We spend a lot of time talking about a team’s top prospects, but what about the next prospect?
Sometimes those are one in the same, as highly regarded youngsters such as Ronald Acuna Jr. and Gleyber Torres are knocking on the door for a big league promotion.
Other times, it’s a largely unheralded middle reliever or a second-tier position player who winds up providing in-house support.
Ahead we’ve taken a closer look at the one prospect from each team who is ready to help in the majors.
Players were chosen based on a combination of their individual development and production as well as their path to MLB playing time based on current or expected team needs.
Baltimore Orioles: RF Austin Hays
Hays rocketed through the minors after being selected in the third round of the 2016 draft, posting a .958 OPS with 32 home runs and 95 RBI between High-A and Double-A last year to earn a late call-up.
The 22-year-old entered camp as the front-runner to win the starting right field job but hit just .243 with 12 strikeouts in 40 plate appearances before being optioned to Double-A.where to buy nfl jerseys online
With Anthony Santander, Colby Rasmus and Craig Gentry combining for a .167/.214/.273 line while manning right field, Hays will get his chance soon.
Boston Red Sox: RP Williams Jerez
Sam Travis is Boston’s most MLB-ready prospect, but the first baseman doesn’t have a clear path to playing time over Hanley Ramirez and Mitch Moreland.
Instead, look for reliever Williams Jerez to be the next prospect to carve out a role in the majors.nfl china jersey
Using a heavy mid-90s fastball and plus slider, he held left-handed hitters to a .485 OPS while posting a 26.1 percent strikeout rate last year. His ability to be more than a specialist will hinge on his splitter’s development.
New York Yankees: 2B/3B Gleyber Torres
The late-offseason additions of Neil Walker and Brandon Drury meant the Yankees did not nfl women jersey start Torres’ arbitration clock by putting him on the Opening Day roster. He’ll push his way into the picture soon, though.
The 21-year-old underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery last June or he likely would have already nike nfl jerseys differences made his MLB debut.
With a hot start in Triple-A (16-for-43, 5 XBH) he could be promoted in short order.nfl china jerseys nike