Dylan Bundy and the Minor League 'All-Untouchable' Team at the Trade Deadline
With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, each organization is contemplating which prospects they are willing to trade.
For most teams, acquiring big-league talent that will contribute to a playoff berth may justify the prospects that they deal. However, there are numerous top prospects that simply have far too much upside to considering dealing, regardless of the potential return.
Here is a look at the all-untouchable team comprised of the top prospects in baseball that should not be traded—under any circumstances.
Dylan Bundy, RHP, Baltimore Orioles
1 of 13Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6'1", 200
DOB: 11/15/1992
Bats/Throws: S/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (HS: Owasso, Okla.)
2012 Stats
Low-A: 1-0, 30 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.53 BAA, 40 K/2 BB (8 GS)
High-A: 4-2, 32.2 IP, 3.58 ERA, .254 BAA, 34 K/11 BB (7 GS)
In any draft not loaded with elite collegiate arms like Gerrit Cole, Danny Hultzen and Trevor Bauer, Bundy would have been a consensus No. 1 overall selection. However, he slid to No. 4, and the Baltimore Orioles were thrilled.
The right-hander is famous for his ridiculous work ethic and strength for a 19-year-old, and his pitchability grades through the roof.
Lured away from a scholarship to be the Texas Longhorns quarterback, Bundy signed for $6.225 million (including a $4 million signing bonus) just before the August 15 deadline.
He features a 94-98 mph four-seam fastball that has topped out at 100 mph, as well as a low-90s two-seamer and upper-80s/low-90s cutter. In addition to his slew of fastballs, Bundy possesses a deuce that already grades as a plus pitch, and he has shown an advanced feel for his changeup.
His sheer strength allows for repeatable mechanics and a greater workload than one expects from a prep arm. Both his maturity and arsenal of plus pitches should make Bundy a fast riser within the Orioles organization. He'll likely be the first prep arm from the 2011 draft class to reach the show.
The top pitching prospect in the minor leagues, the Orioles know that they have a special player on their hands in Bundy. He has the potential to reach the major leagues much quicker than the other prep arms out of the 2011 draft class, as well as the potential to be an immediate star.
Zach Wheeler, RHP, New York Mets
2 of 13Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6'4", 185
DOB: 5/30/1990
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2009, first round (HS: East Paulding, Ga.)
2012 Stats
Double-A: 8-4, 92.2 IP, 2.62 ERA, .204 BAA, 88 K/35 BB (15 GS)
One of my favorite pitching prospects, Zach Wheeler has a lean 6'4" frame, a quick arm and clean mechanics. Basically, he has the makings of a legitimate No. 1 starter.
His fastball runs as high as 97-98 mph; however, he usually works in the low to mid-90s with explosive side-arm action on his two-seamer. His curveball has sharp downward break that buckles right-handed hitters, and he also throws a solid-average changeup that should be at least his third above-average offering by the time he reaches the major leagues.
While his command still needs some refinement, he’s excelled this season at Double-A and shows no signs of slowing down. The Mets won’t rush him this season and may have him finish the year in Double-A.
The Giants already made the mistake of trading Wheeler, and the Mets will be sure not to follow their lead. The right-hander has No. 1 starter upside thanks to a full arsenal of above-average to plus pitches and an impressive feel for the strike zone. The right-hander has the potential to be the team’s ace by 2014.
Aaron Sanchez, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays
3 of 13Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6'4", 190
DOB: 7/1/1992
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round-supp (HS—Barstow, Calif.)
A tall, lean right-hander with a highly projectable frame, Sanchez has clean mechanics and quick arm. His fastball works in the low-to-mid-90s with some sink and side-arm action. His curveball has vastly improved since he was drafted, as he throws it in the mid-70s with tight rotation, solid shape and late downer action. Sanchez also features a changeup, although it doesn’t grade out as high as his breaking ball and will need refinement.
The Blue Jays have been extremely protective of their right-hander, limiting him to a combined 80 innings between 2010 and 2011. This season, however, they’ve scaled back their caution and the results have been superb. He still has issues with his command and walks too many batters, but his pure stuff has been among the best in the minor leagues. Sanchez consistently draws swing-and-misses while working down in the zone and inducing a high amount of groundballs.
While there’s no guarantee he’ll be a star in the big leagues, what Sanchez has showed thus far suggests tremendous upside. Of all the Blue Jays’ promising pitching prospects in the lower minors, he’s the one that they need to hold onto.
Taijuan Walker, RHP, Seattle Mariners
4 of 13Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6'4", 210
DOB: 8/13/1992
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (HS: Yucaipa, Calif.)
2012 Stats
Double-A: 5-4, 70 IP, 4.50 ERA, .260 BAA, 71 K/32 BB (15 GS)
Walker was lights out last season at Low-A Clinton until he reached the 100-inning limit imposed by the Mariners. The right-hander has a big-time fastball with late life that touches the upper-90s, and he showed improved command of it in 2011. He also throws a circle change and an over-the-top curveball that could be a double-plus with improved command.
Walker’s raw athleticism distinguishes him from the other pitching prospects and only makes his potential that much greater. He's the Mariners' future ace with one of the highest ceilings of any pitching prospect in the game. Even with Felix Hernandez heading the rotation, Walker has the type of stuff and upside that will one day make him expendable.
Gerrit Cole, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
5 of 13Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6'4", 220
DOB: 9/8/1990
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (UCLA)
2012 Stats
High-A: 5-1, 67 IP, 2.55 ERA, .217 BAA, 69 K/21 BB (13 GS)
Double-A: 2-1, 11.2 IP, 4.63 ERA, .314 BAA, 13 K/1 BB (3 GS)
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft, Gerrit Cole is your classic power pitcher with an electric arsenal. His fastball can flash triple-digits on the radar gun, though he typically sits in the upper 90s. When he’s efficient enough to work his slider off his fastball, it’s a legitimate strikeout pitch, and given his velocity, Cole also has a decent changeup.
There’s no denying that Cole has ace potential, but I just don’t think he will breeze through the minors as others do. Still, his arsenal is exceptional, as we all witnessed first-hand in the XM Futures Game, and he has the potential to be a front-line starter for years to come.
Having only made three starts for Double-A this season, he’ll likely spend more time at that level before some possible late-season exposure at Triple-A. At the same time, if the Pirates are still in the hunt come September and in need of additional starting pitching, his estimated time of arrival may get bumped up. The right-hander has some of the most explosive and electric pitches in the minor leagues and should serve as the team’s No. 1 starter for years to come.
Travis d'Arnaud, C, Toronto Blue Jays
6 of 13Position: C
Height/Weight: 6'2", 195
DOB: 2/10/1989
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2007, first round (HS: Lakewood, Calif.)
2012 Stats
Triple-A: .333/.380/.595, 39 XBH (16 HR), 52 RBI, 59 K/19 BB (67 G)
It seemed as though Travis d’Arnaud would inevitably make his big league debut later this season. However, the top catching prospect in baseball was recently sidelined for six to eight weeks with a torn PCL in his knee, so a 2013 arrival is more realistic.
A right-handed hitter, d’Arnaud has plus power and should possess an above-average hit tool upon reaching the major leagues. His blocking and receiving skills have vastly improved over the last two seasons, and he’s always had a strong arm.
He has all the makings of a future All-Star catcher, and once he’s healthy and given an everyday role with the Blue Jays, d’Arnaud should emerge as one of the top overall catchers in baseball. It’s hard to find offensive production like d’Arnaud’s in a catcher who will stay behind the plate. When he reaches the bigs, the incumbent, J.P. Arencibia, will hit the trade market, if not sooner.
Jonathan Singleton, 1B, Houston Astros
7 of 13Position: 1B
Height/Weight: 6'2", 235
DOB: 9/18/1991
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Signed: 2009, eighth round (HS—Harbor City, Calif.)
2012 Stats
Double-A: .268/.397/.477, 33 XBH (12 HR), 49 RBI, 82 K/60 BB (83 G)
Acquired along with Jarred Cosart in the deal that sent Hunter Pence to Philadelphia, Singleton has explosive bat speed to go along with advanced plate discipline. Although his power isn’t overly apparent at the moment, it should continue to develop as he gains experience and should be at least above-average by the time he reaches the major leagues.
One knock against the left-handed hitter is that he struggles against southpaws, as he strikes out too often and lacks his typical power. While he’s received playing time in left field, Singleton’s future is at first base. His below-average speed is a non-factor at the position while he’s slick with the glove and surprisingly athletic.
Singleton has a chance to be the Astros’ first baseman in 2013 and, in his prime, could hit .275 with 20-plus home runs in the middle of the order. Legitimate first base prospects are rare, especially ones who will likely hit for average.
Kolten Wong, 2B, St. Louis Cardinals
8 of 13Position: 2B
Height/Weight: 5’9”, 190
DOB: 10/10/1990
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (Hawaii)
2012 Stats
Double-A: .306/.378/.433, 22 XBH (7 HR), 15 SB, 39 K/32 BB (80 G)
A polished left-handed hitter with mature plate discipline, Wong’s hit tool is nearly big-league-ready, and he’s drawn rave reviews for his defense at second base. As a team, the Cardinals second basemen are batting .248/.330/.384 this season, so when Wong is ready, his offensive upside will clearly be an upgrade.
He won’t offer much power—although he’ll collect plenty of doubles—but as he becomes more acclimated to big-league pitching, he might surprise people with 10-15 home runs annually.
It’ll be interesting to see whether the organization will opt to send him to Triple-A for more experience or throw him into the mix once they deem him ready for a promotion. He’s one of the top second base prospects in the game—and a left-handed hitting one at that—and should be ready to contribute in the major leagues by 2013.
Jurickson Profar, SS, Texas Rangers
9 of 13Position: SS
Height/Weight: 5'11", 165
DOB: 2/20/1993
Bats/Throws: S/R
Drafted/Signed: 2009, Curacao
2012 Stats
Double-A: .288/.367/.475, 35 XBH (10 HR), 42 RBI, 9 SB, 53 K/42 BB (83 G)
There’s a whole lot to like about the 19-year-old Profar, the unanimous top infield prospect in all of baseball. He possesses an above-average bat from both sides of the plate that’s highlighted by an advanced knowledge of the strike zone. He has surprising strength for his size that, when bundled with his quick wrists, could yield 15-25 home run potential.
Profar also made strides as a base stealer in 2011—his first full season—but his speed is only above-average. Beyond his obvious offensive potential, Profar is a stud at shortstop. He is a plus defender with excellent range and soft hands and also possesses a plus arm that will allow him to remain at the position.
After a slow start, including batting .253 in April, Profar posted nearly a .900 OPS in May and continues to demonstrate plate discipline well beyond his years. Recently, the switch-hitting youngster was named a Texas League Midseason All-Star and participated in his second XM Futures Game.
The top position prospect in the minor leagues, Profar has the potential to be a superstar given his natural ability as a switch-hitter and defensive prowess at short. Although every team will likely inquire about him at the trade deadline, the Rangers have repeatedly stated that the 19-year-old is off limits.
Nick Castellanos, 3B, Detroit Tigers
10 of 13Position: 3B
Height/Weight: 6'4", 210
DOB: 3/4/1992
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (HS: Archbishop McCarthy, Fla.)
2012 Stats
High-A: .405/.461/.553, 23 XBH (17 2B), 32 RBI, 42 K/22 BB (55 G)
Double-A: .311/.315/.794, 11 XBH (4 HR), 15 RBI, 28 K/2 BB (28 G)
A first-round selection in 2010, Castellanos is hands down the Tigers’ top hitting prospect. After an anemic start to the 2011 season at Low-A, he went on to slash .312/.367/.436 while playing in 135 games.
Even though he swatted only seven home runs, the right-handed hitter did tally 36 doubles. Considering his ability to barrel up the baseball, adding a little loft to his swing should yield more home runs. He struck out 130 times compared to 45 walks, so he’ll need to improve that differential this season.
Castellanos is still learning how to play at third, but his range, instincts and above-average arm work well there. He’s tall (6'4") with wiry strength and lots of room to fill out, and the fact having such a phenomenal season only raises his ceiling.
The 20-year-old is fresh off his coming out party at the XM Futures Game, where he was 3-for-4 with a home run, three runs scored and three RBI to be named the contest’s Most Valuable Player. Although the Tigers are interested in acquiring a starting pitcher, there’s no way that they would part with their future third baseman.
Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City Royals
11 of 13Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'3", 205
DOB: 12/10/1990
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2009, third round (HS: Wesleyan Academy, N.C.)
2012 Stats
Double-A: .343/.414/.731, 25 XBH (13 HR), 30 RBI, 42 K/16 BB (35 G)
Triple-A: .315/.395/.636, 27 XBH (14 HR), 42 RBI, 43 K/24 BB (48 G)
Since entering the Royals' system in 2009, Wil Myers has absolutely raked at every stop—excluding his injury-plagued 2011 campaign. He has quick wrists with outstanding bat control and plate coverage that allows him to drive the ball effortlessly to all fields.
His plate discipline is advanced beyond his years, and he’s comfortable hitting any pitch in any count. He’ll be nothing more than an average defensive outfielder, although the plus arm that made him a highly-touted catching prospect is still there.
Myers is close—extremely close. He’s knocking on the door and should make his big-league debut before the end of the July. He's such a pure hitter that his adaptation to major league pitching should be smooth. He’ll serve as the ideal right-handed complement to Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer for years to come.
Oscar Taveras, OF, St. Louis Cardinals
12 of 13Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'2", 180
DOB: 6/19/1992
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Signed: 2008, Dominican Republic
2012 Stats
Double-A: .331/.379/.606, 47 XBH (18 HR), 66 RBI, 45 K/24 BB (81 G)
One of the more impressive hitters in all of the minors last season, Taveras won the Midwest League batting title with a .386 average. The left-handed hitter takes forceful hacks, but retains the ability to generate hard contact, thanks to his ridiculous hand-eye coordination and knowledge of the strike zone.
Albeit a violent one, his swing is balanced and smooth, and he has the ability to unload on inner-half offerings. His current gap power suggests that it may ultimately be above average.
His above-average speed has allowed him to play all three outfield positions so far, but his highest ceiling comes as a corner outfielder. Given his strong arm, though, he’s more likely to end up in right field.
This season, Taveras has shown the power that the Cardinals hoped for—at Double-A nonetheless. If he continues to produce at this rate, he may be in store for a promotion to Triple-A later this season and in the Cardinals outfield by 2013.
Bubba Starling, OF, Kansas City Royals
13 of 13Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'4", 195
DOB: 8/3/1992
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (HS: Gardner Edgerton, Kan.)
2012 Stats
Rookie: .289/.449/.553, 5 XBH, 10 RBI, 13 K/8 BB (10 G)
At 6'4", 195 pounds, Bubba Starling is strong and athletic and has already flashed double-plus power. He should hit for some average in the future, although his true value is rooted in his power-speed combination. Also a standout pitcher, Starling has been clocked in the mid-90s off the bump and throws absolute pills from the outfield.
A three-sport star coming out of high school, Starling turned down a football scholarship to the University of Nebraska to begin his career with the Royals. Starling can run down everything in the outfield and uncorks throws that register in the mid-90s.
At the plate, he has plus power thanks to a lightning-quick bat and lofty swing. Although it’s hard to project the potential of his hit tool at the moment, there’s no reason to believe it will be anything less than above-average.
Considering many of the Royals' once top-ranked prospects are either in the majors or nearing a call-up, Starling represents the next wave of talent in Kansas City's perpetually-loaded system.
