16. Gleyber Torres, ss, CubsTeam: low Class A South Bend (Midwest)Age: 18Why He’s Here: .435/.500/.696 (10-for-23), 5 RBIs, 4 2B, 1 3B, 3 RBIs, 2 BB, 4 SO, 3-for-3 SBThe Scoop: The Cubs are sure to be busy on the trade market over the next week, with Torres at the center of discussions. The Cubs aren’t looking to sacrifice any of their big league-ready youngsters who have come in and helped their team immediately, including Kyle Schwarber, whose defense behind the plate still needs time but is a ready-made masher right now. That leaves Torres as their best trade chip, and while he’s a valuable prospect, he’s certainly not untouchable. Torres is an extremely smart, high baseball IQ player who can hit, understands the strike zone and won’t have big power but has a chance to grow into 10-12 home runs with more strength projection. The same age as a 2015 high school draft pick, Torres is hitting .317/.384/.414 in 87 games, so his offensive game is well ahead of his peers at this stage. Scouts are split on whether he’s going to stay at shortstop or flip over to second base, but that bat will give the Cubs (or any other team) an above-average offensive weapon somewhere in the middle of the infield.
Baez singles in first inning off a guy with a 10.95 ERA.
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