Predicting Each MLB Team's Prospect Who Will Turn the Most Heads This Spring
One of the most exciting parts of spring training each year is getting a chance to see some of the game's top prospects in action against big league talent.
While the preseason can be a monotonous time for established big league players, it's an exciting chance for young guys to show what they're capable of, and in some cases, it's the first chance a fanbase gets to see what could be the future of its team in a game situation.
So with spring training less than a month away, let's take a look at each MLB team's prospect who will turn the most heads this spring.
To clarify, this is not simply an overview of each teams No. 1 prospect, though in many cases, that's who winds up being the selection.
Instead, we're focusing here on guys with tools that make you say "wow" when you watch them—a slugger who can put on a show in batting practice, a speedster who can leg out an infield hit and then steal second, a starter with an nasty repertoire of pitches or a late-inning reliever who can light up the radar gun.
*Note: Not every team has released its list of non-roster invitees yet this year, so in some cases we are assuming that a prospect not currently on the 40-man roster is going to get an invite to big league camp.
Baltimore Orioles: SP Hunter Harvey
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2014 Stats
| A | 17/17 | 7-5 | 3.18 | 1.129 | 33 | 106 | 87.2 |
Overview
The son of former All-Star closer Bryan Harvey, Hunter was the No. 22 overall pick in the 2013 draft as one of the top high school pitchers in the country.
His first pro season was a good one, as he dominated Single-A hitters and earned a spot in the Futures Game, but things came to an abrupt halt when a forearm strain effectively ended his season.
The 20-year-old already has impressive stuff, with a fastball that sits in the mid-90s and a terrific curveball, and a developing changeup should give him a third plus pitch. As good as he was in his first full season, it's not out of the realm of possibility to think he could wind up being better than Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy long term.
The Orioles have yet to announce their non-roster invitees to spring training, but according to a tweet from Steve Melewski of MASN Sports, Harvey is expected to be among them.
Boston Red Sox: CF Rusney Castillo
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2014 Stats
| MLB | 10 | .333/.400/.528 | 12 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 3 |
Overview
Fans and teammates alike have not had much of a chance to see Rusney Castillo in action yet, as the Cuban defector played in just 10 games last season after signing a record seven-year, $72.5 million deal in August.
An elite speed threat during his time in Cuba, Castillo packed on 20 pounds of muscle onto his 5'9" frame between his defection and his signing with the Red Sox, and he now has some legitimate power potential to go along with his plus-plus wheels.
The center field job appears to be his to lose, and while he has already seen a small sampling of games in Boston, this spring could really be a coming-out party for the 27-year-old as he looks to prove he was worth such a significant investment.
New York Yankees: RF Aaron Judge
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2014 Stats
| A/A+ | 131 | .308/.419/.486 | 144 | 24 | 17 | 78 | 80 | 1 |
Overview
The New York Yankees have yet to announce their non-roster invitees, so Aaron Judge is not a lock to be in big league camp since he's not on the 40-man roster. But there's a good chance he's among the prospects the team gives an extended look this spring.
At 6'7" and 230 pounds, the hulking slugger is a head-turning player on physical size alone, and he has the all-around game to back it up.
With tremendous raw power, solid plate discipline and a cannon arm, he is the prototypical right fielder and middle-of-the-order bat. His swing can get long, which makes sense given his size, but he showed an advanced feel at the plate in his first pro season.
Carlos Beltran is entering his age-38 season with two years left on his deal, and the Yankees would love nothing more than for the 22-year-old Judge to arrive just as he is riding off into the sunset.
Tampa Bay Rays: SP Alex Colome
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2014 Stats
| A+/AAA | 18/18 | 7-7 | 3.53 | 1.299 | 35 | 83 | 97.0 |
| MLB | 5/3 | 2-0 | 2.66 | 1.225 | 10 | 13 | 23.2 |
Overview
Buried on the depth chart behind a wealth of talented young pitching, Alex Colome will finally get a chance to show what he's capable of in 2015.
The 26-year-old is out of options, so one way or another, he'll almost certainly be part of the Opening Day roster, and at this point, he looks like the front-runner to fill the No. 5 starter spot.
He has a 3.58 ERA, 1.287 WHIP and 8.9 K/9 in 696.1 career minor league innings, and he's held his own in limited big league action with a 2.50 ERA in 39.2 innings of work.
All the pieces are there for him to be a quality starter, with a four-pitch repertoire that includes a fastball that can touch 96 and a terrific cutter/slider that serves as his out pitch. He'll have as much to prove as anyone this spring, so look for a big performance out of Colome.
Toronto Blue Jays: SP Daniel Norris
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2014 Stats
| A+/AA/AAA | 26/25 | 12-2 | 2.53 | 1.118 | 43 | 163 | 124.1 |
| MLB | 5/1 | 0-0 | 5.40 | 1.500 | 5 | 4 | 6.2 |
Overview
A second-round pick back in 2011, Daniel Norris opened last season at High-A Dunedin, but a breakout performance allowed him to climb three levels before making his big league debut in September.
Now it looks like he has a real chance to break camp as the No. 5 starter for the Toronto Blue Jays, provided he can beat out Aaron Sanchez and a handful of others for the spot that was vacated by the trade of J.A. Happ.
His fastball and changeup both grade out as plus offerings, and he also has a solid curveball/slider combination to give him an impressive all-around repertoire.
One of the top left-handed pitching prospects in the game, Norris has a chance to join Marcus Stroman, Drew Hutchison and Sanchez to form a terrific young rotation in Toronto long term. A spot in the rotation to open the season could put him among the AL Rookie of the Year favorites.
Chicago White Sox: SP Carlos Rodon
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2014 Stats
| Rk/A+/AAA | 9/6 | 0-0 | 2.96 | 1.356 | 13 | 38 | 24.1 |
Overview
Once regarded as the consensus top prospect in the 2014 draft, Carlos Rodon instead slipped to No. 3 overall, where the Chicago White Sox were more than happy to scoop him up.
He made nine appearances after signing, including three starts at the Triple-A level. He'll likely start the season in the minors, but he could force his way onto the big league roster in the very near future, whether it's as a starter right out of the gate or as a reliever like Chris Sale a few years back.
"This is early, but the first thing I knew right away, and the first thing I can tell Chicago White Sox fans: We're going to have another good one coming down the road," pitching coach Don Cooper told reporters at SoxFest, via Steven Goldstein of the Chicago Tribune.
How quickly he joins the rotation will depend largely on the development of his changeup, but with a fastball that reaches 97 and a devastating slider that's among the best in the minor leagues right now, his stuff would already play in the bullpen.
Cleveland Indians: SS Francisco Lindor
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2014 Stats
| AA/AAA | 126 | .276/.338/.389 | 140 | 16 | 11 | 62 | 75 | 28 |
Overview
Francisco Lindor has been viewed as the shortstop of the future for the Cleveland Indians since being taken with the No. 8 pick in the 2011 draft, and it appears that future is almost here.
Already viewed as an elite defender coming out of high school, he has held his own at the plate during his four seasons in the minors, despite being one of the younger prospects in the league during each step of his progression.
He still has room to add strength and power, but for the time being, his speed and contact skills are his biggest weapons offensively, and they should help him be at least an average offensive contributor from the onset.
Jose Ramirez will open the season at shortstop for the Tribe, but it's only a matter of time before Lindor supplants him.
Detroit Tigers: RF Steven Moya
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2014 Stats
| AA | 133 | .276/.306/.555 | 142 | 33 | 35 | 105 | 81 | 16 |
| MLB | 11 | .375/.375/.375 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Overview
The No. 15 prospect in the Detroit Tigers system entering the 2014 season, according to Baseball America, Steven Moya turned in one of the better all-around offensive seasons in minor league baseball last year.
Moya captured Eastern League MVP honors on the strength of his 33 doubles and 35 home runs, and he also earned a spot in the Futures Game.
His overall game still needs some refining, specifically his plate discipline, as evidenced by a 23-161 BB/K ratio and a less-than-stellar .306 on-base percentage. He's also a below-average defender in the outfield, though he does have a strong arm.
All that being said, it's the power that the 6'6" lefty provides that makes him a head-turning prospect—and one who looks to be next in line should a spot open up in the Detroit outfield.
Kansas City Royals: RF Jorge Bonifacio
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2014 Stats
| AA | 132 | .230/.302/.309 | 116 | 20 | 4 | 51 | 49 | 8 |
Overview
The younger brother of speedy utility man Emilio Bonifacio, Jorge has a significantly different profile as a power-hitting corner outfielder with the potential to be a middle-of-the-order bat down the line.
His tools have not always translated to in-game success at this point in his career, but the plus bat speed and good raw power are there for him to take off with more experience in the high minors.
Chances are he'll be back in Double-A to open the 2015 season, and repeating that level could be what jump-starts his career offensively.
Bonifacio was added to the 40-man roster this offseason, and with Alex Rios signed to just a one-year deal to play right field in Kansas City, he could get a look in the second half if he picks up his production.
Minnesota Twins: SP Alex Meyer
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2014 Stats
| AAA | 27/27 | 7-7 | 3.52 | 1.381 | 64 | 153 | 130.1 |
Overview
The Washington Nationals selected Alex Meyer with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2011 draft, and after a strong pro debut the following season, he was shipped to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for center fielder Denard Span.
The towering 6'9" right-hander has had his ups and downs from a command standpoint, as he is still ironing out his mechanics, but the stuff is there for him to be a front-line starter for a long time once he reaches the majors.
His fastball can reach the high 90s, and paired with a wipeout slider, he's piled up 392 strikeouts in 337.2 minor league innings.
Meyer is expected to compete for the No. 5 starter job this spring, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. He's also indicated that he's willing to pitch out of the bullpen if he doesn't win the job, per a tweet from Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Houston Astros: SS Carlos Correa
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2014 Stats
| A+ | 62 | .325/.416/.510 | 81 | 16 | 6 | 57 | 50 | 20 |
Overview
An influx of high-end young talent helped the Houston Astros to a 19-win improvement last season, and the future certainly looks bright for a number of their core pieces.
However, the best may be yet to come in the form of shortstop Carlos Correa.
The No. 1 pick in the 2012 draft, Correa has put up some terrific numbers in the minors to this point in his career, but his 2014 season was ended prematurely when he suffered a broken fibula in June.
He got an extended look last spring, going 6-for-30 with two doubles and two home runs, and provided he is back healthy when camp opens, he'll likely see plenty of time once again this year.
With a great all-around offensive profile and a rocket arm, all the pieces are there for Correa to be a superstar at the next level and the face of the Astros franchise long term.
Los Angeles Angels: SP Andrew Heaney
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2014 Stats
| AA/AAA | 24/23 | 9-6 | 3.28 | 1.136 | 36 | 143 | 137.1 |
| MLB | 7/5 | 0-3 | 5.83 | 1.330 | 7 | 20 | 29.1 |
Overview
The Los Angeles Angels are undoubtedly going to feel the loss of Howie Kendrick this coming season, but flipping the All-Star second baseman in the final year of his contract for left-hander Andrew Heaney may very well wind up being one of the best moves of the 2015 offseason.
Heaney, 23, has been on the fast track since being taken with the No. 9 pick in the 2012 draft after an outstanding college career at Oklahoma State.
A dominant 2013 season saw him go 9-3 with a 1.60 ERA between High-A and Double-A, and he made his big league debut this past season on June 19.
With a mid-90s fastball, terrific slider and solid changeup, he looks like the front-runner to fill the No. 5 starter spot for the Angels, at least until Garrett Richards returns. A strong start to the season could be enough for him to stick, with someone like C.J. Wilson sliding to the bullpen instead.
Oakland Athletics: RP R.J. Alvarez
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2014 Stats
| AA | 38/0 | 0-1 | 1.25 | 0.969 | 13 | 61 | 43.1 |
| MLB | 10/0 | 0-0 | 1.13 | 1.000 | 5 | 9 | 8.0 |
Overview
Most of the Oakland Athletics' high-end prospect talent is still at least a few years from making an impact at this point, as Matt Olson, Franklin Barreto and Renato Nunez have all yet to play above the High-A level.
However, one prospect who could make his presence known this spring is reliever R.J. Alvarez, who was acquired from the San Diego Padres in the Derek Norris trade.
In three minor league seasons, Alvarez has a 2.41 ERA and an impressive 178 strikeouts in 119.1 innings for a 13.4 K/9 mark, and he certainly has the look of a solid late-inning reliever, with a high-90s fastball and a plus slider.
Tyler Clippard will serve as the eighth-inning setup man for the A's this season in the final year of his contract, and it could be Alvarez who fills that role for the team long term. Regardless, he looks to have a decent shot at winning a bullpen job in some capacity this spring.
Seattle Mariners: 3B D.J. Peterson
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2014 Stats
| A+/AA | 123 | .297/.360/.552 | 147 | 31 | 31 | 111 | 83 | 7 |
Overview
One of the top college bats in the 2013 draft, D.J. Peterson was taken No. 12 overall by the Seattle Mariners, and he has been on the fast track to Seattle since the day he signed.
He's played primarily third base to this point in his career, but with Kyle Seager recently signing a seven-year, $100 million extension, his future is probably across the diamond at first base.
The 23-year-old dominated the High-A level to begin the 2014 season, posting a .997 OPS with 23 doubles and 18 home runs in 273 at-bats, and he held his own after a midseason promotion to Double-A.
With good power and an advanced approach, it's only a matter of time before Peterson joins Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz in the middle of the Mariners order. A September call-up this coming season and a run at an everyday job in 2016 seems likely at this point.
Texas Rangers: 3B Joey Gallo
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2014 Stats
| A+/AA | 126 | .271/.394/.615 | 119 | 19 | 42 | 106 | 97 | 7 |
Overview
With legitimate 80-grade power, Joey Gallo is one of the most exciting position player prospects in baseball right now, and he is coming off of back-to-back 40-homer seasons in the minors.
Gallo set the Arizona Rookie League record with 18 home runs in 43 games after signing back in 2012, and all told, he has launched 104 long balls in 296 games in his three years as a pro.
There are still holes in his game, as he strikes out a lot (179 K in 2014) and is still a work in progress defensively at third base, but as far as head-turning prospects go, it doesn't get much better than the show Gallo is capable of putting on in batting practice.
Adrian Beltre has a $16 million vesting option for 2016, after which time he'll become a free agent, and the Texas Rangers would no doubt like nothing more than for Gallo to take over as the centerpiece of their offense and everyday third baseman once he's gone.
Atlanta Braves: SP Mike Foltynewicz
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2014 Stats
| AAA | 21/18 | 7-7 | 5.08 | 1.461 | 52 | 102 | 102.2 |
| MLB | 16/0 | 0-1 | 5.30 | 1.607 | 7 | 14 | 18.2 |
Overview
Recently acquired from the Houston Astros in exchange for slugger Evan Gattis, right-hander Mike Foltynewicz is arguably the best prospect the Atlanta Braves picked up in what was a handful of blockbuster trades this offseason.
With an 80-grade fastball that can reach triple digits, he will turn plenty of heads this spring on velocity alone, but his secondary stuff is still a work in progress, as is his overall command. His curveball and changeup both have potential, and it will be the development of that off-speed stuff that eventually determines whether his future lies in the rotation or at the back of the bullpen.
Either way, power arms like his don't come around everyday, and the Braves will no doubt give him every chance to stick in the rotation.
Miami Marlins: RP Arquimedes Caminero
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2014 Stats
| AAA | 42/0 | 4-1 | 4.86 | 1.587 | 30 | 79 | 63.0 |
| MLB | 6/0 | 0-1 | 10.80 | 1.800 | 4 | 8 | 6.2 |
Overview
The Miami Marlins have a wealth of young pitching talent, even after trading away Andrew Heaney, Anthony DeSclafani and Brian Flynn this offseason, but none of them really fall under the category of "head-turning" outside of last year's first-round pick Tyler Kolek.
Assuming the 19-year-old Kolek is not in big league camp, we'll instead turn our attention to a bullpen prospect in Arquimedes Caminero.
One of the older players on this list at 27 years old, Caminero has been slow to develop since being signed out of the Dominican Republic back in 2005, but there is no ignoring his raw stuff.
His fastball reaches 100 consistently, and his slider is a serviceable second pitch, making him a prospect to close if he can continue to refine his command. If not, he'll still be a useful bullpen arm, and he'll be lighting up radar guns this spring.
New York Mets: SP Noah Syndergaard
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2014 Stats
| AAA | 26/26 | 9-7 | 4.60 | 1.481 | 43 | 145 | 133.0 |
Overview
The results might not have looked great on paper for Noah Syndergaard in 2014, but it has to be taken into account that he was pitching in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League in an extreme hitter's park in Las Vegas.
By all accounts, the big 6'6" right-hander still has all the makings of a dominant front-line starter long term, and even with his less-than-stellar peripheral numbers, he did manage to lead the PCL with 145 strikeouts in 133 innings of work.
He's improved his changeup over the past few years, giving him a quality third offering to pair with his overpowering fastball/curveball combination, and he doesn't have much left to prove in the minors at this point.
The Mets are still looking for a way to unload one or more of their veteran starters, and if they can do that, there's a chance Syndergaard joins the rotation at some point in 2015.
Philadelphia Phillies: SP Aaron Nola
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2014 Stats
| A+/AA | 12/11 | 4-3 | 2.93 | 1.066 | 10 | 45 | 55.1 |
Overview
Viewed as one of the more big league-ready prospects in the 2014 draft, Aaron Nola was taken with the No. 7 pick after serving as the ace of the LSU staff.
The Philadelphia Phillies sent him to High-A Clearwater to begin his pro career, and by the time the minor league season wrapped up, he had reached Double-A, where he posted a 2.62 ERA in five starts.
Nola immediately jumped Jesse Biddle as the top pitcher in the Phillies system, and they've added more talent on the mound this offseason by picking up Zach Eflin, Ben Lively and Tom Windle in trades.
The stuff is not necessarily overpowering for Nola, but he has terrific command of a three-pitch repertoire, and it wouldn't be the least bit surprising to see him join the Phillies rotation at some point in the second half of the 2015 season.
Washington Nationals: CF Michael Taylor
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2014 Stats
| AA/AAA | 110 | .304/.390/.526 | 130 | 20 | 23 | 64 | 81 | 37 |
| MLB | 17 | .205/.279/.359 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
Overview
Denard Span is headed for free agency after the 2015 season, and the Washington Nationals already have his replacement waiting in the wings in Michael Taylor.
A sixth-round pick out of high school back in 2009, Taylor was originally drafted as a shortstop, but he quickly moved to center field, where he has developed into a plus defender thanks in large part to his speed.
He still has a good deal of swing-and-miss to his game (144 K in 2014), but the more he taps into his impressive raw power, the less of an issue that will be.
After a 20/20 season in Double-A that was capped off by a 17-game cup of coffee in Washington down the stretch, it's simply a matter of the waiting game for Taylor, as he looks poised for an everyday job in 2016.
Chicago Cubs: 3B Kris Bryant
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2014 Stats
| AA/AAA | 138 | .325/.438/.661 | 160 | 34 | 43 | 110 | 118 | 15 |
Overview
Kris Bryant has absolutely destroyed minor league pitching since being taken with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 draft, and he should immediately be one of the best offensive third basemen in the league when he arrives in Chicago early on this coming season.
In 620 minor league at-bats, Bryant has hit .327/.428/.666 with 48 doubles and 52 home runs, and he has a chance to open the 2015 season as the No. 1 prospect in baseball.
There is still swing-and-miss to his game (162 K in 2014), but he should be able to hit for a solid average long term. His defense is also a work in progress, but he's been better than advertised so far, and he should be able to stick at the hot corner.
Expectations are sky-high for Bryant, as he has the potential to be the best of the bunch for a dynamic young Chicago Cubs team.
Cincinnati Reds: SP Robert Stephenson
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2014 Stats
| AA | 27/26 | 7-10 | 4.75 | 1.379 | 74 | 140 | 136.1 |
Overview
The Cincinnati Reds have a nice collection of young arms after acquiring Anthony DeSclafani and Jonathon Crawford this offseason, but the best of the bunch is still Robert Stephenson.
The No. 27 pick in the 2011 draft, Stephenson has electric stuff with a fastball that consistently hits the high 90s and a filthy curveball that is one of the best in the minors right now.
His changeup is still a work in progress, but it has the makings of a passable third pitch, and further refining that pitch will no doubt be the focus of the 2015 season for the right-hander.
Still just 21 years old, Stephenson could challenge for a rotation spot as early as next season, and he has legitimate ace-caliber upside long term.
Milwaukee Brewers: RP David Goforth
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2014 Stats
| AA | 54/0 | 5-4 | 3.76 | 1.376 | 29 | 46 | 64.2 |
Overview
Having burned through his rookie eligibility last season with 69.1 innings of work, Jimmy Nelson was not eligible to be the Milwaukee Brewers selection, though he'll certainly be one to watch this spring as he looks to grab the No. 5 starter spot.
Instead, we'll focus on a hard-throwing reliever in David Goforth who could challenge for a bullpen job if the Brewers don't go out and add anyone else before the offseason is over.
The 26-year-old served as the closer in a full season at Double-A Huntsville, converting 27 of 33 save chances.
With a fastball that can touch 98 and a trio of off-speed pitches from his days as a starter, the stuff is there for him to close at the highest level, but he will need to improve his command (4.0 BB/9 in 2014) to earn a shot at that role.
Pittsburgh Pirates: SP Tyler Glasnow
24 of 302014 Stats
| A+ | 23/23 | 12-5 | 1.74 | 1.054 | 57 | 157 | 124.1 |
Overview
A fifth-round pick out of high school back in 2011, Tyler Glasnow has come a long way in his three years as a pro, and he's now one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball.
The lanky 6'7" right-hander has filled out a good amount since being drafted, and he's added velocity in the process, as his fastball now sits in the upper 90s. He pairs that with a plus curveball and a solid changeup, as he certainly has the stuff to be a front-line starter.
He was absolutely dominant at the High-A level last year, winning Florida State League Pitcher of the Year honors, and he is now set to make the leap to Double-A this coming season.
Alongside Gerrit Cole, Jameson Taillon and Nick Kingham, the Pirates' future looks awfully bright on the mound.
St. Louis Cardinals: RP Samuel Tuivailala
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2014 Stats
| A+/AA/AAA | 48/0 | 2-2 | 3.15 | 1.250 | 27 | 97 | 60.0 |
| MLB | 2/0 | 0-0 | 36.00 | 7.000 | 2 | 1 | 1.0 |
Overview
The St. Louis Cardinals have a terrific young outfield prospect in Stephen Piscotty who figures to get an extended look this spring, but he's not exactly the type of prospect that falls under the category of "head-turning" with his tools.
Also, top pitching prospects Rob Kaminsky, Alex Reyes, Luke Weaver and Jack Flaherty are all still in the low minors, so instead, the focus here will be on a high-ceiling reliever in Samuel Tuivailala.
Tuivailala, 22, has worked exclusively as a reliever since being taken in the third round of the 2010 draft, and understandably so, as he lacks a third pitch. However, the two pitches he does have are awfully good, as his fastball can reach triple digits and his power curveball complements it well.
His strikeout rate (14.1 K/9) and walk rate (4.0 BB/9) in the minors tell the story. He has the stuff to be dominant, but he will need to refine his command in order to be trusted with a late-inning role.
Arizona Diamondbacks: 3B Yasmany Tomas
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2014 Stats
Played in Cuba
Overview
It's probably fair to say that no prospect will be watched more closely this spring than Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas as he looks to follow in the footsteps of fellow countrymen Yoenis Cespedes and Jose Abreu by making an immediate impact in the Arizona Diamondbacks lineup.
Signed to a six-year, $68.5 million deal, after may predicted he could see north of $100 million, Tomas will get a chance to be the team's everyday third baseman after most other teams viewed him as a corner outfielder.
It's his power that makes him a head-turner, though.
"A right-handed-hitting corner outfielder, Tomas can hit towering home runs thanks to the strength from his thickly-built 6-foot-1, 230-pound frame. Tomas has 70 raw power on the 20-80 scale," Ben Badler of Baseball America wrote.
The 24-year-old has the potential to form a dangerous trio of bats alongside Paul Goldschmidt and Mark Trumbo, and he looks to be a big part of the Diamondbacks' long-term plans.
Colorado Rockies: SP Jon Gray
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2014 Stats
| AA | 24/24 | 10-5 | 3.91 | 1.190 | 41 | 113 | 124.1 |
Overview
Another quiet offseason for the Colorado Rockies on the pitching side of things has made it abundantly clear that the team is banking on top prospects Jon Gray and Eddie Butler to lead the rotation long term.
Gray, the No. 3 pick in the 2013 draft out of Oklahoma, certainly has the stuff to be a workhorse at the top of the staff once he reaches the majors.
The 23-year-old uses a burly 6'4" and 235 pound frame to sit in the mid-90s with his fastball, and he pairs it with a biting slider and an above-average changeup, all of which he has good command of at this point in his development.
He looked to have a shot at making his debut last season but didn't get the call. He'll almost certainly see Colorado at some point in 2015, though, and he'll enter the league with lofty expectations from a team starved for quality pitching.
Los Angeles Dodgers: CF Joc Pederson
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2014 Stats
| AAA | 121 | .303/.435/.582 | 135 | 17 | 33 | 78 | 106 | 30 |
| MLB | 18 | .143/.351/.143 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Overview
Blocked by the outfield logjam in Los Angeles last season, Joc Pederson now has a clear path to an everyday job after the Dodgers traded Matt Kemp to the San Diego Padres this winter.
The 22-year-old demolished Triple-A pitching last year, and while his 33 home runs and 30 stolen bases in 445 at-bats were impressive, it's his 100 walks that might have been his most impressive stat.
Pederson has no one tool that stands out as plus-plus, but he does everything well, and he should be able to continue hitting for a high average with good power and base-stealing numbers.
The NL Rookie of the Year field looks to be incredibly deep for the upcoming season, but Pederson definitely belongs in the conversation.
San Diego Padres: C Austin Hedges
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2014 Stats
| AA | 113 | .225/.268/.321 | 96 | 19 | 6 | 44 | 31 | 1 |
Overview
The top catching prospect in baseball, according to Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com's Prospect Watch, Austin Hedges has a chance to be an elite defensive backstop at the highest level.
The Padres' acquisition of Derek Norris means they can be patient with the 22-year-old Hedges, as his offensive game is still a work in progress, but it's worth pointing out that he's been pushed a bit more aggressively than most catching prospects.
He has some legitimate raw power and good contact skills, so there is reason to believe he can be an above-average offensive catcher once he reaches the big leagues.
For now, he remains the top prospect in the Padres farm system, and the team did well in acquiring so much talent this offseason while still holding onto Hedges.
San Francisco Giants: SP Kyle Crick
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2014 Stats
| AA | 23/22 | 6-7 | 3.80 | 1.544 | 61 | 111 | 90.0 |
Overview
While last year's first-round pick. Tyler Beede, has a chance to push him if he pitches to his potential, for the time being, Kyle Crick is still the unquestioned top prospect in the San Francisco Giants system.
Crick, 22, has thrown just 277 professional innings since being taken with the No. 49 pick in the 2011 draft, but he has shown enough flashes of greatness to rank among the top pitching prospects in baseball.
His mechanics are still being fine-tuned, and his command has suffered at times, as he has a 5.7 BB/9 walk rate for his career.
However, his stuff is undeniable, with a fastball that can touch 98, a terrific slider and a solid changeup. The Giants will continue to be patient with their prized prospect, but they could take the leash off of him a bit more this season in his second go-around at the Double-A level.
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference, unless otherwise noted. Information from MLB.com's Prospect Watch was used in putting together player overviews.
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