10 Rookie-Level Prospects Who Could Move Quickly

Now that most of the 2012 draft picks have signed and are in the midst of their first professional season, we are gradually moving away from small sample sizes and getting a sense of each player’s respective upside. 

Furthermore, there are numerous 2011 draftees getting a late start to their career—primarily the highly protected pitching prospects—at the Rookie-level and clearly making up for lost time.

But how many of these prospects will receive a late-season promotion to a higher level? While a majority of the high school draft picks will likely only receive a minor challenge at Class-A Short Season, there is a host of prospects who may be ready for a more aggressive assignment to Low-A.

Here is a look at 10 Rookie-level prospects who have the potential to move quickly through their team’s respective farm system.

Joey Gallo, 3B, Texas Rangers

.292/.485/.771, 10 XBH (6 HR), 14 RBI, 15 K/18 BB (15 G)

Gallo’s 80-grade power was well-documented headed into the draft, as was his propensity to swing-and-miss. Through his first 15 games, the left-handed slugger has belted six home runs and drawn 18 walks, showcasing a much more advanced plate discipline than anyone expected. On the other hand, his defense at the hot corner has been atrocious, so if he remains at the Rookie-level for extended seasoning, it’s likely to improve his defensive actions.

David Dahl, OF, Colorado Rockies

.348/.425/.580, 11 XBH (7 2B), 14 RBI, 5 SB, 7 K/9 BB (18 G)

The Rockies’ first-round draft pick, Dahl has posted a 1.000-plus OPS through his first 18 games with almost half of his hits going for extra bases. He has top-of-the-order potential and is already showing it in the Pioneer League. However, his defense in center field has been a bit shaky and he needs to improve his reads. Still, his hot start should warrant a promotion to Class-A Short Season in the near future.

Dan Vogelback, 1B, Chicago Cubs

.339/.391/.629, 11 XBH (3 HR), 16 RBI, 10 K/6 BB (14 G)

Yes, he’s a large, large man. But the 2010 second-round draft pick sure can mash. He played in six games at the Rookie-level last season and has posted a 1.020 OPS through his first 14 games in 2012. His defense will surprise people, as he’s registered a 9.17 RF/G thus far. Regardless, his bat and plus power is very real and ready for a challenge at either Class-A Short Season or Low-A.

Addison Russell, SS, Oakland Athletics

.469/.622/.719, 4 XBH, 7 RBI, 6 SB, 6 K/12 BB (10 G)

Of all the 2012 first-rounders playing at the Rookie-level, Russell has been the most impressive at the plate, collecting 15 hits in 32 at-bats. His defense has been excellent, too, as he’s made only two errors in 38 chances and registered a 4.50 RF/G.

Bubba Starling, OF, Kansas City Royals

.289/.449/.553, 5 XBH (2 HR), 10 RBI, 13 K/8 BB (10 G)

The long wait for Bubba Starling to begin his professional career is finally over. He’s struck out a lot in his first 10 games; however, he’s also showcased his plus raw power. He may spend the full season at the Rookie-level, but if he really catches fire, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Royals allow him to gain some experience at Class-A Short Season.

Travis Harrison, 3B, Minnesota Twins

.328/.427/.484, 6 XBH (2 HR), 7 RBI, 8 K/10 BB (17 G)

The 50th overall selection in 2011 draft, Harrison has impressed at the plate this season, exhibiting both raw power and above-average plate discipline. However, like Joey Gallo, his defense has been worrisome at third base, evidenced by his 13 errors in 17 games. If he continues to rake, his move to either left field or first base may come early than anticipated.

Blake Snell, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays

2-0, 17.2 IP, 0.51 ERA, .105 BAA, 24 K/7 BB (4 GS)

Snell has been dominant in four starts this season, allowing only six hits and seven walks compared to 24 walks. The Rays may choose to take their sweet time with their 2011 first-rounder, but it appears as though the left-hander ready for a more advanced challenge.

Ross Stripling, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers

1-0, 9 IP, 1.00 ERA, .250 BAA, 14 K/1 BB (4 G; 2 GS)

In four appearances this season, Stripling has both worked as a starter and reliever with similar success. He’s fanned 14 batters over nine innings while issuing just one walk and allowing one earned run. Given his experience at Texas A&M, it’s uncertain where he will fit best with the Dodgers. Thus far, he appears capable of handling either assignment and should receive a promotion within the near future.

D.J. Baxendale, RHP, Minnesota Twins

3.2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 8 K/0 BB (3 G)

Working strictly in relief since signing, Baxendale has been unhittable through his first 3.2 innings. He’s yet to allow a baserunner and has fanned eight of the 11 batters he’s faced. If the Twins continue to develop him as a reliever, the right-hander has the potential to move quickly through the system given his experience at Arkansas and pitchability.

Kenny Diekroeger, 2B/SS, Kansas City Royals

.288/.319/.545, 7 XBH (5 HR), 14 RBI, 12 K/2 BB (15 G)

Not known for his power at Stanford—likely because the program teaches their hitters a more contact-oriented approach—Diekroeger has regained his power stroke. The middle infielder has seven extra-base hits, including five home runs, in his first 15 games. However, he’s also fanned 12 times relative to only two walks. Still, considering that he plays an up-the-middle position and is flashing above-average power—and has collegiate experience at a high level—Diekroeger has the potential to make his Low-A debut this season.