One of the biggest factors in all of baseball is prospects. Now that we are entering August, we should start seeing lots of them called up who could make big impacts on their clubs for years to come. Here are my top ten prospects and while some won't be called up this year, they will all be factors in the bigs.
David Price Pitcher Rays: Price was the first pick in the draft last year and has the stuff to be called up to the majors this year. With the Rays in contention for 1st place and the team's first ever playoff appearance, look for for Price to be called up from double A and possibly help the Rays in the bullpen.
Matt LaPorta OF Indians: LaPorta isn't the best defensive player, but he is arguably the best offensive player out of any prospect. Before being traded, LaPorta was hitting .288 with 20 homers and 66 RBI's in Double A. Now he is in the Indians farm system where he is adjusting to the pitching but should be back to normal by the end of the year.
Matt Wieters C Orioles: Wieters is the best offensive catcher prospect that scouts have seen since Joe Mauer. Wieters is batting .345 with 15 homers and 40 RBI's. He might have a big impact on the Orioles in a few years.
Andrew McCutchen OF Pirates: McCutchen has the potential to be a 5 tool player. He has the tools to hit for a high average, is developing power and has solid defense. McCutchen also has great speed as he has 27 steals. Don't be surprised if McCutchen is called up by the end of the year.
Dexter Fowler OF Rockies: Fowler like McCutchen, has the potential to be a 5 tool player. He hits for average and has the potential to hit for power in Coors Field. He also has great range in center field and has the potential to be a very good player for years to come.
Fernando Martinez OF Mets: Martinez is a very raw prospect at only 20 years old. He has a lanky frame and has the potential to be a very good player on offense and defense. Look for Martinez to make an impact for the Mets as soon as next year.
Rick Porcello Pitcher Tigers: At 19 years old, Porcello has loads of potential. He has very good command and has great pitches with his fastball and curveball. Porcello could have a very big impact on the Tigers next year.
Michael Burgess OF Nationals: Burgess has the potential to be a very good player. He has excellent bat speed but has shown some trouble with his swing. He also has great arm strength and could become a force in right field. Look for Burgess to become an elite player in the next few years.
Tim Beckham SS Rays: Beckham was the first pick in the most recent MLB draft and has loads of potential. He has lots of speed and has the potential to hit for speed and power. Plus, Beckham is only 18 years old so the future looks very bright.
Cameron Maybin OF Marlins: Maybin has all the tools teams look for in a 5 tool player. He is improving on offense and plays a great centerfield. The main problem as of now is his strikeout total and overtime, that will improve. Maybin should be in the majors in the next year or two.
David Price Pitcher Rays: Price was the first pick in the draft last year and has the stuff to be called up to the majors this year. With the Rays in contention for 1st place and the team's first ever playoff appearance, look for for Price to be called up from double A and possibly help the Rays in the bullpen.
Matt LaPorta OF Indians: LaPorta isn't the best defensive player, but he is arguably the best offensive player out of any prospect. Before being traded, LaPorta was hitting .288 with 20 homers and 66 RBI's in Double A. Now he is in the Indians farm system where he is adjusting to the pitching but should be back to normal by the end of the year.
Matt Wieters C Orioles: Wieters is the best offensive catcher prospect that scouts have seen since Joe Mauer. Wieters is batting .345 with 15 homers and 40 RBI's. He might have a big impact on the Orioles in a few years.
Andrew McCutchen OF Pirates: McCutchen has the potential to be a 5 tool player. He has the tools to hit for a high average, is developing power and has solid defense. McCutchen also has great speed as he has 27 steals. Don't be surprised if McCutchen is called up by the end of the year.
Dexter Fowler OF Rockies: Fowler like McCutchen, has the potential to be a 5 tool player. He hits for average and has the potential to hit for power in Coors Field. He also has great range in center field and has the potential to be a very good player for years to come.
Fernando Martinez OF Mets: Martinez is a very raw prospect at only 20 years old. He has a lanky frame and has the potential to be a very good player on offense and defense. Look for Martinez to make an impact for the Mets as soon as next year.
Rick Porcello Pitcher Tigers: At 19 years old, Porcello has loads of potential. He has very good command and has great pitches with his fastball and curveball. Porcello could have a very big impact on the Tigers next year.
Michael Burgess OF Nationals: Burgess has the potential to be a very good player. He has excellent bat speed but has shown some trouble with his swing. He also has great arm strength and could become a force in right field. Look for Burgess to become an elite player in the next few years.
Tim Beckham SS Rays: Beckham was the first pick in the most recent MLB draft and has loads of potential. He has lots of speed and has the potential to hit for speed and power. Plus, Beckham is only 18 years old so the future looks very bright.
Cameron Maybin OF Marlins: Maybin has all the tools teams look for in a 5 tool player. He is improving on offense and plays a great centerfield. The main problem as of now is his strikeout total and overtime, that will improve. Maybin should be in the majors in the next year or two.
