Top Prospects 2020
There are many prospects in the minor leagues that could have a huge impact on their team. Over the last few years, we have seen many prospects help out their teams in significant ways when they were called up to the big leagues. For example, Francisco Lindor, Ronald Acuna Jr., Corey Seager, Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Buster Posey, Stephen Strasburg, Gary Sanchez, Bryce Harper, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Bo Bichette have helped out their teams significantly following their call-ups. Here are seven prospects to keep your eyes on who could potentially have a huge impact for their teams.
Wander Franco
Wander Franco is currently in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. He is MLB.com’s #1 prospect. Wander is only 18 years old playing as an A+, which says a lot. Franco hits for average and steals bases. He had 139 hits, including 27 doubles on stealing 18 bases in 2019. Wander also has some power, hitting 20 homers over two years. He would make a good leadoff or two hitter in the Rays lineup. The Rays shortstop position is weak right now, leaving a possible opening for Franco. Wander Franco has the potential to make an impact on the Tampa Bay Rays.
Gavin Lux
Gavin Lux is a Los Angeles Dodger, as he was already called up at the end of 2019. He is the #2 prospect in the nation and had a great 2019 season. Lux started off in Tulsa AA, where he smashed 13 homers with 37 RBIs, batting .313. He was called up to Oklahoma City AAA where he hit a whopping .392 with 13 homers in 199 plate appearances. Gavin has been mentioned in trade-talks recently with the Indians, but it looks like the Dodgers have said he is untouchable, a smart move by the organization. He can play shortstop or second base for the Dodgers and can bat second, third, or fifth in their talented lineup. The future is nonetheless looking high for Gavin Lux!
Mackenzie Gore
Mackenzie Gore is currently in the San Diego Padres organization. He has been a successful starting pitcher in their system and is the #4 prospect. At an A+ rating, he went 7-1 with 110 strikeouts and an incredible 1.02 ERA in only 79.1 innings. He could make a serious impact on the Padres pitching staff, which currently lacks in both its depth and talent. Chris Paddock and Mackenzie Gore going back to back would be insane to say the least. Can Mackenzie Gore live up to his potential after his great sneak-peak preview?
Jo Adell
Jo Adell is currently in the Los Angeles Angels organization and is the #5 prospect. He only played in 76 games but batted .289 with 10 homers, 36 RBIs, and 88 hits. Adell would fit perfectly in the outfield for the Angels considering they lost Kole Calhoun. Adell could easily fit into the Angel’s stacked lineup, batting 5th or 6th, which already features Tommy La Stella, Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Anthony Rendon, Justin Upton and Andrelton Simmons. He could learn many things from Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Anthony Rendon, and could have a major impact when he is called up to the big leagues.
Casey Mize
Casey Mize is currently in the Detroit Tigers organization and is the #7 prospect. He was the first overall pick in the 2018 draft and is a starting pitcher. Mize threw a no-hitter this season and is being called the next Justin Verlander. Casey Mize went 8-3 with 106 strikeouts and only allowing 80 hits in 109.1 innings. This guy has huge potential! Will Casey Mize be the next Justin Verlander?
Carter Kieboom
Carter Kieboom plays for the Washington Nationals and is the #20 prospect. He was called up at the beginning of the year but was later sent down and recalled in September. He can play shortstop, second base, and even third base. Carter hit 16 homers with 79 RBIs with a .303 batting average for Fresno AAA. Carter Kieboom has the potential to be a star and play third base in 2020, filling the hole created by Anthony Rendon’s departure in D.C.
Sixto Sanchez
Sixto Sanchez is in the Miami Marlins organization and is the #22 prospect. He was traded to the Marlins for J.T. Realmuto in 2019 amongst a three-player deal. Sixto went 8-6 with 103 strikeouts, 21 walks and an ERA of 2.76 in the 2019 minor league season. The Miami Marlins will have an ace in a few years if Sanchez plays up to his high talent level. However, the question remains as to whether Sanchez will live up to his highly poised playercard.
