Welcome to the eighth installment of our Weekly Hot Prospects Report ranking the top minor-league performances from the week of May 12-18. We’re back with this week’s top performers making waves across the minors!
From dominant arms to scorching-hot bats, here are the Top 10 Prospects below who turned heads and boosted their stock. CLICK HERE to check out the full list of 82 players, with ETAs and updated statistics (subscription required).
1. Matt Shaw – Chicago Cubs (AAA)
The Cubs’ top prospect (pictured above) is heading back to the majors after posting a monster week for Triple-A Iowa. He blasted five home runs, drove in seven, stole two bases, and posted a 1.375 OPS while striking out just twice in 26 at-bats. Shaw is still a candidate for Rookie of the Year.
2. Carson Whisenhunt – San Francisco Giants (AAA)
Whisenhunt was surgical over two starts for Triple-A Sacramento, tossing 14 shutout innings with 14 strikeouts and just one walk. His 0.00 ERA and 0.43 WHIP over that span make him one of the most dominant arms of the week—and a clear candidate for a call-up very soon.
3. Patrick Copen – Los Angeles Dodgers (High-A)
Copen overwhelmed hitters across two outings, racking up 18 strikeouts with only one walk over 13.2 innings. He allowed just five hits and one earned run, good for a 1.32 ERA and a jaw-dropping 0.44 WHIP. The Dodgers continue to develop high-octane arms, and Copen is making a name for himself.
4. Junior Perez – Oakland Athletics (AA)
Pérez showed off his slugging power with five home runs and nine RBIs for Double-A Midland. He added two stolen bases and a 1.531 OPS to round out a week that highlighted his loud tools and upward-trending trajectory in the A’s system.
5. Joseph Sullivan – Houston Astros (High-A)
Sullivan stuffed the stat sheet for High-A Asheville with three homers, four RBIs, and four stolen bases. He also posted a 1.466 OPS while drawing six walks and hitting .389. Sullivan’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him an exciting player to watch.
6. Nick Morabito – New York Mets (AA)
Morabito had a well-rounded week at the plate and on the basepaths, going 12-for-26 with a homer and six steals. His 1.248 OPS and consistent production are giving the Mets something to think about as they look toward the future of their outfield.
7. Shay Whitcomb – Houston Astros (AAA)
Whitcomb launched four home runs and drove in nine RBIs, maintaining a 1.072 OPS for Triple-A Sugar Land. While he struck out nine times in 23 at-bats, the power surge helped carry his production and reinforce his standing as a depth option for Houston.
8. Rainiel Rodriguez – St. Louis Cardinals (Rookie – FCL)
At just 18 years old, Rodriguez crushed it in Rookie ball. The young catcher went 7-for-16 with four home runs, eight RBIs, and a 1.688 OPS. The Cardinals have a serious breakout candidate brewing in the Florida Complex League.
9. TJ Nichols – Tampa Bay Rays (High-A)
Nichols dazzled in his lone start of the week for High-A Bowling Green, throwing six scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts and no walks. He allowed just two hits, finishing with a 0.33 WHIP and flashing frontline stuff.
10. Buddy Kennedy – Philadelphia Phillies (AAA)
Kennedy continued his hot stretch at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, going 12-for-30 with four homers and 10 RBIs. His 1.319 OPS capped off a strong offensive week, keeping him firmly in the mix for a big-league bench or platoon role this summer.
The Top 15 in the Weekly Hot Prospects Report
| Rank | Player | Pos | Team | B/T | Level | Age |
| 1 | Matt Shaw | 2B/3B | CHC | R/R | AAA | 23 |
| 2 | Carson Whisenhunt | SP | SF | L/L | AAA | 24 |
| 3 | Patrick Copen | SP | LAD | R/R | High-A | 23 |
| 4 | Junior Perez | OF | ATH | R/R | AA | 23 |
| 5 | Joseph Sullivan | OF | HOU | L/L | High-A | 23 |
| 6 | Nick Morabito | OF | NYM | R/R | AA | 22 |
| 7 | Shay Whitcomb | 2B/3B | HOU | R/R | AAA | 26 |
| 8 | Rainiel Rodriguez | C | SL | R/R | R (FCL) | 18 |
| 9 | TJ Nichols | SP | TB | R/R | High-A | 23 |
| 10 | Buddy Kennedy | 3B | PHI | R/R | AAA | 26 |
| 11 | Konnor Griffin | OF | PIT | R/R | Single-A | 19 |
| 12 | Jack Perkins | SPRP | ATH | R/R | AAA | 24 |
| 13 | Yohendrick Pinango | OF | TOR | L/L | AA | 23 |
| 14 | Abimelec Ortiz | 1B | TEX | L/L | AA | 23 |
| 15 | Nathan Hickey | C/1B | BOS | L/R | AAA | 25 |
CLICK HERE to check out the full list of 82 players, with ETAs and updated statistics (subscription required).
Who’s next?
Stay tuned for the next Weekly Hot Prospects Report as we track the rising stars and their paths to the majors!