MLB Prospects: Every MLB Team's Top Prospect from the First Half of the Season

With the first-half of the minor league season now in the books and the 2012 XM Futures Game slated for Sunday night, it’s time to take a look back at some of the top performances this season.

As I prepare my midseason top 50 prospects list to debut after the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, I thought I’d reflect on each organization’s top prospect from the first-half. While there are some team’s who’ve had multiple prospects turn in big-time campaigns, other organization’s systems have been highlighted by only one of two highly touted prospects.

Here is an overview of each organization’s top prospect from the first half of the 2012 season.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Trevor Bauer, RHP

Minors: 11-1, 93 IP, 2.23 ERA, .220 BAA, 116 K/48 BB (16 GS)

MLB: 0-1, 7.1 IP, 9.82 ERA, .355 BAA, 7 K/7 BB (2 GS)

After dominating at both Double- and Triple-A this season, Bauer recently made his highly anticipated big-league debut. His first two starts for the Diamondbacks haven’t gone as hoped, however, his stuff has still looked excellent. Going forward, the right-hander will have to be more efficient with his pitches if he wants to remain in the rotation.

Atlanta Braves: Andrelton Simmons, SS

Minors: .292/.372/.421, 14 XBH, 10 SB, 20 K/20 BB (43 G)

MLB: .302/.348/.462, 10 XBH, 14 RBI, 12 K/8 BB (30 G)

Throughout spring training, the big question in Braves’ camp was whether the team would go with the experienced Tyler Pastornicky or the high-upside, defense-savvy Simmons. Although Pastornicky ultimately broke camp with the team, it wasn’t long before he was replaced by Simmons, who needed only 43 games at Double-A (his first season at the level) before reaching the major leagues.

Baltimore Orioles: Dylan Bundy, RHP

Minors: 5-2, 62.2 IP, 1.87 ERA, .165 BAA, 74 K/13 BB (15 GS)

One of the more amazing stories across minor league baseball, Bundy failed to yield an earned run over 30 innings at Low-A Delmarva to open the season. He was promoted to High-A after just eight starts and has been touched up at times; however, his overall 74 K/13 BB and .165 BAA over 62.2 innings is amazing.

Boston Red Sox: Jackie Bradley, OF

Minors: .361/.471/.515, 65 R, 37 XBH, 42 RBI, 19 SB, 55 K/59 BB (83 G)

It was difficult to pass over Matt Barnes when making my selection for this article, but that’s simply a testament to Bradley’s impressive season. In his first full professional season, the former South Carolina outfielder has demonstrated advanced plate discipline and on-base skills at both High- and Double-A, and it seems as though he won’t slow down until he reaches the major leagues.

Chicago Cubs: Anthony Rizzo, 1B

Minors: .342/.405/.696, 43 XBH (23 HR), 62 RBI, 52 K/23 BB (70 G)

MLB: .314/.333/.657, 6 XBH, 4 K/1 BB (9 G)

After changing his swing prior to the 2012 season, Rizzo posted monster numbers at Triple-A Iowa before he was recalled last week. Since then, the left-handed hitter has led the Cubs’ offense, driving in several go-ahead runs in his first week on the North Side. I remain skeptical of Rizzo’s long-term production, but his overall 2012 season has been very, very impressive thus far.

Chicago White Sox: Brady Shoemaker, OF

Minors: .328/.420/.552, 39 XBH (14 HR), 60 RBI, 57 K/32 BB (82 G)

Enjoying a breakout campaign, Shoemaker has thrived in his first full season at High-A and even received a promotion to Double-A at the beginning of July. He’s cut down on strikeouts and in turn is enjoying a career year in nearly every offensive category.

Cincinnati Reds: Billy Hamilton, SS

Minors: .326/.415/.444, 78 R, 28 XBH, 103 SB, 67 K/49 BB (81 G)

What’s left to say about Billy Hamilton? The fastest man in baseball is having a historical season on the base paths, as he’s swiped 103 bases in 124 chances—he stole 103 in 2011. But perhaps what’s most impressive is the fact that he’s vastly improved his baseball skills, hitting for a higher average and showing on-base skills that further legitimize his speed. 

Cleveland Indians: Jared Goedert, OF

Minors: .333/.399/.538, 32 XBH (12 HR), 48 RBI, 53 K/33 BB (76 G)

Considering that he’s 27 years old and been in the Indians’ system since 2006, Goedert really isn’t much of a prospect. However, he’s seemingly put it together this season—posting a 1.089 OPS at Double-A prior to a Triple-A promotion—and has cut down on the strikeouts.

Colorado Rockies: Will Swanner, C

Minors: .333/.422/.594, 29 XBH (10 HR), 46 RBI, 57 K/24 BB (55 G)

Swanner may not have the defensive skills to remain behind the plate, so it’s a good thing that he can hit. After posting a .900-plus OPS in back-to-back years in the Pioneer League, Swanner has handled the promotion to Low-A Asheville well—as his 1.015 OPS indicates.

Detroit Tigers: Nick Castellanos, 3B

Minors: .369/.411/.529, 34 XBH (7 HR), 47 RBI, 68 K/24 BB (81 G)

Castellanos has been one of the top hitters in the minors this season, though his power is yet to fully develop as hoped. After batting .405 through 55 games at High-A, the third baseman received a promotion to Double-A. Since then, his power has blossomed a bit—likely a result of more advanced pitching and increased velocity—however, he’s also had too many swing-and-misses, fanning 26 times in 26 games compared to only two walks.

Houston Astros: George Springer, OF

Minors: .317/.397/.568, 38 XBH (17 HR), 60 RBI, 18 SB, 94 K/39 BB (77 G)

Arguably one of the top five-tool prospects in the minors, Springer has the potential to have a 30/30 season—his first full season as a professional. His approach still needs considerable refinement as he struggles between being too aggressive and too selective. However, his power-speed combo has been impressive and will likely earn him a second-half promotion to Double-A.

Kansas City Royals: Wil Myers, OF

Minors: .327/.403/.676, 52 XBH (27 HR), 72 RBI, 5 SB, 85 K/40 BB (83 G)

After a disappointing 2011 campaign marred by injuries, Myers clearly entered the 2012 season with a chip on his shoulder. All he’s done so far is hit, both for average and power, and is on the brink of a big-league call-up. He leads all minor league hitters in home runs, and there’s no reason to think he’ll slow down upon reaching the major leagues.

Los Angeles Angels: Kaleb Cowart, 3B

Minors: .294/.370/.486, 36 XBH (10 HR), 67 RBI, 10 SB, 53 K/37 BB (81 G)

So far this season, Cowart has gone from a prospect with major questions about his bat to earning above-average grades for his hit tool—from both sides of the plate. His swing has been extremely consistent and he’s vastly improved his plate discipline. If he can maintain his pace for the remainder of the 2012 season, he’ll likely begin 2013 as the organization’s top position prospect.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Alex Castellanos, OF

Minors: .360/.448/.680, 31 XBH (9 HR), 28 RBI, 11 SB, 37 K/23 BB (44 G)

MLB: .143/.174/.238, 2 RBI, 7 K/0 BB (11 G)

Although he’s spent some time on the disabled list, Castellanos’ strong 2012 season earned him a big-league promotion in the wake of Matt Kemp’s first hamstring injury. He’s back at Triple-A for the time being, but he should be back in Los Angeles within the next month.

Miami Marlins: Jose Fernandez, RHP

Minors: 8-0, 89 IP, 2.12 ERA, .194 BAA, 108 K/22 BB (16 GS)

In his first full professional season, Fernandez has been absolutely dominant and certified himself as another potential ace from the impressive 2011 draft class. He’s a power pitcher with electric stuff and has exhibited command well beyond his years. His flawless performance at Low-A to open the season recently earned him a promotion to High-A.

Milwaukee Brewers: Hiram Burgos, RHP

Minors: 6-2, 102.2 IP, 1.58 ERA, .203 BAA, 102 K/30 BB (16 GS)

After three mediocre season from 2009-2011, Burgos is enjoying a breakout campaign and is racking up strikeouts while demonstrating exceptional command. After dominating High-A to open the year, he’s been equally as dominant over 10 starts at Double-A in the Southern League.

Minnesota Twins: Miguel Sano, 3B

Minors: .244/.361/.509, 37 XBH (18 HR), 57 RBI, 6 SB, 96 K/47 BB (80 G)

Yes, he’s striking a lot—too much, in fact. However, his power is absolutely robust as one of the youngest players at Low-A. His plate discipline and pitch recognition will need considerable seasoning in the minor leagues, but all the ingredients are there for Sano to enjoy a superstar big-league career.

New York Mets: Zack Wheeler, RHP

Minors: 8-4, 92.2 IP, 2.62 ERA, .204 BAA, 88 K/35 BB (15 GS)

One of the top pitching prospects in the minor leagues, Wheeler is one a few top-ranked arms who continues to thrive in 2012. He has a plus fastball-breaking ball combination and rapidly improving changeup that could have him pitching in Triple-A before the end of the season and has him poised for a 2013 big-league debut.

New York Yankees: Tyler Austin, OF

Minors: .317/.404/.593, 41 XBH (14 HR), 54 RBI, 17 SB, 69 K/37 BB (71 G)

Although he’s not considered a top-10 prospect within the organization, Austin is making a strong case for such a ranking. He’s been raking all season while flashing surprising speed on the basepaths at times and recently received a promotion from Low- to High-A.

Oakland Athletics: Miles Head, 1B

Minors: .365/.420/.673, 51 XBH (19 HR), 62 RBI, 66 K/27 BB (79 G)

Limited by his status as a first-base-only prospect, Head has been a one-man wrecking crew this season. He’s amassed an incredible 51 extra-base hits and has asserted himself as a consistent run producer. After tearing up High-A for the first half of the season, the powerful right-handed hitter was promoted to Double-A towards the end of June.

Philadelphia Phillies: Jesse Biddle, LHP

Minors: 5-3, 83.2 IP, 3.23 ERA, .246 BAA, 85 K/31 BB (16 GS)

In a system devoid of impact prospects, Biddle has been one of the few bright spots in the Phillies organization. The talented left-hander has been impressive this season, posting a nine-plus strikeout-per-nine rate. His best month came in May when he registered a 1.36 ERA and .185 BAA in six starts.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Alen Hanson, SS

Minors: .330/.391/.599, 49 XBH (15 HR), 47 RBI, 22 SB, 72 K/32 BB (80 G)

Despite the impressive seasons of Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon, Hanson has been the Pirates’ minor-league star over the first half of the 2012 season. Having a breakout season, Hanson is hitting for both average and power while showing above-average speed and has done a surprisingly solid job handling everyday shortstop duties at Low-A.

San Diego Padres: Yasmani Grandal, C

Minors: .335/.443/.521, 24 XBH, 35 RBI, 35 K/37 BB (56 G)

MLB: .292/.292/.833, 5 XBH (4 HR), 6 RBI, 4 K/0 BB (7 G)

While there are numerous prospects having notable seasons within the immensely talented Padres organization, Grandal has been a hitting machine and is now showcasing his offensive upside in the big leagues. His defense is still a work in progress; however, it’s tolerable for the time being given his production at a premium position.

San Francisco Giants: Kyle Crick, RHP

Minors: 3-6, 64.1 IP, 3.22 ERA, .197 BAA, 78 K/43 BB (14 GS)

One of the weakest farm systems in baseball this year, the Giants’ top prospects aren’t progressing as hoped—except for Kyle Crick. The hard-throwing right-hander has been exceptional in his first full season, especially when considering his lack of previous experience on the bump. He’s been a strikeout machine and difficult to square up, though he’ll need to refine his command as he progresses through the system.

Seattle Mariners: Danny Hultzen, LHP

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

It appears as though Hultzen will be the second player from the 2011 draft class to reach the major leagues—following Trevor Bauer—after dominating at Double-A and now logging experience at Triple-A. His command can be shaky at times, but when the left-hander is on, he’s incredibly tough to hit.

St. Louis Cardinals: Oscar Taveras, OF

Minors: .320/.370/.594, 45 XBH (17 HR), 62 RBI, 6 SB, 43 K/24 BB (78 G)

Considering he recently celebrated his 20th birthday, what the left-handed hitting outfielder is doing at Double-A is tremendous. He’s still too pull-happy at times, but his hand-eye coordination and ability to consistently barrel up the ball is among the best in the minor leagues. He’s been one of the more impressive hitters in the minors this year and is poised for a 2013 big-league debut.

Tampa Bay Rays: Drew Vettleson, OF

Minors: .295/.357/.450, 28 XBH (8 HR), 40 RBI, 11 SB, 65 K/31 BB (80 G)

With the amount of young, high-upside talent in their system, I would not have expected Vettleson to be the team’s top-performing prospect after the first-half of the 2012 season. Despite his strikeout total, he’s been consistent at the plate and showing above-average power with quiet speed. In his first full professional season, Vettleson is emerging as one of the organization’s top position prospects.

Texas Rangers: Jurickson Profar, SS

Minors: .295/.372/.481, 34 XBH (9 HR), 39 RBI, 9 SB, 49 K/39 BB (79 G)

Only 19 years old, there was some uncertainty as to how Profar would handle the aggressive promotion to Double-A prior to the 2012 season. However, the switch-hitting shortstop has proven he belongs, flirting with a .300 batting average season while showcasing developing power from both sides of the plate. He’s left zero doubt that he’s the top position prospect in baseball headed into the 2013 season.

Toronto Blue Jays: Aaron Sanchez, RHP

Minors: 7-0, 57 IP, 0.63 ERA, .157 BAA, 62 K/30 BB (16 G; 9 GS)

Part of a trio of high-upside Blue Jays’ pitching prospects at Low-A—Justin Nicolino and Noah Syndergaard the others—Sanchez has been virtually unhittable over 57 innings. The only knock on his game has been his control, as evidenced by his 30 walks thus far. Still, his stuff is exceptional, and the organization’s decision to control his innings is yielding phenomenal results.

Washington Nationals: Alex Meyer, RHP

Minors: 6-4, 84 IP, 3.32 ERA, .211 BAA, 98 K/34 BB (17 GS)

Another future ace from the 2011 draft class, the 6’9” right-hander has been one of the top power pitchers in the minors this season, registering 98 strikeouts in 84 innings. His stuff has been filthy and his command surprisingly good for a pitcher of his size, and he should be in store for a promotion later this season.