Before people start commenting with complaints about how certain players are missing from this list, let us go over the criteria: A player must have rookie eligibility, show signs that he is/will be fully healthy entering the 2014 season, (sorry Dylan Bundy) and can not have made a signifcant contribution for his respective ballclub in the 2013 season/postseason (too bad Xander Bogaerts). Now that the rules have been cleared up, let's get right to it...
Arizona Diamondbacks
Archie Bradley (RHP)
Some in the organization feel he could be better than other top pitching prospect, Tyler Skaggs, who is already in the big leagues. Bradley has a chance to have a big impact in 2014. Don't be surprised if he wins NL rookie of the year if he gets the call-up to the majors. His pitching arsenal includes a sharp curveball and a decent changeup, but his plus pitch has to be his devastating fastball which has high velocity and sink that gets him both ground balls and strikeouts. Developing his secondary pitches and command will take him to the next level.
Atlanta Braves
Lucas Sims (RHP)
He gets the nod over fellow pitcher J.R. Graham because of potential as well as a nasty curveball. His fastball is above average as well. He was drafted just last year and has plenty of time to develop a good changeup, which is the next step for him. Success in Single-A this year could see him move up to Double-A at some point during the season. He's realistically still 2 years away from joining an already stacked Braves starting rotation.
Baltimore Orioles
Jonathan Schoop (2B/SS)
He's the second baseman of the future for the Orioles, and he could be in that role sooner rather than later if Brian Roberts continues to collect paychecks despite being injured 75% of the time. Although Schoop makes line drive contact, he has the potential to have elite power for a middle infielder. He's a good defensive player, and could played shortstop but was moved because of the awesomeness of one Manny Machado. Eventually, that double-play combination could be a reality in the big leagues.
Boston Red Sox
Matt Barnes (RHP)
He's not really anything like the other Matt Barnes, but he's got a chance to be a very good professional pitcher. Like the other two pitchers we've discussed so far, Barnes is currently a two pitch guy, with a great fastball and above average curveball. Like Sims and Bradley, he must develop his changeup in order to dominate. Barnes has good control and will be in the strike zone, so it's only a matter of time before he's ready to help the defending champions, whether it is in the role of a starter or a reliever.
Chicago Cubs
Kris Bryant (1B/3B)
The Cubs farm system is filled with talent, and most baseball websites will have players like Javier Baez and Jorge Soler ahead of Bryant in their respective lists. But Bryant's one of my favorite prospects in the entire league, and he has a chance to be a tremendous player. His power isn't just raw, it's game ready, despite being drafted in 2013. And he's no Jack Cust or Adam Dunn at the plate either. Bryant has the physical tools and the plate discipline to become a player very similar to Giancarlo Stanton or Paul Goldschmidt. His defense at third base might be suspect, but it can develop. The bottom line is, the guy can flat out rake.
Chicago White Sox
Courtney Hawkins (OF)
He did a backflip when they announced his name on draft night, so you know he's athletic. Hawkins is a good defensive outfielder who has plus speed and a cannon of an arm. And although he needs to change his approach at the plate, he has excellent power to all fields and is going to hit some bombs. If he can reduce his strikeout rate, and turn on off-speed pitches the way he turns on fastballs, he has a chance to be an impact player for the Sox in 2015.
Cincinnati Reds
Robert Stephenson (RHP)
The pitchers on this list are starting to get repetitive. I guess teams are just really good at finding a right hander with a good fastball and curveball. Stephenson isn't an exception. His changeup may be more major league ready than the pitchers discussed so far, but his command is below average. He'll need to improve his accuracy in order properly utilize his plus fastball, curveball, and steadily improving changeup. Stephenson could see some playing time at the big league level as early as this year.
Cleveland Indians
Francisco Lindor (SS)
Lindor is possibly the best shortstop in the minor leagues, certainly the best defensively. He might not make plays like this, but he is projected to become a better player than Asdrubal Cabrera. He has a better all-around game, with above average speed, excellent plate discipline, great defensive range, and a terrific arm. His power isn't great, but that's okay for a middle infielder; there's still quite a bit of pop in his bat. Expect him to make the leap to the majors rather quickly.
Colorado Rockies
Jonathan Gray (RHP)
The Rockies' first round pick in 2013 immediately became their best prospect. Some scouts believe Gray is a better prospect than Stephen Strasburg. He certainly has the stuff. His fastball hits 100 mph, and he has two secondary pitches, a slider and changeup, which can both be polished in the minors. His command has improved dramatically in the three years he's played at Oklahoma. Make no mistake, Gray is going to be a pitcher no one will want to face in a few years, even if he's making most of those starts in the cold mountain air of Coors Field.
Detroit Tigers
Nick Castellanos (3B/OF)
Has the third baseman of the future arrived? Castellanos is slated to start for the Tigers in 2014, with Miguel Cabrera sliding back to first base. It's easy to see why that decision was made. Castellanos can hit for average and has great plate discipline. He won't hit a lot of home runs, but he has warning track power; expect a lot of drives into the gaps and plenty of doubles. While he'll start at third base, he's nothing special defensively at the position. Castellanos may eventually be moved to the outfield, but he's probably considered an upgrade defensively over Cabrera.
Houston Astros
Carlos Correa (SS)
His game is very comparable to that of Andrelton Simmons. Correa is a defensive study already, with good speed and possibly above average power for a middle infielder, just like Simmons. But at this point, it's hard to determine whether he will hit consistently in the big leagues. While Simmons didn't have a terrific batting average for the Braves this season, he got on base enough and displayed good plate vision. If Correa can show that vision as he moves up the organizational ranks, the Astros may have a premier shortstop for the future.
Kansas City Royals
Kyle Zimmer (RHP)
I know what you're thinking. Is there be a left-handed starter on this list? You'll have to keep reading to find out! As for Zimmer, he's an incredibly polished player. He has great command, a consistent delivery, and shows poise on the mound. His best pitch is probably his curveball, but although none of his four pitches are going to amaze you, they are all above average. Expect him to be a late September call-up for the Royals next season.
Los Angeles Angels
Kaleb Cowart (3B)
Learning about him, I find it interesting the Angels just traded for David Freese. Cowart seems like an excellent third base prospect who's almost ready to make an impact. He's an excellent defender, can hit for average, will provide speed on the basepaths, and has power potential. He's a good athlete with a good all-around game. But his journey to the majors could slow down thanks to the addition of Freese for the Angels.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Joc Pederson (OF)
The Dodgers are trying to trade Andre Ethier because of their excess of outfielders. Once Pederson arrives, that depth will remain strong. Pederson's an excellent defender with a good arm, speed, and instincts. He has a good hitting approach and understands the strike zone and has decent pop in his bat. He could probably be called up now, but it's hard to say when he will called up because the Dodgers currently have 4 outfielders capable of starting.
Miami Marlins
Andrew Heaney (LHP)
The Marlins system is loaded, and most of their top guys like Fernandez and Yelich were promoted last season because the team sucked so badly. But there are still talented prospects down in the minors. The best of the bunch: the first left-handed pitcher on this list. Heaney's fastball hits 93 consistently, which might not seem like a huge deal, but is pretty rare in left-handed starters (hard throwing lefties tend to be in the bullpen). He's got a terrific hook and a pretty good changeup. His plus command means Heaney could be up in the big leagues very soon.
Milwaukee Brewers
Taylor Jungmann (RHP)
The Brewers don't have any great prospects coming up anytime soon. Jungmann can be a quality starter, but he doesn't have the potential to become an all-star multiple times. He has a decent fastball that induces ground balls, a decent breaking ball, and a good changeup. His stuff isn't going to overwhelm you, but he's in the strike zone. If he can polish his motion, he could make it to the big leagues soon.
Minnesota Twins
Byron Buxton (OF)
This was a tough one because the Twins have two of the best prospects in the entire league. Miguel Sano is a player with terrific upside that could have just as easily been at the top spot, but this list will go with Buxton. Many feel he's the best prospect in the nation. With excellent speed, great defensive range, power potential, the ability to hit for average, and a good arm, Buxton could end up becoming a five-tool player. Many liken him to Mike Trout. While it remains to be seen if the power and plate discipline will develop, the skill set and talent is there. Buxton probably won't come up until 2015, but when he does, he'll be a budding star.
New York Mets
Noah Snydergaard (RHP)
The Mets are going to be dangerous...in 2015; if Snydergaard lives up to the hype, and he joins a rotation with a healthy Matt Harvey and Zach Wheeler that is. Snydergaard has mound presence, and who wouldn't when they can blow a fastball by you at a comfortable 96 mph. He's got a good, tight curveball, and is working on a changeup. He's also got command and a repeatable delivery. All signs point to Snydergaard becoming a very good starting pitcher in the majors. And it doesn't hurt that he's a good twitter follow either.
New York Yankees
Mason Williams (OF)
The once mighty Yankee farm system is a bit on the weaker side these days, though I do think their latest first rounder, Ian Clarkin, will quickly become a top prospect. The best of the bunch is Williams, who has terrific upside. He can play any outfield position and has the speed to be a good center fielder. Power isn't there, but his bat has pop and he's got a swing made for contact. Williams seems like a prototypical leadoff hitter. With the recent Jacoby Ellsbury signing, there is a good chance Williams' big league future is with another team. If that's the case, he's quite the trade piece.
Oakland Athletics
Addison Russell (SS)
Scouts say he's a very quick learner. The 2012 high school draft pick is already the best prospect in the Oakland farm system thanks to his athletic ability, improvement on defense, and great approach at the plate. Russell will hit for contact and great power for a middle infielder. He's been incredibly impressive in the minors so far. Jed Lowrie was acquired to bridge the gap at shortstop until Russell was ready. If all goes according to plan, Russell is starting for the Athletics in 2015.
Philadelphia Phillies
Jesse Biddle (LHP)
A second left-handed pitcher! And perhaps the next Cole Hamels? Biddle's made improvements on his command in the minors, and, like Hamels, spotting pitches will be the key to his success. Unlike other prospects, he's already got a pretty good changeup. He also has a decent fastball and a great sweeping curveball which will get him strikeouts. His stuff isn't extraordinary, but it isn't average either. If he locates, he'll be a tough guy to hit. Expect him to compete for a roster spot this spring training.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Jameson Taillon (RHP)
There's nothing to not like about Taillon. He's got a high velocity fastball, a plus curveball, and a good changeup. It seems like these are the pitches all good prospects have, but his are just better than most. He's got pretty good command, and he's continuing his development nicely. Expect him to be a September callup next season and to immediately contribute for the Bucs, just like his buddy Gerrit Cole.
San Diego Padres
Max Fried (LHP)
Yay another LHP! Actually, this spot originally belonged to Casey Kelly, but he underwent Tommy John surgery and set himself back more than a year. So Fried it is. Fried's only 19, and has only scratched the surface of what he can become as a pitcher. His fastball velocity is probably going to climb, his curveball already looks great, and he has a changeup as well as a cutter, which is rare for a pitcher out of high school. He just needs some development. Don't expect him before 2015.
San Francisco Giants
Kyle Crick (RHP)
Most SportsKop viewers reside in the Bay Area, and I encourage you guys to watch this guy do his thing on the mound. He's currently pitching for the San Jose single-A team and he's got good stuff. Crick features a plus fastball, a good slider, a decent changeup, and another average offspeed pitch. His upside is still good, and there's plenty of room for him to develop into the next Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner, Tim Lincecum. Will he have the same success they're having? Maybe not as much, but he's on a team that knows how to develop pitching.
Seattle Mariners
Taijuan Walker (RHP)
All signs point to Walker being a stud. He's got the electric fastball, a good changeup, and this nasty curveball. Walker will grow into a good first starter or a very good second starter for a ballclub. He appears to be set to join a Mariners rotation that already boasts Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma. But David Price trade rumors could see him being the main piece sent to the Tampa Bay in the new Robinson Cano era in Seattle.
St. Louis Cardinals
Oscar Taveras (OF)
The Cardinals are loaded. They sign the right free agents, develop talent in their farm system, don't overspend, and make smart trades. It's not a surprise they have one of the best talents in the minor leagues. Taveras can flat out hit. He's always hit for average, his power is starting to come along, and his plate vision has improved greatly. He is athletic and has speed, but expect him to be a right fielder because of his cannon of an arm. In many ways, his attributes compare favorably to Carlos Beltran, who just left St. Louis for the Yankees. He does have quite a strange leg kick though.
Tampa Bay Rays
Taylor Guerrieri (RHP)
Like the Cardinals, the Rays front office is the one of the best in the MLB. What they do might be more impressive because they don't have the payroll to sign big free agents. Guerrieri seems to be the next in a long line of successful starting pitchers developed by Tampa Bay. He has two very electric pitches in his fastball and curveball and is developing a changeup. The big league rotation is currently stacked, so don't expect Guerrieri to be called up soon. Odds are he joins the big boys in 2015 or afterwards.
Texas Rangers
Luis Sardinas (SS)
The first switch hitter on the list. Sardinas has excellent speed, which translates to plenty of steals on the basepaths. He also has excellent defensive range and hits well from both sides of the plate. His power is slightly above average. The Rangers called up a lot of their farm system last year, so the major league roster is crowded. Jurickson Profar and Elvis Andrus could make up that middle infield for a long time. This gives Sardinas plenty of time to develop, but barring an Andrus trade, expect Sardinas himself to be traded away soon, probably in a package deal for a big time player at next year's deadline.
Toronto Blue Jays
Aaron Sanchez (RHP)
The Blue Jays were in "win now" mentality in 2013, and traded off some very good prospects, but they kept a good one in Sanchez, who fits the prototypical mold of a right handed ace. He has two quality pitches in his fastball and curveball, both which produce swing and misses. He's still working on a changeup, (seriously? Do high school pitchers not know how to throw these things?) but once it develops he'll be hard to hit. Sanchez needs to improve his command and polish his delivery, but he seems mostly ready to make his debut. Expect him to be a September call-up for the Jays.
Washington Nationals
Brian Goodwin (OF)
He's no Bryce Harper, but Goodwin certainly has a good all-around game. He has shown signs that he can hit for average, hit for power, play good defense, throw out runners, and steal bags. The problem is he can't do it consistently. If Goodwin can find a way to fully utilize his talent on a daily basis, you might have a very good player joining a Nationals roster already loaded with young talent. Great athletes have a better chance of developing new skills, and Goodwin should be able to do the same.
So there you have it. Those are the number 1 prospects for each team in baseball. Disagree? Feel free to blast my selections in the comments. And be on the lookout for a new podcast about the latest moves in the MLB offseason next week!
Arizona Diamondbacks
Archie Bradley (RHP)
Some in the organization feel he could be better than other top pitching prospect, Tyler Skaggs, who is already in the big leagues. Bradley has a chance to have a big impact in 2014. Don't be surprised if he wins NL rookie of the year if he gets the call-up to the majors. His pitching arsenal includes a sharp curveball and a decent changeup, but his plus pitch has to be his devastating fastball which has high velocity and sink that gets him both ground balls and strikeouts. Developing his secondary pitches and command will take him to the next level.Atlanta Braves
Lucas Sims (RHP)
He gets the nod over fellow pitcher J.R. Graham because of potential as well as a nasty curveball. His fastball is above average as well. He was drafted just last year and has plenty of time to develop a good changeup, which is the next step for him. Success in Single-A this year could see him move up to Double-A at some point during the season. He's realistically still 2 years away from joining an already stacked Braves starting rotation.
Baltimore Orioles
Jonathan Schoop (2B/SS)
He's the second baseman of the future for the Orioles, and he could be in that role sooner rather than later if Brian Roberts continues to collect paychecks despite being injured 75% of the time. Although Schoop makes line drive contact, he has the potential to have elite power for a middle infielder. He's a good defensive player, and could played shortstop but was moved because of the awesomeness of one Manny Machado. Eventually, that double-play combination could be a reality in the big leagues.Boston Red Sox
Matt Barnes (RHP)
He's not really anything like the other Matt Barnes, but he's got a chance to be a very good professional pitcher. Like the other two pitchers we've discussed so far, Barnes is currently a two pitch guy, with a great fastball and above average curveball. Like Sims and Bradley, he must develop his changeup in order to dominate. Barnes has good control and will be in the strike zone, so it's only a matter of time before he's ready to help the defending champions, whether it is in the role of a starter or a reliever.
Chicago Cubs
Kris Bryant (1B/3B)
The Cubs farm system is filled with talent, and most baseball websites will have players like Javier Baez and Jorge Soler ahead of Bryant in their respective lists. But Bryant's one of my favorite prospects in the entire league, and he has a chance to be a tremendous player. His power isn't just raw, it's game ready, despite being drafted in 2013. And he's no Jack Cust or Adam Dunn at the plate either. Bryant has the physical tools and the plate discipline to become a player very similar to Giancarlo Stanton or Paul Goldschmidt. His defense at third base might be suspect, but it can develop. The bottom line is, the guy can flat out rake.
Chicago White Sox
Courtney Hawkins (OF)
He did a backflip when they announced his name on draft night, so you know he's athletic. Hawkins is a good defensive outfielder who has plus speed and a cannon of an arm. And although he needs to change his approach at the plate, he has excellent power to all fields and is going to hit some bombs. If he can reduce his strikeout rate, and turn on off-speed pitches the way he turns on fastballs, he has a chance to be an impact player for the Sox in 2015.
Cincinnati Reds
Robert Stephenson (RHP)
The pitchers on this list are starting to get repetitive. I guess teams are just really good at finding a right hander with a good fastball and curveball. Stephenson isn't an exception. His changeup may be more major league ready than the pitchers discussed so far, but his command is below average. He'll need to improve his accuracy in order properly utilize his plus fastball, curveball, and steadily improving changeup. Stephenson could see some playing time at the big league level as early as this year.
Cleveland Indians
Francisco Lindor (SS)
Lindor is possibly the best shortstop in the minor leagues, certainly the best defensively. He might not make plays like this, but he is projected to become a better player than Asdrubal Cabrera. He has a better all-around game, with above average speed, excellent plate discipline, great defensive range, and a terrific arm. His power isn't great, but that's okay for a middle infielder; there's still quite a bit of pop in his bat. Expect him to make the leap to the majors rather quickly.
Colorado Rockies
Jonathan Gray (RHP)
The Rockies' first round pick in 2013 immediately became their best prospect. Some scouts believe Gray is a better prospect than Stephen Strasburg. He certainly has the stuff. His fastball hits 100 mph, and he has two secondary pitches, a slider and changeup, which can both be polished in the minors. His command has improved dramatically in the three years he's played at Oklahoma. Make no mistake, Gray is going to be a pitcher no one will want to face in a few years, even if he's making most of those starts in the cold mountain air of Coors Field.Detroit Tigers
Nick Castellanos (3B/OF)
Has the third baseman of the future arrived? Castellanos is slated to start for the Tigers in 2014, with Miguel Cabrera sliding back to first base. It's easy to see why that decision was made. Castellanos can hit for average and has great plate discipline. He won't hit a lot of home runs, but he has warning track power; expect a lot of drives into the gaps and plenty of doubles. While he'll start at third base, he's nothing special defensively at the position. Castellanos may eventually be moved to the outfield, but he's probably considered an upgrade defensively over Cabrera.
Houston Astros
Carlos Correa (SS)
His game is very comparable to that of Andrelton Simmons. Correa is a defensive study already, with good speed and possibly above average power for a middle infielder, just like Simmons. But at this point, it's hard to determine whether he will hit consistently in the big leagues. While Simmons didn't have a terrific batting average for the Braves this season, he got on base enough and displayed good plate vision. If Correa can show that vision as he moves up the organizational ranks, the Astros may have a premier shortstop for the future.
Kansas City Royals
Kyle Zimmer (RHP)
I know what you're thinking. Is there be a left-handed starter on this list? You'll have to keep reading to find out! As for Zimmer, he's an incredibly polished player. He has great command, a consistent delivery, and shows poise on the mound. His best pitch is probably his curveball, but although none of his four pitches are going to amaze you, they are all above average. Expect him to be a late September call-up for the Royals next season.
Los Angeles Angels
Kaleb Cowart (3B)
Learning about him, I find it interesting the Angels just traded for David Freese. Cowart seems like an excellent third base prospect who's almost ready to make an impact. He's an excellent defender, can hit for average, will provide speed on the basepaths, and has power potential. He's a good athlete with a good all-around game. But his journey to the majors could slow down thanks to the addition of Freese for the Angels.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Joc Pederson (OF)
The Dodgers are trying to trade Andre Ethier because of their excess of outfielders. Once Pederson arrives, that depth will remain strong. Pederson's an excellent defender with a good arm, speed, and instincts. He has a good hitting approach and understands the strike zone and has decent pop in his bat. He could probably be called up now, but it's hard to say when he will called up because the Dodgers currently have 4 outfielders capable of starting.Miami Marlins
Andrew Heaney (LHP)
The Marlins system is loaded, and most of their top guys like Fernandez and Yelich were promoted last season because the team sucked so badly. But there are still talented prospects down in the minors. The best of the bunch: the first left-handed pitcher on this list. Heaney's fastball hits 93 consistently, which might not seem like a huge deal, but is pretty rare in left-handed starters (hard throwing lefties tend to be in the bullpen). He's got a terrific hook and a pretty good changeup. His plus command means Heaney could be up in the big leagues very soon.
Milwaukee Brewers
Taylor Jungmann (RHP)
The Brewers don't have any great prospects coming up anytime soon. Jungmann can be a quality starter, but he doesn't have the potential to become an all-star multiple times. He has a decent fastball that induces ground balls, a decent breaking ball, and a good changeup. His stuff isn't going to overwhelm you, but he's in the strike zone. If he can polish his motion, he could make it to the big leagues soon.
Minnesota Twins
Byron Buxton (OF)
This was a tough one because the Twins have two of the best prospects in the entire league. Miguel Sano is a player with terrific upside that could have just as easily been at the top spot, but this list will go with Buxton. Many feel he's the best prospect in the nation. With excellent speed, great defensive range, power potential, the ability to hit for average, and a good arm, Buxton could end up becoming a five-tool player. Many liken him to Mike Trout. While it remains to be seen if the power and plate discipline will develop, the skill set and talent is there. Buxton probably won't come up until 2015, but when he does, he'll be a budding star.New York Mets
Noah Snydergaard (RHP)
The Mets are going to be dangerous...in 2015; if Snydergaard lives up to the hype, and he joins a rotation with a healthy Matt Harvey and Zach Wheeler that is. Snydergaard has mound presence, and who wouldn't when they can blow a fastball by you at a comfortable 96 mph. He's got a good, tight curveball, and is working on a changeup. He's also got command and a repeatable delivery. All signs point to Snydergaard becoming a very good starting pitcher in the majors. And it doesn't hurt that he's a good twitter follow either.
New York Yankees
Mason Williams (OF)
The once mighty Yankee farm system is a bit on the weaker side these days, though I do think their latest first rounder, Ian Clarkin, will quickly become a top prospect. The best of the bunch is Williams, who has terrific upside. He can play any outfield position and has the speed to be a good center fielder. Power isn't there, but his bat has pop and he's got a swing made for contact. Williams seems like a prototypical leadoff hitter. With the recent Jacoby Ellsbury signing, there is a good chance Williams' big league future is with another team. If that's the case, he's quite the trade piece.
Oakland Athletics
Addison Russell (SS)
Scouts say he's a very quick learner. The 2012 high school draft pick is already the best prospect in the Oakland farm system thanks to his athletic ability, improvement on defense, and great approach at the plate. Russell will hit for contact and great power for a middle infielder. He's been incredibly impressive in the minors so far. Jed Lowrie was acquired to bridge the gap at shortstop until Russell was ready. If all goes according to plan, Russell is starting for the Athletics in 2015.Philadelphia Phillies
Jesse Biddle (LHP)
A second left-handed pitcher! And perhaps the next Cole Hamels? Biddle's made improvements on his command in the minors, and, like Hamels, spotting pitches will be the key to his success. Unlike other prospects, he's already got a pretty good changeup. He also has a decent fastball and a great sweeping curveball which will get him strikeouts. His stuff isn't extraordinary, but it isn't average either. If he locates, he'll be a tough guy to hit. Expect him to compete for a roster spot this spring training.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Jameson Taillon (RHP)
There's nothing to not like about Taillon. He's got a high velocity fastball, a plus curveball, and a good changeup. It seems like these are the pitches all good prospects have, but his are just better than most. He's got pretty good command, and he's continuing his development nicely. Expect him to be a September callup next season and to immediately contribute for the Bucs, just like his buddy Gerrit Cole.
San Diego Padres
Max Fried (LHP)
Yay another LHP! Actually, this spot originally belonged to Casey Kelly, but he underwent Tommy John surgery and set himself back more than a year. So Fried it is. Fried's only 19, and has only scratched the surface of what he can become as a pitcher. His fastball velocity is probably going to climb, his curveball already looks great, and he has a changeup as well as a cutter, which is rare for a pitcher out of high school. He just needs some development. Don't expect him before 2015.
San Francisco Giants
Kyle Crick (RHP)
Most SportsKop viewers reside in the Bay Area, and I encourage you guys to watch this guy do his thing on the mound. He's currently pitching for the San Jose single-A team and he's got good stuff. Crick features a plus fastball, a good slider, a decent changeup, and another average offspeed pitch. His upside is still good, and there's plenty of room for him to develop into the next Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner, Tim Lincecum. Will he have the same success they're having? Maybe not as much, but he's on a team that knows how to develop pitching.Seattle Mariners
Taijuan Walker (RHP)
All signs point to Walker being a stud. He's got the electric fastball, a good changeup, and this nasty curveball. Walker will grow into a good first starter or a very good second starter for a ballclub. He appears to be set to join a Mariners rotation that already boasts Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma. But David Price trade rumors could see him being the main piece sent to the Tampa Bay in the new Robinson Cano era in Seattle.
St. Louis Cardinals
Oscar Taveras (OF)
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| Oscar Taveras is also known as "Minor League Guy" |
Tampa Bay Rays
Taylor Guerrieri (RHP)
Like the Cardinals, the Rays front office is the one of the best in the MLB. What they do might be more impressive because they don't have the payroll to sign big free agents. Guerrieri seems to be the next in a long line of successful starting pitchers developed by Tampa Bay. He has two very electric pitches in his fastball and curveball and is developing a changeup. The big league rotation is currently stacked, so don't expect Guerrieri to be called up soon. Odds are he joins the big boys in 2015 or afterwards.
Texas Rangers
Luis Sardinas (SS)
The first switch hitter on the list. Sardinas has excellent speed, which translates to plenty of steals on the basepaths. He also has excellent defensive range and hits well from both sides of the plate. His power is slightly above average. The Rangers called up a lot of their farm system last year, so the major league roster is crowded. Jurickson Profar and Elvis Andrus could make up that middle infield for a long time. This gives Sardinas plenty of time to develop, but barring an Andrus trade, expect Sardinas himself to be traded away soon, probably in a package deal for a big time player at next year's deadline.
Toronto Blue Jays
Aaron Sanchez (RHP)
The Blue Jays were in "win now" mentality in 2013, and traded off some very good prospects, but they kept a good one in Sanchez, who fits the prototypical mold of a right handed ace. He has two quality pitches in his fastball and curveball, both which produce swing and misses. He's still working on a changeup, (seriously? Do high school pitchers not know how to throw these things?) but once it develops he'll be hard to hit. Sanchez needs to improve his command and polish his delivery, but he seems mostly ready to make his debut. Expect him to be a September call-up for the Jays.
Washington Nationals
Brian Goodwin (OF)
He's no Bryce Harper, but Goodwin certainly has a good all-around game. He has shown signs that he can hit for average, hit for power, play good defense, throw out runners, and steal bags. The problem is he can't do it consistently. If Goodwin can find a way to fully utilize his talent on a daily basis, you might have a very good player joining a Nationals roster already loaded with young talent. Great athletes have a better chance of developing new skills, and Goodwin should be able to do the same.
So there you have it. Those are the number 1 prospects for each team in baseball. Disagree? Feel free to blast my selections in the comments. And be on the lookout for a new podcast about the latest moves in the MLB offseason next week!
You put Lindor twice.
ReplyDeletewhoops! thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeletegot my names confused, but the post is updated now
ReplyDelete