10 Top MLB Prospects We Should See in the Majors After the All-Star Break

Although there have already been numerous call-ups this season, the second half of the season should feature many more. Some of the game’s top prospects like Wil Myers, Danny Hultzen and Tyler Skaggs are knocking on the door, and other prospects who are quietly turning in strong seasons at upper-levels have the potential to be rewarded with a late-season promotion.

Regardless, there are a host of prospects that we should see in the big leagues after the All-Star break that represent the future of baseball.

Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City Royals

Double, Triple-A: .327/.403/.676, 52 XBH (27 HR), 72 RBI, 85 K/40 BB (83 G)

The top hitter in the minor leagues this season, the numbers that Myers has put up are pretty incredible—especially following an injury-plagued 2011.

At the moment, the Royals have no spot in the outfield to play Myers. However, there have been rumors that they are gauging the market for Jeff Francoeur. If they are somehow able to move him, or an injury creates an opening at either corner outfield spot, expect Myers to be first in line for playing time. If not, it’s likely that he’ll be recalled in September.

Jake Odorizzi, RHP, Kansas City Royals

Double, Triple-A: 9-2, 85.2 IP, 3.05 ERA, .239 BAA, 92 K/26 BB (16 G;15 GS)

After dominating at Double-A Northwest Arkansas, Odorizzi was promoted to Triple-A Omaha at the same time of fellow prospect Wil Myers. Since then, he has yet to lose a game, while posting a 2.83 ERA in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.

With all the injuries to the Royals’ staff and ineffectiveness of some of their backend starters, Odorizzi should be making his debut shortly after the All-Star break.

Danny Hultzen, LHP, Seattle Mariners

Double, Triple-A: 9-4, 87.1 IP, 1.75 ERA, .173 BAA, 94 K/44 BB (16 GS)

After he was drafted with the second-overall pick in the 2011 draft, it was no secret that Hultzen had the potential to move quickly through the Mariners’ system. The polished left-hander has done exactly that, posting a 1.19 ERA over 75.1 inning at Double-A Jackson, and now gaining experience at Triple-A Tacoma before an imminent post All-Star break call-up.

Shelby Miller, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals

Triple-A: 4-7, 75 IP, 6.00 ERA, .291 BAA, 86 K/39 BB (16 GS)

Miller has had an incredibly disappointing season at Triple-A, proving to be far too hittable as a result of consistently working up in the zone (87 H, 17 HR in 75 IP). However, given the news that Chris Carpenter will likely miss the rest of the season, and with Jamie Garcia’s timetable undetermined, I think we’ll see Miller at some point after the All-Star break, despite his dismal season at Memphis.

Kolten Wong, 2B, St. Louis Cardinals

Double-A: .315/.390/.444, 21 XBH, 15 SB, 39 K/32 BB (77 G)

Wong’s hit tool is nearly big-league ready and he’s drawn rave reviews for his defense at second base. As a team, the Cardinals’ second basemen are batting .246/.329/.387 this season, so when Wong is ready, his offensive upside will clearly be an upgrade. The only question is whether the organization will want to send him to Triple-A or throw him into the mix once he’s ready for a promotion.

Starling Marte, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates

Triple-A: .289/.349/.494, 36 XBH (11 3B), 50 RBI, 18 SB, 71 K/23 BB (81 G)

There will always be a raw element to Marte’s game due to his lacking pitch recognition skills and inability to consistently steal bases, but he’s about ready for a call-up. He’s making more consistent contact and collecting extra-base hits, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s manning the Pirates’ outfield by the end of July.

Tyler Skaggs, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

Double, Triple-A: 6-4, 76.2 IP, 3.17 ERA, .258 BAA, 74 K/22 BB (14 GS)

Although not as advanced as Trevor Bauer, Skaggs certainly isn’t far behind. After two unimpressive starts, Bauer will likely be on a short leash and will have to improve both his command and efficiency in order to remain in the rotation. If he does ultimately get demoted, or Josh Collmenter struggles, Skaggs is definitely the next pitching prospect in line for a big-league promotion.

Josh Vitters, 3B, Chicago Cubs

Triple-A: .300/.352/.505, 36 XBH (13 HR), 47 RBI, 51 K/21 BB (84 G)

After essentially falling off the prospect map within the Cubs’ organization, Vitters is having a solid bounce-back season at Triple-A Iowa. He’s been more selective at the plate and is getting himself out less than previous seasons, which has resulted in his highest batting average to date. It seems as though he may be back in line for a September call-up with only Luis Valbuena—a stop gap option at third base—blocking his path.

Jedd Gyorko, 2B/3B, San Diego Padres

Double, Triple-A: .314/.378/.538, 28 XBH (12 HR), 60 RBI, 56 K/33 BB (81 G)

It’s been clear since the beginning of the season that Gyorko has been on the fast track to the major leagues. Despite batting only .262/.356/.431 in 34 games at Double-A, he was promoted to Triple-A Tucson where he has since thrived. His offense at second base will be a major upgrade considering the team’s current production at the position: .256/.310/.397. He may only receive a September call-up, but it seems likely that Gyorko’s being prepped to take over full-time at the position in 2013.

Dan Straily, RHP, Oakland Athletics

Double, Triple-A: 5-5, 104.1 IP, 3.02 ERA, .215 BAA, 134 K/31 BB (17 GS)

A pop-up prospect who is leading all minor league pitchers in strikeouts this season, Straily’s dominance at Double-A earned him a promotion to Triple-A in late June where he has been exceptional. Not only does the right-hander have legitimate swing-and-miss stuff, he also has superb control. Now that A.J. Griffin has joined the A’s rotation, Straily is definitely next in line for a call-up and has the potential to make an immediate impact.