Each MLB Team's Impact Prospect Who Has Earned a Big League Call-Up
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna, New York Yankees infielder Gleyber Torres and other touted prospects have made the leap to The Show in 2018.
As we churn toward the midpoint of May, which MiLB blue chips will be next?
Let's answer that question by picking one call-up-worthy prospect per team. Not all of these players will taste the big leagues in the immediate future, but they've all done enough to indicate they're ready for prime time.
American League East
1 of 6
Baltimore Orioles: LHP Keegan Akin
Through 39.1 innings at Double-A Bowie, Keegan Akin has struck out 42 while posting a 2.75 ERA.
The 23-year-old is in his third professional season since the Baltimore Orioles selected him in the second round of the 2016 draft. His fastball sits in the mid-90s, and he augments it with an above-average slider and emerging changeup.
The last-place O's don't need to rush him, but he could boost a pitching staff that ranks 27th in baseball with a 5.08 ERA.
Boston Red Sox: LHP Jalen Beeks
A 12th-round pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2014, Jalen Beeks owns a 1.93 ERA with 59 strikeouts in 37.1 innings at Triple-A Pawtucket.
The 24-year-old added a cutter to his arsenal this season and studied clips of established southpaws such as the Chicago Cubs' Jon Lester and his possible future teammate, David Price, per Alex Reimer of WEEI.com.
"They made fun of me in Spring Training for looking up YouTube videos, but that's how I learn," Beeks said, per Reimer.
If a spot opens up, he could be learning on the job in Beantown.
New York Yankees: RHP Cody Carroll
The New York Yankees already have relief pitchers who can tickle triple digits, including a fellow by the name of Aroldis Chapman.
They could gain another such gunslinger. Cody Carroll has torched the competition at Triple-A with a 2.35 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 15.1 innings. He's also refined a bat-missing slider to complement his bat-melting heater.
"When you throw that hard, nobody's looking breaking ball off of him," Scranton/Wilkes-Barre skipper Bobby Mitchell said, per DJ Eberle of the Times Leader. "If it's in the zone, it's pretty much unhittable unless it's a hanger."
Tampa Bay Rays: INF Willy Adames
The Tampa Bay Rays are floundering in the American League East at 17-22. Their chances of competing with the Yankees and Red Sox for a postseason berth reside somewhere between slim and none.
So why not call up top prospect Willy Adames, who is slashing .320/.399/.467 at Triple-A Durham?
Yes, there's the matter of where to put Adames. He's blocked at second base by Joey Wendle and at shortstop by defensive whiz Adeiny Hechavarria.
Hechavarria is an impending free agent, so the Rays could move him via trade to clear space. No matter what, expect to see the 22-year-old Adames in Tampa Bay sooner than later.
Toronto Blue Jays: INF Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. teased Toronto Blue Jays fans and the rest of us with a cryptic Instagram post that hinted he might be joining the Jays for their series with the New York Mets.
That's since been debunked, per Bill Baer of NBC Sports, but the mere fact it was a thing indicates how fast the 19-year-old has risen.
In 32 games at Double-A New Hampshire, the son of Vlad is hitting .405 with a 1.119 OPS. Sure, he's two years away from legal U.S. drinking age, but he's also doing a credible impression of his Hall of Fame father.
Mike Trout, Bryce Harper and Babe Ruth all debuted at age 19. No pressure, kid.
American League Central
2 of 6
Chicago White Sox: OF Eloy Jimenez
The Chicago White Sox have a number of headline-grabbing names in the minor league ranks, including hard-throwing right-hander Michael Kopech.
Eloy Jimenez might be their most enticing prospect.
In 25 games at Double-A Birmingham, Jimenez is hitting .320 with nine doubles and seven home runs. It's tempting to imagine what the 21-year-old could do on the South Side.
"I know that I can still learn and improve my game," Jimenez said, per Larry Hawley of WGN. "I know I can be better with the strike zone recognition, and I know I can be better in the outfield, too."
Fair enough. If he keeps raking, however, it won't be long before he's a member of the ChiSox.
Cleveland Indians: C Francisco Mejia
Cleveland Indians catcher and top prospect Francisco Mejia hasn't played since he was hit by a pitch May 8 in a game with Triple-A Columbus.
Prior to that, Mejia was heating up after a slow start, with five hits in 14 at-bats, including a home run.
The 22-year-old hit .421 this spring for the Tribe. He's blocked behind the plate by the tandem of Roberto Perez and Yan Gomes, but at some point his bat may be needed on a Cleveland club that's sitting at 20-20 and has yet to take charge in the ho-hum American League Central.
Detroit Tigers: RHP Beau Burrows
A first-round pick (22nd overall) by the Detroit Tigers in 2015, Beau Burrows has a 2.35 ERA in 30.2 innings at Double-A Erie.
The 21-year-old boasts a four-pitch arsenal, with a mid-90s fastball, crisp curveball and slider and projectable changeup.
The Tigers will be patient. That said, Burrows can force the issue with continued success.
"You want guys to really feel good about their work at a particular level, unless they're just overwhelming batters," Tigers vice president of player development David Littlefield said, per Lynn Henning of the Detroit News. "Prospects generally tell you when they're ready."
Kansas City Royals: INF Nicky Lopez
The 163rd overall pick by the Kansas City Royals in 2016, 23-year-old Nicky Lopez is hitting .321 with a .408 on-base percentage for Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
The 23-year-old's next stop will likely be Triple-A Omaha. If he keeps hitting at that level, a promotion to the Royals—who sit at 13-28 and should initiate a rebuild if they don't climb in the standings—could quickly follow.
Minnesota Twins: INF Nick Gordon
With third baseman Miguel Sano sidelined by a hamstring injury and shortstop Ehire Adrianza hitting a scant .229, the Minnesota Twins should accelerate the development of infield prospect Nick Gordon.
In 36 games at Double-A Chattanooga, the 22-year-old is hitting .350 with a .918 OPS.
Clearly he's ready for a promotion at least to Triple-A, and possibly to the Twinkies' 25-man roster.
American League West
3 of 6
Houston Astros: OF Kyle Tucker
Despite hitting .409 with five home runs in 20 games this spring for the Houston Astros, outfielder Kyle Tucker opened the season at Triple-A Fresno.
In 35 games, Tucker's hitting .292 with 11 doubles and three homers. In a 10-game stretch ending Sunday, he tallied nine RBI and hit .333.
With right fielder Josh Reddick hitting .233 and left fielder Derek Fisher hitting .186, he's looking more appealing by the moment for the defending champs.
Los Angeles Angels: RHP Griffin Canning
Selected 47th overall out of UCLA by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2017 draft, right-hander Griffin Canning has impressed in his first pro season.
In 36.1 innings between High-A and Double-A, the 22-year-old owns a 1.49 ERA with 42 strikeouts and has held opposing hitters to a .153 average.
At the moment, he's boosting a farm system that was recently among the worst in the game. Soon enough, he could be helping the Halos push toward the postseason.
Oakland Athletics: INF Franklin Barreto
After sipping a cup of coffee with the Oakland Athletics in 2017, Franklin Barreto has seven doubles and five home runs in 25 games at Triple-A.
He's also shown increased plate discipline with 14 walks and a .369 on-base percentage compared to a career MiLB OBP of .348.
The 22-year-old infielder may have to wait until Oakland makes a move—like, say, trading veteran second baseman Jed Lowrie—but his next go-round in the East Bay is coming.
Seattle Mariners: 1B Daniel Vogelbach
In 19 games with the Seattle Mariners this season, Daniel Vogelbach hit .204 with a .669 OPS. Since returning to Triple-A Tacoma, the 25-year-old masher is hitting .333 with a 1.222 OPS.
Perhaps Vogelbach is a Four-A tweener with no speed and limited defense whose big bopping never translates to the big leagues. He wouldn't be the first player to fit that description.
At some point, though, the M's should give him another crack and find out for sure.
Texas Rangers: RHP Jonathan Hernandez
The Texas Rangers haven't looked like contenders in the AL West, which means they could offer auditions to prospects as the season progresses.
Push right-hander Jonathan Hernandez to the front of the line.
In 34.1 innings at High-A, the 21-year-old has struck out 41 while posting a 2.10 ERA. An increased reliance on his changeup may be partially responsible for his success, though his crackling fastball grabs the most attention.
Hernandez probably won't skip multiple levels just to throw for the Rangers, but his ascent to Arlington is gaining steam.
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National League East
4 of 6
Atlanta Braves: LHP Kolby Allard
The Atlanta Braves are blossoming ahead of schedule behind a cast of burgeoning stars, including Acuna. Kolby Allard is another stud waiting in the wings.
In seven starts at Triple-A, the 20-year-old sports a 1.71 ERA and has held opposing hitters to a .211 average.
As they navigate their position as early postseason hopefuls, the Braves will have to weigh Allard's development against their desire to contend now.
Miami Marlins: OF Monte Harrison
The Miami Marlins traded away their entire 2017 starting outfield this winter along with second baseman Dee Gordon. They rank at or near the bottom of both leagues in most statistical categories.
At this point, their organizational motto might as well be, "Why not?"
To that end, the Fish should give an audition to 22-year-old outfielder Monte Harrison, who has 12 doubles and five home runs in 37 games at Double-A.
Yes, he could suffer the same fate as fellow young outfielder Lewis Brinson, who is hitting .172 for Miami. At this point, however, what do the Marlins have to lose?
New York Mets: RHP Chris Flexen
The New York Mets' pitching staff hasn't been as decimated by injuries as it was last season. Right-hander Jacob deGrom did land on the disabled list, however, and troubled former ace Matt Harvey was traded to the Cincinnati Reds.
At some point, a spot could open for right-hander Chris Flexen, who tossed seven shutout innings on Monday at Triple-A and owns a 3.40 ERA with 31 strikeouts in 39.2 innings. The 23-year-old is toiling in the notoriously hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, so add acclaim accordingly.
If and when New York needs him, he may be an under-the-radar asset.
Philadelphia Phillies: RHP Enyel De Los Santos
In 32.1 innings at Triple-A, Enyel De Los Santos has fanned 39 and posted a 0.84 ERA. Those numbers will put the 22-year-old on a direct trajectory to the Philadelphia Phillies.
De Los Santos has started all six of the games he's appeared in at Lehigh Valley, but his high-90s fastball and above-average changeup could be wicked weapons out of the bullpen for the emerging Phils.
Washington Nationals: RHP Erick Fedde
With outfielder Victor Robles sidelined by an elbow injury, right-hander Erick Fedde becomes the most interesting MLB-ready prospect in the Washington Nationals system.
The 25-year-old hasn't been perfect, as he's posted a 5.19 ERA in seven starts at Triple-A.
He has, however, struck out 36 in 34.2 innings and shown flashes of the top-tier arm the Nats hope he can become. He might soon be asked to test his mettle in the nation's capital.
National League Central
5 of 6
Chicago Cubs: RHP Adbert Alzolay
In his first go-round with Triple-A Iowa, top Chicago Cubs prospect Adbert Alzolay has struck out 19 in 26.1 innings and posted a 4.10 ERA, which is more than decent in the offense-happy PCL.
He's in the mix to start one game of the Cubbies' double-header on Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds, per Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune. Even if that doesn't materialize, the 23-year-old should make his North Side debut at some point in 2018.
Cincinnati Reds: INF Shed Long
Speaking of the Reds, they're buried in last place in the NL Central at 14-28 and thus have an open window to audition prospects.
Like, say, 22-year-old infielder Shed Long, who owns an .827 OPS at Double-A Pensacola and has homered in each of his last two games.
The Reds will probably give Long a taste of Triple-A before they bring him to the Great American Ball Park. He's a name to watch, however, on a mostly unwatchable Reds team.
Milwaukee Brewers: RHP Zack Brown
In eight starts with Double-A Biloxi this season, right-hander Zack Brown has posted a 2.89 ERA with 47 strikeouts in 46.2 innings. A fifth-round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016, he's grabbing attention in the Brew Crew's system.
"The fastball location and movement today was good," the 23-year-old University of Kentucky alum said after logging seven shutout innings on May 9, per MiLB.com's Marisa Ingemi. "Just the sequencing, keeping them off balance."
At this rate, Brown may get a chance to pull the same trick at the highest level soon.
Pittsburgh Pirates: RHP Mitch Keller
Top Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Mitch Keller has posted a 3.44 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 34 innings for Double-A Altoona. He's part of a strong staff that's chewing through the Eastern League.
"Everyone's just throwing the ball really well, so it keeps a good competitive environment, especially during the workdays when we're going there and everyone's trying to compete and be the best we can," Keller said, per Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Taylor Hearn, J.T. Brubaker and Brandon Waddell are all factors, but Keller and his high-90s fastball should pop loudest on the Bucs' radar.
St. Louis Cardinals: OF Tyler O'Neill
Outfielder Tyler O'Neill is slashing .333/.348/.741 at Triple-A Memphis. He crushed a pair of home runs Monday and has hit 13 overall.
The 22-year-old got a brief look with the Cards earlier this season and should be back in St. Louis soon.
"I just feel like I'm putting the barrel on the ball more," O'Neill said, per MiLB.com (via Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch). "I've gone through some streaks for sure, this might be [the best], I don't keep track."
The Cardinals, undoubtedly, are keeping track.
National League West
6 of 6
Arizona Diamondbacks: RHP Jon Duplantier
Top Arizona Diamondbacks pitching prospect Jon Duplantier sports a 2.79 ERA with 24 strikeouts and only three walks in 19.1 innings at Double-A.
The 23-year-old boasts a strong sinking fastball, along with a solid curveball and changeup and an emerging slider.
That four-pitch combination makes him a potential top-of-the-rotation starter. The Diamondbacks surely don't want to stunt his development, but he could help the Snakes as a spot starter or out of the bullpen at some point as they seek to build on their 2017 wild-card berth and win the National League West.
Colorado Rockies: INF Brendan Rodgers
After starting out slow, Colorado Rockies middle infield prospect Brendan Rodgers has a .290 average and .847 OPS with seven home runs in 34 games at Triple-A. He's got future-star potential.
Meanwhile, Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu landed on the disabled list with a thumb injury, per MLB.com's Jay Paris.
The Rockies called up infielder Pat Valaika to replace LeMahieu, but if his injury persists, calls for Rodgers to ply his trade at Mile High altitude will grow louder.
Los Angeles Dodgers: OF Alex Verdugo
Alex Verdugo got a taste of MLB action with the Los Angeles Dodgers this season, and he's hitting .287 with four doubles and four home runs in 22 games at Triple-A.
The 22-year-old could reinsert himself into a muddled outfield mix for the underperforming Dodgers, who are under .500 and in fourth place one season after marching to Game 7 of the World Series.
He could also serve as a valuable trade chip if the Dodgers decide to make a deadline upgrade. Either way, he should punch a return ticket to the big leagues.
San Diego Padres: LHP Logan Allen
Logan Allen has lit up the Texas League with the San Diego Padres' Double-A affiliate. The 20-year-old lefty has 45 strikeouts in 42.1 innings along with a 2.55 ERA with a fastball that bores in on right-handers and a plus changeup.
The Friars, meanwhile, are in the midst of a rebuild and rank 17th in baseball with a ho-hum 4.27 staff ERA.
Allen should be allowed to develop, but if his development continues, he should be given a look on the Petco Park mound.
San Francisco Giants: 1B/OF Chris Shaw
The San Francisco Giants are hanging around .500 despite injuries to top pitchers Madison Bumgarner (finger) and Johnny Cueto (elbow).
At this point, the Giants' best hope is for the offense to carry the day. As such, they should consider promoting first baseman/outfielder Chris Shaw.
In 35 games at Triple-A Sacramento, Shaw has nine doubles and 10 home runs. He could slot into left field, where Hunter Pence's thumb issue created a need, or play first base with incumbent Brandon Belt moving to left.
Wherever he plays, his big bat may be a needed boon by the shores of McCovey Cove.
All statistics current through Monday games and courtesy of MLB.com and Baseball Reference.
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