MLB Trade Rumors: 13 Minor-Leaguers Teams Shouldn't Deal at the Deadline

With the July 31^st trade deadline rapidly approaching, every organization is busy evaluating which prospects they are willing to trade.

For most teams, acquiring big-league talent that will potentially contribute to a playoff berth may justify the prospects that they deal. However, there are numerous top prospects, all of whom recently appeared in Prospect Pipeline’s Midseason Top 50 Prospects, that simply have far too much upside to consider dealing, regardless of the potential return.

Here is a look at 13 prospects who should not be traded at the deadline.

Jurickson Profar, SS, Texas Rangers

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 5'11", 165

DOB: 2/20/1993 (Age: 19)

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, Curacao

Level: Double-A  

Halfway through the season, Profar has shown exactly why he’s the top prospect in all of baseball. The 19-year-old is thriving at Double-A, making easy adjustments without showing any flaws in his game. He possesses an above-average hit tool from both sides of the plate that’s highlighted by quick wrists and an advanced feel for the strike zone. As we all saw in the XM Futures Game, Profar has surprising pop for his size that, when bundled with his quick wrists, could yield 15-20 home runs in his prime.

He also made strides as a base stealer in 2011—his first full season—although his speed only grades out as above-average. It’s more noticeable on defense, as Profar has excellent range at shortstop and has clean actions through the baseball. He is a plus defender with soft hands and also possesses a strong arm that will allow him to remain at the position.

The top position prospect in the minor leagues, Profar has the potential to be a superstar given his natural ability as a switch-hitter and defensive prowess at short. While he’s still young and would benefit from considerable experience, it’s conceivable that he’ll be big-league-ready by late 2013.

Dylan Bundy, RHP, Baltimore Orioles

Position: RHP                       

Height/Weight: 6'1", 200

DOB: 11/15/1992 (Age: 19)           

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (HS: Owasso, Okla.)

Level: High-A 

He features a 94-98 mph four-seam fastball that has scraped triple digits, as well as a low 90s two-seamer and cutter. Unlike most 19-year-old pitchers, Bundy already has both a feel for and knowledge of how to manipulate his fastball, working both sides of the plate and changing the hitter’s eye level.

However, the Orioles have asked him to not throw the cutter—easily his best overall pitch. It’s a pitch that will still be there when he’s asked to revive it, but until then, he’ll work on refining his off-speed offerings.

The right-hander’s secondary arsenal consists of a deuce that consistently shows plus shape and break, though his command of the pitch has been challenged at High-A. Lastly, he mixes in an advanced changeup that should be yet another plus offering in time.

A physical and athletic pitcher, Bundy has repeatable mechanics and can handle a greater workload than expected from a prep arm. The No. 4 overall pick in 2011, his professional career got off to a legendary start at Low-A Delmarva, firing 30 scoreless innings with 40 strikeouts and two walks.

As the top pitching prospect in the minor leagues, the Orioles know that they have a special player on their hands in Bundy. He has the potential to reach the major leagues much quicker than the other prep arms out of the 2011 draft class, as well as the potential to be an immediate star.

Taijuan Walker, RHP, Seattle Mariners

Position: RHP                       

Height/Weight: 6'4", 210

DOB: 8/13/1992 (Age: 19)          

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (HS: Yucaipa, Calif.)

Level: Double-A 

As an 18-year-old, Walker was lights out last season at Low-A Clinton until he reached the 100-inning limit imposed by the Mariners. The right-hander has a big-time fastball with late life that touches the upper 90s, and he showed improved command of it in 2011. He’s struggled with it at times this season, especially as of late; however, it’s nothing to worry about. The fact he’s continued to make adjustments as a 19-year-old at an advanced level speaks volumes about his potential.

Coming out of high school, Walker’s breaking ball was a slider. Since turning pro, the Mariners have eliminated it from his arsenal, replacing it with a sharp downer curveball instead. He also throws a circle change with convincing arm speed and fading action and should be effective against both right- and left-handed hitters.

Walker’s raw athleticism distinguishes him from the other pitching prospects and only makes his potential that much greater. He's the Mariners' future ace with one of the highest ceilings of any pitching prospect in the game.

Zack Wheeler, RHP, New York Mets

Position: RHP                       

Height/Weight: 6'4", 185

DOB: 5/30/1990 (Age: 22)           

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, first round (HS: East Paulding, Ga.)

Level: Double-A 

Prior to the season, I believed that Wheeler had the potential to take a huge step forward to become one of the top pitching prospects in the game, and he’s done exactly that. Some scouts have set his ceiling at a No. 2 starter on a first-division team, but I think that may be selling him short.

Wheeler has a lean 6'4" frame, a quick arm and clean mechanics. His fastball runs as high as 97-98 mph; however, he usually works in the low to mid 90s with explosive sidearm action on his two-seamer. His curveball has sharp downward break that buckles right-handed hitters, and he also throws a solid-average changeup that should be at least his third above-average offering by the time he reaches the major leagues.

While his command still needs some refinement, he’s excelled this season at Double-A and worked deep into games.

Oscar Taveras, OF, St. Louis Cardinals

Position: OF                       

Height/Weight: 6'2", 180

DOB: 6/19/1992 (Age: 20)            

Bats/Throws: L/L

Drafted/Signed: 2008, Dominican Republic

Level: Double-A 

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, as he generates exceptional torque and, in turn, the ability to unload on inner-half offerings.

There’s nothing more encouraging than a 20-year-old developing his power at Double-A while retaining a high batting average. It’s hard to predict which tool will ultimately be his best: hit or power. Although there’s a chance that neither ever grades out as a plus, both will at least 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, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t end up in right field. His speed is slightly below average, especially on the basepaths, but it plays up a grade in the outfield due to his instincts.

Francisco Lindor, SS, Cleveland Indians

Position: SS 

Height/Weight: 5'11", 175

DOB: 11/14/1993 (Age: 18)

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (HS: Montverde Academy, Fla.)

Level: Low-A 

One of the most promising young shortstops in the game, Lindor is already on the fast track to the major leagues. The best defensive shortstop out of the 2011 draft, he has drawn rave reviews for his athleticism and actions at short, making plays that are unexpected of an 18-year-old. The combination of his excellent range and plus arm has the Indians convinced that Lindor will be able to stick at shortstop for the duration of his career.

A switch-hitter, Lindor’s offensive value will come from his hit tool. He’s already showing the ability to get on base at a decent clip thanks to plate discipline well beyond his years. He’ll never hit for much power, but he has enough pop to produce at least 10 home runs and 20-plus doubles each year.

Despite being just a slightly above average runner, Lindor projects to steal 20 bases annually due to his aggressiveness, instincts and high baseball IQ.

Nick Castellanos, 3B/OF, Detroit Tigers

Position: 3B                       

Height/Weight: 6'4", 210

DOB: 3/4/1992 (Age: 20)                        

Bats/Throws: R/R

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

Level: Double-A 

A first-round selection in 2010, Castellanos is hands down the Tigers’ top hitting prospect. After an anemic start to the 2011 season at Low-A, he went on to slash .312/.367/.436 while playing in 135 games.

Even though he swatted only seven home runs, the right-handed hitter did tally 36 doubles. Given his ability to barrel up the baseball, adding a little loft to his swing should yield more home runs. He struck out 130 times compared to 45 walks, so he’ll need to improve that differential this season.

Castellanos is still learning how to play at third, but his range, instincts and above-average arm work well there. He’s tall (6'4") with wiry strength and lots of room to fill out, and having such a phenomenal season only raises his ceiling. Blocked at third base in Detroit by Miguel Cabrera, Castellanos has even seen some action in the outfield since the bump up to Double-A.

Xander Bogaerts, SS/3B, Boston Red Sox

Position: SS/3B                       

Height/Weight: 6'3", 175

DOB: 10/1/1992 (Age: 19)          

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, Aruba

Level: High-A 

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 at Low-A. Only 19 years old, his quick bat and plus power allow him to drive the ball to all fields with backspin carry. As he faces more advanced pitching, however, he’ll be forced to become more selective, especially with quality off-speed pitches.

Additionally, Bogaerts will have to make an alteration in his swing to hit for a respectable average at higher levels. Despite his impressive numbers at High-A this season, the right-handed hitter has only a 9.1 percent line-drive rate, which is well below the 13.6 percent league average. There’s currently too much uppercut in his swing, resulting in more fly-ball outs and swing-and-misses than desired in a young hitter. 

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.

The youngster is on pace to post career highs in nearly every offensive category this season and has seen his power re-emerge after a slow start.

Javier Baez, SS/3B, Chicago Cubs

Position: SS/3B

Height/Weight: 6'1", 205

DOB: 12/1/1992 (Age: 19)

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (HS: Arlington Country Day School, Fla.)

Level: Low-A 

The ninth overall pick in the 2011 draft, Baez has insane raw bat speed with present plus power and a chance to add more as he develops. A right-handed hitter, he swings as hard as humanly possible every time. Yes, that inevitably leads to a high strikeout total. But that’s also what makes him such a uniquely 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 as he continues to fill out. He has above-average speed and good instincts on the basepaths and should have at least 20/20 potential by the time he reaches the major leagues.

Mason Williams, OF, New York Yankees

Position: OF               

Height/Weight: 6'0", 150

DOB: 8/21/1991 (Age: 20)           

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, fourth round (HS: West Orange, Fla.)

Level: High-A

In his first professional season, Williams ranked as the New York-Penn League’s top prospect after leading the league with 28 steals and posting a .349 batting average. He's a toolsy player with projectable athleticism and the baseball skills already in place to one day be a dynamic outfielder in the major leagues.

At the plate, the left-handed hitter has quick wrists with solid hand-eye coordination and a swing that projects for some power. Right now, he’s mainly an arms/upper body hitter, so the incorporation of his lower half should yield significant results.

He possesses nearly 80-grade speed that plays better in the outfield than it does on the basepaths. His range is excellent in center field, and he has a strong enough arm to be considered for right field. As a base stealer, Williams has the speed but lacks the intuition of a polished base stealer.

Kaleb Cowart, 3B, Los Angeles Angels

Position: 3B

Height/Weight: 6’3”/190

DOB: 6/2/1992

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (HS—Adel, GA)

Level: High-A 

A switch-hitting third baseman, Cowart handles the bat significantly better from his natural right side, though he’s made significant strides this season as a left-handed hitter. His bat speed and fluid stroke from both sides suggests plus power. Given his progress this season, it seems as though he may even have a chance to hit for a respectable average.

Left-handed, his swing can be a bit choppy and lacks the fluidity showcased from the right side, although he flashes plus power from that side as well.

At third base, Cowart’s athleticism and instincts foster above-average range and smooth defensive actions. His arm—which was mid-to-upper-90s off the bump in high school—is ideal for the position, although he has a tendency to get out of sync with his footwork and miss his target. 

This season, Cowart has gone from a prospect with questions about his bat to a hitter with constantly improving plate discipline. There’s still not a ton of power there, but as his hit tool improves, his power should follow.

Jesse Biddle, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies

Position: LHP                       

Height/Weight: 6'4", 225

DOB: 10/22/1991                       

Bats/Throws: L/L

Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (HS—Philadelphia, Pa.)

Level: High-A 

Drafted out of a local Philadelphia high school, Biddle’s selection was one of the feel-good stories of the 2010 first-year player draft. A tall southpaw with a projectable frame, Biddle’s fastball comes in at 90-94 mph, and when he’s feeling good, it noticeably explodes out of his hand.

His offspeed pitches are underdeveloped, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t promising. His changeup has excellent fade and is thrown with arm speed similar to his fastball, and it has the makings of a plus pitch once it’s fully developed. Biddle also works in a downer curveball that he is still learning to command, as he has a tendency to overthrow it and spike it before reaching the plate.

Overall, he needs to continue to improve his command, especially that of his fastball, as it sets up each of his promising offspeed offerings. With a system that lacks top-ranked prospects, it would be a wise decision for the Phillies to hold on to Biddle.

Trevor Story, SS, Colorado Rockies

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6'1", 175

DOB: 11/15/1992 (Age: 19)

Bats/Throws: R/R

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

Level: Low-A

One of the more under-the-radar prospects in all of baseball, Trevor Story employs a mature approach at the plate that allows him to drive the ball all over the field. His present raw power and direct bat path suggest that he’ll hit for average to above-average power as he continues to physically develop.

At 6’1”, 175 pounds, Story has an athletic and physically strong frame that still leaves room for projection. He’s an above-average runner with excellent instincts at shortstop, though his range is only slightly above average. Furthermore, he has smooth and natural actions to and through the baseball. His best defensive tool is his plus arm, which is more than enough for the position.