Ranking the Top 25 MLB Prospects About to Make Debuts in September

As we get closer to the roster expansion September 1—when teams are allowed to carry 40 active players rather than the standard 25—there will be ongoing speculation over which prospects will be promoted.

Everyone has an opinion on the prospect who could potentially make an impact down the stretch of the season. But it’s not simple. Sure, under some circumstances, it may be as easy as releasing an expendable big-leaguer to make room for the youngster on the active roster. Typically, an organization values a player already on the 40-man roster, preferring not to start the clock on a prospect’s service time in the major leagues.

So, I’ve put together a list of 25 prospects that I realistically believe could debut in September—if not sooner. This isn’t a straight ranking of the best September call-ups. Rather, I’ve taken into consideration each player’s 40-man roster status and experience and ranked them based on the likelihood of a late-season promotion.

25. Sean Gilmartin, LHP, Atlanta Braves

Age: 22

Level: Triple-A

40-man Roster: No

2012 Stats (AA, AAA): 6-9, 3 CG, 144.2 IP, 3.48 ERA, .243 BAA, 100 K/35 BB (24 GS)

Gilmartin, a 22-year-old left-hander, began his first full professional season at Double-A and was promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett in late July. At the moment, he’s more polished than Teheran and has a significantly better track record this season. He’s not a strikeout artist, but will get his fair share all while exhibiting command of his three-pitch mix, highlighted by a plus changeup.

24. Rymer Liriano, OF, San Diego Padres

Age: 21           

Level: Double-A

40-man Roster: Yes

2012 Stats (A+, AA): .284/.352/.425, 42 XBH (8 HR), 30 SB, 112 K/38 BB (119 G)

A toolsy outfielder with tons of upside, he possesses average power and plus speed as well as a decent understanding of the strike zone. Liriano’s ability to hit for a high average remains suspect, but that shouldn’t detract from his overall game.

His ability to cover ground and above-average arm should allow him to stay in center field for the time being, but his thick build suggests he might get bulky over time and require a move to right field.

Already on the Padres’ 40-man roster, Liriano was promoted to Double-A after a strong first-half performance at High-A. 

23. Zack Wheeler, RHP, New York Mets

Age: 22

Level: Triple-A

40-man Roster: No 

2012 Stats (AA, AAA): 10-8, 137 IP, 3.48 ERA, .228 BAA, 136 K/53 BB (23 GS)

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 a 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 excelled this season at Double-A and received a recent promotion to Triple-A. Even though a September call-up is a bit of a longshot, giving him a few innings out of the bullpen towards the end of the season isn’t a terrible idea.

22. Anthony Rendon, 3B, Washington Nationals

Age: 23

Level: Double-A

40-man Roster: Yes

2012 Stats (R, SS, A+, AA): .255/.371/.500, 13 XBH (4 HR), 19 K/16 BB (31 G)

Even though he’s not a physically imposing hitter, the Rice alumnus has a plus bat with power. But what I find most impressive about Rendon is his pitch recognition and ability to manipulate counts in his favor.

Despite his lack of professional experience, the right-handed hitter still profiles as one of the more advanced hitters in the minor leagues—much like how he was considered the most advanced bat in the 2011 draft class. Rendon manages to make consistent, hard contact and drives the ball to all fields with authority.

As a third baseman, he's an above-average defender with solid instincts and a plus arm. Prior to the season, there was even speculation that the Nationals may move him to second base to expedite his big league arrival.

Unfortunately, in his second game of the season with High-A Potomac, Rendon suffered a fractured ankle while rounding third base. The ankle injury is his third in as many years.

He recently returned ahead of schedule from the injury, and after stops in the New York-Penn (SS) and Carolina (High-A), he’s already reached Double-A. Despite the injury, the Nationals are firm believers in his potential with the bat, and it won’t take him long to reach the major leagues. There have even been preliminary discussions about him playing first and/or second base next season.

21. Gerrit Cole, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates

Age: 21           

Level: Double-A

40-man Roster: Yes

2012 Stats (A+, AA): 8-6, 115 IP, 2.82 ERA, .224 BAA, 121 K/34 BB (23 GS)

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft, Gerrit Cole is your classic power pitcher with an electric arsenal. His fastball can flash triple digits on the radar gun, though he typically sits in the upper 90s. When he’s efficient enough to work his slider off his fastball, it’s a legitimate strikeout pitch. Given his double-plus velocity, Cole also has a decent changeup when he’s able to mix it in.

There’s no denying that Cole has ace potential, but I just don’t think he will breeze through the minors as others do. Although he doesn’t walk a lot of hitters, the right-hander still falls behind too many hitters and leaves hittable pitches up in the zone. Furthermore, when pitching from the stack, he struggles to repeat his mechanics, ripping open with his glove side and throwing from a slightly lower arm slot.

Having made 11 starts for Double-A this season, he’ll likely spend more time at the level before a possible late-season exposure at Triple-A. However, if the Pirates are still in the hunt come September and in need of additional starting pitching, his estimated time of arrival may get bumped up. The right-hander has some of the most explosive and electric pitches in the minor leagues and may be hard to hold back.

20. Marc Krauss, OF, Houston Astros

Age: 24

Level: Triple-A

40-man Roster: No

2012 Stats (AA, AAA): .282/.411/.513, 53 XBH (20 HR), 78 RBI, 108 K/85 BB (123 G)

Selected in the second round of the 2009 draft, Krauss is a physically strong 6’2”, 235-pound outfielder whose offensive game compares to Adam Dunn’s. A 24-year-old in his third full professional season, he was recently traded to the Astros along with Bobby Borchering for Chris Johnson.  

Although his defense in left field is fringy at best, Krauss' three-outcome (home run, walk or strikeout) approach should garner opportunities in the major leagues over the next two seasons, and there’s a strong chance that he receives most of his at-bats against left-handed pitching.

To avoid the Rule 5 draft next season, Krauss will need to be added to the Astros’ 40-man roster, so don’t be surprised if he receives a September call-up.

19. Jonathan Singleton, 1B, Houston Astros

Age: 20           

Level: Double-A

40-man Roster: No

2012 Stats (AA): .280/.391/.494, 49 XBH (19 HR), 76 RBI, 121 K/80 BB (120 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. He still tracks the ball well and draw walks, but struggles to square up the ball with consistency.

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.

18. Nick Castellanos, 3B/RF, Detroit Tigers

Age: 20

Level: Double-A

40-man Roster: No

2012 Stats (A+, AA): .338/.378/.476, 43 XBH (10 HR), 101 K/30 BB (121 G)

A supplemental-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 time in right field since the promotion 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.

17. Nick Franklin, SS/2B, Seattle Mariners

Age: 21

Level: Triple-A

40-man Roster: No

2012 Stats (AA, AAA): .284/.352/.466, 47 XBH (11 HR), 12 SB, 100 K/42 BB (109 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.

He has good instincts and knows how to read pitchers, but lacks aggressiveness 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.

16. Tyler Cloyd, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies

Age: 25

Level: Triple-A

40-man Roster: No

2012 Stats (AA, AAA): 15-1, 160 IP, 2.19 ERA, .218 BAA, 111 K/40 BB (25 GS)

Cloyd certainly doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but he has above-average command of his three-pitch mix. His fastball sits in the 86 to 90 mph range with moderate arm-side run, but nothing too crazy. He’s been cutting his fastball more frequently this season, at times even getting late sinking action.

The 25-year-old has a pretty good changeup in the low-80s with fade and sink and throws it with consistent arm speed. His slider is just an average pitch, as he gets around it too often and makes it slurvy. He trusts his secondary pitches and throws them in all counts, therefore using his fastball as part of a sequence.

Cloyd had a breakout season in 2011 and has only verified it at a higher level in 2012. He's due for a September call-up.

15. James Paxton, LHP, Seattle Mariners

Age: 23

Level: Double-A

40-man Roster: No 

2012 Stats (AA): 8-4, 96.1 IP, 3.08 ERA, .246 BAA, 99 K/48 BB (19 GS)

At 6’4”, 220 pounds, Paxton is a left-handed power pitcher capable of registering high strikeout and ground-ball rates. Using two plus pitches in his fastball (both two- and four-seam) and breaking ball, he doesn’t shy away from hitters and is comfortable throwing the curveball in any count. His mechanics can be inconsistent given his large frame, especially from the stack, but he’s continued to make adjustments since reaching Double-A.

14. Shelby Miller, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals

Age: 21           

Level: Triple-A

40-man Roster: No

2012 Stats (AAA): 9-10, 125 IP, 5.04 ERA, .268 BAA, 23 HR, 144 K/47 BB (25 GS)

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. However, for most of this season, reports placed the right-hander's fastball in the low- to mid-90s and often up in the zone.

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.

The right-hander has allowed 131 hits and 23 home runs in 125 innings and is learning that he can’t get away with working up in the zone and relying on velocity. However, he’s pitched better as of late, recording 50 strikeouts compared to only one walk over his last 52.2 innings.

13. Nolan Arenado, 3B, Colorado Rockies

Age: 21           

Level: Double-A

40-man Roster: No

2012 Stats (AA): .275/.333/.422, 45 XBH (11 HR), 50 RBI, 54 K/37 BB (122 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 turned things around over the last few weeks. If he continues to swing the bat well, the Rockies may decide to call him up while his confidence is high.

12. Francisco Peguero, OF, San Francisco Giants

Age: 24

Level: Triple-A

40-man Roster: No

2012 Stats (AAA): .274/.299/.398, 35 XBH (20 2B), 68 RBI, 80 K/15 BB (104 G)

Given his bat speed and raw power, Peguero has never put up the offensive numbers that he should. A free-swinger, the right-handed hitter doesn’t strike a lot, and walks are few and far between. Peguero simply makes too many weak outs due to his over-aggressive plate discipline.

Capable of playing center field, the 24-year-old seems destined for a corner spot due to his lack of speed and strong arm. Considering his age, Peguero is still way too raw, but with the potential need for a reserve outfielder in the wake of Melky Cabrera’s suspension, he ultimately may be a September call-up.

11. Julio Teheran, RHP, Atlanta Braves

Age: 21

Level: Triple-A

40-man Roster: Yes 

2012 Stats (AAA): 7-7, 116.2 IP, 5.48 ERA, .299 BAA, 18 HR, 82 K/39 BB (24 GS)

Since receiving a call-up last season, the right-hander has lacked consistency and seen his stats trend in the wrong direction.

His fastball sits in the 93-97 mph range, and he’s aggressive with its placement, working both sides of the plate and pounding the lower half of the strike zone. However, he’s been missing with the pitch far too often over the last year, which has led to fewer strikeouts and more home runs allowed this season at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Also in his arsenal is a plus changeup with excellent fade, as well as a fringy curveball and slider. Both pitches grade as above-average with potential to be plus offerings down the road. Teheran will need to have a legitimate breaking ball to succeed in the major leagues. Still, he's showcased improved command of all pitches since 2010, but clearly needs more refinement to be successful at the big league level.

10. Grant Green, IF/OF, Oakland Athletics

Age: 24

Level: Triple-A

40-man Roster: No

2012 Stats (AAA): .290/.334/.453, 42 XBH (13 HR), 13 SB, 69 K/30 BB (108 G)

Drafted as a shortstop in 2009, Green has played just about every position this season; basically, he’s done everything but pitch, catch or play first base. His power hasn’t developed as hoped, but he still has a decent bat. He’ll likely see time at multiple positions this September, possibly even significant time at second base, where he’s played the last eight games.

It’s possible that Green could be the team’s second or third baseman next season—both positions where they’ve been especially weak in 2012. And given his lack of power, second base would be the more logical fit of the two.

9. Oswaldo Arcia, OF, Minnesota Twins

Age: 21

Level: Double-A

40-man Roster: Yes

2012 Stats (A+, AA): .325/.396/.537, 54 XBH (14 HR), 84 RBI, 95 K/47 BB (111 G)

Already on the Twins’ 40-man roster, Arcia’s lightning-quick wrists and a lofty left-handed swing allow him to go yard to all fields. Although his swing can be a bit long at times, the barrel whip is excellent, as he stays behind the baseball and generates extension after contact. 

Arcia is raw defensively, and his bulkiness has made him a corner outfielder exclusively. He profiles best in right field, as his plus arm is a clean fit at the position. After the Twins promoted Joe Benson last September, it's hard to rule out a call-up for Arcia.

8. Billy Hamilton, SS, Cincinnati Reds

Age: 21

Level: Double-A

40-man Roster: No

2012 Stats (A+, AA): .317/.417/.433, 105 R, 150 H, 37 XBH (14 3B), 147 SB (33 CS), 101 K/80 BB (121 G)

The first minor leaguer to steal 100 bases in over a decade in 2011 (103 for Low-A Dayton), Hamilton is hands-down the fastest player in baseball. Even more impressive is the fact that he’s made enormous strides this season learning the intricacies of the game.

As a switch-hitting shortstop, the improvement in his plate discipline this season has already boosted his stock. Overall, his hit tool is still suspect. However, as long as he can make consistent contact, it shouldn’t matter.

The little power he has is more apparent from the right side of the plate due to more lift in his swing and better extension after contact. He’s also done a better job utilizing his speed this season, hitting ground balls at a favorable rate and putting pressure on the opposing defense.

Outside of his range—his best defensive tool—Hamilton's arm and hands can be fringy, which has some scouts thinking that he’ll wind up in center field or perhaps at second base. His arm stroke is unnatural at shortstop and has led to increased throwing errors, as his lower half often moves too quickly to execute fluid arm action.

Having already eclipsed last year’s high-water mark for stolen bases (103), Hamilton had 80 stolen bases by the High-A All-Star break and continues to average nearly 1.3 per game. On Tuesday night playing for Double-A Pensacola, Hamilton broke Vince Coleman’s 1983 stolen base record with his 146th in the third inning.

Hamilton is still likely two years away from reaching the big leagues, but given his speed, there’s a chance that the Reds will use him as a base-stealing threat off the bench.

7. Jake Odorizzi, RHP, Kansas City Royals

Age: 22

Level: Triple-A

40-man Roster: No

2012 Stats (AA, AAA): 14-4, 134.1 IP, 2.95 ERA, .240 BAA, 124 K/45 BB (24 G; 23 GS)

A highly athletic right-hander with a projectable frame and clean, repeatable mechanics, Odorizzi has been on the fast track to the major leagues since he was acquired in the deal that sent Zack Greinke to the Brewers prior to the 2011 season.

Odorizzi’s fastball scrapes 96 mph and sits at 92-94 with considerable arm-side sink. Additionally, he’s improved his ability to locate the pitch to both sides of the plate. His 12-to-6 breaking ball is a sledge when in the zone with excellent pace and rotation.

As with his fastball, the right-hander’s command of the pitch has improved this season and has been vital toward his success.

He mixes in a slider and a changeup as well, but both offerings lag behind the fastball and curveball and will likely never receive higher than 50 grades. Still, Odorizzi is a strike-throwing machine with an athletic frame, and results that suggest he will be a consistent No. 3 starter at worst.

6. Jedd Gyorko, 2B, San Diego Padres

Age: 23

Level: Triple-A

40-man Roster: No 

2012 Stats (AA, AAA): .319/.380/.556, 145 H, 54 XBH (27 HR), 90 RBI, 80 K/45 BB (115 G)

In his first full professional season, Gyorko led all minor leaguers with 192 hits in 149 games last year. He’s been just as impressive this season, posting a .978 OPS since an early-season promotion to Triple-A. The Padres have given him extensive looks at second base this season, where it seems he is most prepared to contribute in the bigs.

A natural third baseman, the Padres converted Gyorko to second base for a reason. He has a clear path to playing time next season as the everyday second baseman. He recently came off the seven-day disabled list, and it’s not believed to be a serious or lingering injury.

5. Bruce Rondon, RHP, Detroit Tigers

Age: 21

Level: Triple-A

40-man Roster: No

2012 Stats (AA, AAA): 47 IP, 28 SV, 1.34 ERA, .167 BAA, 60 K/20 BB (46 G)

Recently promoted to Triple-A, Rondon has the potential to make significant impact out of the bullpen—immediately. Boasting a fastball that works in the 99-102 mph range, the right-hander was designed for a late-inning relief role. Who knows; he could even get a look as closer if Jose Valverde falters down the stretch.

The Tigers will need Rondon in their 2013 bullpen, as he’s a cheap power arm capable of closing. If he performs well in September, they could even look to deal Jose Valverde this offseason and instate Rondon as closer.

4. Danny Hultzen, LHP, Seattle Mariners

Age: 22

Level: Triple-A

40-man Roster: Yes           

2012 Stats (AA, AAA): 9-5, 116.2 IP, 2.31 ERA, .187 BAA, 129 K/61 BB (22 GS)

The top left-hander in the ultra-talented 2011 draft class, Hultzen was also the most polished—and still is. He already demonstrates advanced command of three pitches—a low 90s fastball, a slider (technically his out pitch) and a changeup—and is effective against right- and left-handed hitters.

Hultzen’s success is based upon his ability to locate his fastball on both sides of the plate, especially working inside against right-handed hitters. When he fails to do so, his secondary pitches aren’t set up as well and generally far less effective.

Similarly, if they catch too much of the plate, their velocity still provides hitters with enough time to throw their hands at the ball and scatter bleeding hits across the field.

Prior to his promotion to Triple-A, Hultzen didn’t allow an earned run in four consecutive starts spanning 24.2 innings while fanning 35 and walking only eight batters. After a few rocky starts at Triple-A, the southpaw has righted the ship and is on pace to make his big-league debut in the near future.

3. Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City Royals

Age: 21            

Level: Triple-A

40-Man Roster: No

2012 Stats (AA, AAA): .312/.389/.603, 64 XBH (34 HR), 99 RBI, 6 SB, 132 K/57 BB (122 GS)

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.

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.

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 has been knocking on the door all season and, despite Jeff Francoeur's struggles, should force the Royals’ hand very soon.

2. Jurickson Profar, SS, Texas Rangers

Age: 19

Level: Double-A

40-Man Roster: No 

2012 Stats (AA): .278/.361/.456, 46 XBH (14 HR), 62 RBI, 15 SB, 76 K/59 BB (117 G)

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.

With 14 home runs this year as the youngest player in Double-A, it’s safe to assume that Profar will hit for more power than anyone expected.

He’s always exhibited more power—.256 ISO in 289 plate appearances over the last two seasons—from his natural right side, thanks to a loftier swing with more extension after contact. Still, his power has noticeably improved from the left side this season, as we all witnessed in the XM Futures Games.

However, he has excellent gap power from both sides of the plate, and as he physically develops, more balls should carry off the fence.

He’s also made strides as a base stealer—his first full season—although his speed only grades out as above-average.

Much like current Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus, Profar is an aggressive, high-energy defender capable of making highlight-reel plays on a nightly basis.

Profar’s excellent instincts lend to his plus-range in all directions. He possesses soft, giving hands, as well as a quick transfer and release. Although Profar may see time at second base and center field if he’s called up prior to the 2014 season (when Andrus is a free agent), he has all the tools to stick at shortstop.

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 more experience, Nolan Ryan has suggested that they may recall him this season—possibly even in the near future.

1. Dylan Bundy, RHP, Baltimore Orioles

Age: 19           

Level: Double-A

40-Man Roster: Yes

2012 Stats (A-, A+, AA): 8-3, 98.1 IP, 2.01 ERA, .184 BAA, 113 K/24 BB (22 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.

Bundy features a 94-to-98 mph four-seam fastball that has scraped triple digits, as well as a low-90s two-seamer with considerable arm-side run—as you can see. Unlike most 19-year-old pitchers, he 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. 

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.

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

As the top pitching prospect in the minor leagues, the Orioles know that they have a special talent on their hands in Bundy. After a promotion to Double-A at the same time Manny Machado was promoted to the major leagues, it’s conceivable that the Orioles may use him in September. And honestly, I’m sure he can handle it.