MLB Prospects: Hottest Pitching Prospects at Every Minor League Level

After offering a detailed look at the top hitters across every minor league level yesterday morning, I thought that it would only be appropriate to do the same today with pitchers.

Now that both Short Season and Rookie levels have begun, we are beginning to see some of the notable 2011 and 2012 draft picks make their professional debuts. At the same time, those who turned in eye-opening performances over the first half of the season are already being rewarded and challenged with a promotion to a higher level.

Here is a look at many of the impressive pitchers dominating across every level.

Prospects Who Have Already Received a Promotion (Within Minors)

Danny Hultzen, LHP, Seattle Mariners

Double-A: 8-3, 75.1 IP, 1.19 ERA, .151 BAA, 79 K/32 BB (13 GS)

Triple-A: 0-1, 7 IP, 7.71 ERA, .276 BAA, 9 K/9 BB (2 GS)

After dominating at Double-A, Hultzen’s first two starts have been rough. The left-hander allowed five earned with five walks on June 23. Despite giving up only one earned run on Thursday night, he walked four more while notching six strikeouts.

Jake Odorizzi, RHP, Kansas City Royals

Double-A: 4-2, 38 IP, 3.32 ERA, .191 BAA, 47 K/10 BB (7 GS)

Triple-A: 5-0, 42.2 IP, 2.95 ERA, .273 BAA, 39 K/14 BB (8 G; 7 GS)

Last three starts at Triple-A Omaha: 14.1 IP, 19 H, 7 ER, 12 K/5 BB

Donn Roach, RHP, San Diego Padres

High-A (Angels): 5-0, 41.2 IP, 2.16 ERA, .228 BAA, 6.23 GB/FB, 29 K/3 BB (6 GS)

High-A (Padres): 5-1, 46.2 IP, 1.74 ERA, .233 BAA, 2.54 GB/FB, 44 K/11 BB (8 G; 7 GS)

Double-A: 3 IP, 2 H, 1 K/1 BB (1 G)

Ground-ball machine who also has excellent control.

Tony Cingrani, LHP, Cincinnati Reds

High-A: 5-1, 56.2 IP, 1.11 ERA, .189 BAA, 71 K/13 BB (10 GS)

Double-A: 2-1, 29.1 IP, 2.15 ERA, .210 BAA, 38 K/8 BB (5 GS)

Fresh off one of the best starts among all minor league pitchers: 8 IP, 3 H, 15 K/1 BB.

Adam Conley, LHP, Miami Marlins

Low-A: 7-3, 74.1 IP, 2.78 ERA, .213 BAA, 84 K/24 BB (14 GS)

High-A: 1-0, 5 IP, 2 H, ER, 4 K/3 BB (1 GS)

Solid first start following promotion to High-A.

Matt Barnes, RHP, Boston Red Sox

Low-A: 2-0, 26.2 IP, 0.34 ERA, .130 BAA, 42 K/4 BB (5 GS)

High-A: 5-1, 50.2 IP, 2.66 ERA, .235 BAA, 56 K/11 BB (10 GS)

Last two starts: 4.2 IP, 10 H, 8 ER, 3 K/3 BB. Still having a tremendous season.

Cody Buckel, RHP, Texas Rangers

High-A: 5-3, 75.2 IP, 1.31 ERA, .186 BAA, 91 K/25 BB (13 GS)

Double-A: 0-1, 4 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 K/3 BB (1 GS)

Touched up a bit in first start at Double-A, but he should rebound nicely in second start.

David Holmberg, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

High-A: 6-3, 78.1 IP, 2.99 ERA, .214 BAA, 86 K/14 BB (12 GS)

Double-A: 1-1, 24 IP, 5.25 ERA, .294 BAA, 20 K/4 BB (4 GS)

Could serve as trade bait for the Diamondbacks headed into the trade deadline.

Kyle Lotzkar, RHP, Cincinnati Reds

High-A: 3-0, 26.1 IP, 2.39 ERA, .224 BAA, 27 K/10 BB (5 GS)

Double-A: 4-3, 51.1 IP, 4.21 ERA, .239 BAA, 64 K/26 BB (10 GS; 9 G)

Still piling up the strikeouts, but last three starts: 13.2 IP, 18 H, 13 ER, 15 K/4 BB.

Dan Straily, RHP, Oakland Athletics

Double-A: 3-4, 85.1 IP, 3.38 ERA, .224 BAA, 108 K/23 BB (14 GS)

Triple-A: 1-1, 13 IP, 1.38 ERA, .182 BAA, 16 K/5 BB (2 GS)

One of the best strikeout artists in the minor leagues. Could make his big league debut by late July.

Nick Tepesch, RHP, Texas Rangers

High-A: 5-3, 71.2 IP, 2.89 ERA, .253 BAA, 59 K/18 BB (12 GS)

Double-A: 1-0, 15.2 IP, 2.30 ERA, .224 BAA, 12 K/3 BB (3 G; 2 GS)

Allowed only two earned runs over (at least) seven innings in his first two starts at Double-A Frisco.

Dylan Bundy, RHP, Baltimore Orioles

Low-A: 1-0, 30 IP, 0.00 ERA, .053 BAA, 40 K/2 BB (8 GS)

High-A: 4-2, 28.2 IP, 3.14 ERA, .235 BAA, 30 K/8 BB (6 GS)

Won last two starts in dominant fashion: 10 IP, 6 H, ER, 7 K/2 BB.

Hiram Burgos, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers

High-A: 2-1, 41.1 IP, 0.87 ERA, .150 BAA, 41 K/6 BB (7 G; 6 GS)

Double-A: 2-1, 48.1 IP, 2.42 ERA, .236 BAA, 49 K/19 BB (8 GS)

Over his last five starts for Double-A Huntsville: 31 IP, 21 H, 3 ER, 28 K/13 BB.

Tyler Cloyd, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies

Double-A: 3-0, 25 IP, 1.80 ERA, .239 BAA, 20 K/3 BB (4 GS)

Triple-A: 8-1, 76.2 IP, 2.11 ERA, .213 BAA, 53 K/17 BB (12 GS)

Back-to-back impressive outings: 12 IP, 11 H, ER, 7 K/4 BB.

Donnie Joseph, LHP, Cincinnati Reds

Double-A: 4-2, 13 SV, 30.1 IP, 0.89 ERA, .129 BAA, 46 K/8 BB (26 G)

Triple-A: 2-0, 3 SV, 8.1 IP, 0.00 ERA, .115 BAA, 10 K/4 BB (6 G)

Once Aroldis Chapman rejoins the rotation, Joseph should be their future closer—without question.

Zach Lee, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers

High-A: 2-3, 55.1 IP, 4.55 ERA, .270 BAA, 52 K/10 BB (12 GS)

Double-A: 6 IP, 5 H, ER, 7 K/3 BB (1 GS)

Following aggressive promotion to Double-A for the 20-year-old, he enjoyed one of his best starts of the season.

Carlos Martinez, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals

High-A: 2-2, 33 IP, 3.00 ERA, .236 BAA, 34 K/10 BB (7 GS)

Double-A: 1-1, 11 IP, 2.45 ERA, .286 BAA, 8 K/1 BB (3 GS)

Promoted to Double-A after coming off the disabled list; demonstrated excellent command over first three starts.

Chris Reed, LHP, Los Angeles Dodgers

High-A: 1-4, 35 IP, 3.09 ERA, .203 BAA, 38 K/14 BB (7 G; 6 GS)

Double-A: 12 IP, 1.50 ERA, .150 BAA, 9 K/5 BB (4 GS)

Dodgers will gradually lengthen him out; first four three-inning starts at Double-A have been impressive. Pitching for World Team in Futures Game.

Jose Fernandez, RHP, Miami Marlins

Low-A: 7-0, 79 IP, 1.59 ERA, .189 BAA, 99 K/18 BB (14 GS)

High-A: 1-0, 5 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 4 K/1 BB (1 GS)

Absolutely dominated at Low-A but struggled to get through five innings in his first start at High-A.

Mike Tonkin, RHP, Minnesota Twins

Low-A: 3-0, 6 SV, 39 IP, 1.38 ERA, .206 BAA, 53 K/9 BB (22 G)

High-A: 0-1, 4.1 IP, 2.08 ERA, .133 BAA, 7 K/2 BB (3 G)

6’7” right-hander with late-inning stuff.

Seon Gi Kim, RHP, Seattle Mariners

Short Season: 2-0, 12 IP, 0.75 ERA, .100 BAA, 16 K/2 BB (2 GS)

Low-A: 1-0, 5 IP, 1.80 ERA, .235 BAA, 6 K/4 BB (1 GS)

Received promotion to Low-A after two excellent starts for Short Season Everett.

Kyle Smith, RHP, Kansas City Royals

Rookie: 1-0, 5 IP, 3 H, ER, 11 K/1 BB (1 GS)

Low-A: 6 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 6 K/1 BB (1 GS)

Back-to-back dominant starts at different levels to begin professional career.

Triple-A

Matt Harvey, RHP, New York Mets

6-3, 85.1 IP, 3.69 ERA, .245 BAA, 87 K/39 BB (16 GS)

The organization has stated that he won’t be up until 2013, but I still wouldn’t rule out a September call-up.

Shelby Miller, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals

4-6, 71 IP, 5.70 ERA, .292 BAA, 81 K/34 BB (15 GS)

After a 10-day layoff, Miller turned in his best start of the season on Wednesday night: 5 IP, H, ER, 8 K/3 BB.

Continue to let him be mediocre at Triple-A, or call him up once he strings together a few more quality starts?

Double-A

Zack Wheeler, RHP, New York Mets

7-3, 78.2 IP, 2.29 ERA, .188 BAA, 77 K/32 BB (13 GS)

Wheeler has emerged as one of the game’s top pitching prospects. He possesses No. 1 starter stuff.

Tyler Skaggs, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

5-4, 69.2 IP, 2.84 ERA, .241 BAA, 71 K/21 BB (13 GS)

How long until he joins Trevor Bauer in the Diamondbacks’ depleted rotation?

Daniel Corcino, RHP, Cincinnati Reds

3-4, 74 IP, 3.41 ERA, .226 BAA, 71 K/37 BAA

Last three starts: 17 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 16 K/10 BB; June 16: 8 IP, 0 H, 9 K/3 BB

Robbie Erlin, LHP, San Diego Padres

2-1, 33.2 IP, 2.67 ERA, .273 BAA, 45 K/10 BB (7 GS)

Yet to allow more than three earned runs in a start, the left-hander has also fanned at least six in five of seven starts.

Danny Rosenbaum, LHP, Washington Nationals

7-4, 2 CG, 98 IP, 2.76 ERA, .251 BAA, 62 K/19 BB (15 GS)

After a ridiculously hot start to the season, the left-hander has struggled over his last seven starts: 40.1 IP, 55 H, 26 ER, 25 K/ 13 BB.

Coty Woods, RHP, Colorado Rockies

3-1, 14 SV, 32.1 IP, 0.56 ERA, .202 BAA, 30 K/ 7 BB (34 G)

Last 10 games: 9 IP, 6 SV, 4 H, 9 K/1 BB. Could pitch his way to the big leagues later this season.

Carter Capps, RHP, Seattle Mariners

2-2, 12 SV, 37 IP, 1.22 ERA, .197 BAA, 57 K/10 BB (27 G)

Last 10 appearances: 13.86 K/9 and 2.43 BB/9; 8 SV, 25 K/6 BB and 0 ER.

High-A

Jesse Biddle, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies

4-3, 71.1 IP, 3.15 ERA, .247 BAA, 78 K/26 BB (14 GS)

Left-hander is 4-1 with a 2.33 ERA and 58 K/17 BB over last 10 starts spanning 54 innings.

Yordano Ventura, RHP, Kansas City Royals

3-5, 68 IP, 3.04 ERA, .220 BAA, 85 K/26 BB (14 GS)

Undersized 21-year-old with electric arm has fanned at least six batters in seven of last 10 starts.

Tyler Matzek, LHP, Colorado Rockies

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

Still possesses swing-and-miss stuff. One of the best rebound seasons and overall stories so far.

J.R. Graham, RHP, Atlanta Braves

8-1, 86.2 IP, 2.60 ERA, .232 BAA, 58 K/15 BB (14 GS)

Pure control artists; last three starts: 2-0, 17 IP, 13 H, 4 ER, 14 K/0 BB.

Mark Montgomery, RHP, New York Yankees

4-1, 11 SV, 35 IP, 1.54 ERA, .172 BAA, 53 K/12 BB (26 G)

Of all the lights-out closers in the minor leagues, this kid may have the brightest future.

Rob Wort, RHP, Washington Nationals

1-3, 5 SV, 34.1 IP, 1.83 ERA, .210 BAA, 59 K/11 BB (23 G)

Finally harnessing his stuff: 15.47 K/9 and 2.88 BB/9.

Sean Nolin, LHP, Toronto Blue Jays

7-0, 72.2 IP, 2.35 ERA, .232 BAA, 73 K/17 BB (13 GS)

Pop-up prospect (6’5”, 235) continues to put his name on the map.

Low-A

Archie Bradley, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

7-4, 73.2 IP, 3.79 ERA, .159 BAA, 65 K/50 BB (15 GS

No one’s hitting him, but he continues to get himself into trouble with walks: 19 over his last 19.1 innings.

Justin Nicolino, LHP, Toronto Blue Jays

3-0, 57 IP, 1.42 ERA, .226 BAA, 55 K/11 BB (15 G; 9 GS)

Last 10 games: 3-0, 42 IP, 1.93 ERA, 38 K/9 BB.

Aaron Sanchez, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays

6-0, 52 IP, 0.69 ERA, .155 BAA, 56 K/29 BB (15 G; 8 GS)

It’s been nearly impossible to score runs off the 2010 first-rounder: 5.02 BB/9.

Alex Meyer, RHP, Washington Nationals

6-4, CG/SHO, 77 IP, 3.51 ERA, .211 BAA, 88 K/30 BB (15 GS)

6’9” right-hander is a strikeout machine and will pitch in Futures Game for U.S.

Kyle Crick, RHP, San Francisco Giants

3-4, 58 IP, 2.79 ERA, .190 BAA, 73 K/34 BB (12 GS)

June (three starts): 18 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 22 K/8 BB.

Mike Foltynewicz, RHP, Houston Astros

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

Having a bounce-back season repeating Low-A.

Nick Tropeano, RHP, Houston Astros

6-4, 87.1 IP, 2.78 ERA, .238 BAA, 97 K/26 BB (15 G; 14 GS)

Last two starts: 13 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 13 K/8 BB.

Henry Owens, LHP, Boston Red Sox

8-2, 58.2 IP, 5.52 ERA, .255 BAA, 85 K/28 BB (13 G; 12 GS)

Even in his worst starts, Owens is still racking up the strikeouts: 13.04 K/9.

Adys Portillo, RHP, San Diego Padres

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

Huge turnaround for the right-hander after three consecutive dismal minor league seasons.

Noah Syndergaard, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays

4-2, 1 SV, 53.2 IP, 3.35 ERA, .243 BAA, 70 K/17 BB (16 G; 9 GS)

Last three outings: 14 IP, 9 H, ER, 19 K/4 BB.

Class-A Short Season

Taylor Guerrieri, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays

0-1, 10 IP, 0.90 ERA, .200 BAA, 12 K/1 BB (2 GS)

2011 first-rounder making a strong professional debut.

Luis Heredia, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates

0-1, 9 IP, 1.00 ERA, .265 BAA, 7 K/2 BB (2 GS)

The 17-year-old right-hander has an electric arm, and the early results have been impressive.

Rookie

Daniel Norris, LHP, Toronto Blue Jays

1-1, 8 IP, 4.50 ERA, .148 BAA, 9 K/2 BB (2 G; 1 GS)

The next young gun in an ongoing series of promising Blue Jays pitching prospects.

Blake Snell, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays

1-0, 8.2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 13 K/3 BB (2 GS)

2011 first-rounder was lights-out in first two professional starts.

Robert Stephenson, RHP, Cincinnati Reds

9 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 12 K/2 BB (2 GS)

Asserting himself as arguably the top Reds pitching prospect.

Ross Stripling, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers

1-0, 3 IP, 4 H, ER, 6 K/1 BB (2 G)

Stripling has come out of the bullpen in his first two professional outings.

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