10 MLB Prospects Making a Case for a Top 50 Ranking

As the calendar has now turned from June to July, and with the 2012 Futures Game a little over a week away, I have begun preparing my midseason Top 50 prospects update, slated to be released following the All-Star break.

With preseason top prospects Matt Moore, Bryce Harper and Mike Trout now graduated due to their roles as big-league regulars, the rankings will have a much different look—not only at the top but also throughout the entire Top 50.

Some prospects will be excluded from the update due to poor showings this season at their respective level, and in their place there will be a host of new players cracking the rankings due to their strong performances and substantial upside.

Here is a look at 10 can’t-miss prospects that are on the verge of entering my midseason Top 50 prospects update.

Jose Fernandez, RHP, Miami Marlins

Position: 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)

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

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.

Recently promoted to High-A Jupiter, the right-hander was roughed up a bit over five innings his first start, but given his pure stuff and command, Fernandez should be fine.

Cody Buckel, RHP, Texas Rangers

Position: RHP                       

Height/Weight: 6'0"/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)

Double-A: 0-2, 10.1 IP, 6.10 ERA, .286 BAA, 8 K/5 BB (2 GS)

Despite standing only six feet tall, Buckel draws strong comparisons to 2011 first-rounder Trevor Bauer, who happens to be his best friend. Like Bauer, Buckel 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 does a great job of using it to change the eye level of opposing hitters. Beyond his heater, he 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 recently turned 20 on June 18.

The right-hander was pacing the Carolina League in ERA, WHIP and strikeouts prior to a promotion to Double-A. In both of his first two starts for Frisco, Buckel was saddled with a loss while giving up a combined 12 hits and uncharacteristic five walks.

Matt Barnes, RHP, Boston Red Sox

Position: RHP 

Height/Weight: 6’4”/200

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, 50.2 IP, 2.66 ERA, .235 BAA, 56 K/11 BB (10 GS)

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. However, the right-hander has struggled in his last two starts, giving up eight earned runs on 10 hits while both fanning and walking three batters.

Still, he’s having an amazing season and continues to advance his estimated time of arrival with each start.

Mike Olt, 3B, Texas Rangers

Position: 3B

Height/Weight: 6’2”/210

DOB: 8/27/1988

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round-supp (University of Connecticut)

2012 Stats

Double-A: .300/.408/.593, 36 XBH (21 HR), 60 RBI, 78 K/47 BB (72 G) 

Olt immediately flashed his potential in 2011 but had his first full professional season cut short after breaking his collarbone in an ugly collision at the plate.

A physically strong right-handed hitter, he has plus power and may hit for a higher average than many expected after displaying an ability to make adjustments—most notably in his recognition of off-speed pitches.

Olt has plus bat speed and a mighty swing, so high strikeout totals may always be an aspect of his game.

At the hot corner, Olt’s experience as a shortstop at Connecticut is obvious, as he has smooth action and giving hands, and his plus arm is more than enough to handle the position at the big-league level. Although he has above-average range and an instinctual first step, he’s a below-average runner overall.

2012 Season Update

This past week, Olt logged his first career game in right field, a move that makes sense, considering that Adrian Beltre is signed through the 2015 season and such versatility could increase his value at the trade deadline—especially given that the Rangers are rumored to be in the market for a frontline starting pitcher.

Alex Meyer, RHP, Washington Nationals

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’9”/220

DOB: 1/3/1990

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (University of Kentucky)

2012 Stats

Low-A: 6-4, 82 IP, 3.40 ERA, .215 BAA, 95 K/32 BB (16 GS)

At 6’9”, Meyer features a fastball that sits in the mid to upper 90s and occasionally flirts with triple digits. His two-seam fastball, which registers in the low 90s with considerable arm-side run, will need to become more prevalent in his arsenal.

When it’s on, Meyer’s power slider serves as a legitimate out pitch and generates plenty of swing-and-misses. Rounding out his arsenal is a steadily improving changeup, though it still needs extensive development to be a usable pitch at the big-league level.

Given his towering frame, Meyer can lose his feel for his mechanics, as his arms and legs get out of sync with his torso, causing balance issues throughout his delivery, as well as an inconsistent arm slot.

Considering he was a college pitcher, Meyer should be ready for full-season in 2012. If things don’t go smoothly, his big-time size and arm profile well as a closer.  

2012 Season Update

Considering that he’s a lanky 6'9", 220 pounds, Meyer does a surprisingly good job repeating his mechanics. The right-hander’s been especially dominant over his last 10 starts, posting a 4-1 record and 2.96 ERA with 62 strikeouts and 20 walks in 54.2 innings.

Even more impressive is the fact he’s thrown at least five innings in each start while allowing four or fewer earned runs, as well as fanning at least five hitters in all but one of those starts.

Jarred Cosart, RHP, Houston Astros

Position: RHP                       

Height/Weight: 6'3"/180

DOB: 5/25/1990

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2008, 38th round (HS: League City, Texas)

2012 Stats

Double-A: 4-4, 69 IP, 3.65 ERA, .266 BAA, 54 K/31 BB (12 GS)

Triple-A: 0-1, 6 IP, 6.00 ERA, .370 BAA, 5 K/2 BB (1 GS)

Cosart was dealt to the Houston Astros at the 2011 trade deadline for Hunter Pence and immediately became the top pitching prospect in the organization.

His fast arm generates 94-97 mph fastballs that can flash up to 98 or 99. Cosart's secondary offerings both grade out to at least a 50 in terms of stuff, but he lacks the command to use them in high volume. At this point, his changeup is a better out pitch than his breaker, though it does have good shape and pace.

Cosart has a wiry frame with room to add some bulk. His mechanics range from clean to jerky, but he is athletic and still has time to refine them.

As far as his statistics go, 2011 was an up-and-down season for Cosart. He dominated through the middle of June, got shelled for a month and a half and was traded and ultimately rushed into an unsuccessful stint at Double-A.

He'll start the 2012 season back in Double-A, where the Astros hope he will begin to reverse his converging K/9 and BB/9 rates.

2012 Season Update

Although he made a spot start at Triple-A, Cosart has spent the majority of the season at Double-A. While his numbers aren’t overly impressive, the right-hander has demonstrated improved command compared to his 2011 season and has a 1.84 GB/FB ratio this year.

He’s fresh off his best two starts of the season, combining for zero earned runs, nine hits and 9 K/3 BB in 13 innings.

Kyle Crick, RHP, San Francisco Giants

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’4”/220

DOB: 11/30/1992

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round-supp (HS: Sherman, Texas)

2012 Stats

Low-A: 3-5, 60 IP, 2.70 ERA, .188 BAA, 74 K/38 BB (13 GS)

An athletic right-hander with a projectable frame, Crick is still relatively new to pitching despite what his stats suggest. His fastball consistently sits in the low 90s and scrapes as high as 96-97 mph. For a pitcher who is still rather raw, Crick does an excellent job of using his lower half to generate velocity and maintain his endurance late into games.

Of his numerous secondary pitches, Crick’s best offering is his slider that features late, hard break. He also throws a curveball with impressive tilt and pace, though he’s still learning how to command the pitch.

Rounding out his arsenal are a changeup and forkball, though both pitches need considerable development and will be vital for his success at higher minor league levels.

2012 Season Update

Although he continues to walk too many hitters, it can be attributed to his lack of experience as a full-time pitcher (he was a multi-sport standout in high school) and is something that should improve over time.

Regardless, there’s no denying that Crick is one of the finest young power pitchers in the minor leagues, and as both his command and arsenal improve, he should shoot up the rankings.

Austin Hedges, C, San Diego Padres

Position: C

Height/Weight: 6’1”/190

DOB: 8/18/1992

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, second round (HS: San Diego, Calif.)

2012 Stats

Low-A: .265/.330/.443, 21 XBH (6 HR), 30 RBI, 7 SB, 39 K/16 BB (54 G)

The best defensive catcher in the minor leagues, Hedges’ defensive prowess alone has the potential to make him an elite big-league catcher. With sub-1.8-second pop times and a 70-grade arm, he is a double-plus defender who continually draws rave reviews from his coaches and teammates for putting down the right fingers.

If Hedges can even hit a little, he will undoubtedly be an everyday regular behind the plate. He has above-average raw power, especially to the pull side, and it appears as though he may develop at least an average hit tool. As expected, Hedges isn’t much of a runner, although he’s athletic and agile behind the plate.

2012 Season Update

Hedges’ defense has been spectacular this season, as he's posted a 9.44 RF/G (according to Baseball Reference) and thrown out 24 of 77 base stealers (31 percent).

His offense has been a surprise as well, as 21 of his 49 hits have gone for extra bases, and due to his high baseball IQ, Hedges has even tallied seven stolen bases.

George Springer, OF, Houston Astros

Position: OF                       

Height/Weight: 6'3"/205

DOB: 9/19/1989            

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (Connecticut)

2012 Stats

High-A: .305/.385/.550, 34 XBH (16 HR), 55 RBI, 17 SB, 88 K/37 BB (73 G)

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 striking out and often gets himself out chasing subpar off-speed pitches. 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.

2012 Season Update

Springer is a legitimate five-tool talent, all of which have been on display this season at High-A Lancaster. He’s a regular extra-base threat and has already jumped the yard 16 times this season. Furthermore, he’s swiped 17 bags in 20 chances.

Despite hitting .305, the only thing holding him back is his plate discipline, which swings between overly aggressive and passive. Once he finds some middle ground, there will be nothing holding him back from rocketing through the Astros’ system.

A few home runs and stolen bases away from a 20/20 season, it’s conceivable that Springer will go 30/30 in his first professional season.

Matt Szczur, OF, Chicago Cubs

Position: OF                       

Height/Weight: 6'1"/195

DOB: 7/20/1989            

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, fifth round (Villanova)

2012 Stats

High-A: .290/.388/.412, 20 XBH (15 2B), 26 SB, 38 K/33 BB (58 G)

The Cubs gave Szczur well over slot money in 2010 to pass on an NFL career after starring for Villanova as a wide receiver. At the plate, the right-handed hitter has a quick, compact swing and strong wrists that allow him to hit for average, and as he develops, that should result in average power.

Despite his struggles to consistently square up the ball, Szczur has continued to demonstrate impressive pitch recognition skills given his lack of experience, a trait that should help him immensely at higher levels.

Szczur’s best tool is clearly his double-plus speed, which allows him to tally infield hits and steal bases with ease. His speed also lends to his ability as a center fielder, where he exhibits plus range in all directions and consistently gets good reads. Possessing only solid-average arm strength, Szczur should have no problem sticking in center field.

2012 Season Update

After a slow start to the 2012 season at High-A that saw him bat .242/.351/.337 in April and .293/.368/.413 in May, the speedy outfielder was one of the more productive minor-league hitters in June, batting .419/.538/.613 over nine games in June.

Over his last 10 games, the right-handed hitter is batting .412/.535/.618 with 14 hits, nine walks and seven stolen bases.