MLB Prospects: 5 Top Players Who Won't Make Their Opening Day Roster

As teams prepare to make their last roster cuts and finalize their 25-man roster, there are numerous prospects on the fringe of breaking camp.

However, despite these prospects' impressive performances during spring training and how high of a ceiling they may possess, there's simply no room for them on their team's respective roster. 

Brett Jackson, Chicago Cubs

The No. 2 prospect in the Cubs’ system and Prospect Pipeline’s No. 48 prospect in all of baseball, many believe Jackson is ready for an every-day role as the team’s center fielder. 

He posted a 20/20 season in 2012 between Double- and Triple-A, and he posted an overall slash line of .274/.379/.490.  In 29 at-bats this spring, the 23-year-old is batting .276/.400/.586 with four extra-base hits and a 10/6 K/BB rate.

However, the Cubs’ current outfield is at capacity, with Marlon Byrd, Alfonso Soriano (sigh) and David DeJesus entrenched in their respective positions, and Joe Mather, Reed Johnson and Tony Campana battling for a bench spot.

Jackson will likely make his big-league debut towards the end of the 2012 season, but he’ll be sent to Triple-A in the near future.

Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs

Acquired in an offseason trade that sent Andrew Cashner to the Padres, Rizzo is the Cubs’ future first baseman.  In 128 at-bats following a midseason call-up with the Padres in 2011, Rizzo batted .141/.281/.523 with 46 strikeouts and struggled against left-handed pitching.

This spring, Rizzo—the Cubs’ No. 3 prospect—has shown significant improvement, as indicated by his .364/.417/.545 line that includes three home runs.  But after Bryan LaHair’s strong finish to the 2011 season, he’s already been declared the team’s Opening Day first baseman, indicating that Rizzo, like Jackson, will have to wait patiently at Triple-A for a promotion.

Alex Liddi, Seattle Mariners

As I wrote yesterday, Liddi has had one hell of a spring. Not even considered a top 10 prospect in the Mariners’ system, the Italian-born third baseman is currently batting .429/.500/.714 with seven doubles, one home run and 10 RBI. 

Trapped behind Chone Figgins and Kyle Seager on the organizational depth chart, Liddi’s plate discipline leaves a lot to be desired, regardless of what his spring training stats may indicate.  His power, however, is legitimate, as he tallied 65 extra-base hits in 559 at-bats last season at Triple-A Tacoma.

Given Chone Figgins’ obscene contract, as well as Kyle Seager’s success down the stretch of the 2011 season, Liddi will likely return to Tacoma to improve upon his 145/50 K/BB rate he registered last season.

Trevor Bauer, Arizona Diamondbacks

As much as I would like to see Trevor Bauer break camp with the Diamondbacks—whether as a back-end starter or late-inning reliever—I don’t think it will happen unless there’s a last-minute injury.

Appearing in four games this spring—including three starts—Bauer has a 3.60 ERA with a 9/1 K/BB ratio in 10 innings.  He was hit around a bit in his last start, but Bauer’s pure stuff is undeniably electric.  The Diamondbacks' No. 1 prospect, Bauer’s future is extremely bright, and he’ll make an immediate impact up his arrival in the Show.  He’s a bona fide strikeout artist who treats pitching as a craft. 

But despite how talented he already is, as well as his imminent success at the Major League level, there just doesn’t seem to be room for Bauer on the team’s 25-man roster.  However, with an arm as good as his, it’s clear that the Diamondbacks won’t be able to keep him in the minors for long.

Anthony Gose, Toronto Blue Jays

If I had a nickel for every time I was asked about Anthony Gose, I’d be a filthy rich man.  While his athleticism is off the charts, he lacks the complementary baseball skills.  Most notably, Gose’s hit tool has a ways to go.

The Blue Jays’ No. 4 prospect, Gose has played surprisingly well this spring, batting .292/.346/.417 in 24 at-bats, with two extra-base hits and three stolen bases.  However, after posting a 154/59 K/BB rate at Double-A last season, it’s difficult to imagine an improvement in his plate discipline and contact rate occurring at the Major League level.

He’ll likely be sent to Triple-A to start the 2012 season with a strong chance to make his Major League debut later in the year.