10 Rookie-Level MLB Prospects with Superstar Upside Potential

With so many 2012 draft picks signing shortly after their selection, we are seeing an unprecedented amount of first-rounders receive significant playing time this season, primarily at their organization’s Rookie-level affiliate. At the same time, there are a host of highly-touted 2011 draft picks—primarily pitchers—getting their first taste of professional baseball at the Rookie-level, as well.

Needless to say, there are countless future stars just beginning their promising big-league careers, and the early results for some players has been exciting.

Here is a look at 10 Rookie-level prospects with superstar upside potential.

Joey Gallo, 3B/1B, Texas Rangers

Position: 3B/RHP

Height/Weight: 6’5”/220

Bats/Throws: L/R

DOB: 11/19/1993

Drafted/Signed: 2012, first round-supp (HS—Bishop Gorman, Nev.)

2012 Stats

Rookie: .346/.585/.962, 7 XBH (4 HR), 9 K/15 BB (9 G)

Joey Gallo put himself on every scout’s radar at the Perfect Game All-American Classic last August, when he blasted a monster 442-foot home run at PETCO Park. Furthermore, his 60-plus career home runs and counting at Bishop Gorman is a Nevada state record.

Without a doubt, the left-handed hitter possesses the most power of anyone in the 2012 draft class. However, like most young power hitters, Gallo’s swing can get long at times and he lands hard on the front side, causing him to struggle with quality off-speed offerings. Defensively, Gallo has showcased a low- to mid-90s arm across the infield, and he moves surprisingly well for his size.

He’s also received consideration as a right-handed pitcher, as his mid-90s fastball is one of the best in the class and his slider has improved with experience. Recently, his fastball was clocked as high as 98 mph.

Considering that scouts are already concerned with his strikeout rate, he will be forced to develop a more consistent approach at the plate while retaining his power. He may not progress as quickly as some other first-rounders, but Gallo should reach the major leagues by 2016.

2012 Season Update: Gallo has been absolutely raking to begin his professional career, collecting nine hits in his first nine games. Even more impressive is the fact that seven of those hits have gone for extra bases, including four home runs. While strikeouts remain a concern with the left-handed slugger, it’s encouraging to see that he’s already drawn 15 walks relative to nine strikeouts.

Addison Russell, SS, Oakland Athletics

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6’1”/210 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 1/23/1994

High School: Pace (Fla.)

College Commitment: Auburn

2012 Stats

Rookie: .333/.538/.611, 2 XBH, SB, 4 K/7 BB (6 G)

A thicker player whose body doesn’t call for much projection, Addison Russell has the foot speed and arm strength to stick on the left side of the infield. However, only time will tell whether it’s at third base or shortstop.

As a hitter, Russell has above-average bat speed and, in turn, projectable raw power. However, as one expects from a prep prospect, his swing mechanics and bat path vary from day to day, and he lacks the all-around consistency that would make him an early first-rounder. Furthermore, his plate discipline is pretty raw, although that’s a characteristic that will improve with experience.

2012 Season Update: In his first six games, Russell has hit the ground running, notching six hits in his first 16 at-bats while also leaving the yard once and coaxing seven walks. If he can remain at shortstop, which many scouts believe he now can after losing nearly 20 pounds, his upside at the plate will give him superstar upside.

Stryker Trahan, C, Arizona Diamondbacks

Position: C

Height/Weight: 6’1”/215

Bats/Throws: L/R

DOB: 4/25/1994

Drafted/Signed: 2012, first round (HS--Acadiana, La.)

2012 Stats

Rookie: .346/.486/.615, 3 XBH (2 HR), 6 K/8 BB (8 G)

A physically strong yet agile catcher, there’s not a lot of projection left with Trahan. However, he does possess three specific tools that make him one of the top catching prospects in the nation.

Trahan, a left-handed hitter, already has plus power thanks to exceptional bat speed and a lofty swing. His hit tool has also shown improvement this spring, as he’s let pitches travel deeper and has utilized the whole field. He also has plus speed—an attribute that may one day command a shift to the outfield—and is an aggressive base-runner.

Finally, he possesses a plus arm with a quick stroke and solid-average accuracy. His agility and quick feet cater to his 1.9-second pop times, although his blocking and receiving skills are rather raw.

2012 Season Update: While the early return on Strahan’s potential at the plate has been impressive, his defense will clearly need some considerable seasoning in the minor leagues. His blocking and receiving skills are proving to be raw, as he’s amassed numerous passed balls and has struggled with blocking.

Tanner Rahier, SS, Cincinnati Reds

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6’2”/205 lbs.

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 10/12/1993

Drafted/Signed: 2012, second round (HS--Palm Desert, Calif.)

2012 Stats

Rookie: .265/.409/.471, 3 XBH (2 HR), 8 RBI, 8 K/9 BB (9 G)

A plus runner, Rahier is highly athletic with excellent instincts that give him a chance to stick at shortstop despite his larger frame. His range isn’t spectacular, but it’s more than enough for the time being. He has a plus arm that’s been clocked in the low 90s, that, if he’s eventually moved from shortstop, should get him looks at several different positions.

But what makes Rahier a special prospect is his bat. He has extremely strong wrists and forearms that generate considerable bat speed and line drives that jump off his bat. He has the chance to develop a plus hit tool, while his power will likely be above-average with more doubles than home runs.

2012 Season Update: Rahier has hit safely in seven of his first nine games to begin his professional career, and although he’s fanned eight times, he still managed to walk nine times. Furthermore, he’s already shown a knack for driving in runs with eight already this season.

Carlos Correa, SS, Houston Astros

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6’3”/190 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 9/22/1994

Drafted/Signed: 2012, first round (Puerto Rico)

2012 Stats

Rookie: .150/.209/.434, 3 XBH, RBI, 2 SB, 11 K/3 BB (10 G)

The top position prospect in the 2012 draft class and subsequent No. 1 overall selection, the 17-year-old Correa possesses a highly projectable frame and an assortment of electrifying tools.

His plus arm may be his most noticeable tool, as he was clocked at 97 mph across the infield at the Perfect Game World Showcase. However, Correa isn’t all arm strength; he has smooth actions on the infield with above-average range and true instincts.

At the dish, Correa, a right-handed hitter, has raw power in all directions thanks to plus bat speed and excellent hand-eye coordination. However, he’ll need to improve his weight transfer upon entering professional baseball, as he retains too much weight on his backside after contact rather than employing a high-pivot finish to drive the baseball. But that’s something that can be easily ironed out with a big league hitting coach.

2012 Season Update: Correa has struggled in his first 10 games, looking overmatched in the majority of his 10 games. But, as it should be expected, he will have his fair share of struggles given his age and experience. Look for Correa to steadily improve and make adjustments as the season progresses.

David Dahl, OF, Colorado Rockies

Position: OF

Height/Weight: 6’2”/190 lbs

Bats/Throws: L/R

DOB: 4/1/1994

Drafted/Signed: 2012, first round (HS—Oak Mountain, Ala.)

2012 Stats

Rookie: .366/.447/.610, 7 XBH, 9 RBI, 2 SB, 2 K/5 BB (10 G)

One of the more athletic and toolsy player in the 2012 draft class, David Dahl is a prospect who’s incredibly skilled but still involves a considerable amount of projection.

A left-handed hitter, Dahl has a level, smooth swing and plate discipline that allows him to handle quality pitching and drive the ball across the whole field. He does project to have some power, though it’s never really reared its head, as Dahl appears more focused on roping base hits rather than jumping the yard.

He has the speed to stick in center, though it’s uncertain whether he has the instincts or on-field demeanor to handle the position at the next level. He has all the tools that project well at the next level, though his power remains suspect.

2012 Season Update: Dahl has been raking to begin his professional career, notching 15 hits including four doubles and three triples. He’s turning in quality at-bats and showing impressive on-base skills. After going 0-for-3 in his first game, Dahl has hit in nine-straight games.

Blake Snell, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays

Position: LHP                       

Height/Weight: 6'4", 180

DOB: 12/4/1992           

Bats/Throws: L/L

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round-supp (HS—Shorewood, Wash.)

2012 Stats

Rookie: 1-0, 12.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.55 WHIP, 2 H, 20 K/5 BB (3 GS)

At 6’4”, 180, Snell is a wiry left-hander who can run his heavy, sinking fastball up to 94-95 mph. However, he typically works in the 88-92 mph range, generating even more downward movement when throwing with less velocity.

Although he features both a curveball and changeup, neither pitch is especially advanced and will need considerable time to develop. In his few starts this season, his off-speed offerings have looked better, especially when used off his fastball.

2012 Season Update: Snell has been dominant in three Rookie-level starts in the Appalachian League, allowing only two hits in 12.2 innings while fanning 20 and walking five. He’s yet to allow a run and has induced 13 groundball outs compared to only two fly outs.

Robert Stephenson, RHP, Cincinnati Reds

Position: RHP                       

Height/Weight: 6'2", 185

DOB: 2/24/1993           

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (HS—Martinez, Calif.)

2012 Stats

Rookie Pioneer League: 14 IP, 2.57 ERA, .189 BAA, 19 K/2 BB (3 GS)

Overview: Stephenson has an explosive fastball that sits 91-95 mph and has scraped as high as 97. Unlike a lot of prep pitchers, the right-hander has the ability to maintain his velocity deep into games without sacrificing command.

Although his fastball is repeatedly explosive, both of his secondary pitches—a curveball and changeup—are raw pitches that will need considerable development as he progresses through the Reds system.

2012 Season Update: Stephenson made his professional debut for Billings on June 19 in a dominant five-inning performance against Missoula. Although he ultimately recorded a no-decision, the right-hander notched eight strikeouts while inducing six groundouts. Since then, he’s allowed two earned runs in back-to-back outings, but still compiled 11 strikeouts compared to one walk.

Daniel Norris, LHP, Toronto Blue Jays

Position: LHP                     

Height/Weight: 6'2", 180

DOB: 4/25/1993           

Bats/Throws: L/L

Drafted/Signed: 2011, second round (HS—Johnson City, Tenn.)

2012 Stats

Rookie: 1-1, 12 IP, 3.75 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 11 K/4 BB (3 G; 2 GS)

Overview: The top prep left-hander in the 2011 draft class, Norris is an outstanding athlete who also received looks as a two-way player as well as a quarterback.

With a four-pitch mix, he’s much more advanced than the average high school pitcher. His fastball has been consistently clocked in the low-90s while reaching as high as 96 mph.

The southpaw has also shown an impressive feel for his changeup, which features considerable fade and is consistently located down in the zone. Norris rounds out his arsenal with a curveball and slider, both of which have the makings of at least above-average offerings.

In addition to having a quick arm, his mechanics are smooth and repeatable and suggest that he could see a jump in velocity as he continues to develop. The Blue Jays won’t rush him, as they do all their young arms, so expect Norris to receive considerable seasoning in the minor leagues.

2012 Season Update: Norris made his first start of the 2012 season on June 19 for Bluefield of the Appalachian League, firing four innings of no-hit ball with five strikeouts. His last two outings haven’t been nearly as dominant, although he’s still registering favorable strikeout-to-walk and groundball rates.

Gavin Cecchini, SS, New York Mets

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6’0"/175 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 12/22/1993

Drafted/Signed: 2012, first round (HS--Barbe, La.)

2012 Stats

Rookie: .256/.304/.326, 2 XBH, 6 RBI, 9 K/3 BB (11 G)

A right-handed hitter, Cecchini has quick wrists and a compact swing that allow him to drive the ball from line-to-line. The ball jumps off his bat due to a direct and fluid bat path. He doesn’t have a ton of present power; however, he’s gotten considerably stronger over the last year-and-a-half, which has aided his overall power projection. Furthermore, Cecchini understands his swing as well as any hitter in the draft.

He’s not an exceptionally fast runner, but Cecchini’s above-average speed plays up both on defense and on the bases due to his natural instincts and high baseball IQ. He has true hands and quick, natural actions at shortstop, as well as a strong, accurate arm that will allow him to excel at the position.

2012 Season Update: A hitter who showed exceptional patience at the plate in high school, Cecchini has been somewhat of a free swinger thus far, recording nine strikeouts in 11 games. However, that’s a trend that will improve with more experience. Cecchini has hit safely in seven of his last 10 games.