Baseball is loaded with young talent and there seems to be a breakout story every year. A few seasons ago it was Trevor Story (no pun intended), last season it was Aaron Judge, and this season it could very well be one of these guys below. MLB Pipeline just recently released it’s 2018 Prospect Watch, consisting of the best 100 minor league/foreign players being scouted. While it’s obvious that not all of them will debut this season, we are going to see a good amount of them regardless. And so what better way then to go to the very elite of them all and check out baseballs top-five debuting prospects in 2018? Let’s dive in.
1. SHOHEI OHTANI (#1)
Making his debut in America, Japanese megastar Shohei Ohtani will bring a unique two-way talent that we’ve never really seen since the days of Babe Ruth. Signed by the LA Angels of Anaheim, Ohtani will primarily pitch with some occasional weekly DH days. He can hit for power, average, and does it all while swinging a lefty bat. On the mound, Ohtani has a rocket, reaching 102.5 mph last season with the Nippon Ham Fighters (the who??). It’ll be interesting to see if this 23-year old can live up to the hype and maybe bring the Angels back onto the big stage again. Stay tuned, baseball fans. This could be one of those frenzies where it’s fun for everyone.
2. RONALD ACUNA (#2)
The five-tool Ronald Acuna will make his much anticipated MLB debut this season for the Atlanta Braves. Being so raw at age 20, it’s impressive how there aren’t many flaws in his game. Acuna’s got tremendous foot-speed which’ll help both on the paths & in center field, and he has some legit bat speed due to his quick hands. While the Braves are a low win percentage team right now, Acuna will make them somewhat fun to watch again. He can hit for power and if he cuts down on the strikeouts, he has potential to hit for average as well. Acuna also has a very good arm for a corner outfield spot – a rounded player. Expecting him to be one of the new breakout stories wouldn’t be crazy at all.
3. ELOY JIMENEZ (#4)
It’s no surprise that Eloy Jimenez will be seeing the big leagues this season. The Chicago White Sox are rebuilding and Jimenez has an exciting future. While his defense in the outfield is rather average if anything, the bat of this 21-year old holds a high ceiling for both power & consistency. Jimenez contains raw power in due to his quick hands and is relaxed enough at the plate to hit for average. He’s progressed in each season when it comes to plate discipline as well. Defensively, the arm ranks above average, although it’s diminished a bit and the speed of Jimenez sits at 40 on the 20-80 grading scale. He may end up more of a one dimensional guy, but that’s going to be just fine with his brilliant offensive upside.
4. GLEYBER TORRES (#5)
The 21-year old Gleyber Torres was actually supposed to debut for the New York Yankees last season. However, an season-ending injury had him opt for Tommy John and so his debut was delayed until this season. But my is he going to be fun to watch? Torres has been in the Yankees system since mid-2016 when he was traded there from Chicago. He’s got an efficient right-handed bat with potential to knock 15-to-20 homers annually. As a versatile infielder, the Yankees are more than happy to have him fill Starlin Castro’s old spot at second. Torres is a solid defensive player. His arm is very strong but also precise. And although he lacks impressive speed, Torres’ glove and range make up for it. Be ready for another exciting Baby Bomber in New York.
5. VICTOR ROBLES (#6)
Washington Nationals prospect Victor Robles stuns scouts in many ways. He’s a defensive machine with very good offensive skills as well. With off-the-charts athleticism, Robles plays in centerfield and does it fascinatingly well. His arm is one of the best amongst all minor leaguers, his range & glove are incredible, and his quick instincts will give him efficient routes to the ball. Robles also takes advantage of his elite speed – steals, triples, infield hits, and outfield range. As for his power hitting, it’s very underrated. Robles may not be a big-time homerun hitter but he holds double-digit probables and has the ability to hit for average. The 20-year old may or may not start the season in the MLB, but he’ll get there at some point in the year and will be a real fun one to watch.
Note: None of these players are guaranteed to debut this season. It’s more of an ETA.
PHOTO: THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION @ http://www.ajc.com/sports/leadoff-new-prospect-rankings-are-bountiful-for-braves/ShTVZn9qmkzwMof0E5EFKJ/
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