Let me preface by saying, this isn't exactly a list of players that will have the most upside throughout their entire careers. For that, you can visit other information sites like Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus, or MLB Pipeline. I will freely admit, that this may be a more unconventional approach, as I am basically taking what I've learned in basketball and have decided to take that sort of methodology to rating prospects to baseball. It probably won't be perfect, but hopefully you'll deem this a respectable approach when you finish reading what I've crafted together.
So basically, this is a list I created of prospects that can contribute now, and also could project well down the road. I looked at MLB Pipeline's 2019 prospects list from each team, and rated organizational prospects that were ranked that excelled in either AA, AAA, and/or in the majors. Since they excluded players that were from the Japanese or the Korean leagues, I did not include them in this list, since it would probably be hard to find out who amongst them signed with major league teams that would technically be rookies, and they would more or less be international free agents.
So for the prospects that played in leagues that were below AA or did not play at that level in 2019, I did not include them (with the exception of Tampa Bay Rays' shortstop prospect, Wander Franco, who has been considered to be the top prospect in baseball, and other top prospects that were rated in the top 10 by other sites). Therefore, judging by the criteria of readiness and long-term major-league potential benefit, this list will look considerably different from what you're used to. Don't fret if it looks strange, you don't have to worry, the author of this article will not even bother to post it on any other social media means (unless if it for some reason receives tremendous praise from the baseball community, then I would do it as an encore).
Top 100
First thirty players will get write-ups.
1. Luis Robert, OF, Chicago White Sox
2019 (AAA): .297 AVG, 16 HR, 39 RBI, 7 SB, .341 OBP, .634 SLG, .974 OPS
2019 (AA): .314 AVG, 8 HR, 29 RBI, 21 SB, .362 OBP, .518 SLG, .880 OPS
Expected 2020 Level: Majors
Expected Role: Starting Right Fielder
Age: Turns 23 in early August
Luis Robert is a masher who has very good power, and also is a solid baserunner, and he could be the likely Rookie of the Year winner in the American League in 2020. He played very well in both AA and AAA, and he could be due to win the right field job for the Chicago White Sox, as his tremendous ability to mash, combined with his solid ability to hit and run could make him a stellar major league outfielder for years to come.
2. Gavin Lux, SS/2B, Los Angeles Dodgers
2019 (MLB): .240 AVG, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 2 SB, .305 OBP, .400 SLG, .705 OPS
2019 (AAA): .392 AVG, 13 HR, 39 RBI, 3 SB, .478 OBP, .719 SLG, 1.197 OPS
2018 (AA): .313 AVG, 13 HR, 37 RBI, 7 SB, .375 OBP, .521 SLG, .896 OPS
Expected 2020 Level: Majors
Expected Role: Starting Second Basemen
Age: 22
Gavin Lux is a very good hitter that played really well in the minors last year, and also is a good fielder. He possesses above average power, as he was able to hit 28 home runs in three different stops last year. He also received some playing time in the majors, and some fans feel that he could ascend to be one of the best infielders in baseball. He's a strong contender to win the NL Rookie of the Year award, and he could end up being a very good major league player for many years.
3. Dylan Carlson, OF, St. Louis Cardinals
2019 (AAA): .361 AVG, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 2 SB, .418 OBP, .681 SLG, 1.098 OPS
2019 (AA): .281 AVG, 21 HR, 59 RBI, 18 SB, .364 OBP, .518 SLG, .882 OPS
Expected 2020 Level: Majors
Expected Role: Starting Outfielder
Age: 21
Dylan Carlson is a tremendously gifted hitter that had an excellent 2019 season, as he zoomed up the minors by hitting really well in AA and AAA. He might spend the first few months in AAA possibly due to service time, but he also could be the opening day starter in April. He has quickly ascended to be the Cardinals' definitive best prospect, and he may be the best rookie that no one has been talking enough about.
4. Brendan McKay, LHP/DH, Tampa Bay Rays
2019 (MLB as a pitcher): 2-4, 5.14 ERA, 49 IP, 9.7 H9, 1.5 HR9, 2.9 BB, 10.3 K9
2019 (AAA as a pitcher): 3-0, 0.84 ERA, 32 IP, 4.8 H9, 0.3 HR, 2.5 BB9, 11.3 K9
2019 (MLB as a hitter): .200 AVG, 1 HR, 1 RBI, .273 OBP, .500 SLG, .773 OPS
2019 (AAA as a hitter): .239 AVG, 5 HR, 11 RBI, .346 OBP, .493 SLG, .839 OPS
Expected Level: Majors
Expected Role: Starting Pitcher/Part-Time DH
Age: 24
McKay is in the unique position of being a hard-throwing left-handed pitcher that has the stuff to pitch in a rotation or out of the bullpen, and he also is a power hitter that can also line up as the team's DH when he is not on the mound. There have been a growing number of prospects that can both hit and pitch, and he is the latest to come along in this trend. McKay could be a very useful player in both roles, and his versatility has the Rays excited, as he could excel both as a hitter and as a pitcher.
5. Jesus Luzardo, LHP, Oakland A's
2019 (MLB): 0-0, 1.50 ERA, 12 IP, 3.8 H9, 0.8 HR9, 2.3 BB9, 12.0 K9
2019 (AAA): 1-1, 3.19 ERA, 31 IP, 8.4 H9, 0.9 HR9, 2.3 BB9, 9.9 K9
Expected Level: Majors
Expected Role: Bullpen
Age: 22
Luzardo is a left-handed pitcher that boasts having three very good pitches, as he has a strong fastball that can reach the high 90s at its peak, and he also has a solid changeup and curveball. There are concerns about his injury history as he's had Tommy John surgery in the past, but Luzardo could be very effective out of the bullpen, and could potentially transition to be a starter if his manager can effectively manage his arm.
6. Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles
2019 (A-): .325 AVG, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 0 SB, .413 OBP, .481 SLG, .894 OPS
2019 (NCAA): .411 AVG, 17 HR, 58 RBI, 0 SB, .575 OBP, .751 SLG, 1.327 OPS
Expected Level: AA
Expected Role: Starting Catcher
Age: 22
Admittedly, Rutschman being in the top 10 of this list may raise the most eyebrows, as he actually did not reach AA or AAA last year. Still, he was the number one overall pick of the 2019 MLB Draft, and college fans may compare him to Buster Posey, so if he were called up to the majors in 2020, there may be a decent chance that Rutschman could at least fill a backup role. His projection is based more on his upside and the chance that his tremendous production in college could potentially immediately translate to higher levels. Most likely, Rutschman plays well in AA, and the Orioles could zoom him up the ranks, and he might be in Baltimore by September or earlier.
7. Casey Mize, RHP, Detroit Tigers
2019 (AA): 6-3, 3.20 ERA, 78.2 IP, 7.9 H9, 0.6 HR9, 2.1 BB9, 8.7 K9
Expected Level: AAA
Expected Role: Starting Pitcher
Age: Turns 23 in May
Mize was the number one overall pick of the 2018 draft, and he is a starter that boasts having three very solid pitches, as he has a tremendous splitter, as well as a very good fastball and slider offering. He's had durability and injury issues in the past, but he managed to stay relatively healthy in 2019. The Tigers have taken it slow with him, and there's a good chance that they may choose to do so again by starting him off in AAA, but Mize definitely has the talent to zoom up to the majors this year, and he could develop into being a top of the line ace of the staff for the Tigers.
8. Nate Pearson, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays
2019 (AAA): 1-0, 3.00 ERA, 18 IP, 6.0 H9, 1.0 HR9, 1.5 BB9, 7.5 K9
2019 (AA): 1-4, 2.59 ERA, 62.2 IP, 5.9 H9, 0.6 HR9, 3.0 BB9, 9.9 K9
Expected Level: AAA
Expected Role: Starting Pitcher
Age: Turns 24 in August
Pearson is a tall, flame-thrower that can routinely hit triple digits, as he boasts having an electric fastball, but he also has a good slider and curveball, as well as a capable changeup pitch, and he has a very good four-pitch mix that he can use in his arsenal. He's dealt with injuries in the past, but he's shown that he can succeed at the higher levels of the minors, and he could be ready to zoom up to the majors. The Blue Jays could definitely use an arm like that in their bullpen, and Pearson has the stuff to excel as a starter or as a reliever in the majors.
9. Cristian Pache, OF, Atlanta Braves
2019 (AAA): .274 AVG, 1 HR, 8 RBI, .337 OBP, .411 SLG, .747 OPS
2019 (AA): .278 AVG, 11 HR, 53 RBI, 8 SB, .340 OBP, .474 SLG, .815 OPS
Expected Level: AAA
Expected Role: Starting Centerfielder
Age: 21
Pache is a really good defensive outfielder that can also really run, and he also hit well in AA. He'll need to show more pop in his bat, but he has the ability to get Gold Gloves in center field in the future. If he were called up this season, Pache could at the very least be a solid defensive player for the Braves this year, and he could end up being a terrific player for them down the road.
10. Sean Murphy, C, Oakland A's
2019 (MLB): .245 AVG, 4 HR, 8 RBI, .333 OBP, .569 SLG, .899 OPS
2019 (AAA): .308 AVG, 10 HR, 30 RBI, .386 OBP, .625 SLG, 1.011 OPS
Murphy is a solid catcher that defends well, and he also can mash balls over the fence, as he's hit well both in the majors and in AAA, and he projects to be a very good fielder at his position in the majors. Even though he's on the older side for a prospect, his resume suggests that he could be a very good player right away, and at the least could develop into being a solid catcher in the majors.
Expected Level: Majors
Expected Role: Starting Catcher
Age: 25
11, Jarred Kelenic, OF, Seattle Mariners
Solid hitter that played well in AA, and could project into being a very good corner outfielder in the majors.
12. Matt Manning, RHP, Detroit Tigers
Tall, 6-6 righty that has a good three pitch mix and pitched well in AA, and he has a very good fastball and curveball, and he has the talent to be a really good pitcher in the majors.
13. Ryan Mountcastle, 1B, Baltimore Orioles
He is a masher that can hit a lot of home runs, and he hit very well in AAA, but he may be limited to playing at first base. Still, he could project into being a good player right away, and he could be a solid DH for the Orioles at a minimum.
14. Brendan Rodgers, INF, Colorado Rockies
Very good hitter and fielder that played very well in AAA, but struggled when called up to the majors last year. Scouts also have minor concerns about his foot speed, but the more important thing is showing that he can hit big league pitching, but he could be a solid starter if he can do so. Also was the third overall pick of the 2015 draft.
15. Carter Kieboom, SS/2B, Washington Nationals
Solid all-around infielder that played very well in AAA, but really struggled when initially called up to the majors. Will need to bounce back to hit well in the big leagues, but has the talent to be an everyday player if he can do so.
16. Drew Waters, OF, Atlanta Braves
Young, speedy outfielder that defends very well and hit well in AA, but there are concerns about the lack of pop in his bat. Could be a versatile outfielder that could help his team's fielding at the big league level.
17. Mitch Keller, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Power pitcher that has two solid pitches as he has a good fastball and curveball, and he pitched well in AAA, but really struggled initially in the majors. Has a hard fastball and gets plenty of movement on his pitches. Will need to bounce back to show he can hang in the big leagues, but potentially be a solid starter if he can.
18. Evan White, 1B, Seattle Mariners
He is a very good fielding first baseman that hit the ball well in AA, and he also hit 18 homers at that level. His strong defense and ability to hit the ball could allow him to thrive and have a long major league career in the big leagues.
19. Brady Singer, RHP, Kansas City Royals
Tall, righty that pitched well in AA, and boasts having a solid three-pitch mix in which he has a good fastball and slider. He was one of the best draft prospects in 2018 before unexpectedly sliding to being 18th overall. Solid all-around pitcher that will likely start the season in AAA, and has the stuff to be a solid, middle of the rotation pitcher in the majors.
20. Dustin May, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
He's a tall righty that has pitched well wherever he seems to go, and he can start or come out of the bullpen. May has a very good four pitch mix that includes having a solid fastball, curveball, and cutter. He could pitch right away for the Dodgers to help their bullpen, and he also has the stuff to be a starter for them in the majors.
21. Emmanuel Clase, RHP, Cleveland Indians
He pitched really well for the Texas Rangers last year when he was up in the majors, and then was traded along with Delino Deshields to Cleveland for Corey Kluberand cash in a blockbuster trade. Clase is a solid reliever that boasts having an electric fastball, and projects to be a very good bullpen arm in the big leagues. Unfortunately, he recently got injured, and will be shelved for at least several months. He's pitched 23 1/3 very good innings in the big leagues, so there's high hopes that he can continue to pitch well if he can come back fully healthy.
22. Nolan Jones, 3B, Cleveland Indians
Nolan Jones is a good hitter and fielder that hit well in AA, and he will probably start the season in AAA. He has the talent to be an everyday third baseman for the Indians, and while he may spend most of the year in AAA this season, the future is bright for him, as he could end up being a very good player for them down the road.
23. Nick Madrigal, 2B, Chicago White Sox
He is a very good hitter and fielder, and the former 4th overall pick of the 2018 draft hit very well in both AA and AAA. Madrigal split time across three minor league levels, and there may be a fair chance that Chicago may have him repeat the AAA level to prove that he can hit very well there, but when he comes to the majors, Madrigal could be a solid player in the big leagues.
24. Wander Franco, SS, Tampa Bay Rays
Many people have Wander Franco as their top prospect in baseball. He's a terrific talent that in several years could develop into being a very good player in the majors and then be headed towards having a terrific career. Right now though, he's a 19-year old infielder whose highest level he's reached is A+ ball, and he will probably not be in the majors for the 2020 season, as the Rays will probably have him in AA for almost the entire season.
25. Logan Gilbert, RHP, Seattle Mariners
He is a tall righty that boasts having a solid, four-pitch mix, and he also pitched well in AA last season. Most likely, he will probably be in AAA to start the season, but Gilbert has the stuff to excel as a middle of the rotation type of starter for the Mariners down the road.
26. MacKenzie Gore, LHP, San Diego Padres
The talented lefty has a very good, four-pitch mix, and the 3rd overall pick of the 2017 draft is a power pitcher that has pitched fairly well in AA. He will probably be asked to repeat that level as he spent most of last season in A+ ball, and he will need to show better control and command of his stuff. Still, he has strong stuff, and he has the talent to excel in the big leagues someday. And at a minimum, he has the talent to step into a bullpen in the majors if they needed to call upon him this season.
27. Jo Adell, OF, Los Angeles Angels
He's a solid all-around outfielder that can play all three positions, but has dealt with some injuries in his career. He hit well in AA, but struggled offensively in AAA. Most likely, he will be asked to repeat AAA as he will have to show that he can hit tougher pitching, but his strong tools could enable him to carve out a role in the majors in the future.
28. Nick Solak, 2B/OF, Texas Rangers
Solak is a very good hitter that has hit very well in both AAA and in the majors, and he also runs well. Also, according to Baseball-Reference, they still count him as a rookie, so he will be on this list. He had a .894 OPS in AAA, hit 27 homers for two different teams at that level, and he also had an .884 OPS for the Texas Rangers in the majors. Solak is already 25, so there may be a good chance he may be close to reaching his peak, as he could be the classic what you see is what you get sort of player, but he could be one of the best rookies in the majors this year, as he could potentially be the AL's version of Tommy Edman for the 2020 season.
29. Jeter Downs, SS, Boston Red Sox
He's a solid, all-around infielder that hit the ball extremely well in AA albeit in limited at-bats, and he nearly had a 20 homer, 20 stolen bases type of season in A+ ball. Boston may have him repeat AA-ball again, but Downs is a talented player that has a bright future ahead of him.
30. Kyle Lewis, OF, Seattle Mariners
This may be a bit of a surprise that I have Lewis this high, but he's smashed 6 home runs for the Mariners, and he was the 11th overall pick of the 2016 draft where he was rated then to be one of the best in the draft pool, so the talent is there for Lewis. There's a job opening available for him as he will compete to try to be their starting right fielder, and Lewis could be due for a big, breakout season this year.
31. Edwin Rios, 3B/1B/C, Los Angeles Dodgers
32. Domingo Leyba, 2B/SS, Arizona Diamondbacks
33. Jorge Mateo, SS/2B, Oakland A's
34. Kevin Padlo, 3B/1B, Tampa Bay Rays
35. Edward Cabrera, RHP, Miami Marlins
36. Tarik Skubal, LHP, Detroit Tigers
37. Josiah Gray, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
38. Monte Harrison, OF, Miami Marlins
39. Michael Kopech, RHP, Chicago White Sox
40. Sixto Sanchez, RHP, Miami Marlins
41. Austin Hays, OF, Baltimore Orioles
42. Michel Baez, RHP, San Diego Padres
43. Nick Gordon, SS/2B, Minnesota Twins
44. Luis Patino, RHP, San Diego Padres
45. A.J. Puk, LHP, Oakland A's
46. Joey Bart, C, San Francisco Giants
47. Tony Gonsolin, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
48. Randy Arozarena, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
49. Reese McGuire, C, Toronto Blue Jays
50. Sam Hilliard, OF, Colorado Rockies
51. Kevin Cron, 1B/3B, Arizona Diamondbacks
52. Kevin Ginkel, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
53. Jose Urquidy, RHP, Houston Astros
54. Danny Mendick, INF, Chicago White Sox
55. Andy Young, INF, Arizona Diamondbacks
56. Brent Rooker, OF/1B, Minnesota Twins
57. Jake Cronenworth, SS/RHP, San Diego Padres
58. Justin Dunn, RHP, Seattle Mariners
61. Brusdar Graterol, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
62. Daulton Varsho, C, Arizona Diamondbacks
63. Jazz Chisholm, SS, Miami Marlins
64. Mauricio Dubon, SS/2B, San Francisco Giants
65. Abraham Toro, 3B/2B, Houston Astros
66. Junior Fernandez, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals
67. Logan Webb, RHP, San Francisco Giants
68. Edmundo Sosa, SS/2B/3B, St. Louis Cardinals
69. James Karinchak, RHP, Cleveland Indians
70. Jose De Leon, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
71. Jonah Heim, C, Oakland A's
72. Cristian Javier, RHP, Houston Astros
73. Daniel Johnson, OF, Cleveland Indians
74. Bobby Dalbec, 3B/1B, Boston Red Sox
75. Rylan Bannon, 2B/3B, Baltimore Orioles
76. Luis Barrera, OF, Oakland A's
77. Zac Lowther, LHP, Baltimore Orioles
78. Cory Abbott, RHP, Chicago Cubs
79. Tyler Ivey, RHP, Houston Astros
80. Steven Fuentes, RHP, Washington Nationals
81. Kody Whitley, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals
82. Deivi Garcia, RHP, New York Yankees
83. Triston Casas, 1B/3B, Boston Red Sox
87. Bryan Abreu, RHP, Houston Astros
88. Nick Nelson, RHP, New York Yankees
91. Nico Hoerner, SS, Chicago Cubs
92. Robel Garcia, 3B/2B, Chicago Cubs
93. Yonathan Daza, OF, Colorado Rockies
94. Alex Kirilloff, OF/1B, Minnesota Twins
95. Spencer Howard, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies
96. Jonathan India, 3B, Cincinnati Reds
97. Hunter Greene, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
98. Sheldon Neuse, C, Oakland A's
99. Andrew Knizner, C, St. Louis Cardinals
100. Joel Kuhnel, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
So in total, there was a tally of 5 players from Arizona, 2 from Atlanta, 6 from Baltimore, 3 from Boston, 3 from the Cubs, 4 from the White Sox, 4 from Cincinnati, 5 from Cleveland, 3 from Colorado, 3 from Detroit, 5 from Houston, 2 from Kansas City, 2 from the Angels, 6 from the Dodgers, 4 from Miami, 3 from Minnesota, 1 from the Mets, 2 from the Yankees, 7 from Oakland, 2 from Philadelphia, 2 from Pittsburgh, 4 from San Diego, 5 from Seattle, 3 from San Francisco, 5 from St. Louis, 4 from Tampa Bay, 1 from Texas, 2 from Toronto, and 2 from Washington's organization that are on this list.
Every team except Milwaukee was represented on this list. On my list, Baltimore and the Los Angeles Dodgers had the most prospects in the prospect readiness for the majors list, and Milwaukee had the fewest players on this list.
On MLB Pipeline's top 100, Miami and Tampa Bay had the most prospects on their list, and the Los Angeles Angels and the Milwaukee Brewers had the fewest players on their list.
Overall, here is my 2020 Organizational System Rankings:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2. Tampa Bay Rays
7. Oakland A's
8. San Diego Padres
9. Chicago White Sox
10. St. Louis Cardinals
11. Cleveland Indians
12. Atlanta Braves
13. Detroit Tigers
14. Minnesota Twins
15. San Francisco Giants
16. Cincinnati Reds
17. Houston Astros
18. Pittsburgh Pirates
19. Kansas City Royals
20. New York Yankees
21. Philadelphia Phillies
22. Colorado Rockies
23. Chicago Cubs
24. Boston Red Sox
25. Texas Rangers
26. New York Mets
27. Toronto Blue Jays
28. Washington Nationals
30. Milwaukee Brewers
The above list was compiled by totaling up the number of prospects on my list, and on the 2019 MLB Pipeline list at the end of that season, and averaging the two to see who had the most, and tie-breakers were awarded to teams with the better long-term prospects, or in this case, players who rated higher on MLB Pipeline's list. The second tie-breaker was which teams had players that tended to rank higher on that particular list. Therefore, this method serves as a way to gauge which teams have the best prospects for both now and for the future.
2020 Rookie of the Year Predictions:
AL Rookie of the Year: Luis Robert, RF, Chicago White Sox
NL Rookie of the Year: Gavin Lux, 2B, Los Angeles Dodgers, as I'm predicting him to barely edge out Dylan Carlson in a close, entertaining and fun rookie of the year race.
Thanks for reading this list. I'm sure you're probably wondering about a few other players, so you may have some......
Other Questions:
Why not.........?
Bobby Witt Jr., Royce Lewis, Alek Thomas, Vidal Brujan, Nolan Gorman, Matthew Liberatore, Miguel Amaya, or Seth Beer?
They're really good long-term prospects, and those guys could be really solid major leaguers in 2023, but they're too far away from the majors right now, and those players project to spend all of the 2020 season in the minors this season. As for trade value, a player like Bobby Witt Jr. packaged in a deal may be more likely to help a team be closer to trade for Nolan Arenado than a player like Reese McGuire, but in terms of major-league readiness, McGuire is more likely to be able to help a major-league team specifically for the 2020 season, as where Witt clearly would have a lot more long-term potential for the future.
Keep in mind this does NOT take trade value into account. If it did, a lot of the prospects that played in A+ ball or lower that were ranked higher by other sites would've been much higher on this list, but aren't nearly as high here due to their lack of readiness for the 2020 MLB season. Also, I don't really watch minor league baseball, so I'm relying on statistics and info from MLB pipeline to rate these players accordingly.
As for trade value purposes, I'm fairly certain that the lists of Baseball America, MLB Pipeline, and Baseball Prospectus would likely be better towards gauging actual trade interest and trade value from MLB teams. Anyways, hope you liked reading the top 100 most ready players for the majors (that were also ranked in the 2019 MLB Pipeline organizational rankings), and thank you for reading.
If you liked this article, you can follow me on Twitter at @AlanLuSTL.
So basically, this is a list I created of prospects that can contribute now, and also could project well down the road. I looked at MLB Pipeline's 2019 prospects list from each team, and rated organizational prospects that were ranked that excelled in either AA, AAA, and/or in the majors. Since they excluded players that were from the Japanese or the Korean leagues, I did not include them in this list, since it would probably be hard to find out who amongst them signed with major league teams that would technically be rookies, and they would more or less be international free agents.
So for the prospects that played in leagues that were below AA or did not play at that level in 2019, I did not include them (with the exception of Tampa Bay Rays' shortstop prospect, Wander Franco, who has been considered to be the top prospect in baseball, and other top prospects that were rated in the top 10 by other sites). Therefore, judging by the criteria of readiness and long-term major-league potential benefit, this list will look considerably different from what you're used to. Don't fret if it looks strange, you don't have to worry, the author of this article will not even bother to post it on any other social media means (unless if it for some reason receives tremendous praise from the baseball community, then I would do it as an encore).
Top 100
First thirty players will get write-ups.
 |
| Luis Robert has a strong likelihood to have a very good 2020 MLB season for the Chicago White Sox. (Photo: Off The Bench, via James Weisser's article.) |
1. Luis Robert, OF, Chicago White Sox
2019 (AAA): .297 AVG, 16 HR, 39 RBI, 7 SB, .341 OBP, .634 SLG, .974 OPS
2019 (AA): .314 AVG, 8 HR, 29 RBI, 21 SB, .362 OBP, .518 SLG, .880 OPS
Expected 2020 Level: Majors
Expected Role: Starting Right Fielder
Age: Turns 23 in early August
Luis Robert is a masher who has very good power, and also is a solid baserunner, and he could be the likely Rookie of the Year winner in the American League in 2020. He played very well in both AA and AAA, and he could be due to win the right field job for the Chicago White Sox, as his tremendous ability to mash, combined with his solid ability to hit and run could make him a stellar major league outfielder for years to come.
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| Dodgers' middle infielder, Gavin Lux, could be primed for a big season in 2020. (Photo: Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press, via The OC Register.) |
2019 (MLB): .240 AVG, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 2 SB, .305 OBP, .400 SLG, .705 OPS
2019 (AAA): .392 AVG, 13 HR, 39 RBI, 3 SB, .478 OBP, .719 SLG, 1.197 OPS
2018 (AA): .313 AVG, 13 HR, 37 RBI, 7 SB, .375 OBP, .521 SLG, .896 OPS
Expected 2020 Level: Majors
Expected Role: Starting Second Basemen
Age: 22
Gavin Lux is a very good hitter that played really well in the minors last year, and also is a good fielder. He possesses above average power, as he was able to hit 28 home runs in three different stops last year. He also received some playing time in the majors, and some fans feel that he could ascend to be one of the best infielders in baseball. He's a strong contender to win the NL Rookie of the Year award, and he could end up being a very good major league player for many years.
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| Dylan Carlson could be due for a breakout season in the majors in 2020. (Photo: Frank Ramirez/The Cardinal Nation.) |
3. Dylan Carlson, OF, St. Louis Cardinals
2019 (AAA): .361 AVG, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 2 SB, .418 OBP, .681 SLG, 1.098 OPS
2019 (AA): .281 AVG, 21 HR, 59 RBI, 18 SB, .364 OBP, .518 SLG, .882 OPS
Expected 2020 Level: Majors
Expected Role: Starting Outfielder
Age: 21
Dylan Carlson is a tremendously gifted hitter that had an excellent 2019 season, as he zoomed up the minors by hitting really well in AA and AAA. He might spend the first few months in AAA possibly due to service time, but he also could be the opening day starter in April. He has quickly ascended to be the Cardinals' definitive best prospect, and he may be the best rookie that no one has been talking enough about.
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| Brendan McKay pitches and he hits, in 2020, he could do just about everything for the Rays. (Photo: Nick Wass/The Associated Press, via Spectrum News.) |
4. Brendan McKay, LHP/DH, Tampa Bay Rays
2019 (MLB as a pitcher): 2-4, 5.14 ERA, 49 IP, 9.7 H9, 1.5 HR9, 2.9 BB, 10.3 K9
2019 (AAA as a pitcher): 3-0, 0.84 ERA, 32 IP, 4.8 H9, 0.3 HR, 2.5 BB9, 11.3 K9
2019 (MLB as a hitter): .200 AVG, 1 HR, 1 RBI, .273 OBP, .500 SLG, .773 OPS
2019 (AAA as a hitter): .239 AVG, 5 HR, 11 RBI, .346 OBP, .493 SLG, .839 OPS
Expected Level: Majors
Expected Role: Starting Pitcher/Part-Time DH
Age: 24
McKay is in the unique position of being a hard-throwing left-handed pitcher that has the stuff to pitch in a rotation or out of the bullpen, and he also is a power hitter that can also line up as the team's DH when he is not on the mound. There have been a growing number of prospects that can both hit and pitch, and he is the latest to come along in this trend. McKay could be a very useful player in both roles, and his versatility has the Rays excited, as he could excel both as a hitter and as a pitcher.
5. Jesus Luzardo, LHP, Oakland A's
2019 (MLB): 0-0, 1.50 ERA, 12 IP, 3.8 H9, 0.8 HR9, 2.3 BB9, 12.0 K9
2019 (AAA): 1-1, 3.19 ERA, 31 IP, 8.4 H9, 0.9 HR9, 2.3 BB9, 9.9 K9
Expected Level: Majors
Expected Role: Bullpen
Age: 22
Luzardo is a left-handed pitcher that boasts having three very good pitches, as he has a strong fastball that can reach the high 90s at its peak, and he also has a solid changeup and curveball. There are concerns about his injury history as he's had Tommy John surgery in the past, but Luzardo could be very effective out of the bullpen, and could potentially transition to be a starter if his manager can effectively manage his arm.
6. Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles
2019 (A-): .325 AVG, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 0 SB, .413 OBP, .481 SLG, .894 OPS
2019 (NCAA): .411 AVG, 17 HR, 58 RBI, 0 SB, .575 OBP, .751 SLG, 1.327 OPS
Expected Level: AA
Expected Role: Starting Catcher
Age: 22
Admittedly, Rutschman being in the top 10 of this list may raise the most eyebrows, as he actually did not reach AA or AAA last year. Still, he was the number one overall pick of the 2019 MLB Draft, and college fans may compare him to Buster Posey, so if he were called up to the majors in 2020, there may be a decent chance that Rutschman could at least fill a backup role. His projection is based more on his upside and the chance that his tremendous production in college could potentially immediately translate to higher levels. Most likely, Rutschman plays well in AA, and the Orioles could zoom him up the ranks, and he might be in Baltimore by September or earlier.
7. Casey Mize, RHP, Detroit Tigers
2019 (AA): 6-3, 3.20 ERA, 78.2 IP, 7.9 H9, 0.6 HR9, 2.1 BB9, 8.7 K9
Expected Level: AAA
Expected Role: Starting Pitcher
Age: Turns 23 in May
Mize was the number one overall pick of the 2018 draft, and he is a starter that boasts having three very solid pitches, as he has a tremendous splitter, as well as a very good fastball and slider offering. He's had durability and injury issues in the past, but he managed to stay relatively healthy in 2019. The Tigers have taken it slow with him, and there's a good chance that they may choose to do so again by starting him off in AAA, but Mize definitely has the talent to zoom up to the majors this year, and he could develop into being a top of the line ace of the staff for the Tigers.
8. Nate Pearson, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays
2019 (AAA): 1-0, 3.00 ERA, 18 IP, 6.0 H9, 1.0 HR9, 1.5 BB9, 7.5 K9
2019 (AA): 1-4, 2.59 ERA, 62.2 IP, 5.9 H9, 0.6 HR9, 3.0 BB9, 9.9 K9
Expected Level: AAA
Expected Role: Starting Pitcher
Age: Turns 24 in August
Pearson is a tall, flame-thrower that can routinely hit triple digits, as he boasts having an electric fastball, but he also has a good slider and curveball, as well as a capable changeup pitch, and he has a very good four-pitch mix that he can use in his arsenal. He's dealt with injuries in the past, but he's shown that he can succeed at the higher levels of the minors, and he could be ready to zoom up to the majors. The Blue Jays could definitely use an arm like that in their bullpen, and Pearson has the stuff to excel as a starter or as a reliever in the majors.
9. Cristian Pache, OF, Atlanta Braves
2019 (AAA): .274 AVG, 1 HR, 8 RBI, .337 OBP, .411 SLG, .747 OPS
2019 (AA): .278 AVG, 11 HR, 53 RBI, 8 SB, .340 OBP, .474 SLG, .815 OPS
Expected Level: AAA
Expected Role: Starting Centerfielder
Age: 21
Pache is a really good defensive outfielder that can also really run, and he also hit well in AA. He'll need to show more pop in his bat, but he has the ability to get Gold Gloves in center field in the future. If he were called up this season, Pache could at the very least be a solid defensive player for the Braves this year, and he could end up being a terrific player for them down the road.
10. Sean Murphy, C, Oakland A's
2019 (MLB): .245 AVG, 4 HR, 8 RBI, .333 OBP, .569 SLG, .899 OPS
2019 (AAA): .308 AVG, 10 HR, 30 RBI, .386 OBP, .625 SLG, 1.011 OPS
Murphy is a solid catcher that defends well, and he also can mash balls over the fence, as he's hit well both in the majors and in AAA, and he projects to be a very good fielder at his position in the majors. Even though he's on the older side for a prospect, his resume suggests that he could be a very good player right away, and at the least could develop into being a solid catcher in the majors.
Expected Level: Majors
Expected Role: Starting Catcher
Age: 25
11, Jarred Kelenic, OF, Seattle Mariners
Solid hitter that played well in AA, and could project into being a very good corner outfielder in the majors.
12. Matt Manning, RHP, Detroit Tigers
Tall, 6-6 righty that has a good three pitch mix and pitched well in AA, and he has a very good fastball and curveball, and he has the talent to be a really good pitcher in the majors.
13. Ryan Mountcastle, 1B, Baltimore Orioles
He is a masher that can hit a lot of home runs, and he hit very well in AAA, but he may be limited to playing at first base. Still, he could project into being a good player right away, and he could be a solid DH for the Orioles at a minimum.
14. Brendan Rodgers, INF, Colorado Rockies
Very good hitter and fielder that played very well in AAA, but struggled when called up to the majors last year. Scouts also have minor concerns about his foot speed, but the more important thing is showing that he can hit big league pitching, but he could be a solid starter if he can do so. Also was the third overall pick of the 2015 draft.
15. Carter Kieboom, SS/2B, Washington Nationals
Solid all-around infielder that played very well in AAA, but really struggled when initially called up to the majors. Will need to bounce back to hit well in the big leagues, but has the talent to be an everyday player if he can do so.
16. Drew Waters, OF, Atlanta Braves
Young, speedy outfielder that defends very well and hit well in AA, but there are concerns about the lack of pop in his bat. Could be a versatile outfielder that could help his team's fielding at the big league level.
17. Mitch Keller, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Power pitcher that has two solid pitches as he has a good fastball and curveball, and he pitched well in AAA, but really struggled initially in the majors. Has a hard fastball and gets plenty of movement on his pitches. Will need to bounce back to show he can hang in the big leagues, but potentially be a solid starter if he can.
18. Evan White, 1B, Seattle Mariners
He is a very good fielding first baseman that hit the ball well in AA, and he also hit 18 homers at that level. His strong defense and ability to hit the ball could allow him to thrive and have a long major league career in the big leagues.
Tall, righty that pitched well in AA, and boasts having a solid three-pitch mix in which he has a good fastball and slider. He was one of the best draft prospects in 2018 before unexpectedly sliding to being 18th overall. Solid all-around pitcher that will likely start the season in AAA, and has the stuff to be a solid, middle of the rotation pitcher in the majors.
20. Dustin May, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
He's a tall righty that has pitched well wherever he seems to go, and he can start or come out of the bullpen. May has a very good four pitch mix that includes having a solid fastball, curveball, and cutter. He could pitch right away for the Dodgers to help their bullpen, and he also has the stuff to be a starter for them in the majors.
21. Emmanuel Clase, RHP, Cleveland Indians
He pitched really well for the Texas Rangers last year when he was up in the majors, and then was traded along with Delino Deshields to Cleveland for Corey Kluberand cash in a blockbuster trade. Clase is a solid reliever that boasts having an electric fastball, and projects to be a very good bullpen arm in the big leagues. Unfortunately, he recently got injured, and will be shelved for at least several months. He's pitched 23 1/3 very good innings in the big leagues, so there's high hopes that he can continue to pitch well if he can come back fully healthy.
22. Nolan Jones, 3B, Cleveland Indians
Nolan Jones is a good hitter and fielder that hit well in AA, and he will probably start the season in AAA. He has the talent to be an everyday third baseman for the Indians, and while he may spend most of the year in AAA this season, the future is bright for him, as he could end up being a very good player for them down the road.
23. Nick Madrigal, 2B, Chicago White Sox
He is a very good hitter and fielder, and the former 4th overall pick of the 2018 draft hit very well in both AA and AAA. Madrigal split time across three minor league levels, and there may be a fair chance that Chicago may have him repeat the AAA level to prove that he can hit very well there, but when he comes to the majors, Madrigal could be a solid player in the big leagues.
24. Wander Franco, SS, Tampa Bay Rays
Many people have Wander Franco as their top prospect in baseball. He's a terrific talent that in several years could develop into being a very good player in the majors and then be headed towards having a terrific career. Right now though, he's a 19-year old infielder whose highest level he's reached is A+ ball, and he will probably not be in the majors for the 2020 season, as the Rays will probably have him in AA for almost the entire season.
25. Logan Gilbert, RHP, Seattle Mariners
He is a tall righty that boasts having a solid, four-pitch mix, and he also pitched well in AA last season. Most likely, he will probably be in AAA to start the season, but Gilbert has the stuff to excel as a middle of the rotation type of starter for the Mariners down the road.
26. MacKenzie Gore, LHP, San Diego Padres
The talented lefty has a very good, four-pitch mix, and the 3rd overall pick of the 2017 draft is a power pitcher that has pitched fairly well in AA. He will probably be asked to repeat that level as he spent most of last season in A+ ball, and he will need to show better control and command of his stuff. Still, he has strong stuff, and he has the talent to excel in the big leagues someday. And at a minimum, he has the talent to step into a bullpen in the majors if they needed to call upon him this season.
27. Jo Adell, OF, Los Angeles Angels
He's a solid all-around outfielder that can play all three positions, but has dealt with some injuries in his career. He hit well in AA, but struggled offensively in AAA. Most likely, he will be asked to repeat AAA as he will have to show that he can hit tougher pitching, but his strong tools could enable him to carve out a role in the majors in the future.
28. Nick Solak, 2B/OF, Texas Rangers
Solak is a very good hitter that has hit very well in both AAA and in the majors, and he also runs well. Also, according to Baseball-Reference, they still count him as a rookie, so he will be on this list. He had a .894 OPS in AAA, hit 27 homers for two different teams at that level, and he also had an .884 OPS for the Texas Rangers in the majors. Solak is already 25, so there may be a good chance he may be close to reaching his peak, as he could be the classic what you see is what you get sort of player, but he could be one of the best rookies in the majors this year, as he could potentially be the AL's version of Tommy Edman for the 2020 season.
29. Jeter Downs, SS, Boston Red Sox
He's a solid, all-around infielder that hit the ball extremely well in AA albeit in limited at-bats, and he nearly had a 20 homer, 20 stolen bases type of season in A+ ball. Boston may have him repeat AA-ball again, but Downs is a talented player that has a bright future ahead of him.
 |
| I'm going out on a limb to say that Kyle Lewis will have a good season in the majors in 2020, as he has the talent to be a 25-30 home run hitter this year. (Photo: Gene J. Puskar/The Associated Press, via The Seattle Times.) |
30. Kyle Lewis, OF, Seattle Mariners
This may be a bit of a surprise that I have Lewis this high, but he's smashed 6 home runs for the Mariners, and he was the 11th overall pick of the 2016 draft where he was rated then to be one of the best in the draft pool, so the talent is there for Lewis. There's a job opening available for him as he will compete to try to be their starting right fielder, and Lewis could be due for a big, breakout season this year.
31. Edwin Rios, 3B/1B/C, Los Angeles Dodgers
32. Domingo Leyba, 2B/SS, Arizona Diamondbacks
33. Jorge Mateo, SS/2B, Oakland A's
34. Kevin Padlo, 3B/1B, Tampa Bay Rays
35. Edward Cabrera, RHP, Miami Marlins
36. Tarik Skubal, LHP, Detroit Tigers
37. Josiah Gray, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
38. Monte Harrison, OF, Miami Marlins
39. Michael Kopech, RHP, Chicago White Sox
40. Sixto Sanchez, RHP, Miami Marlins
41. Austin Hays, OF, Baltimore Orioles
42. Michel Baez, RHP, San Diego Padres
43. Nick Gordon, SS/2B, Minnesota Twins
44. Luis Patino, RHP, San Diego Padres
45. A.J. Puk, LHP, Oakland A's
46. Joey Bart, C, San Francisco Giants
47. Tony Gonsolin, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
48. Randy Arozarena, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
49. Reese McGuire, C, Toronto Blue Jays
50. Sam Hilliard, OF, Colorado Rockies
51. Kevin Cron, 1B/3B, Arizona Diamondbacks
52. Kevin Ginkel, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
53. Jose Urquidy, RHP, Houston Astros
54. Danny Mendick, INF, Chicago White Sox
55. Andy Young, INF, Arizona Diamondbacks
56. Brent Rooker, OF/1B, Minnesota Twins
57. Jake Cronenworth, SS/RHP, San Diego Padres
58. Justin Dunn, RHP, Seattle Mariners
59. Ke'Bryan Hayes, 3B, Pittsburgh Pirates
60. Triston McKenzie, RHP, Cleveland Indians61. Brusdar Graterol, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
62. Daulton Varsho, C, Arizona Diamondbacks
63. Jazz Chisholm, SS, Miami Marlins
64. Mauricio Dubon, SS/2B, San Francisco Giants
65. Abraham Toro, 3B/2B, Houston Astros
66. Junior Fernandez, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals
67. Logan Webb, RHP, San Francisco Giants
68. Edmundo Sosa, SS/2B/3B, St. Louis Cardinals
69. James Karinchak, RHP, Cleveland Indians
70. Jose De Leon, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
71. Jonah Heim, C, Oakland A's
72. Cristian Javier, RHP, Houston Astros
73. Daniel Johnson, OF, Cleveland Indians
74. Bobby Dalbec, 3B/1B, Boston Red Sox
75. Rylan Bannon, 2B/3B, Baltimore Orioles
76. Luis Barrera, OF, Oakland A's
77. Zac Lowther, LHP, Baltimore Orioles
78. Cory Abbott, RHP, Chicago Cubs
79. Tyler Ivey, RHP, Houston Astros
80. Steven Fuentes, RHP, Washington Nationals
81. Kody Whitley, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals
82. Deivi Garcia, RHP, New York Yankees
83. Triston Casas, 1B/3B, Boston Red Sox
84. Andres Gimenez, SS, New York Mets
85. Brandon Marsh, OF, Los Angeles Angels
86. Jackson Kowar, RHP, Kansas City Royals87. Bryan Abreu, RHP, Houston Astros
88. Nick Nelson, RHP, New York Yankees
89. Alec Bohm, 3B/1B, Philadelphia Phillies
90. Grayson Rodriguez, RHP, Baltimore Orioles91. Nico Hoerner, SS, Chicago Cubs
92. Robel Garcia, 3B/2B, Chicago Cubs
93. Yonathan Daza, OF, Colorado Rockies
94. Alex Kirilloff, OF/1B, Minnesota Twins
95. Spencer Howard, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies
96. Jonathan India, 3B, Cincinnati Reds
97. Hunter Greene, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
98. Sheldon Neuse, C, Oakland A's
99. Andrew Knizner, C, St. Louis Cardinals
100. Joel Kuhnel, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
So in total, there was a tally of 5 players from Arizona, 2 from Atlanta, 6 from Baltimore, 3 from Boston, 3 from the Cubs, 4 from the White Sox, 4 from Cincinnati, 5 from Cleveland, 3 from Colorado, 3 from Detroit, 5 from Houston, 2 from Kansas City, 2 from the Angels, 6 from the Dodgers, 4 from Miami, 3 from Minnesota, 1 from the Mets, 2 from the Yankees, 7 from Oakland, 2 from Philadelphia, 2 from Pittsburgh, 4 from San Diego, 5 from Seattle, 3 from San Francisco, 5 from St. Louis, 4 from Tampa Bay, 1 from Texas, 2 from Toronto, and 2 from Washington's organization that are on this list.
Every team except Milwaukee was represented on this list. On my list, Baltimore and the Los Angeles Dodgers had the most prospects in the prospect readiness for the majors list, and Milwaukee had the fewest players on this list.
On MLB Pipeline's top 100, Miami and Tampa Bay had the most prospects on their list, and the Los Angeles Angels and the Milwaukee Brewers had the fewest players on their list.
Overall, here is my 2020 Organizational System Rankings:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2. Tampa Bay Rays
3. Miami Marlins
4. Seattle Mariners
5. Arizona Diamondbacks
6. Baltimore Orioles7. Oakland A's
8. San Diego Padres
9. Chicago White Sox
10. St. Louis Cardinals
11. Cleveland Indians
12. Atlanta Braves
13. Detroit Tigers
14. Minnesota Twins
15. San Francisco Giants
16. Cincinnati Reds
17. Houston Astros
18. Pittsburgh Pirates
19. Kansas City Royals
20. New York Yankees
21. Philadelphia Phillies
22. Colorado Rockies
23. Chicago Cubs
24. Boston Red Sox
25. Texas Rangers
26. New York Mets
27. Toronto Blue Jays
28. Washington Nationals
30. Milwaukee Brewers
The above list was compiled by totaling up the number of prospects on my list, and on the 2019 MLB Pipeline list at the end of that season, and averaging the two to see who had the most, and tie-breakers were awarded to teams with the better long-term prospects, or in this case, players who rated higher on MLB Pipeline's list. The second tie-breaker was which teams had players that tended to rank higher on that particular list. Therefore, this method serves as a way to gauge which teams have the best prospects for both now and for the future.
2020 Rookie of the Year Predictions:
AL Rookie of the Year: Luis Robert, RF, Chicago White Sox
NL Rookie of the Year: Gavin Lux, 2B, Los Angeles Dodgers, as I'm predicting him to barely edge out Dylan Carlson in a close, entertaining and fun rookie of the year race.
Thanks for reading this list. I'm sure you're probably wondering about a few other players, so you may have some......
Other Questions:
Why not.........?
Bobby Witt Jr., Royce Lewis, Alek Thomas, Vidal Brujan, Nolan Gorman, Matthew Liberatore, Miguel Amaya, or Seth Beer?
They're really good long-term prospects, and those guys could be really solid major leaguers in 2023, but they're too far away from the majors right now, and those players project to spend all of the 2020 season in the minors this season. As for trade value, a player like Bobby Witt Jr. packaged in a deal may be more likely to help a team be closer to trade for Nolan Arenado than a player like Reese McGuire, but in terms of major-league readiness, McGuire is more likely to be able to help a major-league team specifically for the 2020 season, as where Witt clearly would have a lot more long-term potential for the future.
Keep in mind this does NOT take trade value into account. If it did, a lot of the prospects that played in A+ ball or lower that were ranked higher by other sites would've been much higher on this list, but aren't nearly as high here due to their lack of readiness for the 2020 MLB season. Also, I don't really watch minor league baseball, so I'm relying on statistics and info from MLB pipeline to rate these players accordingly.
As for trade value purposes, I'm fairly certain that the lists of Baseball America, MLB Pipeline, and Baseball Prospectus would likely be better towards gauging actual trade interest and trade value from MLB teams. Anyways, hope you liked reading the top 100 most ready players for the majors (that were also ranked in the 2019 MLB Pipeline organizational rankings), and thank you for reading.
If you liked this article, you can follow me on Twitter at @AlanLuSTL.
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