15 Untouchable MLB Prospects During the 2015 Winter Meetings

By Nick Vorholt

15 Untouchable MLB Prospects During the 2015 Winter Meetings

Back to the Future Delorean — In the cult classic movie Back to the Future II the Cubs had just won the 2015 World Series when Marty McFly showed up in the future in his DeLorean. To little surprise of anyone who was watching their progress in the minors, the young Cubs' position players almost made that a reality. Never before since the inception of the draft in the 1960s has young talent had such an ability to impact the immediate future of MLB teams.

15. Anthony Alford, Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays Outfielder Anthony Alford

15. Anthony Alford, Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays Outfielder Anthony Alford — Nothing is ever completely certain, but none of these players should be traded this offseason. Anthony Alford is probably the closest one to being a possibility. He is the left fielder of the future for the Blue Jays with the athleticism that only comes once in a generation. He is still blocked at the major league level by Ben Revere, Kevin Pillar, and Jose Bautista, so if the front office gets antsy for middle infield help...

14. Carl Edwards, Jr., Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Pitcher Carl Edwards, Jr.

14. Carl Edwards, Jr., Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Pitcher Carl Edwards, Jr. — Carl Edwards, formerly C.J., is an up and coming reliever for the Cubs. He projects as an elite setup man as early as this year. He may grow into a Lee Smith closer with MLB style offseason training. Much like Alford, there's the slimmest of chances that he could be moved for an elite closer. With Aroldis Chapman and Mark Melancon on division rivals, those deals are even less likely to happen.

13. Jose Berrios, Minnesota Twins

Minnesota Twins Starting Pitcher Jose Berrios

13. Jose Berrios, Minnesota Twins

Minnesota Twins Starting Pitcher Jose Berrios — Jose Berrios is expected to be in the starting rotation at the beginning of 2017. He may even join it in 2016. Minnesota Twins' GM Terry Ryan has repeatedly said that he would watch the innings of his young ace in waiting.

12. Patrick Kivlehan, Seattle Mariners

Seattle Mariners First Baseman Patrick Kivlehan

12. Patrick Kivlehan, Seattle Mariners

Seattle Mariners First Baseman Patrick Kivlehan — The trade of Mark Trumbo to the Baltimore Orioles for Steve Clevenger, either cemented Patrick Kivlehan's place in the opening day lineup or was the first step of several moves. Kivlehan is ready to play everyday at the big league level, having gained experience at the end of 2015. Only an All-Star shortstop of left fielder would be able to pry Kivlehan from the Mariners.

11. Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox

Boston Red Sox Third Baseman Rafael Devers

11. Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox

Boston Red Sox Third Baseman Rafael Devers — Rafael Devers is the third baseman of the future for the Boston Red Sox. Last offseason the Red Sox signed Pablo Sandoval to an unfortunately bad contract. Holding onto Dever while acquiring Craig Kimbrel was a smart move. Now they need to hold that patience while they try to rebuild their starting rotation around David Price. If they keep him, he will pair with Xander Bogaerts for years to come.

10. Raul Mondesi, Kansas City Royals

Kansas City Royals Shortstop Raul Mondesi

10. Raul Mondesi, Kansas City Royals

Kansas City Royals Shortstop Raul Mondesi — Starting here with Raul Mondesi, these players only ever get traded if it is for another elite prospect. Mondesi has the potential to be an All-Star shortstop for years to come and he is big league ready. Sooner than later the Kansas City Royals have to decide whether he or Alcides Escobar is the chosen shortstop, with the other being moved to second base or for starting pitching and outfield help. If it's Mondesi, only a starter would get him.

Tampa Bay Rays Infielder Richie Shaffer

Tampa Bay Rays Infielder Richie Shaffer

9. Richie Shaffer, Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa Bay Rays Infielder Richie Shaffer — Richie Shaffer is well positioned to be the DH on opening day in 2016. He can play first or third with above-average defense. Shafer isn't going anywhere. They need him to provide offense on a team that has some aging pieces in James Loney and Evan Longoria.

8. Robert Stephenson, Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitcher Robert Stephenson

8. Robert Stephenson, Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitcher Robert Stephenson — The wait is almost over for Cincinnati Reds' fans. Robert Stephenson will start 2016 at Triple A Louisville and could get called up by midseason. By the same token his debut could be delayed until 2017. The Reds' rotation is already filled with young, unknown arms. He will not get traded for big league talent. He is untouchable, unless the Kansas City Royals dangle Mondesi and Zack Cozart doesn't look able to play in 2016.

7. Sean Nolin, Oakland Athletics

Oakland Athletics Starting Pitcher Sean Nolin

7. Sean Nolin, Oakland Athletics

Oakland Athletics Starting Pitcher Sean Nolin — Sean Nolin was the main piece coming from the Toronto Blue Jays in the Josh Donaldson trade. The A's have no reason to consider trading him. Of every prospect listed only Richie Shaffer would tempt the A's and the deal isn't a good fit. Aside from the public relations fiasco that would ensue if they trade Nolin, Oakland may need the depth he provides in the rotation in 2017 or sooner. He will stay so the A's can trade other starters away.

6. Tim Cooney, Saint Louis Cardinals

Saint Louis Cardinals Pitcher Tim Cooney

6. Tim Cooney, Saint Louis Cardinals

Saint Louis Cardinals Pitcher Tim Cooney — Tim Cooney is the next Jaime Garcia. His stuff is better than Garcia's was at this point of his development. Much like the Reds' Stephenson, short of the Royals offering Modesi in a deal, Cooney isn't going anywhere this offseason, but into the Cardinals' rotation.

5. Tomas Telis, Miami Marlins

Miami Marlins Catcher Tomas Telis

5. Tomas Telis, Miami Marlins

Miami Marlins Catcher Tomas Telis — Tomas Telis is an interesting case. He was a highly touted prospect of the Texas Rangers at the 2015 deadline when he was traded to the Miami Marlins for Sam Dyson. Now he is the top back-up to J.T. Realmuto. He is also the insurance policy against Realmuto regressing offensively. Telis is among the top backup catcher in the game and could supplant Realmuto at any point going forward. Telis cannot be had.

4. Travis Jankowski, San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres Center Fielder Travis Jankowski

4. Travis Jankowski, San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres Center Fielder Travis Jankowski — Travis Jankowski appears to be the next Steve Finley. Heading into the 2016 season he is an ideal platoon partner for Melvin Upton with Jankowski taking a solid two-thirds of the plate appearances. He is a plus defender with good skills in OBP. The San Diego Padres wouldn't trade Jankowski under any circumstance.

3. Tyler Beede, San Francisco Giants

San Francisco Starting Pitcher Tyler Beede

3. Tyler Beede, San Francisco Giants

San Francisco Starting Pitcher Tyler Beede — Tyler Beede is on pace to be the next Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum for the San Francisco Giants. Coming out of Vanderbilt with a pedigree nearly as strong as that of David Price, Beede is close to be being big league ready after just being drafted in 2015. Beede cannot be had from the Giants at any price.

2. Tyler Glasnow, Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates Starting PItcher Tyler Glasnow

2. Tyler Glasnow, Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates Starting PItcher Tyler Glasnow — Tyler Glasnow is following in the footsteps of Gerrit Cole. He made it all the way to Triple-A Indianapolis during the 2015 season. His WHIP is below 1.06 over the course of four minor league seasons. He's the top prospect in the Pirates organization and should be ready to come up some time in 2016.

1. Zach Davies, Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers Starting Pitcher Zach Davies

1. Zach Davies, Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers Starting Pitcher Zach Davies — Zach Davies was a September call-up for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2015. At 22 he was awfully young to make six MLB starts but was very good as well. He may in the majors to stay. He had 24 strikeouts in 34 innings while going 3-2. Davies cannot be had at any price. He might be the Brewers' starting pitcher on opening day.

Nick Vorholt is a writer for www.RantSports.com covering the Cincinnati Reds and all things MLB.

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