#2. OWEN CAISSIE (Cubs)
Originally drafted by the Padres (2020 MLB Draft, 45th overall, signed for $1.2 million), the Cubs acquired Owen as part of the Yu Darvish trade in December 2020. The 21-year-old stands with a tall physique with physical projection remaining as he continues to mature and develop. Already showing easy plus power, it doesn’t take much to get excited projecting that even further. There is swing-and-miss along with K-rate concerns in the profile. With the hit tool being below average at this time, Caissie still got on base nearly 40% of the time while carrying a 144 wRC+ in 2023. A Cubs Organizational All-Star Owen has decent speed on the base paths and patrolling the outfield showing off a plus arm with 10 outfield assists this season. O.C. has middle-of-the-order potential if he can take advantage of his good knowledge of the strike zone and improve his contact rates.
BEST TOOL: Power
MLB ETA: Late 2024/Early 2025
#1. TYLER BLACK (Brewers)
With a hit-over-power profile, Tyler has outstanding plate discipline, approach, and excellent contact rates at the dish. Walking more than striking out in 2023, Tyler is a good athlete and an above-average runner. Black stole 55 bases in 2023 while getting on base an excellent 41.7% of the time. Defensively a bit of a nomad, Tyler has played 1B, 2B, 3B, and CF since turning pro in 2021 while spending most of his time at second base while playing for the Raiders of Wright State University. Likely ending up at the hot corner long term, Tyler is a good athlete who still can be a 50-grade fielder with a little bit of defensive improvement. He may have the opportunity to be the Brewers’ everyday third baseman long-term.
BEST TOOL: Hit
MLB ETA: 2024
SB&S 2024 PRESEASON ELITE EH!GHT
Tyler Black (Brewers)
Owen Caissie (Cubs)
Denzel Clarke (A’s)
Mitch Bratt (Rangers)
Damiano Palmegiani (Blue Jays)
David McCabe (Braves)
Adam Macko (Blue Jays)
Myles Naylor (A’s)
There we have it! Our 1st pre-season Top 8 Canadian Prospect list. Out of my mind? Bang on? We’ll take a peek at the list mid-season and see if some changes should be made to our Elite EH!ght. Thank you for checking in today and I’ll be chatting with you in a while. Until the next time, KEEP IT 80 GRADE!