By james art 
This article is part of a series reviewing the seasons of the top 40 prospects still in the Arizona Diamondbacks system at the end of 2024.
Acquired: 4th round in 2024 MLB Draft, Signed for $800,0000
Tytus Cissell was selected by the Diamondbacks in the 4th round of the 2024 MLB Draft with the 132nd pick out of Francis Howell High School in Missouri. He was committed to Missouri before signing with Arizona for well over an $800,000 slot bonus.
The slot value of that pick was only $535,800, which shows how much Arizona believes in Cissell and wants him to be a part of their organization by going so far above the expected bonus.
Sissel has yet to play professional baseball, so this will be an overview of his skills and attributes, along with his predictions for what he could become if it all comes to fruition and he reaches his ceiling.
Cissell has the potential to be a power hitter with a big right arm that can make all the throws required of him. In scouting grades 20-80, MLB.com gave him a 55 grade, and his arm will only get better as he grows and develops.
His glove also looks strong and capable of making any play needed, although the footwork may need some work to become a Gold Glove-caliber glove, but MLB.com rated him a 50, an above-average grade.
His speed is the real calling card, and Sissel should have no problem stealing at least 20 bags over the next decade. He could even approach 40 with his 60-degree speed on the bases, along with an advanced approach when running.
Cissell has great bat speed on his swing, topping out at over 75 MPH, which is considered an MLB fastball. This will allow for additional power generation, but he will need to grow into his 6’2 frame as he puts on weight. The power is there for 15-20 homers a year.
Contact ability is the tool Cissell will need to work on the most to reach the Majors, as it is only a 40 grade. His left-handed swing is better than right-handed, but he has the potential to be a viable hitter, a lost art in today’s MLB that is extremely valuable.
In his senior season at Francis Howell, Cissell hit .341 with 34 runs, 13 doubles, two triples, two homers, 29 RBI and 37 stolen bases. As proven, he certainly has the speed to steal a lot of bases.
Tytus Cissell will enter his first full professional baseball season in 2025 with a full spring training to begin. He will only be 18 when he starts, so he is expected to begin his career in the Arizona Complex League.
If he excels there and hits average, showing key traits like patience, pitch selection and more, he could find himself in Single-A Visalia before the season ends. Demetrio Crisantes advanced to Single-A this year at just 19 years old. Sissel could do it too.
The Arizona Diamondbacks may have hit a home run pick with Sissel, and being ranked this high shows that he has a high ceiling despite being so young. He will have a great chance to break through and move up this prospect list next year.