10 Big-Name Minor-League Prospects Likely on the Move This Winter

Even though there is still nearly a month and a half left in the 2012 MLB season, it’s never too early to think about next year.

For some teams, the upcoming offseason will offer an opportunity to improve upon their success in 2012 by adding quality major league talent. For other teams, the rebuilding process will continue, as they trade for high-upside and projectable prospects.

Therefore, I’ve identified 10 prospects with the potential to be valuable trade chips this offseason due to their strong 2012 seasons, respectively, and the fact that they will be blocked at their position headed into 2013.

Didi Gregorius, SS, Cincinnati Reds

Age: 22

2012 Stats (Double-A, Triple-A): .274/.332/.404, 34 XBH (11 3B), 69 K/36 BB (112 G)

Notable Attributes: LH bat; plus defense and arm

With Zack Cozart manning shortstop and Billy Hamilton edging closer to the major leagues everyday, Gregorius becomes the odd man out in the long-term equation.

Julio Teheran, RHP, Atlanta Braves

Age: 21

2012 Stats (Triple-A): 6-7, 106 IP, 5.35 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 71 K/38 BB (22 GS)

Notable Attributes: Plus fastball and changeup

For a while it seemed like Teheran was destined for a spot at the front of the Braves rotation. However, after taking a huge step back this season and struggling in Triple-A, the right-hander suddenly becomes somewhat expendable given the depth of the Braves' staff.

Ronny Rodriguez, SS, Cleveland Indians

Age: 20

2012 Stats (High-A): .263/.302/.432, 33 XBH (14 HR), 6 SB, 73 K/17 BB (106 G)

Notable Attributes: Plus arm; above-average power

He may be playing at a higher level than Francisco Lindor, but there’s no chance he’ll reach the major leagues as quickly. And once Lindor gets there, he should be there for a long, long time.

Leury Garcia, SS/2B, Texas Rangers

Age: 21

2012 Stats (Double-A): .283/.325/.385, 21 XBH, 25 SB (83 G)

Notable Attributes:  Plus arm, speed and defense

With Elvis Andrus signed through 2013 and Jurickson Profar poised to replace him, Garcia becomes trade bait. The 21-year-old switch-hitter has made impressive strides with his defense this season and his on-base skills continue to improve. A versatile player, Garcia has played second base, shortstop and center field at Double-A.

Brian Goodwin, OF, Washington Nationals

Age: 21

2012 Stats (Low-A, Double-A): .294/.406/.495, 36 XBH (12 HR), 16 SB, 67 K/56 BB (82 G)

Notable Attributes: LH hitter; plus speed; plus raw power; on-base skills

A highly projectable outfielder with baseball skills that match his athleticism, Goodwin will be blocked for the foreseeable future as the Nationals should have one of the best overall outfields for years to come.

Daniel Corcino, RHP, Cincinnati Reds

Age: 21

2012 Stats (Double-A): 7-6, 127.1 IP, 3.25 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 113 K/56 BB (23 GS)

Notable Attributes: Plus fastball; solid-average command; high ground ball rates

Although the Reds’ starting rotation can be inconsistent at times, it’s still one of the better pitching staffs in the National League. However, considering Corcino's at Double-A, it’s difficult to see where exactly where he will fit in—especially with the likes of Tony Cingrani (LHP, Double-A) and Robert Stephenson (RHP, Low-A) moving quickly.

Adam Eaton, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

Age: 23

2012 Stats (Double-A, Triple-A): .375/.456/.528, 124 R, 178 H, 54 XBH (42 2B), 40 SB, 69 K/53 BB (116 G)

Notable Attributes: Above-average LH bat; advanced plate discipline; plus speed; above-average defense

For the Diamondbacks, Eaton’s ceiling is basically an organizational outfielder. However, for another team, he has the potential to be a legitimate left-handed-hitting leadoff man. The 23-year-old deserves a chance in the major leagues, but that may not happen in Arizona.

Anthony Meo, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

Age: 22

2012 Stats (High-A): 8-7, 121 IP, 4.46 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 129 K/60 BB (22 G; 21 GS)

Notable Attributes: Plus fastball; above-average changeup; deceptive delivery; induces ground balls

It’s hard to find an organization more loaded with pitching prospects than the Diamondbacks. However, that also makes many of them expendable if the team were to trade for established major leaguers. The mid-rotation upside is there with Meo, although his command will have to improve.

Jon Schoop, INF, Baltimore Orioles

Age: 20

2012 Stats (Double-A): .248/.315/.395, 34 XBH (13 HR), 85 K/35 BB (104 G)

Notable Attributes: Defensive versatility (2B, SS and 3B); above-average power potential; improving baseball skills

Double-A has been a challenge for Schoop; those lackluster offense numbers are also a product of playing his home games in the league’s most pitcher-friendly park. With the Orioles clearly looking to contend again in 2013, Schoop is their most realistic trade chip this offseason.

Zach Lee, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Age: 20

2012 Stats (High-A, Double-A): 3-6, 97 IP, 5.20 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 82 K/26 BB (21 GS)

Notable Attributes: Plus fastball; above-average slider; excellent command for his age; impressive athleticism

Lee was nearly moved multiple times at the trade deadline, or so it was reported on mlb.com. Regardless, there’s no reason to believe the Dodgers won’t add more big-league talent this season given their new ownership, and their No. 1 prospect remains their most valuable trade chip.