MLB.com: Top-10 prospects by position

Angrioter · January 22, 2015

1. Julio Urias, Dodgers

Just 18-years-old, Urias has proven to be well beyond his years. He flourished for Class A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga last season, despite the fact he was by far the youngest player in the California League. He carved up the older hitters with his low- to mid-90s fastball, curveball and changeup, striking out 109 batters in 87 2/3 innings. Though the Dodgers have aggressively challenged him, they have also been cautious with his workload, trends that are likely to continue this season.

2. Carlos Rodon, White Sox

Entering last spring, Rodon was the favorite to be the top overall pick in the Draft. But he wasn't quite as dominant as expected during his junior season at North Carolina State, and ultimately went third overall. He should quickly reach Chicago and has the stuff, size and makeup to become a top-of-the-rotation pitcher once he does.

3. Daniel Norris, Blue Jays

After an up-and-down start to his professional career, Norris turned a corner in 2013 and broke out in 2014. He began the year with Class A Advanced Dunedin and ended it in the Major Leagues. Norris has ironed out the command issues that initially hampered his progress and is now able to dominate hitters with his dynamic four-pitch arsenal.

4. Henry Owens, Red Sox

As a followup to his breakout 2013 season, Owens delivered a sterling 2014 campaign. He led the Minor Leagues in wins (17), ranked fourth in strikeouts (170) and started the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game for the U.S. team. Owens has a good feel for pitching and keeps hitters off balance with a mix of his low-90s fastball, changeup and curveball.

5. Andrew Heaney, Angels

Little more than two years after the Marlins drafted him ninth overall in the 2012 Draft, Heaney made his Major League debut. He appeared in seven games for the Marlins in 2014 before he was dealt, first to the Dodgers and then the Angels, in a wild day at the Winter Meetings. Heaney commands his whole arsenal well and is the most polished of any pitcher on the list.

6. Sean Manaea, Royals

Fully recovered from the hip injury that bothered him during his junior season at Indiana State and caused him to slide in the 2013 Draft, Manaea pitched well in 2014 for Class A Advanced Wilmington. Though the Royals were cautious with his workload during his professional debut, he led the Carolina League with 146 strikeouts in 121 2/3 innings. Manaea has three average-or-better pitches, but he will need to refine his control after averaging four walks per nine innings in 2014.

7. Kyle Freeland, Rockies

As a senior in high school, Freeland set the Colorado record with 145 strikeouts. Three years later, after an All-American season at Evansville, the Rockies drafted the Denver native eighth overall. Freeland has a deceptive delivery and generates plenty of groundballs with his heavy, low-90s fastball.

8. Steven Matz, Mets

A second-round pick in 2009, Matz's professional debut was delayed until 2012 by a long recovery from Tommy John surgery. The Long Island native has quickly made up for lost time and reached Double-A Binghamton in 2014. His loose, easy delivery allows him to throw his fastball in the mid-90s and he mixes in a quality changeup and curveball.

9. Sean Newcomb, Angels

Undrafted coming out of high school, Newcomb improved significantly while in college. He set Hartford's career record with 243 strikeouts and became the school's highest ever drafted player when the Angels took him 15th overall in 2014. Listed at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, he is an imposing presence on the mound and his fastball can reach 98 mph.

10. Brandon Finnegan, Royals

The Royals drafted Finnegan 17th overall in 2014 and thought he was advanced enough to help them almost immediately as a reliever. He did just that, joining their bullpen for the pennant race and then the playoffs. He ultimately became the first pitcher to appear in the College World Series and World Series in the same year after leading TCU to Omaha in June. Despite his initial success as a reliever, Finnegan has the tools to start and will likely return

Next up

The Cardinals selected Marco Gonzales and Rob Kaminsky 10 picks apart in the 2013 Draft and both promising left-handers nearly made this year's list.

Gonzales was the first of the pair picked, going 19th overall. A two-way star at Gonzaga, he is now focused solely on pitching. He reached the Major Leagues in his first full professional season, appearing in 10 games for the Cardinals. He'll likely play a bigger role with the team this year.

Kaminsky, meanwhile, was drafted out of high school and spent his first full professional season in the Midwest League. He was one of the youngest starters in the league, but more than held his own, posting a 1.88 ERA in 101 innings.

Top-10 RHP

Lucas Giolito

Noah Syndergaard

Tyler Glasnow

Archie Bradley

Jon Gray

Dylan Bundy

Luis Severino

Robert Stephenson

Tyler Kolek

Alex Meyer

Angrioter · January 22, 2015

No Jose Berrios?

Angrioter · January 22, 2015

Daniel Norris:

ETA: 2015

Position: LHP

Age: 21

DOB: 04/25/1993

Bats: L

Throws: L

Height: 6' 2"

Weight: 180

Drafted: 2011, 2nd (74) - TOR

Twitter: @DanielNorris18

The transition to the professional ranks was rough at times for Norris, but he turned a corner in 2013 and was one of the Minor Leagues' biggest breakout stars a year later, vaulting from Class A Advanced Dunedin to Toronto in the span of five months. Along the way, he struck out 163 batters, the fifth most in the Minors, and pitched in the All-Star Futures Game.

Norris' early struggles in the Minor Leagues were largely a result of poor command. After several adjustments to his delivery, he has found something that works and allows his deep, dynamic repertoire to shine. His fastball sits in the low to mid 90s with late life. His slider is his best secondary offering, and he also mixes in a changeup and slow, sweeping curveball.

In the wake of his rapid ascent to the big leagues, Norris has the look of the top-of-the-rotation starter the Blue Jays envisioned he could become when they drafted him.

GD · January 22, 2015

1. Rodon

2. Norris

2b. Urias

4. Owens

and so on for me

TDotttt2005 · January 22, 2015

Interesting to see these lists with some very high on Norris with no mention of Sanchez, and some high on Sanchez, with no mention of Norris. Either way, good to see both of these guys listed...lets hope they both can make it as top of the rotation guys. Also, Urias is a beast, saw some clips of a couple games of his on mlb.com last year...a lot of movement on his pitches. That said, Roberto Osuna was on his similar path before he had to get Tommy John Surgery...with the way things have gone with pitchers, Urias will probably have to get that at some point soon (Crazy its become so common).

Also, Holy Crap Dodgers. I know money has a lot to do with it, but on top of their current roster they have Pederson, Seager, and Urias waiting to hit The Show this year or next.

KingKat · January 22, 2015

Interesting to see these lists with some very high on Norris with no mention of Sanchez, and some high on Sanchez, with no mention of Norris.

Sanchez wouldn't get listed on a list of top left-handed pitching prospects. Sanchez is a right-hander.

Angrioter · January 22, 2015

Interesting to see these lists with some very high on Norris with no mention of Sanchez, and some high on Sanchez, with no mention of Norris. Either way, good to see both of these guys listed...lets hope they both can make it as top of the rotation guys. Also, Urias is a beast, saw some clips of a couple games of his on mlb.com last year...a lot of movement on his pitches. That said, Roberto Osuna was on his similar path before he had to get Tommy John Surgery...with the way things have gone with pitchers, Urias will probably have to get that at some point soon (Crazy its become so common).

Also, Holy Crap Dodgers. I know money has a lot to do with it, but on top of their current roster they have Pederson, Seager, and Urias waiting to hit The Show this year or next.

Sanchez wouldn't get listed on a list of top left-handed pitching prospects. Sanchez is a right-hander.

Top-10 RHP

Lucas Giolito
Noah Syndergaard
Tyler Glasnow
Archie Bradley
Jon Gray
Dylan Bundy
Luis Severino
Robert Stephenson
Tyler Kolek
Alex Meyer

No Sanchez or Berrios

TDotttt2005 · January 22, 2015

Top-10 RHP

Lucas Giolito

Noah Syndergaard

Tyler Glasnow

Archie Bradley

Jon Gray

Dylan Bundy

Luis Severino

Robert Stephenson

Tyler Kolek

Alex Meyer

No Sanchez or Berrios

Ah s*** sorry...wasn't clear it was only LHP. Think they consider Sanchez as having graduated?

King · January 22, 2015

Ah s*** sorry...wasn't clear it was only LHP. Think they consider Sanchez as having graduated?

Mayo tweeted the other day saying he didn't make it as he thinks he is a reliever long term.

burlingtonbandit · January 22, 2015

I'm surprised they graded Norris's change as a 60. Is it really that good?

Angrioter · January 22, 2015

Potential to be. It kind has a weird movement kind of like Sale's.

Hamels-esque

baubau · January 22, 2015

Top-10 RHP

Lucas Giolito

Noah Syndergaard

Tyler Glasnow

Archie Bradley

Jon Gray

Dylan Bundy

Luis Severino

Robert Stephenson

Tyler Kolek

Alex Meyer

No Sanchez or Berrios

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0hryrATkN1r7bma7o1_400.gif

Also, f*** the Nats. I forgot they had Giolito. Picked him right before our pick, which ended up being Davis.

flafson · January 22, 2015

I really think Syndergaard is overrated.

Angrioter · January 22, 2015

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0hryrATkN1r7bma7o1_400.gif

Also, f*** the Nats. I forgot they had Giolito. Picked him right before our pick, which ended up being Davis.

Anthony Davis is top-3 NBA bro, calm down!

Brownie19 · January 22, 2015

Do you guys think the Jays were taking Giolito in that draft he the Nats didn't? I meant to ask Tinnish that last I spoke with him, but forgot.

Angrioter · January 22, 2015

Blake Swihart
Jorge Alfaro
Kyle Schwarber
Austin Hedges
Justin O'Conner
Kevin Plawecki
Reese McGuire
J.T. Realmuto
Christian Bethancourt
Max Pentecost

Max Pentecost

Pentecost was named MVP of the Cape Cod League in 2013 and then led Kennesaw State to Super Regionals in the NCAA Tournament this spring. All that helped make him the first college catcher drafted when the Blue Jays selected him 11th overall.

Pentecost, a rare catcher who could have average or better tools across the board, has a chance to hit for solid average and power. He has a quick right-handed bat, and while his hitting skills were more evident than his pop as an amateur, he did hit six homers on the Cape with wood bats.

His receiving skills still need work, though Pentecost should be able to remain behind the plate. He has the requisite arm strength for a catcher, though he can improve his accuracy. He runs better than most backstops and has average speed overall.

Captain Adama · January 22, 2015

I really think Syndergaard is overrated.

Why do you think so?

Sammy225 · January 22, 2015

Why do you think so?

Haha its like the bat signal..... He knows when Synders name is mentioned and just shows up lol

Jimcanuck · January 22, 2015

From MLB.COM:

When the Mets received Syndergaard from the Blue Jays in the December 2012 R.A. Dickey trade, the hope was he'd eventually develop into a frontline starter. After two seasons in the system, a 2013 start in the Futures Game and a year in Triple-A (along with a second Futures Game appearance), the former supplemental first-round pick was knocking on the big league door entering the 2015 season.

A big, strong classic power right-hander, Syndergaard combines plus fastball velocity with outstanding command and control. He can crank his fastball up to 98 mph and will run it in on right-handed hitters. Syndergaard will add and subtract from his curve, giving hitters different looks. His changeup improved in 2014, giving him a third above-average offering. He's always been around the plate, having walked just 2.6 per nine innings through the 2014 season while striking out 10. He's a good athlete and repeats his delivery well, throwing downhill consistently from his 6-foot-6 frame.

Syndergaard never wavered from his gameplan in 2014, even when faced with pitching in the hitting haven that is Las Vegas, and he showed improvement results-wise in the second half. That put the 22-year-old on the precipice of joining the other young arms in the Mets rotation in 2015.

Damn that f***ing Dickey trade - could have been Stroman, Hutchison, Syndergaard, Norris all frontline starters and cost controlled, and more on the way!

LongTimeReader · January 22, 2015

Meh... he's yet to do anything at the major league level, you can't damn the Dickey trade yet. And D'Arnaud is still a bit of a question mark.

Captain Adama · January 22, 2015

Meh... he's yet to do anything at the major league level, you can't damn the Dickey trade yet. And D'Arnaud is still a bit of a question mark.

Regardless of how well both those guys do relative to Dickey, the trade will remain a terrible one, if Syndergaard was to be traded, he could've landed Gio Gonzalez the year before, or Mat Latos, or any younger, cost-controlled starter. The point was he and d'Arnaud had trade value, and both pieces went to a single starter who by all reasonable accounts wasn't projected to be as good as he was when he won the Cy Young.

As for d'Arnaud being a question mark: ********, he had a 103 wRC+ with decent defense and plus framing. And he's projected for 3 WAR compared to Dickey's 1.5, and at a much lower price point. There's simply no way you can spin this as a good trade. Even if Syndergaard's arm blows out and d'Arnaud gets Ebola.

Spanky99 · January 22, 2015

I really think Syndergaard is overrated.

Why?

Spanky99 · January 22, 2015

Why do you think so?

No s***, lol.

Spanky99 · January 22, 2015

I guess he was a former Jay= OVER-RATED!

Spanky99 · January 23, 2015

P.S. Ang there's more positions than SP and Catcher...

LongTimeReader · January 23, 2015

Regardless of how well both those guys do relative to Dickey, the trade will remain a terrible one, if Syndergaard was to be traded, he could've landed Gio Gonzalez the year before, or Mat Latos, or any younger, cost-controlled starter. The point was he and d'Arnaud had trade value, and both pieces went to a single starter who by all reasonable accounts wasn't projected to be as good as he was when he won the Cy Young.

As for d'Arnaud being a question mark: ********, he had a 103 wRC+ with decent defense and plus framing. And he's projected for 3 WAR compared to Dickey's 1.5, and at a much lower price point. There's simply no way you can spin this as a good trade. Even if Syndergaard's arm blows out and d'Arnaud gets Ebola.

Woah. I swear, every, single, time. I did not in any way, shape, or form say it was a good trade, even a decent trade, no in fact it was a bad trade. I just said you can't damn it. AA took a risk when an opportunity was available and I respect that at least. You're not always going to get golden opportunities, but he had a chance to make the team better and he took it.

As for d'Arnaud.... you're actually saying a 25 y.o. catcher with one decent season under his belt is not a bit of a question mark... I just wanted to be clear about that. So if you were the GM you would go ahead and sign him to a big contract now then?

Jimcanuck · January 23, 2015

you say it was a bad trade, and also say you can't damn it

* head scratcher *

Captain Adama · January 23, 2015

Woah. I swear, every, single, time. I did not in any way, shape, or form say it was a good trade, even a decent trade, no in fact it was a bad trade. I just said you can't damn it. AA took a risk when an opportunity was available and I respect that at least. You're not always going to get golden opportunities, but he had a chance to make the team better and he took it.

As for d'Arnaud.... you're actually saying a 25 y.o. catcher with one decent season under his belt is not a bit of a question mark... I just wanted to be clear about that. So if you were the GM you would go ahead and sign him to a big contract now then?

Yes, I can and will damn the s*** out of it, because it was not a calculated risk in the slightest, there were younger, cheaper and better pitchers that you could've traded those guys for, so I can't respect that. That was not a golden opportunity, that was just a dumn excuse to spend prospect value (that could've landed a legitimate ace) in a stupid fashion.

As for d'Arnaud, a 25 year old catcher who's shown he can hit AND defend has a ton of value, even if his bat declines, certainly much less a question mark than a pitcher.

Also, a smart GM wouldn't offer him a huge contract, probably a cheap one that would buy out his FA years, unless his last name was say, Trout or Stanton.

GD · January 23, 2015

d'Arnaud is a very good piece rn if he can stay healthy.

LongTimeReader · January 23, 2015

Yes, I can and will damn the s*** out of it, because it was not a calculated risk in the slightest, there were younger, cheaper and better pitchers that you could've traded those guys for, so I can't respect that. That was not a golden opportunity, that was just a dumn excuse to spend prospect value (that could've landed a legitimate ace) in a stupid fashion.

As for d'Arnaud, a 25 year old catcher who's shown he can hit AND defend has a ton of value, even if his bat declines, certainly much less a question mark than a pitcher.
Also, a smart GM wouldn't offer him a huge contract, probably a cheap one that would buy out his FA years, unless his last name was say, Trout or Stanton.

You seem to be under the impression that our GM has a rotating selection of talent on a silver platter, and he can just pick and choose at his leisure which high level talent he desires! Because there's so many of them and there's not 29 other teams in the mix.

d'Arnaud is a bit of a question mark, is still 100% absolutely unequivocally true. The fact that you are trying to imply he's 100% legit talent is fanboy wisdom.

Sign In

MLB.com: Top-10 prospects by position

Recommended Posts

Create an account or sign in to comment

Create an account

Sign in

Member Statistics

Prospect News & Highlights

Recent News

Notes & Rumors

Recent Blog Entries

Recent Status Updates