Before we even know it, another MLB season will be upon us. Though we concluded a season only a month ago, preparations for 2019 are in full swing. A big thing in a franchise’s process is setting up the next wave of prospects for starting roles on the diamond. As the old saying goes, “Rome was not built in a day.” But some scouts, experts and fans alike can’t wait to see some of these names under the bright lights.
Here are some prospects that could make impacts in the 2019 season.
2019 Position Prospects
Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Third Baseman
Toronto Blue Jays fans can’t wait to see Vladimir Guerrero Jr, and it’s not hard to see why. Not only is he the son of Hall of Famer, Vladimir Guerrero, Sr., but also scouts and experts see that he takes a lot after his old man. In his three years in the minors, Vladimir Jr. posted a .331 batting average and a .529 slugging percentage. He also tallied 41 home runs and 200 RBIs. MLB Pipeline shows him as the top name in its prospect watch, and will likely enter the majors in 2019.
Joey Bart, Catcher
The reigning Johnny Bench Award winner from Georgia Tech, Joey Bart, could be a two-way terror in 2019. During his three seasons as a Yellow Jacket, he racked up 30 home runs and 112 RBIs. He also recorded a >.550 slugging percentage in his last two seasons. In his first year minors, he cashed in 13 home runs and 40 RBIs. His fielding is solid as well, with a >.980 fielding percentage. Though he has recorded five errors, he has nowhere to go but up. Taken by the San Francisco Giants in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft, the top catcher prospect could share shifts with household name, Buster Posey, as soon as 2019.
Eloy Jimenez, Outfielder
The Chicago White Sox have a long road ahead of them. But one bright spot could be the arrival of its top prospects in 2019, including Eloy Jimenez. Jimenez has garnered much-deserved attention through his time in the minors and foreign leagues. In five years, the 22-year old was a powerhouse in the batter’s box, recording 74 home runs and 321 RBIs. He also boasted a combined .314 batting average and a .528 slugging percentage. Standing at the top of both outfield and White Sox prospects, Jimenez could help set a spark needed for Chicago to turn around their fortunes.
2019 Pitching Prospects
Dylan Cease, Right-Handed Pitcher
Another White Sox prospect earning his stripes in the minor league is pitcher, Dylan Cease. Cease did have a rocky outing in Class-A play, going 1-10 as a starter. But once he moved to Class A+ and Double-A in 2018, everything ran on course. From going 1-10 in 2017, he improved significantly to a 12-2 record from the mound. His ERA improved as well, from 3.28 to 2.40. Cease’s results should show he can adjust, learn, and yield better numbers after learning. Cease is behind Michael Kopeck and Eloy Jimenez on the White Sox prospects’ list. But his continuing improvements in the minors should land him on the 40-man roster very soon.
Jesus Luzardo, Left-Handed Pitcher
The top left-handed ace on MLB Pipeline, Jesus Luzardo could reinforce the Oakland A’s pitching staff quite nicely. The NOW 21-year old hit the minor leagues after getting selected by the Washington Nationals in the 2016 Amateur Draft. During these few years, Luzardo built up a combined record of 12-6 with a 2.53 ERA. MLB Pipeline predicts that Luzardo could make his MLB debut in 2020. But if he keeps at it, the baseball could see his name and jersey number under the bright lights sooner than that.
Mitch Keller, Right-Handed Pitcher
Mitch Keller stands on the top of the Pittsburgh Pirates list of prospects. As his outings in the Minors and other leagues would suggest, his position on the list is pretty well deserved. In his five seasons in the circuits, Keller has brewed up a combined 33-17 record as a starter, along with a 2.94 ERA. The Pirates, meanwhile, will have work to do as they prepare for 2019. But bringing Keller, along with other surging prospects, up to their 40-man roster could set a favorable tone as they make their way back to a playoff shot.
Featured image courtesy of SB Nation
You can “Like” The Game Haus on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers along with Manuel!
“From Our Haus to Yours”