Jerry Dipoto takes over a system known for churning out disappointment after disappointment. 2016 will be a telling year for how the newest incumbent manages his farm system.
1. Alex Jackson, OF, 20, A-/A
Jackson was drafted with the sixth overall pick in the 2014 draft. Touted as having the highest upside of any prep hitter, expectations were certainly great for the California native going into his first full season of professional ball. Which is why the season he had ended up being such a huge disappointment. Jackson started the year in Single-A Clinton, where he hit .157/.240/.213 with a 28% strikeout rate in 121 plate appearances. After being demoted to Single-A Short Season Everett, he posted an impressive .390 wOBA, mostly thanks to his eight home runs, but his strikeout rate still grew to 31%. Highly unexpected results from someone thought to be the most advanced hitter in the draft.
But here is still reason to have hope for Jackson’s return to elite status. His bat speed is incredible and he is able to get quality extension from his swing path, spraying line drives all over the field. He has a thick frame giving him solid raw power and a future in the middle of the order. Defensively, Jackson should be solid. His range is not outstanding, but he gets decent jumps and has a cannon for an arm, making him an easy right field candidate for the foreseeable future. The remainder of the 2016 season will be a major key for him, as his former top ten pick status will start to wear thin on scouts if results continue to elude him.
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