MLB Prospects: The Top Hitters Across All Minor League Levels

Now that the 2012 MLB First-Year Player Draft is in the books, it’s time to get back to some minor league coverage. We’re starting to see some of the more impressive prospects receive promotions, and there are undoubtedly going to be many more to follow.

In the meantime, here is a look at the top hitters from each minor league level, and as you will see, there’s a lot to be excited about.

Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Chicago Cubs (Triple-A)

.362/.427/.709, 15 2B, 17 HR, 48 RBI, 37 K/20 BB (53 G)

One of the most consistent hitters in the minors this year, and he has even significantly improved against left-handed pitching: .333/.387/.632, 7 XBH, 14 K/8 BB.

Adam Eaton, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks (Triple-A)

.394/.461/.527, 21 XBH (17 2B), 20 RBI, 17 SB, 27 K, 18 BB (47 G)

He has thrived since promotion to Triple-A and could get a big-league look in the near future. A left-handed hitter, Eaton has been exceptional against southpaws, batting .442/.517/.538 in 52 at-bats.

Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City Royals

.335/.398/.726, 39 XBH (21 HR), 52 RBI, 59 K/21 BB (56 G)

Myers hasn’t stopped mashing since promotion to Triple-A as he’s batting .321/.369/.718 with eight home runs in 21 games. If the season ended right now, he’d receive my vote for Minor League player of the year. Once he is clear of Super Two status, we should see him in the Major Leagues. 

Bryce Brentz, OF, Boston Red Sox (Double-A)

.299/.350/.475, 21 XBH (7 HR), 22 RBI, 65 K/14 K (54 G)

After an atrocious start to the season, Brentz has been absolutely on fire over the past month, at times pushing his batting average above .300. His strikeouts are still incredibly concerning as he’s averaging more than one per game.

Nick Franklin, SS, Seattle Mariners (Double-A)

.331/.402/.530, 24 XBH (16 2B), 25 RBI, 8 SB, 34 K/21 BB (49 G)

After a down year in 2011, Franklin has rebounded with authority. The switch-hitting shortstop has regained his extra-base-hitting ways and could be in line for a September call-up.

Mike Olt, 3B, Texas Rangers (Double-A)

.311/.413/.632, 30 XBH (18 HR), 48 RBI, 63 K/35 BB (55 G)

Nobody has been as hot as Olt of late, as the slugging third baseman is batting .447/.512/.1.105 over his last 10 games with eight home runs.

Jonathan Singleton, 1B, Houston Astros (Double-A)

.294/.402/.541, 24 XBH (11 HR), 38 RBI, 50 K/34 BB (54 G)

Much like Nick Franklin, Singleton is having an impressive bounce-back season after a disappointing 2011 that saw him drop on most prospect lists—including mine. However, the left-handed hitter has struggled over his last 10 games (.184/.311/.447) as well as against left-handed pitching (.190/.266/.345 with 21 K in 58 at-bats). 

Oscar Taveras, OF, St. Louis Cardinals (Double-A)

.312/.366/.577, 30 XBH (12 HR), 42 RBI, 30 K/17 BB (56 G)

The 19-year-old has been exceptional at Double-A this season, furthering his reputation as one of the best pure hitters in the minor leagues. He possesses an insanely good natural ability to barrel up the baseball. 

Nolan Arenado, 3B, Colorado Rockies (Double-A)

.297/.347/.438, 21 XBH (16 2B), 28 K/15 BB (58 G)

He hasn’t quite posted the power numbers as everyone expected, but he’s considerably improved his plate discipline at a more advanced level.

Jurickson Profar, SS, Texas Rangers (Double-A)

.291/.365/.489, 27 XBH, 7 SB, 39 K/26 BB (56 G)

Few players have been more impressive than the 19-year-old Profar this season—the top position prospect in all of baseball. 

Brad Miller, SS, Seatlte Mariners (High-A)

.321/.416/.549, 33 XBH (9 HR), 12 SB, 49 K/40 SB (58 G)

He may not be able to stick at shortstop, but Miller’s bat and plate discipline have been impressive.

George Springer, OF, Houston Astros (High-A)

.291/.371/.526, 26 XBH (11 HR), 41 RBI, 13 SB, 73 K/27 BB (56 G)

There’s still a lot of swing-and-miss in his game, but his power and speed have continued to develop.

Billy Hamilton, SS, Cincinnati Reds (High-A)

.321/.407/.449, 53 R, 20 XBH, 69 SB, 43 K/33 BB (57 G)

He has sustained a well-above-.300 batting average and continues to swipe bags at an absurd rate.

Jackie Bradley, OF, Boston Red Sox (High-A)

.388/.498/.587, 31 XBH (26 2B), 13 SB, 32 K/43 BB (55 G)

Highly impressive in his first full minor league season, Bradley continues to reach base nearly half the time while leading the Carolina League in doubles.

Brady Shoemaker, OF, Chicago White Sox (High-A)

.324/.412/.548, 27 XBH (10 HR), 37 K/19 BB (58 G)

Drafted by the White Sox in the 19th round of the 2009 draft, Shoemaker is on pace to eclipse all of his previous minor-league high water marks.

Nick Castellanos, 3B, Detroit Tigers (Double-A)

.401/.453/.546, 24 XBH, 33 RBI, 43 K/22 BB (58 G)

After batting .405/.461/.553 over 215 at-bats at High-A, Castellanos received a well deserved promotion to Double-A.

Colin Walsh, DH, St. Louis Cardinals (Low-A)

.318/.429/.602, 28 XBH (13 HR), 45 RBI, 32 K/37 BB (55 G)

Walsh doesn’t offer much with the glove, but he sure can hit.

Eddie Rosario, 2B/OF, Minnesota Twins (Low-A)

.304/.365/.491, 27 XBH, 39 RBI, 9 SB, 33 K/24 BB (58 G)

Has been impressive with the bat, but not so much on the bases as he’s been caught stealing 10 times compared to nine stolen bases.

Jace Peterson, SS, San Diego Padres (Low-A)

.299/.391/.455, 19 XBH, 20 SB, 23 K/24 BB (43 G)

Peterson has exhibited an impressive combination of speed and plate discipline; prospect whose stock is on the rise.

Tyler Austin, OF, New York Yankees (Low-A)

.330/406/.656, 61 R, 38 XBH (14 HR), 50 RBI, 14 SB, 56 K/27 BB (56 G)

Austin is having an absolutely monster season at the plate at Low-A and is showing off his wheels as well.

Matt Skole, 3B, Washington Nationals (Low-A)

.294/.443/.536, 23 XBH (12 HR), 53 RBI, 61 K/54 BB (57 G)

One of the top run produces in the minor leagues, Skole should receive a promotion to High-A or possibly even Double-A in the near future.

Trevor Story, SS, Colorado Rockies (Low-A)

.291/.383/.571, 30 XBH (10 HR), 43 K/25 BB (52 G)

One of my favorite position prospects in baseball is turning a lot of heads in the South Atlantic League.

Garin Cecchini, 3B, Boston Red Sox (Low-A)

.316/.396/.459, 22 XBH, 20 SB, 44 K/25 BB (53 G)

Now that he’s finally healthy, Cecchini is turning in the season everyone knew he was capable of; his ability to steal bases has been especially impressive.