Each MLB Team's Prospect Who Has Earned a Big League Call-Up

There are a lot of moving parts that go into an MLB prospect earning a big league promotion.

First, there has to be a need at the MLB level, so as to avoid stalling a young player's development being derailed by not seeing regular playing time.

There are also service time considerations as teams look to push back a player's arbitration clock and save some money by waiting until later in the year to finally pull the trigger on a promotion.

At this early stage in the season, we're also still dealing with a relatively small sample size, so how much stock do you put in a hot start from a relatively unheralded prospect or a slow start?

For teams, it's not always as simple as saying a player is performing well in the minors so he should be promoted.

That's exactly what we'll be doing here, though.

Based solely on 2017 production and not on team needs or available playing time, we've highlighted one prospect from each team who has earned a big league call-up.

Most of these players come from the Triple-A ranks, though a few are currently in Double-A. It's not uncommon for a player to jump over the Triple-A level as we saw last season with Andrew Benintendi, Dansby Swanson and Yoan Moncada, among others.

Arizona Diamondbacks: RHP Jimmie Sherfy

DOB: Dec. 27, 1991 (25 years old)

40-Man Roster: Yes

Prospect Rank: No. 13 in ARI system

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

9 G, 1-0, 0.90 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, 1 BB, 11 K, 10.0 IP

Outlook

By no stretch of the imagination is Fernando Rodney the long-term answer for the Arizona Diamondbacks in the closer's role, as the 40-year-old was signed to a one-year deal as a stopgap solution.

A strong showing out of the bullpen by Archie Bradley has made him an intriguing candidate for the job, but another name to watch is Jimmie Sherfy.

Armed with a live, upper-90s fastball and a wipeout slider, he's punched out batters at a rate of 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings during his time in the minors and his command has steadily improved along the way.

After being added to the 40-man roster in the offseason, it's only a matter of time before he gets the call.

Atlanta Braves: RHP Lucas Sims

John Raoux/Associated Press

DOB: May 10, 1994 (22 years old)

40-Man Roster: Yes

Prospect Rank: No. 18 in ATL system

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

5 GS, 2-0, 2.83 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 6 BB, 28 K, 28.2 IP

Outlook

While the Atlanta Braves have an abundance of high-ceiling starting pitching prospects, most of those arms are still pitching in the lower levels of the minors and still at least a year or two away from making an impact in the majors.

That's not the case with 2012 first-round pick Lucas Sims.

The 22-year-old struggled in his first Triple-A action last year with a 7.56 ERA in 50 innings of work before being demoted back to Double-A, but he's righted the developmental ship and once again looks to have a legitimate middle-of-the-rotation ceiling.

The continued development of his changeup and refining of his overall command will determine whether he's a long-term piece of the rotation.

Baltimore Orioles: RHP Jimmy Yacabonis

DOB: March 21, 1992 (25 years old)

40-Man Roster: No

Prospect Rank: NR in BAL system

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

10 G, 5 SV, 0.00 ERA, 0.53 WHIP, 4 BB, 7 K, 13.1 IP

Outlook

Jimmy Yacabonis emerged as a potential bullpen piece to watch last season when he saved 11 games and posted a 2.64 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with 67 strikeouts in 64.2 innings between High-A and Double-A.

While he's not striking hitters out at the same impressive clip this season, it's tough to ignore his 13.1-inning scoreless streak to begin his time in Triple-A.

A college closer who fits the late-inning mold with a mid-90s fastball and plus slider, the question has always been whether he would throw enough strikes to be a viable big league option.

The Baltimore Orioles have a deep bullpen and there are others ahead of him on the organizational depth chart with 40-man roster spots, but he'll play his way into a promotion if he keeps putting up zeroes.

Boston Red Sox: RHP Jamie Callahan

DOB: Aug. 24, 1994 (22 years old)

40-Man Roster: No

Prospect Rank: NR in BOS system

2017 Stats (Double-A)

8 G, 2 SV, 0.90 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, 0 BB, 16 K, 10.0 IP

Outlook

Another prototypical power reliever with a mid-90s fastball and plus slider, Jamie Callahan at the very least appears ready for the jump to Triple-A.

A second-round pick in 2012 out of the South Carolina prep ranks, Callahan moved to the bullpen in 2015, when his stuff has immediately played up.

After a strong showing at the High-A level last year (36 G, 7 SV, 3.29 ERA) and an impressive run in the Arizona Fall League (12 G, 2 SV, 0.75 ERA), he's placed himself squarely on the fast track.

The Boston Red Sox have a crowded bullpen with a pair of rookies in Robby Scott and Ben Taylor already making an impact, so it will likely take a few injuries for Callahan to get his chance in 2017.

Chicago Cubs: IF Jeimer Candelario

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

DOB: Nov. 24, 1993 (23 years old)

40-Man Roster: Yes

Prospect Rank: No. 4 in CHC system, No. 89 in MLB

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

94 PA, .321/.436/.679, 18 XBH (4 HR), 19 RBI, 17 R

Outlook

Jeimer Candelario is essentially auditioning for the other 29 teams every time he takes the field with Triple-A Iowa.

The 23-year-old has little left to prove in the minors after hitting .333/.417/.542 with 34 extra-base hits in 309 plate appearances in Triple-A last season, and he's off to an even better start this year.

However, there's simply no path to playing time with the big club. A natural third baseman who can also play some second, he would need two of Kris Bryant, Javier Baez and Ben Zobrist to land on the disabled list before he found his way into the everyday lineup.

Instead, look for him to follow in the footsteps of Dan Vogelbach and be used as trade bait this summer to address the pitching side of things.

Chicago White Sox: 2B Yoan Moncada

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

DOB: May 27, 1995 (21 years old)

40-Man Roster: Yes

Prospect Rank: No. 1 in CWS system, No. 1 in MLB

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

106 PA, .330/.406/.532, 8 XBH (5 HR), 8 RBI, 19 R

Outlook

It won't be long before Yoan Moncada—the prize of the Chris Sale blockbuster trade—is suiting up for the Chicago White Sox.

"I feel ready and I'm just waiting for that call," Moncada told JJ Stankevitz of CSN Chicago. "I've been doing my job here."

The rebuilding club is likely waiting out at the Super Two deadline at this point, as there's no reason to start the clock on a player who figures to be a huge long-term piece of the puzzle.

Now ranked as the No. 1 prospect in baseball with Andrew Benintendi surpassing rookie limits, the Cuban phenom has a chance to be a 20-homer, 50-steal threat who hits for a high batting average and plays solid defense at second base.

Cincinnati Reds: IF/OF Juan Perez

DOB: Nov. 1, 1991 (25 years old)

40-Man Roster: No

Prospect Rank: NR in CIN system

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

92 PA, .304/.402/.544, 10 XBH (4 HR), 8 RBI, 9 R

Outlook

Juan Perez has never been viewed as much of a prospect, and he put together an uninspired .248/.308/.349 line with 23 extra-base hits in 407 plate appearances with Triple-A Louisville a year ago.

However, he's opened some eyes in the early going, raising his OPS nearly 300 points to .946 and showing some newfound pop with 10 extra-base hits in his first 92 trips to the dish.

Perez was originally signed as a shortstop, but he's seen time at second base and in the outfield, and that versatility will only help his case for a roster spot.

Arismendy Alcantara and Scooter Gennett have been two of the Reds' more productive hitters in the early going and they fill a similar role on the bench, so it remains to be seen if Perez will get a look this year.

Cleveland Indians: IF/OF Yandy Diaz

Tony Dejak/Associated Press

DOB: Aug. 8, 1991 (25 years old)

40-Man Roster: Yes

Prospect Rank: No. 10 in CLE system

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

51 PA, .400/.510/.575, 5 XBH (1 HR), 9 RBI, 9 R

Outlook

Yandy Diaz earned a spot on the Opening Day roster and regular playing time at third base to start the season with Jose Ramirez briefly shifting over to second base to replace the injured Jason Kipnis.

Diaz wound up hitting .236/.295/.255 with one double in 61 plate appearances and he was optioned back to Triple-A once Kipnis returned to action, but he might not stay there for long.

The 25-year-old is a .310/.407/.415 hitter over parts of four minor league seasons and he's clearly jumped ahead of Giovanny Urshela on the organizational depth chart at third base.

He also added the outfield to his defensive repertoire last season, making him a more attractive bench option, and if the Cleveland Indians ever shift from an eight-man bullpen to a four-man bench, he looks like the most likely addition to the roster.

Colorado Rockies: OF Raimel Tapia

Matt York/Associated Press

DOB: Feb. 4, 1994 (23 years old)

40-Man Roster: Yes

Prospect Rank: No. 5 in COL system, No. 83 in MLB

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

94 PA, .386/.426/.568, 13 XBH (0 HR), 16 RBI, 18 R

Outlook

Raimel Tapia can flat-out rake with a .320/.365/.451 career line in the minors.

The 23-year-old has already tallied 10 doubles and three triples in 94 plate appearances with Triple-A Albuquerque to go along with a .386 batting average.

MLB.com wrote: "No one doubts that he'll hit for average, though scouts are divided about how much impact he'll make at the plate. His biggest backers believe he can develop 15- to 18-homer power, while others think his contact-heavy approach limits his ability to drive the ball and draw walks."

The Colorado Rockies have a crowded outfield, especially if Mark Reynolds continues to hit and Ian Desmond seems more time out there as a result, but Tapia has earned an opportunity.

Detroit Tigers: LF Christin Stewart

DOB: Dec. 10, 1993 (23 years old)

40-Man Roster: No

Prospect Rank: No. 2 in DET system

2017 Stats (Double-A)

105 PA, .278/.381/.567, 12 XBH (6 HR), 18 RBI, 13 R

Outlook

In a thin Detroit Tigers system, Christin Stewart has been a clear standout.

The 2015 first-round pick out of the University of Tennessee split last season between High-A and Double-A, posting a .903 OPS and launching 30 home runs.

Back in Double-A to open 2017, he's raised his batting average from .255 to .278 while continuing to show advanced plate discipline and plus power.

The 23-year-old is a work in progress defensively in left field and there's still a good deal of swing-and-miss to his game, but it wouldn't be surprising to see his power bat force the team's hand in the not-too-distant future.

Houston Astros: OF Derek FIsher

Rob Carr/Getty Images

DOB: Aug. 21, 1993 (23 years old)

40-Man Roster: No

Prospect Rank: No. 4 in HOU system, No. 76 in MLB

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

116 PA, .301/.365/.544, 13 XBH (6 HR), 14 RBI, 18 R

Outlook

With an impressive mix of power and speed, Derek Fisher is one of the most underrated prospects in the game.

One of the top college bats in the 2014 draft class, he's moved quickly as expected and posted an .815 OPS with 21 doubles, 21 home runs and 28 stolen bases between Double-A and Triple-A a year ago.

MLB.com wrote:

"

No one in the Astros organization can match Fisher's combination of well above-average raw power and at least plus speed. He has a sweet left-handed stroke and plenty of bat speed, though he doesn't have a strong feel for hitting and strikeouts will always be a part of his game. He has improved his plate discipline since turning pro and should draw a healthy amount of walks.

"

Fisher has a higher ceiling than Teoscar Hernandez, but he's not on the 40-man roster, so Hernandez will likely continue to be the first outfielder called upon this year when a roster spot opens up.

Kansas City Royals: LHP Eric Skoglund

DOB: Oct. 26, 1992 (24 years old)

40-Man Roster: No

Prospect Rank: No. 3 in KC system

2017 Stats (Double-A/Triple-A)

5 GS, 1-2, 2.31 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 9 BB, 17 K, 23.1 IP

Outlook

There's no missing 6'7" Eric Skoglund, who has quickly established himself as one of the better pitching prospects in a thin Kansas City Royals system.

The left-hander doesn't have power stuff, but his low 90s fastball plays up thanks to the good extension he gets from his towering frame, and he has the makings of a solid curveball/changeup pairing to back it.

He also has smooth, repeatable mechanics that can often be an issue for bigger pitchers, giving him a great chance to live up to his middle-of-the-rotation ceiling.

The Royals are coming up on something of an organizational crossroads and they could be headed for a rebuilding period, so the continued development of guys like Skoglund takes on that much more significance.

Los Angeles Angels: RHP Eduardo Paredes

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

DOB: March 6, 1995 (22 years old)

40-Man Roster: Yes

Prospect Rank: No. 17 in LAA system

2017 Stats (Double-A/Triple-A)

10 G, 1 SV, 1.23 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 4 BB, 20 K, 14.2 IP

Outlook

The Los Angeles Angels saw enough in Eduardo Paredes to add him to the 40-man roster during the offseason, and a strong start in Double-A earned him a promotion to Triple-A earlier this week.

The 22-year-old split last season between High-A and Double-A, appearing in 54 games and posting a 3.33 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 9.6 K/9 with 12 saves.

MLB.com wrote: "Paredes has closed games throughout his minor league career, saving 32 over the last two seasons combined. His stuff is probably a little short to keep doing that in the big leagues, but he's looking like he'll be able to fill a bullpen role there in the near future."

Then again, no one would have guessed Bud Norris would be closing games in Anaheim this season, so it's probably best not to completely rule out a ninth-inning role.

Los Angeles Dodgers: 1B/OF O'Koyea Dickson

Ben Margot/Associated Press

DOB: Feb. 9, 1990 (27 years old)

40-Man Roster: No

Prospect Rank: NR in LAD system

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

96 PA, .315/.344/.629, 13 XBH (7 HR), 20 RBI, 16 R

Outlook

While O'Koyea Dickson is on the older end of the prospect scale, he's shown enough playable power in the upper levels of the minors that he should get an MLB opportunity sometime soon.

The 27-year-old posted an impressive .994 OPS with 28 doubles and 18 home runs in 377 plate appearances in Triple-A last season and he's been raking in Oklahoma City once again this season.

As a right-handed hitter capable of playing first base and the corner outfield and can wear out left-handed pitching, he's a bit of a redundancy with veterans Franklin Gutierrez and Scott Van Slyke filling a similar role.

We saw Andrew Toles make a surprise contribution when playing time opened up last season, and Dickson could make a similar impact here in 2017.

Miami Marlins: RHP Drew Steckenrider

DOB: Jan. 10, 1991 (26 years old)

40-Man Roster: Yes

Prospect Rank: No. 9 in MIA system

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

10 G, 1.88 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 6 BB, 16 K, 14.1 IP

Outlook

Drew Steckenrider shifted to the bullpen full-time last season and promptly took off.

The 26-year-old made 40 appearances over three minor league levels, posting a 2.08 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 71 strikeouts in 52 innings while saving 14 games along the way.

While his development as a starter stalled in part due to his lack of a reliable third pitch, his upper-90s fastball and plus slider make him a great fit for the bullpen.

The Miami Marlins have one of the deeper relief corps in the majors, so there's no immediate opening for Steckenrider, but he'll get his chance soon enough.

Milwaukee Brewers: CF Lewis Brinson

Matt York/Associated Press

DOB: May 8, 1994 (22 years old)

40-Man Roster: Yes

Prospect Rank: No. 1 in MIL system, No. 16 in MLB

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

80 PA, .338/.388/.577, 9 XBH (4 HR), 12 RBI, 15 R

Outlook

It's only a matter of time before Lewis Brinson takes over as the Milwaukee Brewers' everyday center fielder.

A legitimate five-tool talent with All-Star potential, Brinson came over from the Texas Rangers in last summer's Jonathan Lucroy trade and laid claim to the No. 1 prospect spot in a loaded Milwaukee farm system.

His 2016 season was a bit disappointing after a monster 2015 campaign, but he's gotten things back on track with Triple-A Colorado Springs and is knocking on the door for a big league promotion.

Incumbent center fielder Keon Broxton is hitting better of late after a rough start at the plate, so there's no reason to rush Brinson. Still, expect him to be up by midseason.

Minnesota Twins: RHP Nick Burdi

DOB: Jan. 19, 1993 (24 years old)

40-Man Roster: No

Prospect Rank: No. 16 in MIN system

2017 Stats (Double-A)

7 G, 1.08 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 3 BB, 10 K, 8.1 IP

Outlook

Few prospects throw harder than Minnesota Twins right-hander Nick Burdi, who possess a legitimate 80-grade fastball.

The older brother of 2016 first-round pick Zack Burdi—another flame-throwing reliever—Nick managed just three appearances last season after suffering a bone bruise on his throwing elbow, so he's fallen behind the developmental curve a bit.

Now that he's back to 100 percent, a spot in the Minnesota bullpen might not be far off.

The 24-year-old has struck out hitters at a 12.5 K/9 clip during his time in the minors and he's showing improved command this year with a manageable 3.2 walks per nine innings. If everything falls into place, his plus-plus fastball/slider pairing gives him closer upside.

New York Mets: SS Amed Rosario

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

DOB: Nov. 20, 1995 (21 years old)

40-Man Roster: Yes

Prospect Rank: No. 1 in NYM system, No. 3 in MLB

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

109 PA, .402/.450/.526, 9 XBH (1 HR), 14 RBI, 16 R

Outlook

How much longer can the New York Mets resist the urge to promote Amed Rosario?

Eventually shifting incumbent shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera over to third base and inserting Rosario as the everyday shortstop seemed like an inevitability heading into the season, and a red-hot start from the highly touted prospect is only pushing up the timetable.

The 21-year-old finally turned potential into production last season when he hit .324/.374/.459 with 42 extra-base hits and 19 stolen bases between High-A and Double-A, joining the ranks of the elite-level prospects in the process.

Rosario is capable of making an impact similar to what we saw from Carlos Correa and Francisco Lindor when they burst onto the scene in 2015, and the Mets could use that type of spark right now.

New York Yankees: RHP Chance Adams

DOB: Aug. 10, 1994 (22 years old)

40-Man Roster: No

Prospect Rank: No. 7 in NYY system

2017 Stats (Double-A)

5 GS, 4-0, 0.64 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 13 BB, 27 K, 28.0 IP

Outlook

It looks like the New York Yankees got a good one in 2015 fifth-round pick Chance Adams.

The 22-year-old was one of the breakout prospects of 2016, splitting the season between High-A and Double-A and going 13-1 with a 2.33 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 144 strikeouts in 127.1 innings.

Back in Double-A to start the season, he's been nothing short of dominant, and a bump up to Triple-A should come sooner than later.

While he may not have overpowering stuff, he has a great feel for his four-pitch repertoire. The emergence of his slider as a legitimate strikeout pitch and second plus offering along with his fastball gives him a chance to carve out a long-term place in the big league rotation.

Oakland Athletics: 2B/SS Franklin Barreto

Chris Carlson/Associated Press

DOB: Feb. 27, 1996 (21 years old)

40-Man Roster: Yes

Prospect Rank: No. 1 in OAK system, No. 46 in MLB

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

107 PA, .372/.425/.585, 9 XBH (4 HR), 15 RBI, 16 R

Outlook

Franklin Barreto just might salvage the Josh Donaldson trade for the Oakland Athletics.

The 21-year-old is the top prospect in an Oakland system on the rise and he's knocking on the door for a big league promotion thanks to an impressive start with Triple-A Nashville.

Barreto hit .284/.342/.422 with 40 extra-base hits and 30 stolen bases in Double-A last season and he should provide both average and power at the next level. While he's seen the bulk of his playing time at shortstop in the minors and could begin his MLB career there, an eventual move to second base seems likely.

A fractured wrist suffered by incumbent shortstop Marcus Semien has opened the door to playing time if and when the A's finally decide to promote Barreto, though they're being understandably careful not to rush him.

Philadelphia Phillies: 1B Rhys Hoskins

Matt Rourke/Associated Press

DOB: March 17, 1993 (24 years old)

40-Man Roster: No

Prospect Rank: No. 13 in PHI system

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

98 PA, .337/.431/.651, 13 XBH (7 HR), 16 RBI, 18 R

Outlook

Despite crushing 38 home runs last season, Rhys Hoskins still had plenty to prove from a prospect standpoint as he did that playing his home games at hitter-friendly Double-A Reading.

So far, so good on that front as he's off to a huge start with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and breathing down the neck of a struggling Tommy Joseph at the MLB level as a result.

Hoskins is more than just an all-or-nothing slugger, as he posted an impressive 12.1 percent walk rate last season to go along with a respectable 21.2 percent strikeout rate.

After a surprisingly productive rookie season, Joseph is hitting just .192/.256/.321 on the year, so a change could come soon if he doesn't get things going.

Pittsburgh Pirates: RHP Edgar Santana

DOB: Oct. 16, 1991 (25 years old)

40-Man Roster: No

Prospect Rank: No. 24 in PIT system

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

10 G, 3 SV, 0.63 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, 3 BB, 14 K, 14.1 IP

Outlook

Edgar Santana was signed out of the Dominican Republic as a 22-year-old, so he's moved quicker than most international prospects who begin their professional careers as teenagers.

Now 25, he spent time at three different minor league levels last year, making 43 combined appearances and posting a 2.71 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 71 strikeouts in 79.2 innings.

He followed that up with 13.2 scoreless innings and an 18-to-2 strikeout-to-walk rate in the Arizona Fall League and he's continued to impress here in 2017.

An improving slider alongside his upper-90s fastball gives him late-inning stuff, and he'll almost certainly be part of the Pittsburgh bullpen by midseason if he keeps pitching at a high level.

San Diego Padres: RHP Dinelson Lamet

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

DOB: July 18, 1992 (24 years old)

40-Man Roster: No

Prospect Rank: No. 10 in SD system

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

5 GS, 2-1, 2.52 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 14 BB, 32 K, 25.0 IP

Outlook

Dinelson Lamet started the 2017 season as well as any pitching prospect in the game.

Over his first four starts, he went 2-0 with a 0.45 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 28 strikeouts in 20 innings before getting knocked around on Monday when he allowed six hits, five walks and six earned runs over five innings.

Still, his future looks bright and he could be the next prospect to arrive on the scene for a rebuilding San Diego Padres club that has six rookies on the active roster.

The continued development of his changeup will determine his long-term role, but he has the plus fastball/slider to succeed in the late innings and perhaps even as a closer if a move to the bullpen is deemed necessary.

San Francisco Giants: RHP Joan Gregorio

Chris Carlson/Associated Press

DOB: Jan. 12, 1992 (25 years old)

40-Man Roster: Yes

Prospect Rank: No. 8 in SF system

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

5 GS, 1-2, 1.95 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 15 BB, 23 K, 27.2 IP

Outlook

With Ty Blach filling a rotation spot and top prospect Tyler Beede close to reaching the majors, fellow pitching prospect Joan Gregorio goes somewhat overlooked in the San Francisco Giants system.

He went 6-10 with a 4.69 ERA between Double-A and Triple-A but continued to flash swing-and-miss stuff with 152 strikeouts in 134.1 innings.

MLB.com wrote:

"

Gregorio's fastball sits at 91-94 mph and peaks at 96, but it's much nastier than its velocity alone would indicate. He's 6-foot-7 and his long levers give him great extension and create a difficult plane and angle when he keeps his delivery in sync. His secondary pitches lack reliability, though his mid-80s slider is solid at times and his fringy changeup is improving."

"

They added that he could make a "very dynamic reliever," and given his still inconsistent command, it's looking more and more likely that his long-term place will be in the bullpen.

Seattle Mariners: OF Kyle Waldrop

DOB: Nov. 26, 1991 (25 years old)

40-Man Roster: No

Prospect Rank: No. 29 in SEA system

2017 Stats (Double-A)

104 PA, .292/.385/.506, 11 XBH (4 HR), 20 RBI, 15 R

Outlook

One of a seemingly infinite number of moves made by Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto this offseason was to sign Kyle Waldrop to a minor league deal after he was outright released by the Reds.

A former Futures Game participant and a .275/.322/.431 hitter who has shown intriguing gap power over eight minor league seasons, Waldrop also logged a 15-game stint in the majors last year.

MLB.com wrote: "Though he lacks the tools and polish to be an everyday player, Waldrop's left-handed bat and versatility in the outfield could help him return to the majors in a bench role in 2017."

At the very least, he deserves to be bumped up to Triple-A thanks to his strong start with Double-A Arkansas.

St. Louis Cardinals: 1B Luke Voit

DOB: Feb. 13, 1991 (26 years old)

40-Man Roster: No

Prospect Rank: NR in STL system

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

101 PA, .348/.426/.652, 14 XBH (6 HR), 18 RBI, 9 R

Outlook

Luke Voit was a 22nd-round pick in the 2013 draft after a productive four-year run at Missouri State.

With a strong 6'3", 225-pound frame, it's his power potential that stands as his most intriguing tool and he's steadily improved while slowly climbing the organizational ladder.

He posted an .849 OPS with 20 doubles, 19 home runs and 74 RBI in Double-A last year while trimming his strikeout rate from 19.3 percent to 15.2 percent and continuing to show the ability to work a walk.

The 26-year-old isn't considered much of a prospect given his age and somewhat slow developmental path, but his strong start makes him an intriguing potential late bloomer who could provide some right-handed power.

Tampa Bay Rays: 3B/OF Patrick Leonard

David Goldman/Associated Press

DOB: Oct. 20, 1992 (24 years old)

40-Man Roster: No

Prospect Rank: NR in TB system

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

105 PA, .394/.457/.532, 9 XBH (2 HR), 17 RBI, 18 R

Outlook

Patrick Leonard joined the Tampa Bay Rays as a throw-in piece in the James Shields/Wil Myers trade with the Kansas City Royals.

His offensive game has been slow to develop, especially given his defensive profile, and he didn't exactly light the world on fire last year with a .258/.323/.400 line and nine home runs in between Double-A and Triple-A.

There's no ignoring the numbers he's posted so far this season with Triple-A Durham, though.

Leonard is a natural third baseman who can also play first base and corner outfield, so that gives the Rays some options if they were to call him up. He's not going to unseat Evan Longoria at the hot corner anytime soon, but as long as he's swinging such a hot bat, they'd be wise to find a place for him.

Texas Rangers: 1B Ronald Guzman

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

DOB: Oct. 20, 1994 (22 years old)

40-Man Roster: Yes

Prospect Rank: No. 4 in TEX system

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

112 PA, .343/.402/.480, 7 XBH (3 HR), 13 RBI, 16 R

Outlook

Ronald Guzman was signed to a hefty $3.45 million bonus as part of the same 2011 international free-agent class that saw the Texas Rangers add Nomar Mazara for a then-record $4.95 million.

Mazara arrived on the scene first and has the higher ceiling going forward, but Guzman is making a strong case to join him on the MLB roster in the near future.

The 22-year-old doesn't have prototypical first baseman power and his hit tool actually profiles as his carrying tool offensively, but there's enough strength in his 6'5", 205-pound frame for him to at least develop into a 20-homer threat.

With veteran Mike Napoli currently manning first base on a one-year deal, Guzman could take over as the everyday guy next season after getting his feet wet this year.

Toronto Blue Jays: OF Dwight Smith Jr.

DOB: Oct. 26, 1992 (24 years old)

40-Man Roster: No

Prospect Rank: NR in TOR system

2017 Stats (Triple-A)

94 PA, .333/.398/.506, 8 XBH (3 HR), 14 RBI, 15 R

Outlook

Dwight Smith Jr. was a first-round pick in 2011 and his future looked bright after he posted an .816 OPS with 48 extra-base hits and 15 stolen bases at the High-A level during his age-21 season.

However, he's hit a middling .265/.333/.405 while spending the past two seasons in Double-A and he's fallen off the prospect radar as a result.

Still just 24, Smith is once again opening some eyes with a strong start for Triple-A Buffalo, and it's his added power that is the most intriguing development as his .506 slugging percentage is far and away a career high.

He's willing to take a walk and makes consistent contact, so if the uptick in power is for real, he could find a place in the Toronto outfield before too long.

Washington Nationals: CF Andrew Stevenson

DOB: June 1, 1994 (22 years old)

40-Man Roster: No

Prospect Rank: No. 5 in WAS system

2017 Stats (Double-A)

91 PA, .350/.429/.438, 6 XBH (0 HR), 12 RBI, 14 R

Outlook

The Washington Nationals have a major hole to fill after losing center fielder Adam Eaton for the season to a torn ACL.

Former top prospect Michael Taylor will get the first crack at replacing him and he still has intriguing power/speed potential, but he's also a career .231/.284/.363 hitter with a 31.8 percent strikeout rate over 836 big league plate appearances.

While the team could certainly explore trade options as the season wears on, it's worth keeping an eye on prospect Andrew Stevenson as a potential solution.

The 22-year-old was recently promoted to Triple-A after a hot start at the plate in Double-A, and it's always been his offensive game that was the question. Stevenson is considered an elite defender in center field, so if he can just provide league average offense, he could be the answer.

All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and accurate through Wednesday, May 3. All prospect rankings referenced in the article refer to MLB.com's Prospect Watch unless otherwise noted.