Short Stacks

Acquired: 2023 Trade from Lake Merced Goutfish | ETA: 2025

In just 69 games this season, Amador racked up 15 doubles, 12 home runs, and 15 steals with a .287/.380/.495 slash line and more walks (39) than strikeouts (37). If he didn't miss around half of the minor league season recovering from surgery on his right hamate bone, Amador might be in the top 10 overall discussion heading into 2024. While Amador might not have the flashy power/speed blend that most of the names ahead of him in my rankings have, he's still around average game power and speed, maybe even above average in the power department. That's enough to flirt with 20/20 seasons when half of your games are going to be in Coors Field. Add in a plus or better hit tool and outstanding approach, and you have a well-rounded offensive middle infielder with a fairly high floor as well that should be ready to take on a full-time role in Colorado in 2025.

5. 2B/SS/3B Ronny Mauricio, Lake Merced Goutfish

Acquired: 2021 Reserve Draft, 2nd Round | ETA: 2024

Mauricio has a carrying tool in his plus power, but his below-average on-base ability has generally weighed down his overall offensive production. Mauricio has the electric bat speed and twitch to produce majestic drives to his pull side, and his first MLB hit was a 117.3 mph double that was the hardest hit ball by any Mets hitter in 2023. He also led the Mets with one of the highest chase rates in MLB, undone by poor swing decisions against sliders and changeups. The switch-hitting Mauricio is much stronger from the left side, hitting .284/.334/.497 with a 21% strikeout rate against righthanders in the upper minors and majors. He is an above-average runner and efficient basestealer who went 7-for-7 in his MLB debut. Mauricio is a steady defensive shortstop with a plus arm who fanned out to second base, third base and left field at Triple-A to create avenues to Queens. Playing outfield was abandoned in August, but he looked at home at second and third in New York where he figures to play a prominent role in 2024.

6. 2B/3B Curtis Mead, Asti Grape Stompers

Acquired: 2022 Reserve Draft, 7th Round | ETA: 2024

Mead got his feet wet in the big leagues, earning 24 games of action with a .675 OPS after acing two stops in the Minor Leagues with .287/.377/.502 line. Profiling at both second and third base, Mead brings a strong approach to the plate with emerging power that should allow him to reach his potential as a 350-400 point contributor that could push him into a 2024 activation for the Grapes.

7. 2B/3B/SS Jordan Westburg, Alamo Short Stacks

Acquired: 2023 Reserve Draft, 5th Round | ETA: 2024

Westburg forced his way to the big leagues in 2023, posting a .939 OPS in 67 Triple-A games with 35 overall extra base hits. Facing a crowded depth chart for the first place Orioles, Westburg found his way into 208 big league at-bats across shortstop, second and third base, improving his OPS in each month. Earning a pair of Playoff starts, Westburg looks to be firmly in the O's plans for next season making him a strong candidate for an Opening Day activation.

8. 2B/3B Michael Busch, Mt. Diablo Devils

Acquired: 2022 Trade from Honolulu Hammerheads | ETA: 2024

In his three full minor league seasons, Busch has been a consistent offensive performer, especially in the power department where he's flexed his plus raw power often. After hitting 32 homers in 142 games in 2022, Busch cranked 27 more in 2023 in just 98 games with a .323/.431/.618 slash line. Both the .618 SLG and .295 ISO were career-best marks for Busch. In addition, Busch also improved his walk rate from 11.5% to 13.9% while trimming his strikeout rate from 26.1% to 18.8%. Despite earning the PCL MVP Award, the Dodgers left Busch off their Playoff Roster and don't seem overly ready to hand him a big league job despite the Minor League production. He's a candidate to be moved this Winter which could be a big boost to his value.

9. 2B Termarr Johnson, Spokane Fightin' Fish

Acquired: 2023 Trade from Mission Viejo Maulers | ETA: 2026

Johnson displayed elite patience, posting the highest walk rate among the Minors’ full-season qualifiers (21.9 percent), but some more was expected at the plate after hitting .244 on the season across stops at Low-A and High-A. With many above him on this list set for graduation to the big leagues, Johnson figures to move up significantly during his Age-20 season in 2024 and remains a strong piece of the Fish's future.

10. 2B Connor Norby, Spokane Fightin' Fish

Acquired: 2023 Reserve Draft, 1st Round | ETA: 2024

Norby is the victim of a crowded Baltimore Orioles depth chart that is filled with young hitters pushing for a big league job. Ranked as a Top-100 prospect by multiple publications entering the year, Norby spent all of 2023 at Triple-A where he slashed .290/.359/.483 with 21 home runs and 40 doubles. In another organization, he might already be locked into a 2024 big league job but his immediate future is more uncertain in Baltimore with Jordan Westburg currently ahead of him.

Early Predictions for Top 10 RDBL Free Agents

With the Major League Baseball Hot Stove kicking off this week, the Roger Dorn Baseball League has also turned the page to 2024 with an elite Free Agent Class set for our 11th Annual Draft. We covered the first 2024 Free Agent Power Rankings in late October, with outfielder Aaron Judge topping the list as he rolls off his $31 contract signed in 2021.

Here's an early look at the Top 10 Free Agents available and who makes the most logical sense for a potential signing as well as a contract range that's expected.

1. OF Aaron Judge, Yankees

Expected Contract Range: $63-68

2023 Stats: .267/.406/.613, 373.5 Points

Best Fits: Stacks, Falcons, Jokers, Hammerheads, Clovers

Prediction: $66 to Alamo Short Stacks

Judge enters the 2024 Draft with a chance to break Mike Trout's $71 contract for the highest hitter deal in RDBL History while Ronald Acuña's $66 deal was the largest of 2023. Five Front Offices currently project to hold more than $15 in cap space per opening, the likely necessary spending power to be a serious bidder for Judge while reserving cash for the remainder of the Roster. While we expect the Jokers to be heavy bidders, recent struggles on the mound from their organization as well as the Clovers will likely point their Front Offices towards more of a focus on the pitching market. That leaves the Alamo Short Stacks as a logical fit, given the club currently projects to have $200 available for just nine openings.

2. 3B Austin Riley, Braves

Expected Contract Range: $55-60

2023 Stats: .281/.345/.516, 478.0 Points

Best Fits: Hammerheads, Grapes, Clovers, 'Crats, Falcons, Jokers

Prediction: $58 to Honolulu Hammerheads

Riley has been a superstar over the course of his 3-year contract with the Honolulu Hammerheads, posting 1,422.0 points as one of the most successful Rookie contract deals in League History. Slugging .515 or higher in each season, Riley is showing no signs of slowing down. For good reason, Heads GM Ross Horiuchi is focused on retaining the third baseman making it hard to predict Riley landing anywhere else expect the shores of Honolulu.

3. SP/U Shohei Ohtani, Free Agent

Expected Contract Range: $55-60

2023 Stats: .304/.412/.654, 538.0 Hitting Points / 3.14 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 372.0 Pitching Points

Best Fits: Stacks, Falcons, Jokers, Fightin' Fish, Goutfish, Hops

Prediction: $58 to Spokane Fightin' Fish

While Ohtani will have a market across the RDBL with eyes on a dual-impact in 2025 and 2026, it's no lock that he'll be fully healthy in Spring Training and ready for a full slate of at-bats next season which puts his overall value in question. Expect the Goutfish and Fightin' Fish to be creative this off-season and clear cap space with strong enough Keeper Rosters to carry the risk next season while turning it into a boon over his final two seasons of control.

If he is without limits entering Spring Training, Ohtani will be in the mix for the highest overall Free Agent contract in 2024.

4. RHP Zack Wheeler, Phillies

Expected Contract Range: $55-60

2023 Stats: 3.61 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 435.0 Points

Best Fits: Clovers, Grapes, Stacks, 'Crats, Jokers, Falcons

Prediction: $57 to Cloverdale Clovers

The Cloverdale Clovers have failed to produce a pitching staff that has ranked better than 10th just once in the last seven seasons making the starting rotation a key priority for GM Chris Shelley. The club will have the spending power to do it as well with a current projection of $159 for just seven openings, giving them the highest cap per opening number in the league. Wheeler followed up a 624.0 career season in 2022 with 435.0 points last year and looks to be in line for the highest pitcher contract this year.

5. SS Trea Turner, Phillies

Expected Contract Range: $50-55

2023 Stats: .266/.320/.459, 30 Steals, 420.5 Points

Best Fits: Ducks, Jokers, Goutfish, Grapes, Stacks

Prediction: $51 to Burlingame Blue Ducks

Trying to live up to his $300M+ deal, Turner was not himself in the First Half of 2023 before turning it on to the tune of .292/.348/.554 over the last three months. Coming off a $49 deal, Turner figures to be right back in that market in 2024. The Ducks, currently lacking middle infield options, could be the best fit after making Turner their first Reserve Draft pick in Franchise History. A tick back up to his career norms along with his impact on the bases should put him safely back in the 450+ point range for the next three seasons.

6. RHP Spencer Strider, Braves

Expected Contract Range: $50-55

2023 Stats: 3.86 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 441.0 Points

Best Fits: Clovers, Grapes, Stacks, 'Crats, Jokers, Falcons, Heads

Prediction: $51 to Alamo Short Stacks

Outside of Logan Gilbert, the Stacks are staring at a number of starting pitching options that carry upside but attached risk. That likely will have GM Greg Shelley focused towards the top of the starting pitcher market with Spencer Strider as a logical fit. Strider posted a 3.86 ERA in 2023, coming off his 2022 Waiver Claim of the Year Award. The stuff jumps off the page with Strider as the right-hander has now puched out 496 in 327.0 big league innings over 2022 and 2023.

7. OF Kyle Tucker, Astros

Expected Contract Range: $45-50

2023 Stats: .284/.369/.517, 30 SB, 493.0 Points

Best Fits: Grapes, Jokers, 'Crats, Clovers, Ducks, Hops, Fish

Prediction: $48 to St. Joseph Jokers

Tucker had a breakout season in 2023, something that's been expected of him since his RDBL Activation in 2021. Finishing fourth in outfield points, Tucker slashed .284/.369/.517 with 30 steals and 71 extra base hits. While there will be wide interest, the St. Joseph Jokers look to be a logical landing spot as GM Rick Steen enters 2024 with a blank slate and need to make investment in younger assets with a safe floor to build around.

8. 1B Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., Blue Jays

Expected Contract Range: $45-50

2023 Stats: .264/.345/.444, 403.5 Points

Best Fits: Fringe, Clovers, Devils, Stacks, Grapes

Prediction: $48 to Asti Grape Stompers

It was a down season for Guerrero who posted his lowest point output since his 2021 activation. The former RDBL Activation and Hitter of the Year figured to be a $60+ point player when he hit Free Agency, but the market looks a bit lighter after his 2023 struggles. There will still be wide interest across the board with the Asti Grape Stompers, who finished 11th in Hitter Points in 2023, a logical fit to join Bobby Witt, Spencer Steer and Jordan Walker in an improved lineup.

9. SS Bo Bichette, Blue Jays

Expected Contract Range: $40-45

2023 Stats: .306/.339/.475, 383.0 Points

Best Fits: Stacks, Heads, Grapes, Goutfish, Ducks, Devils, Hops, Jokers

Prediction: $43 to Meinert Hops

The Hops have a crowded infield of valuable assets, but with an elite rotation already in place, expect GM Garrett Shelley to make a big investment on the offensive side. Bichette was limited to 135 games, slashing .306/.339/.475 with 383.0 points as he completed his Rookie Contract with the Mt. Diablo Devils. He exceeded 430 points in both 2021 and 2022, giving any club that lands Bichette an elite option at shortstop.

10. 1B Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals

Expected Contract Range: $40-45

2023 Stats: .306/.339/.475, 383.0 Points

Best Fits: Stacks, Grapes, Heads, Clovers, Fringe, Goutfish, Jokers, Fish

Prediction: $41 to Lunatic Fringe

Much like the Hops, the Lunatic Fringe are largely set in the rotation and looking to leverage an average cap space amount into some impactful talent on offense. That could lead them to Paul Goldschmidt to pair with Matt Olson, covering the 1B and CI spots in 2024. Goldy had another elite year in 2023, posting 433.0 points with a .268/.363/.447 line while mashing 25 home runs and 31 doubles. While the production is likely to decline over the course of his last big RDBL contract, the price range of $40-45 bakes that in with a true contender being able to safely pencil in 400 points at a reasonable contract amount for 2024.

Top 10 First Base Prospects: Casas Ready to Shine for Falcons

We continue our position by position look at the Top 10 Prospects across the Roger Dorn Baseball League.

In the age of positional flexibility, true first base prospects have become more rare around baseball with half making this Top 10 Prospect List carrying another eligible spot on the diamond heading into the off-season. Despite the shortage of elite prospects playing the position, the RDBL has some elite upside talent that looks set to join Active Rosters in 2024 led by Triston Casas, Nolan Jones and Coby Mayo.

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1. 1B Triston Casas, Maltese Falcons

Acquired: 2021 Reserve Draft, 1st Round | ETA: 2024

After getting off to a difficult start, Casas emerged as one of the most impactful hitters in baseball, especially in the second half. The 23-year-old first baseman batted .263 with 24 home runs, 65 RBI, an .856 OPS, 21 doubles and 70 walks, and in the second half he batted .317 with 15 home runs and a 1.034 OPS over his final 54 games. He’s everything the Falcons hoped he would be when they selected him in the 1st Round of the 2021 Reserve Draft and stands ready to step in as a three-year starter for GM Gary Falzon to start 2024.

2. 1B/OF Nolan Jones, Mission Viejo Maulers

Acquired: 2023 Trade with Burlingame Blue Ducks | ETA: 2024 (‘23 Playoff Activation)

Some eyebrows were raised when the Maulers acquired Nolan Jones and a 3rd Round Pick for prized catcher Daulton Varsho before the 2023 Draft. The move paid off handsomely as Jones was exceptional in 2023, posting an overall line of .297/.389/.542 with 46 extra base hits. Jones' performance pushed GM Chris Ferraro to activate him for the 2023 Playoffs where he went nuclear, posting the fourth most points in RDBL Playoff History. If he maintains production close to what he showed in 2023, this ranking will be far too low.

3. 1B/3B Coby Mayo, Maltese Falcons

Acquired: 2022 Reserve Draft, 9th Round | ETA: 2024

The Falcons look to be set in the infield with Triston Casas, Royce Lewis, Edouard Julien and Coby Mayo, all potentially ready for 2024 Activations. Primarily a third baseman, a logjam in Baltimore figures to push Mayo to first base where he has spent some time through the Minors. His carrying tool is his bat which will play at any position. The 21-year-old led the Orioles organization with 29 home runs with a .974 OPS between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk, all while cutting his strikeout rate and increasing his walk rate. He's likely to start 2024 at Triple-A, but will be quickly knocking on the door of the big leagues.

4. 1B Kyle Manzardo, Burlingame Blue Ducks

Acquired: 2023 Reserve Draft, 1st Round | ETA: 2024

Manzardo's value was sky-high entering the 2023 Draft when the Ducks selected the smooth-hitting first baseman 11th overall in the Reserve Draft. After posting an OPS of 1.043 in 2022 across A+ and AA, Manzardo fell back to life with a .801 OPS at Triple-A while being dealt from the Rays to the Guardians. A hot Arizona Fall League has Manzardo's value back up with a 50/50 shot to earn the starting job in Cleveland for Opening Day.

5. 1B/P Jac Caglianone, Mission Viejo Maulers

Acquired: 2023 Reserve Draft, 3rd Round | ETA: 2026

A Golden Spikes award semifinalist after a sensational 2023 season, Caglianone is a tooled up lefthander and slugging first baseman who led the country with 33 home runs and also posted a 4.34 ERA as a weekend starter for the Gators. He has double-plus raw power and averaged 95 mph from the left side, though he needs to refine both his offensive approach and control on the mound. Caglianone is an aggressive hitter who expands the zone frequently, and he was exposed late in the season against a higher concentration of premium arms in the College World Series. He has upside as great as anyone in the 2024 Draft Class, though scouts will want to feel more confidence in his pure hitting chops.

6. C/1B Tyler Soderstrom, Alamo Short Stacks

Acquired: 2023 Trade from Mt. Diablo Devils | ETA: 2024

Playing all of 2023 at age 21, Soderstrom was rushed to the big leagues by the talent-starved Oakland Athletics where he took his lumps while showcasing the major power that has become his calling card. Originally a first round MLB Draft pick with a plus hit tool, Soderstrom has developed more into a low-average, high power bat that sees a big bump in value due to his playing time being split between catcher and first base. With the Stacks likely set at catcher for 2024, Soderstrom is likely to get one additional year of seasoning before a potential activation with much of his value tied up into his catcher eligibility.

7. 3B/1B Tommy White, Alamo Short Stacks

Acquired: 2023 Reserve Draft, 10th Round | ETA: 2026

After an historic freshman year at North Carolina State in which White hit .362 with 27 home runs, he opted to enter the transfer portal and would eventually end up at LSU. White did not miss a beat, again turning in a spectacular season. While some were projecting a dip in production against SEC pitching, White somehow improved upon his freshman year numbers and hit .374 with 24 doubles, 24 home runs, and a whopping 105 RBI. He is a physical player with electric hand speed, but what sets White apart is his bat-to-ball skills. He has an in-zone contact rate of 87%, including 92% against sliders, and he pulverizes the baseball to all fields. Although there are some questions where White might end up defensively, which pushed us to rank him as a first baseman, his bat alone warrants a top-10 selection in the 2024 MLB Draft.

8. 1B Matt Mervis, Spokane Fightin' Fish

Acquired: 2023 Reserve Draft, 2nd Round | ETA: 2024

Matt Mervis had a six-week long stint in the majors this year and it did not go well at the plate. In 90 at-bats, Mervis had a .167 batting average with 3 home runs and a .531 OPS. The 25-year-old is a plus defender at first base but needs refinement at the plate. When he was sent back down, Mervis worked on subtle swing adjustments that yielded good results in Triple-A. By the end of the season, Mervis had collected 22 home runs, 23 doubles, and an impressive .932 OPS for the Iowa Cubs. The Cubs off-season plans at first should give us an idea of their faith in Mervis as it remains to be seen whether these adjustments will transfer well to the big leagues.

9. 1B Nick Pratto, Cloverdale Clovers

Acquired: 2022 Reserve Draft, 4th Round | ETA: 2024

Things looked promising for Pratto in the first half as he hit six home runs and posted a .719 OPS in 257 plate appearances before the All-Star Break. After the break though, things have been absolutely brutal for Pratto at the plate, as he has only hit one home run and is posting a .494 OPS in 76 plate appearances. With Vinny Pasquantino expected back in Kansas City, it's unclear if Pratto will have a big league role entering 2024.

10. 1B Ivan Melendez, Las Vegas Aristocrats

Acquired: 2022 Reserve Draft, 13th Round | ETA: 2025

It it wasn't for one single yet massively important part of the profile, Ivan Melendez would be seen as one of the more impactful prospects in the Minors. With elite raw power, Melendez profiles as a potential middle of the order bat with the upside to approach 40 homers over a full season of plate appearances. However, that one issue is the major swing and miss element that Melendez can't seem to shake. While he hit 30 home runs in just 96 games this season, that came with a 34.3% strikeout rate and 18.5% swinging strike rate. Melendez also only walked 7.3% of the time overall and that dropped to 5.9% in Double-A. He's simply too aggressive and doesn't have the contact skills to back it up. If Melendez wants to flourish as a middle of the order thumper, he's going to need to make better swing decisions than he is currently.