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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Mar 5, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds left fielder Jesse Winker (76) is hit by a pitch in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds left fielder Jesse Winker (76) is hit by a pitch in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Cincinnati Reds: Jesse Winker

The Reds have one corner spot in the outfield locked down with Adam Duvall, one of the best breakout stories of the 2016 season. Duvall should be given every opportunity to show last season was not a fluke. It is time to find a running mate for him in the other corner, and top prospect Jesse Winker has the tools to be a big-time hitter in the big leagues.

Winker was a first-round pick in 2012 out of high school, and has hit at every level of his six-year career so far. He has a career line of .296/.399/.454. Winker has walked nearly as many times as he has struck out in his career. That type of approach at the plate is impossible to teach to young hitters, but it comes naturally for this prospect.

Power will continue to develop for Winker as he fills out his 6-foot-3 frame. He has hit over 20 doubles in each of the past three seasons, but only hit three homers in 106 games at Triple-A last year. Great American Ballpark will help goose out a few more home runs from Winker’s bat, especially if he can leave his wrist issues in the past. With patience at the plate and a mature approach, Winker should not have a steep learning curve when he arrives in the big leagues.

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