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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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WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 17: Walker Buehler #64 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 17, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 17: Walker Buehler #64 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 17, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

3. Walker Buehler

Los Angeles Dodgers fans have to be wondering if this will be the year they get their first extended look at top prospect Walker Buehler. The right-hander has been brought along slowly after needing Tommy John immediately after being drafted in 2015. The 23-year-old made three appearances at the end of 2016 before pitching his first full season in 2017.

Buehler rocketed up the ranks and reached the big leagues by the end of last season. He went 3-3 with a 3.35 ERA and 12.7 strikeouts per nine in 88.2 innings before being recalled for his MLB debut in September. The Dodgers used Buehler in relief down the stretch. He was hit hard, but still struck out 12 in 9.1 innings.

The best role for Buehler this year in the major leagues may be in the bullpen. The Dodgers do not have a glaring need in their rotation, and Buehler’s dominant stuff would play up even more in a relief role. For now, it appears as though Kenta Maeda will be given a chance to prove his ugly campaign in 2017 was an aberration.

When Buehler does eventually stick in the rotation, he has the makings of a future ace. With a high nineties fastball and a plus curveball and slider, the right-hander is the complete package. If he is able to master a changeup, Buehler could feature four strikeout pitches. The Dodgers are being very careful with him for now, but this top prospect is ready for a full season in the big leagues.

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