Beck's Minor League Threecap: 6/30/2024

Hey all! Today’s Threecap is what I told you it would be yesterday – slim! I’m working on the Prospect Team of the Month that will go live tomorrow morning. As such I’ve prepared for you two (2) write-ups.

Land of the Free.

Alex Freeland (LAD) had a relatively unassuming 2023 at the plate that culminated in a .707 OPS for High-A Great Lakes. Those privy to his underlying data had reason for optimism though, as his batted ball quality and plate discipline were incongruent with his surface results. The breakout has now arrived and Freeland is currently rocking a .286/.432/.511 slash and 166 wRC+ between High-A and Double-A. There’s a lot to like in his profile; it’s a great hit and discipline combination with the ability to collect extra base hits with regularity. I’d target him in leagues that roster 150 prospects or more. He was 3-for-5 with two home runs on Saturday.

Parker in the Driver’s Seat.

Parker Messick (CLE) turned in one of his best performances of the year in his second Double-A start. I had pontificated about a promotion out of High-A the last time I wrote about him only for it to come to fruition but a few days later, and I’m really excited about it. He had thoroughly worn out his welcome with Lake County by throwing 133.0 innings at the level and performing quite well (3.99 ERA, 27.2% K, 8.4% BB). He still looks like a fourth or fifth starter to me, a projection aided by his left-handedness, but he has a new opportunity to prove me wrong. He went 4.2 innings, struck out 10, and did not allow a run on Saturday.

Hakuna Ma-Table. 

Take a bow, Parker Messick. Dylan Lesko and Jack Leiter had good nights, too. George Klassen stumbled a bit, but generally speaking a pretty good showing.

No viewing guides on Mondays, but I will have the Prospect Team of the Month for you! Feel free to make guesses at who made the cut in the comments (if you haven’t already seen the spoiler on my Twitter feed).