10 MLB Prospects to Watch During the Minor League Playoffs

Some of the top minor league prospects, such as Wil Myers and Trevor Bauer, weren't included in their respective team’s first wave of September call-ups. It’s not because they didn’t deserve it; the organization wants them to finish the postseason schedule—the latest of which conclude around September 15. 

Both Myers and Bauer will likely be included in the second wave of call-ups later this month, as well as many of the other players on this list.

Here is a look at 10 prospects headed to the postseason at their respective minor league level.

Trevor Story, SS, Colorado Rockies

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6'1", 175

DOB: 11/15/1992 (Age: 19)

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first-round supplemental (HS: Irving, Texas)

Midseason Rank: 49

2012 Stats (A-): .277/.368/.507, 67 XBH (18 HR), 62 RBI, 15 SB, 120 K/60 BB (121 G)

A lesser-known prospect headed into the 2012 season, Trevor Story employs a mature approach at the plate that allows him to drive the ball all over the field. His present raw power and direct bat path suggest that he’ll hit for average to above-average power as he continues to physically develop.

At 6’1”, 175 pounds, Story has an athletic and physically strong frame that still leaves room for projection. He’s an above-average runner with excellent instincts at shortstop, though his range is only slightly above average. Furthermore, he has smooth and natural actions to and through the baseball. His best defensive tool is his plus arm, which is more than enough for the position.

After posting a .960-plus OPS in both April and May, Story, a right-handed hitter, fell into a slump prior to the Low-A All-Star break. However, he’s finished the year strong with an .877 OPS since the All-Star break.

Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City Royals

Position: OF                       

Height/Weight: 6'3", 205

DOB: 12/10/1990 (Age: 21)            

Bats/Throws: R/R

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

Midseason Rank: 3

2012 Stats (AA, AAA): .313/.387/.600, 162 H, 69 XBH (37 HR), 109 RBI, 140 K/61 BB (133 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 likely to make his debut at some point this month. However, the organization wants him to remain at Triple-A for their postseason, so he probably won’t be called up until mid-September.

Dylan Bundy, RHP, Baltimore Orioles

Position: RHP                       

Height/Weight: 6'1", 200

DOB: 11/15/1992 (Age: 19)           

Bats/Throws: S/R

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

Midseason Rank: 2

2012 Stats (A-, A+, AA): 9-3, 103.2 IP, 2.08 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 10.3 K/9, 2.4 BB/9 (23 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 94-98 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.

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. He has the potential to reach the major leagues much quicker than the other prep arms out of the 2011 draft class.

Unfortunately, Bundy will not be called up this September despite the endless speculation.

Matt Davidson, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks

Position: 3B                       

Height/Weight: 6'2", 225

DOB: 3/26/1991 (Age: 21)

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, first-round supplemental (HS—Yucaipa, Calif.)

Midseason Rank: 44

2012 Stats (AA): .259/.364/.466, 52 XBH (23 HR), 74 RBI, 126 K/68 BB (134 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 him retain a decent batting average at higher levels. His pitch recognition still needs to improve, but the fact that he’s handled the jump to Double-A this season is highly encouraging.

At third base, Davidson has only average range and exhibits sloppy footwork at times. However, he does have soft hands and a plus arm. Realistically, if he can continue to mash and cut down on his strikeouts (to an extent), his defense should be more than tolerable at the major league level.

The 2012 season has been full of highs and lows for Davidson, and he’ll need to develop more consistency in all facets of the game as he continues to develop.

Jonathan Singleton, 1B, Houston Astros

Position: 1B                       

Height/Weight: 6'2", 235

DOB: 9/18/1991 (Age: 20)           

Bats/Throws: L/L

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

Preseason Rank: 39

2012 Stats (AA): .285/.398/.500, 52 XBH (21 HR), 79 RBI, 130 K/88 BB (130 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’ll still track the ball well and draw walks, but he’s consistently demonstrated an inability to square up the ball.

His below-average speed is a non-factor at first base, 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.

Oscar Taveras, OF, St. Louis Cardinals

Position: OF                       

Height/Weight: 6'2", 180

DOB: 6/19/1992 (Age: 20)            

Bats/Throws: L/L

Drafted/Signed: 2008, Dominican Republic

Midseason Rank: 8

2012 Stats (AA): .321/.380/.572, 67 XBH (23 HR), 94 RBI, 56 K/42 BB (124 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 seemingly violent swing, his swing is balanced and smooth, as he generates exceptional torque and, in turn, has 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. He’s not necessarily a power hitter, per se; Taveras is just an exceptionally pure hitter.

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.

Cody Buckel, RHP, Texas Rangers

Position: RHP                       

Height/Weight: 6'0", 185

DOB: 6/18/1992 (Age: 20)                       

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, second round (HS—Simi Valley, Calif.)

Midseason Rank: 42

2012 Stats (A+, AA): 10-8, 139.2 IP, 2.49 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 9.7 K/9, 3.1 BB/9 (25 G; 22 GS)

Despite standing only six feet tall, Buckel draws strong comparisons to 2011 first-rounder Trevor Bauer, who happens to be one of his closest friends. Therefore, like Bauer, Buckel employs a delivery with exceptional torque and a loose arm that adds to the deception of all his pitches. However, the right-hander doesn’t rely solely on deception, as his stuff is excellent as well.

Buckel’s fastball sits in the low- to mid-90s with late run, and he does a great job of using it to change the eye level of opposing hitters. Beyond his heater, Buckel mixes in a hammer for a breaking ball that grades as an above-average offering, as well as a plus changeup that continues to improve. Rounding out his arsenal is a cutter, a pitch that’s still developing but already flashes above-average potential.

He may not be an imposing presence on the mound, but Buckel’s pure stuff and overall command are legitimate. He has an advanced feel for pitching—especially for a 20-year-old—and could move quickly through the Rangers system having already reached Double-A. 

Christian Yelich, OF, Miami Marlins

Position: OF                       

Height/Weight: 6'4", 189

DOB: 12/5/1991 (Age: 20)           

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (HS: Westlake, Calif.)

Midseason Ranking: 12

2012 Stats (A+): .330/.404/.519, 46 XBH (12 HR), 48 RBI, 20 SB, 85 K/49 BB (106 G)

Still just 20 years old, Yelich’s hit tool already grades out as a plus and still has room to improve relative to his plate discipline. A left-handed hitter, his swing is incredibly smooth and fluid, as he keeps his bat in the zone for an extended period of time and attacks pitches throughout the entire strike zone. 

Due to the level plane of his swing, Yelich will only hit for slightly above average power, but if he's able to add some lift, he has the upside to produce 20 to 25 home runs annually. As of now, most of his power is to the pull side, but he’s started to drive the ball out the other way—something that will only improve with experience.

His easy speed and good instincts on the bases suggest that Yelich will have 20-20 potential in his prime.

Jose Fernandez, RHP, Miami Marlins

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’3”, 215

DOB: 7/31/1992 (Age: 19)

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (HS: Tampa, Fla.)

Midseason Rank: 18

2012 Stats (A-, A+): 14-1, 134 IP, 1.75 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 10.6 K/9, 2.4 BB/9 (25 GS)

Fernandez, who grew up in Cuba and ultimately fled to the United States in 2008, is yet another 2011 first-rounder with No. 1 starter upside. The right-hander has a crisp fastball that sits at 92-96 mph and scrapes 97-98. Working from a high arm angle, he consistently throws the pitch on a downward plane and generates late, heavy sink. 

What’s impressive about Fernandez is that he already has three off-speed pitches in his arsenal, the best being a hard, late-breaking slider that generates swing-and-misses. His curveball is an solid-average pitch that can get too loopy and lose its pace at times, so don’t be surprised if the pitch is scrapped as he develops. The right-hander also has a unique feel for his changeup, which only furthers the thought that he could be a frontline starter.

Fernandez has been one of the best pitchers in all of the minor leagues this season, and, in my opinion, should be named the minor league pitcher of the year.

Nolan Arenado, 3B, Colorado Rockies

Position: 3B                       

Height/Weight: 6'1", 205

DOB: 4/16/1991 (Age: 21)           

Bats/Throws: R/R

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

Midseason Ranking: 31

2012 Stats (AA): .285/.337/.428, 49 XBH (12 HR), 56 RBI, 58 K/39 BB (134 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 leaguers. 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.

Given Jordan Pacheco’s hot bat, it’s hard to see Arenado receiving a September call-up. However, he is coming off his most productive month of the season, as he batted .358/.375/.569 with 11 doubles and four home runs in 27 August games.