MLB Prospects: Every MLB Team's Top Shortstop Prospect

As I begin to deconstruct and reevaluate my Top 50 prospect rankings for a release following the All-Star break, I will continue to write scouting reports for every organization’s top prospects and also rank them by position, tools, roster status and estimated time of arrival.

This week, I offer a look at every team’s top shortstop prospect. Although some of these players are on the brink of a big league call-up, most are attempting to make a name for themselves in the low minors as they work towards transforming raw athleticism into overall baseball skills.

Cito Culver, New York Yankees

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6', 185

DOB: 8/26/1992 

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (HS—Rochester, N.Y.)

2012 Stats

Low-A: .206/.322/.279, 11 XBH, 14 SB, 65 K/44 BB (68 G)

A solid defender, Culver is a glove-first middle infielder with a plus arm, as well as above-average range and smooth, instinctual actions. He made too many errors in 2011, however, scouts believe that he will improve with more repetitions and experience.

The concern with Culver is whether his hit tool will develop well enough to reach the major leagues, as it’s already apparent that he’ll never hit for more than below-average power. A switch-hitter, he’s a better hitter from his natural right side, while his left-handed swing is still highly raw and inconsistent.

In a season where he needed to show improvements offensively, Culver has struggled at the dish. Still, he’s retained his above-average plate discipline, so once his swing is ironed out, there’s a chance that his hit tool may come around.

Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6'3", 175

DOB: 10/1/1992 

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, Aruba

2012 Stats

High-A: .288/.366/.488, 30 XBH (12 HR), 47 RBI, 68 K/30 BB (77 G)

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’s faced more advanced pitching this season, however, he’s been 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. However, he possesses so much offensive upside that the Red Sox will likely keep him at his current position for as long as possible.

After a strong first half of the season, Bogaerts was named the starting shortstop on the Carolina League (High-A) All-Star team and was also selected to the Futures Game in Kansas City.

Hak-Ju Lee, Tampa Bay Rays

Position: SS                        

Height/Weight: 6'2", 170

DOB: 11/4/1990            

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2008, South Korea

2012 Stats

Double-A: .265/.328/.349, 18 XBH, 27 SB, 68 K/30 BB (78 G)

Lee is an exceptional fielder—one of the best defensive shortstops in the minors. He has phenomenal range and a plus arm with outstanding instincts and feel for the position. His bat is behind, and he will never provide the thump to be the consistent All-Star that some other shortstop prospects likely will.

Across two stops in 2011, Lee posted a .292/.365/.416 slash line with 33 swipes and 37 extra-base hits. A left-handed hitter, he runs well and should consistently collect more doubles and triples than home runs.

After a disappointing start to the season—including a .220/.287/.263 slash line in May—Lee finally began to turn things around in June, batting .330/.387/.450 with seven extra-base hits and eight stolen bases. He’ll need a strong second half of the season to retain his status as one of the top shortstop prospects in baseball.

Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6'3", 185

DOB: 7/6/1992

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (HS: Brito, Fla.)

2012 Stats

Double-A: .260/.343/.404, 30 XBH (6 HR), 41 RBI, 9 SB, 54 K/34 BB (79 G)

Machado was impressive in his first full professional season despite suffering a dislocated kneecap and subsequently missing a month. His 6'3", 185-pound frame is extremely projectable, and this season he’s drawn rave reviews from scouts despite posting not overly impressive numbers.

He has the actions to remain at shortstop for the time being, but his physical development will ultimately dictate his position. He has a plus arm from the left side as well as average range, so expect Machado to be projected at multiple positions over the course of his minor league career.

His plus bat speed suggests potential for plus power, and he has already shown an impressive feel for the strike zone at a young age.

After struggling to hit for any sort of power over the first two months of the season, Machado found his stride in June, tallying 11 extra-base hits, including four home runs and seven doubles.

Adeiny Hechavarria, Toronto Blue Jays

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 5'11", 180

DOB: 4/15/1989

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, Cuba

2012 Stats

Triple-A: .310/.357/.429, 27 XBH (19 2B), 54 RBI, 7 SB, 65 K/26 BB

After defecting from Cuba in 2009, the Blue Jays inked Hechavarria to a four-year, $10 million contract. After spending most of the 2011 season at Double-A New Hampshire where he batted .235/.275/.347 in 111 games, the Blue Jays aggressively promoted the right-handed hitter to Triple-A Las Vegas. The hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League helped spark the shortstop’s bat, as he batted .389/.431/.537 in 25 games.

While his plus arm, above-average defense and above-average-to-plus speed make him an intriguing prospect, his plate discipline is an area of concern and makes him prone to strike out. He struggles to recognize quality offspeed pitches, and has shown little improvement in regards to chasing them out of the zone.

In the midst of his first full season at Triple-A, Hechavarria is once again producing PCL-inflated numbers, although his 65 K/26 BB is an accurate representation of how much work needs to be done.

Tyler Saladino, Chicago White Sox

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6', 190

DOB: 7/20/1989

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, seventh round (Oral Roberts)

2012 Stats

Double-A: .239/.371/.330, 16 XBH, 29 RBI, 27 SB, 57 K/50 BB (72 G)

Saladino enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2011, as he smashed 51 extra-base hits—including 26 doubles and 16 home runs—and posted an .854 OPS. He’s the type of hitter who doesn’t really hit home runs; rather, Saladino hits doubles that just happen to clear the fence. He uses the whole field and consistently barrels up the ball thanks a fluid, line-drive swing. He demonstrates a knowledge of the strike zone and isn’t afraid to draw a walk—both traits that make his power projectable.

An average runner, his speed translates into slightly above-average range in the field, and he has enough arm strength to handle either shortstop or third base. Either way, there are players at upper levels blocking his direct ascent to the major leagues.

Saladino isn’t showing as much pop as he did in 2011, however, he’s demonstrating impressive on-base skills as well as a knack of stealing bases.

Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians

Position: 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: .270/.359/.383, 20 XBH (13 2B), 23 RBI, 17 SB, 45 K/30 BB (66 G)

The best defensive shortstop out of the 2011 draft, Lindor has drawn rave reviews for his athleticism and fluidity at shortstop. The combination of his excellent range and plus arm has the Indians convinced that Lindor will be able to stick at the position 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.

Although his bat and power have tailed off over the last two months, he’s consistently displayed advanced plate discipline for his age while playing eye-opening defense.

Christian Colon, Kansas City Royals

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6'1", 180

DOB: 5/14/1989

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (Cal State-Fullerton)

2012 Stats

Double-A: .290/.369/.407, 14 XBH, 24 RBI, 11 SB, 22 K/27 BB (60 G)

Due to his feel for the strike zone and ability to manipulate counts, Colon may hit for a decent average. Despite possessing above-average bat speed, the right-handed hitter really doesn’t have that much power—at times, some to the pull side.

At shortstop, Colon struggles at times due to his average speed, and, in turn, fringy range. His arm is only an average tool and may be better suited for second base.

Although his hit tool and plate discipline has improved this season, he still lacks power—though he’s become better at shooting the gaps. Furthermore, for a player—especially a middle infielder—who demonstrates on-base skills like Colon, his stock would receive a boost if he proved to be a more adept base stealer.

Eugenio Suarez, Detroit Tigers

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6', 180

DOB: 7/18/1991

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2008, Venezuela

2012 Stats

Low-A: .316/.411/.462, 33 XBH (27 2B), 13 SB, 65 K/40 BB (76 G)

A raw player in nearly every facet of the game, Suarez has a quick bat and direct path that projects for an average hit tool. However, only time will dictate the amount of power he ultimately develops, as he’s still a young hitter trying to refine his approach.

Despite committing far too many errors last season, Suarez has above-average range and a strong arm that should keep him at the position. As he gains more experience, his instincts and overall baseball IQ should improve and therefore reduce his error totals.

He’s having an impressive season at the plate this season at Low-A, and flashing consistent gap power. He’s also made noticeable improvements in his plate discipline and has appeared more comfortable hitting behind in the count.

Levi Michael, Minnesota Twins

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 5'10", 180

DOB: 2/9/1991

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (North Carolina)

2012 Stats

High-A: .230/.318/.303, 16 XBH (6 2B), 25 RBI, 49 K/32 BB (67 G)

A switch-hitter drafted in 2011 out of North Carolina, Michael has an advanced and patient approach from both sides of the plate, lets the ball travel deep and is adept to manipulating counts in his favor. He projects to have average power by the time he reaches the major leagues, and will likely be a constant doubles threat from both sides of the plate.

Michael has the defensive skills to handle either shortstop or second base, possessing range in all directions with smooth, natural actions to and through the baseball. His slightly above-average arm strength will continue to suffice at shortstop, but there’s a chance he’ll move to second base over the next couple seasons.

After a hip injury caused him to slide in the draft and subsequently prevented him from beginning his professional career last season, Michael appears to be fully recovered. His production isn’t quite on par with what was expected, but considering he missed so much time, his ups-and-downs are understandable.

Jean Segura, Los Angeles Angels

Position: SS  

Height/Weight: 5'10", 165

DOB: 3/17/1990

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2007, Dominican Republic

2012 Stats

Double-A: .283/.329/.405, 20 XBH (7 HR), 36 RBI, 29 SB, 52 K/17 BB (78 G)

The No. 2 prospect in the Angels' system headed into the season, Segura is an undersized (5'11", 185 lbs.) middle infielder with exciting tools. Thanks to his raw bat speed and compact swing, he will surprise people with the amount of pop in his bat. His quick wrists allow him to sit on offspeed offerings, and he's become increasingly comfortable hitting to all fields. 

By the time he settles in at the major league level, the right-handed hitter could flirt with a .300 batting average, as well as 10-15 home runs. With healthy legs, Segura has the potential to be a stolen base threat and should leg out many more extra-base hits.  Although he’s always had a high contact rate, Segura could better utilize his speed by drawing more walks—something that he’s done at an eight percent clip in his best seasons.

With enough range to play both middle infield positions for the time being, it's Segura’s plus arm that makes him more attractive as a shortstop. He plays both positions aggressively and has good instincts on the field. 

Segura’s impressive first-half performance at Double-A Arkansas garnered Texas League midseason All-Star honors, and he will also be headed to his first Futures Game in July.

Addison Russell, Oakland Athletics

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6’1”/210 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 1/23/1994

Drafted/Signed: 2012, first round (HS—Pace, Fla.)

2012 Stats

Rookie: .400/.613/.700, 3 XBH, 2 SB, 4 K/10 BB (7 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.

In his first six games, Russell has notched eight hits in his first 20 at-bats while also leaving the yard once and coaxing 10 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.

Nick Franklin, Seattle Mariners

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6'1", 180

DOB: 3/2/1991

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, first round (HS—Sanford, Fla.)

2012 Stats

Double-A: .322/.394/.502, 25 XBH (17 SB), 9 SB, 38 K/24 BB (57 G)

Triple-A: .190/.244/.357, 4 XBH, 16 K/2 BB (10 G)

Franklin had an excellent first full pro season in 2010, as he led the Midwest League in home runs (23) and set a new Low-A Clinton record. A switch-hitter, he definitely has more pop from the left side, including exceptional power to the opposite field. Had it not been for a down year in 2011 due to bizarre injuries and illness, Franklin would have ranked comfortably within the Top 50. 

He’s an aggressive hitter with plus bat speed, which naturally means he’ll be prone to striking out. He has loose wrists and direct bat path and knows how to maximize his power. After a great, bounceback start to the 2012 season at Double-A, Franklin has struggled following a promotion to Triple-A where his swing-and-miss tendencies have been exploited.

Jurickson Profar, Texas Rangers

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 5'11", 165

DOB: 2/20/1993

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, Curacao

2012 Stats

Double-A: .291/.369/.482, 33 XBH (9 HR), 38 RBI, 9 SB, 48 K/38 BB (76 G)

There’s a whole lot to like about the 19-year-old Profar, the unanimous top infield prospect in all of baseball. He possesses an above-average bat from both sides of the plate that’s highlighted by an advanced knowledge of the strike zone. He has surprising strength for his size that when bundled with his quick wrists, could yield 15-25 home run potential.

Profar also made strides as a base stealer in 2011—his first full season—but his speed is only above-average. Beyond his obvious offensive potential, Profar is a stud at shortstop. He is a plus defender with excellent range and soft hands and also possesses a plus arm that will allow him to remain at the position.

After a slow start including batting .253 in April, Profar posted nearly a .900 OPS in May and continues to demonstrate plate discipline well beyond his years. Recently, the switch-hitting youngster was named a Texas League Midseason All-Star and selected to his second XM Futures Game.

Gavin Cecchini, 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.

After showing 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.

Jason Martinson, Washington Nationals

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6’1"/190 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 10/15/1988

Drafted/Signed: 2010, fifth round (Texas St.)

2012 Stats

Low-A: .272/.391/.449, 24 XBH (10 HR), 63 RBI, 23 SB, 88 K/47 BB (69 G)

High-A: .293/.380/.585, 5 XBH (3 HR), 12 RBI, 10 K/6 BB (11 G)

Martinson was a two-sport standout coming out of high school, starring both as a baseball and football player until he tore his hamstring as a wide receiver at Texas State. Although he’s incredibly raw with more natural athleticism than baseball skills, the 6'1", 190-pounder has above-average speed and arm strength that should allow him to remain at shortstop.

At the dish, Martinson flashes plus raw power to all fields, though his plate discipline leaves something to be desired. Once he refines his approach and becomes more selective, he may have the chance to have an average hit tool.

Despite his high strikeout total this season, he’s drawn more walks and exhibited an ability to make consistent, hard contact. The Nationals were clearly pleased with his performance this season, as he recently received a promotion from Low- to High-A.

Danny Black, Miami Marlins

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6’2"/170 lbs

Bats/Throws: L/R

DOB: 8/19/1988

Drafted/Signed: 2010, 14th round (Feather River College)

2012 Stats

Double-A: .265/.316/.353, 3 XBH, 2 SB, 11 K/3 BB (8 G)

High-A: .318/.380/.406, 17 XBH (13 2B), 25 RBI, 16 SB, 54 K/22 BB (64 G)

A left-handed hitter, Black had a solid campaign at Low-A as a 22-year-old in 2011 and earned a promotion to Double-A to open the 2012 season. However, he appeared overmatched and was demoted to High-A, which, in hindsight, was a wise move. He won’t hit for power and strikes out too much; however he has above-average speed and is aggressive on the bases.

Black is a sound defender with range and a fringy arm, and, if he continues to move up through the organization, could start seeing time at second base. Still, his best attributes are clearly his speed and the fact that he swings it from the left side of the plate.

Roman Quinn, Philadelphia Phillies

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 5’10"/170 lbs

Bats/Throws: S/R

DOB: 5/14/1993

Drafted/Signed: 2011, second round (HS—Port St. Joe, Fla.)

2012 Stats

Class-A Short Season: .291/.400/.364, 3 XBH, 5 SB, 14 K/7 BB (13 G)

A natural right-handed hitter, Quinn’s switch-hitting ability is an ongoing work in progress and something that the Phillies insisted upon when they drafted him in 2011. Possessing 80-grade, game-changing speed, he profiles as a top-of-the-order type hitter, especially if he proves to be a decent switch hitter.

The Phillies will try to develop Quinn at shortstop, where his speed translates into plus range. Beyond that, he has decent hands that play up a grade due to his instincts and ability to get to nearly everything. He also has a strong arm, so if shortstop doesn’t pan out, it’s conceivable that he may end up at either second base or center field.

Nick Ahmed, Atlanta Braves

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6’3"/205 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 3/15/1990

Drafted/Signed: 2011, second round (Connecticut)

2012 Stats

High-A: .265/.340/.408, 29 XBH (21 2B), 33 RBI, 21 SB, 56 K/33 BB (77 G)

An aggressive, hard-nosed shortstop, Ahmed is a exceptional athlete for his size. His best defensive tool is a plus arm—he even logged time on the mound as a reliever for UConn—which compensates for some issues with his actions and range limitations. However, he’s intuitive and consistently gets good reads and should be able to remain at the position.

A right-handed hitter, Ahmed has a decent feel for the strike zone and is comfortable coaxing walks in order to utilize his speed. After struggling to make consistent contact last season, he’s shown slight improvement this season, but still lacks power. He does hit a lot of doubles, so there’s a chance that he could ultimately develop average power by the time he reaches the big leagues.

Javier Baez, Chicago Cubs

Position: 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: .299/.382/.495, 9 XBH (4 HR), 11 RBI, 11 SB, 23 K/7 BB (27 G)

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.

Activated from extended spring training in late May, Baez has come out of the gates swinging in 2012, posting a .997 OPS through 20 June games. In addition to his ability to consistently square up the baseball, he’s shown to be an adept base stealer, going a perfect 11-for-11 in stolen base attempts.

Carlos Correa, 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.

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.

Alen Hanson, Pittsburgh Pirates

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 5’11"/152 lbs

Bats/Throws: S/R

DOB: 10/22/1992

Drafted/Signed: 2009, Dominican Republic

2012 Stats

Low-A: .334/.398/.601, 47 XBH (13 HR), 43 RBI, 20 SB, 69 K/32 BB (76 G)

Despite being undersized at 5’11”, 152 pounds, Hanson is an exceptional athlete with projectable baseball skills. He has insanely quick feet and plus speed that in turn give him exceptional range at both shortstop and second base. His slightly below average arm is his weakest tool, so while he’s currently manning shortstop in Low-A, he may be second-base-bound once he reaches a more advanced level.

An aggressive hitter with a short and direct bat path, Hanson has some serious little-man pop, as he projects to tally plenty of doubles and triples, as well as a surprising amount of home runs. He’s absolutely raking at Low-A this season and has been one of the more impressive position prospects in the South Atlantic League. At this rate, Hanson should finish the season at High-A.

Billy Hamilton, Cincinnati Reds

Position: 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: .327/.416/.448, 73 R, 27 XBH (9 3B), 98 SB, 61 K/47 BB (77 G)

The first minor leaguer to steal 100 bases in over a decade, Hamilton is hands-down the fastest player in baseball and, more importantly, has made immense 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 turn in the 2012 season that 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.

On pace to absolutely shatter last year’s stolen base high-water mark, Hamilton had 80 stolen bases by the High-A All-Star break and has stolen roughly 1.3 bases per game. What he is doing on the base paths is absolutely amazing and needs to be followed closely for the rest of the season.

Yadiel Rivera, Milwaukee Brewers

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6’2"/175 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 5/2/1992

Drafted/Signed: 2010, ninth round (Puerto Rico)

2012 Stats

Low-A: .225/.257/.393, 25 XBH (8 HR), 33 RBI, 66 K/10 BB (72 G)

One of the best defensive shortstops in the low-minors, Rivera has all the tools to handle the position at the big-league level. His actions are slick and gets to nearly everything due to his plus range, and he never hesitates to showcase his rocket arm.

The only thing holding Rivera back is his dismal approach at the plate. He’s the type of hitter who constantly swings for the fences—he does have some power—when he needs to work on putting the ball in play and getting on base.

Ryan Jackson, St. Louis Cardinals

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6’3"/180 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 5/10/1988

Drafted/Signed: 2009, fifth round (Miami)

2012 Stats

Triple-A: .287/.352/.407, 26 XBH (20 2B), 29 RBI, 55 K/32 BB (80 G)

Drafted as a slick-fielding shortstop out of the University of Miami in 2009, Jackson has retained his defensive prowess while proving that he has offensive upside, as well. He’s an instinctual fielder with sound actions, strong arm, and high baseball IQ.

After making a slight adjustment to his swing last season, Jackson enjoyed a breakout season for Double-A Springfield. While he’s not a power threat, the right-handed hitter will collect plenty of doubles and drive the ball from line-to-line. Jackson’s not particularly fast, but given his instincts in all facets of the game, he really doesn’t need to be. It wouldn’t surprise me if he saw some time as a big-league reserve at some point this season.

Jace Peterson, San Diego Padres

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6’/190 lbs

Bats/Throws: L/R

DOB: 05/09/1990

Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (McNeese State)

2012 Stats

Low-A: .277/.377/.408, 23 XBH (16 2B), 30 SB, 33 K/36 BB (62 G)

One of the best athletes in the low-minors and the best in the Padres’ system, Peterson was a two-sport star at McNeese State. After turning pro and focusing on baseball full time, he has turned countless heads both with his performance at shortstop and as a leadoff hitter.

For someone with considerably less pure baseball experience than almost everyone at Low-A, Peterson has an advanced feel for the strike zone and consistently draws more walks than he strikes out. A left-handed hitter, he has a short, quick swing that lacks lift but still yields lots of extra-base hits thanks to his plus speed. He’s a smart and aggressive base stealer who already has an idea on how read pitchers and steal bases.

He’s still somewhat raw at shortstop, however, his work ethic and sheer athleticism should allow him to become an elite defender as he receives more experience. Even if his defense doesn’t improve to big-league standards, his speed and above-average arm are enough to comfortably play center field.

Jesmuel Valentin, Los Angeles Dodgers

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 5’10”/180 lbs

Bats/Throws: S/R

DOB: 5/12/1994

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

2012 Stats

Rookie: .286/.382/.464, 4 XBH, 5 RBI, 3 K/5 BB (7 G)

The son of former big-league veteran Jose Valentin, Jesmuel played alongside shortstop Carlos Correa, the top position prospect in the 2012 draft class. He has the natural ability and tools to play shortstop, but will likely be developed professionally as a second basemen.

He has a quick arm stroke with above-average strength and good range, and, in general, plays the game extremely hard. A switch-hitter, Valentin projects to be at least an average hitter from both sides of the plate. From the right side, his natural side, his hit tool projects to be average, as he employs a more compact, line-drive stroke. Like most switch-hitters, Valentin has more power from the left side, as well as a greater power frequency.

Joe Panik, San Francisco Giants

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6’1”/190 lbs

Bats/Throws: L/R

DOB: 10/30/1990

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (St. John’s)

2012 Stats

High-A: .263/.340/.377, 25 XBH (18 2B), 42 RBI, 33 K/36 BB (77 G)

One of the more advanced hitters in the 2011 draft class, Panik ran away with Northwest League MVP honors in his first season after posting robust numbers across the board. A left-handed hitter, he goes to the plate with a plan every at-bat but still knows how to work a count and, more importantly, battle when behind in the count. He probably won’t jump the yard too often, but he hits enough doubles to profile as a big-league No. 2 hitter—especially considering that he swings it from the left side.

While he’s currently being developed as shortstop at the moment, Panik’s future is probably at second base where his average arm is a cleaner fit. Regardless, he has soft hands and positions himself based upon counts and hitter types. Therefore, while his range is only slightly above-average, it plays up in game settings due to his advanced baseball IQ.

He hasn’t produced at the level that both the Giants and scouts were expecting this season, but he’s such a smart player that it wouldn’t surprise me if he had a huge second half of the season.

Chris Owings, Arizona Diamondbacks

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 5’10”/180 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 8/12/1991

Drafted/Signed: 2009, first round (HS—Charleston, S.C.)

2012 Stats

High-A: .324/.362/.544, 29 XBH (11 HR), 24 RBI, 8 SB, 63 K/13 BB (59 G)

Double-A: .308/.345/.462, 4 XBH, 12 RBI, 14 K/2 BB (11 G)

For his size, Owings is incredibly strong and possesses about as much raw power as any shortstop in the minor leagues. He has a lightning quick bat but has been hindered by an aggressive approach that results in too many swing-and-misses. Even though his numbers are huge improvement this season, he still lacks a consistent approach and has a tendency to chase subpar offspeed pitches in hitter’s counts.

Possessing both above-average speed and range, as well as an accurate, plus arm, Owings can be lackadaisical and make too many careless errors—many of them mental. However, he’s still young and has plenty of time to make the needed adjustments as he ascends the Diamondbacks’ highly talented farm system.

After a breakout offensive season at High-A, Owings recently was promoted to Double-A where he’s gotten of to a hot start. Still, he’ll have to improve his plate discipline in order to repeat his success at the plate.

Colorado Rockies: Trevor Story

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6'1", 175

DOB: 11/15/1992

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round-supplemental (HS: Irving, Texas)

2012 Stats

Low-A: .268/.357/.504, 35 XBH (12 HR), 42 RBI, 5 SB, 68 K/32 BB (70 G)

One of my favorite—and one of the most under appreciated—prospects in all of baseball, Trevor Story employs a mature approach at the plate that allows him to use the entire field. His quick bat and direct path suggest that he’ll hit for average to above-average power as he continues to physically develop.

He’s an above-average runner with excellent instincts at shortstop that are enhanced by his smooth and natural actions. His best defensive tool is his plus arm, which is more than enough for the position.

After posting a .960-plus OPS in both April and May, Story fell into a slump prior to the All-Star break. He finally broke out this past weekend when he went 7-for-14 with two home runs, six runs scored and six RBI.