MLB Prospects: 10 Class-A Prospects on the Rise

We’re now over 20 games into the Minor League Baseball season, and there are numerous Class-A prospects enjoying breakout seasons and climbing their respective organization's depth charts.

While all of these players are still years away from making an impact at the major-league level, it’s important to note their current success and how it may impact their climb through the system.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Alen Hanson (2B)

Alen Hanson, 2B, Pittsburgh Pirates

Class-A: .411/.445/.688, 19 XBH, 14 RBI, 77 TB, 10 SB, 23 K/7 BB (26 games)

The switch-hitting second baseman continues to crush Class-A pitching, as he heads the South Atlantic League with 77 total bases. He’s currently batting .394 from the left side and .500 from the right.

New York Mets: T.J. Rivera (SS)

T.J. Rivera, SS, New York Mets

Class-A: .380/.466/.580, 11 XBH, 16 RBI, 14 K/15 BB (25 games)

Already 23 years old and entering his first full professional season, Rivera seems to be making up for lost time. He’s an athletic shortstop with a live bat and mature plate discipline, and was named the South Atlantic League Player of the Week for the week ending on April 30.

Los Angeles Angels: Taylor Lindsey (2B)

Taylor Lindsey, 2B, Los Angeles Angels

High-A: .315/.379/.467, 8 XBH, 43 TB, 16 K/7 BB (26 games)

One of the best pure hitters in the lower minors—and a left-handed-hitting middle infielder at that—Lindsey continues to drive the ball to all fields. He understands the strike zone and has the makings of a big-league No. 2 hitter.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Chris Owings (SS)

Chris Owings, SS, Arizona Diamondbacks

High-A: .315/.348/.528, 13 XBH, 57 TB, 35 K/6 BB (27 games)

Owings has always possessed the power (46 XBH in 2011), but never the plate discipline (130 K). This season, he’s at least improved his contact rate, though his strikeouts are still concerning.

Chicago White Sox: Brady Shoemaker (OF)

Brady Shoemaker, OF, Chicago White Sox

High-A: .333/.407/.604, 14 XBH, 18 RBI, 16 K/5 BB (25 games)

The White Sox outfielder is building off a solid 2011, as he’s already belted six home runs in fewer than 100 at-bats. He hit 11 in 439 at-bats last season. Shoemaker may be hitting his way towards a promotion to Double-A before the All-Star break.

Washington Nationals: David Freitas (C)

David Freitas, C, Washington Nationals

High-A: .377/.457/.609, 10 XBH, 12 RBI, 10 BB/8 K (19 games)

After a breakout 2011 season where he posted an .859 OPS in the South Atlantic League, Freitas has emerged as one of the top hitters in the Carolina League. He’s strung together three straight three-hit games and is batting .405 (15-for-37) over his last 10 games.

Kansas City Royals: Jorge Bonifacio (OF)

Jorge Bonifacio, OF, Kansas City Royals

Class-A: .340/.418/.464, 9 XBH, 45 TB, 3 SB, 18 K/12 BB (25 games)

At 18 years old, Bonifacio continues to show plate discipline well beyond his years, while his power gradually develops. His prospects will only continue to skyrocket at this rate.

Cleveland Indians: Luigi Rodriguez (OF)

Luigi Rodriguez, OF, Cleveland Indians

Class-A: .330/.381/.511, 9 XBH, 45 TB, 7 SB, 22 K/8 BB (21 games)

Rodriguez, a switch-hitting outfielder with tools, is enjoying a breakout season. He’s almost eclipsed his 2011 power totals in half the at-bats.

Colorado Rockies: Trevor Story (3B/SS)

Trevor Story, 3B/SS, Colorado Rockies

Class-A: .286/.396/.571, 12 XBH, 15 RBI, 20 K/14 BB (24 games)

One of my favorite prospects, Story is a supplemental first-rounder from the 2011 draft class.  The 19-year-old projects power at a position most believe he can stick at.

Philadelphia Phillies: Aaron Altherr (OF)

Aaron Altherr, OF, Philadelphia Phillies

Class-A: .322/.374/.456, 8 XBH, 9 SB, 16 K/5 BB (23 games)

The Phillies’ rawest prospect appears to be molding baseball skills from his natural athleticism. Altherr is 6’5” and has the tools to remain in center field, and enters Thursday riding a six-game hitting streak.