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MLB Rumors: 10 prospects who should start the season in the big leagues

By Joshua Sadlock

TAMPA, FL - MARCH 02: Atlanta Braves center fielder Ronald Acuna (82) at bat during the MLB Spring training game between the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees on March 02, 2018 at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, FL. (Photo by /Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - MARCH 02: Atlanta Braves center fielder Ronald Acuna (82) at bat during the MLB Spring training game between the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees on March 02, 2018 at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, FL. (Photo by /Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 24: Chance Sisco #15 of the Baltimore Orioles takes a swing during a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 24, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Orioles won 9-4. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 24: Chance Sisco #15 of the Baltimore Orioles takes a swing during a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 24, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Orioles won 9-4. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

6. Chance Sisco

The Baltimore Orioles knew what they were doing in signing veteran catcher Welington Castillo to a one-year deal last winter. Top prospect Chance Sisco needed only one more year in the minor leagues before he was ready to take his game to the MLB level. The 23-year-old with an advanced approach at the plate will share catching duties with Caleb Joseph this year for the O’s.

Sisco has always exhibited a great feel with the bat in the minor leagues, hitting .311/.390/.426 in five years since being drafted in the second round out of high school in 2013. He is a pure doubles-hitter who can use the whole field. Home runs may eventually come with time, but Sisco doesn’t have to alter his hitting approach to have a big impact.

The only thing holding Sisco back is his defense behind the plate. He was a shortstop in high school before making the transition to catcher. Sisco has made tremendous progress with his throwing and receiving. He is still going to need some time to develop as a backstop to assume the role of full-time starter.

The Orioles will find a way to make it work with Sisco’s defense because his bat is that good. He picked up two doubles and two home runs in a brief 10-game debut last September after the Orioles were eliminated from contention. If things go well in the early months of the year, Sisco could be starting every night by the end of the season.

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