Best Minor League Player at Each Position Who'll Be a September MLB Call-Up

On September 1, major league rosters will expand from 25 to 40 players, therefore allowing teams to call up many of their top prospects. While some players will be recalled as a means of resting big leaguers during the home stretch of the 2012 season, there will be numerous prospects promoted with the intention of improving the on-field product.

Here is a look at one top prospect at each position—with multiple selections for both pitchers and outfielders—who has the potential to aid their respective team in the playoff race.

SP: Tyler Skaggs, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

Height/Weight: 6'3", 195 lbs.

DOB: 7/13/1991 (Age: 21)           

Bats/Throws: L/L

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

Midseason Top 50 Rank: 10

  

2012 Stats

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

Triple-A: 4-1, 47.2 IP, 1.70 ERA, .228 BAA, 41 K/14 BB (8 GS)

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

Skaggs may 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’ll occasionally rush his delivery and lose the pitch to his arm side, but even when he’s not throwing it well, it still has enough shape and downward action to generate swing and misses.

Skaggs also 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.

Since his promotion to Triple-A, Skaggs been nearly dominant, allowing only four earned runs over his last 40.2 innings.

SP: Dylan Bundy, RHP, Baltimore Orioles

Height/Weight: 6'1", 200 lbs.

DOB: 11/15/1992 (Age: 19)           

Bats/Throws: S/R

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

Midseason Top 50 Rank: 2

2012 Stats

Low-A: 1-0, 30 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.53 BAA, 40 K/2 BB (8 GS)

High-A: 6-3, 54.1 IP, 2.98 ERA, .242 BAA, 63 K/17 BB (11 GS)

The No. 4 overall pick in 2011, Bundy’s professional career got off to a legendary start at Low-A Delmarva, firing 30 scoreless innings with 40 strikeouts and two walks.

He features a 94 to 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. As the top pitching prospect in the minor leagues, the Orioles know that they have a special player on their hands in Bundy. After promoting him to Double-A Bowie this week, there’s a growing suspicion that the Orioles plan to use him if they’re still in the playoff race in September. 

SP: Shelby Miller, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals

Height/Weight: 6'3", 195 lbs.

DOB: 10/10/1990 (Age: 21)           

Bats/Throws: R/R

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

Midseason Top 50 Rank: 23

2012 Stats

Triple-A: 4-8, 82.1 IP, 5.79 ERA, 5.53 FIP, .280 BAA, 17 HR, 94 K/46 BB (18 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 pounds; however, concern grew after he showed up to spring training out of shape.

Miller typically throws a heavy 93 to 97 mph fastball with 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, downer curve and a fading changeup. He has already shown the ability to work deep into games while sustaining his velocity and has a frame built for innings.

One of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball headed into 2012 season, Miller is in the midst of a rough season at Triple-A Memphis. The right-hander has allowed 114 hits and 20 home runs in 106.1 innings and is learning that he can’t get away with working up in the zone and relying on velocity.

However, the right-hander has pitched better as of late, allowing four earned runs over his last 14 innings while fanning 16 and walking none.

C: Sebastian Valle, Philadelphia Phillies

Height/Weight: 6'1", 205 lbs.

DOB: 7/24/1990 (Age: 22)           

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2006, Mexico

Midseason Top 50 Rank: NR

2012 Stats

Double-A: .261/.280/.435, 27 XBH (13 HR), 45 RBI, 83 K/11 BB (83 G)

Triple-A: .105/.150/.263 (5 G)

Guiding all of the Phillies’ young pitchers through the minor leagues has been Valle, who was promoted to Triple-A early last week. The 22-year-old has plus raw bat speed from the right side of the plate, and his power has continued to emerge over the last two seasons. While the talent is there, Valle’s poor plate discipline has prevented him from receiving consideration as an elite catching prospect.

Defensively, he is an athletic catcher who moves well laterally and puts down good fingers—something important given the young pitching staff. His blocking and receiving skills are advanced for his age, while his strong arm has led to a 28 percent caught-stealing rate in six minor league seasons.

1B: Jonathan Singleton, Houston Astros

Height/Weight: 6'2", 235 lbs.

DOB: 9/18/1991 (Age: 20)           

Bats/Throws: L/L

Drafted/Signed: 2009, eighth round (HS—Long Beach, Calif.)

Midseason Top 50 Rank: 39

2012 Stats

Double-A: .274/.387/.465, 41 XBH (14 HR), 63 RBI, 107 K/73 BB (110 G)

Acquired along with Jarred Cosart in the deal that sent Hunter Pence to Philadelphia, Singleton has explosive bat speed to go along with advanced plate discipline. Although his power isn’t overly apparent at the moment, it should continue to develop as he gains experience and should be at least above-average by the time he reaches the major leagues.

One knock against the left-handed hitter is that he struggles against southpaws, as he strikes out too often and lacks his typical power. Over his last two seasons, Singleton is batting only .247/.334/.350 with two home runs (both this season) against left-handers. He’ll still track the ball well and draw walks, but he’s consistently demonstrated an inability to square up the ball.

While he’s received playing time in left field, Singleton’s future is at first base. His below-average speed is a non-factor at the position, while he’s slick with the glove and surprisingly athletic.

Singleton has a chance to be the Astros' first baseman in 2013 and, in his prime, could hit .275 with 20-plus home runs in the middle of the order. Legitimate first-base prospects are rare, especially ones who will likely hit for average. Once he figures out how to hit left-handed pitching, there shouldn’t be anything holding him back from the major leagues.

2B: Kolten Wong, St. Louis Cardinals

Position: 2B                     

Height/Weight: 5’9”, 190 lbs.

DOB: 10/10/1990

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (Hawaii)

Midseason Top 50 Rank: NR

2012 Stats

Double-A: .285/.352/.401, 29 XBH (8 HR), 17 SB, 60 K/40 BB (104 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 .255/.332/.388 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. With the recent trade of Tyler Greene to Houston, Wong’s arrival may happen earlier than anticipated, especially if the Cardinals fall out of the playoff picture.

3B: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies

Height/Weight: 6'1", 205 lbs.

DOB: 4/16/1991 (Age: 21)           

Bats/Throws: R/R

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

Midseason Top 50 Ranking: 31

2012 Stats

Double-A: .276/.337/.417, 41 XBH (9 HR), 46 RBI, 49 K/36 BB (112 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 has the potential to be a decent defender in the major leagues. He’s always possessed the arm strength and instincts to handle the position, but now, his athleticism is finally catching up.

After amassing 55 extra-base hits last season at High-A Modesto, Arenado’s power numbers are down this season at Double-A, but the plate discipline and consistent contact to all fields is still there. Attribute last season’s power to the hitter-friendly California League if you will, but he’s simply not driving the ball like he can.

With a strong season, it seemed as though Arenado would make his big league debut late this season, especially given the Rockies’ struggles. He’s struggled for the most part, but has been scorching hot over the last two weeks. If he continues to swing the bat well, the Rockies may call him up while his confidence is high.

SS: Nick Franklin, Seattle Mariners

Height/Weight: 6'1", 180 lbs.

DOB: 3/2/1991 (Age: 21)

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, first round (HS: Sanford, Fla.)

Midseason Top 50 Rank: 38

2012 Stats

Double-A: .322/.394/.502, 25 XBH (17 2B), 9 SB, 38 K/24 BB (57 G)

Triple-A: .247/.314/.420, 17 XBH (5 HR), 54 K/16 BB (42 G)

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 to begin the 2012 season. He had an excellent first full professional season in 2010, leading the Midwest League in home runs (23) and setting a new Low-A Clinton record.

A switch-hitter, he definitely has more pop from the left side, including above-average power to the opposite field. Since entering the Mariners' system in 2009, he’s consistently produced as a left-handed hitter due to a more fluid swing and bat path compared to his natural right side.

Overall, Franklin is an aggressive hitter with plus bat speed and uses his loose wrists and compact swing to maximize power. Although strikeouts will always be part of his game, he’s improved his plate discipline and become a more selective hitter.

Although he’s still a slightly above-average runner, Franklin won’t steal 25 bases again as he did at Low-A in 2010. He still has good instincts and knows how to read pitchers, but he simply isn’t as aggressive on the basepaths. His speed plays up a tick at shortstop due to an instinctual first step, though his range is only average. He has a slick enough glove to remain at shortstop, but his average arm profiles better at second base in the major leagues.

After a strong start to the season at Double-A Jackson, Franklin has been playing both middle infield positions at Triple-A Tacoma. Given Brendan Ryan’s lack of production this season, a September call-up seems likely.

OF: Wil Myers, Kansas City Royals

Height/Weight: 6'3", 205 lbs.

DOB: 12/10/1990 (Age: 21)            

Bats/Throws: R/R

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

Midseason Top 50 Rank: 3

2012 Stats

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

Triple-A: .293/.375/.572, 37 XBH (20 HR), 63 RBI, 81 K/36 BB (75 G)

Since entering the Royals' system in 2009, Wil Myers has absolutely raked at every stop—excluding his injury-plagued 2011 campaign. Exploding from an upright, balanced stance, the right-handed hitter has quick wrists with outstanding bat control as well as plate coverage that allows him to effortlessly drive the ball to all fields. He has considerably more power to the pull side but keeps his weight back long enough to still jump the yard to the opposite field.

Myers' plate discipline is advanced beyond his years, and he’s comfortable hitting any pitch in any count. Although he’s capable of drawing walks, Myers has focused on driving the ball this season, and the results speak for themselves. He’ll be nothing more than an average defensive outfielder, although the plus arm that made him a highly touted catching prospect is still there.

Myers is close—extremely close—to a big league call-up. He’s been knocking on the door all season and, despite Jeff Francoeur's struggles and Lorenzo Cain’s clean bill of health, may force the Royals’ hand very soon. He's such a pure hitter that his adaptation to major league pitching should be smooth. Expect Myers to drive in plenty of runs from the middle of the Royals' order in 2013.

OF: Nick Castellanos, Detroit Tigers

Height/Weight: 6'4", 210 lbs.

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

Bats/Throws: R/R

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

Midseason Top 50 Rank: 15

2012 Stats

High-A: .405/.461/.553, 23 XBH (17 2B), 32 RBI, 42 K/22 BB (55 G)

Double-A: .306/.322/.444, 19 XBH (6 HR), 21 RBI, 49 K/6 BB (56 G)

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 right field since the bump up to Double-A.

The 20-year-old starred at the XM Futures Game, going 3-for-4 with a home run, three runs scored and three RBI as he was named the contest’s Most Valuable Player. 

Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski has even hinted that if it makes sense and he can help the club, he wouldn’t hesitate to call him up in September, even if it's for a platoon role with left-handed hitters Brennan Boesch and/or Andy Dirks.

OF: Oscar Taveras, St. Louis Cardinals

Height/Weight: 6'2", 180 lbs.

DOB: 6/19/1992 (Age: 20)            

Bats/Throws: L/L

Drafted/Signed: 2008, Dominican Republic

Midseason Top 50 Rank: 8

2012 Stats

Double-A: .323/.385/.577, 57 XBH (20 HR), 80 RBI, 51 K/39 BB (107 G)

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.

Taveras is one of the best pure hitters in the minor leagues, so good that the Cardinals may consider promoting him directly from Double-A.