10 Best MLB-Bound Home-Run Hitters in the Minor Leagues

For every legitimate power hitter that reaches the major leagues, there are countless others who, despite posting gaudy minor league power numbers, lack the plate discipline and ability to make consistent contact necessary to thrive at the highest level.

While there are plenty of players in the minor leagues who possess either plus or plus-plus raw power, most lack the refinement and corresponding hit tool to be successful big league hitters.

However, there are numerous prospects who may develop enough to reach the major leagues.

Miguel Sano, 3B, Minnesota Twins (Low-A)

2012 Stats: .261/.381/.520, 53 XBH (24 HR), 91 RBI, 132 K, 75 BB (116 G)

Sano is easily the top right-handed power prospect in the minor leagues.

After slugging 20 home runs in 66 games last season in the Appalachian League, the 19-year-old has already amassed 18 bombs through 83 games at Low-A Beloit in the Midwest League. Unlike most young hitters, his power isn’t strictly to the pull side, as he frequently jumps the yard to the opposite field.

Receiving 75 to 80 for his raw power, Sano has the potential to hit 40-plus home runs once he improves his plate discipline.

Michael Choice, OF, Oakland Athletics (Double-A)

2012 Stats: .287/.356/.423, 27 XBH (10 HR), 58 RBI, 88 K, 33 BB (91 G)

With a swing designed to generate light-tower power, Choice’s double-plus power was on full display last season at High-A Stockton when he led the California League with 30 home runs.

With blinding bat speed and considerable lift to his swing, the right-handed hitter generates too much movement with his lower half at times, which, in turn, impedes his power. Additionally, such a swing inhibits his ability to time breaking balls and has led to excessive strikeouts this season, his first at Double-A.

Choice was starting to catch fire when an errant pitch broke his wrist and prematurely ended his season in July.

Matt Davidson, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks (Double-A)

2012 Stats: .270/.378/.491, 49 XBH (22 HR), 64 RBI, 111 K, 62 BB (118 G)

A right-handed hitter with strong arms and quick wrists, Davidson has the ability to drive the ball out of the park to all fields. Despite his high strikeout totals of previous years, he actually possesses fairly advanced plate discipline that should help retain a decent batting average at higher levels.

His pitch recognition still needs to improve, but the fact he’s rebounded from a second-half slump is highly encouraging. 

Dan Vogelbach, 1B, Chicago Cubs (Short Season)

2012 Stats (R, SS): .326/.398/.684, 35 XBH (15 HR), 54 RBI, 38 K, 22 BB (46 G)

You may best remember Vogelbach for his power displays at both the 2009 and 2010 Power Showcase with blasts of 502 and 508 feet, respectively. Sure, his 6’0", 250-pound frame appears better suited for a career in softball, but the left-handed hitter’s double-plus raw power is undeniable.

Vogelbach isn’t strictly a power hitter. With a compact and fluid swing, he drives the ball to all fields and could have an above-average hit tool by the time he reaches the major leagues. Furthermore, he’s a patient hitter who already has an advanced feel for the strike zone.

Joey Gallo, 3B, Texas Rangers (Short Season)

2012 Stats (R, SS): .288/.431/.719, 29 XBH (18 HR), 43 RBI, 54 K, 38 BB (44 G)

With the most power in the 2012 draft class, the 6’5”, 205-pound left-handed hitter finished his career at Nevada powerhouse Bishop Gorman with the state home run record (60). His 80-grade power was on full display at the Perfect Game All-American Classic last summer when he blasted a 442-foot home run at Petco Park—the 10th-longest in stadium history.

Gallo has been on fire to start his professional career, too, as he set an Arizona Rookie League record with 18 home runs prior to his recent promotion to the Class-A short-season Northwest League.

Mac Williamson, OF, San Francisco Giants (Short Season)

2012 Stats: .316/.381/.632, 14 XBH (8 HR), 25 RBI, 13 K, 7 BB (23 G)

The Giants’ third-round selection in 2012 out of Wake Forest, Williamson has a power hitter’s frame at 6’4”, 240 pounds. With plus-plus raw power to all fields, he cut down on the strikeouts last season, which has carried over into his professional debut.

Trayce Thompson, OF, Chicago White Sox (Double-A)

2012 Stats (A+, AA): .253/.322/.483, 56 XBH (22 HR), 91 RBI, 18 SB, 150 K, 45 BB (119 G)

A highly athletic and toolsy outfielder, Thompson has always been regarded as a legitimate power prospect who strikes out way, way, too often. Although the whiffs continue to be a problem, Thompson made strides this season at High-A by improving his contact rate, which in turn led to a more respectable average.

He has as much raw power as anyone in the minors; now it’s just a matter of refining his swing and plate discipline.  

Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City Royals (Triple-A)

2012 Stats (AA, AAA): .310/.386/.611, 64 XBH (34 HR), 97 RBI, 128 K, 54 BB (117 G)

Although Myers isn’t physically imposing in the batter’s box, his plate coverage, quick wrists and lofty swing give him the ability to hit for plus power. And because he’s such an advanced pure hitter, Myers' power to all fields will continue to develop as he gains experience.

He has the potential to be a big-time run-producer for the Royals in the near future and for years to come. 

C.J. Cron, 1B, Los Angeles Angels (Single-A)

2012 Stats: .294/.329/.504, 53 XBH (23 HR), 115 RBI, 64 K, 16 BB (118 G)

A 6’4”, 235-pound right-handed hitter, Cron has emerged as one of the more productive power hitters in the minor leagues. Currently pacing all minor league hitters with 115 RBI, he has a knack for driving in runs without striking out too often and has posted a .955 OPS with runners on base this season. 

Kyle Parker, OF, Colorado Rockies (High-A)

2012 Stats: .315/.422/.554, 39 XBH (18 HR), 57 RBI, 73 K, 57 BB (87 G)

The Rockies fell in love with Parker’s power and made him their first-round draft pick in 2010. After belting 21 home runs in his professional debut in 2011, the two-sport star at Clemson has a chance to eclipse that total this season thanks to his improved plate discipline.

With his strong showing at High-A, it’s likely that he will begin the 2013 season at Double-A Tulsa with a legitimate chance to reach the major leagues in late 2013 or early 2014.