Every MLB Team's Highest-Ceiling Prospect Coming After the 2013 Draft

While MLB teams hope to add quality ballplayers to their respective organizations through the first-year player draft, the ultimate goal of every organization is to draft players with high ceilings (also known as upside or potential)—guys who can be difference-makers and game-changers at the sport's highest level.

Of course, whether those players ever reach such lofty heights is a gigantic crapshoot, as multiple factors—whether they be mental, physical or environmental—can derail the careers of even the most talented athletes on the diamond.

For every Stephen Strasburg, there are three Brien Taylors.

Unfortunately, it's the nature of the beast—especially when you are drafting teenagers who are fresh out of high school and are not yet emotionally or physically mature (though they'll tell you otherwise, because, well, they're teenagers and they know more than we do).

In a perfect world, the ceilings of those players selected by a team in its most recent draft will be higher than those already in its minor league system.

With the the 2013 draft fresh in our minds, now seems like a perfect time to take a look at which teams succeeded in that endeavor and which teams did not.

Keep in mind that the word "ceiling" does not mean "best." Many of the players on this list are not considered to be their organization's top prospect, and I am not suggesting that any of these players will reach their ceilings at the major league level.

We are simply looking at what a player could become if he lives up to his potential.

For the sake of clarity, any player currently on a major league roster was deemed ineligible to appear on this list, whether they meet the criteria for being a prospect (fewer than 130 major league at-bats, 50 innings pitched or 30 relief appearances) or not.

So get out your ladders—we're about to reach some new heights.

All statistics courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com and are current through games of June 10.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Archie Bradley, RHP

Age: 20

Current Level: Double-A

2013 Stats (High-A): 5 GS, 2-0, 1.26 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 43/10 K/BB

2013 Stats (Double-A): 8 GS, 5-1, 1.34 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 47/24 K/BB

How High Is His Ceiling?

A future ace, Bradley is the best of what has been an impressive group of young pitchers that Arizona has developed recently, including Patrick Corbin, Tyler Skaggs and Wade Miley. His ability to dominate the opposition makes him a potential award-winning pitcher down the line.

What Makes Him So Special?

Bradley's fastball and curveball are above-average major league pitches right now and he likely could hold his own against an average big league lineup. He has taken big strides this season in improving his command over all of his pitches, especially his changeup, which was below average.

How Long Before He Arrives in Arizona?

Arizona has plenty of pitching and no reason to rush Bradley, so with the possible exception of a late-season promotion this year, Bradley should arrive for good in 2014.

Who's Next in Line?

Braden Shipley, whom the team selected in the first round of the 2013 draft, projects to be a solid No. 2 starter in the majors.

Atlanta Braves: J.R. Graham, RHP

Age: 23

Current Level: Double-A

2013 Stats: 8 GS, 1-3, 4.04 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 28/10 K/BB

How High Is His Ceiling?

As a member of Atlanta's rotation, Graham projects to be a decent No. 2/above-average No. 3 starter. In the bullpen, Graham would be a top-notch setup man and potential closer. 

What Makes Him So Special?

Graham's four-seam fastball is a major weapon, sitting in the 94-97 MPH range with good movement, but his best pitch is his two-seam version of the heater, sitting in the low 90s with heavy sink.

He keeps batters off-balance by mixing in an above-average slider and a changeup that is still a work in progress. While he doesn't have prototypical size (6'0", 180 pounds), Graham has a live arm and attacks hitters on both sides of the plate with confidence.

How Long Before He Arrives in Atlanta?

Depending on Atlanta's needs, Graham could see major league action as early as this season. He'll definitely see a promotion in September when rosters expand and could be in the mix for a spot on the pitching staff in spring training next season.

Who's Next in Line?

Mauricio Cabrera, whom the Braves signed as an international free agent in 2010, is an incredibly raw, flame-throwing right-handed starter.

The 19-year-old is years away from even sniffing the major leagues, but Cabrera has explosive arm strength (he's touched triple digits with his fastball on multiple occasions) and the potential to be a front-line starter.

Baltimore Orioles: Dylan Bundy, RHP

Age: 20

Current Level: N/A

2013 Stats: N/A

How High Is His Ceiling?

The future ace of Baltimore's rotation and one of the elite starting pitchers in baseball.

What Makes Him So Special?

Bundy hasn't thrown off of a mound since March, being shut down with tightness in his elbow and forearm. According to Eduardo A. Encia of the Baltimore Sun, he is expected to begin his throwing program this week. 

The injury certainly threw a monkey wrench into Baltimore's plans for its top prospect, who made his MLB debut in 2012 and was expected to be part of the mix in the Orioles rotation at some point in 2013.

Aside from the timetable, nothing has changed in regard to Bundy, who is still a stud on the mound with multiple pitches to overpower batters and the confidence needed to succeed at the major league level.

How Long Before He Arrives in Baltimore?

At this point, you'd have to imagine that maybe Bundy gets some work for the Orioles in September when rosters expand; otherwise, he'll be leading the team's rotation in 2014.

Who's Next in Line?

Jonathan Schoop, Baltimore's second baseman of the future, has the ability to hit for average and some power at the next level.

Boston Red Sox: Xander Bogaerts, SS/3B

Age: 20

Current Level: Double-A

2013 Stats: 53 G, .308/.403/.507, 24 XBH (6 HR), 33 RBI

How High Is His Ceiling?

An All-Star on the left side of the infield and potential MVP candidate.

 

What Makes Him So Special?

You'd be hard-pressed to find a flaw with Bogaerts when he steps to the plate. He has tremendous bat speed and hand-eye coordination, allowing him to make solid contact and drive the ball to all fields with power.

Think a young Hanley Ramirez without the speed.

Whether he sticks at shortstop is another story, as he's already big for the position at 6'3", 185 pounds, and as he adds bulk to his frame, his already somewhat limited range could push him to third base.

How Long Before He Arrives in Boston?

It's going to be difficult for the Red Sox to keep him down on the farm for much longer; he's simply too talented a ballplayer to not be contributing at the big league level. He'll be in Boston's starting lineup one way or another in 2014.

Who's Next in Line?

Despite his struggles during his two stints with the Red Sox this season, Jackie Bradley Jr. remains one of the more exciting prospects in baseball and projects to be a quality contributor with the bat and glove in 2014.

Chicago Cubs: Javier Baez, SS

Age: 20

Current Level: High-A

2013 Stats: 57 G, .291/.339/.570, 34 XBH (13 HR), 44 RBI

How High Is His Ceiling?

All-Star shortstop and MVP candidate.

What Makes Him So Special?

Remember how I mentioned Boston's Xander Bogaerts as being a young Hanley Ramirez without the speed?

Baez is a young Hanley Ramirez—speed and all.

You can see from the video above how incredibly quick his bat is through the zone and how much power he's capable of generating when he makes contact.

Baez needs to work on his approach at the plate, as he swings at anything that's remotely close to the plate and doesn't draw walks nearly enough. Defensively, he is smooth and fluid at the position with a very strong arm.

How Long Before He Arrives in Chicago?

The Cubs have Starlin Castro signed through the 2020 season, so there's no need for the team to rush Baez through their minor league system.

That said, Baez is a superior talent in all aspects of the game to the incumbent, and as long as he makes progress at the plate, Baez could arrive as early as 2015.

Who's Next in Line?

It's a tie for me between a pair of hard-throwing right-handers, Arodys Vizcaino and Duane Underwood.

Vizcaino projects to be a big-time reliever, while Underwood has the potential to be an upper-level No. 2 starter.

Chicago White Sox: Tim Anderson, SS

Age: 19

Current Level: Just drafted; likely to start with team's Rookie Ball affiliate, the Bristol White Sox

2013 Stats: N/A

How High Is His Ceiling?

An All-Star up the middle, either at shortstop, second base or in center field.

What Makes Him So Special?

Chicago's first-round pick in this year's draft, Tim Anderson is incredibly raw but has the highest ceiling of anyone in Chicago's improving but still underwhelming farm system. He's got speed and a bat that projects to hit for average and some power (10-15 HR a season), with a knack for getting on base.

Defensively, while his movements are fluid, Anderson's arm is average at best, a reason why some believe he's destined to switch positions. But both the White Sox and Anderson plan on proving the doubters wrong, as he told Baseball America's Mark Gonzales.*

How Long Before He Arrives in Chicago?

A terrific athlete, Anderson needs to continue developing all areas of his game; if the White Sox decide that a position switch is in order, it could push his timeline back a bit as he acclimates himself to a new spot on the field.

Regardless of where he's playing, don't expect to see Anderson in a White Sox uniform before the 2017 season.

Who's Next in Line?

Courtney Hawkins showed off his athleticism at last year's draft with this celebratory backflip after being selected by the White Sox, and it's that athleticism that gives him such big upside. Hawkins brings power, speed and a cannon of a throwing arm to a corner outfield spot, likely right field.

*Subscription required.

Cincinnati Reds: Robert Stephenson, RHP

Age: 20

Current Level: Single-A

2013 Stats: 12 GS, 5-3, 2.97 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 85/17 K/BB

How High Is His Ceiling?

An elite front-line starter.

What Makes Him So Special?

Any conversation about Stephenson starts with his fastball, which sits in the high 90s and explodes out of his hand. He has the ability to dial it up to triple digits when he needs to, and it's not only the best fastball in Cincinnati's farm system, it may be the best fastball in the minor leagues.

But he's no one-trick pony, with good feel for his secondary pitches, primarily a curveball that has a chance to be another above-average offering and a changeup that projects as an average pitch as he continues his development.

How Long Before He Arrives in Cincinnati?

We are probably looking at two-and-a-half years before Cincinnati's first-round pick from the 2011 draft makes his major league debut, as there's still much work to be done before he's ready to take on the best hitters in the world.

Peterson needs to refine his command and delivery, consistently following through and staying on top of the ball. By 2015, he should be in the mix for a rotation spot in spring training.

Who's Next in Line?

Billy Hamilton, the man most of you expected to see as the pick here.

While he's still going to be very, very good, his ceiling has dropped just a bit in my book with his continued struggles to not only hit Triple-A pitching this season but to get on base with any consistency. If Hamilton isn't on base to use his speed, he loses significant value.

Cleveland Indians: Francisco Lindor, SS

Age: 19

Current Level: High-A

2013 Stats: 59 G, .296/.364/.404, 19 XBH (1 HR), 20 RBI, 13 SB

How High Is His Ceiling?

All-Star shortstop.

What Makes Him So Special?

Lindor has the footwork, range and arm strength to be an elite defensive shortstop and has drawn comparisons to Omar Vizquel in that regard.

He has a mature approach at the plate and the ability to hit for average and get on base consistently. While his power has room to develop, he isn't likely to produce more than 10 HR a season since he's more of a doubles/triples guy.

 

How Long Before He Arrives in Cleveland?

Lindor is still very young and needs to add strength to his 5'11", 175-pound frame, as he makes weak contact far too often for a player as naturally gifted as he is.

If Lindor can continue to make strides in his development, he could arrive as early as 2015, replacing Asdrubal Cabrera, who will become a free agent after the 2014 season.

Who's Next in Line?

Clint Frazier, Cleveland's first-round pick in this year's draft, has the tools to become an all-star outfielder.

Colorado Rockies: Jonathan Gray, RHP

Age: 21

Current Level: Just drafted; likely to start with the team's Rookie Ball affiliate, the Grand Junction Rockies

2013 Stats: N/A

How High Is His Ceiling?

No. 1 starter and a strikeout artist.

What Makes Him So Special?

Has a classic power-pitcher's frame (6'4", 240 pounds) and fluid mechanics, allowing him to throw his fastball consistently in the high 90s deep into games. His slider breaks late, sitting in the mid-80s, while his low-80s changeup is still a work in progress.

How Long Before He Arrives in Colorado?

Gray might be the best pitching prospect that the franchise has ever had, so expect them to treat him with kid gloves. 

That said, his experience and ability to dominate the competition could have him in Colorado at some point in 2014, though it's more likely that he'll arrive for good in 2015.

Who's Next in Line?

David Dahl, Colorado's first-round pick in the 2012 draft, projects to be an All-Star outfielder who hits for average, steals bases and plays above-average defense with average power that produces more thanks to playing in Coors Field.

Detroit Tigers: Nick Castellanos, 3B/OF

Age: 21

Current Level: Triple-A

2013 Stats: 65 G, .292/.369/.490, 29 XBH (10 HR), 34 RBI

How High Is His Ceiling?

All-Star outfielder. 

What Makes Him So Special?

One of the best hitters in the minor leagues at any level, Castellanos has a sweet right-handed swing that allows him to square up against increased velocity and drive the ball to all fields. His power is still developing, but he's a .300 hitter in the making.

How Long Before He Arrives in Detroit?

Blocked at third base by Miguel Cabrera, the Tigers moved Castellanos to a corner outfield spot last season, and while he won't win any Gold Gloves, he's capable enough to handle the everyday duties in left field. He'll be a late-season promotion in 2013 and should break camp with the club next year.

Who's Next in Line?

Avisail Garcia has been filling in for the injured Austin Jackson in Detroit this season and has held his own, which is no surprise, as he projects to be a solid, everyday outfielder with an intriguing combination of power and speed.

Houston Astros: Carlos Correa, SS

Age: 18

Current Level: Single-A

2013 Stats: 48 G, .282/.381/.420, 17 XBH (4 HR), 40 RBI

How High Is His Ceiling?

Perennial All-Star and one of the best players in baseball.

What Makes Him So Special?

When it comes to tools, Correa has them all. He can hit for average, hit for power (middle-of-the-order power), has speed on the basepaths, a very strong throwing arm and the chops to handle a prime defensive position like shortstop with no problems.

 

How Long Before He Arrives in Houston?

He's still incredibly raw and his entire game needs to develop and be refined before Houston can even think about promoting him to the big leagues. With the major league team still years away from contending, there's no reason for the Astros to rush Correa.

I'd be surprised if we saw Correa at Minute Maid Park before the 2016 season.

Who's Next in Line?

This year's top overall pick, right-handed starter Mark Appel, who should be a low-end No. 1 starter or quality No. 2 who will move quickly through Houston's farm system.

Kansas City Royals: Bubba Starling, OF

Age: 20

Current Level: Single-A

2013 Stats: 53 G, .208/.283/.354, 15 XBH (6 HR), 27 RBI

How High Is His Ceiling?

Perennial All-Star and one of the best players in baseball.

What Makes Him So Special?

Like Carlos Correa in Houston, Bubba Starling is incredibly raw but has all the tools a team looks for in a ballplayer.

He's an elite athlete with plus bat speed and the ability to drive the ball to all fields; as he fills out his 6'4", 180-pound frame, the power will come. Has top-end speed that makes him a stolen base threat and allows him to cover a lot of ground in center field, where he flashes an above-average glove and a phenomenal throwing arm.

How Long Before He Arrives in Kansas City?

Like Correa, Starling is incredibly raw—perhaps even more so than his counterpart in Houston. He needs to continue to develop all aspects of his game, improve his pitch recognition and refine the angles and routes that he takes to the ball in center field.

There's an outside chance we could see Starling late in 2015; otherwise, he'll be patrolling center field at Kaufman Stadium in 2016.

Who's Next in Line?

Sean Manaea, one of the team's two first-round picks in this year's draft, has the stuff to be the future ace of the team's rotation.

Los Angeles Angels: Kaleb Cowart, 3B

Age: 21

Current Level: Double-A

2013 Stats: 53 G, .208/.283/.354, 15 XBH (6 HR), 27 RBI

How High Is His Ceiling?

All-Star third baseman.

What Makes Him So Special?

A switch-hitter, Cowart has good bat speed and the ability to drive the ball to the opposite field with the potential to hit for average and power. Has a great arm and the glove skills to become an above-average defender at the hot corner.

How Long Before He Arrives in Los Angeles?

Cowart could start the 2014 season with the Angels if he's able to adjust to improved pitching at Double-A, but he has struggled so far against better pitching that is turning him around from the left side, where he hit 14 of his 16 home runs in 2012.

It's more likely that Cowart is promoted late in 2014 and becomes the team's starting third baseman the following season.

Who's Next in Line?

R.J. Alvarez, a hard-throwing right-hander who could be an elite setup man out of the bullpen.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Chris Anderson, RHP

Age: 20

Current Level: Just drafted; likely to start with the team's Rookie Ball affiliate, the Ogden Raptors

2013 Stats: N/A

How High Is His Ceiling?

Front-line starter.

 

What Makes Him So Special?

Anderson has the size (6'4", 215 pounds) and strength to become a solid innings-eater at the front of a big league rotation.

His fastball sits in the low-to-mid-90s and shows late life, while his slider, sitting in the low-to-mid-80s, has late-breaking drop out of the zone; both pitches are above-average offerings. His changeup and curveball have a chance to be average big league pitches.

How Long Before He Arrives in Los Angeles?

Like most young pitchers, Anderson needs to work on his command and get a better feel for his secondary stuff, but he has a chance to move quickly through the system and make his big league debut in 2015.

Who Is Next in Line?

It's a pair of Zachs—the fairly well-known Zach Lee and the lesser-known Zach Bird—who have the biggest upsides in the system, both capable of becoming solid No. 3 starters on a big league rotation. Lee is much closer to the show than Bird.

Miami Marlins: Christian Yelich, CF

Age: 21

Current Level: Double-A

2013 Stats (High-A): 1 G, .250/.250/.250, 0 HR, 0 RBI

2013 Stats (Double-A): 41 G, .262/.342/.518, 6 HR, 28 RBI

How High Is His Ceiling?

All-Star center fielder and future contender for a batting title.

What Makes Him So Special?

Yelich has a phenomenal swing and approach at the plate that allows him to line the ball to all fields. Power will come as he fills out his 6'4", 189-pound frame, and he has speed and baserunning ability to cause major problems when he gets on base.

His speed allows him to cover plenty of ground in center field, where his ability to get good jumps on the ball should mitigate his relatively unimpressive throwing arm.

How Long Before He Arrives in Miami?

We will see Yelich make his MLB debut before the end of the 2013 season.

Who's Next in Line?

Colin Moran, the team's first-round draft pick this year who projects to be an All-Star third baseman that hits for average and power.

Milwaukee Brewers: Devin Williams, RHP

Age: 18

Current Level: Just drafted; likely to start with the team's Rookie League affiliate, the Helena Brewers

2013 Stats: N/A

How High Is His Ceiling?

A future No. 1 or No. 2 starter in the majors, Milwaukee hasn't had a prospect with as much potential or as high a ceiling as Devin Williams does in nearly a decade. You have to go back to 2005, when the team drafted Ryan Braun fifth overall, to find one.

What's His Story?

Williams is more of a thrower than a pitcher at this point, relying heavily on his excellent fastball with natural movement to overpower batters. As he matures, both physically and on the mound, his velocity should tick upward while gaining better command over all his pitches, especially his off-speed stuff.

How Long Before He Arrives in Milwaukee?

He's going to need multiple years of minor league action to fully develop; the earliest we could see him in Milwaukee would be in September of 2017 when rosters expand.

Who's Next in Line?

A trio of 2012 draft picks: catcher Clint Coulter, corner outfielder Victor Roche and center fielder Tyrone Taylor are bunched together at the top of the list, with Taylor perhaps having a slightly higher ceiling than the others due to his above-average defense and game-changing speed.

Both Coulter and Roche have big-time power potential, but of the two, only Coulter projects to hit for average. Neither is a stolen base threat.

Minnesota Twins: Byron Buxton, CF

Age: 19

Current Level: Single-A

2013 Stats: 57 G, .342/.439/.562, 27 XBH (7 HR), 44 RBI, 26 SB

How High Is His Ceiling?

All-Star center fielder and future MVP candidate.

What Makes Him So Special?

Everything.

Name a tool, Buxton's not only got it, but he grades out as above-average or elite when it comes to the potential of that tool when he matures and is fully developed. 

He is a game-changing kind of player who can hit for average, power, steal bases and play Gold Glove-caliber defense.

How Long Before He Arrives in Minnesota?

Buxton is a special talent, and Minnesota will take its time with him. That said, if he continues to crush pitching as he works his way through the system, we could see Buxton at Target Field at some point in 2015, with 2016 being his first full season of big league action.

Who's Next in Line?

Kohl Stewart, a right-handed starter that the team drafted in the first round of this year's draft who has the potential to be Minnesota's next ace.

New York Mets: Zack Wheeler RHP

Age: 23

Current Level: Triple-A

2013 Stats: 12 GS, 4-1, 4.14 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 66/25 K/BB

How High Is His Ceiling?

No. 1 starter.

What Makes Him So Special?

Wheeler has the raw stuff to dominate and a four-pitch repertoire that has two special pitches—his fastball and curveball—which play well off of each other. His slider and changeup are both above-average offerings.

How Long Before He Arrives in New York?

June 18, according to ESPN's Adam Rubin. Whether that's the exact date or not, Wheeler will be dealing in Flushing by the end of the month.

Who's Next in Line?

The currently injured Travis d'Arnaud, acquired in the trade that sent R.A. Dickey to Toronto, who projects to be an All-Star-caliber catcher.

New York Yankees: Gary Sanchez, C

Age: 20

Current Level: High-A

2013 Stats: 53 G, .278/.343/.478, 24 XBH (9 HR), 41 RBI

How High Is His Ceiling?

All-Star catcher with elite power.

What Makes Him So Special?

While Sanchez has an above-average throwing arm and has improved dramatically behind the plate from where he was a year ago, it's his bat that raises his ceiling as high as it is. Sanchez has big-time power potential and a swing that will allow him to hit for average as well.

How Long Before He Arrives in New York?

Sanchez still needs to make major strides behind the plate and become more adept at hitting secondary stuff, not just fastballs, which he crushes with regularity. While the Yankees catching situation is in flux, the team will not rush Sanchez.

A late-season promotion in 2014 will set him up to take over behind the plate on a full-time basis in 2015.

Who's Next in Line?

Mason Williams, a speedy center fielder who will hit for average and play outstanding defense in the middle of the outfield.

Oakland Athletics: Addison Russell, SS

Age: 19

Current Level: High-A

2013 Stats: 52 G, .234/.324/.435, 27 XBH (6 HR), 24 RBI

How High Is His Ceiling?

All-Star shortstop.

What Makes Him So Special?

Russell has quick hands and a solid swing that allow him to drive the ball all over the field; he'll hit for power as he continues to mature physically and add strength to his 6'0", 195-pound frame.

He is an elite-fielding shortstop with a strong enough arm to stick at the position, as long as the added bulk doesn't diminish his range.

How Long Before He Arrives in Oakland?

A late-season promotion in 2014 with a chance to break camp with Oakland in 2015.

Who's Next In Line?

Michael Choice, who projects to be an All-Star-caliber power-hitting corner outfielder. 

Philadelphia Phillies: Maikel Franco, 3B

Age: 20

Current Level: High-A

2013 Stats: 59 G, .289/.338/.531, 35 XBH (11 HR), 42 RBI

How High Is His Ceiling?

Big-time slugger at third base.

What Makes Him So Special?

Franco is average at best with the glove, but his bat has a chance to be special. He has incredibly quick hands through the zone, allowing him to tap into his tremendous raw power and potentially develop into one of the premier sluggers in the game.

How Long Before He Arrives in Philadelphia?

He needs to continue to show improvement in all areas of the game, primarily his footwork and glove at third base and his ability to hit secondary offerings from opposing pitchers. Franco could be a late-season call-up in 2015, with a starting spot on the left side of the infield in 2016.

 

Who's Next in Line?

Left-handed starter Jesse Biddle, who is developing into a quality middle-of-the-rotation arm.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Gerrit Cole, RHP

Age: 22

Current Level: Triple-A

2013 Stats: 12 GS, 5-3, 2.91 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 47/28 K/BB

How High Is His Ceiling?

One of the elite starting pitchers in baseball.

What Makes Him So Special?

Cole uses his 6'4", 240-pound frame to throw downhill and pound the strike zone with three above-average pitches, including a fastball that sits in the mid-to-high-90s and touches triple digits when needed. He has elite arm strength and will be an innings-eating, strikeout-inducing stud.

How Long Before He Arrives in Pittsburgh?

Cole makes his major league debut June 11, when Pittsburgh takes on Tim Lincecum and the defending world champion San Francisco Giants (click here for predictions on Cole's debut and 2013 season).

Who's Next in Line?

Jameson Taillon, a right-handed starter who projects to be just a shade below Cole's ceiling but will pair with him to form as formidable a one-two punch atop a rotation as there is in baseball.

San Diego Padres: Hunter Renfroe, CF

Age: 21

Current Level: Just drafted; likely to start with the team's short-season affiliate, the Eugene Emeralds

2013 Stats: N/A

How High Is His Ceiling?

All-Star-caliber center fielder.

What Makes Him So Special?

Renfroe is raw for a college player, but he has big-time power potential and the swing to hit for average, speed to cause problems on the basepaths and can cover large swaths of ground in center field to go along with a strong throwing arm.

How Long Before He Arrives in San Diego?

He will need at least two full minor league seasons against higher-level competition before he'll be ready to test his luck against major league talent; a promotion to the show at some point in 2016 could be in his future.

Who's Next in Line?

Rymer Liriano has all the tools that Renfroe does and projects to be an All-Star-caliber corner outfielder, but there are some injury concerns that have his ceiling just a bit lower.

San Francisco Giants: Kyle Crick, RHP

Age: 20

Current Level: High-A

2013 Stats: 3 GS, 0-1, 0.93 ERA, 1.97 WHIP, 12/9 K/BB

How High Is His Ceiling?

No. 2 starter.

What Makes Him So Special?

Crick has great size (6'4", 220 pounds) and three pitches that project to be above-average offerings, including a curveball that buckles knees as it breaks across two planes and a fastball that sits in the low-to-mid-90s with solid movement.

How Long Before He Arrives in San Francisco?

The Giants don't typically rush prospects in the first place, and Crick, currently sidelined with an oblique injury, is no exception to that rule. He only has one full season of professional ball under his belt and needs time to continue developing his pitches and refining his mechanics.

A September promotion in 2015 and a shot at winning a rotation spot in 2016 sounds about right.

Who's Next in Line?

Mac Williamson, a hulking 6'4" and 240-pound toolsy outfielder who has supreme raw power and surprising speed for a man his size.

Seattle Mariners: Taijuan Walker, RHP

Age: 20

Current Level: Double-A

2013 Stats: 12 GS, 3-6, 2.52 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 77/29 K/BB

How High Is His Ceiling?

No. 1 starter.

What Makes Him So Special?

Walker already has three above-average pitches that he can throw for strikes at any time, highlighted by a mid-to-upper-90s fastball with late movement to the arm-side. After a rough introduction to Double-A as a 19-year-old in 2012, Walker has settled down, improved his command and has been dominating in 2013.

How Long Before He Arrives in Seattle?

A promotion later this season when rosters expand is likely, with a spot waiting for him in the team's 2014 starting rotation alongside Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma.

Who's Next in Line?

Luiz Gohara, whom I have never seen pitch (live or on video), but all reports say he has the upside of a No. 1 starter. (He was hitting 94 MPH with his fastball as a 16-year-old in Brazil, according to Baseball America.)

St. Louis Cardinals: Oscar Taveras, OF

Age: 20

Current Level: Triple-A

2013 Stats: 33 G, .311/.343/.470, 13 XBH (4 HR), 20 RBI

How High Is His Ceiling?

All-Star outfielder and MVP candidate who will be in discussions for best player in baseball.

What Makes Him So Special?

It's not about tools or projection at this point with Taveras—he is going to be a stud when he arrives in the major leagues. The only thing he doesn't have is world-class speed—that's it. He's going to hit for average, hit for power and play quality defense wherever the Cardinals wind up putting him in the outfield. 

How Long Before He Arrives in Seattle?

At the latest, we'll see Taveras in September, but he'll be an everyday player for St. Louis in 2014.

Who's Next in Line?

St. Louis has the best farm system in baseball, with high-ceiling prospects at every level, so you have your pick as to who to slot here.

For me, it's Carlos Martinez, a hard-throwing right-handed starter with three above-average pitches and a chance to be a front-line starter at the next level.

Tampa Bay Rays: Wil Myers, RF

Age: 22

Current Level: Triple-A

2013 Stats: 59 G, .283/.359/.506, 26 XBH (12 HR), 52 RBI

How High Is His Ceiling?

All-Star outfielder and MVP candidate.

What Makes Him So Special?

Quick hands and a balanced swing have made Myers one of the best prospects in baseball over the past two seasons. He can hit for average and power and will be a force in the middle of Tampa Bay's lineup.

How Long Before He Arrives in Tampa Bay?

Myers is ready for major league action right now and should get the call at some point this season.

 

Who's Next in Line?

Right-handed starter Taylor Guerrieri, who's blessed with an above-average fastball and curveball combination and projects to be a front-line starter in a major league rotation.

Texas Rangers: Jorge Alfaro, C

Age: 20

Current Level: Single-A

2013 Stats: 57 G, .250/.329/.462, 32 XBH (10 HR), 31 RBI

How High Is His Ceiling?

All-Star catcher.

 

What Makes Him So Special?

Alfaro has lightning-quick bat speed that results in hard contact and power to all fields. Unusually quick for a catcher, Alfaro has an impressive and accurate throwing arm and is a capable receiver behind the dish.

How Long Before He Arrives in Texas?

Alfaro is still incredibly raw and needs to refine all areas of his game, both at the plate and behind it. A late-season promotion in 2016 is a possibility, but it's more likely he'll see his first major league action at some point in 2017.

 

Who's Next in Line?

Like St. Louis, Texas has a terrific farm system with plenty of options, but I'm going with third baseman Mike Olt, who has already seen some big league action and projects to be an above-average defender at third base with power.

Toronto Blue Jays: Aaron Sanchez, RHP

Age: 20

Current Level: High-A

2013 Stats: 9 GS, 2-2, 3.16 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 37/16 K/BB

How High Is His Ceiling?

High-end No. 2 starter and future strikeout king.

What Makes Him So Special?

Sanchez has great size (6'4", 190 pounds), a live fastball that sits in the mid-90s and a pair of secondary pitches—a curveball with a big hook and vertical bite and a changeup that looks like his fastball and fades to the arm-side—that project to be above-average offerings as well.

How Long Before He Arrives in Toronto?

As long as he continues to refine his mechanics and command, Sanchez could be a late-season addition to Toronto's rotation in 2014; otherwise, look for him to compete for a starting spot in 2015.

Who's Next in Line?

Right-handed starter Alberto Tirado, who has three potentially above-average pitches and could develop into a front-line starter.

Washington Nationals: Lucas Giolito, RHP

Age: 18

Current Level: Injured, out for the season.

2013 Stats: N/A

How High Is His Ceiling?

No. 1 starter.

What Makes Him So Special?

Giolito has three projectable above-average pitches, highlighted by an electric fastball that routinely sits in the mid-90s, touching triple-digits on more than one occasion, and a curveball that drops suddenly and makes batters look foolish.

How Long Before He Arrives in Washington?

Missing the entire 2013 season as he recovers from August 2012 Tommy John surgery definitely pushes his timetable back. At the earliest, perhaps a late-season audition in 2015 with a shot at sticking in the rotation the following season.

Who's Next in Line?

Outfielder Brian Goodwin, who has speed, some power, the ability to make consistent contact and get on base with regularity.