For a while, I've had an idea of putting together a lineup of some of the best players in the world of baseball. This is a new series in which the first entry will be somewhat of a passion of mine: MLB Prospects. These are the best of the best of up-and-coming players in Major League Baseball and what a lineup of them would look like.
Catcher: Adley Rutschman, Orioles organization, 22 years old
As the first overall pick the 2019 MLB Draft, Rutschman's college career at Oregon State was nothing short of outstanding. In his final season he slashed .411/.575/.751 along with 17 HRs and 58 RBIs in 57 games. While the numbers won't look as strong at the next level, Rutschman's can't miss hitting tools and above-average fielding skills will.Having finished the season in Class-A Delmarva, Rutschman has only seen a small taste of pro-ball, but in an Orioles organization with an overall lack of talent everywhere there is a very real possibility that he hits the big leagues within the next two or three years.
Other Considerations: Luis Campusano (Padres), Joey Bart (Giants), Shea Langeliers (Braves), Daulton Varsho (Diamondbacks)
First Baseman: Evan White, Mariners organization, 23 years old
To avid baseball fans, White's name will sound familiar as he just signed a long-term deal, making him the first prospect to do without playing above the AA level. This extension is well-deserved, as he has shown steady improvement and potential ever since being drafted in 2017. Last season in AA Arkansas, he slashed a .293/.350/.488 with 18 HRs and 55 RBIs in 92 games. Although the Mariners are far from a household name, White is the favorite to start the season playing first for the Mariners and could look to have a similar breakout season as Pete Alonso did in 2019. While his hitting still has some developing, he is quick for a first baseman and plays exceptionally well in the field.
Other Considerations: Andrew Vaughn (White Sox), Ryan Mountcastle (Orioles), Lewin Diaz (Marlins)
Second Baseman: Nick Madrigal, White Sox organization, 22 years old
As the best true second baseman prospect, Madrigal's fielding talent and ability to put the ball in play make him one of my favorite prospects in baseball. At only 5'7", he does not possess a lot of raw power but makes up for it by hitting at a high average and getting on base. Over his entire 2019 Minor League season, spent in A+, AA, and AAA, he slashed .311/.377/.414. He only hit 4 home runs but had 55 RBIs. The second baseman role in the bigs currently belongs to Leury Garcia, but I expect Madrigal to compete for that role in spring training and also during the regular season.
Other Considerations: Brendan Rodgers (Rockies), Vidal Brujan (Rays), Nick Solak (Rangers)
Third Baseman: Ke'Bryan Hayes, Pirates organization, 23 years old
As the team with the lowest payroll in baseball, it looks like the Pirates are turning to what is a very solid farm system to provide the stars who will play on the banks of the Allegheny for years to come. Hayes may be the face of the Pirates in the future, as he is the best position player prospect in the entire organization and my favorite third base prospect (of which there are many) in all of baseball. Hayes' game is above-average in every category, and he has still yet to tap into the power potential he has to go along with the best part of his game, which is his glove. He slashed .265/.336/.415 in an AAA season that ended on a high note. Colin Moran is a solid option at the hot corner for the Bucs currently, but Hayes could replace him as soon as some point in 2020.
Other Considerations: Alec Bohm (Phillies), Nolan Jones (Indians), Nolan Gorman (Cardinals), Josh Jung (Rangers), Jonathan India (Reds), Kody Hoese (Dodgers)
Shortstop: Wander Franco, Rays organization, 18 years old
Widely regarded as the best prospect in baseball, 18-year-old stud Wander Franco possesses all the tools to become the next star in St. Petersburg/Montreal/Nashville/Portland or wherever the Rays decide to keep playing baseball in the future. All jokes aside, Franco is a generational talent who has constantly looked like one of the best players in the minors all the way up to A-Advanced. While playing for A-Advanced Charlotte, he slashed .339/.408/.464 in 52 games. Not only is Franco a switch-hitting menace at the plate, but he is an above-average fielder with a strong arm. Although the Rays have a stable full of middle infields already in the bigs (Willy Adames, Joey Wendle, Brandon Lowe) and yet to make their debuts (Vidal Brujan, Xavier Edwards, Greg Jones, Taylor Walls, Lucius Fox), Franco looks like the future of the Rays and a player who has the ability to become a perennial all-star shortstop.
Other Considerations: Gavin Lux (Dodgers), Royce Lewis (Twins), Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals), Nico Hoerner (Cubs)
Outfielders: Jo Adell (Angels, 20), Jarred Kelenic (Mariners, 20), Dylan Carlson (Cardinals, 21)
Let's start off the outfielders with Angels phenom Jo Adell. The Angels already have a strong outfield with MVP Mike Trout and the power-hitting Joc Pederson, and adding Adell at some point in 2020 may make that outfield one of the best the game has to offer. Adell is a five-tool player, with power for days and speed that award him "Anomaly" status if you were creating a player in MLB the Show. At 6'3", he has potential to be a guy who can hit 35 HRs and throw a guy out for trying to stretch out a double. We may see Adell in Anaheim as soon as this season.
Next is one of my favorite prospects in all of baseball, Jarred Kelenic of the Mariners. Not only does he have the ability to hit 20-plus home runs from the left side of the plate, but he also has the speed and instincts to steal 20-plus bases, which he did both of through his 2019 minor league season. Kelenic is still a youngster, but the Mariners have no outfielders who will be much better than him in the future.
Dylan Carlson has maybe the toughest battle to reach the big leagues out of any player on this list, and that has nothing to do with him and purely to do with the talent in front of him in the Cards outfield (Dexter Fowler, Harrison Bader, Tommy Edman, Lane Thomas). However, Carlson has steadily been a guy who Cardinals fans cannot wait to see in St. Louis, as he was the MVP of the AA Texas League and then recorded 26 hits and 5 home runs in 18 games of AAA ball while hitting at a .361 clip. While Carlson may not see the pros this year, he looks like a viable option in the future as long as he can continue this pace.
Other Considerations: Travis Swaggerty (Pirates), Christian Pache (Braves), Drew Waters (Braves), JJ Bleday (Marlins), Jasson Dominguez (Yankees), Taylor Trammell (Padres), Trevor Larnach (Twins)
Designated Hitter: Luis Robert, White Sox organization, 22 years old
Two words come to mind when I think of Luis Robert: Raw Power. While he probably will play in the field once he hits the pros in south side Chicago (likely this year), I would stick him at DH in my theoretical lineup. Not only is he a home-run hitting machine, but he has top-notch speed and also hits for a high average. Robert accomplished the rare feat of 30 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and 300 total bases over the 2019 minor league season. He swings the bat with a vengeance, and his swing reminds me of Jorge Soler, an outfielder who finished third in home runs in 2019. Robert has the potential to be an all-star and with the young core in place in Chicago, they have an opportunity to be a sleeper team over the next decade.
LINEUP.
1. Wander Franco, SS, Rays, S/R
2. Jo Adell, OF, Angels, R/R
3. Luis Robert, DH/OF, White Sox, R/R
4. Adley Rutshman, C, Orioles, S/R
5. Evan White, 1B, Mariners, R/L
6. Dylan Carlson, OF, Cardinals, S/L
7. Ke'Bryan Hayes, 3B, Pirates, R/R
8. Jarred Kelenic, OF, Mariners, L/L
9. Nick Madrigal, 2B, White Sox, R/R
