The easy choice for top 1B prospect is still Jacquot Natta. After bursting onto the scene in 2056, Natta skipped over short A and moved to the A level to play for the Danville Dodos. He didn’t dominate A ball, but he didn’t embarrass himself either. He slashed .234/.323/.414 against the tougher competition. He also went 7-11 with a 4.96 ERA on the mound in 28 starts. At times, he looked overmatched, but he continually made adjustments and found ways to improve his approach. While the numbers don’t pop off the page, the team is happy with his progress and they will keep him in Danville to start the 2058 campaign. Scouts have also noted growth in Natta’s game, reporting that he has developed well and is moving toward his potential at a steady pace.
The second best prospect at the 1B position is Henry Melanson. After a strong 2056 with Danville, Melanson was given the opportunity to play 1B with the AA New Bern Bears in 2057. He played 81 games, slashing .311/.378/.409. He played solid defense and ended the year with a wRC+ of 107. While Melanson didn’t have as impressive of a season in AA as he did the year before, he still demonstrated an ability to make good contact and help his team on both sides of the ball.
The third best 1B prospect is currently Ubaydah Kareef. He has shown some flashes during his minor league career but has not been able to really put together the kind of season that would indicate he is a high level prospect. He posted -0.3 WAR in 2057 after a considerably better 2056 campaign. He also split time between multiple defensive positions. Perhaps that was part of what held him back. Maybe he will break out in 2058, but at this point, he is on the list because 1B is currently a pretty thin position in the Charlotte farm.
