MLB Prospects: Top 25 MLB Prospects Below Double-A Ball
While both Double-A and Triple-A house some of baseball’s finest prospects, players who are only a year or two away from making their big-league debut, it’s the low-minors that contains the future of baseball.
Even though the short season leagues are yet to begin, there have been a ton of strong performances by top-notch prospects at both Low- and High-A to begin the season, both by pitchers and hitters.
While some of these players are likely to slow down during the second half of the season, there are countless others who are just gaining steam and poised to assert their themselves among the ranks of the top prospects in baseball.
As you will see, many of these scouting reports contain similar information as you’ve seen in my Top 50 rankings. However, I’ve also added a season update for each player that offers my assessment of their current campaign.
Here is a look at the Top 25 prospects below Double-A.
25. Jesse Biddle, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies
1 of 25Position: LHP
Height/Weight: 6'4", 225
DOB: 10/22/1991
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (HS—Philadelphia, Pa.)
2012 Stats
High-A: 3-3, 60.1 IP, 2.98 ERA, .233 BAA, 70 K/21 BB (12 GS)
Overview: Drafted out of a local Philadelphia high school, Biddle’s selection was one of the feel-good stories of the 2010 first-year player draft. A tall southpaw with a projectable frame, Biddle’s fastball comes in at 90-94 mph, and when he’s feeling good, it noticeably explodes out of his hand.
His offspeed pitches are underdeveloped, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t promising. His changeup has excellent fade and is thrown with arm speed similar to his fastball, and it has the makings of a plus pitch once it’s fully developed. Biddle also works in a downer curveball that he is still learning to command, as he has a tendency to overthrow it and spike it before reaching the plate.
Overall, he needs to continue to improve his command, especially that of his fastball, as it sets up each of his promising offspeed offerings.
2012 Season Update: Biddle has shown improved command this season at High-A, where he’s lasting deeper into games, maintaining his velocity and fanning hitters at an impressive rate.
24. Zach Lee, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
2 of 25Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6'4", 190
DOB: 9/13/1991
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (HS: McKinney, Texas)
2012 Stats
High-A: 2-2, 52.1 IP, 4.30 ERA, .263 BAA, 52 K/9 BB (11 GS)
Overview: After selecting Lee with the 28th-overall pick in the 2010 draft, the Dodgers signed him for $5.25 million just before the deadline. Slated to play both football and baseball at Louisiana State, the signing bonus—the largest in franchise history—lured Lee away from his previous commitment.
The right-hander's fastball typically sits in the 90-93 mph range to both sides of the plate, and he will give hitters a different look by mixing in a cutter. For the first time in his young career, Lee threw both a curveball and slider in 2011, with the latter frequently showing the potential to be a plus pitch. His changeup is pretty mediocre, but it could still be an effective pitch down the road.
For someone his size, Lee repeats his mechanics well despite throwing across his body. He exudes confidence on the mound while controlling the pace of the game—traits rarely found in high school pitchers.
Lee will likely begin the season at High-A, and considering both his polish and maturity on the mound, he should log significant time at Double-A as early as July.
2012 Season Update: Lee was simply far too hittable early in the season, as he struggled to consistently work down in the zone. However, since allowing seven earned runs in four innings on May 7, the right-hander has yielded only six runs over his last 21 innings.
23. Mark Montgomery, RHP, New York Yankees
3 of 25Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 5'11", 205
DOB: 8/30/1990
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011, 11th round (Longwood)
2012 Stats
High-A: 4-1, 10 SV, 31.2 IP, 1.14 ERA, .174 BAA, 49 K/9 BB (23 G)
Overview: After he was drafted in the 11th round of the 2011 draft, Montgomery made a quick impact in the New York-Penn League due to his plus fastball-slider combination. In fact, his slider is so sharp and devastating that it could be considered a double-plus offering and a big-league ready out pitch.
The right-hander’s fastball sits 92-95 mph, and he locates it well; however, given that he’s only 5’11”, he struggles to throw it on a downward plane at times. Regardless, it’s merely a pitch to set up hitters for his slider, which is a pitch that will have him in the major leagues by 2013. He’s a strikeout artist who already has a penchant for swing-and-misses and, in my opinion, has the stuff to be the Yankees’ future closer.
2012 Season Update: Montgomery has picked up right where he left off last season, striking out batters like it’s nothing and tallying saves. I honestly think that this guy could be effective in the major leagues right now.
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22. A.J. Cole, RHP, Oakland Athletics
4 of 25Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6'4", 180
DOB: 1/5/92
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2010, fourth round (HS: Oviedo, Fla.)
2012 Stats
High-A: 0-7, 38 IP, 7.82 ERA, .364 BAA, 31 K/10 BB (8 GS)
Low-A: 2-0, 27.1 IP, 3.29 ERA, .264 BAA, 31 K/6 BB (6 GS)
Overview: A key piece of the trade that sent Gio Gonzalez to the Nationals, Cole emerged as one of the minors' top power pitchers in 2011. A bulldog on the mound, he relentlessly attacks hitters with a mid-90s fastball that peaks at 98 mph.
While he has shown above-average command of his fastball, he doesn’t locate his secondary stuff as well—though his curveball is a hammer that generates swing-and-misses. He does have a changeup, but it’s a work in progress.
At 6'4", Cole throws everything on a downward plane and has worked hard to make his mechanics more repeatable. He has tremendous natural ability and could develop into a No. 2 starter. In High-A to begin the season, he is a pitcher to follow closely in 2012.
2012 Season Update: After an atrocious start to the season at High-A in which he failed to record a win and gave up 60 hits over 38 innings, Cole has found himself following a demotion to Low-A. After a rough first outing for Burlington, he’s been on fire in his last five starts.
21. Cody Buckel, RHP, Texas Rangers
5 of 25Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6', 185
DOB: 6/18/1992
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2010, second round (HS—Simi Valley, Calif.)
2012 Stats
High-A: 5-3, 75.2 IP, 1.31 ERA, .186 BAA, 91 K/25 BB (13 GS)
Overview: Despite standing only six feet tall, Buckel draws strong comparisons to 2011 first-rounder Trevor Bauer, who happens to be his best friend. Therefore, like Bauer, Buckel’s employs a delivery with exceptional torque and a loose arm that adds to the deception of all his pitches. However, the right-hander doesn’t rely solely on deception, as his stuff is excellent as well.
Buckel’s fastball sits in the low-to-mid-90s with late run, and he doesn’t a great job of using it to change the eye level of opposing hitters. Beyond his heater, Buckel mixes in a hammer breaking ball which grades as a slightly above-average offering, as well as a plus changeup that continues to improve. Rounding out his arsenal is a cutter, a pitch that’s still developing but already flashes above-average potential.
He may not be an imposing presence on the mound, but Buckel’s pure stuff and overall command is legit. He has an advanced feel for pitching—especially for a 20-year-old—and could move quickly through the Rangers’ system.
2012 Season Update: Buckel has been one of the top pitchers in the low-minors this season, and to make his feats even more impressive, he just turned 20 this past week. The right-hander is pacing the Carolina League in ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts.
20. Michael Choice, OF, Oakland Athletics
6 of 25Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'0", 215
DOB: 11/10/1989
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (UT-Arlington)
2012 Stats
Double-A: .260/.334/.372, 17 XBH, 4 SB, 69 K/28 BB (68 G)
Overview: There's some swing-and-miss with Choice, but no part of any park can hold him, and his defense is far better than one would expect from this kind of power bat. He still chases too many breaking balls, but that should improve in 2012.
There's a realistic chance that Choice can stay in center field, and if he can, then he has All-Star potential. While his speed is a 60, he doesn’t necessarily use it very well on the bases.
The down tool with Choice is his arm, so his value drops considerably if he's forced to move away of center, but by no means is that move imminent or even likely. Choice can take a huge step forward with a big 2012 in the high minors.
2012 Season Update: Choice hasn’t tapped into his power as he did last season, but then again, there was bound to be a slight regression upon the jump to Double-A. Expect him to turn in a strong second half of the season.
19. Mason Williams, OF, New York Yankees
7 of 25Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'0", 150
DOB: 8/21/1991
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Signed: 2010, fourth round (HS: Winter Garden, Fla.)
2012 Stats
Low-A: .299/.350/.450, 24 XBH, 17 SB, 23 K/16 BB (57 G)
Overview: In his first professional season, Williams was ranked as the New York-Penn League’s top prospect after leading the league with 28 steals and posting a .349 batting average. He's a toolsy player who is both extremely athletic and projectable.
At the plate, Williams has quick wrists and solid hand-eye coordination and a swing that projects for some power. Right now, he’s mainly an arms/upper body hitter, so the incorporation of his lower half could yield significant results.
He possesses nearly 80-grade speed that plays better in the outfield than it does on the basepaths. He has excellent range in center field and a strong enough arm to be considered for right field. In the running game, Williams has the speed but lacks the intuition of a polished base stealer.
2012 Season Update: Williams' current performance at Low-A could earn him a promotion to High-A at some point during the season, as he’s demonstrating an ability to square up the ball with consistency and advanced plate discipline.
18. Jose Fernandez, RHP, Miami Marlins
8 of 25Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6’3”/215
DOB: 7/31/1992
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (HS: Tampa, Fla.)
2012 Stats
Low-A: 7-0, 79 IP, 1.59 ERA, .189 BAA, 99 K/18 BB (14 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 solid-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.
2012 Season Update: Fernandez has been one of the best pitchers in all of the minor leagues this season, as he’s dominating Low-A hitters, piling up strikeouts while exhibiting advanced command and working deep into games.
17. Rymer Liriano, OF, San Diego Padres
9 of 25Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'0", 210
DOB: 6/20/1991
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2007, Dominican Republic
2012 Stats
High-A: .304/.363/.458, 27 XBH, 21 SB, 61 K/18 BB (67 G)
Overview: Rymer Liriano is a young outfielder with tons of upside. He struggled at High-A to begin the 2011 season and was subsequently demoted to Single-A, where he garnered Midwest League MVP honors by slashing .319/.383/.499.
He possesses both plus power and speed as well as an above-average knowledge of the strike zone. His ability to hit for a high average is still suspect, but shouldn’t detract from his overall game.
Liriano’s ability to cover ground in center field, and his above-average arm should allow him to stay in center field for the time being, but his thick build suggests he might get bulky over time and require a move to right field.
Already on the Padres’ 40-man roster, he’s currently taking another crack at High-A. If it goes well, Liriano could rise quickly through the Padres’ system.
2012 Season Update: After a painfully slow start that saw him bat .198 in April, Liriano has turned it on over the last month and a half, batting .330 in May and currently batting .397 in June. However, he still needs to cut down on the strikeouts to be a top-of-the-order threat at the next level.
16. Matt Barnes, RHP, Boston Red Sox
10 of 25Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6’4”/200 pounds
DOB: 6/17/1990
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (University of Connecticut)
2012 Stats:
Low-A: 2-0, 26.2 IP, 0.34 ERA, .130 BAA, 42 K/4 BB (5 GS)
High-A: 5-1, 46 IP, 1.37 ERA, .201 BAA, 53 K/8 BB (8 GS)
Overview: Barnes has an explosive fastball that sits in the mid-90s and occasionally flashes a ‘6 or ‘7. He possesses a power frame that’s extremely durable, and he has the pure arm strength to still blow it by hitters late into the game.
His curveball is above average with plus potential and should quickly improve as he moves away from the use of a mediocre slider. His changeup lags behind his other two pitches and will be crucial in his development as a starter. His easy delivery produces big-time heat, although he occasionally struggles to work on a downward plane and leaves pitches up in the zone.
2012 Season Update: After beginning the season at Low-A, Barnes needed only five dominant outings before he was promoted to High-A, where he has continued to stifle opposing hitters. He’s having an amazing season and continues to advance his estimated time of arrival with each start.
15. Gary Sanchez, C, New York Yankees
11 of 25Position: C
Height/Weight: 6'2", 220
DOB: 12/2/1992
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2009, Dominican Republic
2012 Stats
Low-A: .313/.361/.545, 30 XBH (12 HR), 51 RBI, 10 SB, 57 K/16 BB (58 G)
Overview: Gary Sanchez distinguished himself as one of the game’s top catching prospects in 2010 by slashing .353/.419/.597 to begin his professional career. Although the power still showed in 2011, he lacked consistency.
Sanchez has easy, raw power to all fields thanks to pure bat speed, and he should hit for a decent average. He knows how to work the count, often to his own detriment, and struggles with quality off-speed offerings.
His receiving skills can be poor at times, and he can even come across as careless. Scouts think he will improve behind the plate enough to keep his bat there, a la Jesus Montero. He does have a plus arm that helped him gun down 31 percent of base stealers last season.
2012 Season Update: After a disappointing 2011 season, Sanchez is clearly out to prove his skeptics wrong this season, as he’s firing on all cylinders. Not only has his power returned, but he’s hitting for a high average and even swiping bases with consistency.
14. George Springer, OF, Houston Astros
12 of 25Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'3", 205
DOB: 9/19/1989
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011 (Connecticut)
2012 Stats
High-A: .303/.381/.559, 31 XBH (14 HR), 14 SB, 77 K/30 BB (62 G)
Overview: The Astros’ first-round draft pick in 2011, Springer is a toolsy outfielder with an impressive blend of speed and power. A right-handed hitter, Springer has plus bat speed that generates explosive pop to all fields. At the same time, his overall approach is still somewhat unrefined, as he is prone to strikeout and often gets himself out. He’s capable of drawing walks, but is still learning how to maintain a consistent approach.
There’s still uncertainty as to whether Springer profiles best in center or right field—his plus speed and arm will likely keep both in play and help him reach the big leagues by 2013. He has enough speed to comfortably play either position, as he gets great jumps and demonstrates plus range at both positions.
2012 Season Update: Springer is turning in a strong season at High-A and has emerged as one of the top power-speed prospects in the minors. However, his plate discipline still needs refinement, as he gets caught between being overly aggressive and selective at the plate. Regardless, he has the potential to move quickly through the Astros’ system.
13. Xander Bogaerts, SS, Boston Red Sox
13 of 25Position: SS
Height/Weight: 6'3", 175
DOB: 10/1/1992
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2009, Aruba
2012 Stats
High-A: .293/.368/.483, 26 XBH (9 HR), 58 K/24 BB (66 G)
Overview: Bogaerts put his name on the map with a .314/.396/.423 professional debut in 2010 and followed it by blasting 16 home runs in 72 games in 2011. Only 19 years old, his smooth swing and plus power allow him to drive the ball to all fields with backspin carry.
As he faces more advanced pitching, however, he’ll be forced to become more selective, especially with quality off-speed pitches.
While he has soft hands and a plus arm at shortstop, Bogaerts lacks the quickness needed to remain there. Considering his other tools, he could either end up in right field or at third base—likely the latter.
2012 Season Update: The youngster is enjoying his best month of the season (.364 BA in June), and has seen his power reemerge after a slow start. He was recently named the starting shortstop for the Carolina League All-Star team.
12. Javier Baez, SS, Chicago Cubs
14 of 25Position: SS
Height/Weight: 6'0", 180
DOB: 12/1/1992
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (HS: Arlington Country Day School, Fla.)
2012 Stats
Low-A: .317/.419/.556, 6 XBH, 7 SB, 17 K/6 BB (18 G)
Overview: The ninth-overall pick in the 2011 draft, Baez has insane raw bat speed with the potential for plus power by the time he reaches the major leagues. Simply put: Baez swings as hard as humanly possible—every time. But that’s also what makes him such a promising hitter.
His defense at shortstop is average, though he does have a strong arm. Given his size and defensive actions, Baez will probably shift to third base at some point. He has decent speed and good instincts on the basepaths that give him 20/20 potential.
2012 Season Update: Baez’s first full minor league season only just began, as he saw his first action for Low-A Peoria at the end of May. Since then, however, he’s been raking and proving to be an adept base stealer.
11. Josh Bell, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates
15 of 25Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'4", 195
DOB: 8/14/1992
Bats/Throws: S/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011, second round (HS: Dallas Jesuit, Texas)
2012 Stats
Low-A: .274/.288/.403, 6 XBH, 21 K/2 BB (15 G)
Overview: Bell was the premier prep bat in the 2011 draft class and would have been one of the first 10 names off the board had signability not been a concern.
Bell is a 60 hitter from both sides with a 60 future power grading. He has quick wrists and raw, wiry strength that generates easy power while still allowing him to hit for average.
His defense in center field is highlighted by extraordinary range and a strong arm that's better than people gave him credit for prior to the draft. He’ll likely wind up as a corner outfielder, where those tools will be an even better fit.
2012 Season Update: Unfortunately, it looks as though Bell will miss the majority of the 2012 season following knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus sustained while running the bases. However, there’s a chance that he’ll return during the last month of the season.
10. Jake Marisnick, OF, Toronto Blue Jays
16 of 25Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'4", 200
DOB: 3/30/1991
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2009, third round (HS: Riverside Poly, Calif.)
2012 Stats
High-A: .258/.339/.423, 23 XBH, 9 SB, 47 K/19 BB (51 G)
Overview: At 6'4", Marisnick is an extremely athletic outfielder who will stick in center field due to his plus range and arm.
After struggling at Low-A after a midseason promotion in 2010, Marisnick repeated the level in 2011 with much better results. His .320 batting average was second-best in the Midwest League, and his power blossomed after making an adjustment to his swing. He can drive the ball out of the park to all fields, and he should continue to get stronger.
He’s an excellent and intelligent base stealer who was successful in 69 of 82 attempts over three minor league seasons.
2012 Season Update: Marisnick, who is playing his first full season at High-A, hasn’t quite turned in the season that I expected. However, there’s still a lot of positive signs that his development is progressing. Expect the immensely talented outfielder to have a strong second half.
9. Christian Yelich, OF, Miami Marlins
17 of 25Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'4", 189
DOB: 12/5/1991
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (HS: Westlake, Calif.)
2012 Stats
High-A: .275/.352/.513, 21 XBH (7 HR), 11 SB, 45 K/19 BB (43 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 to 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.
2012 Season Update: Yelich has been hampered by two trips to the disabled list (one after getting struck by a teammate's bat), but he’s still turning in a strong season. His power, speed and plate discipline continue to give the Marlins a lot to dream on.
8. Francisco Lindor, SS, Cleveland Indians
18 of 25Position: SS
Height/Weight: 5'11", 175
DOB: 11/14/1993
Bats/Throws: S/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (HS: Montverde Academy, Fla.)
2012 Stats
Low-A: .285/.369/410, 20 XBH, 14 SB, 42 K/26 BB (60 G)
Overview: One of the most promising young shortstops in the game, Lindor is on the fast track to the major leagues.
The best defensive shortstop out of the 2011 draft, he has drawn rave reviews for his athleticism and fluidity at short. The combination of his excellent range and plus arm has the Indians convinced that Lindor will be able to stick at shortstop for a long, long time.
A switch-hitter, Lindor’s offensive value will come from his ability to hit for a solid average and hopefully get on base at a decent clip. He’ll never hit for much power, but he has enough pop to produce 20-plus doubles.
Despite being just a slightly above-average runner, Lindor projects to steal 20 bases annually due to his instincts and high baseball IQ.
2012 Season Update: After a hot start to the season at Low-A, Lindor has cooled off a bit but is still turning in an impressive campaign in his first full season. His defensive is excellent, and both his bat and speed have been a pleasant surprise. He’s showing exactly why the Indians had to draft him after he slipped in the draft.
7. Bubba Starling, OF, Kansas City Royals
19 of 25Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6'4", 195
DOB: 8/3/1992
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (HS: Gardner Edgerton, Kan.)
2012 Stats
N/A
Overview: Any conversation about five-tool prospects isn’t complete without referencing Bubba Starling. Heavily recruited for every sport out of high school, it cost the Royals $7.5 million to lure him away from a scholarship to be a quarterback for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
At 6'4", 195 pounds, Starling is strong and athletic, and he has already flashed double-plus power. He should hit for some average in the future, although his true value is rooted in his power-speed combination. Also a standout pitcher, Starling has been clocked in the mid-90s off the bump and throws absolute pills from the outfield.
As it was with Bryce Harper, it’s difficult to assign a ceiling to Starling. However, there’s no denying that he possesses one of the highest in all of baseball.
2012 Season Update: Starling is yet to play this season, as the Royals are clearly being over protective of the 2011 first-rounder. He recently tweaked his hamstring, although he insists it’s nothing to be worried about.
6. Billy Hamilton, SS, Cincinnati Reds
20 of 25Position: SS
Height/Weight: 6'1", 160
DOB: 9/9/1990
Bats/Throws: S/R
Drafted/Signed: 2009, second round (HS: Taylorsville, Miss.)
2012 Stats
High-A: .322/.408/.441, 59 R, 87 H, 22 XBH, 80 SB, 53 K/38 BB (66 G)
Overview: The first minor-leaguer to steal 100 bases in over a decade, Hamilton is a ridiculous athlete who has made strides this season learning the intricacies of the game.
He’ll never hit for power. But as a switch-hitting shortstop, the improvement in his plate discipline this season has already boosted his stock. Outside of his range, Hamilton's arm and hands can be fringy, which has some scouts thinking that he’ll wind up in center field or perhaps at second base.
No one expected Hamilton to start the 2012 season as he has, so the fact that he’s been arguably the top offensive player in all of High-A only bumps up his arrival in Cincinnati.
2012 Season Update: Hamilton has 59 runs, 87 hits, and 80 stolen bases in just 66 games. Need I say more?
5. Archie Bradley, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
21 of 25Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6'4", 225
DOB: 8/10/1992
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (HS: Broken Arrow, Okla.)
2012 Stats
Low-A: 7-4, 69 IP, 3.91 ERA, .156 BAA, 60 K/44 BB (14 GS)
Overview: If you read about Dylan Bundy leading up to the 2011 draft, then you surely read about Bradley as well. Also hailing from Oklahoma, Bradley, the seventh-overall selection, was slated to be the Sooners’ future quarterback before signing a $5 million deal at the deadline.
At 6'4", 225 pounds, Bradley has a power-pitcher frame and the arsenal to match. He pounds the strike zone with a 92-96 mph fastball and low-80s curveball that’s an absolute hammer.
Throw in a plus changeup and slider, not to mention a decent splitter, and you’ve got one well-rounded 19-year-old pitcher. Like Bundy, his mechanics are repeatable and therefore have him ahead of schedule in his future ascent of the minors.
Bradley is yet another Diamondbacks pitcher who has a chance to make his MLB debut before his 21st birthday.
2012 Season Update: After a tremendous start to the season, Bradley has endured his fair share of control problems as of late. However, as indicated by his .156 BAA and 37 hits allowed, he creates his own problems, as his pure stuff remains excellent.
4. Miguel Sano, 3B, Minnesota Twins
22 of 25Position: 3B
Height/Weight: 6'3", 195
DOB: 5/11/1993
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2009, Dominican Republic
2012 Stats
Low-A: .237/.351/.490, 31 XBH (15 HR), 85 K/39 BB (69 G)
Overview: Outside of Bryce Harper, Sano is the best power-hitting prospect in baseball. He has the ideal combination of quick wrists and explosive weight transfer that allows him to effortlessly jump the yard to all fields.
If his plate discipline continues to improve, Sano, who turns 19 on May 11, could hit for a decent average down the road.
He can be a wreck on defense at times, mostly in his actions to and through the baseball, which suggests an eventual transition to first base. For now, the Twins will move forward with Sano as their third baseman of the future.
Sano currently leads (or places towards the top) in every offensive category in the Midwest League.
2012 Season Update: Sano continues to prove why he’s one of baseball’s top power-hitting prospects, but the amount of swing-and-miss in his game is definitely concerning. He’ll have to improve his plate discipline before the Twins consider promoting him to a more advanced level.
3. Anthony Rendon, 3B/2B, Washington Nationals
23 of 25Position: 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, 0 K/2 BB (2 G)
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 profiled 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's an above-average defender with solid instincts and a plus arm.
2012 Season Update: In just his second game of the season, Rendon suffered a fractured ankle while rounding third base. The ankle injury is his third in as many years, and only time will determine how much it impedes his ascent to the major leagues.
2. Jameson Taillon, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
24 of 25Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6'6", 225
DOB: 11/18/1991
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (HS: The Woodlands, Texas)
2012 Stats
High-A: 4-6, 74.2 IP, 4.10 ERA, .234 BAA, 67 K/20 BB (14 G)
Overview: I may be one of the only people who sees a higher ceiling in Taillon than now-teammate Gerrit Cole, but I assure you it’s with good reason. Despite his dominance in 2010 for UCLA, Cole has only regressed since then—although his stuff remains exceptional.
Taillon, on the other hand, made impressive strides in his first full season, as he demonstrated improved command of all pitches. His quick arm generates fastballs that sit in the 93-97 mph range, and he occasionally flirts with triple digits.
A typical power pitcher, the right-hander complements his heater with a late-breaking, power slider and knee-buckling curve. He also has a changeup that grades as solid-average and will be crucial in his development over the next couple seasons.
2012 Season Update: Taillon has struggled to keep the ball down in the zone this season, which has led to less than impressive results. However, the Pirates are letting him work deeper into games and build his durability, so naturally he will continue to struggle at times over the course of the season.
1. Dylan Bundy, RHP, Baltimore Orioles
25 of 25Position: RHP
Height/Weight: 6'1", 200
DOB: 11/15/1992
Bats/Throws: S/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (HS: Owasso, Okla.)
2012 Stats
Low-A: 1-0, 30 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.53 BAA, 40 K/2 BB (8 GS)
High-A: 2-2, 18.2 IP, 4.34 ERA, .261 BAA, 23 K/6 BB (4 GS)
Overview: In any draft not loaded with elite collegiate arms like Cole, Hultzen and Bauer, Bundy would have been a consensus No. 1 overall selection. However, he slid to No. 4, and the Baltimore Orioles were thrilled. Famous for his insane workout routine, the right-hander has a ridiculous work ethic and strength for an 19-year-old.
Oh yeah, and his pitchability grades through the roof.
Lured away from a scholarship to be the Texas Longhorns quarterback, Bundy signed for $6.225 million (including a $4 million signing bonus) just before the August 15 deadline.
He features a 94-98 mph four-seam fastball that has topped out at 100 mph, as well as a low-90s two-seamer and upper-80s/low-90s cutter. In addition to his slew of fastballs, Bundy possesses a deuce that already grades as a plus pitch, and he has shown an advanced feel for his changeup.
His sheer strength allows for repeatable mechanics and a greater workload than one expects from a prep arm. Both his maturity and arsenal of plus pitches should make Bundy a fast riser within the Orioles organization and make him the first prep arm from the 2011 draft class to reach the show.
2012 Season Update: The legendy of Dylan Bundy grew to epic proportions early this season, as he didn’t allowed an earned run over 30 innings at Low-A while posting an absurd 40 K/2 BB ratio. Since his promotion to High-A however, he’s been touched up a bit, though his stuff remains arguably the best in all the minor leagues.
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