Top MLB Prospect Call-Up Radar Report, Week 19
It's time for the latest edition of B/R's top prospect call-up radar report!
This week, we'll take a look at six impact bats and when baseball fans can expect to see them reach the big leagues. But first, let's take a look at our handy radar system.
Since the season is well into the second half, we've had to make some adjustments. Here's what we'll use to predict the following prospects' anticipated debuts:
- Red: Mid-/late 2016 call-up
- Orange: Early 2016 call-up
- Yellow: September call-up
- Green: Call-up is imminent
How have the fast-rising stocks of Orlando Arcia and Bradley Zimmer affected their paths to the big leagues? Will Trea Turner get an opportunity to replace the struggling Ian Desmond at shortstop for the Washington Nationals? Will the Los Angeles Dodgers give Corey Seager the starting shortstop job anytime in 2015?
Make sure to let your voices be heard in the comments section below.
Here we go!
Bradley Zimmer, Cleveland Indians
1 of 6
2015 Stats (A+/AA): .297/.396/.505, 16 HR, 58 RBI, 79 R, 39 SB
Cleveland Indians outfield prospect Bradley Zimmer has enjoyed a fantastic 2015 campaign and has become one of the fastest-rising talents in the minors.
After blitzing through High-A pitching, the 22-year-old hasn't skipped a beat in Double-A. In 25 games, Zimmer has gone deep six times, stolen seven bases and is flirting with a .400 on-base percentage.
What makes Zimmer so intriguing is his ability to impact every phase of the game. Hit for average? Check. Draw a walk? Hit a solo shot? Swipe a bag? Yes, yes and yes. Plus, Zimmer's athleticism and instincts will allow him to develop into a plus defender at one of the game's premier positions.
In 2015, Zimmer has become an offensive force with few flaws in his swing. He's continued to refine his approach this season, which has paid obvious dividends.
“It’s kind of something I’ve been working on from spring training until now,” Zimmer told Spencer Davies of the Akron Beacon Journal. “I’m really staying with the middle-away approach. Earlier in the season I was pulling off the ball a little bit, so I’m trying to get back to that middle-oppo approach.”
Radar: Red
Zimmer is special and could begin 2016 in Triple-A if he continues his torrid stretch.
With no player blocking his path to the big leagues, it's not crazy to think Zimmer can advance from High-A to the majors in just a year.
Orlando Arcia, Milwaukee Brewers
2 of 6
2015 Stats (AA): .298/.340/.432, 5 HR, 55 RBI, 61 R, 21 SB
Before the 2015 season, Baseball America ranked Milwaukee Brewers shortstop prospect Orlando Arcia 94th in its preseason rankings.
Fast-forward to August, and Brewers fans don't have to scroll down nearly as far to find their top prospect's name. In fact, they don't have to scroll down at all, as Arcia has jumped up all the way to No. 8.
And why wouldn't he? The 21-year-old has dominated much older competition in Double-A. Arcia is hitting nearly .300 with 55 RBI and 20-plus steals.
Combine Arcia's impressive offensive game with an elite defensive skill set, and it's clear to see why he's so highly regarded. Arcia's quickness allows him to get to balls that seem out of his range. There's little doubt he'll remain at shortstop for the rest of his career, which only enhances his value.
Radar: Orange
The Brewers have to be nearing the end of their rope with Jean Segura (.257/.285/.320), which will open the door for Arcia to make an impact at the big league level sometime in the near future.
We could even see Arcia as soon as September, but there's a better chance the talented youngster begins 2016 as Milwaukee's starting shortstop.
Trea Turner, Washington Nationals
3 of 6
2015 Stats (AA/AAA): .319/.368/.457, 8 HR, 53 RBI, 63 R, 27 SB
With shortstop Ian Desmond (.223/.271/.380) struggling offensively and with the glove, could the suddenly desperate Washington Nationals turn to Trea Turner down the stretch?
It's unlikely, but general manager Mike Rizzo didn't necessarily rule it out in a recent interview.
"He brings an extremely talented skill set to the table, and some of the skills can be utilized even if you play him off the bench," Rizzo told 106.7 the FAN in D.C., via Patrick Reddington of Federal Baseball.
Turner's elite speed would make him a fantastic pinch-running candidate if he's indeed promoted in September, but the 22-year-old is much more than a fast runner. He puts the ball in play, gets on base at a high clip and causes serious issues for opposing defenses with his base-running ability.
Radar: Yellow
When Turner was acquired this offseason, there was next to no chance he'd unseat Desmond and play a big role for a team with World Series aspirations.
But the combination of a stellar season, Desmond's struggles and pressure to win could force Washington's hand. He may not start right off the bat, but Turner will be used as a late-inning weapon on the bases at the very least.
Joey Gallo, Texas Rangers
4 of 6
2015 Stats (AA/AAA): .254/.359/.565, 21 HR, 58 RBI, 35 R
Texas Rangers top prospect Joey Gallo made waves when he was called up earlier this season, mashing five homers in just 25 games.
Unfortunately, Gallo ran into some issues when he wasn't hitting the ball out of the park. The 21-year-old struck out 43 times in 87 at-bats. Fanning over 40 percent of the time won't cut it, even if a player has staggering raw power.
Gallo has had his troubles with strikeouts throughout his minor league career, but he's been able to offset his tendency to swing and miss by walking at impressive rates.
But since he's returned to Triple-A, Gallo hasn't looked nearly as formidable. His average has slipped to a .201 mark, and his strikeout rate is up near 40 percent.
Radar: Yellow
General manager Jon Daniels recently told MLB Network Radio that Gallo will stay in the minors until September unless an unexpected injury pops up.
Considering Gallo's continued contact issues, that makes sense. The Rangers will get him some at-bats to close 2015 with the intent of breaking camp next spring with him in the fold.
Corey Seager, Los Angeles Dodgers
5 of 6
2015 Stats (AA/AAA): .300/.349/.486, 14 HR, 60 RBI, 64 R
The Los Angeles Dodgers remain in first place despite the continued struggles of shortstop Jimmy Rollins. Rollins is hitting .222 on the season and has become the weak link in the L.A. lineup.
With Rollins scuffling, promoting the top prospect in baseball to take his place would seem like the logical move. In fact, Tommy Rancel of ESPN Insider thinks Seager is easily L.A.'s best shortstop choice right now.
"It is (extremely) likely that Seager is the best option for the Dodgers at shortstop right now. However, the rest of the team has been strong enough to keep the club at the top of the National League West with little contribution from incumbent shortstop Jimmy Rollins. This allows Seager to further develop without Los Angeles feeling the need to rush baseball's top prospect.
"
Seager began the season in Double-A but didn't stay there long. The 21-year-old hit .375 in 20 games to quickly earn a promotion. After a slow start at Triple-A, Seager has raised his average to a .281 mark in 83 contests.
That hit tool is what separates Seager from other shortstop prospects. He has the ability to hit the ball to all fields with authority, which is rare for such a young player. The power will continue to come as he matures, so we could be talking about a .300 hitter capable of hitting 30 home runs one day in the big leagues.
Radar: Yellow
The Dodgers have held off on promoting Seager and will likely continue to do the same into September.
But when the rosters expand for the final month, L.A. will likely throw him into the fire and see if he can handle the spotlight. If all goes well, Seager will likely be the starting shortstop for the Dodgers in their first game of the postseason.
Hector Olivera, Atlanta Braves
6 of 6
2015 Stats (ROK/AA/AAA): .348/.392/.493, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 12 R
After losing out to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the bidding for Cuban import Hector Olivera this offseason, Atlanta Braves president of baseball operations John Hart didn't waste a second chance to snag him at the deadline.
The Braves sent an impressive package to L.A., headlined by Alex Wood and top prospect Jose Peraza, in order to bring Olivera to Atlanta.
Unfortunately, Hart and the rest of Braves Country will have to wait to see Olivera's debut. On August 6, Mark Bowman of MLB.com wrote:
"When the Braves acquired Olivera in a blockbuster trade with the Dodgers and Marlins on July 30, they indicated that the 30-year-old Cuban third baseman's strained left hamstring might be healthy enough for him to begin playing rehab games by the end of this weekend.
But as of Thursday afternoon, the Braves were not projecting Olivera to play in a rehab game for at least another 10 days.
"
After stocking up on young pitching talent, Atlanta targeted Olivera to be its first impact offensive signing. Olivera is an accomplished hitter with a polished feel who's ready for the big leagues.
Radar: Green
At 30, the Braves didn't deal for Olivera to stash him in Triple-A.
Once he's physically ready to go, he'll slide right into the middle of an Atlanta lineup that lacks punch outside of the injured Freddie Freeman.
Stats courtesy of MiLB.com and accurate as of August 12.
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