The Diamondback Untouchables; Minor League Edition
I do not know why outfielder Kristian Robinson is not at the major league level already. He is 6'3'', 21 years of age, and a right-handed slugger who came from the Bahamas just like Jazz Chisholm. He was signed in 2017 and in 2019 was promoted to Class-A where he was more than 3 years younger than the average Single-A player. In 2020 Robinson showed he was ready for the next step as he clamped down on his diet and ramped up his workouts packing on an additional 25 pounds of muscle Robinson has plus speed, a plus arm, and plus power. Editor's Note: Kristian is on the restricted list due to his legal parole issues and visa issues.
Next is another infielder in Sigle-A Visalia in 3rd baseman Deyvison De Los Santos. He is the 19-year-old player who I think will be the 3rd baseman beside Jordan Lawlar on the big-league club in the next 2-3 years. He has not been given the promotion Lawler has, but he needs one with his stats. He is hitting .318 with 87 hits, 34 runs, and 16 doubles in 68 games. Multiple Diamondback scouts have said he already has more raw power than anyone else in the Arizona farm system.
He is also working to improve his defense. He is showing softer hands, growing arm strength, and improved footwork. He is young, athletic, and profiles as a middle-of-the-order slugger, which is what makes him Untouchable.
Lastly, we need a pitcher. 6 of the top 10 prospects are pitchers. One of them is even Bryce Jarvis, who is former big-league pitcher Kevin Jarvis' son. But I want to add another pitcher to my "Untouchable Diamondbacks." He is the #16 prospect in the Arizona Diamondback farm system. Reliever Luis Frias was actually a strong-armed 3rd baseman when he was signed out of the Dominican Republic in November 2015. The organization saw that strong arm and took him from the hot corner to the bump. He was then given the Organizational most improved pitching prospect in 2019. Frias sits in the upper 90s with his fast and can touch triple digits when he wants to. He also throws a spike curve and is adding a split-finger pitch because of his abnormally large hands. In AAA Reno this season he has pitched in 32 innings where he has allowed 15 walks and 52 strikeouts. The Diamondbacks are seemingly undecided about making him a starter or a reliever. He has 3 starts, 3 holds and 1 save in those 32 innings.
The Diamondbacks do have a very good balanced farm system. They are also vert diverse with the players on their 40 man roster, which will be the subject of an upcoming article. Of their 30 prospects as ranked by MLB.com they have 9 players in either AAA or in the majors, 9 in AA, 9 in A and 3 in the Rookie league. They have 5 outfielders, 11 infielders and 14 pitchers. With only 1 of their prospects over the age of 24. Hopefully the Diamondbacks are building a strong farm system that will supply championship talent to the big league roster for years to come, including the untouchables.