Renfroe among top prospect performers Sunday

March 19th, 2017

headlined a Sunday slate of top prospect performances after belting a two-run homer in the Padres' game against the Reds. Renfroe, the club's 2013 first-round draft pick at No. 13 overall, is in line to be the everyday right fielder for San Diego, a transition that he's slowly made since being a full-time catcher until his sophomore year at Mississippi State.
"You're always developing as a player," said Renfroe, who ranks as the Padres' No. 3 prospect and No. 42 overall per MLBPipeline.com. "You're never that fine-tuned machine, never perfect, but you're obviously trying to get there."
Even with noticeable improvement needed, Renfroe, 25, figures to be a long-term staple in the Padres' outfield, and should complement first baseman for a two-headed power surge in the middle of the lineup. Renfroe entered Sunday hitting .302 this spring with a .798 OPS. He belted 30 homers with 105 RBIs for Triple-A El Paso last year, helping him earn Pacific Coast League MVP honors as the Chihuahuas won their first championship.
More notable performances from top prospects on Sunday:
• Yoan Moncada (White Sox No. 1No. 2 overall) hit his third home run of the spring for a two-run shot against the Angels. Moncada, the centerpiece on the White Sox return from the blockbuster Chris Sale trade this winter, might not crack the Opening Day roster, but he's expected to contribute big-league at-bats in '17.

(Pirates No. 2, No. 9 overall) hit a two-run single against Toronto in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game at 11-11, which wound up being the final score, though he was gunned down trying to extend the base hit into a double. A top-10 pick in 2013, Meadows weathered a slew of injuries last year that kept him from playing in the Arizona Fall League, though he's shown the ability to be MLB-ready. The problem is the crowded outfield in front of him in Pittsburgh.
• Clint Frazier (Yankees No. 2No. 24 overall) went 2-for-2 and scored once as a pinch-hitter in the Yankees' 6-4 win over the Astros. The significant return for the Yankees in the Andrew Miller trade with Cleveland, Frazier is now hitting .343 with an .866 OPS this spring. As a key cog in the Yankees being most recently ranked to have the No. 2 farm system, Frazier will likely see time in the corner outfield spots in '17.
(Reds No. 3No. 67 overall) hit his first homer of the spring in the Reds' game against the Padres. Winker's arm strength is viewed as limited, but his bat is a plus. He reached Triple-A last year and was on the club's 40-man roster this past offseason.

• Robert Stephenson (Reds No. 4No. 87 overall) tossed four innings and gave up just one earned run on three hits with five strikeouts while picking up his first save of the spring. He's drawn many comparisons to Homer Bailey due both to his early career struggles and the Reds' not wanting to rush him into action. He's entering his age-24 season, meaning his ceiling remains high.
(Indians No. 10) went 3-for-4 with an RBI in the Indians' tie with the D-backs, continuing to show disciplined prowess at the plate. Diaz was the International League Rookie of the Year in '16 and has transitioned into a plus defender at third base, away from his natural position at second.
(Dodgers No. 19) tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings and gave up four hits with two strikeouts and no walks against Team Japan in an exhibition game. Long-term, his efficient approach and consistently limited walk total could make him a reliable innings eater for the Dodgers.
• Colin Moran (Astros No. 25) continued his Spring Training tear in Houston's loss to the Yankees, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs, raising his average to .394. The sixth overall pick in '13 by the Marlins, Moran has impressed with his pure left-handed swing but has struggled defensively. He's also blocked by Alex Bregman at third base on the big-league roster.

(Padres No. 27) went 2-for-4 with a run scored. Cordoba has yet to play at a full-season level and may not get that shot in '17, though San Diego felt confident enough on him to spend a Rule 5 draft pick.