Projecting Each MLB Team's Top Prospect in 2018
With Opening Day upon us Thursday, the focus of the baseball world is rightly aimed at the MLB level. As we watch the big leaguers ply their trade, however, it's worth glancing down to the MiLB level and eyeing the next crop of potential young stars.
With that in mind, let's project each of the 30 teams' top prospect for 2018.
To qualify, a player's rookie status must be intact. Also, we aren't including any players who broke camp on an MLB 25-man roster.
These exercises always involve a degree of gut feeling; even the brightest blue chips can fade. Still, these are names to follow closely as the season unfolds.
American League West
1 of 6
Houston Astros: OF Kyle Tucker
The Houston Astros don't have room for Kyle Tucker in their starting outfield, but it won't be long before the 21-year-old makes his debut with the defending champs.
Tucker hit .409 this spring with five home runs and 21 RBI. A little seasoning at Triple-A, a level he didn't see in 2017, won't hurt. After that, he'll give 'Stros fans yet another reason to be giddy about the present and future.
Los Angeles Angels: OF Jo Adell
The 10th overall pick out of high school by the Los Angeles Angels in 2017, Jo Adell has the tools and pure power to be a special player.
The 18-year-old is raw, but he got a taste of big league camp this year after hitting .325 with a .908 OPS in 49 rookie-level games last season. The Halos' once-barren system still isn't loaded but it's improved, and Adell is a major reason why.
Oakland Athletics: LHP Jesus Luzardo
The Oakland A's were dealt a devastating blow Tuesday when they learned top pitching prospect A.J. Puk would require Tommy John surgery, per Matt Snyder of CBSSports.com.
With Puk lost for the season, the title of the top Oakland prospect for 2018 goes to another young left-hander, Jesus Luzardo.
With a fastball that can touch the high 90s and a plus changeup, the 20-year-old averaged 10 strikeouts per nine innings between rookie ball and Low-A in 2017. He has the stuff and command to be a front-line starter and flashed it with some nice moments this spring, including a strikeout of Angels star Mike Trout.
Seattle Mariners: OF Kyle Lewis
A series of knee issues have hampered Kyle Lewis' development. The 22-year-old had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in February, delaying his 2018 debut.
Assuming he can put the injury woes behind him, he's easily the most dynamic, high-ceiling player in the Seattle Mariners system. When healthy, Lewis has flashed big-time power potential and a strong arm that could make him the Mariners' right fielder of the future.
Texas Rangers: OF Leody Taveras
A switch-hitter with plus speed and emerging power, Leody Taveras could be on the fast track to the big leagues at the tender age of 19.
The Texas Rangers will want to see more from him at the lower levels, but he impressed last season at Single-A, where he stole 20 bases and hit 20 doubles, seven triples and eight home runs in 134 games.
American League Central
2 of 6
Chicago White Sox: RHP Michael Kopech
Michael Kopech posted an 11.57 ERA this spring for the Chicago White Sox and will begin the season at Triple-A.
The 21-year-old also struck out seven in seven innings and showed off the blazing fastball that makes him one of the most exciting young pitchers in baseball.
Assuming he pitches to his abilities in the minors, a call-up to the South Side this season is a near-inevitability.
Cleveland Indians: C Francisco Mejia
With Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez holding down the catching duties for the Cleveland Indians, Francisco Mejia will have to wait his turn.
That turn should come soon for the 22-year-old receiver, who has raked at all levels and hit .421 with two doubles and two home runs in 11 spring games.
"Offensively, he's so advanced," manager Terry Francona said, per WKYC.com's Ben Axelrod. "If something happens in April, May or June, he's probably our best minor league hitter."
Detroit Tigers: RHP Alex Faedo
With Detroit Tigers right-hander Franklin Perez slated to miss three months with a strained lat, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN.com), Alex Faedo could emerge as their top prospect in 2018.
The 18th overall pick by Detroit in 2017, Faedo has a strong sinking fastball and wicked slider. He battled knee issues last year, but if he's healthy, the 22-year-old should ascend quickly with the rebuilding Tigers.
Kansas City Royals: OF Seuly Matias
Other Kansas City Royals prospects, including first baseman Nick Pratto, are deeper into their development than Seuly Matias. When it comes to raw, untapped potential, however, Matias is the guy.
The 19-year-old Dominican boasts eye-popping bat speed and massive power as well as plus speed and a howitzer arm. He strikes out a lot, but he also hits a lot. If he refines his approach, look out.
Minnesota Twins: SS Royce Lewis
The No. 1 overall pick by the Minnesota Twins in 2017, Royce Lewis slashed .279/.381/.407 in 54 games between the rookie leagues and Single-A. It was an impressive showing for an 18-year-old and rewarded the Twins' draft-day faith.
An excellent overall athlete, Lewis is a solid contact hitter with excellent speed and appears to have the defensive tools to stick at shortstop.
American League East
3 of 6
Baltimore Orioles: OF Austin Hays
Austin Hays came into Baltimore Orioles camp with an outside chance of cracking the Opening Day roster, but the 22-year-old was reassigned to Double-A Bowie.
"I would say that it's a little bit of a letdown," Hays said, per Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun. "You come in from a really hard offseason, where I put in a lot of time into trying to get bigger, faster, stronger for spring and try to win a job."
If Hays hits at Double-A like he did last season, when he posted a .960 OPS at that level, it won't be long before he's in The Show.
Boston Red Sox: 3B Michael Chavis
Last season the Boston Red Sox got a jolt of talent when they promoted third baseman Rafael Devers. Now, they've got another top prospect sizzling at the hot corner.
An oblique injury hampered him this spring, but 22-year-old Michael Chavis displayed head-turning power in 2017 with 35 doubles and 31 home runs between High-A and Double-A.
With Devers entrenched at third, a move to the right side of the infield could speed Chavis' road to the big leagues with Boston.
New York Yankees: INF Gleyber Torres
Gleyber Torres came into spring with a chance to claim a spot in the New York Yankees infield. He hit just .160 in the Grapefruit League, however, and showed some rust after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his non-throwing elbow last season.
He's an elite talent when he's healthy, with great contact skills, pitch recognition, sneaky power and the defensive skills of an above-average shortstop.
The Yankees will be patient with him, but assuming he gets back on track, Torres could be in the Bronx by September.
Tampa Bay Rays: INF Willy Adames
Tampa Bay Rays infielder Willy Adames opened eyes this spring, as he went 8-for-22 with two doubles and two home runs before being assigned to minor league camp.
Adams has hit at every level and has improved as a defender, though a move to second base could be in the cards to slot him next to shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria.
Tampa Bay was stung by the loss of top pitching prospect Brent Honeywell to Tommy John surgery in February, but Adames offers ample hope.
Toronto Blue Jays: 3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
In what was easily the most cinematic moment of the 2018 exhibition slate, Toronto Blue Jays prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr. clubbed a walk-off home run Tuesday at Montreal's Olympic Stadium, the park where his Hall of Fame father used to routinely punish baseballs for the Expos.
The 19-year-old Guerrero is a long way from matching his dad's legacy. He's posted an .875 OPS in two minor league seasons, however, and boasts the power, plate discipline and plus arm to carry on the family legacy.
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National League West
4 of 6
Arizona Diamondbacks: 1B Pavin Smith
A polished college hitter taken seventh overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2017 draft, Pavin Smith is blocked at first base in Arizona by a fellow named Paul Goldschmidt.
The D-backs will worry about that later. For now, they'll watch and see how the 22-year-old's excellent contact skills and robust on-base capabilities (he hit .342 and posted a .427 OBP in his junior season at Virginia) translate to the pros.
Colorado Rockies: INF Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers hit .286 with three home runs in 23 games this spring for the Colorado Rockies and impressed defensively at both shortstop and second base.
The 21-year-old will open the season in the minors, where he's hit .301 over three seasons while rising to Double-A. He seems a shoo-in for a September call-up and could be at Coors Field sooner if an injury or underperformance opens a spot.
Los Angeles Dodgers: RHP Walker Buehler
The Los Angeles Dodgers are being cautious with right-hander Walker Buehler, who posted a 3.35 ERA with 125 strikeouts in 88.2 MiLB innings in 2017 before making his big league debut.
It was his first season back from Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers have ample pitching depth in the majors. They can afford to bring Buehler along slowly and limited him to four innings this spring, during which he struck out seven and allowed no runs.
With results like that, he'll be back at Dodger Stadium soon.
San Diego Padres: Fernando Tatis Jr.
Another second-generation big leaguer with massive potential, Fernando Tatis Jr. swatted 22 home runs and stole 32 bases between Single-A and Double-A last season.
The 6'3", 185-pounder is big for a shortstop but has shown the range and arm to remain at the position or slide over to third.
Either way, the rebuilding San Diego Padres should be drooling over the 19-year-old's sky-high ceiling.
San Francisco Giants: OF Heliot Ramos
In a relatively weak farm system, Heliot Ramos stands out as easily the most exciting San Francisco Giants prospect.
The 18-year-old possess above-average power and speed as well as a strong arm. He needs to cut back on his strikeouts (48 times in 35 rookie ball last year) and improve his plate discipline.
If he does, he could be the best hitter to come out of San Francisco's farm since a catcher named Gerald (that's Buster Posey to you).
National League Central
5 of 6
Chicago Cubs: RHP Adbert Alzolay
Right-hander Adbert Alzolay took a big step forward last season in the Chicago Cubs system.
The 23-year-old Venezuelan posted a 3.23 ERA with 108 strikeouts in 114.1 innings between High-A and Double-A after his ERA ballooned to 4.34 at Single-A in 2016.
His fastball can reach the high 90s and is complemented by a plus curveball. If he can develop a solid third offering, it's easy to see him slotting into the middle of the Cubs rotation in a season or two.
Cincinnati Reds: 3B Nick Senzel
The second overall pick by the Cincinnati Reds in 2016, Nick Senzel rose to Double-A last season, where he hit .340 with a .973 OPS in 57 games.
Senzel was in camp with the Reds but will begin the season at Triple-A Louisville. He's a third baseman by trade, yet he's blocked there by Eugenio Suarez. In spring, Senzel played the bulk of his games at shortstop, though he's expected to play at second in the minors, per MLB.com's Mark Sheldon.
If he comes close to repeating his 2017 offensive results at any position, he'll get a call soon from a Cincinnati team that's ready and willing to audition its young talent.
Milwaukee Brewers: RHP Corbin Burnes
Corbin Burnes has climbed quickly through the Milwaukee Brewers system—and for good reason. The 23-year-old right-hander posted a 1.67 ERA in 145.2 innings between High-A and Double-A last season with 140 strikeouts.
His cut fastball reaches the mid-90s, and he backs it up with a curveball, changeup and slider that are all average or better.
It's the repertoire of an effective mid- or even top-of-the-rotation MLB starter, which is what Burnes is on track to become.
Pittsburgh Pirates: OF Austin Meadows
Injuries hindered Austin Meadows last season, but the 22-year-old showed what he's capable of when healthy this spring.
Before being sent to minor league camp by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Meadows went 7-for-19 with a home run and eight RBI.
Assuming the Bucs continue the fire sale that began with the trades of ace Gerrit Cole and outfielder Andrew McCutcheon this winter, a spot could soon open for Meadows in Pittsburgh.
St. Louis Cardinals: RHP Alex Reyes
Last season should have been Alex Reyes' breakout campaign with the St. Louis Cardinals, but Tommy John surgery delayed those plans.
Reyes is still working his way back, but he impressed in bullpen sessions.
An unnamed minor leaguer called Reyes' fastball "nasty" after facing Reyes in batting practice, per Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Whether as a reliever or starter, look for the 23-year-old to contribute to the Cards in 2018.
National League East
6 of 6
Atlanta Braves: OF Ronald Acuna Jr.
Ronald Acuna Jr. hit .344 with a .940 OPS in 51 games at Triple-A last season, then hit .432 with four home runs this spring.
The only thing keeping him off the Atlanta Braves' Opening Day roster are MLB's service-time rules. If the Braves wait until after April 13 to call him up, they get an extra year of club control.
Procedural shenanigans aside, Acuna has nothing left to prove in the minors and will be in Atlanta soon.
Miami Marlins: OF Monte Harrison
With outfielder Lewis Brinson slated to begin the season in the Miami outfield, the title of the Marlins' top 2018 prospect goes to another player acquired from the Brewers in the Christian Yelich trade.
He may not have quite the same ceiling as Brinson, but 22-year-old Monte Harrison boasts power, speed, excellent defensive range and a strong arm.
That skill set, coupled with the current everything-must-go philosophy of the Marlins, could soon see Harrison patrolling a corner outfield spot in South Beach.
New York Mets: SS Andres Gimenez
With former top prospect Amed Rosario looking to break out for the big club, the New York Mets have another shortstop marinating behind him.
After posting a .992 OPS in the rookie leagues in 2016, Andres Gimenez rose to Single-A last season, when he .265 with 14 stolen bases in 92 games.
A lefty swinger, he has a good approach at the plate for a 19-year-old. While he has the ability to remain at shortstop, a move to second base is an option if and when he and Rosario's MLB paths cross.
Philadelphia Phillies: RHP Sixto Sanchez
A 19-year-old Dominican with a big arm, Sixto Sanchez can already tickle triple digits with his fastball, which features bat-missing sinking action.
He needs to improve the consistency of his secondary pitches. After posting a 3.03 ERA between Single-A and High-A last season, however, Sanchez is showing signs of earning the Pedro Martinez comparisons he has received.
Washington Nationals: OF Victor Robles
Victor Robles hit .324 in 37 games at Double-A last season before making his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals and being placed on their postseason roster. Still, he'll begin 2018 in the minors.
It makes sense. It's better for Robles to get consistent playing time at Triple-A (a level he skipped) while the Nats groom him to be their star of the future in the looming (possible) post-Bryce Harper era.
All statistics current as of Wednesday and courtesy of MLB.com and Baseball Reference unless otherwise noted.
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