Baseball America’s Hot Sheet ranks the 20 hottest prospects from the previous week. This week’s installment considers how minor league players performed through Sep. 1. Contributing this week were BA staffers J.J. Cooper, Josh Norris and Jesús Cano.

The Hot Sheet simply recognizes how the hottest prospects in the minors did in the past week—it’s not a re-ranking of the Baseball America Top 100 Prospects.

We’ll be hosting our weekly Hot Sheet Show on YouTube at 3:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday this week. We’ll then be answering prospect questions in our weekly Hot Sheet chat on Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET.

1. Gavin Cross, OF, Royals

Team: Double-A Northwest Arkansas (Texas)

Age: 24

Why He’s Here: .379/.400/.931 (11-for-29) 8 R, 3 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 7 RBIs, 1 BB, 3 SO, 2 SB

The Scoop: It was a great week for Royals prospects—as the rest of this Hot Sheet attests—but none had a better week than Cross. It was much needed, as in his second try at the Texas League, Cross has found the league to be even tougher than it was in 2024. He still has an outside shot at a 20-20 season if he stays this hot—he has a career high 16 home runs and 20 steals—but he’s also trying to get his on-base percentage above .300 (it’s currently .292). (JJ)

2. Esmerlyn Valdez, OF, Pirates

Team: Double-A Altoona (Eastern)

Age: 21

Why He’s Here: .444/.500/.926 (12-for-27) 9 R, 1 2B, 4 HR, 9 RBIs, 2 BB, 6 SO

The Scoop: Valdez laid waste to the South Atlantic League in the first half of the season. While he hasn’t pillaged Eastern League pitchers the same way, he’s still finishing strong in what has been an exceptional season. Valdez’s power had yet to show up in the Eastern League, but this week fixed that. And one of those homers came off of Alex Clemmey. Valdez now has 26 home runs on the season, sixth best in the minors. (JJ) 

3. Josh Grosz, RHP, Rockies

Team: High-A Spokane (Northwest)

Age: 22

Why He’s Here: 0-1, 1.50, 1 GS, 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 12 SO

The Scoop: The Rockies have made a concerted effort to strengthen their pitching depth in the farm system, including acquiring Grosz and Griffin Herring in the deadline trade that sent Ryan McMahon to the Yankees. This week, Grosz delivered his most dominant performance, matching a career-high with 12 strikeouts. His fastball sits comfortably at 93–95 mph and can touch 98, complemented by a sharp, mid-80s slider and a deceptive changeup that reaches the upper 80s. (JC)

4. K.C. Hunt, RHP, Brewers

Team: Double-A Biloxi (Southern League)

Age: 25

Why He’s Here: 0-0, 1.64, 2 GS, 11 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 12 SO

The Scoop: Hunt dropped out of the Brewers’ Top 30 prospects, which is a notable shift considering Milwaukee currently boasts BA’s top-ranked farm system. His performance hasn’t been poor, but his stats didn’t fully reflect his on-field impact last season. He doesn’t feature overpowering stuff, instead relying upon deception and command to stay effective. His fastball sits at 92–94 mph and plays up due to a clean, deceptive arm stroke that allows him to hide the ball well. That added layer of deception disrupts timing and gives his entire arsenal more effectiveness than the velocity suggests. (JC)

5. Spencer Nivens, OF, Royals

Team: Double-A Northwest Arkansas (Texas League)

Age: 23

Why He’s Here: .520/.519/.960 (13-for-25), 4 R, 1 2B, 0 3B, 2 HR, 7 RBIs, 1 BB, 5 SO

The Scoop: The Royals’ 2023 fifth-round pick out of Missouri State started slowly in his first full pro season but broke out in August that year with a scorching 1.233 OPS and 13 home runs. While he hasn’t replicated that level of production consistently this season, his performance last week offers an encouraging sign. If he can tap back into that August 2023 form, he has the tools to become a legitimate power threat in the system. (JC)

6. Carson Roccaforte, OF, Royals

Team: Double-A Northwest Arkansas (Texas)

Age: 23

Why He’s Here: .385/.467/.885 (10-for-26) 10 R, 4 2B, 3 HR, 7 RBIs, 4 BB, 8 SO, 1 SB

The Scoop: When the Royals promoted Roccaforte to Northwest Arkansas in late July, he was hitting .237/.364/.466 in the Midwest League. While the Texas League is a better offensive environment than the Midwest League, the tougher competition meant it would be a solid finish to the year if Roccaforte matched or slightly exceeded his Midwest League numbers. Instead, the promotion has helped him find a new gear. Roccaforte has six three-hit games in just 34 Texas League games, and he’s hitting .312/.397/.496 at the new level. About the only thing that hasn’t improved since his promotion is his basestealing. He was 33-of-40 in the Midwest League but is only 8-of-12 in the Texas League. (JJ)

7. Adam Serwinowski, LHP, Dodgers

Team: High-A Great Lakes (Midwest)

Age: 21

Why He’s Here: 1-0, 1.29, 1 GS, 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 12 SO

The Scoop: In five starts since he was traded to the Dodgers and moved from one Midwest League team to another, Serwinowski has set his season high in strikeouts twice, cut his walk rate by a walk per nine innings and lowered his ERA from 4.84 for Dayton to 1.55 for Great Lakes. His pitch mix remains largely unchanged, and his delivery looks like a carbon copy of what it was when he was a Reds prospect. But now he’s throwing strikes at an above-average rate of 65% compared to a below-average 62% mark previously. Control and finding a third pitch are Serwinowski’s two biggest challenges. He’s doing a good job of improving at least one of those two issues. (JJ)

8. Gabriel Rincones Jr., 1B, Phillies

Team: Triple-A Lehigh Valley (International)

Age: 24

Why He’s Here: .474/.583/1.105 (9-for-19), 10 R, 0 2B, 0 3B, 4 HR, 10 RBIs, 4 BB, 2 SO, 1-for-1 SB

The Scoop: Rincones has made a name for himself with his impressive power, hitting a career-high 17 home runs this year. While he consistently makes solid, hard contact, maintaining that consistency at the plate has been a hurdle, especially when facing pitches in the strike zone. Despite these challenges, his raw power and ability to generate hard-hit balls position him as a promising hitter with the potential to become a key run producer. (JC)

9. Parks Harber, OF, Giants

Team: High-A (Northwest)

Age: 23

Why He’s Here: .375/.483/1.042 (9-for-24), 7 R, 1 2B, 0 3B, 5 HR, 10 RBIs, 5 BB, 4 SO

The Scoop: Harber, acquired from the Yankees in the Camilo Doval trade, brings a power-first profile to the organization. He launched 20 homers during his senior season at North Carolina, and that raw strength has continued to translate in pro ball. That power erupted this week with a five-homer outburst. If he can build on that momentum, Harber could become a slugging threat. (JC)

10. Dylan Jordan, RHP, Angels

Team: Low-A Inland Empire (California)

Age: 22

Why He’s Here: 2-0, 0.00, 2 GS, 10 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 10 SO

The Scoop: Jordan, along with Trey Gregory-Alford, was one of the standout arms from the Angels’ Arizona Complex League championship squad to earn a promotion to Low-A Inland Empire. Since arriving, Jordan has shown no signs of slowing down, seamlessly continuing his strong form with a 1.05 ERA and 27 strikeouts across 25.2 innings. He’s played a key role in helping the 66ers capture the second-half California League South Division title. He mixes a lively fastball and sharp slider with control-focused pitching, flashing strikeout and groundout potential. (JC)

11. Joey Oakie, RHP, Guardians

Team: Low-A Lynchburg (Carolina)

Age: 19

Why He’s Here: 1-0, 0.00, 1 GS, 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 11 SO

The Scoop: There’s little to complain about with Oakie’s stuff. He’s touched 100 mph this year and sits 95—and his 86-89 mph slider may be better than his fastball. Control troubles have led to some ugly outings, but he’s shown flashes of brilliance, too. This past week, he put it all together for five innings. Oakie’s slider was evil on Thursday. He struck out the first three batters he faced and the final three in what was his best outing as a pro. (JJ)

12. Konnor Griffin, SS, Pirates

Team: Double-A Altoona (Eastern)

Age: 19

Why He’s Here: .348/.423/.783 (8-for-23), 5 R, 1 2B, 0 3B, 3 HR, 12 RBIs, 2 BB, 3 SO, 1-for-1 SB

The Scoop: Everywhere Griffin has gone, the story has been the same. The man has hit—for both average and power—and provided jolts of electricity in every game he plays. He is one of just two players in the minors who have maintained a .300/.400/.500 slash line over the course of 400 plate appearances while also being younger than 21 (more on this below). This past week also included Griffin’s first multi-home run game of the year, which is doubly impressive when you consider he’s the youngest player in the history of the Altoona franchise. (JN)

13. Carter Jensen, C, Royals

Team: Triple-A Omaha (International)

Age: 23

Why He’s Here: .412/.524/1.059 (7-for-17), 5 R, 2 2B, 0 3B, 2 HR, 8 RBIs, 4 BB, 4 SO, 2-for-2 SB

The Scoop: A lifelong dream has become reality for Jensen—a Kansas City native and Royals fan—when he officially received the call to the big leagues. Before his promotion, he closed out his minor league stint on a high note. Now, he’ll don the same uniform he once cheered for as a kid. With Salvador Perez now 35 and seeing more time away from catching duties, Jensen has a real opportunity to establish himself as the Royals’ catcher of the future. (JC)

14. Zach Cole, OF, Astros

Team: Triple-A Sugar Land (International)

Age: 25

Why He’s Here: .368/.429/1.324 (7-for-19), 5 R, 1 2B, 0 3B, 3 HR, 5 RBIs, 2 BB, 4 SO

The Scoop: Cole is a dynamic athlete with explosive tools across the board, including plus speed and raw power. At the plate, he punishes fastballs and posts elite contact quality when he connects, but swing-and-miss issues persist. If he can refine his approach and cut down on chase, Cole has everyday big league upside. (JC)

15. Jacob Reimer, 3B, Mets

Team: Double-A Binghamton (Eastern)

Age: 21

Why He’s Here: .474/.524/.895 (9-for-19) 6 R, 5 2B, 1 HR, 7 RBIs, 2 BB, 3 SO, 1 SB

The Scoop: If you haven’t noticed Reimer’s season yet, it’s time to pay attention. He’s been just as good since he got the midseason bump to Binghamton, and he has few weaknesses at the plate. He makes plenty of contact, hits the ball hard and rarely expands his zone. Reimer is hitting .286/.386/.513 overall this year with 17 home runs and 15 steals. (JJ)

16. Gabriel Gonzalez, OF, Twins

Team: Triple-A St. Paul (International)

Age: 21

Why He’s Here: .421/.450/.895 (8-for-19), 3 R, 0 2B, 0 3B, 3 HR, 7 RBIs, 1 BB, 4 SO, 1-for-2 SB

The Scoop: Very quietly, Gonzalez has been one of the most dominant players in the minor leagues this season. This past week’s output boosted Gonzalez’s on-base percentage to an even .400, which helped him join No. 1 overall prospect Konnor Griffin as the players 21 or younger with 400 or more plate appearances and a slash line of .300/.400/.500. The former Mariners prospect has ascended three levels this season and has been outstanding at every stop, including three strong weeks at Triple-A that have put him a step away from Minneapolis. (JN)

17. Christian Oppor, LHP, White Sox

Team: High-A Winston-Salem (South Atlantic)

Age: 21

Why He’s Here: 1-0, 0.00, 2 GS,  9 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 HBP, 3 BB, 11 SO

The Scoop: Oppor has been carving up hitters in the final full month of the season, holding hitters to a .179/.250/.275 slash line in August. Oppor’s slider is one of the best in the Sally League when he lands it. No one has squared one up for an extra-base hit all season according to Synergy Sports data, and he has a 56% miss rate with it. But he’s only thrown it for strikes 48% of the time. If he can harness his slider just a little more often, the combination with his mid-to-upper 90s fastball will allow him to take off. (JJ)

18. JR Ritchie, RHP, Braves

Team: Triple-A Gwinnett (International)

Age: 22

Why He’s Here: 1-0, 0.00, 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 11 SO, 0 HR

The Scoop: All summer, Ritchie has been one of the best pitchers in the minor leagues. He’s risen from High-A to Triple-A with nary a blip on his card. This past week, he turned in one of his best starts yet. The 11 strikeouts were a career high, and the outing stands as the only of his career with double-digit punch outs. He racked up 14 whiffs in that outing, as well. Ritchie looks like Atlanta’s next homegrown rotation piece. (JN)

19. Thomas White, LHP, Marlins

Team: Double-A Pensacola (Southern)

Age: 20

Why He’s Here: 1-0, 0.00, 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 10 SO, 0 HR

The Scoop: White has been outstanding this season. The lefthander is one of the best pitching prospects in the sport and has spent all year reaffirming that reputation. In his final turn with Pensacola before earning a promotion to Triple-A, White dissected Chattanooga and put a cap on a surgical summer. He finished August with 1.07 ERA and 42 strikeouts against just 14 walks over 25.1 innings. White struck out 10 over five hitless frames this week, marking his second start of the year with double-digit punch outs. Now, he’ll get his first test at the highest level of the minor leagues. If his work in the Southern League is any indication, he’ll be more than up to the task. (JN)

20. Marco Luciano, OF, Giants

Team: Triple-A Sacramento (Pacific Coast)

Age: 23

Why He’s Here: .409/.500/.773 (9-for-22), 8 R, 2 2B, 0 3B, 2 HR, 5 RBIs, 4 BB, 5 SO

The Scoop: With weeks like this, it’s easy to still hold out a flicker of hope for Luciano, the Giants’ former top prospect whose star has faded in recent years as he’s scuffled at Triple-A. He hasn’t torn it up this year, but his last two months have provided reason for optimism. Since July 1, Luciano, who is days away from turning 24, has hit .252/.411/.585 with eight doubles, 11 home runs and nearly as many walks (34) as strikeouts (36). (JN)

Helium

Santiago Castellanos, RHP, Twins

The Dominican Summer League season is over, and Castellanos spent all season establishing himself as one of its brightest pitching prospects. The righthander didn’t turn 17 years old until he was five starts into his pro career, yet he still blended stuff and pitchability into a package dripping with upside. Castellanos’ fastball sits comfortably between 93-95 mph and can reach a few ticks hotter. He backs it with a changeup and curveball, both with plus potential. The biggest question in Castellanos’ game involves his durability. He’s a smaller pitcher and tired a bit down the stretch. If he can gain strength and stamina, he has the upside of a midrotation starter. (JN)