Every MLB Team's Next Big Thing

With two teams left fighting for a MLB World Series title, there are 28 other organizations hard at work to make sure they can get to the same place the San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers find themselves in right now.

Free agent moves will no doubt take up the majority of the attention this winter, but when spring training rolls around in February, prospects from farm systems all over the country will get their chance to show what they have to offer.

Some of these names are already making waves at the major league level, while others are still a ways off. Something they have in common, however, is the potential impact they may have for their club at some point down the road.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Tyler Skaggs

Since coming over in the trade that sent Dan Haren packing from Arizona in 2010, Tyler Skaggs has emerged as one of the best pitching prospects in the Diamondbacks system.

He was less than stellar in his six starts this season with the D-Backs, posting an ERA up around 6.00 as he went 1-3, but the future is looking bright for Skaggs.

If his productivity through all levels of the minor league system is any indication, he'll be a force in the major leagues for years to come.

Atlanta Braves: Julio Teheran

Though his brief debut with the Atlanta Braves in 2011 didn't go as planned after a 15-3 campaign in Triple-A, in which he posted a 2.55 ERA, Julio Teheran is still one of the best pitching prospects in all of baseball.

The Braves have the makings of a team that can contend for years to come in the NL East, and they'll definitely need their young pitching staff to play a key role in their successes.

Baltimore Orioles: Dylan Bundy

Spending time on three minor league teams this season, Dylan Bundy showed the baseball world exactly why he's the game's top pitching prospect today.

He went 9-3 with a 2.28 ERA in 23 starts in the Orioles organization, and as Baltimore continues to build off of its impressive 2012 campaign, Bundy will no doubt be a huge part of its plans to return to playoff contention.

Boston Red Sox: Xander Bogaerts

The Boston Red Sox infield already has enough players to head in the right direction as they put the 2012 season behind them, but it won't be too long before shortstop prospect Xander Bogaerts makes his way into the fold.

Bogaerts batted .307 at two levels in the organization this season, hitting 20 home runs and driving in 81 runs in 127 games.

MLB.com projects his debut to be coming in 2014, but if he continues to excel at the minor league level, a promotion could very well come sooner.

Chicago Cubs: Jorge Soler

Jorge Soler has only recently gained the proper credentials to become a part of a MLB organization, but he's already garnering plenty of interest across the league.

The Chicago Cubs organization is looking to make moves that will put it in position to contend for multiple years down the road. While those moves don't set the bar high immediately, the future is looking bright for much of the Cubs' top prospects.

Chicago White Sox: Chris Sale

The Chicago White Sox narrowly missed postseason play this fall. The team regressed from its standing atop the AL Central and eventually succumbed to the Detroit Tigers in the season's final weeks.

The White Sox did, however, have some strong performances from their starting pitching. Jake Peavy became the pitcher they expected when they traded for him, and first-year starter Chris Sale emerged as one of the league's young stars.

He'll take the reigns as the team's ace in 2013, but with plenty of big league experience gained already, the next big thing is already here for the White Sox.

Cincinnati Reds: Billy Hamilton

Billy Hamilton's most appealing asset is obviously his speed, as evidenced by the 155 steals he notched in 130 games playing for the Single-A Dayton Dragons.

He may not be set for major league action until late in the 2013 season, but if he can turn enough heads in the minors, it's possible the team won't have a choice but to give him a chance to fly around the basepaths in Cincinnati.

Cleveland Indians: Francisco Lindor

Making his minor league debut in the 2012 season, Francisco Lindor endured his share of growing pains with the Cleveland Indians organization.

He did manage a .257 batting average and an on-base percentage better than .350, which he parlayed into increased productivity, given his above-average speed on the basepaths (27 stolen bases).

The switch hitter will likely hit for more power as he continues to acclimate to professional baseball and may play a big part in the Indians' infield whenever he makes it up to the big leagues.

Colorado Rockies: Nolan Arenado

Nolan Arenado has shown the Colorado Rockies plenty of what he's got in his past two minor league seasons, batting over .300 with an on-base percentage in the mid-.340s and a slugging percentage over .500.

Depending on how the team sees his ability to play positions (third base or outfield), he could come up with the Rockies for good sooner rather than later.

Detroit Tigers: Nick Castellanos

Playing for two teams in the 2012 season, Nick Castellanos thrived wherever he was, compiling a net .320 batting average that included 10 home runs and 57 RBI.

Castellanos still needs to work on his eye at the plate, as he struck out 118 times in 134 games, but the outfielder could find his way into a Detroit Tigers uniform sooner rather than later, depending on how the roster shakes out in 2013.

Houston Astros: Jonathan Singleton

Coming to the Houston Astros organization by way of the trade that sent Hunter Pence to the Philadelphia Phillies, Jonathan Singleton will be a big part of the rebuilding project in the Lone Star State.

The power-hitting first baseman hit 21 home runs this season in Double-A, and as he gains a better eye at the plate, baseball's top first base prospect will be an even more valuable asset.

Kansas City Royals: Wil Myers

Once a top catching prospect, Wil Myers has the makings of an outfielder who should have a bright future with the Kansas City Royals, as soon as he works his way in at the major league level.

He has put in time in both Double-A and Triple-A this season and has thrived at both levels, batting .343 and .304, respectively.

With 24 home runs in 99 games as an Omaha Storm Chaser, Myers' power potential appears to be reaching the surface.

Los Angeles Angels: Mike Trout

Baseball witnessed the emergence of not just the Angels' future, but also the future of the league, as Mike Trout put up MVP numbers across the board, flashing power, patience and speed.

He may very well end up being crowned the AL MVP when awards are handed out, and while it'll be relatively impossible to improve much on this season's performance, the sky is the limit for Trout as he continues to mature in this league.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Zach Lee

A two-sport star in high school, Zach Lee could have very well been playing quarterback at LSU right now, had he not opted to accept his fate with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He moved up to Double-A halfway through the season and, combined with his early-season performances, put together a 6-6 record with a 4.39 ERA, while striking out nearly a batter per inning.

Lee still may be a couple of years away from major league action, but if his development accelerates into the early part of next season, we may see him sooner than that.

Miami Marlins: Christian Yelich

An all-around talent, Christian Yelich has the looks of a star in the making, as he has already shown some power in his 6'4" frame.

He's able to play first base and outfield, and while seeing him permanently in 2013 could possibly be a stretch, the Miami Marlins' decisions regarding where he'll get his playing time could speed up his progression.

Milwaukee Brewers: Wily Peralta

The Milwaukee Brewers may not be waiting all that long before they see top pitching prospect Wily Peralta donning a major league uniform at Miller Park for good.

He bounced back nicely in 2011 after a disappointing 2010 season, and while it's hard to consider him a prospect who has the makings of an ace after 2012, he should be a mid-rotation starter in no time.

Minnesota Twins: Miguel Sano

The Minnesota Twins narrowly missed becoming just the second $100 million team to lose 100 games in 2011 when they posted a 63-99 record.

Once again sitting in last place in the AL Central after this season, the Twins need to find a way to generate excitement in the fanbase and may have just what they need in Miguel Sano.

The young slugger is widely regarded as one of the best power-hitting prospects in all of baseball, drawing comparisons to Miguel Cabrera (per Yahoo! Sports).

New York Mets: Zack Wheeler

The New York Mets got themselves an outstanding prospect in Zack Wheeler last summer when they moved Carlos Beltran to the San Francisco Giants. Though he still has some spots to work on, he'll be a great addition to the team's rotation in a short amount of time.

New York Yankees: Gary Sanchez

In trading top catching prospect Jesus Montero to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Michael Pineda, the New York Yankees now turn their attention to Gary Sanchez, who currently sits as the second best catching prospect in baseball.

Sanchez may not have quite the potential for power as Montero, but with a good eye at the plate and relatively solid defensive capacities, he may be seeing time with the Yankees before 2014 rolls around.

Oakland Athletics: Michael Choice

Outfield prospect Michael Choice boasts a great deal of ability at the plate with a frame that's built for a budding power hitter.

He does have his share of struggles making contact at times, as evidenced by his 88 strikeouts last season in less than 100 games, but he makes up for it with his ability to draw free passes.

The Oakland Athletics made great strides in 2012, and with the team looking to build even further in 2013, they may end up taking their time with Choice rather than forcing the issue.

Philadelphia Phillies: Trevor May

With a dangerous curve ball in his arsenal, Trevor May can also use his changeup to his advantage, although he needs to work more on controlling speed on the mound.

As soon as he can be efficient and effective with all of his pitches, the Philadelphia Phillies could give him a shot at big-league action. And that just might be sooner than some would think.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Starling Marte

The Pittsburgh Pirates have the centerfielder of their future already in place with Andrew McCutchen but will soon have another option in the outfield when Starling Marte takes to the field on a regular basis.

Marte's breakout year came in 2011 when he batted .332 with the Double-A Altoona Curve, hitting 12 home runs and driving in 50 runs.

He still strikes out more than the organization would like, but once he figures out his eye at the plate, he should be a force to be reckoned with.

San Diego Padres: Robbie Erlin

If Robbie Erlin has anything going for him, it's certainly his ability to get the ball over the plate. Walking barely one batter per nine innings, he has shown some of the best command of the ball in the Padres' organization.

He'll need to rely on hitters making contact since he doesn't have a tendency to miss bats. Nevertheless, he could be a solid mid-rotation starter in no time.

San Francisco Giants: Kyle Crick

Kyle Crick may take some time to develop before heading to the major leagues, but the San Francisco Giants have a high-upside prospect on their hands in the sizeable righty.

As is oftentimes the case with young prospects, you take the good and the bad; Crick was no different, walking more than five batters per nine innings while also striking out nearly 10.

Seattle Mariners: Jesus Montero

Jesus Montero was set to become the catcher of the future for the New York Yankees once Jorge Posada hung up his cleats.

Those plans changed when Montero was sent to Seattle in exchange for Michael Pineda.

Montero batted only .262 with Seattle this season, but he has brought some much-needed power to the Mariners lineup, with 15 home runs and 62 runs batted in.

St. Louis Cardinals: Shelby Miller

2009 first-round pick Shelby Miller boasts an above-average fastball, and as he starts to develop a strong curve ball, he becomes that much more dangerous on the mound.

Some have him pegged for the majors in 2013, and with one solid start under his belt this year with the St. Louis Cardinals, the future is looking bright for Miller as his career develops.

Tampa Bay Rays: Hak-Ju Lee

Prospects don't always pan out, and while that could very well be the case with Hak-Ju Lee, the Tampa Bay Rays certainly hope that's not the end game.

Coming over in the trade that sent Matt Garza to the Chicago Cubs, Lee has batted nearly .300 during his minor league career and could be a part of the Rays infield in the next year or so.

Texas Rangers: Jurickson Profar

As one of the top prospects in all of baseball, Jurickson Profar's debut in the major leagues certainly came with great anticipation.

He batted .281 with the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders in 2012, showing great power and speed, along with solid play in the field at shortstop.

Profar's debut in the major leagues brought some downs, but his flashy play gives plenty of reason for optimism in the infield for years to come.

Toronto Blue Jays: Travis D'Arnaud

Travis d'Arnaud is certainly one of the best catching prospects in the minor leagues, as evidenced by an impressive .311 batting season in Double-A when he managed to go deep 21 times. 

His eye at the plate will be a huge asset for the Toronto Blue Jays, who may be inclined to push him into duty in the future as their situation at the backstop develops.

Washington Nationals: Bryce Harper

Bryce Harper came back down to earth a bit since his stellar debut in the major leagues early this spring, but it's still clear that he'll be headed for big things, both with his bat and his arm.

Harper finished the 2012 season with 22 home runs and 59 RBI in 139 games. Though he struck out his fair share of times, he's still an extremely dangerous opponent for any pitcher and will be one of the faces of the Washington Nationals franchise for years to come.