With some tweaks to their pitch mix, these 12 pitchers could take huge steps forward in 2021 and could be absolute difference makers.
Pirates Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
2021 Topps Series 1: Bohm's Away
Reds Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The Cincinnati Reds are next on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, we have already rolled out over half the league.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
NL East: Marlins — Braves — Phillies — Mets—Nationals
AL Central: Tigers — Royals — White Sox—Twins—Cleveland
NL Central: Cardinals
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
Cincinnati Reds
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
RHP — Tony Santillan (3)
The loss of Trevor Bauer is not to be taken lightly. Coupled with the fact that Sonny Gray and Luis Castillo have heard their names in numerous trade discussions, this starting rotation could look significantly different at season’s end.
While he was once viewed as one of the best prospects in their system, Santillan has seen his stock slip over the last couple seasons. He’s likely to make a couple spot-starts on an as-needed basis with the majority of his work coming in a relief role.
LHP — Nick Lodolo (2)
This is the name that Reds fans are likely most excited to see on a big league field. Their first selection in the 2019 draft, Lodolo is the best left-hander — possibly the best pitcher overall — they have in the minors. Standing 6-foot-6 and pumping mid-90s heat from the left side can be intimidating by itself. However, there’s likely room for him to add a few pounds to his 205-pound frame.
His arsenal of fastball, slider, and changeup are enough for him to be an effective starter, but it’s his ability to throw strikes and control the zone that will truly carry him to the middle of the starting rotation. If you’re looking for something to balk at, you’ll find it by simply looking at the lack of experience — he’s only thrown 18.1 innings of professional ball. That said, they were about as impressive as you could ask for. During the 2019 campaign he faced a total of 74 batters — he struck out 30 of them. For those of you keeping score, that’s a 40% K%.
SS — Kyle Holder (1)
Players that are garnering the Time on Roster Score of ‘one’ are typically going to be guys that get a September call-up. That’s not the case with Holder as he was a recent acquisition — having been traded by the Phillies soon after they selected him from the Yankees in December’s Rule 5 Draft. The reason he is unlikely to see much time is simply because he has never played above Double-A, doesn’t possess much upside, and won’t do much to help the Reds win games. Was that too harsh?
When the calendar hits June, you should not be surprised to see someone else starting at shortstop for Cincinnati. Unfortunately for them, the free agent market has all but dried up. However, Jose Garcia has much more upside and could be a much better option without having to acquire talent through trade. If that’s not the route they want to go, Kyle Farmer is the only other option currently on the 40-man roster.
Notable
The big name that was left off here is Vladimir Gutierrez. Similar to Santillan, he’s another guy that has seen his stock drop and will likely be best served as a bullpen fixture where he can spotlight his breaking ball, potentially developing the control to serve as a spot-starter or backend rotation piece. Riley O’Brien and Jared Solomon are a pair of right-handed pitchers that are currently on the 40-man roster and could work their way into a few innings as taxi-squad regulars.
Photo Credit: Cincinnati.com
Cardinals Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The St. Louis Cardinals are next on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, we have already rolled out the AL and NL East along with the AL Central.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
NL East: Marlins — Braves — Phillies — Mets—Nationals
AL Central: Tigers — Royals — White Sox—Twins—Cleveland
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
3B — Nolan Gorman (1)
The 3B spot for Gorman to potentially claim at some point this season quickly closed up after the Cardinal’s big acquisition of a different Nolan just a few weeks ago. The arrival of Nolan Arenado will obviously impact the trajectory of Gorman’s next few seasons, but the left handed swing has shown that the slugger is going to be a force in the major leagues at some point. Expect Gorman to take the better part of this year to continue to iron out some of the swing and miss tendencies, but don’t be too surprised if he gets a cup of coffee in September.
LHP — Zack Thompson (1)
One of the bigger names coming into the ‘19 Draft out of Kentucky was Zack Thompson. He wrestled with some injuries that ultimately led to his stock falling a bit and primarily being used in the pen during his first taste of professional ball. However, with that in the rear-view, the Cards should be looking to push him fairly quickly as is common with established college arms.
C — Ivan Herrera (3)
Looking at the depth chart right now, it would appear likely that Herrera plays almost the entire season at the MLB level, but there’s a pretty significant name still on the market by the name of Yadier Molina. It seems as a return to the Red Birds is almost inevitable for the longtime Cardinal’s backstop so Herrera will likely end up sliding down a spot on depth chart. Nonetheless, Andrew Knizner nor recently acquired Tyler Heineman are overly successful backstops so a spot for Herrera could potentially open up rather quickly.
NOTABLE
A couple of names to consider that could see some at bats are Luken Baker and Juan Yepez. Both stem from the same tree: Corner-only RHH power bats. Otherwise, Angel Rondon, Connor Jones, and Griffin Roberts are a few arms who could see a handful of innings in the Cards’ pen at some point.
Starting Pitchers Who Would Benefit From a Changed Pitch Mix Pt.1
Players to Watch: Francisco Alvarez
Cleveland Baseball Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The Cleveland Baseball Team is next on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, we have already rolled out the AL and NL East.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
NL East: Marlins — Braves — Phillies — Mets—Nationals
AL Central: Tigers — Royals — White Sox—Twins
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
CLEVELAND BASEBALL TEAM
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
INF-Nolan Jones (2)
Cleveland’s outfield woes are well documented and the athletic Jones could see some time out there in 2021. He spent time playing the outfield in Cleveland’s alternate site last summer and could see himself in either corner spot. The number one prospect in their system carries a strong power tool and a grade 70 arm that could place him at either corner position.
LHP-Sam Hentges (3)
Hentges spent time on the team’s alternate site in 2020 and opened some eyes hitting 100 in intrasquad action. The lefty’s 2019 numbers do not exactly stand out but with the trade of Carlos Carrasco, the 6-6 245 starter may have an opportunity to make the team out of spring training.
As Justin Lada wrote up in his report, he spots his fastball well but lacks command of his other pitches. If Hentges can command his secondary pitches better, Cleveland may end up using him out of the bullpen instead, which would be another weapon to add to an already formidable bullpen.
LHP-Scott Moss (3)
Moss is another arm who could compete for the final spot in the rotation. He posted near a 30% K rate in his stops in Double-A and Triple-A in 2019. Another tall lefty standing at 6-6, Moss got time in the team’s alternate site and features a fastball, slider, and changeup. He is 26 years old so this could be the right time for Moss to see time.
NOTABLE
Other names to consider that could see some time are SS/2B Ernie Clement and Owen Miller.
Twins Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The Minnesota Twins are next on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, we have already rolled out the AL and NL East.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
NL East: Marlins — Braves — Phillies — Mets—Nationals
AL Central: Tigers — Royals — White Sox
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
Minnesota Twins
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
SS — Nick Gordon (1)
This is the year that we finally get a glimpse at the fifth overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft. Unfortunately, it’s likely just that — a glimpse. Gordon is no longer a highly-regarded prospect in this organization as he’s seen his stock plummet year after year. Middle infield is a strength of this team in 2021 so there won’t be much run for him, however a late season call-up would allow the Twins to see what exactly he has at the big league level.
If the club found themselves in a position where they were out of contention, they might look to trade away players like Jorge Polanco and Andrelton Simmons, the later of which signed a one-year deal this year. If that scenario were to happen, consider Gordon a lock to be the stop-gap for the remainder of 2021.
RHP — Jhoan Duran (1)
In recent years, names like Randy Dobnak and Jordan Balazovic have been the often-discussed prospects when it comes to arms. However, Duran could turn into the best option of that bunch. Since coming over in the trade that sent Eduardo Escobar to Arizona, the 23-year-old hurler has posted a 10.71 K/9 while flashing a plus fastball and plus splitter — a combination that will also help him keep the ball on the ground.
RHP — Bailey Ober (2)
Having shown signs of development during the 2019 campaign, Ober was certainly impacted by the lack of a season last year. Over his 78.2 innings pitched two years ago, the now-25-year-old posted an 8-0 record, allowed just six earned runs, walked a half-dozen batters, and struck out 100 batters. A case could have been made that he would have been up in 2020 had there been a full season.
Currently on the 40-man roster, the Twins may call on him to provide innings out of the bullpen in 2021. He could also see a few spots starts throughout the year given his ability to command the strike-zone and keep hitters off base. A 6-foot-9 frame does not often translate into above-average command and control, however, that’s exactly what the Twins have seen so far from Ober. If he is able to continue that trend, you may see a lot of him over the next few years.
Notable
This might sound contrary to what the consensus is around baseball, but it doesn’t seem like there is much playing time available to Royce Lewis in 2021. Many outlets might provide a path for the former No. 1 overall pick, however it doesn’t seem likely given the recent moves to bolster the MLB club. Alex Kirilloff was not included on this list for one reason — technically he already made his debut, despite his playoff appearance last season not counting toward service time.
White Sox Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The Chicago White Sox are next on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, we have already rolled out the AL and NL East.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
NL East: Marlins — Braves — Phillies — Mets—Nationals
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
1B/DH — Andrew Vaughn (4)
One of the safest bats of the 2019 Draft, Vaughn is one of the better offensive collegiate prospects in recent years. With Edwin Encarnacion officially leaving town via free agency the opportunity to split time with Jose Abreu at first base and designated hitter should be there this season. As polished as Vaughn is, this transition could happen fairly early into the 2021 season. Don’t look now but the White Sox lineup is about to add some more thunder just one year after adding the lightning, Luis Robert.
Check out the White Sox Top Prospects Board
RF/DH — Micker Adolfo (4)
Much like the aforementioned Vaughn, Adolfo is mostly known for his bat. Signed back in 2013, out of the Dominican Republic, he has endured quite a path to make his way onto the 40-man roster. After several injuries, he’s become more of a DH only type of body that possesses big raw power. At bats would be hard to come by with Abreu and Eloy Jimenez in the mix at DH, but if Vaughn comes up early, Adolfo could be stuck in a bench role for the time being albeit still on the roster.
Here’s a bit more about Adolfo — you may not like his choice for Favorite Baseball Movie…
RHP — Tyler Johnson (2)
Johnson is a pitcher who has flashed two solid pitches throughout his professional career but has a quirky delivery and lack of consistency that significantly limit his overall upside. However, the fastball has shown an ability to be productive and having already secured a roster spot, Johnson is the type of low risk arm that could see time in the pen at some point this season if needed.
NOTABLE
The White Sox have collected a quite a handful of players that offer some offensive value but do not necessarily have a place on the defensive side of things. This makes things tight for guys like Gavin Sheets and Blake Rutherford as they have shown glimpses of promise but present tough defensive profiles. Sheets really only fits at the cold corner, but the raw power hasn’t translated enough to make the bat good enough to fit there.
Meanwhile, Rutherford is a former top prospect who has slowly lost his shine over the years due to a similar struggle to find his power stroke. Both have earned a spot on the 40 man and are certainly names worth monitoring as they continue to develop. For now, the likes of Vaughn and Adolfo seem to be blocking the pathway to at bats at the Major League level.
Royals Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
Tigers Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The Detroit Tigers are next on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, here’s a look at all the teams that we have covered so far.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
NL East: Marlins — Braves — Phillies — Mets—Nationals
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
Detroit Tigers
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
INF-Zack Short (3)
The Tigers have a strong idea of what they were getting in Short. Acquired for Cameron Maybin in 2020, he rates as an above-average fielder plays multiple positions, can draw walks, and has some pop, hitting 17 home runs in Double-A in 2018. General Manager Al Avila has said he is an “MLB-Ready” defender.
“We like him a lot in the sense that from a makeup perspective, he’s one of those guys that managers love to manage because he’s a high energy — sort of a baseball rat who plays hard,” Avila said. “He’s a very good shortstop, from our reports, and from our data. He’s really major league ready right now from a defensive perspective.
If Short hits the ground running at Toledo, he would be one of the first call-ups for the Tigers if there is an injury to a starter.
RHP-Matt Manning (2)
“I’m ready to go”. Those four words Manning muttered during a recent session with the media last week. His numbers in Erie in 2019 stood out, striking out batters at a 28.1% clip and posting a FIP of 2.53.
The good news for Tigers fans is, after a forearm issue back in August, he had no restrictions in his offseason throwing program. What is even better news is he spent time this off-season tinkering on his off-speed pitches and mechanics, creating a new arm slot.
It is a matter of time before Manning throws his changeup with more confidence and once he gets that down in Toledo, where he slated to start the season, he will be a quick drive up I-75 north.
OF-Akil Baddoo (5)
The Tigers are betting on the upside on the left-handed hitting centerfielder. He was a Rule 5 pick in December 2020 so he must stay on the roster the entire season so this has the potential to be similar to when Detroit drafted outfielder Victor Reyes in 2017.
Baddoo is known for his athleticism, ability to draw walks, above-average speed, and has power potential. He only played 29 games in High-A in 2019 before he hurt his elbow and required Tommy John surgery. His arm is considered below-average.
As our own Trevor Hooth wrote up:
“Baddoo will be most successful by utilizing his good eye to capitalize on mistake pitches. His lack of feel to find the barrel of the bat is one of the bigger weaknesses. What he has a tendency to do is just throw his hands at the pitch once he decides it will be a strike. That results in whiffs, as evidenced by his 24 percent strikeout rate in 2018, which was pacing higher before the injury in 2019. The other outcome of this is bad and sometimes hesitant swings that result in poor contact.”
Daz Cameron and Derek Hill are the two other outfielders pushing for time in the outfield so Baddoo will have his work cut out for him in spring training.
Notable
Joey Wentz, a left-handed starting pitcher who is coming back from Tommy John surgery, is a name who could get a September call-up. After coming over in a trade from Atlanta, his debut in Erie turned some heads, posting a 37.8% K rate in 25.2 innings of work. Riley Greene, who was hitting with power both in spring and summer camp, continues to rise through the system. He could also get a look in September.
Nationals Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The Washington Nationals are next on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, here’s a look at all the teams that we have covered so far.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
NL East: Marlins — Braves — Phillies — Mets
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
Washington Nationals
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
LHP — Tim Cate (2)
While he doesn’t strike you as a Nationals “top prospect”, Cate has all the makings of a quality relief pitcher. Now, that’s not exactly what you’d like to see from a second round (2018) draft selection, but with non-roster invitee Luis Avilan listed as the only left-hander other than Brad Hand to have over one full season of service time, it seems reasonable that Cate could get chances in the bullpen this season.
Nationals Pitching Coordinator Brad Holman has gone on the record discussing Cate’s progress.
“Tim can spin a curveball well above average,” Holman said. “His changeup and two-seamer have really come along. He was able to get the ball sinking arm side where he used to have a little issue cutting the ball. He would kind of cut it on accident glove side. He learned how to make that ball go the other way now.
Seth Romero and Ben Braymer round out the lefties currently listed on the 40-man roster. While Romero is a name you may know, neither of those guys should stand in the way of Cate and his big-league debut.
OF — Nick Banks (1)
At 26 years of age, Banks isn’t much of a prospect anymore — not that he ever was. The Nationals expressed their feelings for him by choosing not to protect him from last year’s Rule 5 Draft. Ultimately, no team selected him and Banks now finds himself in position to earn a promotion if/when any health issues should arise in the outfield landscape.
Nothing more than positional depth, he could work his way into a big-league lineup since 33-year-old Yadiel Hernandez is the only minor league outfielder currently on the 40-man roster. Any absence of Josh Harrison or Andrew Stevenson could pave the way for Banks to make his debut.
RHP — Steven Fuentes (1)
A very veteran-laden bullpen — at 28 years of age Austin Voth is likely the youngest member — could ultimately make things difficult for guys like Fuentes and Cate to perform their way up. The most likely scenario comes through injuries to others. With every team certain to go through at least a handful throughout the year, the idea that Fuentes could see some innings is very reasonable.
Notable
If you haven’t noticed yet, the Nationals do not have many ready-for-the-big-leagues type prospects. Even further, with the exception of Romero (having made his debut last season), Banks (No. 19) and Fuentes (No. 20) are the only names inside the Nationals top 20 to see action above High-A. In fact, of the higher ranked names, infielder Yasel Antuna (No. 3) and right-handed -pitcher Joan Adon (No. 5) likely have the soonest ETA and neither one of them have performed above Low-A ball. In the case of Antuna, who spent 2019 recovering from Tommy John surgery, he hasn’t played competitively in three years.
The days of Juan Soto, Victor Robles, Carter Kieboom, and Luis Garcia providing excitement for the farm system are gone. You’ll have to wait until at least 2022 before any of the current top prospects make an impact.
Mets Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The New York Mets are next on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, here’s a look at all the teams that we have covered so far.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
NL East: Marlins — Braves — Phillies
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
New York Mets
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
LHP-Thomas Szapucki (4)
Szapucki came back from Tommy John to post some solid strikeout numbers between three levels in 2019, and was healthy in 2020 at the team’s alternate camp. He features a fastball, a sweeping slurve, and a changeup that he has been working on. There’s a strong chance he could make the rotation out of camp, but if not, he would be a good arm out of the bullpen with a fastball that can touch 95mph.
3B-Brett Baty (1)
Baty, the first-round draft pick in 2019 and the first pick at third baseman by the Mets since David Wright, was added to the 60-man roster in 2020. He has a slugger’s build at 6’3, 215 lbs and based on reports, seems to be a bat-first profile. Depending on how the Mets are doing in the standings in September, and if Baty hits in his newest assignment, he could see a few at-bats in September. Now I don’t see him lighting it up but the Mets could call him for the exposure.
RHP-Sam McWilliams (3)
The Mets got into a bidding war for McWilliams when they signed him in December 2020. The 6’7 right-hander got the attention of teams by sharing his Trackman data from the Rays alternate site and it stood out. McWilliams has touched 99 MPH and features a four-seam fastball and a slider. He, more than likely, will be a bullpen arm.
Notable:
Catcher Patrick Mazeika could get a call up at some point. The 27-year-old catcher should get the opportunity to see what he can do at the major league level. Another catcher to get to know in the system is Francisco Alvarez.
Photo Credit: Mets Insider (MLBlogs.com)
Phillies Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
Braves Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The Atlanta Braves are next on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, we rolled out the AL East all of last week.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
NL East: Marlins
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
ATLANTA BRAVES
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
OF — Drew Waters (3)
The last piece of what the Braves hope to be a strong outfield trio for years to come should be ready to join Ronald Acuna Jr and Cristian Pache soon in Atlanta. Waters presents many raw tools that you dream of when looking at developing minor league players. A start in AAA is likely due some concerns about plate approach but the elite bat speed and athleticism should allow Waters to be up by mid season especially with Adam Duvall being non tendered by the organization this winter.
SS — Braden Shewmake (1)
The second of two first rounders in the 2019 draft, Shewmake, has quickly moved through a system lacking a lot position player depth. Unike Waters, Shewmake is not the uber-tooled type of prospect, but he has something Waters doesn’t: an incredible approach at the plate. If he shows development in the power department, he might be able to push for a cup of coffee late this year.
LHP — Kyle Muller (2)
The 6’7” southpaw was added to the Braves 40-man roster this offseason to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft in December. While the Braves still hope the other pitches develop enough to fit in the rotation, Muller’s plus heater is big-league ready and could potentially earn him a chance in the pen at the highest level if the Braves need help.
NOTABLE
With Travis d’Arnaud still around for another year, the Braves don’t necessarily have a rush to move their top catching prospect, Shea Langeliers, up to the Majors yet but his development is something to watch this year. The defense has always played and now fully recovered from his hand injury in 2019, it will be interesting to see how much of the raw power can translate into the game.
Two names to follow are pitchers, Jasseel De La Cruz and Philip Pfeifer who have been included on the Braves 40-man roster. Both could continue to see a starter’s workload in the minor leagues in order to add experience on the mound, but likely would see a bump in effectiveness out of the pen if they were to get a promotion to the highest level.
What Is the Point of Building an Elite Farm System?
Marlins Prospects Likely To Debut in 2021
The Miami Marlins are next on our Players Likely to Debut series. We covered the AL East last week and the Marlins kick off our focus on the NL East.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays — Rays
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
Miami Marlins
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
RHP-Edward Cabrera (3)
Cabrera is another young arm in a very deep Marlins system. He tore up the Marlins’ 2019 system with 116K in 96.2 IP between High-A and Double-A. He was in the Marlins summer camp in 2020 but was shutdown due to a back injury. He has flashed a plus fastball and a slider. If he continues to work on his changeup as a plus pitch, he has the ceiling to be a number two starter. A lot of the writers on the staff are fans of this electric arm.
OF-Jerar Encarnación (1)
Encarnación has a massive presence in the outfield. Standing at 6-5, 239lb, Encarnación has raw power and a swing that covers a lot of the plate that generates hard contact. Like Cabrera, he moved quickly through the minors in 2019 and earned a spot on the 40-man roster this winter. He posses an arm in the outfield, getting 19 assists between two levels in 2019. A fast start in Double-A could earn him a September call up.
OF-JJ Bleday (2)
The 2019 4th pick overall was in alternate camp in 2020. He handled his first assignment in High-A well, putting up a wRC+ of 107. With the combination of a quick bat, raw power, speed, and the ability to hit the ball to all fields, the lefty bad should be making an appearance by the end of the summer.
Notable
Infielder Jose Devers, who came over in the Stanton deal, is a name to look out for as he should be starting the season in Double-A. Griffin Conine, son of former Marlin, Jeff Conine, who came over in a trade from Toronto in August, is another outfield who makes hard contact and could also see him make a rise through the system in 2021.
Photo Credit: Miami Herald
Scouting the Pirates' Return from the Jameson Taillon Trade
Rays Prospects Likely to Debut in 2021
The Tampa Bay Rays are next on our Players Likely to Debut series. In case you missed it, we rolled out the AL East all week.
AL East: Red Sox — Yankees — Orioles — Blue Jays
Below, you will find a list of three prospects from the respective organization. Each prospect will have a number score next to their name — this number will represent the estimated amount of time we anticipate that player seeing at the big-league level. Players that have already made their big-league debut will not be included on this list.
BREAKDOWN OF TIME ON ROSTER SCORES:
1 — September call-ups / guys that are likely to see less than 20-25 games on the roster
2 — 1/4 of the season (roughly 40 games on roster)
3 — 1/2 of the season (roughly 80 games on roster)
4 — 3/4 of the season (roughly 120 games on roster)
5 — Full season on the MLB roster
Tampa Bay Rays
Position — Name (Time on Roster Score)
2B — Vidal Brujan (3)
The Rays are not afraid to give players a chance. In recent years, you’d be hard-pressed to find an organization that used as many players as they did over the course of a full season. The club now has several top prospects that are ready for their chance. Brujan is ready for the big leagues and, if the club decides to move Brandon Lowe into a more full-time outfield role, the keystone is there for the soon-to-be 23 year old. High walk rates, low strikeout rates, and a knack for stealing bases — that’s what you can expect to see when he arrives in Saint Petersburg, FL.
SS — Wander Franco (3)
You have waited long enough. The Rays have waited long enough. There is nothing left for the No. 1 prospect in baseball to do, except take the field at Tropicana Field. He participated in the LIDOM Dominican Winter League earlier this winter, before ultimately leaving his Leones del Escogido team with shoulder soreness and biceps inflammation after playing just five games.
Willy Adames is a serviceable shortstop for the club, but Franco is the future. Perhaps the best 2021 scenario comes by keeping Adames at short and lining Franco up at third base. Joey Wendle’s bat might play-up in a super-utility/depth role. Regardless of how the team handles him, the time has come for the game’s most anticipated debut.
LHP — Shane McClanahan (2)
Drafted from the nearby University of South Florida, McClanahan made his Double-A debut late in the 2019 season. His overall numbers look promising, however his 2020 Spring Training got off to a rocky start. He pitched 2.2 innings in his first three appearances, allowing seven hits and eight earned runs. His fortunes turned over his next three games as he pitched 3.1 innings of shutout ball, allowing four hits and striking out seven.
With a fastball that gets up to 98mph and a plus breaking ball from the left side, there is a lot of bullpen risk here. The Rays are decimated with injuries to key pitchers like Yonny Chirinos (Tommy John surgery), Brendan McKay (labrum surgery), Jalen Beeks (Tommy John surgery), Brent Honeywell (arthroscopic elbow surgery), and Colin Poche (Tommy John surgery) so the Rays could use McClanahan for spot starts, long relief, or he could be a rotation regular if the injuries continue to pile up.
Notable
With Nate Lowe now on the Rangers, brother Josh Lowe has aspirations of a big-league debut in 2021. The absence of a season last year was a big detriment to the 22-year-old outfielder. Lowe saw huge gains in 2019 while playing for Double-A Montgomery, belting 18 home runs and stealing 30 bases.
The Rays have put an emphasis on developing infielders in recent years and while they have several guys that are ahead of him in the rankings, former Florida State shortstop Taylor Walls has steadily built up his profile and could make his debut later this year. Awarded as the team’s 2019 minor league pitcher of the year, Joe Ryan was also included in the 60-man player pool for the 2020 season. As stated previously, the Rays utilize a lot of arms throughout the course of a season. Once he’s added to the 40-man roster, Ryan could be a useful arm for the Rays this year.
Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Times