80. Ryan Mason, RHP, Cedar Rapids
Born: 10/4/1994
2017 Stats: 49 1/3 IP, 2.01 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 11/43 BB/K
Info: Getting off of the bus, Mason is a guy who looks like a guy who would be a legit pitching prospect. He stands 6’7″, has a solid frame, and has the sort of strong stance on the mound that leads to an imposing presence. Then he works around 90 MPH, touching 92-93, and he loses that imposing feeling. He has come a long way in his command/control. He also has a double-plus mustache (when he has it grown out), so that’s a quality thing in his profile as well! Seriously, Mason is a guy who has shown a very good ability to work out of the bullpen, and after moving completely to the bullpen in 2017, he really took a huge step forward, and he could jump up the system in 2018 now that he’s acclimated to the role.
79. Mitchell Kranson, C/1B, Cedar Rapids/Fort Myers
Born: 1/11/1994
2017 Stats: .261/.319/.367, 7 HR, 34/73 BB/K
Info: Kranson was drafted in the 9th round of the 2016 draft as a senior sign that could be signed for fairly cheap, and he’s really shown well in his pro time defensively. He has a quick bat through the zone, and though he hasn’t hit for a big time average, he shows the bat to ball skills that would suggest he could hit for a good average down the road, and he has solid gap power, as evidence by his 23 doubles in 2017. Kranson has played well at first base and third base both, which could help his ability to move up as a possible bench piece.
78. Colton Davis, RHP, Cedar Rapids
Born: 1/5/1994
2017 Stats: 63 IP, 3.43 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 26/60 BB/K
Info: A 25th round pick out of Western Carolina in 2016, Davis threw well in 15 games in his draft season after a heavy workload in his collegiate season. In 2017, he worked out of the bullpen primarily, making 44 appearances and throwing 63 innings. Davis impressed with his strikeout rate in full season ball, though it was quite a bit lower than in his draft season. Davis stays tucked in until just before he releases the ball, which allows for some deception to the batter for him. He works with good command of a fastball/curve primary mix.
77. Carlos Aguiar, OF, just signed
Born: 8/28/2001
2017 Stats: none
Info: Aguiar’s been mentioned with one description throughout the signing process – power. The 6’3 lefty-swinging outfielder produces tremendous raw power, especially to his pull side, though there is some thought that he’ll likely need to clean up his swing some in order to avoid being exposed as he jumps up the system. Aguiar likely profiles in left field due to being an average runner and having a fringe-average arm from the outfield, but his bat is absolutely exciting and should make some waves starting next year at extended spring.
76. Colton Burns, OF, GCL
Born: 10/19/1995
2017 Stats: .282/.423/.385, 1 HR, 8 SB, 16/23 BB/K
Info: An elite runner that has received 70 grades on his speed, Burns has a fitting last name. Drafted in the 18th round by the Twins this June, he hit very well in GCL, showing good contact skills and excellent zone recognition at that level, but he has the college experience to get him moving quickly, though he is still quite raw defensively, having spent time both in left field and second base in college. Burns is an impressive athlete that could develop power down the road, but his swing approach currently is tailored to putting the ball just over the infield. This could be a guy who has a swing adjustment and finds a defensive home and really takes off out of nowhere.
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