10 Best MLB Prospects Yet to Join 2015 MLB Rookie Class
Having trouble keeping up with all the top-tier prospects who have made an impact on MLB in 2015?
Have no fear—the following slides will provide an update on the next group of youngsters making waves in the minor leagues. Headlined by names like Corey Seager, Lucas Giolito and Yoan Moncada, baseball's pipeline of elite talent doesn't figure to go dry anytime soon.
The prospects on this list aren't ranked by anticipated debut date. These rankings are based on talent, and talent alone. Players higher on the list are considered to be more can't-miss prospects, but every name that follows figures to have a successful major league career.
We'll dive into each prospect's strengths and weaknesses to provide a comprehensive feel of what each player will offer his future club.
Here we go!
On the Cusp
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Here are some prospects who aren't in the top 10 yet, but they should be very soon.
Dylan Bundy, Baltimore Orioles
The talent is there (10.2 K/9 at Double-A in 2015), but injuries have set back Bundy's young career.
Robert Stephenson, Cincinnati Reds
Stephenson's fastball-curveball combination is one of the best in the minor leagues, but the walks need to decrease.
Josh Bell, Pittsburgh Pirates
In terms of an advanced approach at the plate, Bell is one of few minor leaguers with a higher walk rate than strikeout rate. He projects to have plus power, but it hasn't come around as of yet.
Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies
Nola posted a 1.88 ERA in 12 Double-A starts in 2015. Since a promotion to Triple-A, the right-hander has kept that ERA low (2.13 through two starts) and increased his strikeouts per nine.
Jose Peraza, Atlanta Braves
Peraza is one of the premier table-setters in the minors. He hits for a high average, causes havoc on the bases and can play multiple positions defensively.
No. 10: Henry Owens, Boston Red Sox
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2015 Stats (AAA): 2-5, 83.1 IP, 3.46 ERA, 65 K, 46 BB
ETA: 2015
Plays Like: Gio Gonzalez
Since being drafted in 2011 by the Boston Red Sox, Henry Owens has consistently moved up the organizational ladder with electric stuff.
Owens sits in the low 90s with his fastball but can push it up to 95 mph on occasion. His fastball isn't overly powerful, but Owens has shown an ability to manipulate his heater with sink and cut to keep hitters on their toes. The southpaw also has an outstanding changeup and an improving curve.
The 22-year-old's biggest issue is his command, as he's sported high walk rates throughout his minor league career. His lanky 6'6" frame may give hitters fits due to the uniqueness of the angle, but it also hinders his ability to consistently replicate his delivery.
While the free passes are concerning, Owens should see a significant improvement as he continues to grow into his body.
"Owens is still a long, lanky type arm that sometimes has trouble corralling his limbs to repeat his delivery and should also throw a tick or two harder," Kiley McDaniel of FanGraphs wrote. "Bigger pitchers take longer to completely grow into their bodies and deliveries, and the fact that Owens can pitch now with advanced feel is a great indicator."
Owens should get a crack at the big leagues sometime in 2015. If he can improve his command, Owens has the ability to become one of the game's premier lefties.
No. 9: Jon Gray, Colorado Rockies
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2015 Stats (AAA): 3-5, 80 IP, 4.50 ERA, 62 K, 24 BB
ETA: 2015
Plays Like: Andrew Cashner
2015 hasn't gone quite like Jon Gray drew it up.
After missing out on a major league rotation spot with the Colorado Rockies in spring training, Gray was shelled in his first few outings in Triple-A. The right-hander allowed 21 runs in his first four starts.
But since then, Gray has turned his season around. In his next 10 appearances, the 23-year-old has given up just 19 earned runs to significantly reduce his ERA. Gray didn't allow more than three earned runs in any of those outings.
Earlier this month, Gray told MLB.com's Thomas Harding that a fresh mental approach was a big reason for the turnaround.
"I'm trying to make sure of the pitch I was throwing before I threw it, that, 'I'm going to execute that pitch, and this pitch is going to get the hitter out,'" Gray said. "I visualize it before I throw it. That way, there are no negative thoughts that can get in the way."
Having elite stuff doesn't hurt, either. Gray's fastball is one of the best in the minor leagues, while his slider is an above-average power pitch that generates swings-and-misses. An improving changeup has given him a weapon against left-handed hitters as well.
It hasn't been smooth sailing for Gray, but he'll probably be a better pitcher because of it. He's taken his lumps, made the necessary adjustments and returned to his status as an elite prospect.
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No. 8: J.P. Crawford, Philadelphia Phillies
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2015 Stats (A+/AA): .333/.438/.439, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 7 SB
ETA: 2016
Plays Like: Jimmy Rollins
J.P. Crawford's stock has risen dramatically over the last few seasons.
The Philadelphia Phillies shortstop prospect made waves last season, hitting .285 with 11 home runs. For an encore, Crawford recorded a scalding .392 average in 21 High-A games this season. Since his promotion to Double-A, the 20-year-old is hitting .291 with a .400 on-base percentage.
Crawford is considered one of the best defensive shortstops in the minors. He's smooth with his transitions, and he has tremendous range and an above-average arm. Unlike some of his fellow minor league shortstops, Crawford has the skill set to remain at the position once he reaches the big leagues.
Crawford's all-around game has helped him rise up the developmental ladder. Reading coach Mickey Morandini payed Crawford the ultimate compliment in a recent interview with Paul Franklin of PhillyVoice.com.
“He’s a baseball player,’’ Morandini said. “He knows how to play the game. He’s a very confident kid, very aggressive. He wants to be in those situations when the game is on the line. He wants to be up at the plate, he wants the ball hit to him."
With elite talent and impressive bloodlines—his cousin is none other than Carl Crawford of the Los Angeles Dodgers—Crawford has emerged as one of the top talents in the minors. That's great news for a Phillies team in need of its next star.
No. 7: Luis Severino, New York Yankees
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2015 Stats (AA/AAA): 5-2, 74.1 IP, 2.54 ERA, 72 K, 20 BB
ETA: Late 2015/Early 2016
Plays Like: Sonny Gray
New York Yankees pitching prospect Luis Severino has become one of the best right-handers in baseball over the past year.
In 2014, Severino dominated three levels of the minors. That excellence included a six-start stretch in Double-A to close the season, when the right-hander posted a 2.52 ERA and struck out 29 percent of the batters he faced.
Severino has only improved this season. He didn't stay in Double-A long, increasing his strikeout percentage to over 30 percent. The strikeouts have decreased since a promotion to Triple-A, but Severino's 2.15 ERA in five starts indicates he's nearly ready for the big leagues.
Whatever Severino lacks in stature—he's only 6'0", 195 pounds—he makes up for with an electric repertoire.
The 21-year-old's heater averages in the mid-90s and can reach close to triple digits when he needs it. The fastball generates plenty of ground-ball outs due to a sinking action, which will play nicely at Yankee Stadium. The strike-thrower also uses a sinking changeup and a developing slider.
David Lennon of Newsday reported the Yankees are reluctant to promote Severino anytime soon. But with the right-hander dealing and the major league club in need of a rotation upgrade, Severino's time in Triple-A is dwindling.
No. 6: Miguel Sano, Minnesota Twins
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2015 Stats (AA): .255/.353/.515, 14 HR, 44 RBI
ETA: 2015
Plays Like: Jose Bautista
In terms of raw power, very few prospects can match Minnesota Twins slugger Miguel Sano. The scary part? Sano hasn't even fully tapped into that power potential yet.
The 22-year-old just keeps raising the bar. In 2011, Sano smacked 20 homers in rookie ball. That number increased to 28 in 2012 in Single-A and then again to 35 between High-A and Double-A in 2013.
Sano might already be in the big leagues if not for losing the entire 2014 season because of an elbow injury. However, he has come back as strong as ever, blasting 14 homers in 2015. As usual, power comes with strikeouts, and Sano has whiffed over 20 percent of the time his entire career. However, a healthy walk rate and an ability to absolutely crush the baseball has nullified the whiffs.
Despite being known for his tape-measure homers, Sano is no slouch defensively. MLB.com referred to Sano's impressive arm strength as his "best defensive tool." If he can't stay at third, Sano's cannon profiles well in right field.
The Twins have surprised the baseball world in 2015 and have already promoted top overall prospect Byron Buxton. Don't be surprised to see Sano receive the same treatment if Minnesota is still in the race after the All-Star break.
No. 5: Yoan Moncada, Boston Red Sox
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2015 Stats (A): .215/.305/.312, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 6 SB
ETA: 2017
Plays Like: Robinson Cano
After a lengthy bidding war, the Boston Red Sox earned the right to sign Cuban sensation Yoan Moncada to a deal totaling $63 million.
There are plenty of reasons why the 20-year-old commanded that type of money—the infielder can do everything on the diamond.
Moncada is a switch-hitter with quick hands and the ability to drive the baseball. He's not going to strike out much, and he's a nightmare to deal with once he gets on base. MLB.com believes Moncada has the potential to "deliver a .280 average and 20-25 homers on an annual basis, and he also has the well above-average speed to be a significant base-stealing threat."
Defensively, his versatility only enhances his value. Moncada played second, third, short and outfield while in Cuba, but he figures to settle in at second as he develops. He has a strong arm and impressive instincts with the glove.
Moncada hasn't lit the world on fire in his first month in the minors, but he's an elite talent with superstar potential. Once he gets his feet underneath him, Moncada won't take long to reach The Show.
No. 4: Tyler Glasnow, Pittsburgh Pirates
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2015 Stats (A/AA): 2-3, 34.2 IP, 2.86 ERA, 35 K, 12 BB
ETA: 2016
Plays Like: Michael Wacha
With the bevy of talented youngsters around baseball today, it feels like Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Tyler Glasnow often gets ignored. For Pittsburgh's top prospect, that shouldn't be an issue for too much longer.
Glasnow was a fifth-round pick in 2011 but quickly proved he was much better than that selection. The right-hander really jumped on the scene in 2013 in Single-A, posting a 2.18 ERA and striking out over 36 percent of the batters he faced.
After a 1.74 ERA in High-A last season, Glasnow has advanced to Double-A in 2015. He's battled some injuries, but the 21-year-old is still sporting a sub-3.00 ERA in six starts.
An impressive fastball usually accompanies high strikeout totals, and Glasnow is no different. His heater sits in the upper 90s and stays there deep into games. Glasnow's curve reaps the benefits of that fastball, and Kiley McDaniel at FanGraphs believes the pitch rivals Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez.
Glasnow has dealt with command issues throughout his career, but he's seen a dramatic improvement in that department in 2015. After walking nearly five hitters per nine in 2013, Glasnow has reduced that number to just over three this season.
Pittsburgh has an elite rotation, so a 2015 Glasnow debut is unlikely, although the Pirates could promote him as an extra bullpen arm for the stretch run. Regardless, Glasnow's upside is through the roof.
No. 3: Julio Urias, Los Angeles Dodgers
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2015 Stats (AA): 1-2, 36 IP, 3.00 ERA, 46 K, 9 BB
ETA: 2016
Plays Like: Jon Lester
America loves teenage sensations, and Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Julio Urias is poised to be the next one.
The 18-year-old has already advanced to Double-A after dominant stints in Single-A and High-A the last two seasons. Urias posted a 2.48 ERA with a 31.8 percent strikeout rate in 2013 and a 2.36 ERA with a 30.6 percent strikeout rate last season.
Urias is extremely advanced on the mound, as he boasts three pitches that are ready for the big leagues right now—a mid-90s fastball, a looping curveball and a changeup that falls off the table. By significantly reducing his walk rate this season, Urias is rapidly approaching a major league debut.
Urias' nasty collection of pitches puts him on the map, but his composure is what will turn him into a star.
"I'd like to know how old he really is because there's no way a kid 18 years old can have that type of composure," Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis said to Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times during spring training. "That's what was most impressive to me, his tempo, his ability to stay in the moment.
Unfortunately, Urias was forced to undergo eye surgery earlier this season and won't be back until July. But if the teenage phenom returns and dominates Double-A hitters once again, how far off can his promotion really be?
No. 2: Lucas Giolito, Washington Nationals
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2015 Stats (A+): 2-4, 45.2 IP, 3.55 ERA, 59 K, 13 BB
ETA: 2017
Plays Like: Matt Harvey
The Washington Nationals know a thing or two about starting pitching, but right-hander Lucas Giolito may wind up as the best of the bunch.
Considered one of the best high school pitchers in the 2012 draft, Giolito was taken in the first round by Washington. His minor league career got off to a rocky start when he needed Tommy John surgery shortly after he was drafted, but Giolito has bounced back with authority.
In his first full season as a professional in 2014, Giolito posted a 2.20 ERA in 20 starts in Single-A. The right-hander was a strikeout machine, sending opposing hitters back to the dugout 28.5 percent of the time. Giolito has pushed that number to 29.8 percent in 2015 in High-A.
Giolito may have the best fastball in the minors, often reaching 100 mph and sitting in the upper 90s. As if that's not enough, the right-hander's 12-to-6 curve is about as good as his heater. With an improving changeup, Giolito's upside is higher than any other pitching prospect.
Giolito needs to log more innings at the lower levels before a potential call-up. He's still a year or two away from the big leagues, but when he arrives, there won't be too many better.
No. 1: Corey Seager, Los Angeles Dodgers
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2015 Stats (AA/AAA): .314/.361/.528, 11 HR, 40 RBI
ETA: 2015
Plays Like: Troy Tulowitzki
Among the prospects yet to join the 2015 class, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager is the cream of the crop.
The 21-year-old can flat-out hit and has done so everywhere he's played. Seager nearly hit .350 and mashed 20 homers last season between High-A and Double-A. After beginning 2015 back in Double-A, Seager put up ridiculous numbers, including a .375/.407/.675 slash line in 20 games.
At the plate, Seager is very advanced for his age. He hits for average and power, and he uses the whole field to his advantage. He also takes care of left-handed pitching, as he's hitting .355 against same-sided pitchers in Triple-A. When judging if a young hitter is ready for the majors, those are the first places to look.
Seager is a bigger shortstop, which is why he's constantly compared to Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki. He has a great arm and fantastic instincts, so sticking at short for the majority of his career shouldn't be an issue.
The Dodgers are headed toward decision time regarding their top overall prospect. Jimmy Rollins has struggled in 2015, but can a team with World Series aspirations survive with a 21-year-old playing the most important position on the field?
If any prospect has the talent to accomplish that feat, it's Corey Seager.
Advanced stats courtesy of FanGraphs and accurate as of June 27.
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