MLB Prospects: Top 10 National League East Prospects

Mike RosenbaumJun 7, 2018

As I begin to re-work Prospect Pipeline's Top 50 to be released early next week, it's time to take a deeper look at these prospects through a different lens.

As I continue to put together prospect scouting reports for every organization, I'm also ranking prospects by both position and tools. However, today I will deviate from said assessments to offer my thoughts on the top 10 prospects residing in the National League East.

The NL East houses many of baseball's finest prospects, including six players who appear in the overall Top 50. Even though I did consider each player's current season when creating this ranking, I'd be foolish to put too much stock into such a small sample.

At the same time, when a prospect is producing while showing improvement in specific facets of the game, there's something to be said for such a performance.

Here is a look at the National League East's top 10 prospects.

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10. Trevor May, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies

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Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6'5", 215

DOB: 9/23/1989

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2008, fourth round (Kelso HS, Wash.)

2012 Stats

Double-A: 5-0, 30 IP, 2.40 ERA, 1.80 FIP, 33 K/8 BB (5 GS)

Overview: The Phillies' minor league pitcher of the year in 2011, May led the Florida State League with 208 strikeouts. At 6'5", he is an imposing presence on the mound with two plus pitches. While he can reach back for 98 mph, the right-hander's heavy fastball sits in the mid-90s with late, arm-side run. He's not afraid to challenge hitters up in the zone with it and often uses it as an out pitch.

May is one of a select few minor league pitchers who possess the ability to sustain their velocity late into games. His premier off-speed pitch is a plus curveball with serious bite. When May struggles with establishing his arm speed, he has a tendency to spike the pitch. He also features a solid-average changeup that flashes potential at times.

The key to his success at more advanced levels will be the development of his changeup, as well as the use of a slider he picked up towards the end of the 2011 season. To be efficient with his pitches, he'll have to continue refining his command and making his mechanics more repeatable.

Since drafting him in 2008, the Phillies have been extremely cautious in their handling of May. After spending the last three seasons playing for the Phillies' Class-A affiliates, May has handled the jump to Double-A well this season, and is making a case for debut in late 2012.

ETA: 2012

9. Jose Fernandez, RHP, Miami Marlins

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Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’3”/215

DOB: 7/31/1992

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (HS—Tampa, Fla.)

2012 Stats:

Class-A: 3-0, 28.1 IP, 1.59 ERA, 1.65 FIP, 37 K/9 BB (5 GS)

Overview: Fernandez, who grew up in Cuba and ultimately fled to the United States in 2008, has the upside of a future No. 1 starter. The right-hander has a crisp fastball that sits at 92-96 mph, though there have been reports of him hitting 97-98 over the last two seasons.

What’s impressive about Fernandez is that he already has three off-speed pitches in his arsenal, with the best being a hard, late-breaking slider that generates swing-and-misses. His curveball is an average pitch that can get too loopy and lose its pace at times, so don’t be surprised if the pitch is scrapped as he develops.

The right-hander also has an early feel for a changeup, which only furthers the thought that he could be a front-line starter.

ETA: 2014

8. Randall Delgado, RHP, Atlanta Braves

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Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’3”/200

DOB: 2/9/1990

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2006, Panama

2012 Stats:

MLB: 2-3, 28 IP, 5.14 ERA, 3.73 xFIP, 26 IP/12 BB (5 GS)

Overview: Signed as a 16-year-old out of Panama, Delgado’s fastball sits in the 91-94 mph range, though he occasionally will flash a 95. However, he struggles at times to command the pitch, and when that happens, he has a tendency to fall behind too many hitters.

His best off-speed pitch is a curveball that’s of the late, downer variety, though he also has a changeup which is gives him serviceable third pitch in the Major Leagues.

The right-hander throws from a high three-quarter arm slot that adds life to all of his pitches, as well as deception when it comes to his off-speed offerings. At 6’3”, such an arm angle also allows him to consistently throw on a downward plane, which is vital to his success given the less-than-overpowering velocity.

ETA: 2012

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7. Matt Harvey, RHP, New York Mets

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Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6'4", 225

DOB: 3/27/1989

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (North Carolina)

2012 Stats:

Triple-A: 2-1, 30 IP, 4.80 ERA, 3.33 FIP, 27 K/13 BB (6 GS)

Overview: Most writers have Harvey ranked ahead of teammate Zack Wheeler, but not me. I see him more as a perfect No. 2 starter in any rotation thanks to his four-pitch arsenal and ability to work deep into games.

The right-hander’s fastball is most effective in the low-to-mid 90s with late life, but he has been known to pop the occasional 96-98. His out pitch is a slider with hard bite, and he’ll also snap off a big curveball to give hitters a different look. Harvey does have a changeup, though it’s thrown sparingly and lacks feel.

Despite the control issues he's displayed during spring training, Harvey showed above-average command in his first professional season, a season that saw him make 12 starts at Double-A to close the year. Considering the uncertainty outside of R.A Dickey in the Mets’ rotation, Harvey could be one of the first pitchers to get called this season.

ETA: 2012

6. Christian Yelich, OF, Miami Marlins

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Position: OF

Height/Weight: 6'4", 189

DOB: 12/5/1991

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (Westlake HS, Calif.)

2012 Stats

High-A: .254/.342/.433, 6 XBH, 6 SB, 17 K/9 BB (18 G)

Overview: Still just 20 years old, Yelich’s hit tool already grades out as a plus and has room to grow with improvement in his plate discipline. His swing is incredibly smooth and fluid, which allows him to attack pitches throughout the entire strike zone.

Due to the level plane of his swing, Yelich will never hit for overwhelming power, but I think he’ll have enough to annually belt a quiet 20-30. As of now, most of his power is to the pull side, but he should start driving the ball out the other way with more experience. His easy speed and good instincts on the bases suggest that Yelich will have 20-20, perhaps even 30-30, potential in his prime.

Although he patrolled center field for Low-A Greensboro last season, Yelich profiles as a left fielder due to his fringy arm strength. However, the Marlins will allow him to develop in center for the time being.

ETA: 2014

5. Zack Wheeler, RHP, New York Mets

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Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6'4", 185

DOB: 5/30/1990

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, first round (East Paulding HS, Ga.)

2012 Stats

Double-A: 1-2, 25.2 IP, 1.75 ERA, 2.97 FIP, 30 K/14 BB (5 GS)

Overview: It must have been hard for San Francisco to part ways with Wheeler, whom they traded to the Mets in exchange for Carlos Beltran surrounding the 2011 trade deadline. One of my favorite right-handed prospects in baseball, Wheeler has a 6'4" frame, fast arm and repeatable mechanics. When I watch him throw, I see a future ace.

His fastball runs as high as 97, though he usually sits low to mid 90s with late life. His curveball is a sharp downer that jelly-legs right-handed hitters, and he also throws a solid changeup that should develop by the time he reaches the major leagues.

While his command still needs some refinement, Wheeler is pitching well at Double-A to begin the 2012 season. At this time next year, I have a feeling that I may be writing about Wheeler as a top-15 prospect.

ETA: 2013

3. Anthony Rendon, 3B/2B, Washington Nationals

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Position: 3B/2B

Height/Weight: 6'0", 195

DOB: 6/6/1990

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (Rice)

2012 Stats:

High-A: .500/.667/1.250, 2 XBH (2 G; Pre-injury)

Overview: Easily the best available bat in the 2011 draft class, Rendon slid to the Washington Nationals at No. 6 overall due to a shoulder injury that plagued him throughout the season.

Even though his size pales in comparison to other hitters on this list, the Rice alumnus has a plus bat with plus power. But what I find most impressive about Rendon is his pitch recognition and ability to manipulate counts in his favor.

Even before his first professional at-bat, the right-handed hitter profiles as one of the most advanced hitters in all the minors. Rendon manages to make consistent, hard contact and drives the ball to all fields with authority. As a third baseman, he is an above-average defender with solid instincts and a plus arm.

However, with Ryan Zimmerman blocking him at the hot corner for years to come, don’t be surprised if the Nationals shift him to second base, which would put his bat on an even greater pedestal.

In just his second game of the season at High-A, Rendon fractured his ankle, his third serious ankle injury in as many years. It'll be interesting to see where his most recent setback impedes his overall development.

ETA: 2013

2. Julio Teheran, RHP, Atlanta Braves

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Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6'2", 175

DOB: 1/27/1991

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2007, Colombia

2012 Stats

Triple-A: 2-1, 19.2 IP, 3.66 ERA, 6.25 FIP, 17 K/10 BB (5 GS)

Overview: Teheran has absolutely nothing left to prove in the minor leagues after dominating Triple-A hitters in 2011. The right-hander features a plus-plus fastball in the 93-97 mph range and is aggressive with its placement, working both sides of the plate and pounding the lower half of the strike zone.

Also in his arsenal is a plus changeup with excellent fade, as well as a curveball and slider. Both pitches grade as above-average with potential to be a plus offering in time. He has showcased improved command of all pitches since 2010 but will inevitably need more refinement to be as successful at the big-league level.

The dynamic Braves rotation is already loaded with impressive young arms, so Teheran was forced to begin his 2012 campaign in Triple-A. But the second there is an injury or the need for a spot start, his phone will be ringing.

ETA: 2012

1. Bryce Harper, OF, Washington Nationals

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Position: OF

Height/Weight: 6'3", 225

DOB: 10/16/1992

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (College of Southern Nevada)

2012 Stats

Triple-A: .250/.333/.375, 6 XBH, 3 RBI, 14 K/9 BB (20 G)

MLB: .375/.389/.625, 4 XBH, 3 RBI, 2 K/1 BB (5 G)

Overview: Scouts have always been reserved to assign an 80-grade to anything other than speed, let alone multiple tools. So the fact that Harper, 19, has two tools that grade as such—power and arm—speaks volumes about his potential.

And it’s not like his other tools lag behind—he possesses enough speed to swipe 20-plus bases (he was even clocked in the 3.9-4.1 second range running home-to-first in his big-league debut), the ability to hit for average thanks to a line-to-line approach and the defensive prowess to stick in center field.

Some are irked by his overall cockiness and hard-nosed mentality on the field. But personally, I love it. Sure, it’s a bit immature at times, but he’ll always be the classic “hate to play against, love to have on your team,” polarizing player.

In the face of unscrupulous criticism and unparalleled expectations, Harper has repeatedly thrived at every minor-league stop, and following his call-up, has become one of the most dynamic players in the Major Leagues.

The Bryce Harper era is officially underway, folks. Enjoy it.

ETA: 2012