Baseball America releases top 20 rookies for 2015 season
Baseball America has recently unveiled its list of the top 20 rookies for the upcoming 2015 MLB season.
The top 20 rookies heading into the 2015 MLB season have been unveiled. Baseball America, one of the most trusted resources for prospect information, rankings, and projections published their list online on Tuesday. It is available for viewing by clicking the following link.
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Most of the names on said list are not surprising. However, upon review, one will notice the shocking omissions of Minnesota Twins‘ outfielder Byron Buxton (no. 1 prospect on MLB.com), and Houston Astros‘ shortstop Carlos Correa (no. 3 prospect on MLB.com). Neither player is expected to be big league ready until 2016, however, so there is a bit of explanation behind their absences.
Two players that should be spotlighted heading into the upcoming season are Chicago Cubs power hitting third baseman Kris Bryant (no. 1) and Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson (no. 3).
Yes, it is not a revelation at all to single out these two. However, we would be remiss if we did not explain the merits of both in this piece.
Bryant, 23, was taken with the second overall selection in the 2013 MLB first year player draft. Since then, he has been on a tear in the team’s farm system. The 2014 Minor League Player of the Year put up Earth shattering numbers across the AA and AAA levels last season. With 43 home runs, 110 RBI, and a slash line of .325/.438/.661. there is very little doubt that he is ready for the majors.
However, the Cubs are in an interesting position. Should they wait 12 days to call Bryant up to the majors, the ream would retain his rights for an additional year, thus delaying his eventual free agency. However, that time frame could also be the difference between a Chicago playoff birth, and barely missing out on the postseason altogether.
Bryant is not making the decision any easier for the franchise, as he has taken off in spring training. Through nine games, the Cubs top prospect leads all players in home runs (6), slugging percentage (1.304), and is second in OPS (1.804).
Although Pederson does not have the kind of gaudy power metrics that Bryant possess, his all around versatility is comparable to that of Mike Trout, the reigning American League MVP. His 2014 AAA season was a thing of beauty. Armed with a .303/.435/.582 slash, the well rounded CF posted a 33 HR, 30 stolen base campaign, while also drawing 100 walks at the dish.
As of right now, it would appear that manager Don Mattingly and company are impressed with his overall performance in camp, and recently it has been rumored that he is the favorite to make the opening day roster at center field. While the Trout comparisons are no doubt a bit premature, Pederson will still be someone to keep your eye on in 2015.
H/T Baseball America
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