Top MLB Prospect Call-Up Radar Report, Week 20
How about another batch of B/R's top prospect call-up radar report?
Last week, we profiled six minor league bats who figure to be impact players one day in the big leagues. In this edition, we'll take a look at a solid mix of hitters—Clint Frazier, Dalton Pompey, Javier Baez—and pitchers—Frankie Montas, Sean Newcomb, Robert Stephenson.
But first, check out our handy radar system. Since the season is well into the second half, we've had to make some adjustments. Here's a radar color scheme guide that we'll use to predict the following prospects' anticipated debuts:
- Red: 2017 call-up
- Orange: Mid/late 2016 call-up
- Yellow: Early 2016 call-up
- Green: September 2015 call-up
Make sure to let your voice be heard in the comments section below. What other prospects do you think are ready for the big leagues? When would you like to see the players on this list make their debuts?
By the end of this slideshow, you'll hopefully have a better idea of where some of the top minor league talents stand in their journeys to the major leagues.
Clint Frazier, Cleveland Indians
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2015 Stats (High-A): .288/.382/.474, 15 HR, 67 RBI, 80 R, 13 SB, .855 OPS
Bradley Zimmer isn't the only Cleveland Indians outfield prospect making waves this season.
Clint Frazier has followed up a rather modest 2014 with an impressive all-around campaign this year. In High-A, the 20-year-old is hitting .288 with a .382 on-base percentage. He leads the Carolina League in hits and runs, and he is second in homers and RBI.
Frazier has driven in runs, scored runs, hit for power and stolen bases, all at an impressive pace. Combine that with elite athleticism in the outfield, and the Indians may have a prospect with the total package on their hands.
"He's really stepped up his total game both from a defensive and baserunning standpoint, paying attention to that side of the game and being able to be a complete player overall," said Lynchburg Hillcats manager Mark Budzinski, according to the Plain Dealer. "That's the direction he is heading right now. We are very happy with him as far as his day-to-day work is concerned and his focus and energy he brings to every day and every game."
Radar: Red
At just 20, Frazier still has plenty to prove in the upper levels.
But his 2015 season is a huge indicator of what he's capable of. If Frazier can build off his breakout season next year, an early debut in 2017 isn't out of the question.
Frankie Montas, Chicago White Sox
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2015 Stats (AA): 4-4, 2.64 ERA, 102.1 IP, 96 K, 40 BB, .218 AVG
The Chicago White Sox have developed some impressive power pitching over the years, but Frankie Montas has the potential to become the cream of the crop.
Montas has pitched well at Double-A this season. The right-hander has made 21 starts, logging over 100 innings and counting. Montas has struck out nearly 23 percent of the batters he's faced, posting a 2.64 ERA in the process.
The 22-year-old is just beginning to come into his own as a hurler. Montas has elite velocity, but as MLB.com points out, his secondary offerings must improve if he is to reach his full potential.
"Montas continues to bring the heat, working at 93-97 mph, peaking at 102 and imparting some sink and cut on his fastball. His mid-80s slider can reach 88 mph and be a well above-average pitch at its best, though it also flattens out and gets hittable. Likewise, he can show feel for a changeup with fade at times but have the pitch look like a batting-practice fastball at times.
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Radar: Orange
After a full year in Double-A, Montas is closing in on a major league debut.
As long as his slider and changeup continue to improve, Montas' velocity is good enough to turn him into one of baseball's top power pitchers. A second-half call-up in 2016 is looking more and more likely for the flamethrower.
Sean Newcomb, Los Angeles Angels
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2015 Stats (A/High-A/AA): 9-1, 2.16 ERA, 121 IP, 152 K, 67 BB, .202 AVG
So far in his career, Sean Newcomb has lived up to the status of being a first-round pick in the 2014 draft.
The Los Angeles Angels pitching prospect has progressed through three levels of the minors this season. Newcomb is 9-1 in 24 starts with an impressive 2.16 ERA. The southpaw struck out over 11 hitters per nine innings at both A-ball and High-A before his promotion to Double-A.
Newcomb has pitched so well this season that manager Mike Scioscia is considering promoting the 22-year-old as early as the 2015 stretch run, telling Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times:
"I think there will be a plan of action for Sean when the season's over to keep him pitching somewhere in case that is needed at some point, but there's been no decision on if he's going to come up here and pitch in our bullpen. There's more to it than saying, 'Of course he's going to come up here and pitch,' or definitely not. There's a lot to look into.
"
Radar: Orange
The Angels may be toying with the idea of deploying Newcomb out of the bullpen, but he still has a tendency to to lose his command from time to time.
With Newcomb having barely a year of minor league experience, an argument could be made that promoting him would only stunt his growth. A much more appropriate call-up date is next summer.
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Robert Stephenson, Cincinnati Reds
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2015 Stats (AA/AAA): 8-9, 3.59 ERA, 120.1 IP, 131 K, 64 BB, .201 AVG
Robert Stephenson figured to earn a big league cup of coffee to close 2015, but a minor forearm injury could give the Cincinnati Reds reason to rethink that decision.
According to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, Stephenson was recently placed on the disabled list with a right forearm strain. Drew Silva at HardballTalk believes the injury will end Stephenson's season.
Stephenson's injury concerns will come as a bummer for Reds fans who haven't had much to cheer for this season. The 22-year-old is one of the top right-handed prospects in baseball with arguably the best fastball-curveball combo in the minor leagues outside of Washington's Lucas Giolito.
However, command has been Stephenson's bugaboo throughout his minor league career. He walked nearly five batters per nine innings at both Double-A and Triple-A this season.
Radar: Yellow
Shutting Stephenson down is the only sensible decision for the Reds. He's too talented to risk in meaningless September games.
But as long as he's healthy entering camp next season, there's no reason the hard-throwing righty can't crack the Cincinnati Opening Day rotation.
Dalton Pompey, Toronto Blue Jays
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2015 Stats (AA/AAA): .306/.383/.425, 6 HR, 37 RBI, 63 R, 21 SB, .808 OPS
Dalton Pompey had a disastrous start to 2015 in the majors. In 23 games, Pompey hit .193 with a 24.2 percent strikeout rate.
After a demotion to Double-A, where he hit .351 in 31 games, Pompey earned a call-up to Triple-A. He's continued to play well, raising his 2015 minors average over .300 and stealing over 20 bases.
Despite his early struggles, Pompey's skill set makes him an intriguing prospect. He's a great athlete who can hit from either side of the plate. Pompey has also maintained quality walk rates throughout his minor league career.
Radar: Green
Since winning the trade deadline, the Jays have gotten themselves back in the playoff race. They haven't been to playoffs since winning it all in 1993.
Toronto's need for a fourth outfielder makes Pompey a logical promotion candidate. His baserunning and defensive abilities would give manager John Gibbons more options late in games.
Javier Baez, Chicago Cubs
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2015 Stats (ROK/AAA): .307/.383/.512, 11 HR, 50 RBI, 41 R, 15 SB, .895 OPS
Javier Baez no longer has prospect status after playing 52 games with the Chicago Cubs last season, but the potential impact he could have down the stretch makes him deserving of mention.
With the emergence of Kris Bryant and the rest of the baby Cubs, it's often forgotten that Baez was one of the first to crack the big leagues. The infielder flashed an impressive combination of power and speed but struck out a whopping 41.5 percent of the time.
After dealing with injuries to begin 2015, Baez has regained the shine he had before a nightmare debut season. He's still striking out over 25 percent of the time in Triple-A, but a .374 on-base percentage is more than respectable. Baez has also reached double digits in homers and steals.
More importantly, the 22-year-old has handled his failures with the right attitude.
"I had a rough year last year, and this year has been tough on me because of the injuries I've had," Baez told Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register. "But you know—there's nothing you can do about it. You've just got to come back and keep it going."
Radar: Green
The Cubs seem destined for the postseason, and Baez can still play a big role in getting them there over the coming weeks.
Baez recently told Birch he's open to playing the outfield, which only improves his chances of getting in the lineup.
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