10 Baseball Prospects Who Will Make 2012 MLB Opening Day Rosters

There still is a baseball season going on, but MLB teams that are no longer in contention have already reoriented their focus.

No longer thinking about this year, they are working on the future. It's never a mistake to forecast a team's next big star—even if he happens to be the great hope of the Kansas City Royals.

Here is a list of 10 prospects who could make the roster for their respective teams.

Honorable mentions: Bryce Harper, Wil Myers

10. Brett Jackson, Outfield, Chicago Cubs

The only flaw in Brett Jackson’s game is his strikeout record. In the 45 games he has played in Triple-A this year, Jackson has 59 strikeouts.

However, Jackson is batting .310 and has nine home runs and 25 RBI.

His production is there, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he is on the roster Opening Day.

9. Billy Hamilton, Shortstop, Cincinnati Reds

At only 20 years old, Billy Hamilton has a lot of potential and is the future of the Reds.

Making the Opening Day roster will be a challenge for Hamilton because he has only played Single-A ball this year, but his numbers are astounding.

It is also one of those situations where he could be the best option available. Paul Janish and Edgar Renteria are not playing well at all this year, and that isn't likely to change next year.

8. Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles, Shortstop

Will Manny Machado be a starter? No. The Orioles inked J.J. Hardy to be their shortstop.

That said, no one can overlook Machado’s tremendous upside. The Orioles might give him a backup role to Hardy.

7. Arodys Vizcaino, Pitcher, Atlanta Braves

The Braves have a lot of young and talented players, and Arodys Vizcaino is certainly among them. He has already played in the majors this year and showed why he is an elite pitching prospect.

Look for Vizcaino to continue his dominance in the majors for many years to come.

6. Zach Lee, Pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers

Zach Lee has only pitched in Single-A this season, but if he can impress people in the offseason, it won't be a shock to see him appear on the Opening Day roster.

5. Zack Cox, Third Base, St. Louis Cardinals

Zack Cox is going to be a great player, but he shouldn’t be on the Opening Day roster. The only reason why he might make the cut is out of necessity. The Cardinals need a fill-in for the third base role.

Cox’s numbers in Double-A this year have been out of this world. He’s batting .301 and has 10 home runs and 48 RBI.

4. Matt Moore, Tampa Bay Rays, Pitcher

I kind of feel bad for the hitters facing Matt Moore in Triple-A. In the eight games Moore has started, he is 8-0 and has a 1.35 ERA. Moore's talent has been evident. He is going to be a premier starting pitcher very shortly.

3. Jesus Montero, Catcher, New York Yankees

Jesus Montero is clearly the future catcher for the Yankees, and it is his job for the taking next year. Russell Martin provides power, but his average is one of the worst in the league, and Francisco Cervelli doesn’t have the skill Montero has.

In the minors this year, Montero is hitting .288 with 18 home runs and 67 RBI.

2. Desmond Jennings, Outfield, Tampa Bay Rays

Desmond Jennings has already been called up to the big leagues thanks to his production and upside as a player. The Rays' desperate need for outfielders will only help Jennings have more playing opportunities.

Jennings is one of the most talented players on this list, and he is a superstar in the making.

1. Stephen Strasburg, Pitcher, Washington Nationals

The Nationals have been extra careful with Stephen Strasburg this year so he could have a chance to start next year.

If Strasburg can stay healthy, it is a sure thing he will be on the roster for the Nationals next year.