Fansided

One prospect each MLB team should call up

By Joshua Sadlock

Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 10, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Jharel Cotton (45) talks with catcher Stephen Vogt (left) and third basemen Trevor Plouffe (3) against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. The Athletics won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Jharel Cotton (45) talks with catcher Stephen Vogt (left) and third basemen Trevor Plouffe (3) against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. The Athletics won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

Oakland Athletics: Grant Holmes

The Moneyball A’s were built on an outstanding group of young starting pitching. As they cycle through a rebuild, Billy Beane and his front office have another blossoming group of aces led by Jharel Cotton and Sean Manaea. Frankie Montas could join them in the rotation at some point this season if he shows an ability to command his 101-mph heat and stay healthy.

Beane draws sharp criticism for trading Josh Donaldson, but he made some quality trades to bolster the farm system at the trade deadline last season. He got two of the Dodgers’ best pitching prospects for Josh Reddick and Rich Hill. Montas was in that deal, but it is Grant Holmes who is ranked higher in the eyes of talent evaluators.

Holmes throws a heavy two-seam fastball that generates plenty of ground balls. He can also miss bats with the fastball and backs it up with a power curveball that breaks like a hook but is thrown with the velocity of a slider. The fastball and curveball give Holmes two plus offerings, but he needs to improve his changeup and overall command to break through in the big leagues, but he is a top-100 prospect for good reason. Holmes has struck hitters out at every level so far in his career, and a strong full season in the Oakland system should earn him an audition at some point this year.

If not Holmes, the A’s should call up infielder Franklin Barretto. He is blocked by Marcus Semien at shortstop, but Oakland should not be married to Jed Lowrie at second base. Barretto has the potential to make the Donaldson trade much less painful.

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