Number 16
Alexis Hernandez SS
Age: 19
2023 Level(s): Rookie Ball
Joined the organization via: IFA Signing in 2022
2023 Stats: 150 PA, .315/.407/.515, 3 HR, 16 XBH, 9/11 SB, 25 RBI, 25 R
This is the second Hernandez on our top 30 prospects list and he seems to have passed his brother in terms of prospect shine, at least for now. At the midpoint of last season, we said:
"While he’s still in Rookie ball his K/BB ratio is impressive for a player of his age and he’s shown an ability to put the barrel on the ball with consistency for both average and power. Fangraphs also believes in his ability to stick at short long term and he could be an impact major leaguer by 2026/2027."Cubbies Crib
He didn’t have as much hype as his brother did upon signing but at some point the numbers on the stat sheet matter more than the numbers on the payroll and if the younger Hernandez can build on his success last season that 2026/2027 timeline may be a bit conservative considering his talent level.
Number 15
Pedro Ramirez 2B
Age: 19
2023 Level(s): Low-A Myrtle Beach
Joined the organization via: IFA Signing in 2021
2023 Stats: 414 PA, .266/.358/.404, 8 HR, 30 XBH, 17/24 SB, 54 RBI, 53 R
This list, much like the Cubs farm system, is heavy on middle-infield playing teenagers and Pedro Ramirez is one that many scouts have significantly higher on their list than we do. He played last year with Cristian Hernandez at Low-A Myrtle Beach and lapped him in just about every conceivable way.
The difference between the instructional leagues and legitimate, organized, minor league baseball is considerable. Alexis Hernandez put up just as impressive numbers and Derniche Valdez is even younger, but Pedro Ramirez put up solid stats playing solid defense at almost two full years younger than the average age of competition at Myrtle Beach last season. He’s someone to keep an eye on for some significant helium moving forward as he had a stellar 2022 and 2021 as well. His career line is .303/.381/.450 in over 830 plate appearances.