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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
23 of 30
Next
Nov 8, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller during the MLB general managers meeting at the Omni Scottsdale Resort. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller during the MLB general managers meeting at the Omni Scottsdale Resort. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

San Diego Padres: Anderson Espinoza

The Padres have graduated two of their top prospects, Manuel Margot and Hunter Renfroe — to the big leagues. Both are starting in the outfield this season. The farm system took a hit during A.J. Preller’s grand entrance to San Diego, and is short on MLB-ready talent this year. After blowing his shot at contending in Year One, Preller has done an outstanding job revamping his prospect pool.

Getting Anderson Espinoza for Drew Pomeranz last year could go down as one of the biggest steals in recent MLB history. The best hypothetical comparison for the tiny right-hander is Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez. Sure, that’s a big, big projection, but Espinoza’s 160-pound frame is able to run a fastball up to 100 mph with a biting curveball and a fading changeup. Those are three plus pitches for the 19-year-old pitcher.

Even at 19, Espinoza has good command, walking only 2.6 per nine so far in his short career. Reasonably speaking, calling him up this season would be a huge stretch for the Padres, and they probably will keep him down all season. Espinoza needs to bulk up in order to stand up to the rigors of starting for an entire season. Even if he does not stick as a starter, Espinoza has the raw stuff to dominate the late innings as a reliever. If everything goes better than planned this year, perhaps the Padres will give him a few innings at the end of the year.

Home/MLB