Every year the MLB is showered with new young talent. This influx of talent comes from its extensive minor league system. Recent years have seen players like Mike Trout and Yasiel Puig become superstars, and even spark their team’s success.
With the September call-up’s a few weeks away, it’s a good time to start looking at the potential impact player’s for this year, and in the future. Usually, September call-ups don’t make an immediate impact, but some have the ability to do just that.
Javier Baez-Chicago Cubs
Javier Baez wasn’t a September call-up, but rather an August call-up, and he has already made an impact . Baez recently hit two homeruns in one game, and hit 3 home runs in his first five games. His main flaw is that he lacks plate discipline, with an on base percentage of .261 and 10 strikeouts in his first 23 at bats, Baez might need to swing less and take more pitches. Baez is still 21 years of age, and he has alot of work to do, however ,you can’t deny the impact he has already made.
Kris Bryant-Chicago Cubs
Kris Bryant, the third overall pick in the 2013 entry draft, is currently in the hunt for the Minor League home run lead with 40 homeruns. Bryant has a clear path to the majors, as the Cubs currently do not feature a soild third baseman. Bryant has nothing left to prove in the minor leagues, posting an amazing .333/.441/.678 in his 2014 campaign.
Jorge Soler-Chicago Cubs
Soler, who signed as a free agent out of Cuba, has been hot and cold in his minor league tenure. Soler has been slowed by injuries in 2013 and 2014, but has made up for lost time. He recently tore up AA with an outlandish .862 slugging percentage. Soler has the potential to hit for 25+ home runs, and has a solid arm. If all goes accordingly, he should be the Cubs everyday right fielder.
Francisco Lindor-Cleveland Indians
With the team’s recent trade of Asdrubal Cabrera, the Cleveland Indians could be looking Francisco Lindor’s way in September.Only blocked by Jose Ramirez, Lindor should have a clear opening in Cleveland. Lindor maintained a solid .352 OBP in AA. He posses little power in his bat, however, most scouts feel his power will only become greater as he matures. Lindor is still only 20, and exhibits all the tools to be Cleveland’s everyday shortstop sooner rather than later.
Henry Owens-Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are currently rebuilding.Their trades of starters John Lackey and John Lester, have opened the door for many of the team’s top pitching prospects. However, no other prospect show’s the strikeout potential of Henry Owens. This season Owens has posted an astounding 147 strike outs in 138 innings pitched. Owens, who was just promoted to AAA, has two plus pitches,and a curveball that shows signs of being a plus offering. He posted a 14-4 record in AA, and was also selected to start the Future’s Game during All-Star Weekend.
Joc Pederson- Los Angeles Dodgers
Pederson is the most interesting of all the possible call ups. He would have already made his MLB debut, but he is currently blocked by a logjam in the Dodger’s outfield. Pederson sports a healthy .301 batting average, but more importantly is two home runs away from the 30/30 club. (30 home runs and 30 stolen bases) The Dodger’s are looking to clear room in thieir outfield for Pederson. It might be wise to give him some time in September to acclimate him to L.A., and the pressure of playoff baseball.
Aaron Nola- Philadelphia Phillies
Pitcher Aaron Nola getting a September Call up is highly unlikely. However Nola, the seventh pick in the 2014 draft, has already made an impact. In two months Aaron Nola has reached AA, and is the first 2014 draftee to do so . While his .400 ERA in AA is not stellar, he already shows two plus pitches that could be MLB ready. Philadelphia is trying to build for the future, and giving Nola some time in the bullpen might serve them, as well as him, well.
Team’s usually don’t rely on top prospect’s in September. However, it’s a good way to introduce them to the MLB game. Most team’s view these players as cornerstones of their franchise, so why not give them a head start?
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