Hottest Pitching Prospects at Every Minor League Level

I think that I speak for all prospect enthusiasts when I say that the 2012 season keeps getting better and better. Since late June, it feels as though there's constantly been an intriguing prospect making his big-league debut.

And the best part is that it’s not even September 1, when every team expands their roster from 25 to 40 active players. This season has already been full of surprises with the promotions of Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, and I believe we’re due for several more.

Dylan Bundy may be coming out of the Orioles' bullpen after a recent promotion to Double-A. Nick Castellanos—who has been playing right field exclusively for the past month—may see time in the Tigers’ outfield. And now, there’s even talk that the Texas Rangers may call up baseball’s top prospect, Jurickson Profar, in the near future.

In the meantime, though, it’s time to take a look at this week’s installment of the hottest pitchers through the minor leagues.

And it’s also worth noting that Lucas Giolito—the Washington Nationals' first-round draft pick (No. 16 overall) in 2012—will make his first appearance on Tuesday since injuring his elbow early in the spring season. Considered by most scouts to have the best pure stuff in the entire draft class, the 6’6” right-hander will make his professional debut for the Gulf Coast League Nationals.

Triple-A

Jake Odorizzi, RHP, Kansas City Royals: 12-4, 120.1 IP, 3.22 ERA, .252 BAA, 118 K/41 BB (22 G; 21 GS)

Last four starts: 23.2 IP, 22 H, 8 ER, 21 K/10 BB; still should receive a September call-up.

Zack Wheeler, RHP, New York Mets: 10-6, 126.2 IP, 3.20 ERA, .219 BAA, 2 HR, 128 K/50 BB

Second start for Triple-A Buffalo (6 IP, 2 H, ER, 4 K/3 BB) much better than his first one.

Wily Peralta, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers: 6-10, 123.2 IP, 4.95 ERA, .279 BAA, 121 K/63 BB (24 GS)

After walking six batters in 3.2 innings on August 5, the right-hander bounced back with 7 IP, 6 H, ER, 6 K/1 BB in his next start.

Adam Warren, RHP, New York Yankees: 6-8, 136 IP, 3.77 ERA, .273 BAA, 93 K/41 BB (23 GS)

Over his last two starts, the right-hander’s line looks like this: 14 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 14 K/4 BB; if he continues to pitch well, he should get back to the big leagues in September.

Shelby Miller, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals: 8-9, 112 IP, 5.22 ERA, .274 BAA, 21 HR, 125 K/46 BB (23 GS)

Is he turning his season around at the right time? Reports had his velocity back in the 92-95 mph range in his last start, which is a very, very good sign. Last three starts overall: 3-0, 19.2 IP, 19 H, 7 ER, 26 K/0 BB.

Double-A

Michael Kickham, LHP, San Francisco Giants: 10-8, 127.2 IP, 2.61 ERA, .210 BAA, 113 K/65 BB (23 GS)

Has handled jump from Low-A to Double-A this season and is on fire over his last two starts (2-0, 15.1 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 20 K/3 BB), including seven no-hit innings in his start on August 8.

Adam Morgan, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies: 5-10, 130 IP, 3.12 ERA, .219 BAA, 146 K/30 BB (21 GS)

Left-hander turned in a dazzling Double-A debut: W, 7 IP, H, 0 ER, 6 K/2 BB.

Gerrit Cole, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates: 8-5, 109 IP, 2.89 ERA, .229 BAA, 112 K/34 BB (22 GS)

He’s been streaky all season but impressive over his last three starts: 16 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 17 K/6 BB. I wouldn’t completely rule out a spot in the Pirates’ bullpen come the final weeks of the season.

Casey Kelly, RHP, San Diego Padres: 26 IP, 2.42 ERA, .228 BAA, 25 K/1 BB (6 GS)

After a strong start at Triple-A Tucson, Kelly has missed nearly the entire season recovering from an elbow strain. Finally, he’s working his way back, as the right-hander was impressive in his first Double-A start: 5 IP, H, 0 ER, 4 K/1 BB. 

Tony Cingrani, LHP, Cincinnati Reds: 10-4, 126.1 IP, 1.57 ERA, .193 BAA, 143 K/40 BB (22 GS)

The 6’4” left-hander’s amazing season continues. Since giving up a season-high six runs on July 24, Cingrani’s returned to form over his last starts: 15.1 IP, 11 H, 2 ER, 13 K/8 BB. 

High-A

Erik Johnson, RHP, Chicago White Sox: 4-4, 71.1 IP, 2.14 ERA, .213 BAA, 61 K/23 BB (13 GS)

The 2011 second-round pick has been especially sharp in his five starts since being promoted to High-A: 32.1 IP, 1.67 ERA, .179 BAA, 26 K/5 BB. The 6’3”, 240-pounder has been tough on right-handed hitters: 22.1 IP, 0.81 ERA, .152 BAA, 17 K/3 BB.

Alex Meyer, RHP, Washington Nationals: 9-5, 119 IP, 2.57 ERA, .202 BAA, 133 K/40 BB (23 GS)

Since his midseason promotion to High-A, the 6’9” right-hander has been lights-out over five starts: 29 IP, 0.93 ERA, .175 BAA, 26 K/6 BB. Personally, I’d like to see him log a few starts at Double-A to finish the season.

Enny Romero, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays: 5-6, 112.1 IP, 3.77 ERA, .201 BAA, 93 K/66 BB (22 G; 20 GS)

When he throws strikes, the southpaw can be nearly unhittable, as he was in his last start: 6 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 9 K/1 BB. Still, he’s walked at least four batters in seven of his last 10 starts.

Jose Fernandez, RHP, Miami Marlins: 12-1, 119 IP, 1.89 ERA, .192 BAA, 142 K/31 BB (22 GS)

In his age-19 season, the right-hander has quickly become one of the top pitching prospects in the game. There’s a legitimate chance that he’s pitching in the major leagues before he turns 21.

Rafael Montero, RHP, New York Mets: 11-5, 122 IP, 2.36 ERA, .212 BAA, 110 K/19 BB (20 GS)

Has demonstrated advanced command with the ability to still generate plenty of swing-and-misses.

Low-A

Kyle Crick, RHP, San Francisco Giants: 5-6, 94 IP, 2.39 ERA, .176 BAA, 107 K/60 BB (19 GS)

Over his last two starts, the Giants’ top pitching prospect has been sensational: 13.2 IP, 4 H, ER, 17 K/4 BB. Now his command needs to keep improving.

Austin Brice, RHP, Miami Marlins: 8-5, 3 SV, 104 IP, 3.98 ERA, .234 BAA, 116 K/67 BB (23 G; 17 GS)

Like Crick, the 6’4” right-hander will have to improve as he develops, but the pure stuff is there. After posting a 4.97 ERA in July, Brice is yet two give up a run in August in 9.2 innings.

Kyle Zimmer, RHP, Kansas City Royals: 2-2, 26.2 IP, 3.04 ERA, .237 BAA, 36 K/5 BB (7 GS)

In his fourth start for Low-A Kane County, the No. 5 overall pick in 2012 scattered three hits and fanned 10 in 6.2 innings.

Michael Fulmer, RHP, New York Mets: 7-5, 102.2 IP, 2.54 ERA, .219 BAA, 93 K/36 BB (20 GS)

The 19-year-old has been among the top pitchers in the minors since the All-Star break: 3-2, 51.2 IP, 1.74 ERA, .215 BAA, 49 K/17 BB (9 GS).

Robert Shore, RHP, Seattle Mariners: 3-2, 52.2 IP, 1.54 ERA, .209 BAA, 55 K/12 BB (14 G; 6 GS)

It doesn’t get much better than his last two starts, both of which were 10-strikeout performances: 13 IP, 10 H, 0 ER, 20 K/0 BB. 

Class-A Short Season

Gabriel Ynoa, RHP, New York Mets: 4-1, 55 IP, 2.45 ERA, .196 BAA, 45 K/7 BB (9 GS)

Superb command for a 19-year-old in his first non-Rookie league.

Taylor Guerrieri, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays: 1-2, 34 IP, 1.06 ERA, .197 BAA, 29 K/2 BB (8 GS)

Yeah, I think he may be ready for a promotion to Low-A.

Brady Rodgers, RHP, Houston Astros: 6-2, 50.1 IP, 2.32 ERA, .249 BAA, 46 K/8 BB (9 GS)

Don’t be surprised if the Astros fast-track the right-hander next season.

Kevin Gausman, RHP, Baltimore Orioles: 6 IP, H, 5 K

The right-hander’s fastball-changeup combination has been sharp, and he’s dominated (like he should) thus far.

Aaron West, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays: 6-0, 50 IP, 0.90 ERA, .184 BAA, 49 K/5 BB (9 GS)

A pop-up prospect who’s been arguably the top pitcher in the New York-Penn League.

Rookie

Sam Selman, LHP, Kansas City Royals: 5-0, 41.1 IP, 1.31 ERA, .186 BAA, 62 K/15 BB (9 G; 8 GS)

Is it me, or is Selman having a very Tony Cingrani-like professional debut?

Eddie Butler, RHP, Colorado Rockies: 5-1, 43 IP, 2.93 ERA, .242 BAA, 2.07 GB/FB, 34 K/8 BB (9 G; 8 GS)

The Rockies’ second overall selection in the 2012 draft, Butler signed early and has now logged nearly 50 impressive professional innings.

Blake Snell, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays: 5-1, 45.1 IP, 1.59 ERA, .184 BAA, 51 K/16 BB (10 GS)

The 6’4” left-hander is proving to be difficult to barrel; last two starts: 2-0, 10 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 11 K/4 BB.

Ismael Guillon, LHP, Cincinnati Reds: 4-1, 51 IP, 2.29 ERA, .210 BAA, 63 K/24 BB (11 G; 10 GS)

After a disappointing year in 2011, Guillon is repeating Rookie-ball and thriving. The left-hander had his best start of the year on Monday: 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 10 K/1 BB.

Kyle Gibson, RHP, Minnesota Twins: 14.2 IP, 2.45 ERA, .176 BAA, 16 K/4 BB (9 G; 7 GS)

Finally recovered from Tommy John surgery, Gibson will try to make his way back to the upper-minors before the end of the season. He’s on his way, too, as he was just promoted to High-A.