Pop Up List: 2022 PWR Prospects

 I am always hunting for the big bats. Here are a few guys I'm watching in 2022:

Has Luis Garcia (WSN) flipped a switch on his power? The numbers he posted at AAA as a 21 year old in 2021 are pretty impressive - 13 HR, 16.4% K rate, 9.4% BB rate, .296 ISO, .303 AVG (with just a .288 BABIP), and 154 wRC+. He posted 6 HR in 70 games after he was called up, and he was the first player born in after the year 2000 to hit a big league home run. I can't wait to watch this kid in 2022!

Luis Garcia				SS, WSN (21y)
	BAT	PWR	GAP	RUN	TOT
SYS21	53	74	74	53	66
	HIT	GME	RAW	SPD	FV
FG21	30/55	30/35	45/50	55/55	45
12/10/2021

Will the Astros give Jeremy Pena some run in 2022? Pena outperformed his scouting line with solid PWR and RUN in 2021. Fangraphs says he's "a plus defender with a good approach and rapidly growing power" and it looks like he found that power in 2021. In 133 at bats at AAA, Pena hit 10 HR and stole 5 bases. With Correa looking for a big pay day, the Astros might give Pena a shot.

Jeremy Pena				SS, HOU (23y)
	BAT	PWR	GAP	RUN	TOT
SYS21	43	67	67	67	57
	HIT	GME	RAW	SPD	FV
FG21	40/50	30/40	45/45	55/55	50
12/10/2021

The Cubs have room to fit Nelson Velazquez on the field in 2022. Not only that, but he was added to the 40-man roster this offseason. After an impressive 2021 in which he ascended from high A to AA, hitting 20 HR and stealing 17 bases along the way, he should get a look in 2022. Oh, and he followed up his 2021 season with a very solid AFL showing - winning the AFL MVP award.

Nelson Velazquez				LF, CHC (22y)
	BAT	PWR	GAP	RUN	TOT
SYS21	42	65	65	56	56
	HIT	GME	RAW	SPD	FV
FG21	30/35	40/50	60/60	50/40	35+
12/10/2021

Does anyone have room for Mason Martin? Mason Martin is all about the power, hitting 25 HR between AA and AAA this season. His stats are backed up by his Fangraphs scouting grades - with 60 future game power and 70 current and future raw power. I'm looking at Martin and his Rule 5 eligibility - the Pirates didn't add him to the 40-man roster so if he doesn't fit into Pittsburgh's 2022 plans, he might be drafted in the Rule 5... assuming the commissioner and MLBPA reach a new labor agreement. If the NL adds a DH in 2022 he might get a chance to flex in the big leagues.

Mason Martin				1B, PIT (22y)
	BAT	PWR	GAP	RUN	TOT
SYS21	41	63	63	0	54
	HIT	GME	RAW	SPD	FV
FG21	30/40	35/60	70/70	45/45	40+
12/10/2021