Top 10 MLB rookies expected to be on Opening Day rosters

2. Byron Buxton, OF, Minnesota Twins

Once considered easily the top prospect in all of baseball, Buxton is finally going to get a chance to show what he can do over a full season. Buxton will at the very least be the most entertaining rookie to watch, and could put up monster numbers across the board if he puts everything together.

Buxton was called up to Minnesota last June, leading to great excitement for a young team that unexpectedly found itself in a playoff race. His initial stint went far worse than anyone could have imagined, as Buxton hit .209/.250/.326 over 138 plate appearances according to FanGraphs.

However, it’s nowhere near time to give up on Buxton yet. Buxton is still just 22 years old, and a series of freak injuries caused him to not have a lot of professional experience by the time he was called up to the Majors.

Expect Buxton’s second go-around with the Twins to go much better, as he offers an impressive skill set. Buxton has the tools to be at least above-average across the board, and scouts have been particularly impressed with his hit tool and elite speed. There’s also some raw power, although Buxton has yet to show that much in actual games.

Buxton’s spot on the Opening Day roster is not guaranteed, although the Twins don’t really have anybody else to stick in center field and have been pleased overall by his progress this spring.  As Buxton is already an outstanding fielder, he has a very high floor as a rookie, and will be a terrific player for years to come if the bat is able to come around.

Next: 1. Corey Seager, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers