MLB Prospects: 5 Red-Hot Prospects Making a Push for the Top 50

As the first month of the season slowly comes to an end, it’s time to re-evaluate my preseason top 50 prospect rankings. As I mentioned when it was originally published, I will be updating my rankings at the beginning of every month.

So, as I begin my endless journey through both statistics and scouting notes, I thought I would share some of my preliminary thoughts on several prospects who may appear in my next top 50.

Addison Reed, RHP, Chicago White Sox

2012 Stats: 7.1 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.99 FIP, 2.29 xFIP, 12.27 K/9, 2.45 BB/9

Even though Robin Ventura ultimately chose Hector Santiago to close for the White Sox, Addison Reed has been the team's best reliever. Complementing left-hander Matt Thornton in the bullpen, Reed has been dominant to open the season. He pounds the corners with his 95-96 mph fastball, and occasionally uses it up in the zone as an out pitch.

Reed’s best pitch, though, is his slider, which grades out as nearly a double-plus offering.

The only thing that may prevent him from cracking my top 50 is the fact that he’ll reach the prospect/rookie qualifications pretty quickly, and therefore will have to be removed from the rankings. So, is it worth adding him to the back end of the top 50, even if only for a month or so? Only time will tell. 

Trevor May, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies

2012 Stats: 3 GS, 17 IP, 3.18 ERA, 2.02 FIP, 10.06 K/9, 3.18 BB/9

One of the toughest decisions made when assembling the top 50 was who to include in the final spot: Michael Choice, Trevor May or Jarred Cosart. In the end, I went with Choice—more so, I went with Choice’s power. But May’s performance at Double-A thus far warrants consideration for one of the final spots in the rankings.

There has always been uncertainty surrounding May’s command, but he may be putting things together this season; the right-hander has fanned at least six batters in each start while walking no more than three. May's frame is built for innings, and it looks like he could be a solid No. 2 or 3 starter in a big league rotation.

Will Middlebrooks, 3B, Boston Red Sox

2012 Stats: .377/.429/.792, 13 XBH (9 HR), 27 RBI, 61 TB, 13 K/7 BB

After publishing my rankings, I received a lot of angry comments from Red Sox fans for selectively omitting Will Middlebrooks. While he does have a pair of exciting, plus tools in his power and arm—both of which profile well at the hot corner—he’s not a well-rounded prospect.

Middlebrooks has robust power to all fields, as he’s exhibited at Triple-A to begin the season. The right-handed hitter has six home runs in his last 10 games, including a spree in which he homered in four consecutive contests.

At the same time, while his production has been remarkable, it’s also important to note that he’s doing it against International League pitching—a league riddled with pitchers like Aaron Cook, Garrett Olson and Brandon Duckworth, who all currently sport a sub-3.00 ERA.

But does his torrid start to the season merit a spot in the new rankings? Perhaps, but there will probably have to be a few players who fail to hold their ground, as well.

Mason Williams, OF, New York Yankees

2012 Stats: .347/.375/.507, 8 XBH, 8 SB, 4 K/3 BB (17 G)

Williams, the New York Yankees’ No. 3 prospect, is a player who probably would have landed in the No. 85-90 range had I expanded my initial rankings to 100. The top prospect in the New York-Penn League last season, he’s easily the most toolsy player in the organization. What separates Williams from many other young, talented outfielders is that he also has developed exceptional baseball skills. 

Although he rarely draws a walk, Williams seldom strikes out. The left-handed hitter is once again showing the potential for a plus hit tool, and he could experience an increase in power this season.

Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Chicago Cubs

2012 Stats: .373/.420/.693, 10 XBH (7 HR), 19 RBI, 16 K/5 BB (19 G)

Rizzo has feasted on Pacific Coast League pitching to begin the season, as the Cubs prospect already has seven home runs in 75 at-bats.  As with Middlebrooks, the left-handed hitter is taking advantage of the mediocre pitching and putting up big offensive numbers.  In turn, Rizzo and Brett Jackson (was No. 2) will be flip-flopped in the Cubs' next top 10 prospect rankings.

Other than Bryan LaHair’s strong start to the season, the main thing that’s prevented Rizzo from reaching the Show—and appearing in the top 50—is his inability to hit left-handed pitching. This season, he’s 4-for-23 with one extra-base hit and eight strikeouts when facing a southpaw. If Rizzo can’t at least be serviceable against lefties, then he won’t play everyday in the major leagues. Period.