20 MLB Prospects Enjoying a Huge Bounce-Back Season

Each season, there are highly-touted prospects who have a disappointing season and see their stock gradually slip down both rankings and organizational depth charts. Often times, their struggles are a result of being challenged at a more advanced level as they are forced to make adjustments either on the mound or at the plate.

As someone who covers prospects on a daily basis, there’s nothing more enjoyable than seeing a player rebound from a lackluster season and shorten the gap between their potential and actual production.

Here is a look at 20 players throughout the minor leagues that are enjoying a bounce-back season.

Aaron Hicks, OF, Minnesota Twins

2011 (High-A): .242/.354/.368, 41 XBH (5 HR), 17 SB, 110 K/78 BB (122 G)

2012 (Double-A): .257/.347/.419, 19 XBH (7 HR), 16 SB, 56 K/33 BB (64 G)

After a 2011 season that severely hurt his stock as a prospect, Hicks is having an all-around better season despite the jump in level. The switch-hitter's power numbers are up and strikeouts down, as he’s on pace to set career highs in most offensive categories.

Josh Vitters, 3B, Chicago Cubs

2011 (Double-A): .283/.322/.448, 44 XBH (14 HR), 81 RBI, 54 K/22 BB (129 G)

2012 (Triple-A): .290/.340/.489, 30 XBH (12 HR), 45 K/19 BB (75 G)

Although he’s never been a player who strikes out a ton, Vitters’ success has continually been impeded by his poor pitch selection and inability to take advantage of hitter’s counts. This year, however, he’s made noticeable strides, and he’s making less soft outs and getting on base at a significantly higher clip.

Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City Royals

2011 (Double-A): .254/.353/.393, 32 XBH (8 HR), 49 RBI, 9 SB, 87 K/52 BB (99 G)

2012 (Double, Triple-A): .313/.402/.633, 47 XBH (24 HR), 63 RBI, 5 SB, 75 K/37 BB (74 G)

Having arguably the best season among all position prospects in baseball, Myers is showing that his down season in 2011 was solely due to the knee injury that zapped his power. He’s doing it all at the plate this season, hitting for both average and power and, after excelling following a promotion to Triple-A, seems poised for a 2012 big-league debut.

C.J. Retherford, 3B, Los Angeles Dodgers

2011 (Double-A): .203/.275/.289, 9 XBH, 20 K/9 BB (46 G)

2012 (High-A): .358/.418/.659, 33 XBH (17 HR), 56 RBI, 7 SB, 30 K/19 BB (61 G)

After reaching Triple-A with the White Sox in 2010, Retherford was released and spent the 2011 season struggling at Double-A with two different organizations. Signed by the Dodgers in the offseason, he was recently named a California League All-Star and continues to enjoy a spectacular 2012 season.

Josh Sale, OF, Tampa Bay Rays

2011 (Rookie): .210/.289/.346, 18 XBH (4 HR), 4 SB, 41 K/23 BB (60 G)

2012 (Low-A): .294/.410/.578, 13 XBH (8 HR), 24 RBI, 5 SB, 25 K/21 BB (34 G)

After a disappointing professional debut in 2011, Sale is tearing it up at Low-A after opening the season at extended spring training. He’s showing excellent power and impressive plate discipline through his first 34 games.

Jared Mitchell, OF, Chicago White Sox

2011 (High-A): .222/.304/.377, 48 XBH (9 HR), 58 RBI, 14 SB, 183 K/52 BB (129 G)

2012 (Double-A): .254/.382/.429, 25 XBH (5 HR), 41 RBI, 14 SB, 89 K/48 BB (72 G)

After missing 2010 with a severe ankle injury and turning in a dismal 2011 season at High-A, Mitchell seems back on track with his performance at Double-A. However, after a hot start to the season, he’s tailed off as of late, as his batting average now sits around the .250 mark while the strikeouts slowly pile up once again.

Matt Den Dekker, OF, New York Mets

2011 (High, Double-A): .265/.337/.460, 60 XBH (17 HR), 68 RBI, 24 SB, 156 K/51 BB (139 G)

2012 (Double, Triple-A): .316/.372/.552, 42 XBH (11 HR), 36 RBI, 14 SB, 79 K/24 BB (72 G)

After a 2011 season that featured exceptional power and lots of swing-and-misses, den Dekker has reaffirmed his prospect status after a great start at Double-A that garnered a promotion to Triple-A Buffalo. 

Brandon Barnes, OF, Houston Astros

2011 (Double, Triple-A): .238/.313/.426, 46 XBH (15 HR), 54 RBI, 11 SB, 111 K/43 BB (125 G)

2012 (Double, Triple-A): .322/.376/.521, 35 XBH (9 HR), 47 RBI, 13 SB, 61 K/22 BB (72 G)

A 2005 draft pick, Barnes has trolled through the minors with little success until this season. After beginning the year in Double-A, Barnes is once again back in Triple-A and posting even better numbers. Don’t be surprised if he’s given a chance in the Astros outfield in the near future.

Gary Sanchez, C, New York Yankees

2011 (Low-A): .256/.335/.485, 34 XBH (17 HR), 52 RBI, 93 K/36 BB (82 G)

2012 (Low-A): .309/.361/.545, 32 XBH (13 HR), 55 RBI, 10 SB, 60 K/19 BB (63 G)

After an outstanding 2010 season (.329/.393/.543), his first as a professional, Sanchez followed it with a disappointing sophomore campaign that saw a significant drop in his batting average, although his power numbers remained impressive. He’s back on track this season in both the average and power departments and has even swiped 10 bases.

Nick Franklin, SS/2B, Seattle Mariners

2011 (High, Double-A): .281/.352/.418, 27 XBH (7 HR), 26 RBI, 18 SB, 80 K/37 BB (88 G)

2012 (Double, Triple-A): .314/.386/.487, 27 XBH (4 HR), 29 RBI, 9 SB, 47 K/25 BB (62 G)

Following a breakout 2010 season that included 23 home runs, the switch-hitting shortstop had an injury-plagued 2011 that saw him play in only 88 games. Once again healthy, Franklin’s strong start to the season at Double-A warranted a promotion to Triple-A, and if he continues to put up solid all-around numbers, he may receive a September call-up.

Joe Dunigan, OF, Seattle Mariners

2011 (High, Double-A): .223/.315/.464, 32 XBH (17 HR), 49 RBI, 140 K/38 BB (82 G)

2012 (Double-A): .274/.336/.530, 30 XBH (14 HR), 37 RBI, 10 SB, 83 K/20 BB (62 G)

In 2009, Dunigan batted .294/.355/.570 with 30 home runs, 20 stolen bases and 104 RBI and asserted himself as one of the more intriguing power-speed prospects in the American League. However, after a disappointing 2010 and 2011 season—the latter began on the disabled list after elbow surgery—the left-handed hitter dropped out of most prospect rankings. Strikeouts have always been a major problem for Dunigan, as he’s registered more than 100 in four straight seasons. He’s making more consistent contact this season, and his power has returned, but it seems as though strikeouts will once again prevent him from advancing a level.

Garin Cecchini, 3B, Boston Red Sox

2011 (Short Season): .298/.398/.500, 16 XBH (3 HR), 23 RBI, 12 SB, 19 K/17 BB (32 G)

2012 (Low-A): .296/.377/.427, 25 XBH (3 HR), 37 RBI, 24 SB, 57 K/30 BB (65 G)

Cecchini was having an excellent 2011 professional debut in the New York-Penn League until a broken wrist (via HBP) prematurely ended his season. However, he’s proving to be fully recovered and having an impressive season at Low-A. The power isn’t there yet, but he’s hitting plenty of doubles and stealing far more bases than expected.

Delino DeShields, 2B, Houston Astros

2011 (Low-A): .220/.305/.322, 28 XBH (9 HR), 48 RBI, 30 SB, 118 K/52 BB (119 G)

2012 (Low-A): .270/.375/.386, 20 XBH (5 HR), 34 RBI, 51 SB, 66 K/45 BB (72 G)

In his first full professional season at Low-A in 2011, DeShields' lack of plate discipline was exploited, though he did flash some power potential while stealing 30 bases. Repeating the level in 2012, he’s made significant improvements at the plate, largely due to a more selective approach. He’s been getting on base more consistently, which has resulted in a spike in stolen bases.

Tyler Matzek, LHP, Colorado Rockies

2011 (Low, High-A): 5-7, 97 IP, 6.22 ERA, .225 BAA, 111 K/96 BB (22 GS)

2012 (High-A): 5-3, 81.2 IP, 3.31 ERA, .193 BAA, 90 K/55 BB (15 GS)

After a dismal 2011 season in which he walked 96 batters in 97 innings and even took a brief hiatus to clear his mind, Matzek’s rebound season has been one of the best stories across the minors. He’s battled control issues at times, but has nonetheless been impressive.

Adys Portillo, RHP, San Diego Padres

2011 (Low-A): 3-11, 82.1 IP, 7.11 ERA, .278 BAA, 97 K/55 BB (23 G; 20 GS)

2012 (Low-A): 5-4, 71.2 IP, 1.76 ERA, .170 BAA, 66 K/29 BB (14 GS))

Always known for having a blazing fastball, Portillo was clearly overthrowing in 2011, which resulted in poor command and made him too hittable. This season, however, he’s become more of a pitcher than a thrower, not concerning himself with whether he blows it by every opposing hitter.

Mike Foltynewicz, RHP, Houston Astros

2011 (Low-A): 5-11, 134 IP, 4.97 ERA, .289 BAA, 88 K/51 BB (26 GS)

2012 (Low-A): 9-1, 90.2 IP, 2.18 ERA, .237 BAA, 69 K/33 BB (15 GS)

Foltynewicz is the perfect example of a prep pitcher who was overmatched in his first full professional, but, when given the opportunity to repeat the league, makes the necessary adjustments and has immediate success. He’s still walking a few too many, but has been working consistently low in the zone all season, as evidenced by a 1.31 GB/FB rate.

Hayden Simpson, RHP, Chicago Cubs

2011 (Rookie, Low-A): 1-10, 79 IP, 6.27 ERA, .317 BAA, 57 K/38 BB (27 G; 25 GS)

2012 (High-A, Short Season): 3-3, 48 IP, 6.00 ERA, .289 BAA, 28 K/34 BB (17 G; 4 GS)

After an absolutely horrible 2011 professional debut, the Cubs thought it made sense to send the struggling right-hander to High-A—a plan that obviously backfired. After a succession of unbearable outings, the organization demoted him to Short Season, where he has seemingly found a groove. Pitching for Boise, Simpson has posted a 1.93 ERA, .121 BAA with 12 K/5 BB over 9.1 innings.

Alen Hansen, 2B, Pittsburgh Pirates

2011 (Rookie, Short Season): .260/.349/.418, 22 XBH, 35 RBI, 24 SB, 36 K/22 BB (55 G)

2012 (Low-A): .324/.389/.578, 42 XBH (11 HR), 39 RBI, 19 SB, 66 K/31 BB (71 G)

After a strong performance in the Dominican Summer League in 2010, Hanson struggled at times in 2011 while primarily playing in the Gulf Coast League. He’s been one of the more impressive all-around players in the Sally this season, as his OPS is yet to drop below .900.

Wilmer Flores, SS/3B, New York Mets

2011 (High-A): .269/.309/.380, 37 XBH (9 HR), 81 RBI, 68 K/27 BB (133 G)

2012 (High, Double-A): .293/.339/.462, 25 XBH (10 HR), 34 K/20 BB (70 G)

After back-to-back disappointing seasons at High-A in 2010 and 2011, Flores seems to have finally put things together this season, batting .289/336/.463 prior to a promotion to Double-A. The key has clearly been improvement in his plate discipline, which has, in turn, boosted his overall production.

Jarred Cosart, RHP, Houston Astros

2011 (High, Double-A): 10-10, 144.1 IP, 4.12 ERA, .241 BAA, 101 K/56 BB (26 GS)

2012 (Double, Triple-A): 4-5, 75 IP, 3.84 ERA, .276 BAA, 59 K/33 BB (13 GS)

Last season, Cosart’s walk and strikeout rates began to move in divergent directions, which can be attributed to his heavy workload and midseason trade from Philadelphia to Houston. While he hasn’t completely figured things out in 2012, the results are more encouraging, especially when considering that it’s his first full season at Double-A.