Finally, the 2020 MLB season is almost underway. All 30 teams are about to take the field after months of backs-and-forths regarding the terms, conditions, and the schedule of thiscampaign.
We all know the superstars that are supposed to dominate the game right out of the gate. But what about those prospects who continue to thrive in minor league systems and look ready to prove their worth at the next level?
Even though this will be a shortened season, it’s likely that some young talents are given the chance to get some MLB experience. That’s why today, we’re going to let you know about the top 10 prospects to keep an eye on in 2020.
10. Dylan Carlson, OF – St. Louis Cardinals
Carlson was named the Texas League Player of the Year in 2019. (Getty)
Dylan Carlson may have to wait a while before getting the call to join the St. Louis Cardinals given their depth at the outfield spots but given his power and switch-hitting ability, we know he’ll be ready to take the plate at any time.
Carlson’s defense is still a work in progress but there’s no denying his ability to make contact and send the ball to the opposite field. He broke out last year in both AA and AAA and the Cardinals are really high on him going forward.
9. Deivi García, RHP – New York Yankees
García is 21 years old. (Getty)
The Dominican pitcher has been a rising star and a top-notch prospect since signing with the New YorkYankees in 2015. Now, it seems like Deivi García is finally ready to take the mound for the Bronx Bombers in 2020.
García struggled early on in training camp but the talent and upside areclearly there. He’s expected to join the Yankees’ bullpen at some point in the season. He’s got a mean curveball and quite a versatile arsenal, so he could end up even making the team’s rotation.
8. Julio Rodríguez, OF- Seattle Mariners
The Mariners signed Rodríguez at 16 years old. (Getty)
Julio Rodríguez has had some recent physical struggles so the Seattle Mariners are likely to go easy on him. Still, he’s expected to make the opening day roster and become a full-time player for the team right away.
Rodríguez is considered the best prospect in the Mariners’ organization after posting a.326/.390/.540 slash line last year in the minor leagues. He’s pretty confident in his game and will be a very fun player to watch this season.
7. MacKenzie Gore, LHP – San Diego Padres
Gore is considered the best pitching prospect in MLB. (Getty)
We’ve been waiting for this moment for the past three years but now it seems like MacKenzie Gore is finally ready to take the mound for the San Diego Padresafter posting a whopping 1.02 ERA in the California League. That granted him a promotion to the AA affiliate.
Gore continues to rise as one of the most promising lefties in the game. ThePadres’ bullpen enters the season a bit banged up and they’re not likely to contend anywayso there’s no reason to think he couldn’t join the team at some point of the season.
6. Adley Rutschman, C – Baltimore Orioles
Rutschman played for the Oregon State Beavers in college. (Getty)
The Baltimore Orioles draftedAdley Rutschman with the first overall pick of the 2019 MLB Draft so perhaps it’s still too soon to give him the nod. However, he’s looked more than ready during camp and his team is projected to be near the bottom of the standings this season.
Rutschman has proven to be a great defender with a strong arm. He’s also a switch hitter with a great feel for contact and can bat to the opposite field almost at will. He’s a pretty well round-up catcher and the Orioles might as well give him a long leash right away.
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5. Jarred Kelenic, OF – Seattle Mariners
Kelenic was the 6th overall pick of the 2018 MLB Draft. (Getty)
New York Mets fans may hate to hear this butJarred Kelenic is going to be a star. The Mariners were thrilled to get him in the Robinson Canó deal and have watched him dominate at every minor league level as both a batter and playmaker in the outfield.
It’s pretty clear that Kelenic still needs to work on his timing and tame his aggressiveness in the plate to avoid striking out too often but once he starts to get a grip at MLB pitchers, he’ll be a deadly slugger for many years to come.
4. Nate Pearson, RHP – Toronto Blue Jays
Pearson struck out 10.5 batters per 9 inningsin AAA last season. (Getty)
The Toronto Blue Jays have one of the most promising farm systems in the world right now. Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, and now Nate Pearson could put them in a position to become a dynasty once they develop.
In fact, there’s a strong chance Pearson enters the year as part of the team’s rotation. His fastball can top 100 mph with ease and he’s coming off an impressive campaign with a2.30 ERA in AAA. The guy’s ready.
3. Jo Adell, OF – Los Angeles Angels
Adell was the 10th overall pick of the 2017 MLB Draft. (Getty)
There have been some concerns regarding Jo Adell’s durability after his 2019 season was riddled by injuries. The Los Angeles Angels are stacked in the outfield but Adell’s power, athleticism, and ability to make contact will certainly make Joe Maddon grant him a couple of at-bats.
Jo isn’t the average slugger. Besides his superhuman strength, he’s also incredibly fast and he’ll definitely learn a thing or two from Albert Pujols or Mike Trout. Expect him to get the call f the Angels find themselves in a tough spot to compete early in the season.
2. Wander Franco, SS – Tampa Bay Rays
Wander’s uncles Eric and Willy Aybar also played in MLB. (Getty)
Wander Franco is the real deal. He’s the ultimate five-tool prospect and has a strong chance of becoming one of the best players in the world in little-to-no time. The only two things holding him back this year are his age (19) and the Rays’ plans to compete for a playoff berth.
Franco can do it all. He’s the kind of player that doesn’t strike out often and constantly challenges pitchers. Talent-wise, he may be the best player in this list by a long stretch, so hopefully, he’ll get the chance to prove it this year.
1. Luis Robert, OF – Chicago White Sox
Robert was born inCiego de Ávila, Cuba. (Getty)
Luis Robert is the ultimate athlete. He’s got an MLB-ready body already and has flat-out dominated at every single level of competitive baseball. He was expected to start the year as a starter for the ChicagoWhite Sox even before the shortened season.
Robert’s raw power is just off the charts. His athleticism and vertical leap make him a pure entertainer in the outfield and his instincts as a hitter will grant him a lot of success in The Big Show. Barring injury, he’s the leading candidate to win the Rookie of the Year award.
