2015 MLB Futures Game Roster: Breaking Down Team USA and the World Team
With the MLB All-Star Game rapidly approaching, the rosters for the 2015 Futures Game were officially announced on Thursday afternoon.
The recent calls-up of top prospects like Byron Buxton, Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, Joey Gallo and a handful of others have taken some elite talent out of the running for a roster spot, but there will still be plenty of future stars on display in Cincinnati next month.
In fact, according to Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com, this year's roster features 23 players currently on the list of the top 100 prospects.
With that in mind, let's take a closer look at all 50 players chosen for a spot in this year's Futures Game.
U.S. Team: Catchers
1 of 12
Kyle Farmer, Los Angeles Dodgers
2015 Stats (A+/AA): 215 AB, .335/.388/.512, 28 XBH (2 HR), 36 RBI, 13 BB, 33 K
An eighth-round pick after starring at the University of Georgia, Kyle Farmer was drafted more for his glove than his bat, but he's taken a big step forward at the plate this season.
After hitting .238/.306/.292 over 130 at-bats in his first taste of High-A last season, he's looked the part of a legitimate everyday backstop this season and more than held his own since making the jump to Double-A.
Kyle Schwarber, Chicago Cubs
2015 Stats (AA/AAA): 201 AB, .313/.431/.567, 24 XBH (13 HR), 39 RBI, 42 BB, 51 K
The No. 4 pick in last year's draft, Kyle Schwarber has hit .330/.429/.605 with 31 home runs and 92 RBI in 463 pro at-bats to this point.
The Chicago Cubs called him up for a week recently to serve as designated hitter while they were on the road, and he proceeded to go 8-for-22 with one triple, one home run and six RBI.
There is still the question of whether or not he'll stick behind the plate long term, but his bat will play anywhere.
World Team: Catchers
2 of 12
Elias Diaz, Pittsburgh Pirates (Venezuela)
2015 Stats (AAA): 196 AB, .281/.344/.393, 15 XBH (3 HR), 25 RBI, 20 BB, 25 K
It would appear that former No. 4 overall pick Tony Sanchez has been unseated as the "catcher of the future" for the Pittsburgh Pirates, with that title now belonging to Elias Diaz.
The 24-year-old will still have to contend with Reese McGuire once he's ready, but for now he appears to be on track to take over as the team's primary catcher next season. His bat has really caught up to his glove/arm the past two seasons.
Gary Sanchez, New York Yankees (Dominican Republic)
2015 Stats (AA): 176 AB, .256/.313/.432, 15 XBH (8 HR), 28 RBI, 13 BB, 40 K
A top prospect in the New York Yankees system seemingly forever, it's hard to believe Gary Sanchez is still only 22 years old.
After hitting .270/.338/.406 with 13 home runs in a full season at the Double-A level last year, he is back for a second go-around this season. His stock has fallen off over the past couple years, but he still has plenty of time to emerge as a plus everyday option at the big league level.
U.S. Team: Corner Infielders
3 of 12
1B Josh Bell, Pittsburgh Pirates
2015 Stats (AA): 258 AB, .318/.390/.438, 19 XBH (3 HR), 44 RBI, 33 BB, 30 K
A top-20 talent, Josh Bell slipped to the second round of the 2011 draft due to signability concerns, but the Pittsburgh Pirates were able to lure him away from his commitment to Texas with a $5 million signing bonus.
Originally an outfielder, he made the move to first base since the Pirates appear to have their long-term outfield in place. While he has just three home runs this season, his 6'3" frame and plus raw power should give him the offensive skills to be a solid run producer.
1B Matt Olson, Oakland Athletics
2015 Stats (AA): 245 AB, .212/.374/.380, 25 XBH (8 HR), 34 RBI, 65 BB, 78 K
Matt Olson led all of Minor League Baseball in walks last season with 117, while also slugging 31 doubles and 37 home runs in a full season at the High-A level.
His average is way down this season, but he is still getting on base at a solid clip, and he still possess some of the best power in the minor leagues. It's simply a matter of the 21-year-old adjusting to life in the high minors.
3B Richie Shaffer, Tampa Bay Rays
2015 Stats (AA/AAA): 230 AB, .278/.375/.557, 32 XBH (16 HR), 45 RBI, 34 BB, 75 K
The No. 25 pick in the 2012 draft after a standout career at Clemson University, third baseman Richie Shaffer has finally broken out offensively this season.
After hitting just .222/.318/.440 with 19 home runs in a full season at Double-A last year, he returned to that level this season but needed just 39 games before being promoted to Triple-A. With Evan Longoria entrenched at third base for Tampa Bay, he'll likely shift across the diamond to play first once he reaches the majors.
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World Team: Corner Infielders
4 of 12
3B/1B Cheslor Cuthbert, Kansas City Royals (Nicaragua)
2015 Stats (AAA): 254 AB, .268/.333/.413, 21 XBH (8 HR), 32 RBI, 25 BB, 40 K
Cheslor Cuthbert looked like a star in the making when he held his own as an 18-year-old at the Single-A level back in 2011, but he's been slow to develop offensively in recent years.
Still just 22 years old, Cuthbert has looked solid both offensively and defensively this season at the Triple-A level, putting him back on track to be a potential impact, everyday player.
3B Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox (Dominican Republic)
2015 Stats (A): 233 AB, .305/.333/.451, 23 XBH (5 HR), 32 RBI, 10 BB, 39 K
There may not be a faster-rising prospect in all of baseball right now than 18-year-old Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox.
After hitting .322/.404/.506 in 302 rookie league at-bats last season, he made the jump to full-season Single-A Greenville this year, and he's been one of the best players in the league. His defense is still a work in progress, but the sky is the limit offensively.
1B/OF Max Kepler, Minnesota Twins (Germany)
2015 Stats (A+/AA): 217 AB, .332/.402/.535, 30 XBH (3 HR), 27 RBI, 25 BB, 28 K
Somewhat overlooked in a farm system that features the likes of Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano, Alex Meyer and Jose Berrios, German-born Max Kepler looks to have a bright future in his own right.
The 22-year-old is playing mostly first base this season after beginning his career as an outfielder, and he's enjoying a breakout season at the plate after entering the year as the No. 12 prospect in the Twins system, according to the Baseball America Prospect Handbook.
3B Renato Nunez, Oakland Athletics (Venezuela)
2015 Stats (AA): 189 AB, .238/.311/.418, 16 XBH (9 HR), 26 RBI, 18 BB, 34 K
Appearing in the Futures Game for the second straight season, Renato Nunez remains on the fast track to Oakland as a 21-year-old at the Double-A level.
His glove has improved greatly in the past year or so, but it's still his bat and specifically his plus raw power that will be his ticket to the big leagues.
U.S. Team: Middle Infielders
5 of 12
SS J.P. Crawford, Philadelphia Phillies
2015 Stats (A+/AA): 183 AB, .339/.440/.432, 12 XBH (2 HR), 17 RBI, 32 BB, 20 K
The Philadelphia Phillies are somewhat thin on impact young talent right now, but shortstop J.P. Crawford certainly looks the part of a future star.
The No. 16 pick in the 2013 draft, Crawford has moved very quickly and looks to be in line to take over as the team's everyday shortstop by next season. No one tool stands out as plus-plus, but Crawford should do everything well both offensively and defensively.
2B Tony Kemp, Houston Astros
2015 Stats (AA/AAA): 249 AB, .357/.449/.422, 13 XBH (1 HR), 28 RBI, 40 BB, 30 K
College second basemen aren't usually hot commodities on draft day, so it was no surprise to see Vanderbilt standout Tony Kemp slip to the fifth round of the 2013 draft.
He's done nothing but hit as a pro, though, with a .315/.408/.415 career line in 1,052 at-bats. With Jose Altuve entrenched at second base, he may wind up being a trade chip over the long term, but the tools are there for him to be an everyday second baseman.
SS Trevor Story, Colorado Rockies
2015 Stats (AA): 245 AB, .286/.382/.535, 35 XBH (10 HR), 39 RBI, 35 BB, 70 K
A 43-double, 18-homer season as a 19-year-old in 2012 made Trevor Story one of the top shortstop prospects in all of baseball, but he's spun his tires a bit the past two seasons and his stick has taken a hit.
After struggling over a 56-game stint at the Double-A level last year, he's taken a huge step forward this season and again looks like the shortstop of the future for the Rockies.
SS Trea Turner, Washington Nationals
2015 Stats (AA): 266 AB, .327/.382/.477, 26 XBH (5 HR), 39 RBI, 25 BB, 56 K
It's been a strange season for Trea Turner, as he was traded to the Washington Nationals as a "player to be named" during the offseason, but had to spend the first 58 games of the season playing in the San Diego Padres organization before he was eligible to be dealt.
Despite that strange dynamic, he's been every bit as good as advertised both offensively and defensively, and all signs point to his replacing Ian Desmond when the latter hits free agency this coming offseason.
World Team: Middle Infielders
6 of 12
SS Ozhaino Albies, Atlanta Braves (Curacao)
2015 Stats (A): 273 AB, .322/.376/.407, 18 XBH (0 HR), 26 RBI, 22 BB, 37 K
Last season, it was Jose Peraza who broke out as a speedy infielder in the Atlanta Braves organization. This time around, it's Curacao native Ozhaino Albies who is shooting up prospect rankings.
A plus hit tool, a solid glove and plus-plus speed (22 SB) all point to the 18-year-old being a potential star once he does reach the majors.
SS Orlando Arcia, Milwaukee Brewers (Venezuela)
2015 Stats (AA): 257 AB, .307/.354/.436, 24 XBH (4 HR), 36 RBI, 17 BB, 29 K
The younger brother of Minnesota Twins outfielder Oswaldo Arcia, shortstop Orlando Arcia currently checks in as the top prospect in the Milwaukee Brewers system, and deservedly so.
He's still just 20 years old, but with a solid hit tool and terrific glove, Orlando looks to be a big piece of the long-term puzzle for a Brewers team that appears to be headed for a rebuild.
SS Ketel Marte, Seattle Mariners (Dominican Republic)
2015 Stats (AAA): 198 BA, .343/.394/.434, 13 XBH (2 HR), 24 RBI, 18 BB, 20 K
Ketel Marte got a long look during spring training, hitting .304 with one double and one triple in 23 at-bats, and it may not be long before he overtakes Brad Miller and Chris Taylor as the Seattle Mariners shortstop.
The 21-year-old hit .304/.335/.411 in his first action in the high minors last season, and he's excelling in Triple-A so far this season. Don't be surprised if he's called up at some point in the second half.
SS Raul Adalberto Mondesi, Kansas City Royals (Dominican Republic)
2015 Stats (AA): 115 AB, .270/.289/.426, 9 XBH (4 HR), 18 RBI, 4 BB, 31 K, 6 SB
The son of 13-year major leaguer Raul Mondesi, shortstop Raul Adalberto Mondesi is the top prospect in the Kansas City Royals system.
One of the younger players at the Double-A level, the 19-year-old is still honing his all-around game, but the tools are there for him to make an impact both offensively and defensively.
U.S. Team: Outfielders
7 of 12
LF Michael Conforto, New York Mets
2015 Stats (A+/AA): 265 AB, .302/.381/.494, 31 XBH (9 HR), 41 RBI, 32 BB, 45 K
The No. 10 overall pick in last year's draft out of Oregon State, Michael Conforto posted an .811 OPS with 12 doubles and seven home runs in 46 games for High-A St. Lucie this season before earning a quick promotion to Double-A.
Defensively, he'll likely be relegated to left field, but he has the power bat to be a middle-of-the-order threat in a Mets lineup that desperately needs an offensive boost.
RF Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
2015 Stats (AA/AAA): 260 AB, .277/.345/.500, 31 XBH (12 HR), 46 RBI, 26 BB, 74 K
A physical specimen at 6'7" and 275 pounds, Aaron Judge began his pro career at the Single-A level after being taken No. 32 overall in the 2013 draft out of Fresno State.
After posting a .905 OPS with 17 home runs and 78 RBI last season, he's continued to rake in the high minors this year, and it may not be long before he joins the big league lineup.
CF Brandon Nimmo, New York Mets
2015 Stats (A+/AA): 180 AB, .300/.371/.411, 14 XBH (2 HR), 13 RBI, 17 BB, 35 K
Drafted out of a Wyoming high school that didn't even have a baseball team, Brandon Nimmo made a name for himself on the showcase circuit before being taken No. 13 overall in 2011.
The Mets have been patient with him, and he's been worth the wait, emerging as a legitimate five-tool talent who should be able to do a little bit of everything once he reaches the majors.
OF/1B Kyle Waldrop, Cincinnati Reds
2015 Stats (AA): 242 AB, .277/.313/.430, 22 XBH (6 HR), 31 RBI, 12 BB, 61 K
Last season, it was Jesse Winker who earned a spot in the Futures Game, and while he remains the team's top position-player prospect, Kyle Waldrop is a solid prospect in his own right.
A 12th-round pick in 2010, Waldrop hit .338/.385/.516 with 37 doubles and 14 home runs last season, and he's been solid once again beginning the season at the Double-A level.
LF Nick Williams, Texas Rangers
2015 Stats (AA): 282 AB, .294/.357/.457, 27 XBH (8 HR), 31 RBI, 27 BB, 55 K
A second-round pick in 2012, Nick Williams has been a consistent offensive producer with a solid combination of contact skills, power, speed and athleticism.
Fellow Texas Rangers outfielder Nomar Mazara may have the higher ceiling, but Williams has a chance to be a solid big league regular in his own right, and he may beat Mazara to the majors.
CF Bradley Zimmer, Cleveland Indians
2015 Stats (A+): 240 AB, .300/.399/.488, 24 XBH (9 HR), 27 RBI, 30 BB, 64 K, 28 SB
The younger brother of Kansas City Royals pitching prospect Kyle Zimmer, outfielder Bradley Zimmer was one of the top college bats in the 2014 draft, going No. 21 overall to the Cleveland Indians.
He doesn't have blazing speed, but good baseball instincts have helped him swipe 28 bases in 32 attempts so far this season. He still has some room to develop from a power standpoint, too, with a 6'4" and 185-pound frame.
World Team: Outfielders
8 of 12
RF Socrates Brito, Arizona Diamondbacks (Dominican Republic)
2015 Stats (AA): 251 AB, .255/.281/.367, 18 XBH (2 HR), 21 RBI, 10 BB, 44 K
While the raw tools have always been there, Socrates Brito has been somewhat slow to develop since joining the Arizona Diamondbacks as a 17-year-old back in 2010.
In a full season at High-A Visalia last season, he hit .293/.339/.429 with 30 doubles, 10 home runs and 38 stolen bases. He's been a bit over-matched at the Double-A level so far, but further patience should prove worth the wait.
CF Manuel Margot, Boston Red Sox (Dominican Republic)
2015 Stats (A+/AA): 194 AB, .273/.311/.402, 14 XBH (3 HR), 17 RBI, 11 BB, 18 K
Alongside fellow Dominican-born prospect Rafael Devers, 20-year-old outfielder Manuel Margot gives the Boston Red Sox two of the highest-ceiling prospects in all of baseball.
Margot hit .293/.356/.462 with 25 doubles, 12 home runs and 42 stolen bases last season, and he's again flashing plus speed with 20 steals in 25 attempts. It remains to be seen just how much power he'll develop, but his plus hit tool, advanced approach and speed could make him a top-of-the-order difference-maker.
RF Nomar Mazara, Texas Rangers (Dominican Republic)
2015 Stats (AA): 252 AB, .286/.366/.460, 24 XBH (9 HR), 38 RBI, 31 BB, 62 K
Nomar Mazara earned a place among the top outfield prospects in the game last season when he hit .271/.362/.478 with 28 doubles, 22 home runs and 89 RBI.
Big things were expected when the team gave him a then-record $4.95 million signing bonus, and after a slow start to his pro career, he's rounding into the impact bat the Texas Rangers expected him to be. There is legitimate 30-homer potential in his 6'4" frame.
RF Yorman Rodriguez, Cincinnati Reds (Venezuela)
2015 Stats (AAA): 251 AB, .267/.311/.422, 22 XBH (7 HR), 28 RBI, 16 BB, 68 K
Yorman Rodriguez looked like a potential bust early in his pro career after signing for a $2.5 million bonus, but he's started to realize his potential over the past few seasons.
The 22-year-old has improved his approach at the plate, and still has some decent raw power and plus speed. It's still just a matter of turning tools into in-game results.
LF Raimel Tapia, Colorado Rockies (Dominican Republic)
2015 Stats (A+): 287 AB, .307/.329/.460, 28 XBH (7 HR), 41 RBI, 10 BB, 64 K
A .300-plus hitter each of the past three seasons in the minors, Raimel Tapia was brought along slowly before making his full-season debut as a 20-year-old last season.
He hit .326/.382/.453 with 32 doubles, nine home runs and 33 stolen bases last season, and he's been equally impressive while making the jump to High-A Modesto.
U.S. Team: Right-Handed Pitchers
9 of 12
SP Mark Appel, Houston Astros
2015 Stats (AA): 63.1 IP, 5-1, 4.26 ERA, 1.437 WHIP, 23 BB, 49 K
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft, Mark Appel has not moved as quickly as many expected him to after a standout career at Stanford University.
That being said, the 23-year-old finally looks to be on the cusp of reaching the majors, and he could be a real impact addition to the contending Houston Astros.
SP Tyler Beede, San Francisco Giants
2015 Stats (A+/AA): 75.2 IP, 3-4, 3.09 ERA, 1.176 WHIP, 18 BB, 50 K
An inconsistent junior season took Tyler Beede out of the conversation to be the No. 1 overall pick in last year's draft, and he wound up slipping to No. 14 overall, where the San Francisco Giants scooped him up.
The 22-year-old has shown improved command in his first full season as a pro, and at this point he appears to have passed Kyle Crick as the top pitching prospect in the Giants system.
SP Zach Davies, Baltimore Orioles
2015 Stats (AAA): 70.1 IP, 3-4, 2.94 ERA, 1.322 WHIP, 27 BB, 67 K
Undersized at 6'0" and 150 pounds, Zach Davies was a 26th-round pick in 2011 out of Gilbert High School in Arizona.
He doesn't have eye-popping stuff, and his ceiling is probably as a back-of-the-rotation starter, but he's been solid every step of the way en route to reaching Triple-A this season.
RP Carl Edwards Jr., Chicago Cubs
2015 Stats (AA/AAA): 34.2 IP, 2-2, 2.86 ERA, 1.183 WHIP, 25 BB, 48 K
One of the key pieces acquired in the deal that sent Matt Garza to the Texas Rangers, right-hander Carl Edwards Jr. has gone from a 48th-round pick in 2011 to one of the top prospects in the Chicago Cubs system.
His wiry frame has led some to question whether he can stick as a starter long term, but he's a plus athlete and has electric stuff. He's currently pitching out of the bullpen in an effort to make an impact in the majors this season, but could still get a look as a starter moving forward.
SP Lucas Giolito, Washington Nationals
2015 Stats (A+): 43.2 IP, 2-4, 3.71 ERA, 1.443 WHIP, 12 BB, 57 K
The consensus top pitching prospect in baseball entering the season, Lucas Giolito went 10-2 with a 2.20 ERA, a 1.000 WHIP and 110 strikeouts in 98 innings in a full season with Single-A Hagerstown last year.
Tommy John surgery as a high schooler is the reason Giolito slipped to the Washington Nationals at No. 16 overall, and it's the reason they've brought him along slowly to this point, but all signs point to his being a bona fide ace in the near future.
SP Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies
2015 Stats (AA/AAA): 89.1 IP, 9-3, 1.91 ERA, 0.896 WHIP, 11 BB, 73 K
Aaron Nola was viewed as the most big league-ready college arm in last year's draft when he was chosen No. 7 overall by the Philadelphia Phillies.
He's backed that belief up to this point, dominating minor league hitters and putting himself in position for a second-half call-up. If and when Cole Hamels is traded, Nola will immediately step into the role of staff ace on a rebuilding Phillies club.
SP Colin Rea, San Diego Padres
2015 Stats (AA): 68.0 IP, 2-2, 1.06 ERA, 0.809 WHIP, 11 BB, 55 K
Perhaps the least-heralded prospect on either Futures Game roster, right-hander Colin Rea was not even ranked among the San Diego Padres top 30 prospects entering the season, according to the Baseball America Prospect Handbook.
It's hard to argue with the 24-year-old's results so far this season, though, as he's not allowed an earned run in seven of his 11 starts and is currently working on a 16-inning scoreless streak.
World Team: Right-Handed Pitchers
10 of 12
SP Jose Berrios, Minnesota Twins (Puerto Rico)
2015 Stats (AA): 83.2 IP, 7-3, 3.23 ERA, 1.171 WHIP, 23 BB, 86 K
Jose Berrios turned heads in the Futures Game last season, on his way to going 12-8 with a 2.77 ERA, a 1.117 WHIP and 140 strikeouts in 139.2 innings over three minor league levels.
He's been impressive this season in Double-A, effectively passing Alex Meyer as the team's top pitching prospect, and he could debut some time after the All-Star break.
SP Edwin Diaz, Seattle Mariners (Puerto Rico)
2015 Stats (A+/AA): 75.0 IP, 4-4, 3.36 ERA, 1.093 WHIP, 23 BB, 76 K
The top pitching prospect in the Seattle Mariners system now that Taijuan Walker and James Paxton have exhausted their rookie eligibility, Edwin Diaz is still working to fill out his 6'3", 165-pound frame.
The development of his changeup will eventually be the deciding factor in whether or not he sticks as a starter or moves to a late-inning relief role, but the stuff is electric regardless.
RP Juan Gonzalez, Los Angeles Dodgers (Venezuela)
2015 Stats (AA/AAA): 25.1 IP, 1-0, 1.07 ERA, 0.947 WHIP, 8 BB, 23 K
The oldest prospect in the Futures Game at 25 years old, Juan Gonzalez began his career in the Colorado Rockies organization as a starter, but he's carved out a nice role as a reliever since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system.
His strikeout rate has jumped from 6.2 per nine innings last season to 8.2 this season, but more importantly his walk rate has been trimmed from 6.0 per nine to 2.8, and he looks to be on the cusp of reaching the majors as a result.
SP Wei-Chieh Huang, Arizona Diamondbacks (Taiwan)
2015 Stats (A): 31.2 IP, 3-0, 0.85 ERA, 0.916 WHIP, 5 BB, 32 K
Unranked among the Arizona Diamondbacks' top 30 prospect entering the season, according to the Baseball America Prospect Handbook, Taiwanese right-hander Wei-Chieh Huang has been brilliant so far in his professional debut.
The 21-year-old has made five starts for Single-A Kane County, and his secondary stuff has been better than expected to this point.
RP Joe Jimenez, Detroit Tigers (Puerto Rico)
2015 Stats (A): 21.1 IP, 3-1, 1.69 ERA, 0.844 WHIP, 6 BB, 35 K
An undrafted free agent out of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy, Joe Jimenez has shot onto the top prospect radar with a spike in his velocity.
His fastball is his biggest weapon right now, as it regularly sits in the high 90s, but he also has the makings of a solid slider. All sings point to the 20-year-old being a solid late-inning reliever, and he currently has six saves on the season.
SP Keury Mella, San Francisco Giants (Dominican Republic)
2015 Stats (A+): 55.0 IP, 3-1, 2.95 ERA, 1.182 WHIP, 18 BB, 54 K
After a pair of eye-opening seasons in the rookie league, Keury Mella made his full-season debut last year and went 4-4 with a 3.48 ERA, a 1.219 WHIP and 8.8 K/9 between Low-A and Single-A.
A solid three-pitch repertoire with a fastball in the high 90s and a curveball/changeup combination, Mella has the stuff to be an impact starter in the majors, and he could join Tyler Beede and Kyle Crick as the future in San Francisco.
SP Frankie Montas, Chicago White Sox (Dominican Republic)
2015 Stats (AA): 60.0 IP, 1-1, 2.55 ERA, 1.183 WHIP, 25 BB, 48 K
Acquired in the deal that sent Jake Peavy to the Boston Red Sox, Frankie Montas was one of the breakout prospects of 2014.
The burly 6'2" right-hander went 5-0 with a 1.44 ERA, a 0.914 WHIP and 80 strikeouts in 81 innings last season while climbing three levels, and he's thrived so far in a full season at Double-A Birmingham.
SP Alex Reyes, St. Louis Cardinals (Dominican Republic)
2015 Stats (A+): 60.2 IP, 2-5, 2.08 ERA, 1.269 WHIP, 30 BB, 90 K
The rich keep getting richer, as Alex Reyes has quickly emerged as one of the game's top pitching prospects over the past year and a half for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Born in New Jersey, Reyes moved to the Dominican when he wasn't garnering much attention as a high schooler, and he wound up receiving a $950,000 bonus to sign with the Cardinals. His fastball can touch triple-digits, and his curveball/changeup pairing gives him three solid pitches, as he has the tools to be the Cardinals' next terrific homegrown starter.
U.S. Team: Left-Handed Pitchers
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SP Amir Garrett, Cincinnati Reds
2015 Stats (A+): 67.0 IP, 2-5, 3.22 ERA, 1.343 WHIP, 28 BB, 72 K
Robert Stephenson is the top pitching prospect in the Cincinnati Reds organization, but left-hander Amir Garrett has quickly climbed the ranks in the team's farm system.
A 22nd-round pick in 2011, Garrett is finally focusing on baseball full time after playing college basketball at St. John's. His secondary stuff is still a work in progress, but he already possesses a plus fastball, and his 6'5" frame brings some serious projectability.
SP Sean Newcomb, Los Angeles Angels
2015 Stats (A/A+): 72.1 IP, 4-0, 2.61 ERA, 1.313 WHIP, 38 BB, 95 K
The No. 15 pick in last year's draft after a standout career at the University of Hartford, Sean Newcomb is a physical presence at 6'5" and 245 pounds.
After seven dominant starts at Single-A Burlington, he was promoted to the High-A level, and it may not be long before the big left-hander and his power stuff reach the majors.
SP Blake Snell, Tampa Bay Rays
2015 Stats (A+/AA): 73.2 IP, 7-2, 1.22 ERA, 1.086 WHIP, 35 BB, 88 K
Blake Snell began the season as the No. 9 prospect in the Tampa Bay Rays system, according to the Baseball America Prospect Handbook.
Snell opened 2015 with an impressive streak of 49.1 scoreless innings, and he's taken a big step forward here with a fastball, slider and changeup that all grade out as potential plus pitches.
World Team: Left-Handed Pitchers
12 of 12SP Jarlin Garcia, Miami Marlins (Dominican Republic)
2015 Stats (A+): 66.0 IP, 2-2, 3.14 ERA, 1.273 WHIP, 20 BB, 53 K
He entered the season a notch below Tyler Kolek, Justin Nicolino and Jose Urena among the Miami Marlins' top pitching prospects, but 22-year-old Jarlin Garcia has a high ceiling in his own right.
The team stretched him out for the first time last year, as he went 10-5 with a 4.39 ERA, a 1.298 WHIP and 7.5 K/9 in 133.1 innings of work for Single-A Greensboro. The Marlins managed to sneak him through the Rule 5 draft unprotected during the offseason, and the control artist now ranks as one of the team's top prospects.
SP Jairo Labourt, Toronto Blue Jays (Dominican Republic)
2015 Stats (A+): 56.2 IP, 2-4, 3.65 ERA, 1.394 WHIP, 36 BB, 50 K
With a big 6'4" frame, Jairo Labourt has the makings of a future workhorse starter pitching in the low minors for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Control remains his biggest issue, as he averaged 6.0 BB/9 last season and has not improved that number much with a 5.7 BB/9 mark this year, but the 21-year-old still has tremendous upside.
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference, unless otherwise noted.
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