MLB-Ready Prospects That Could See Time with Each Team Soon

It may be too early for teams to be pulling the strings on their opening day rosters, as with less than 20 games under most players' belts, things can certainly change.

As the struggles continue, though, organizations will definitely feel the crunch to promote top prospects that are tearing it up down on the farm.

These moves can't be rushed, and barring injuries, some players won't be up sooner than their projection.

In any case, here are some top prospects for each organization that may be seeing time in the bigs before we know it.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Trevor Bauer

Currently ranked 18th in the league in team ERA, the Arizona Diamondbacks will surely welcome the arrival of the highly-touted pitching prospect, Trevor Bauer.

Selected third overall less than a year ago, Bauer made only four starts in Double-A last summer, but the hard-throwing right-hander is quickly readying himself for big-league action.

Atlanta Braves: Arodys Viscaino

Part of the discussion surrounding the Atlanta Braves toying around with trading Jair Jurrjens last offseason circulated around their young pitchers poised to come up, creating a logjam in the starting rotation.

Arodys Viscaino hasn't seen all that much minor league action and has been moved through the system relatively quickly, but still has all the tools he needs to be successful whenever he makes the jump.

Baltimore Orioles: Joe Mahoney

Even though he has yet to earn his ultimate promotion, Joe Mahoney has shown enough to the Baltimore Orioles brass during his time in the minor leagues that you would have to think it's not far away.

After spending most of last year in Double-A, some at-bats in Triple-A should help Mahoney develop into even more complete of a player that could be ready for big-league action soon.

Boston Red Sox: Will Middlebrooks

With the struggles the Boston Red Sox have been seeing, it would seem that the top prospects in the organization should all be on notice as the team looks to put the right pieces together.

Will Middlebrooks has the tools it takes to be a star in this league, as hit power and defense are both above average. Once he gets some more at-bats under his belt this spring, he may be primed for a promotion in coming months.

Chicago Cubs: Brett Jackson

As one of the top prospects in the Chicago Cubs organization for a few years now, Brett Jackson has peaked the interest in some while failing to live up to billing for others.

His strikeout rates are something worth noting, but he should still be a solid contributor, and with Marlon Byrd heading to the Boston Red Sox, the team could move on him sooner rather than later.

Chicago White Sox: Simon Castro

Coming to the Chicago White Sox in the deal that sent Carlos Quentin to the San Diego Padres last offseason, Simon Castro may soon be an option for the team's bullpen as they look to keep exceeding expectations in the AL Central.

With a fastball in the mid-90s and good movement on his slider, he could end up in late-inning situations for the Sox by midseason if he can get his game together.

Cincinnati Reds: Billy Hamilton

Billy Hamilton's most appealing asset is obviously his speed, evidenced by the 103 steals he notched in 130 games playing for Single-A Dayton.

He may not be set for major league action until late in the season, but if he can turn enough heads in the minors, it's possible the team won't have a choice but to give him a chance to fly around the basepaths in Cincinnati.

Cleveland Indians: Scott Barnes

Scott Barnes showed how consistent of a pitcher he was last season, posting an 8-4 record with a solid 3.45 ERA in 18 appearances between Columbus and Akron.

With three pitches he can comfortably throw for strikes, the lefty could very well get a chance to break into the Indians pitching staff this season.

Colorado Rockies: Nolan Arenado

Nolan Arenado has shown the Colordado Rockies plenty of what he's got in his past two minor league seasons, batting over .300 with an on-base percentage in the mid-.340s and a slugging percentage over .500.

Depending on how the team sees his ability to play positions (third base or outfield), he could come up with the Rockies sooner rather than later.

Detroit Tigers: Jacob Turner

The Detroit Tigers are clearly one of the top contenders to take the AL pennant this season, though they may still be on the lookout for a starting pitcher to bolster their assault on the league.

Whether or not they'll look externally remains to be seen, but if they opt to remain internal with their search, Jacob Turner, the ninth-overall pick in 2009, would be an obvious choice, as he's got the tools to succeed at the game's highest level.

Houston Astros: Jarred Cosart

Coming over to the Houston Astros organization as part of the deal that sent Hunter Pence to the Phillies, Jarred Cosart already has the makings of one of the top pitchers in the team's organization.

He's shown the ability to reach the high-90s with his fastball and has a plus change-up that he can throw effectively. 

The team would likely want to take a slower path with Cosart, but if Wandy Rodriguez ends up moving away from Houston or any other pitchers go down, he'd have to be considered for a chance.

Kansas City Royals: Wil Myers

Once a top catching prospect, Wil Myers will certainly have a bright future with the Kansas City Royals as soon as he makes the leap to the major league level.

He's putting in time as an outfielder right now, something that should speed up his ascent to the major league level as opposed to the time that catching prospects typically need.

Los Angeles Angels: Jeremy Moore

It's hard to call Jeremy Moore a veteran of sorts, as he's still a very young prospect that could find his way to the major league level.

Still, he's been hovering around minor league teams since 2005, clearly an indication that his progression into a major league caliber player has been slower than anticipated.

Last year with the club's Triple-A affiliate was his strongest, and if he can build off of it, he should be in line for another promotion shortly.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Nate Eovaldi

Nate Eovaldi will eventually contribute to the successes of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitching staff, and it could be sooner rather than later given the huge strides he took last season.

His strikeout to walk ratio are still cause for concern, and using him out of the bullpen may be the best outcome for all parties concerned.

Miami Marlins: Christian Yelich

An all-around talent, Christian Yelich has the looks of a star in the making, as he's already shown some power in his 6'4" frame.

He's able to play first base and outfield, and while seeing him in 2012 could possibly be a stretch, their decisions regarding where he'll get his playing time could speed up his progression.

Milwaukee Brewers: Wily Peralta

The Milwaukee Brewers may not be waiting all that long before they see top pitching prospect Wily Peralta donning a major league uniform at Miller Park.

He's bounced back nicely in 2011 after a disappointing 2010 season, and while it's hard to consider him a prospect that has the makings of an ace, he should be a mid-rotation starter in no time.

Minnesota Twins: Brian Dozier

The Minnesota Twins expected to have the middle of their infield partially decided last spring when they signed Tsuyoshi Nishioka to a three-year deal to play along side Alexi Casilla.

Things didn't pan out AT ALL for Nishioka, who is currently struggling in Triple-A Rochester. The team did sign veteran Jamey Carroll to play shortstop; however, with a very strong spring training, Brian Dozier has earned himself consideration of playing time, though he likely won't be called up until the team plans on starting him on a regular basis.

New York Mets: Zack Wheeler

The New York Mets got themselves an outstanding prospect last summer when they moved Carlos Beltran to the San Francisco Giants, and though he still has some spots to work on, he'll be a great addition to the team's rotation in a short amount of time.

New York Yankees: Manny Banuelos

Manny Banuelos' name has been in talks of the Yankee rotation for years now, and while he still may not be quite ready for major league action, concerns surrounding the health of Michael Pineda could speed up his progression.

He throws a fastball in the low-to-mid 90s, and with a great changeup and workable curveball, he could have the tools necessary to make the leap when asked.

Oakland Athletics: Jarrod Parker

Coming over to the Oakland Athletics organization as a part of the deal that sent Trevor Cahill packing, Jarrod Parker has already undergone Tommy John surgery and is working to return to form.

He threw more than 130 innings last year after returning from his time off, and while he could probably still benefit from time in the minors, it shouldn't be long before he's given a chance by the Athletics.

Philadelphia Phillies: Trevor May

With a dangerous curve ball in his arsenal, Trevor May can also use his change up to his advantage, though he needs to work more on controlling speed on the mound.

As soon as he can be efficient and effective with all of his pitches, the Phillies could give him a shot at big-league action, and that just might be sooner than some would think.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Gerrit Cole

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been excited about the makings of Gerrit Cole ever since he was handed an $8 million signing bonus last year.

He has a fastball that can reach the high-90s, and while the Pirates aren't in a position to contend right now and may opt to slow the progress of Gerrit Cole, there will no doubt be pressure to bring him up if he gets off to a hot start this season.

San Diego Padres: Robbie Erlin

If Robbie Erlin has anything going for him, it's certainly his ability to get the ball over the plate. Walking barely one batter per nine innings, he's shown some of the best command in the Padres' organization.

He'll need to rely on hitters making contact since he doesn't have a tendency to miss bats, but nevertheless, he should be a mid-rotation starter this summer.

San Francisco Giants: Gary Brown

Gary Brown will no doubt make his way to the San Francisco Giants outfield at some point soon given his great speed and ability to run the basepaths effectively.

He needs to work on his game at the plate, but with a strong spring, could get consideration for an early promotion if the circumstances fit.

Seattle Mariners: Danny Hultzen

With a number of pitches he can throw effectively, there's no reason to think former second-overall pick Danny Hultzen won't be manning the mound for the Seattle Mariners in a short matter of time.

Widely regarded as one of the most MLB-ready arms in all of the minor leagues, he shouldn't be down on the farm for terribly long.

St. Louis Cardinals: Shelby Miller

2009 first-round pick Shelby Miller boasts an above-average fastball, and as he starts to develop a strong curve ball, he becomes that much more dangerous on the mound.

Some have him pegged for the majors in 2013, though plans can always be changed and with a premium on strong pitching in this league, players like Miller can be fast-tracked.

Tampa Bay Rays: Tim Beckham

After taking a step in the right direction in 2011, Tim Beckham disappointed some this spring training, going just 1-for-24, eventually earning himself a trip back down to the farm.

It's not unheard of for a prospect to spend five or more years in the minor leagues before catching on with a major league club, but as a No. 1 pick, the pressure to succeed is definitely there.

Texas Rangers: Martin Perez

Striking out nearly a batter per inning in 2011, Martin Perez is a very impressive young lefty that will no doubt do big things for the Texas Rangers once given a chance.

The team doesn't want to rush his development, but with as much skill as Perez has, it'll be hard to justify keeping him down for too long.

Toronto Blue Jays: Travis d'Arnaud

Travis d'Arnaud is certainly one of the best catching prospects in the minor leagues, evidenced by an impressive .311 batting season in Double-A when he managed to go deep 21 times. 

His eye at the plate will be a huge asset for the Blue Jays, who may be inclined to push him into duty if Arencibia struggles.

Washington Nationals: Tyler Moore

Compiling 62 home runs over the past two seasons, Tyler Moore has the makings of a great power hitter for the Washington Nationals.

Along with Ryan Zimmerman at third base, the two could form a dangerously potent corner infield duo.

He may not be ready for big-league action just yet, but whenever he does make his way to Washington, the Nationals lineup will certainly be given a helpful boost.