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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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WEST PALM BEACH, FL – MARCH 08: Victor Robles #16 of the Washington Nationals in action against the New York Mets during a spring training game at FITTEAM Ball Park of the Palm Beaches on March 8, 2018 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – MARCH 08: Victor Robles #16 of the Washington Nationals in action against the New York Mets during a spring training game at FITTEAM Ball Park of the Palm Beaches on March 8, 2018 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

2. Victor Robles

Bryce Harper was 19 when he made his MLB debut in 2012 for the Washington Nationals. The team’s newest top prospect, Victor Robles, made his debut last year barely over the age of 20. Robles is the latest in a long line of homegrown hitters for an organization that has developed Harper, Ryan Zimmerman, Trea Turner and Anthony Rendon.

Robles will be the latest rising star to join the Nationals when he sticks in the big leagues. The five-tool prospect can play all three spots with ease and had the best outfield arm in the minor leagues last year. Robles hit .300/.382/.493 at High-A Potomac and Double-A Harrisburg and then skipped Triple-A entirely before a September promotion.

Everything stands out when evaluating Robles. He is a phenomenal athlete who has racked up 110 bases in four seasons in the minors. Last year, Robles had 55 extra-base hits. Home runs will come eventually as he continues adding strength to his 185-pound frame.

The only thing that will keep Robles in the minors to start the year is a lack of immediate need for the Nationals. Michael A. Taylor and Brian Goodwin acquitted themselves well last year and Adam Eaton is set to return from last year’s ACL injury by Opening Day. Washington may keep Robles down for a few months to delay his service-time clock, but make no mistake — he’s ready for the big leagues now and could be a key player in the postseason.

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