Top 25 MLB prospects that need to be called up right now

Mar 11, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Dansby Swanson (80) tosses the ball to first base for an out against the St. Louis Cardinals during the game at Roger Dean StadiumThe Cardinals defeated the Braves 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 29, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jeff Hoffman (74) poses for photo day at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Jeff Hoffman, Colorado Rockies

The Rockies mostly have to groom their own pitchers as their hitter-friendly ball park puts off a lot of hurlers from signing. So having an exciting young pitching option in the system is perhaps even more of a bonus for the Rockies than any other club. And the start Jeff Hoffman is off to could land him in the majors in short order.

In just his second year in the Colorado system, Hoffman already finds himself at the Triple A level. Over eight starts, he carries a 2.45 ERA to go along with 42 strikeouts in 47.2 innings. He was a major part of the deal that sent Troy Tulowitzki to Toronto, and for good reason. Through six starts, his ERA was south of 2.00, which is an especially impressive effort considering the Pacific Coast League is traditionally offense-leaning.

The Rockies perennial struggles off the mound have not stopped them from getting off to a solid start, as they currently hover around second place in the NL West. However, their team ERA is still in the bottom three in the NL, and their starter’s average ERA sits at 5.22. The addition of Hoffman alone certainly wouldn’t fix this issue, but he would improve the talent on their staff.

Next: #9: Willson Contreras

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