MLB Prospects: Five that Could Impact Second Half
By David Hill
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
As we rapidly approach the second half of the 2015 season, there will be quite a few trade rumors floated about through various media sources. Teams across baseball will be looking for that player that can help propel them into the postseason, hoping that their newly acquired player will be able to make the difference that can lead to a potential World Series championship.
The problem with hoping for a trade is that not every team will be able to acquire they key bat or top of the rotation starter at the deadline. After all, there will be plenty of competition for these players, and if the targets are signed beyond this year, then teams with an eye towards competing next year could be involved as well, especially if that price is right.
With that possibility in mind, there may be teams looking towards the minor leagues for someone that could help that potential postseason push. We have seen where younger players, like Jacoby Ellsbury, Adam Wainwright and David Price, have helped their teams reach the postseason. Even Brandon Finnegan, a first round draft pick last year, was able to help the Royals reach the World Series.
Which players will have the chance to be this year’s Price or Ellsbury? Let us take a look through five MLB prospects that could come up from the minor leagues and make an impact in the second half of the season.
Next: He won't be pitching in the postseason
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Nola – Philadelphia Phillies
Obviously, the Phillies are not going anywhere near the postseason this year. The biggest questions surrounding their season involves which players the team moves out at the deadline, and whether or not Philadelphia will end up with the first overall pick in the 2016 MLB Amateur Draft.
That does not mean that they will not take a look at the future. Aaron Nola, the seventh overall selection in the 2014 Amateur Draft, has been aggressively promoted through the system. According to Ruben Amaro Jr., that progression may not end just because Nola is with the AAA LeHigh Valley IronPigs.
It is understandable to see why the Phillies would want to see Nola, at least for a month or two, at the major league level. Thus far in 2015, Nola has a 10-3 record with a 1.97 ERA and a 0.967 WHiP, striking out 83 batters in 100.1 innings across two levels. At AAA, Nola has continued to impress, posting a 3-0 record with a 2.28 ERA and a 1.225 WHiP, striking out 24 in 23.2 innings.
Even though Aaron Nola may not be a top of the rotation starter, he could be a solid pitcher for the Philadeplhia Phillies over the next few years. Given his dominance in the minors thus far in his career, he may get an extended look over the final few weeks of the season.
Next: The relief convert
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
C.J. Edwards – Chicago Cubs
Prior to this season, C.J. Edwards had been primarily a starter throughout his minor league career. The Chicago Cubs top pitching prospect, there were concerns about whether or not Edwards would be able to remain in the rotation. His fastball, which had been in the low 90’s to start, typically dropped down to the upper 80’s after a couple of innings, leaving questions about his future role.
This season, the Cubs have put Edwards into the bullpen. This has led to a solid 3.03 ERA and a 1.190 WHiP across two stops this season, with an excellent 53 strikeouts in 38.2 innings. Edwards has also worked occasionally as a closer, saving five games and finishing four others this year.
Even with those excellent numbers, there are still concerns with Edwards. His control, which was not exactly stellar to begin with, has been even worse as a reliever. While the strikeout rate is excellent, Edwards has walked 27 batters in those 38.2 innings of work, making him look similar to Carlos Marmol.
The Chicago Cubs could use help in the bullpen as they look to make the postseson, yet relievers will be in high demand. If they are unable to get that needed bullpen arm, C.J. Edwards could get a look this season.
Next: A needed replacement at short
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Corey Seager – Los Angeles Dodgers
We already touched on Corey Seager with a more in depth look yesterday. Yet, given the minimal production that the Los Angeles Dodgers have received from the shortstop position, that does not mean that Seager cannot be included on this list.
Quite frankly, the Dodgers just have not gotten anything out of Jimmy Rollins this season. For a team with playoff aspirations, Rollins minuscule .208/.263/.322 batting line and defensive struggles are absolutely not what a contending team would need in the middle of the diamond.
While the Dodgers not only have the prospects, but the financial resources, to make a trade, the idea is that Seager will be either the shortstop of the third baseman of the future. Despite concerns that he will outgrow the position, Seager’s production this season, a .307/.353/.515 batting line with twelve home runs and 23 doubles across two levels is certainly proof that he is deserving of a callup.
The Los Angeles Dodgers need a shortstop given the struggles of Jimmy Rollins. Corey Seager is certainly proving himself to be worth a look.
Next: The Change is a true weapon
Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jose Berrios – Minnesota Twins
Of the different prospects listed, Jose Berrios may be the least likely to make an appearance this season. The Minnesota Twins right hander, after making one appearance at AAA last season, has most of the season with the Chattanooga Lookouts, only recently being summoned back to AAA.
At the AA level, Berrios was stellar, posting a 3.08 ERA and a 1.114 WHiP while striking out 92 batters in 90.2 innings. Not only was he able to keep batters off balance, holding opponents to a .240/.301/.356 batting line, but he displayed excellent command, walking only 24 batters.
That success, however, has not followed Berrios to the AAA level. In his two career starts with the Rochester Red Wings, Berrios has allowed eleven runs, ten earned, in his 8.2 innings of work. While he only allowed one walk in this most recent outing, Berrios has given up 15 hits in AAA, striking out only seven batters.
It is possible that if Jose Berrios finds his stride with the Red Wings, the Minnesota Twins could call him up for a late season audition. His changeup is definitely a weapon, and should generate quite a few strikeouts. However, he does need to find more consistency over the next month or two in order for that to happen.
Next: The first overall pick
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mark Appel – Houston Astros
Considering the struggles that Mark Appel has had over the past two seasons in the minors, it is easy to understand why Houston Astros fans would second guess the selection. After all, Kris Bryant was taken with the next pick, and is already putting together a truly impressive resume at the major league level.
The struggles are quite apparent when looking at Appel’s overall numbers. After pitching well in the Arizona Fall League last year, Appel has been unable to build upon that, posting a 5.00 ERA and a 1.542 WHiP in his 72 innings of work. Perhaps the biggest disappointment has been his low strikeout rate, especially given his overall stuff.
There are signs that Appel is beginning to find his way in the professional ranks. While his numbers with the Fresno Grizzlies, a 10.38 ERA and a 2.308 WHiP, hardly inspire confidence, he did close out his tenure with the Corpus Christi Hooks in quite the spectacular way. In his final four outings, spanning 23.1 innings, Appel allowed only four earned runs on fifteen hits and five walks while striking out twenty.
Perhaps, after an adjustment period in Fresno, Mark Appel can find that same level of success at AAA. If so, then he might be able to make his Houston Astros debut in time to help the playoff push.