Top 50 MLB prospects for 2018 and beyond

The Angels won the Ohtani sweepstakes in the offseason, and the 23-year-old is set to be LA's ace and part-time DH. The two-way star hit .332-8-31 in 231 plate appearances for the Nippon-Ham Fighters last season, but was limited to only five pitching starts due to injury. However, he's been dominant during his entire Japanese League career with a sub-3.00 ERA the previous three seasons.

ETA: 2018

At age 20, Acuna is already a star in the making. He hit .325-21-82 with 44 steals between three minor league levels last season, and then proceeded to tear up the Arizona Fall League, hitting .325-7-16 in only 23 games. He's had no problem with major league pitching this spring, but the Braves will likely keep him at Triple-A to delay his service time clock.

ETA: 2018

The son of the Hall of Fame outfielder, Guerrero Jr.'s approach is terrific. He hit .323-13-76 with 76/62 BB/K in 527 plate appearances between Low-A and High-A last season at age 18. He has the frame to fill out 30-40 home run power as he ages, and the approach to move very quickly. Josh Donaldson will be a free agent after this season, and it wouldn't be a shock if Guerrero Jr. is ready to replace him immediately.

ETA: 2019

The son of the power-hitting major league third baseman, Tatis Jr. had a breakout 2017 season hitting .278-22-75 with 32 steals in 575 plate appearances between Low-A and Double-A at age 18. He's also shown plate patience, drawing 77 walks last season. The Padres brought in Freddy Galvis as a placeholder at shortstop this season, but Tatis might push him sometime this year.

ETA: 2018

A natural shortstop, Torres has gained experience at third and second base since being traded from the Cubs in 2016 for Aroldis Chapman. He underwent Tommy John surgery last season, but before that point produced an .863 OPS in 235 plate appearances between Double- and Triple-A at age 20. Also showing elite defense, Torres is a can't-miss prospect for the Yankees who could break camp as the starting second baseman.

ETA: 2018

Buehler fell in the 2015 draft because of injury, but LA's patience has paid off. He averaged 98 mph on his fastball during his major league debut as a reliever last season, and adds good sink to the elite pitch. Pitching between three minor league levels last season, Buehler produced a 3.35 ERA and 12.7 K/9 in 88.2 innings. He will be a key part of the Dodgers pitching staff this season.

ETA: 2018

Acquired from the Red Sox for Chris Sale before last season, Kopech's velocity is legendary. He can hit the triple digits, and his strikeout rates in the minors reflect the high radar gun readings. Last season he posted a 2.88 ERA and 172 strikeouts in 134.1 innings between Double- and Triple-A, and has shown nice flashes this spring. The White Sox will probably want him to spend most of 2018 at Triple-A due to shaky control, but Kopech should get a taste of the majors late in the season.

ETA: 2018

Acquired from the crosstown Cubs last year for Jose Quintana, Jimenez could be a staple in the White Sox lineup for years. He hit .312-19-65 in 369 plate appearances between High-A and Double-A last year at age 20, and he also played well in the Dominican Winter League. There's optimism he will be a solid middle of the order hitter.

ETA: 2019

The second pick in the 2016 draft, Senzel is a natural third baseman who is getting experience at shortstop this spring. That's not a natural transition, but his bat should make up for any shortcomings defensively. Senzel hit .321-14-65 with 14 steals between High-A and Double-A last season, and was similarly consistent at the University of Tennessee. It's unlikely Jose Peraza will be able to hold off Senzel for long if the move to shortstop sticks.

ETA: 2018

Opportunity knocks for Mejia, who got a brief taste of the majors late last season. He was great at Double-A during the year, hitting .297-14-52 in 383 plate appearances. With the exception of a poor 2015 season, Mejia has been a consistent offensive performer and is also an above average contact hitter. As poorly as Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez have hit recently, Mejia could find himself in Cleveland soon.

ETA: 2018

St. Louis had high hopes for Reyes last season after an excellent debut in 2016, but he tore his elbow ligament early in spring training. The organization expects him to return in late April or early May, though his role is to be determined. Reyes consistently reaches the upper-90's and has been dominant at every level, with a K/9 above 10.0 every year. The problem to this point has been his control, but the high strikeout rate could offset those issues in the short term.

ETA: 2018

Possibly the replacement for pending free agent Bryce Harper, the athletic Robles hit .300-10-47 with 27 steals last season between High-A and Double-A at age 20. He's been a very consistent batting average hitter, and the hope is that his power will help him become a 20/20 offensive player with time.

ETA: 2018

The son of power-hitting outfielder Dante Bichette, Bo had a breakout 2017 season between Low-A and High-A. The 2016 second-round pick hit .362-14-74 with 22 steals in 499 plate appearances after hitting .427 during his pro debut the previous season. He wasn't consistent defensively, but Bichette has plenty of time to work on those issues.

ETA: 2020

Keller not only has upper echelon stuff but also pitchability. He posted a 3.03 ERA and 3.63 K/BB ratio in 116 innings between three minor league levels, including Double-A, last season. He's shown elite control since 2016 and can hit the upper-90's on the radar gun.

ETA: 2019

Gohara made five starts in Atlanta last season, and his 4.91 ERA was deceiving. He showed elite velocity from the left side while fanning 31 hitters in 29.1 innings. Prior to his promotion, Gohara fanned 147 batters in 123.2 innings between three minor league levels, including Triple-A. Injuries have long been a concern, but the lefty has ace upside if he can stay healthy consistently.

ETA: 2018

The fifth overall pick in the 2015 draft, Tucker is opening some eyes this spring with four home runs through his first 10 games. Last season he hit .274-25-90 with 21 steals between High-A and Double-A, showing a compete power breakout. If his spring is any indication, that power growth is likely to continue this year. The Astros can afford to be patient with plenty of depth at the major league level.

ETA: 2019

The 42nd pick in the 2015 draft, McKenzie has shown true ace upside already. The right-hander went 12-6 with a 3.46 ERA at High-A Lynchburg last season, with a spectacular 11.7 K/9. He's shown great command and strikeout rates, especially for his age, dominating hitters at 19 years old last season.

ETA: 2020

The White Sox signed Robert for big money out of Cuba last year, and his early spring performance shows that the investment could pay off. He hit .310-3-14 with 12 steals and 22 walks in only 114 plate appearances in the Dominican Winter League this year, and has already flashed power and speed to be a potential 20/20 man. At age 20, the White Sox still aren't about to rush him.

ETA: 2020

There aren't many safer prospects than Urias. While he doesn't have the power and speed of some elite prospects, Urias has an elite approach at the plate. He hit .296 with 68/65 BB/K in 526 plate appearances at Double-A San Antonio last season, proving to be an on-base machine at age 20. Likely to move to second base full-time because of Fernando Tatis Jr., Urias has a Dustin Pedroia-like ceiling.

ETA: 2018

The centerpiece of Miami's return for Christian Yelich from Milwaukee, Brinson is a potential 20/20 man immediately. The former first-round pick hit .331-13-48 with 11 steals in 340 plate appearances at Triple-A Colorado Springs last season, and has shown consistent 20/20 ability during his minor league career. He struggled during his major league debut last season, but the Marlins have plenty of time to be patient.

ETA: 2018

A second-round pick in 2016 out of Oklahoma, Hansen has been absolutely dominant as a pro. The right-hander can reach the high-90's with his fastball and posted a 12.2 K/9 between three minor league levels with an acceptable 3.3 BB/9, resulting in a 2.80 ERA. He still needs some time to refine his control but is already looking like a potential front-line starter.

ETA: 2019

The sixth overall pick in 2016 out of Florida, Puk is really turning heads this spring. Oakland has been non-committal about his shot to break camp with the team, and Puk showed dominance between High-A and Double-A last season with 184 strikeouts in only 125 innings. The rebuilding organization will likely give him at least a couple more months in the minors, but the lefty has clear ace ability.

ETA: 2018

Sanchez's control has been nothing short of unbelievable for his age, most recently posting a 1.7 BB/9 between Low-A and High-A at age 18 last season. That resulted in a 3.03 ERA in his 18 starts. Sanchez still needs time to develop his secondary stuff, only posting an 8.0 K/9 last season, and the Phillies should be willing to give him that time.

ETA: 2020

A second-round pick in the 2015 draft, Kingery had a complete breakout season offensively last year. He hit .304-26-64 with 29 steals in 132 games between Double- and Triple-A after struggling to show power at lower levels. He benefited from hitter-friendly Double-A Reading for much of the season, but some of the power still carried over to Lehigh Valley with eight home runs in 63 games. The Phils are using him at more positions this spring, and the power has delivered thus far. It's not impossible that the team would trade Cesar Hernandez to open up a spot.

ETA: 2018

Verdugo was promoted to the majors late last season, which speaks volumes for his potential. At age 21, he hit .314-6-62 with 52/50 BB/K. Scouts feel the power will come around, and Verdugo's ability as a pure hitter makes him a very interesting center field prospect.

ETA: 2018

Colorado is set at shortstop with Trevor Story, but he could eventually be upstaged by Rodgers. The third overall pick in 2015, Rodgers had his second straight very good pro season in 2017, hitting .336-18-64 in 400 plate appearances between High-A and Double-A. At age 20, his offensive performance fell off after moving up to Double-A, but that was to be expected after moving away from the hitter-friendly California League.

ETA: 2020

The best player acquired from Houston for Justin Verlander, Perez has been dominant in the minors and isn't far away. In his age 19 season, Perez posted a 3.02 ERA in 86.1 innings between High-A and Double-A. The right-hander's K/9 did fall to 8.1 last season, somewhat of a concern, but he was also facing mostly older competition. 

ETA: 2019

The top pick in the 2017 season, Lewis was mostly as advertised during his pro debut. He hit .279-4-27 with 18 steals and 25 walks in 239 plate appearances between Rookie Level and Low-A. He has terrific speed, and could move to center field if the Twins choose.

ETA: 2021

The third overall pick in the 2017 draft out of high school, Gore was terrific during his pro debut. He posted a 1.27 ERA and 34/7 K/BB in only 21.1 innings at Rookie Level, already showing a mid-90's fastball from the left side. Despite his youth, Gore could be set to move quickly through the farm system.

ETA: 2020

Gonsalves doesn't have the upside of some elite prospects, but he looks like a safe middle of the rotation starter. The lefty posted a 3.27 ERA and 9.7 K/9 between Double- and Triple-A last season.His control has shown improvement, posting a 2.5 BB/9 last year, but he likely needs more time at Triple-A after struggling in five appearances last season.

ETA: 2018

The 17th overall pick in the 2016 draft, Whitley quickly emerged as an elite prospect but has now hit a speed bump after getting suspended 50 games for a positive drug test. At age 19 last season, Whitley had a gaudy 13.9 K/9 between three minor league levels, including Double-A, featuring a mid-90's fastball and nasty curveball. His 6-7 frame screams power pitcher.

ETA: 2019

Mahle looked very good in four starts with the Reds late last season, and is vying for a rotation spot this spring. The right-hander has cruised through the minors over the last three seasons due to his control, posting a 1.9 BB/9 between Double- and Triple-A last season. That resulted in a 2.06 ERA in 24 starts, and makes him a very safe major league projection.

ETA: 2018

Hirua showed legendary pure hitting ability at UC-Irvine, helping him get drafted ninth overall last year. He continued to produce as a pro, hitting .371 in 42 games between Rookie Level and Low-A. While he hasn't shown great power or speed, Hiura has "batting title" upside resembling Howie Kendrick.

ETA: 2020

Hays was the first player from the 2016 draft class to reach the majors after a surprising 2017 season. The former third-round pick hit .329-32-95 between High-A and Double-A last season, though it looks like the O's will give him more seasoning after signing Colby Rasmus.

ETA: 2018

A fourth-round pick in 2016, Burnes looks like a major steal for the Brewers. He was 8-3 with a 1.67 ERA and 2.2 BB/9 between High-A and Double-A last season. While he hasn't shown terrific strikeout numbers, posting an 8.6 K/9 last season, Burnes looks like a safe middle of the rotation starter.

ETA: 2018

Cease was the Cubs' best prospect when he was traded last season for Jose Quintana, and he put together another strong year. The right-hander had a 3.28 ERA and 12.2 K/9 at Low-A, showing a mid-90's fastball. There is some concern about his lack of control (4.2 BB/9) to the point that an eventual move to the pen can't be ruled out.

ETA: 2021

Chavis is at the head of an oddly thin Red Sox farm system, but the 2014 first-round pick has elite power potential. He hit .282-31-94 in 524 plate appearances between High-A and Double-A last season, and continued to show power in the Arizona Fall League with four homers. Chavis did struggle to get on base until last season, and that is worth watching this year.

ETA: 2019

Duplantier had a breakout 2017 season after going in the third round of the 2016 draft. The Rice alum posted a 1.39 ERA and 10.9 K/9 between Low-A and High-A, bringing a strong mid-90's fastball and vastly improved control. His 1.56 ERA in the hitter-friendly California League was especially impressive.

Acquired last offseason from the Nats for Adam Eaton, Dunning had a great first full pro season in 2017. The right-hander posted a 2.94 ERA and 168/38 K/BB in 144 innings between Low-A and High-A, showing a strong ground ball rate. If his strong spring training showings are any indication, the Florida alum should move up the White Sox system quickly.

ETA: 2019

A natural second baseman, Calhoun was traded from the Dodgers to Texas for Yu Darvish last season and is set to man the outfield with his new team. While he only stands at 5-8, Calhoun has shown big power during his pro career The former fourth-round pick hit .300-31-93 at Triple-A last season also showing a great contact rate with only 61 strikeouts in 534 plate appearances. He's shown consistent power as a pro and could play as a 30-plus home run hitter in hitter-friendly Arlington.

ETA: 2018

Honeywell was set to compete for a rotation spot this spring, but he required Tommy John surgery after tearing his elbow ligament early in camp. Combining a mid-90's fastball and screwball, Honeywell posted a 3.49 ERA and 11.3 K/9 between Double- and Triple-A last season after showing a 2.34 ERA between High-A and Double-A in 2016. His control is one of his best traits with a career 2.0 BB/9. He has ace potential after he returns from surgery next season.

ETA: 2019

Barreto got a look last season and should eventually be Oakland's starting second baseman this season. He's shown a complete offensive skillset, most recently hitting .290-15-54 with 15 steals in 510 plate appearances at Triple-A Sacramento last season. Barreto's spiking strikeout rate (141 strikeouts) last season is a concern, but it didn't prevent the career .292 batting average hitter from producing a nice average.

Flaherty struggled in six appearances with the Cardinals during his major league debut late last year, but this does nothing to sour his outlook. He had a career year in the minors, going 14-4 with a 2.18 ERA in 25 starts between Double- and Triple-A at age 21. Flaherty doesn't have elite velocity, but he still fanned nearly one batter per inning and posted a 2.1 BB/9 last season. He's competing for a rotation spot this spring, but is more likely to start the year at Triple-A.

ETA: 2018

Soroka's control is far beyond his years, posting a sub-2.0 BB/9 for his pro career while spending most of last season at age 19 in Double-A. The former first-round pick had a 2.75 ERA in 153.2 innings. At this point, the main concern is his lack of an out-pitch with just a 7.3 K/9, but there is plenty of time for Soroka to develop one.

ETA: 2019

The second overall pick in the 2017 draft, Greene hit triple digits on the radar gun in high school. He only had three starts during his pro debut, and there's a long way for the 18-year-old to go, but he certainly has ace upside.

ETA: 2021

Rebounding from a so-so 2016 season at Double-A, McMahon was terrific last season and is now set to man the starting job at first base in Colorado. The 2013 second-round pick hit .355-20-88 with 11 steals and a .986 OPS between Double- and Triple-A in 519 plate appearances. Before his struggles in 2016, he was a high batting average hitter, but last season set a new standard. The hope is that the development will continue with the help of Coors Field.

ETA: 2018

The 31st overall pick in the 2015 draft out of Boston College, Shaw has moved quickly up the Giants farm system. Last season he hit .292-24-79 between Double- and Triple-A, setting career highs in batting average and home runs. He's been moved to the outfield full-time and is having a great spring. If Shaw doesn't make the Opening Day roster, it won't be long before he joins the team.

ETA: 2018

Already a great prospect before this season, Bradley has received attention this spring for showing up in great shape. He hit more than 20 home runs for the third consecutive season last year, hitting .251-23-89 in 532 plate appearances at Double-A Akron. The former third-round pick hasn't been a great batting average hitter, but the Indians feel there is much more potential in the bat.

ETA: 2019

Winker is set to be part of a four-man outfield rotation this season after an outstanding major league debut in 2017. He hit .298-7-15 with 15/24 BB/K in 137 plate appearances after a strong second go-around at Triple-A, hitting .314-2-14 with 38/46 BB/K in 347 plate appearances. Winker has struggled to produce power at Triple-A, but he has been a double-digit power hitter at other minor league levels. It's a relief that the power did return with his promotion at the majors, and he's continued to show pop this spring. Among outfield prospects, Winker is as safe as they come as a potential on-base machine.

ETA: 2018

Kelly is stuck behind Yadier Molina in St. Louis, but the Cardinals are expected to slowly but surely give him more playing time. A converted third baseman, Kelly is well-regarded defensively and hit .283-10-41 with 33/40 BB/K in only 280 plate appearances at Triple-A Memphis last season. As the power progresses, he could be the Cardinals starter by the time Molina's three-year contract concludes in 2020, or the team could use him as a trade chip.

ETA: 2018