MLB: 10 prospects ready to play in the big leagues

There are some great shortstop prospects in the Minor Leagues knocking on the door to The Show, and no one may be closer than Francisco Lindor.

Lindor is known mostly for his glove and is one of the most highly regarded defensive prospects in the game today. However, the switch-hitting three-time Futures Gamer has strong upside in terms of hitting for average as well as some surprising pop for his 5-foot-11, 190-pound frame.

Since his debut in 2011, Lindor has compiled a solid .276/.353/.380 slash with 21 home runs, 160 RBI and 248 runs scored in 405 games through June 1. He’s got very good speed as well, and has collected 71 doubles, 17 triples and 89 stolen bases. However, Lindor must improve as a base stealer: he’s been caught 41 times.

Also, the young shortstop has yet to prove himself as a consistent hitter. He started the 2015 season just 9-for-47 (.191), heated up with a 10-for-16 stretch, but hit just .236 in 106 at bats during the month of May. He also hasn’t proven to be a very effective leadoff hitter, having posted a .143/.234/.143 slash in 42 first inning at bats this season (all at the top of the order).

Still just 21 years old, Lindor has regularly been among the youngest players in his league in each of his five professional seasons, so it’s understandable that he would struggle at the plate from time to time. However, he’s got huge upside and should hit well enough to play in the big leagues for a long time.

Lindor jumped out to a great start to the month of June with a 4-for-6 performance in a Monday double-hitter, which included his second home run of the season. And, with Jose Ramirez and his dreadful .188/.256/.250 slash seeing the bulk of the duties at shortstop for the Indians, and with Mike Aviles as the second best option on the current big league roster, it’s time for Francisco Lindor to make his Major League debut.

Next: Miguel Sano