25. Dellin Betances
24. Chad Green
23. Jay Bruce
22. Peter Alonso
21. Jeurys Familia
The first five of the 25 can be debated all week long. The snubs are as follows: Justus Sheffield, Mike Dunn, Clint Frazier, Brett Gardner, Todd Frazier and a few others.
Should this list had taken place a couple years ago, many more minor-league prospects would be included. Now that most have arrived in The Show, the young major league reigns supreme.
Dellin Betances only receives the courtesy last spot in over Justus Sheffield purely due to the idea he’s done it before and relief pitchers are, at their core, inconsistent year-to-year. He’s an MLB All-Star who still possess wicked stuff.
Peter Alonso’s stock is rising every week, but isn’t a studly prospect. He’s simply gained traction with a tremendous work ethic.
In terms of “best player,” Jay Bruce would be higher on the list. He’s just too old, expensive and streaky to find himself in the top 20.
The craziest thought concerning any snub is the current status of Clint Frazier. Just a year ago, he rivaled anybody as the Yanks top prospect. No more. He doesn’t play enough and when he does, the kid doesn’t drop jaws.