25 MLB Prospects to Watch for in the Second Half

Mike RosenbaumJun 7, 2018

With the second half of the Major League Baseball season set to begin on Friday, the time has come for organizations to determine whether they will be buyers or sellers at this year's trade deadline.

At the same time, every team is busy evaluating their respective farm system, deciding which prospects they may have to deal if offered the right trade. For those teams whose season is already a lost cause, the second half of the season is an ideal scenario for challenging their top prospects with a big-league promotion.

This year, there have been an unusually high number of elite prospects that have debuted before the All-Star break: Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Will Middlebrooks, Anthony Rizzo and Trevor Bauer—players who have the potential to be the future of baseball. However, there are still plenty of immensely talented players waiting in the minor leagues for a call to the Show.

So, here is a look at 25 prospects to follow closely over the second half of the season. While most of these players are on the verge of a big-league debut, some are simply in line for a significant promotion to a more advanced minor-league level.

Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City Royals

1 of 25

Position: OF

Height/Weight: 6'3", 205

DOB: 12/10/1990

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, third round (HS: Wesleyan Academy, N.C.)

2012 Stats

Double-A: .343/.414/.731, 25 XBH (13 HR), 30 RBI, 42 K/16 BB (35 G)

Triple-A: .315/.395/.636, 27 XBH (14 HR), 42 RBI, 43 K/24 BB (48 G)

Since entering the minor leagues in 2009, Myers has absolutely raked at every stop—excluding his injury-plagued 2011 campaign. He has quick wrists with outstanding bat control and plate coverage that allows him to drive the ball effortlessly to all fields.

His plate discipline is advanced beyond his years, and he’s comfortable hitting any pitch in any count. He’ll be nothing more than an average defensive outfielder, although the plus arm that made him an elite catching prospect is still there.

He’s knocking on the door in Kansas City and could make his big-league debut before the end of the July. If you’re in a deep fantasy league and are yet to pick him up, please do so—immediately.

Danny Hultzen, LHP, Seattle Mariners

2 of 25

Position: LHP

Height/Weight: 6'3", 200

DOB: 11/28/1989

Bats/Throws: L/L

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (Virginia)

2012 Stats

Double-A: 8-3, 75.1 IP, 1.19 ERA, .151 BAA, 79 K/32 BB (13 GS)

Triple-A: 1-1, 12 IP, 5.25 ERA, .286 BAA, 15 K/12 BB (3 GS)

The top left-hander in the ultra-talented 2011 draft class, Hultzen was also the most polished—and still is. He already demonstrates advanced command of three pitches—a low-90s fastball, a slider (his out pitch) and a changeup—and is effective against right- and left-handed hitters.

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 left-hander has done exactly that, posting a 1.19 ERA over 75.1 inning at Double-A Jackson. He's now gaining experience at Triple-A Tacoma before an imminent post All-Star break call-up. His command can be shaky at times, but when the left-hander is on, he’s incredibly tough to hit.

Gerrit Cole, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates

3 of 25

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6'4", 220

DOB: 9/8/1990

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (UCLA)

2012 Stats

High-A: 5-1, 67 IP, 2.55 ERA, .217 BAA, 69 K/21 BB (13 GS)

Double-A: 2-1, 11.2 IP, 4.63 ERA, .314 BAA, 13 K/1 BB (3 GS)

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft, Cole is your classic power pitcher with an electric arsenal. His fastball can flash triple-digits on the radar gun, though he typically sits in the upper-90s. When he’s efficient enough to work his slider off his fastball, it’s a legitimate strikeout pitch, and given his velocity, Cole also has a decent changeup.

There’s no denying that Cole has ace potential, but I just don’t think he will breeze through the minor leagues as others do. Still, his arsenal is exceptional, as we all witnessed first-hand in the XM Futures Game, and he has the potential to be a front-line starter for years to come.

Having only made three starts for Double-A this season, he’ll likely spend more time at that level before some possible late-season exposure at Triple-A. At the same time, if the Pirates are still in the hunt come September and in need of additional starting pitching, his estimated time of arrival may get bumped up.

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Billy Hamilton, SS, Cincinnati Reds

4 of 25

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: .323/.413/.439, 79 R, 28 XBH (9 3B), 104 SB, 70 K/50 BB (82 G)

Double-A: 1-for-4, 3B, RBI, SB (1 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.

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.

Hamilton is still likely two years away from reaching the big leagues, but given his speed, there’s a chance that the Reds would consider using him as a base-stealing threat off the bench. With a player who possesses speed such as Hamilton’s, how could they not?

Nick Franklin, SS/2B, Seattle Mariners

5 of 25

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: .239/.316/.408, 8 XBH, 24 K/7 BB (17 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, bounce-back 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. However, he’s a smart hitter who makes adjustments and may get a look in September when the rosters expand.

Tyler Skaggs, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

6 of 25

Position: LHP

Height/Weight: 6'3", 195

DOB: 7/13/1991

Bats/Throws: L/L

Drafted/Signed: 2009, first round (HS: Santa Monica, Calif.)

2012 Stats

Double-A: 5-4, 69.2 IP, 2.84 ERA, .241 BAA, 71 K/21 BB (13 GS)

Triple-A: 1-0, 10 IP, 4.50 ERA, .350 BAA, 6 K/2 BB (2 GS)

Over the last two seasons, Skaggs has emerged as one of the game’s premier left-handed pitching prospects. He’s tall and lanky with smooth yet deceptive arm action and repeatable mechanics that allow him to pound the knees with his 88-93 mph fastball.

Skaggs might have the best left-handed curveball in the minor leagues, a double-plus offering that keeps right-handed hitters off balance as much as it does lefties. He has a decent changeup that will get better with time, but it honestly doesn’t even matter when you have that good of a breaking ball.

It seems as though the Diamondbacks anticipate using him down the stretch of the season, as he was recently promoted to Triple-A to prepare for a late-season debut.

Jacob Turner, RHP, Detroit Tigers

7 of 25

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6'5", 210

DOB: 5/21/1991

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, first round (HS: Westminster Christian Academy, Mo.)

2012 Stats

High-A: 1-2, 21.2 IP, 1.66 ERA, .218 BAA, 17 K/7 BB (4 GS)

Triple-A: 4-2, 62.2 IP, 3.16 ERA, .229 BAA, 40 K/24 BB

MLB: 5 IP, 4 H, ER, 3 K/5 BB

The ninth overall selection in the 2009 draft, Turner made three starts for the Tigers in 2011 as a 20-year-old. Although the results could have been better, the right-hander’s stuff was impressive, as was his overall polish.

Turner’s 6'5" frame allows him to pound the zone with a heavy, sinking fastball that registers in the low 90s. He struggles at times with the command of his curveball, but it’s still a big-time hammer. Turner’s changeup is only an average offering as of now, but he does throw it with fastball-like arm speed.

He probably won’t be a strikeout pitcher in the major leagues, but he has enough downward movement and deception to induce plenty of weak contact.

It appeared as though Turner would contend for the final spot in the Tigers rotation, but he was shut down after experiencing discomfort in his shoulder.

Other than his one start in the majors this season, Turner has pitched well at Triple-A Toldeo while waiting for an opening in the Tigers’ rotation. His command still needs refinement, so expect him to remain there until becomes more efficient and walks fewer hitters.

Jake Odorizzi, RHP, Kansas City Royals

8 of 25

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’2”,185

DOB: 3/27/1990

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2008, first-round supplemental (HS: Highland, Ill.)

2012 Stats

Double-A: 4-2, 38 IP, 3.32 ERA, .191 BAA, 47 K/10 BB (7 GS)

Triple-A: 5-0, 47.2 IP, 2.83 ERA, .274 BAA, 45 K/16 BB (9 G; 8 GS)

The key chip in the trade that sent Zack Greinke to the Brewers prior to the 2011 season, Odorizzi excelled in the Carolina League and earned himself a promotion to Double-A.

His numbers took a hit in his 12 starts for Northwest Arkansas—as one expects for a 21-year-old in an advanced league—but he still finished the year with an sub-4.00 ERA and 157 strikeouts against 44 walks in nearly 150 innings.

His fastball reaches 96 mph and sits at 93-94, and his breaking ball is a sledge when in the zone. His command of it has steadily improved this season, something that has been vital toward his success.

He throws a slider and a change as well, but they're behind the fastball and curveball and will be no better than 50-grades. Still, Odorizzi is a strike-throwing machine with a projectable, athletic frame and results that suggest he will be a consistent No. 2 at worst.

He’s been excellent since his promotion to Triple-A, and there’s no reason to think he won’t debut at some point this season.

Julio Teheran, RHP, Atlanta Braves

9 of 25

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6'2", 175

DOB: 1/27/1991

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2007, Colombia

2012 Stats

Triple-A: 6-5, 75 IP, 4.92 ERA, .284 BAA, 53 K/29 BB (16 GS)

MLB: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 5 K/1 B (1 GS)

Teheran has absolutely nothing left to prove in the minor leagues after dominating Triple-A hitters in 2011—or so we thought. The right-hander features a plus fastball in the 93-97 mph range and is aggressive with its placement, working both sides of the plate and pounding the lower half of the strike zone.

Also in his arsenal is a plus changeup with excellent fade, as well as a curveball and slider. Both pitches grade as above-average with potential to be a plus offering down the road. He has showcased improved command of all pitches since 2010 but will inevitably need more refinement to be as successful at the big-league level.

With the injuries to the Braves’ rotation this season, the fact that they’ve opted not to use Teheran speaks volumes about their current level of confidence in him. While the upside and pure stuff is still there, his ongoing struggles this season are concerning, and he may be trade bait at the deadline.

Kolten Wong, 2B, St. Louis Cardinals

10 of 25

Position: 2B

Height/Weight: 5’9”, 190

DOB: 10/10/1990

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (Hawaii)

2012 Stats

Double-A: .304/.378/.430, 21 XBH, 15 SB, 39 K/32 BB (79 G)

A polished left-handed hitter with mature plate discipline, 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 .248/.330/.384 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 for more experience, or throw him into the mix once they deem him ready for a promotion.

Nolan Arenado, 3B, Colorado Rockies

11 of 25

Position: 3B

Height/Weight: 6'1", 205

DOB: 4/16/1991

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, second round (HS: El Toro, Calif.)

2012 Stats

Double-A: .278/.332/.399, 24 XBH (7 HR), 38 RBI, 40 K/24 BB (84 G)

Arenado has a flat bat path that can look awkward at first sight. However, he’s strong enough that the swing allows him to hit through the ball and generate backspin. He has average plate discipline that should improve with further seasoning in either Double- or Triple-A.

After shedding nearly 20 pounds prior to the 2011 season, Arenado showed significant improvement at third base and shows potential to be a decent defender. He has always had the arm strength and instincts to handle the position, but now, his athleticism is finally catching up.

In his prime, Arenado should be capable of 40 doubles and 20 home runs as either a No. 3 or No. 5 hitter, and still hit for a respectable average.

His power numbers are down this season at Double-A, but the plate discipline and consistent, hard contact to all fields is still there. However, it’s looking less likely that he’ll make his big-league debut this season despite the Rockies’ struggles.

Shelby Miller, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals

12 of 25

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6'3", 195

DOB: 10/10/1990

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, first round (HS: Brownwood, Texas)

2012 Stats

Triple-A: 4-8, 77.1 IP, 6.17 ERA, .291 BAA, 90 K/43 BB (17 GS)

After only nine starts for High-A Palm Beach in 2011, Miller upped his ETA by dominating at Double-A Springfield. He has an excellent pitcher’s frame at 6'3" and 195 lbs, and he’ll only continue to fill out.

Miller throws a heavy 93-97 mph fastball with outstanding arm-side run that generates a healthy mixture of swing-and-misses and weak contact.

To complement his heater, Miller throws two above-average off-speed pitches: a sharp, downward curve and a fading changeup. He has already shown the ability to work deep into games while sustaining his velocity, and he is built for innings.

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 (90 H, 17 HR in 77.1 IP).

However, given the news that Chris Carpenter will miss the rest of the season, and with Jamie Garcia’s return timetable undetermined, I think we’ll see Miller at some point this season despite his dismal season at Memphis.

Like many other scouts and writers, I’m a firm believer that Miller is simply bored at Triple-A, and it may come to the point where the Cardinals are better off promoting him to the major leagues rather than letting him continue to regress in the Pacific Coast League.

Mike Olt, 3B, Texas Rangers

13 of 25

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: .292/.403/.574, 37 XBH (22 HR), 63 RBI, 85 K/51 BB (78 G)

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 slightly above-average actions 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.

With Adrian Beltre blocking his path, Rangers have been giving Olt reps in the outfield, suggesting that they are hoping to either expedite his arrival or improve his value for the upcoming trade deadline.

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

14 of 25

Position: 3B/2B

Height/Weight: 5’10”, 195

DOB: 9/23/1988

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, second round (West Virginia)

2012 Stats

Double-A: .262/.356/.431, 10 XBH, 17 RBI, 27 K/17 BB (34 G)

Triple-A: .343/.386/.605, 29 XBH (13 HR), 47 RBI, 32 K/16 BB (49 G)

A right-handed hitter, Gyorko has a clean, compact swing that should allow him to consistently hit for a high batting average. He recognizes pitches and has a feel for the strike zone, and given his balanced swing, is comfortable using the whole field.

His power will never be anything special—especially at PetCo Park—but he should still tally plenty of doubles and consistently drive in runs.

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, and he has enough pop in his bat to fit at third base. He may only receive a September call-up, but it seems likely that Gyorko’s being prepped to take over full-time in 2013.

Anthony Gose, OF, Toronto Blue Jays

15 of 25

Position: OF

Height/Weight: 6’1”/190

DOB: 8/10/1990

Bats/Throws: L/L

Drafted/Signed: 2008, second round (HS—Bellflower, CA)

2012 Stats

Triple-A: .290/.371/.423, 31 XBH (9 3B) 29 SB, 88 K/43 BB (87 G)

One of the most toolsy players in all of the minor leagues, Gose has game-changing speed that grades out as an easy 70-to-75. His plus defense and arm in center field will allow him to stick at the position, as he’s able to cover an obscene amount of ground.

He flashed above-average power last season at Double-A, though he’ll likely produce only average pop in the major leagues.

His hit tool is the only thing that stands in the way of an immediate spot in the Blue Jays outfield. Although he did a better job of drawing walks last season, his average didn’t reflect it. His plate discipline will need to improve even more this season—especially his recognition of secondary offerings.

The resurgence of Colby Rasmus this season has definitely hurt his stock, although Gose will still probably make his big-league debut in September. However, there’s also a chance that he’ll be traded considering the Blue Jays’ need for starting pitching.

Matt Harvey, RHP, New York Mets

16 of 25

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6'4", 225

DOB: 3/27/1989

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (North Carolina)

2012 Stats

Triple-A: 7-4, 98.1 IP, 3.39 ERA, .234 BAA, 102 K/42 BB (18 GS)

I see him more as a perfect No. 2 starter in any rotation thanks to his four-pitch arsenal and ability to work deep into games.

The right-hander’s fastball is most effective in the low-to-mid-90s with late life, but he has been known to pop the occasional 96-98. His out pitch is a slider with hard bite, and he’ll also snap off a big curveball to give hitters a different look. Harvey does have a changeup, though it’s thrown sparingly and lacks feel.

Harvey struggled to begin the 2012 season, as he frequently missed up in the zone and walked too many batters. However, the right-hander has been dealing as of late, going 4-3 with a 2.72 ERA and 64 K/24 BB in his last 10 starts.

The Mets said that he wouldn’t reach the big leagues until 2013, but with Dillon Gee now out for at least a month, he’ll have to be considered.

Starling Marte, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates

17 of 25

Position: OF

Height/Weight: 6’2”, 180

DOB: 10/9/1988

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2007, Dominican Republic

2012 Stats

Triple-A: .290/.350/.492, 37 XBH (12 3B), 52 RBI, 18 SB (12 CS), 74 K/23 BB (84 G)

Marte possesses average to above-average tools across the board, with his plus speed and defense being the most noticeable. Although it’s improved this season, the right-handed hitter’s plate discipline is still lacking, as he struggles to keep his weight back and drive offspeed pitches.

He flashes above-average power at times that should continue to improve as he becomes more selective at the plate.

Following a huge season at Double-A in 2011, Marte has turned the corner after a slow start in 2012. After batting .276 in April and .236 in May, the right-handed hitter batted .325 with 15 extra-base hits in June.

However, he continues to strike out too much, and his base-stealing skills are unrefined. Despite that, he should still receive a call-up later this season.

Matt Barnes, RHP, Boston Red Sox

18 of 25

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’4”, 205

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: 5-2, 54.1 IP, 3.48 ERA, .246 BAA, 59 K/13 BB (11 GS)

Barnes has an explosive fastball that sits in the mid-90s and occasionally hits 96 or 97 mph. 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 his 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.

Despite his recent struggles at High-A, Barnes has been absolutely dominant this season, demonstrating excellent command of his entire arsenal. It’s highly doubtful that he’ll reach the major leagues this season, but he’s proving that he could be a key part of the Red Sox rotation as early as 2013.

Expect the Red Sox to challenge him once again later this season with a promotion to Double-A.

Jackie Bradley, OF, Boston Red Sox

19 of 25

Position: OF

Height/Weight: 5'10", 180

DOB: 4/19/1990

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011 (South Carolina)

2012 Stats

High-A: .359/.480/.526, 31 XBH, 16 SB, 40 K/52 BB (67 G)

Double-A: .350/.424/.463, 8 XBH, 10 RBI, 19 K/9 BB (20 G)

After an injury-plagued 2011 season playing for South Carolina, it appears the Red Sox picked up a steal when they drafted Bradley in the supplemental first round of the 2011 draft.

A natural center fielder, he gets phenomenal jumps in center field in addition to above-average range. While his arm is strong enough to play right field, his defense is such an asset that he should have no problem sticking in center field in the major leagues.

Although he doesn’t offer much power, Bradley possesses an above-average to plus hit tool from the left side and is adept to working counts and getting on base. Furthermore, his speed plays up on the basepaths, where he gets excellent jumps and repeatedly demonstrates a knack for swiping bags.

His plate discipline and ability to drive the ball from pole to pole has made him one of the more impressive position players in all of the minors this season, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he reaches the big leagues at some point in 2013.

Oscar Taveras, OF, St. Louis Cardinals

20 of 25

Position: OF

Height/Weight: 6'2", 180

DOB: 6/19/1992

Bats/Throws: L/L

Drafted/Signed: 2008, Dominican Republic

2012 Stats

Double-A: .324/.372/.593, 36 XBH (17 HR), 63 RBI, 44 K/24 BB (80 G)

One of the more impressive hitters in all of the minors last season, Taveras won the Midwest League batting title with a .386 average. The left-handed hitter takes forceful hacks but retains the ability to generate hard contact, thanks to his ridiculous hand-eye coordination and knowledge of the strike zone.

Albeit a violent one, his swing is balanced and smooth, and he has the ability to unload on inner-half offerings. His current gap power suggests that it may ultimately be above average.

His above-average speed has allowed him to play all three outfield positions so far, but his highest ceiling comes as a corner outfielder. Given his strong arm, though, he’s more likely to end up in right field.

This season, Taveras has shown the power that the Cardinals hoped for—at Double-A, nonetheless. If he continues to produce at this rate, he may be in store for a promotion to Triple-A later this season.