Two months before the All-Star Game, some MLB teams are already contemplating call-ups from their minor league systems. Here, Yardbarker MLB writers identify one MLB-ready prospect for every American League team. (All statistics are through Sunday’s play.)
AL East
BALTIMORE ORIOLES | RHP Chayce McDermott | The Orioles’ pitching is abysmal, so it may be McDermott’s time to shine sooner than later. The right-hander, Baltimore’s No. 4 prospect, threw four shutout innings with three strikeouts in his Triple-A debut on May 3.
BOSTON RED SOX | OF Roman Anthony | Anthony, who has an elite .933 OPS with the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox, should make his MLB debut soon. Boston’s top prospect is also MLB’s top-ranked prospect overall, an indicator of his massive potential and ability to become an impact major league regular.
NEW YORK YANKEES | RHP Eric Reyzelman | Most of the Yankees’ top young players are still in Single-A or Double-A, which means they still have development time ahead. That’s what makes Reyzelman, New York’s No. 21-ranked prospect, a viable option to be called up as a bullpen reinforcement. He has a 2.63 ERA at Triple-A.
TAMPA BAY RAYS | SS Carson Williams | Known more for his elite glove than his hitting skills, Williams figures to receive a big-league call-up this season despite batting just .172 at Triple-A. The Rays’ No. 1 prospect wouldn’t have much competition at the big-league level, either, at least not until veteran Ha-Seong Kim returns from injury.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS | SS Josh Kasevich | Keep an eye on Kasevich, who could be next in line to start at shortstop for the Blue Jays should incumbent Bo Bichette be dealt this summer or depart in free agency after the season. Kasevich, Toronto’s No. 7 prospect, is already hitting .325 with an .815 OPS at Triple-A. — Seth Carlson
AL Central
Chicago White Sox 1B Tim Elko |
Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
CHICAGO WHITE SOX | First baseman Tim Elko | Elko is not going to be found on any top prospect lists, but he is off to a white-hot start at Triple-A Charlotte, posting a .333/.408/.657 batting line with 10 homers and four doubles in 120 plate appearances. The White Sox have received minimal production at first and DH, providing a path for Elko to get a look.
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS | Infielder Juan Brito | Brito had a chance to win the Opening Day second baseman job but struggled in spring training. As present second baseman Gabriel Arias is capable of playing short and infielder Brayan Rocchio has yet to show that he can handle major league pitching, Brito may get a chance soon.
DETROIT TIGERS | Outfielder Roberto Campos | The Tigers do not have many holes with the exception of center field. Campos, who is capable of playing all three spots in the outfield, has a .333/.424/.444 batting line in his 87 plate appearances at Double-A Erie. If he continues this production, Campos could skip Triple-A to help the Tigers.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS | Infielder Peyton Wilson | Wilson is not on any top prospect lists, but he may have forced his way into the Royals’ plans with an impressive .392/.506/.689 batting line in 91 plate appearances at Double-A before his promotion to Omaha. As Michael Massey has done nothing to prove that he can be the answer at second base, Wilson has a path to the majors if he continues the hot hitting at Triple-A.
MINNESOTA TWINS | Outfielder Emmanuel Rodriguez | A consensus top-100 prospect over the past three years, Rodriguez has displayed five-tool talent, although injuries have slowed his progression through the system. The major league outfield is hardly a paragon of health, so Rodriguez could get his chance if he can remain healthy in Triple-A. — David Hill
AL West
Seattle Mariners catcher Harry Ford |
Allan Henry-Imagn Images
ATHLETICS | OF Colby Thomas | The A’s have already brought several top prospects to the majors this season (first baseman Nick Kurtz and infielder Max Muncy). Thomas, ranked as the A’s second-best prospect per MLB.com, may be next given his raw power and ability to handle all three outfield spots.
HOUSTON ASTROS | Infielder Brice Matthews | Originally drafted as a shortstop, Matthews has spent most of his time in Triple-A at second base. As neither Brendan Rodgers nor Mauricio Dubon has provided much offensively, Matthews could get a look soon as the Astros look to keep their window of contention open.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS | RHP Caden Dana | Dana has already made his debut with the Angels with four appearances at the major league level, but he may get a longer look soon as Los Angeles looks to shore up the back of the rotation. He has dominated in Triple-A, posting a 2.45 ERA and a 1.247 WHIP over his 25.2 innings, striking out 31 with 10 walks.
SEATTLE MARINERS | Catcher Harry Ford | The Mariners’ fourth-ranked prospect, Ford offers a unique profile as a catcher with plus speed and a solid all-around game offensively. Although he is still raw defensively, Ford could be an option for a Mariners team looking to get more out of the lineup, potentially allowing starting catcher Cal Raleigh more time as designated hitter.
TEXAS RANGERS | Infielder Justin Foscue | The Rangers have not gotten much production from either first base or designated hitter. Foscue may not have a spot defensively, but he has continued to hit well in Triple-A, posting a .300/.402/.473 batting line with four homers and seven doubles in 133 plate appearances. — David Hill
