10 MLB Prospects Who Should Have Gotten Call-Ups, but Didn't

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Believe it or not, there are still prospects who will be promoted before the end of the month. With the minor league regular season over and playoffs set to conclude later this week, it's almost time for the arrival of the second-wave September call-ups.

There's still potential for long (looooong) shots such as Dylan Bundy or Gerrit Cole to be promoted, although we're more likely to see Wil Myers or Oscar Taveras—basically the prospects not in their first full professional season.

Regardless, we are due for a few more surprises this September, even though most of these prospects should have already been promoted. So, for the sake of fans as well as each player’s respective organization, hopefully it's a matter of when—not if.  

Oscar Taveras, OF (St. Louis Cardinals)

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If there’s one prospect capable of making a quick adjustment to major league pitching, it's Oscar Taveras. The 20-year-old outfielder is arguably the best pure hitter in the minor leagues, and he showcased more consistent power and better plate discipline this season at Double-A Springfield.

Taveras' bat is more equipped for the major leagues than almost every other September call-up, and hopefully he receives a promotion following the Texas League playoffs.

Wil Myers, OF (Kansas City Royals

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There have been demands—at times, pleas—all season for the Royals to recall top prospect Wil Myers. However, despite posting a .987 OPS with 37 home runs, the organization has remained steadfast in its planned development of the 21-year-old outfielder.

The best-case scenario is that the Royals promote him following the conclusion of the Pacific Coast League playoffs—which will feature a Trevor Bauer versus Myers matchup on Tuesday night.

Dylan Bundy, RHP (Baltimore Orioles)

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Following the news that the Orioles would not promote Dylan Bundy in September, I shared my thoughts on how this could be a huge mistake. With the team as deep in the playoff hunt as it's been all season, there's still time, technically.

Yes, this would mean he'd be ineligible to pitch in the instructional league. So what? Who knows if the Orioles will have this type of playoff opportunity in upcoming seasons?

Bundy could be a valuable weapon over the remainder of the season—either as a starter or reliever—and utilizing him should be an ongoing discussion. Double-A Bowie's season is finally over, and Bundy has only thrown 109.2 innings.

Gerrit Cole, RHP (Pittsburgh Pirates)

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Cole is in a similar situation as Bundy, as Pirates GM Neil Huntington has stated that the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2011 will not pitch in the major leagues this season. In my opinion, opting not to call up Cole is less excusable than it is with Bundy.

The right-hander has a power arsenal consisting of a plus-plus fastball, plus slider and above-average changeup. And, like Bundy, Cole could be immediately effective in the major leagues as either a starter or reliever—likely the latter.

Victor Black, RHP (Pittsburgh Pirates)

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Drafted by the Pirates in the first round of the 2009 draft, Black struggled to stay off the disabled list for a majority of the 2010 and 2011 seasons due to various arm injuries.

The Pirates finally converted him from a starter to a reliever after his latest injury, and Black's once-promising career has since been revived. The 6'3" right-hander has the classic closer arsenal with a plus fastball-slider combination. They should still consider promoting him this season, but if not, he'll likely join the Pirates bullpen early next season.

Oswaldo Arcia, OF (Minnesota Twins)

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Considering that Arcia is already on the 40-man roster, I'm surprised that he hasn't already been promoted. The Twins were willing to do something similar with Joe Benson last season, so it may be only a matter of time.

A left-handed hitter, the 21-year-old posted a .928 OPS this season between High-A and Double-A. With Denard Span on the disabled list and Darin Mastroianni receiving the bulk of the playing time, I don't understand why Arcia isn't in the Show. 

Mark Montgomery, RHP (New York Yankees)

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Mark Montgomery already has been fast-tracked in the same way David Robertson was. The right-hander boasts a mid-90s fastball and late-breaking, wipeout slider capable of getting big league hitters out right now.

I like him most as the Yankees' future closer, but in the interim, he'd still offer substantial value out of the team's bullpen.

Billy Hamilton, SS (Cincinnati Reds)

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Yeah, yeah. We all know the Reds won't call up Hamilton, who broke the professional stolen base record this season with 155. I understand that the Reds are in a strong position to reach the postseason as is and that Hamilton would be relegated to pinch-runner duties, but seeing his speed in the major leagues would be exciting.

Hunter Morris, 1B (Milwaukee Brewers)

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After belting 20 home runs last season between High-A and Double-A, Morris has emerged as one of the top power-hitting prospects in the minor leagues. The 23-year-old left-handed hitter smashed 40 doubles, six triples and 28 home runs this season, and drove in 113 runs in 136 games at Double-A.

With Corey Hart now temporarily sidelined with a foot injury, it may be time to give Morris a shot. The Brewers repeatedly have failed to address their first base situation, but Morris certainly has become a viable option.

Jedd Gyorko, 2B (San Diego Padres)

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At 5'10" and 195 pounds, Gyorko's size can be deceiving. His bat, however, speaks for itself. The recently converted second baseman has a plus hit and quiet power—although it will be interesting to see how it translates at PETCO Park. He led all minor league hitters last season with 192 hits and added another 155 this season, including 28 doubles and 30 home runs.

His defense presumably will be suspect at times as he continues to learn the new position, but his bat is definitely big league ready.