MiLB Report: Rays Prospect Josh Lowe Is Waiting For His Call-Up
Josh Lowe has unlocked his power and is ready for his call-up. After hitting no more than eight homers in a season prior, Lowe broke out in 2019 with 18 and already has 17 so far in 2021.
Read more about Lowe and four other minor league prospects in this week’s MiLB Report:
Noelvi Marte, SS, Seattle Mariners (International Signee)
Height: 6’1 | Weight: 181 | Age: 19
Season stats: .279/.363/.854; 17 HRs
Last week’s stats: .423/.516/1.593; 5 HR
MLB comparison: Miguel Tejada
Scouting Report: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 55
Cards To Watch: 2019 Bowman Chrome Autograph; 2019 Bowman Chrome Mega Box refractor; 2019 Bowman Chrome
The Mariners have yet another prospect with superstar potential in Marte. He displays elite power and the ability to consistently drive the ball to both gaps. While Marte’s defensive position is still up in the air (.918 fld %), the 19-year-old is going to find himself moving up the prospect ranks with the offensive season he’s having.
Zac Veen, OF, Colorado Rockies (9th overall pick in 2020)
Height: 6’4 | Weight: 190 | Age: 19
Season stats: .298/.398/.920; 13 HR
Last week’s stats: .520/.571/1.531; 2 HR, 3 SB
MLB comparison: Bryce Harper
Scouting Report: Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55
Cards To Watch: 2020 Bowman Chrome 1st Autograph; 2020 Bowman Chrome Sapphire; 2020 Bowman Chrome
The former 9th overall pick from the 2020 draft has sent the prospecting world and Rockies fans on a roller coaster of emotions in his first season. Veen, with extremely high expectations coming into the 2021 season, slashed a disappointing .265 batting average with two home runs over his first two months with Low-A Fresco. Since then, he’s been unstoppable while batting .344 with 11 home runs.
Justin Foscue, 3B/2B, Texas Rangers (14th overall pick in 2020)
Height: 6’0 | Weight: 205 | Age: 22
Season stats: .295/.405/1.147; 15 HR
Last week’s stats: .348/.516/1.299; 2 HR
MLB comparison: Ian Kinsler
Scouting Report: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 40 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
Cards To Watch: 2020 Bowman Chrome Autograph; 2020 Bowman Chrome Sapphire; 2020 Bowman Chrome
Foscue is looked at — in scout’s eyes — as a second baseman with far more power than the typical player at this position. He missed the entire month of June due to a rib injury, but is making up for lost time in a hurry during his first pro season. In the month of July alone, Foscue hit 10 home runs over a span of 15 games for High-A Hickory. Foscue has also not shown any signs of slowing down with a .528 OBP so far in August.
Peyton Burdick, SS, Miami Marlins (111th overall pick in 2019)
Height: 6’3 | Weight: 180 | Age: 20
Season stats: .221/.375/.859; 19 HR, 64 BB
Last week’s stats: .429/.556/1.651; 4 HR
MLB comparison: Joey Gallo
Scouting Report: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45
Cards To Watch: 2019 Bowman Chrome Autograph; 2019 Bowman Chrome Sapphire; 2019 Bowman Chrome
Burdick has been a pleasant surprise in this Marlins’ organization. Over his first pro season, he’s combined for a .308 batting average, .407 on-base percentage and 11 home runs in 69 games. Burdick displays an extremely athletic “stocky” build that packs a ton of power and elite plate discipline. While Burdick lacks at the plate with a very high K rate (37%), he still excels at getting on base (22% walk rate). Expect strong performances at any level if he can cut down his strikeouts.
Josh Lowe, OF, Tampa Bay Rays (13th overall pick in 2016)
Height: 6’4 | Weight: 205 | Age: 23
Season stats: .282/.358/.910; 17 HR
Last week’s stats: .391/.481/1.351; 3 HR
MLB comparison: Darryl Strawberry
Scouting Report: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Arm: 60 | Field: 60 | Overall: 50
Cards To Watch: 2016 Bowman Chrome Autograph; 2016 Bowman Chrome
Lowe is similar to one of last week’s highlight players, Seth Beer, and appears to be waiting for his call to The Show. A 1st-rounder from 2016, he broke out in 2019 showing that he can hit for power. Prior to the 2019 season, Lowes’ highest home run count was eight. In 2019, he hit 18 and already has 17 this season. He’s in the middle of his best pro season thus far and is awaiting that call from Brian Cash.
Ryan R. covers minor league baseball prospects for Sports Card Investor and writes a weekly MiLB Report column. Follow his other content on his YouTube channel.
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