Two offensive skills will always stand out most to evaluators of all stripes, from the most veteran of scouts to the first-time fan in the stands — power and speed. Players who can consistently make loud contact and send balls over outfield walls will draw plenty of wows, and those who can constantly keep the pedal to the metal will raise their fair share of eyebrows, especially in today’s game with rules changes meant to encourage running.
Prospects who can combine both skills? They’re cooking with gas.
Ronald Acuña Jr., Bobby Witt Jr., Kyle Tucker and Elly De La Cruz have proven how valuable a potent power-speed combination can be in the Major Leagues, and there are plenty of prospects eager to follow in their footsteps.
Here is each organization’s prospect with the best power-speed combo, including 16 from MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 overall ranking
Blue Jays: Enmanuel Bonilla, OF (No. 8)
Toronto signed Bonilla for $4.1 million in January 2023 knowing he’d be a long-term project, but the 18-year-old outfielder looked like he took a physical leap when he showed up for his first stateside Spring Training a few months back. The right-handed slugger has already matched his 2023 homer total in 24 fewer games in the Florida Complex League, and his power output should only increase in his age-18 season and beyond. Even if he ends up with just average wheels in the end, he has a fighting chance of staying in center and giving the Jays a power-speed threat they otherwise lack.
Orioles: Jackson Holliday, 2B/SS (No. 1/MLB No. 1)
Yes, we know he struggled in his first taste of the big leagues and he hasn’t been firing on all cylinders back in Triple-A (though his .900 OPS is just fine). But we have to remember that he’s still only 20 and we believe in his his advanced approach and his ability to get to and grow into his power. He hit 12 homers and stole 24 bags as a teenager last year during his mercurial climb and still very much believe in his 60 power and speed grades.
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