10 Young AL Central Players Ready to Explode

If baseball has one thing going, it’s their prospect system. Sure the NBA and NHL have their own minor league systems, but nothing compares to the MLB’s road to the show. It’s a challenge in itself to make it from rookie ball to Triple-A then finally to the big leagues.

Some young guys are ready to explode onto the scene. Here are ten from the AL Central.

Mike Moustakas

Moustakas hit 41 home runs in 2010 between Double-A and Triple-A.  He had a .332 batting average that year. Moustakas hit the big leagues last year and is ready to explode for the Kansas City Royals.

He hit 15 home runs between Triple-A and the MLB with a combined batting average of .275. This 23 year-old kid is ready to explode. Watch out. 

Alex Gordon

Watch out, Kansas City will soon be dangerous. Alex Gordon has been hyped up for a while, but he’s now ready to explode. The 27-year-old ranked tenth in the American League last year in both batting average and runs. He also won a Gold Glove.

The Royals are young and talented. The Royals are ready to explode.

Chris Parmelee

The Twins found out what September calls up are all about. When they lost 99 games last year they played a bunch of young guys and Chris Parmelee was a huge standout.

In only 21 games in the bigs, he hit an average of .354, 14 RBIs, and 4 HR. He’s got a lot of power: something the Twins need. 

Trevor Plouffe

He couldn't throw the ball from short to first, but Trevor Plouffe does have some power. Plouffe will probably be a corner outfielder for the Twins, but they need someone to step up into the void Michael Cuddyer left.

Plouffe is only 25-years-old and he’s got major league experience now. Things can only go up for Plouffe and the Twins.

Gordon Beckham

Beckham had the worst of his three years at the major league level last year when he hit only .230. I’m looking for a breakout from Beckham though. The game’s becoming very second base dependent with the likes of Robinson Cano, Dustin Pedroia, and Chase Utley. Beckham could get to that level.

His best year was his rookie year. That Beckham is ready to explode.

Brent Morel

The White Sox have an interesting combination of young and old on the team. Morel needs to step up if the White Sox want to get somewhere.

Morel didn't have great stats last year with only 10 HR, 41 RBIs, and a batting average of .245, but he is only 24. Watch for this explosion on the south side.

Max Scherzer

The Tigers are looking for anyone to explode in their rotation that isn't named Justin Verlander. Scherzer might just be the guy. He’s only 27 and has a career ERA of 3.92.

Last year, Scherzer had an under the radar year, despite finishing tenth in the AL in wins (15) and ninth in winning percentage. He isn't exactly the youngest player, but he’s still growing and about to explode.

Austin Jackson

Jackson is really close to being an All-Star. He’s played two full years and he’s had good numbers in every category in both years. He’ll never hit for power, but he’ll steal you 25 or more bases a year with a respectable average.

Out of everyone on this list the 24-year-old Jackson may be the best bet to explode. There’s a reason Curtis Granderson was traded for this kid. He’s the real deal.

Carlos Santana

Santana drew 97 walks last year. He also knocked out 27 homers with 79 RBIs. He did have a so-so .239 batting average.

The 25 year-old walked 97 times! Think if he would ever get something to hit what he could do. If pitchers help him out a little bit, Santana could very easily explode in 2012.

Justin Masterson

Last year Masterson had his best year as a starter. The 26 year-old went 12-10, with a 3.21 ERA, and 158 strikeouts. While doing so he only gave up 65 walks all year.

If the Indians get a couple of pieces, Masteron’s wins could quickly find themselves up higher than 12. If his team allows him to, he’s ready to explode.