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- The Daily Dugout Report - April 8, 2026
The Daily Dugout Report - April 8, 2026
A detailed report on everything you need to know regarding top prospects and maybe some under the radar prospects who could make an impact in fantasy leagues.
Chris Clegg & Rhys White
April 08, 2026
Baseball is fully back on the Minor League side of things. While not every affiliate kicked off on Thursday, nearly half of the lower-level affiliates kicked off and got underway on Thursday. Other teams will play their first games today.
A full slate of Minor League action means much more to cover and eyes on all sorts of players.
Exit Velocity Leaders(Prospects Only)
Player | Exit Velocity |
|---|---|
Jase Bowen - SD (AAA) | 112.6 |
Jhostynxon Garcia - PIT (AAA) | 111.4 |
Carson Rucker - DET (A) | 111.2 |
Zac Veen - COL (AAA) | 110.1 |
Henry Bolte - ATH (AAA) | 109.9 |
Whiff Leaders(Prospects Only)
Player | Whiffs |
|---|---|
Aidan Cremarosa - TB (A) | 19 |
Aidan Foeller - LAD (A+) | 16 |
Mike Paredes - MIN (AA) | 16 |
Chase Petty - CIN (AAA) | 16 |
Angel Jimenez - COL (A) | 16 |
The Prospect Report
🚀 Standout of The Day
Ronny Cruz, SS, Washington Nationals (A)
Stats: 3/5 HR, 3B, 2B
Notable Data: 50% Whiff Rate
Why The Performance Matters:
The Nationals were quite excited when they were able to acquire Cruz from the Cubs last trade deadline for Michael Soroka. A 2024 third-round pick, Cruz was solid at the complex but did not flash standout tools. He hit just two home runs in 189 plate appearances while slashing .270/.314/.431. He struck out in just 18.5 percent of plate appearances, but also did not take many walks. Known for having respectable speed, Cruz was caught on seven of his 17 stolen base attempts.
The Nationals were quite high on Cruz’s offseason, and as a 19-year-old in Single-A, he seems to be taking off. Being a lean 6’2”/170 pounds, the power has been projectable, but it seems to be coming together this year. Blasting his second home run in four games on Tuesday night, Cruz nearly hit for the cycle, ending up with a double and triple in addition to the homer.
Cruz entered Tuesday with bad BABIP luck, which drained the batting average, but that all changed. While a small sample, the batting average now sits at .313 with a 1.359 OPS. Cruz’s strikeout rate now sits at 21 percent. There are notable gains in his approach and chase rate, but the biggest thing of note is the power outbreak.
Fantasy Spin:
Given the frame, scouts projected the power to come in time, but it is encouraging to see it come this soon. Being an above-average runner with a good arm and glove, Cruz has the tools to be successful. The biggest question is the hit tool, and that is something we will watch closely moving forward.
Could Cruz be breaking out? It seems possible, but I am hesitant to go all in. -CC
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