NFL Tickets
MLB teams always need reinforcements to be developing in their farm systems. These 25 players are primed to make a big-time impact in the league in the next couple years. In fact, they’re the top 25 prospects in all of baseball heading into the 2016 season.
25. SP Marco Gonzales - St. Louis Cardinals
Getty ImagesGonzales hasn't quite reached his full potential yet, but his devastating changeup is enough to convince most he will at least be a middle-of-the-rotation starter eventually. If he can further develop some of his hard stuff, he could even be a borderline ace for the Cardinals in time.
2015 Stats: 1-5, 4.69 ERA, 80.2 IP, 61 strikeouts (High-A, AA, AAA and MLB)
Gonzales hasn't quite reached his full potential yet, but his devastating changeup is enough to convince most he will at least be a middle-of-the-rotation starter eventually. If he can further develop some of his hard stuff, he could even be a borderline ace for the Cardinals in time.
24. C Max Pentecost - Toronto Blue Jays
Getty ImagesPentecost has dealt with numerous shoulder injuries throughout his career and missed all of last season after surgery. He would probably be in the majors if he had stayed healthy, but he will have to work back toward that. Still, he has the highest upside of any catching prospect in baseball and could be a star if he avoids further shoulder injuries.
2015 Stats: Did not play
Pentecost has dealt with numerous shoulder injuries throughout his career and missed all of last season after surgery. He would probably be in the majors if he had stayed healthy, but he will have to work back toward that. Still, he has the highest upside of any catching prospect in baseball and could be a star if he avoids further shoulder injuries.
23. SP Archie Bradley - Arizona Diamondbacks
Getty ImagesBradley got all the way to the majors last season and gave Arizona a taste of what's to come. He struggled at the highest level, but he was also thrown off by getting hit in the face with a line drive. After this offseason, expect him to come back and assert himself as an emerging star on the mound in 2016.
2015 Stats: 3-3, 4.43 ERA, 65 IP, 55 strikeouts (High-A, AA, AAA, MLB)
Bradley got all the way to the majors last season and gave Arizona a taste of what's to come. He struggled at the highest level, but he was also thrown off by getting hit in the face with a line drive. After this offseason, expect him to come back and assert himself as an emerging star on the mound in 2016.
22. SP Jose Berrios - Minnesota Twins
David Kohl - USA Today SportsIn terms of pure stuff, Berrios is second to none in the minor leagues. He has an absolutely electric arm and is the definition of a power pitcher. He could make the team out of spring training for the Twins. If he does, his coming out party will have already begun.
2015 Stats: 14-5, 2.87 ERA, 166.1 IP, 175 strikeouts (AA, AAA)
In terms of pure stuff, Berrios is second to none in the minor leagues. He has an absolutely electric arm and is the definition of a power pitcher. He could make the team out of spring training for the Twins. If he does, his coming out party will have already begun.
21. OF Brett Phillips - Milwaukee Brewers
Getty ImagesThe Brewers did well to get Phillips in a package for Carlos Gomez last trade deadline. He has a lot of tools and could be in the majors by the end of the 2016 season. By 2017, he should be a regular in the Milwaukee outfield. Right around then, the team's future should be looking a little brighter.
2015 Stats: .309 batting average, 16 HRs, 77 RBIs, 17 steals (High-A, AA)
The Brewers did well to get Phillips in a package for Carlos Gomez last trade deadline. He has a lot of tools and could be in the majors by the end of the 2016 season. By 2017, he should be a regular in the Milwaukee outfield. Right around then, the team's future should be looking a little brighter.
20. OF Steven Moya - Detroit Tigers
Getty ImagesMoya reached the major leagues last season, but he only showed flashes of what he could do. He has some sneaky power and could be a fixture in the Detroit outfield from the get-go in 2016. Combined with J.D. Martinez, he could give the Tigers one of the best young outfields in the game.
2015 Stats: .243 batting average, 23 HRs, 82 RBIs, 5 steals (only including High-A, AAA stats)
Moya reached the major leagues last season, but he only showed flashes of what he could do. He has some sneaky power and could be a fixture in the Detroit outfield from the get-go in 2016. Combined with J.D. Martinez, he could give the Tigers one of the best young outfields in the game.
19. OF Bradley Zimmer - Cleveland Indians
Getty ImagesZimmer is someone not many people talk about, but he's going to open some eyes. He's not quite major-league ready yet, but he's on the cusp. He has power and speed and is a solid fielder who can play multiple positions. If he can get to Cleveland by next summer, he could provide a big boost to the playoff push.
2015 Stats: .273 batting average, 16 HRs, 63 RBIs, 44 steals (High-A, AA)
Zimmer is someone not many people talk about, but he's going to open some eyes. He's not quite major-league ready yet, but he's on the cusp. He has power and speed and is a solid fielder who can play multiple positions. If he can get to Cleveland by next summer, he could provide a big boost to the playoff push.
18. SP Carson Fulmer - Chicago White Sox
Getty ImagesVanderbilt starting pitchers tend to do pretty well professionally, and Fulmer seems like he's on that same path for the White Sox. He hasn't pitched professionally for very long, but he's already shown what he can do. After he gets a full season under his belt, he could emerge as a top-of-the-rotation starter for the White Sox.
2015 Stats: 0-0, 1.96 ERA, 23 IP, 26 strikeouts (Rookie, A)
Vanderbilt starting pitchers tend to do pretty well professionally, and Fulmer seems like he's on that same path for the White Sox. He hasn't pitched professionally for very long, but he's already shown what he can do. After he gets a full season under his belt, he could emerge as a top-of-the-rotation starter for the White Sox.
17. SS Gleyber Torres - Chicago Cubs
MiLBMaybe you've heard about the Cubs' development of middle infielders lately. Their latest star is Torres, who emerged as the team's top prospect last season. He doesn't hit for much power, but he provides timely hitting and has the capability to steal 30 bases a season. Whether he ends up with the Cubs or is traded for pitching, he's ready to become a superstar by 2017.
2015 Stats: .287 batting average, 3 HRs, 64 RBIs, 22 steals (A, High-A)
Maybe you've heard about the Cubs' development of middle infielders lately. Their latest star is Torres, who emerged as the team's top prospect last season. He doesn't hit for much power, but he provides timely hitting and has the capability to steal 30 bases a season. Whether he ends up with the Cubs or is traded for pitching, he's ready to become a superstar by 2017.
16. OF Aaron Judge - New York Yankees
Kim Klement - USA Today SportsThe Yankees finally have a good farm system and Judge is the face of it. He needs to make more consistent contact, but he has great power that projects well at Yankee Stadium. The Bronx Bombers need more hitting depth, and Judge is ready to provide that very soon.
2015 Stats: .255 batting average, 20 HRs, 72 RBIs, seven steals (AA, AAA)
The Yankees finally have a good farm system and Judge is the face of it. He needs to make more consistent contact, but he has great power that projects well at Yankee Stadium. The Bronx Bombers need more hitting depth, and Judge is ready to provide that very soon.
15. SP Tyler Beede - San Francisco Giants
Getty ImagesBeede has been a top prospect for a while now, so the 2016 season is a make-or-break year for him. He still has good enough stuff to be a great pitcher in the big leagues, but he has to pitch more consistently. After all, the Giants need all the starting pitching depth they can get.
2015 Stats: 5-10, 3.97 ERA, 124.2 IP, 86 strikeouts (High-A, AA)
Beede has been a top prospect for a while now, so the 2016 season is a make-or-break year for him. He still has good enough stuff to be a great pitcher in the big leagues, but he has to pitch more consistently. After all, the Giants need all the starting pitching depth they can get.
14. SS Trea Turner - Washington Nationals
Andy Marlin - USA Today SportsWith Ian Desmond hitting free agency this offseason, Turner's development has been perfectly timed to insert him in the starting role in 2016. He will surely take his lumps during his rookie season, but by season's end, he could be one of the team's most effective hitters. In fact, his performance might make or break Washington's playoff hopes.
2015 Stats: .322 batting average, 8 HRs, 54 RBIs, 29 steals (AA, AAA stats included)
With Ian Desmond hitting free agency this offseason, Turner's development has been perfectly timed to insert him in the starting role in 2016. He will surely take his lumps during his rookie season, but by season's end, he could be one of the team's most effective hitters. In fact, his performance might make or break Washington's playoff hopes.
13. OF Daz Cameron - Houston Astros
Getty ImagesCameron would've been a first-round pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, but his signing-bonus asking price was too high, so many teams were wary of him. However, the Astros had a surplus of money and were willing to give him the money he wanted. While he's barely played professionally, he's already shown he could be as good or better than his dad, Mike, in time.
2015 Stats: .251 batting average, 0 HRs, 17 RBIs, 24 steals in 51 games (Rookie)
Cameron would've been a first-round pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, but his signing-bonus asking price was too high, so many teams were wary of him. However, the Astros had a surplus of money and were willing to give him the money he wanted. While he's barely played professionally, he's already shown he could be as good or better than his dad, Mike, in time.
12. SS Orlando Arcia - Milwaukee Brewers
Getty ImagesArcia has been trade bait for the Brewers for a while now, but now that Jean Segura is struggling, they might opt to bring him up themselves. Arcia might not be ready to start right away, but if he gets a little bit more seasoning in the minor leagues, he could be the everyday starter by next summer.
2015 Stats: .307 batting average, 8 HRs, 69 RBIsd, 25 steals (AA)
Arcia has been trade bait for the Brewers for a while now, but now that Jean Segura is struggling, they might opt to bring him up themselves. Arcia might not be ready to start right away, but if he gets a little bit more seasoning in the minor leagues, he could be the everyday starter by next summer.
11. SS Alex Bregman - Houston Astros
Getty ImagesBregman was just drafted a few months ago, but he's already shown what he can do. The former LSU shortstop was among a few very talented hitters in this year's draft and actually isn't too far away from being ready for big-league action. His arrival could come by 2017, when he could be making an impact on a very good Astros team.
2015 Stats: .294 batting average, 4 HRs, 34 RBIs, 13 steals in 66 games (A, High-A)
Bregman was just drafted a few months ago, but he's already shown what he can do. The former LSU shortstop was among a few very talented hitters in this year's draft and actually isn't too far away from being ready for big-league action. His arrival could come by 2017, when he could be making an impact on a very good Astros team.
10. SS Raul Mondesi - Kansas City Royals
Raul Mondesi via FacebookThis fall, Mondesi became the first player in major-league history to make his debut in the World Series. That shows just how talented the kid is. Kansas City could find a place for him to start this season, although he will likely be sent back to the minor leagues for a couple months. Like his legendary father, he has the ability to hit for power and steal bases. That's a dangerous combination.
2015 Stats: .243 batting average, 6 HRs, 33 RBI, 19 steals (AA)
This fall, Mondesi became the first player in major-league history to make his debut in the World Series. That shows just how talented the kid is. Kansas City could find a place for him to start this season, although he will likely be sent back to the minor leagues for a couple months. Like his legendary father, he has the ability to hit for power and steal bases. That's a dangerous combination.
9. SP Tyler Glasnow - Pittsburgh Pirates
Getty ImagesThe Pirates seem to grow pitching on trees, and their latest product is Glasnow. He might start the season in the rotation, especially with so much uncertainty there in Pittsburgh. Even in his rookie season, he could be a great No. 3 starter for a Pirates team that figures to contend again in 2016.
2015 Stats: 7-5, 2.39 ERA, 109.1 IP, 136 strikeouts (A, AA, AAA)
The Pirates seem to grow pitching on trees, and their latest product is Glasnow. He might start the season in the rotation, especially with so much uncertainty there in Pittsburgh. Even in his rookie season, he could be a great No. 3 starter for a Pirates team that figures to contend again in 2016.
8. 2B Yoan Moncada - Boston Red Sox
Getty ImagesIt was a big deal when the Red Sox signed Moncada as an international free agent, and last season, he showed why he was so highly touted. He didn't hit for a ton of power, but the fact he stole nearly 50 bases is extremely impressive. Moncada could make a serious impact for the Red Sox at some point in 2016.
2015 Stats: .278 batting average, 8 HRs, 38 RBIs, 49 steals (A)
It was a big deal when the Red Sox signed Moncada as an international free agent, and last season, he showed why he was so highly touted. He didn't hit for a ton of power, but the fact he stole nearly 50 bases is extremely impressive. Moncada could make a serious impact for the Red Sox at some point in 2016.
7. SS Dansby Swanson - Arizona Diamondbacks
Getty ImagesComing off being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, Swanson played in just 22 minor-league games, but he showed some of the qualities that made him the top pick. He's patient, gets on base and plays great defense. He will need at least another year in the minor leagues, but he appears to be a superstar in the making.
2015 Stats: .289 batting average, 1 HR, 11 RBIs, .394 OBP in 22 games (Low-A)
Coming off being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, Swanson played in just 22 minor-league games, but he showed some of the qualities that made him the top pick. He's patient, gets on base and plays great defense. He will need at least another year in the minor leagues, but he appears to be a superstar in the making.
6. SS J.P. Crawford - Philadelphia Phillies
Kirby Lee - USA Today SportsPerhaps the biggest piece of the Phillies' rebuilding puzzle is Crawford, who projects as a superstar shortstop eventually. He likely won't be ready to start the season in the majors, but he could reach the bigs by June or July. Then he can show off his talent and build some hope for the future in Philly.
2015 Stats: .288 batting average, 6 HRs, 42 RBIs, 12 steals (High-A, AA)
Perhaps the biggest piece of the Phillies' rebuilding puzzle is Crawford, who projects as a superstar shortstop eventually. He likely won't be ready to start the season in the majors, but he could reach the bigs by June or July. Then he can show off his talent and build some hope for the future in Philly.
5. 3B/OF Joey Gallo - Texas Rangers
Getty ImagesGallo has the most pure power of any prospect who hasn't played a full season in the major leagues yet. Along with Kris Bryant, he was the biggest power threat in the minor leagues in 2014. Then, everyone saw what Bryant did the following season. Gallo isn't the same superstar player that Bryant is, but his power numbers could be equally impressive next season.
2015 Stats: .240 batting average, 23 HRs, 63 RBIs, two steals (AA, AAA stats included)
Gallo has the most pure power of any prospect who hasn't played a full season in the major leagues yet. Along with Kris Bryant, he was the biggest power threat in the minor leagues in 2014. Then, everyone saw what Bryant did the following season. Gallo isn't the same superstar player that Bryant is, but his power numbers could be equally impressive next season.
4. SP Julio Urias - Los Angeles Dodgers
Rick Scuteri - USA Today SportsUrias hasn't stayed completely healthy, but when he's been healthy, he has been lights out. Until he consistently stays on the field, the Dodgers can't put him in the rotation, but his call could be coming soon. With how good his stuff is, he could be the No. 4 or 5 starter in Los Angeles before too long.
2015 Stats: 3-5, 3.81 ERA, 80.1 IP, 88 strikeouts (Rookie, High-A, AA, AAA)
Urias hasn't stayed completely healthy, but when he's been healthy, he has been lights out. Until he consistently stays on the field, the Dodgers can't put him in the rotation, but his call could be coming soon. With how good his stuff is, he could be the No. 4 or 5 starter in Los Angeles before too long.
3. SP Lucas Giolito - Washington Nationals
Getty ImagesGiolito is the most polished pitching prospect who hasn't seen big-league time yet. He's a power pitcher who can get away with not having his best stuff because he has a high baseball IQ. Young pitchers who can combine talent with intelligence are generally pretty dangerous. That's exactly what Giolito will be from the outset in 2016.
2015 Stats: 7-7, 3.15 ERA, 117 IP, 131 strikeouts (High-A, AA)
Giolito is the most polished pitching prospect who hasn't seen big-league time yet. He's a power pitcher who can get away with not having his best stuff because he has a high baseball IQ. Young pitchers who can combine talent with intelligence are generally pretty dangerous. That's exactly what Giolito will be from the outset in 2016.
2. SP Steven Matz - New York Mets
Andy Marlin - USA Today SportsIt's strange to look at Matz as a prospect, but he only pitched in six regular-season games and then appeared in the playoffs for the Mets. Next season could be a breakout year for the pitcher many are calling a "young Clayton Kershaw". He can pump it in as fast as 96 mph as a lefty and locates on the corners. Long story short, he's headed for big things starting in 2016.
2015 Stats: 8-4, 2.05 ERA, 105.1 IP, 107 strikeouts (High-A, AA, AAA stats included)
It's strange to look at Matz as a prospect, but he only pitched in six regular-season games and then appeared in the playoffs for the Mets. Next season could be a breakout year for the pitcher many are calling a "young Clayton Kershaw". He can pump it in as fast as 96 mph as a lefty and locates on the corners. Long story short, he's headed for big things starting in 2016.
1. SS Corey Seager - Los Angeles Dodgers
Getty ImagesSeager is the consensus top prospect in baseball heading into 2016 and for good reason. He's the most polished young player in the game, who hits for power and average while providing excellent defense at shortstop and third base when asked. Wherever he's playing in 2016, he will be one of the most talented hitters in the Dodger lineup.
2015 Stats: .293 batting average, 18 HRs, 76 RBIs, four steals (AA, AAA stats included)
Seager is the consensus top prospect in baseball heading into 2016 and for good reason. He's the most polished young player in the game, who hits for power and average while providing excellent defense at shortstop and third base when asked. Wherever he's playing in 2016, he will be one of the most talented hitters in the Dodger lineup.
Share 
