MLB Power Rankings: Predicting the Future of Each Team's Can't-Miss Prospect

Throughout the history of Major League Baseball, there have been a litany of can’t-miss prospects who showed tremendous potential when they were originally signed. Thought to be the future of their respective franchises, some of these players over the years have lived up to the hype (Chipper Jones, Alex Rodriguez); others made it but fell short of expectations (Kris Benson, Phil Nevin); and others were complete flops or suffered career-ending injuries (Brien Taylor, Shawn Abner).

Each team drafts players for different reasons—some draft according to positional needs, others draft the player considered the best available. Either way, a tremendous amount of money is spent in signing, developing and preparing that player for the majors.

Bleacher Report will take a look at each MLB team’s top can’t-miss prospect and project their possible futures.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Jarrod Parker, Starting Pitcher

Jarrod Parker was the first high school pitcher selected in the 2007 MLB draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks, and from the moment he was drafted, Parker was labeled can’t-miss. Parker certainly didn’t disappoint in his year of professional ball, with a 12-5 record and 3.44 ERA.

However, midway through his second season in 2009, Parker injured his elbow, requiring Tommy John surgery, forcing him to miss the rest of that season and all of 2010.

This season, pitching for Double-A Mobile, Parker has seen mixed results. In 15 starts, Parker is 6-6 with a 4.69 ERA. The Diamondbacks will no doubt take their time with Parker, especially as he continues his progression following surgery.

Parker will likely be on the D-Backs at some point in 2012 and full-time in 2013, provided he can develop his other pitches (slider, curve, changeup). If he’s able to develop solid secondary pitches to complement his fastball, Parker could be a No. 2 or 3 starter in the near future for the D-Backs.

Atlanta Braves: Julio Teheran, Starting Pitcher

Twenty-year-old Julio Teheran’s rise through the Atlanta Braves organization has been meteoric. Signed as a 16-year-old out of Colombia in 2007, Teheran has dominated at every level, and this season at Triple-A Gwinnett, Teheran has sizzled, with a 9-1 record, a 1.79 ERA and 0.982 WHIP.

Teheran was promoted to the majors in early May and made his first big league start on May 7 against the Philadelphia Phillies. Teheran gave up three runs on four hits in 4.2 innings, picking up the loss. Teheran took the ball again 11 days later, going four innings and giving up two runs on six hits.

Teheran, who was named to the International League All-Star team and will represent the Braves in the All-Star Futures Game during All-Star weekend at Phoenix, could very well get a call-up once again this season, and figures to be a part of the Braves rotation full-time next season.

Along with Mike Minor and Brandon Beachy, Teheran gives the Braves a bright future at the top of their rotation for years to come.

Baltimore Orioles: Manny Machado, Shortstop

The third pick of last year’s MLB draft, shortstop Manny Machado got off to a hot start in his first full professional season, hitting .333 in his first 25 games before being felled by a knee injury that sidelined him for a month.

Nonetheless, Machado was named the starting shortstop for the Northern Division in the South Atlantic League All-Star Game, and was then promoted to Single-A Frederick. Machado will also be representing the Orioles at the All-Star Futures Game during All-Star weekend in Phoenix.

It’s unlikely that Machado would make the jump to the majors next season; however, in 2013, look for Machado to be manning the shortstop position for the O’s. At 6’3” and 185 pounds, Machado could easily develop into a power-hitting shortstop in the mold of an Alex Rodriguez, and like A-Rod, could be moved to third base later in his career.

Boston Red Sox: Jose Iglesias, Shortstop

Shortstop Jose Iglesias is poised to become the starting shortstop for the Boston Red Sox next season, and the 21-year-old has already seen a bit of time with the big club, called up in early May to back up Jed Lowrie while Marco Scutaro was on the disabled list.

Iglesias only saw action in six games, however the experience and hobnobbing with Red Sox regulars for even a small amount of time will no doubt help Iglesias when he does make the ascension full-time.

Iglesias will never hit for power, and is much more well known for his defensive prowess and quick, soft hands. However, he clearly projects as a possible future No. 2 hitter who can work the ball to all fields. Francona will no doubt start Iglesias in the No. 9 hole during his first season as he did at one time with current leadoff hitter Jacoby Ellsbury.

Chicago White Sox: Dayan Viciedo, First Base/Outfield/Designated Hitter

The biggest question surrounding Chicago White Sox prospect Dayan Viciedo isn’t so much when he will crack the starting lineup for the Pale Hose, but where will he play?

Viciedo has destroyed International League pitching all season, hitting .323 with 15 homers and 59 RBI and being selected to the International League All-Star team. Viciedo, in two stints with the White Sox in 2010, certainly didn’t disappoint, hitting .308 with five homers and 13 RBI in 38 games.

Viciedo has been working in right field at Triple-A Charlotte, and has transitioned well thus far. While Viciedo could clearly see time with the White Sox this season, he will no doubt be with the club full-time next season and could likely be the starting right fielder if Carlos Quentin moves to left, leaving Juan Pierre the odd man out.

At this point, Viciedo is clearly ready, and his future in the outfield for the White Sox is now.

Chicago Cubs: Brett Jackson, Outfielder

The 22-year-old outfielder Brett Jackson, drafted in the first round by the Chicago Cubs in 2009, has the potential to be a five-tool player, and the Cubs are clearly excited about Jackson’s potential.

Also helping Jackson’s case is that he can play anywhere in the outfield, which will definitely work in his favor with regard to his call-up to the majors.

Jackson got off to a great start with the Double-A Tennessee Smokies; however, after a hand injury that landed him on the disabled list in May, Jackson slumped upon his return, hitting just .217 in June. Jackson appears to have broken out of the slump in July, hitting .429 in the first four games of the month.

Depending on what the Cubs do with their current outfielders before the trade deadline and during the offseason, Jackson could very well find himself with the Cubs in 2012, and could have potential 25-30 HR power along with the ability to steal 30-plus bases per year as well.

Cincinnati Reds: Yonder Alonso, First Base/Outfield

Yonder Alonso is following a similar path as Chicago White Sox prospect Dayan Viciedo—playing a primary position (first base) with an established veteran (Joey Votto) blocking his way. Alonso started playing left field last season with Double-A and then with Triple-A Louisville.

While Alonso certainly appears to be ready at the plate (.294, 10 HR, 44 RBI), the Reds may be very hesitant to promote Alonso just yet with only 67 career games started in left field.

However, it’s conceivable that Alonso could be in left field to start 2012 for the Reds, and along with Jay Bruce and Drew Stubbs would give the Reds an outfield that can provide power in all three positions.

Cleveland Indians: Lonnie Chisenhall, Third Baseman

The future at third base for the Cleveland Indians is now, and comes in the form of top prospect Lonnie Chisenhall.

Chisenhall was called up after being named International League Player of the Week, during which he absolutely sizzled, hitting two homers with 14 RBI during the week for the Columbus Clippers. Chisenhall took the roster spot on the Indians for Adam Everett, who was designated for assignment.

Chisenhall has performed well thus far in six games, hitting .273 with one run batted in. Along with second baseman Cord Phelps, who was called up three weeks earlier, Chisenhall, the maturing Asdrubal Cabrera and Phelps give the Tribe an infield that can become one of the best in the majors for years to come.

Colorado Rockies: Wilin Rosario, Catcher

Is it possible that Colorado Rockies catching prospect Wilin Rosario could be the starting catcher for the Rockies in 2012? There may be no holding back Rosario from that very scenario.

Rosario, who will be playing in the All-Star Futures Game during All-Star weekend in Phoenix, has hit .247 with 12 homers and 28 RBI for Double-A Tulsa, and appears to be completely healed from the torn ACL in his right knee that prematurely ended his 2010 campaign.

Rosario has also thrown out an impressive 41 percent of would-be stealers during his minor league career, so the Rockies can look forward to an excellent defensive catcher who can hit for many years to come.

Detroit Tigers: Jacob Turner, Starting Pitcher

Twenty-year-old Jacob Turner, drafted out of high school by the Detroit Tigers in 2009, has continued to impress at every single level in the Tigers organization, currently posting a 3-2 record and 3.07 ERA in 14 starts at Double-A Erie.

Turner, who will be seen at the national stage during this Sunday’s All-Star Futures Game in Phoenix, could absolutely be seen in the major leagues as early as next season. Turner projects to be a No. 2 pitcher, not totally overpowering but with tremendous command and a solid array of secondary pitches.

Florida Marlins: Matt Dominguez, Third Baseman

In spring training this season, Florida Marlins top prospect Matt Dominguez was given every opportunity to win the starting third baseman’s job for the Marlins. However, Dominguez hit just .190 in Grapefruit League action, leading to his demotion at the end of spring training. To compound matters further, Dominguez was hit by a pitch during an exhibition game, fracturing his left elbow and sidelining him for six weeks.

In a recent interview, Dominguez told Brett Martel of the Associated Press that the pressure of trying to impress the Marlins may have gotten to him during the spring.

"Maybe I put a little pressure on myself," Dominguez said. "I was trying not to, but maybe I started pressing a little, maybe swinging at bad pitches and kind of getting in my own head a little bit."

Dominguez is currently hitting .241 with five homers and 31 RBI for the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs, and while he certainly could be promoted at some point this season, look for Dominguez to be manning the hot corner full-time next season. The Marlins already believe that Dominguez defends third base better than most current major league third basemen, so it’s Dominguez’ plate development that will determine his near future.

At 6’1” and 205 pounds, Dominguez could easily hit for power, and 25-30 HR potential is not out of the realm of possibility.

Houston Astros: Jordan Lyles, Starting Pitcher

There is no question that 20-year-old Jordan Lyles will have a bright future with the Houston Astros—the current question is when he can break through with his first big league win.

Lyles, called up on May 31, has made seven starts thus far for the Astros. In five of those starts, Lyles has given up three earned runs or less, but a lack of run support has blocked Lyles from that elusive first major league victory.

"I think everybody needs to be rewarded for doing something good, and he does too," Astros manager Brad Mills told Jerome Solomon of the Houston Chronicle. "There becomes a time when you say, 'I'm doing everything I can but still not getting a win.' That's our concern with not just him, but really the whole ballclub. We want to continue to do things (right), but we need to get a win.”

Lyles is the youngest player currently at the major league level, and he absolutely projects to be a frontline starter for the Astros for years to come. Hopefully, his teammates can help out a little at some point soon.

Kansas City Royals: Mike Montgomery, Starting Pitcher

The Kansas City Royals have already promoted their two top prospects at the beginning of the season, Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas, to the majors. How much more time will it take to promote their next-highest prospect, left-handed starting pitcher Mike Montgomery?

Montgomery, drafted in the supplemental round of the 2008 MLB draft, has been going through a learning experience at the Triple-A level, with a 3-4 record and 5.38 ERA in 16 starts. Command is one of the big issues at this point—Montgomery has walked 49 batters in 85 innings.

It’s not unreasonable to think that Montgomery could get a late-season call-up, but Montgomery will need to command the strike zone better if he expects to be pitching for the Royals full-time in 2012. With his array of pitches and plus-fastball, Montgomery could be a No. 1 or 2 starter.

Los Angeles Angels: Mike Trout, Outfielder

Mike Trout, the top prospect in all of baseball according to MLB.com, has had a terrific season thus far in 2011 for the Double-A Arkansas Travelers, with a .330 average, nine homers, 27 RBI, 28 steals and a nifty .422 on-base percentage.

Trout is looking like he will be roaming the outfield full-time with the Angels next season, and could potentially be the prototypical leadoff man with power for Mike Scioscia.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Dee Gordon, Shortstop

The son of former relief pitcher Tom Gordon, Dee Gordon got a taste of the big leagues with his call-up to the Dodgers in the beginning of June. Gordon hit .232 with eight steals before being sent back down to Albuquerque, and it’s clear to general manager Ned Colletti that Gordon has the desire and the skills.

"He's got the desire to really become a great player. And he's got the talent, both raw and already defined, to be that,” Colletti told the Orange County Register.

Look for Gordon to be the Dodgers’ Opening Day shortstop in 2012, with Rafael Furcal either making the move to second base or being shipped out of town by Colletti. Gordon clearly projects to be a leadoff hitter capable of stealing 40-50 bases a season and wreaking havoc at the top of the lineup.

Milwaukee Brewers: Mark Rogers, Starting Pitcher

Throughout the course of his minor league career, starting pitcher Mark Rogers has taken one step forward and one step back in his attempt to get to the big leagues. Last season, Rogers got a quick look at the major league level, appearing in four games for the Brewers.

However, injuries that have plagued Rogers throughout his career reared their ugly heads once again this year. Rogers was felled by carpal tunnel syndrome after starting the season with Triple-A Nashville, and is currently on a rehab assignment with the Arizona League Brewers.

Rogers, when healthy, figures to be a back-of-the-rotation starter for the Brewers, but after toiling in the minors for seven seasons and being plagued by injuries, Rogers clearly needs to show durability in order to crack the starting rotation for Milwaukee.

Minnesota Twins: Aaron Hicks, Outfielder

The 21-year-old Aaron Hicks is still at least a couple of years from starting his major league, but the Twins’ No. 1 rated prospect is finally starting to make strides. After batting .308 in the second half last season for Single-A Beloit, Hicks is hitting .276 this year for Fort Myers in the Florida State League and is showing much better plate discipline, drawing 48 walks and posting a .391 on-base percentage.

A center fielder with terrific range, Hicks projects to be in the majors full-time in 2014, and has the potential to be a dangerous leadoff hitter with speed.

New York Mets: Wilmer Flores, Shortstop

Young prospect Wilmer Flores was signed at the tender age of 16 by the New York Mets, and with St. Lucie of the Florida State League is finally starting to show signs that he is indeed a special player.

Flores is hitting .278 with five homers, 50 RBI and 15 doubles, and while he is currently playing shortstop, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com feels that Flores will eventually make the move to third base, especially if Flores develops enough power. Look for 2013 at the earliest, however.

New York Yankees: Jesus Montero, Catcher

Jesus Montero, the top-rated catching prospect in baseball, is showing that he can hit, hitting .289 with seven homers and 33 RBI at Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre, and Montero has been working diligently on his defense as well.

The question is, will he start his major league with the Yankees? The Yankees clearly have hope that Montero can be an offensive-minded catcher who can handle a pitching staff, but with Russell Martin and Francisco Cervelli in his way, when Montero will make the jump to the big leagues—or with whom for that matter—is still up in the air.

Oakland Athletics: Grant Green, Shortstop

Many experts in baseball believe that Oakland Athletics prospect Grant Green has the ability to be a power-hitting shortstop in the majors, but right now Green is a bit rough around the edges.

In his second full season, Green is hitting .293 with Double-A Midland in the Texas League; however, Green has committed 21 errors in 74 games, and needs to polish up his defense considerably before making the leap.

Cliff Pennington may just be minding the shortstop position for the A’s temporarily, as Green should make the jump to the majors at some point next year. For Green, 25-30 HR potential as a No. 5 or 6 hitter is not out of the realm of possibility.

Philadelphia Phillies: Jonathan Singleton, Left Fielder

While Jonathan Singleton was drafted as a first baseman in 2009 out of high school, he was shifted to left field in order to avoid his ascension to the majors because of Ryan Howard at first.

Singleton has responded well in learning his new position, and is hitting .281 with six homers and 34 RBI for Clearwater of the Florida State League.

Singleton may not be seen in Philly until at least 2013, but he could very well be the heir apparent to current left fielder Raul Ibanez, and has the potential to hit for both average and power with his solid plate discipline.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Jameson Taillon, Starting Pitcher

Jameson Taillon, the second overall pick in the 2010 MLB draft, is being monitored very carefully by the Pirates in his first full professional season. Taillon worked in extended spring training until reporting to West Virginia in Single-A ball.

In 12 starts, Taillon is 2-1 with an impressive 2.74 ERA and 1.034 WHIP. Taillon already features terrific command of all four of his pitches, and he could absolutely be in the Pirates’ rotation in 2013 as a frontline starter.

San Diego Padres: Casey Kelly, Starting Pitcher

When the San Diego Padres traded Adrian Gonzalez to the Boston Red Sox, they received prospect Casey Kelly, who is instantly became the top prospect in the Padres’ farm system.

Kelly went through some growing pains last year for Portland in Double-A, but has progressed a bit more this season pitching for San Antonio in the Texas League. Kelly is 7-3 with a 4.34 ERA in 17 starts, and is learning to be more aggressive in establishing strike-zone command.

Kelly could very well be pitching for the Padres in 2012, and has the stuff to be a potential No. 1 or No. 2 starter.

San Francisco Giants: Brandon Belt, First Baseman/Outfielder

Brandon Belt’s ascension to the major leagues with the San Francisco Giants was swift, and may have been just a bit too swift. After jumping three levels in 2010 and hitting a combined .352 with 23 HR and 112 RBI, Belt cracked the Opening Day lineup for the Giants after an outstanding spring.

However, Belt was demoted to Triple-A after hitting just .192 in 17 games. Belt lit up the Pacific Coast League after his demotion, hitting .324 with four homers and 21 RBI in 33 games before being recalled by the Giants in late May. However on May 31, Belt was hit by a pitch, suffering a hairline fracture of his wrist.

Currently rehabbing once again, Belt figures to be a fixture in the lineup for the Giants next season, presumably at first base. Belt has the ability to play both corner outfield positions as well, giving manager Bruce Bochy plenty of options. Belt should be a 25-30 HR hitter who can hit with power to all fields, and together with catcher Buster Posey will help to form a potent combination in the middle of the batting order for the Giants for years to come.

Seattle Mariners: Dustin Ackley, Second Baseman

The Dustin Ackley era has begun in Seattle. After hitting .303 with nine homers and 35 RBI in 66 games for Triple-A Tacoma, Ackley got the expected call-up from the Mariners. Thus far in 15 games, Ackley has done nothing to show he doesn’t belong on the big stage.

In 15 games for the Mariners, Ackley is hitting .300 with three homers, and already has more walks (six) than strikeouts (five), showing tremendous plate discipline. Ackley has the ability to hit for power, as seen in his line-drive home run to center field on Tuesday night against the Oakland Athletics that traveled an estimated 415 feet.

St. Louis Cardinals: Shelby Miller, Starting Pitcher

Right-handed pitching prospect Shelby Miller has opened eyes quickly already in St. Louis. After being drafted out of high school with the 19^th overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft. Miller has done nothing but impress.

This season, Miller started at Advanced Single-A with Palm Beach, making nine starts with a 2-3 record and 2.89 ERA. After getting promoted to Double-A, Miller continues to shine, posting a 4-1 record and 1.89 ERA in six starts.

With a fastball that reaches the mid-to-high 90s and an exceptional curveball and changeup, Miller should be seen in St. Louis by 2013 and figures to be a No. 2 or No. 3 starter for years to come.

Tampa Bay Rays: Desmond Jennings, Outfielder

Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com believes that Tampa Bay Rays prospect is the Rays’ long-term answer in left field, and will in effect be the long-term replacement for the departed Carl Crawford.

Jennings has five-tool ability, and has shown that ability thus far with Durham in Triple-A, hitting .275 with 11 homers, 16 stolen bases and exceptional defense. While Jennings will likely be called up at some point this season, he projects to be the Opening Day left fielder in 2012.

Texas Rangers: Martin Perez, Starting Pitcher

After suffering through some growing pains in his 2010 season, left-handed pitching prospect Martin Perez has flourished with the Frisco RoughRiders in the Texas League this season, posting a 4-2 record and 3.19 ERA in 16 starts.

Perez has been compared to Johan Santana, and certainly has the skills and the stuff to ascend to the top of the rotation for the Rangers. Look for Perez next season in Texas.

Toronto Blue Jays: Brett Lawrie, Second Baseman

Highly touted second base prospect Brett Lawrie was absolutely raking Triple-A, hitting .354 with 15 homers and 49 RBI, and was on the verge of being promoted to Toronto before being hit by a pitch and suffering a fracture in his left hand.

Lawrie is currently rehabbing and was able to hit off a tee on July 4. Lawrie will likely not play in any games until early August, but Blue Jays fans can expect to see Lawrie as their everyday second baseman starting next season.

Washington Nationals: Bryce Harper, Outfielder

Last year’s No. 1 overall draft pick, Bryce Harper, is already rapidly ascending through the minors with Washington. After hitting .318 with 14 homers in 72 games for Hagerstown, Harper was promoted to Harrisburg in Double-A ball over the weekend.

Harper, at just 18 years of age, already shows tremendous power and excellent plate discipline, and should be roaming the outfield for the Nationals full-time in 2013.