MLB's 100 Names You Need to Know for 2016
Compiling and ordering the 100 Names You Need to Know is a task that has greatly evolved since USA TODAY Sports began the list in 1997, and the 2016 version posed its challenges.
Scouting reports, data and lists of top baseball prospects are more abundant than ever, with both traditional and progressive schools of thought contributing to a golden age of prospect mining.
But it’s the nature of this list — our yearly look at young players primed to make impacts during the major league season — that runs head-on into the rapid-fire manner in which young players arrive and dominate at the major league level.
The names that follow aren’t necessarily the 100 best prospects, but rather the ones most likely to make marks in 2016. To qualify, a player must have had more innings (for pitchers) or plate appearances (for hitters) in the minor leagues during 2015 than he has accumulated during all of his major league playing time. Players are ranked in order of their anticipated impact this season.
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And the 2015 season certainly shifted the paradigm in regard to just how quickly the young can seize the game. The All-Star Game featured 20 players 25 or younger, many repeat honorees or well-established big-leaguers. Joc Pederson (No. 1) and Kris Bryant (No. 9) made the leap from our list all the way to the Midsummer Classic.
Francisco Lindor (No. 18) did not debut until June 14 and almost immediately uplifted the Cleveland Indians from a 30-34 club to a playoff hopeful. Carlos Correa (No. 70) beat Lindor to the big leagues by a week and, at 20, eclipsed his fellow shortstop for AL rookie of the year. Down at 98, Steven Matz emerged from deep within the New York Mets’ pitching prospect hierarchy to start in the World Series.
This year, while nine of the top 10 names debuted in 2015, many in the bottom half of the list — be it Houston Astros slugger A.J. Reed, Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Brett Phillips, Dodgers lefty Julio Urias or any number of high-ceiling talents — might project to make a true impact years, not months, from now.
That’s not to say you should sleep on any of them. If we’ve learned anything, they’ll be here before you know it.
Capsules written by Ted Berg, Scott Boeck, Steve Gardner, Gabe Lacques, Jorge L. Ortiz and Jesse Yomtov.
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1. Corey Seager, SS, Dodgers: The words “Hall of Famer” are already being tossed around in regard to Seager, 21, by teammate Adrian Gonzalez. Seager’s uncommon combination of talent and composure inspires. He might be the National League’s version of Carlos Correa — a lanky shortstop with power, poise and leadership skills — and his opposite number at All-Star Games for years to come. Lefty-swinging Seager replaced former MVP Jimmy Rollins as the Dodgers’ starting shortstop in September, kept the job in the playoffs and goes into the season as the regular.
100 Names to Know: Corey Seager's time has come with Dodgers
2. Kyle Schwarber, C-OF Cubs:
He has the potential to be a true impact hitter, as he showed in the second half of last season after getting the call to the majors. If there’s an immediate weakness that needs addressing, it’s that he hit .143 against left-handers in 56 major league at-bats. Given his 1.042 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in two minor league seasons, there’s a decent chance he’ll figure out something. The Cubs envision Schwarber, 22, as a catcher long term. But with such a powerful bat, they’re fine playing him mostly in the outfield for now.
3. Byron Buxton, OF, Twins: The expectations haven’t changed for Buxton: Stay healthy, and he’s the starting center fielder and AL rookie of the year favorite. Buxton, 22, made his long-awaited debut in June, but a sprained left thumb cut his season way down. It was his second consecutive injury-plagued campaign, but lest we forget: He stole 55 bases and had a .944 OPS at two Class A stops in 2013. Don’t count on those numbers at the big-league level, but count on those tools to translate well if Buxton can stay healthy.
4. Steven Matz, LHP, Mets: Matz made only six regular-season starts in 2015 before the Mets tabbed him as the fourth man in their postseason rotation during their World Series run. A 24-year-old lefty with an otherworldly arsenal, Matz should open the season back in the club’s rotation and will likely need only to stay healthy to contribute. The 155 2/3 total innings he threw in 2015 were his professional high.
100 Names to Know: Steven Matz, Michael Conforto key for Mets
5. Luis Severino, RHP, Yankees: After bursting onto the prospect radar with a brilliant 2014 that saw him pitch his way to Class AA ball, Severino seized an opportunity to join the Yankees’ big-league rotation in early August. The right-hander will be 22 on opening day, and his three-pitch mix built around a mid-90s fastball bodes well for his future.
6. Aaron Nola, RHP, Phillies: The two-time Southeastern Conference pitcher of the year made the transition from LSU to the majors look easy. With 13 major league starts under his belt, he could break spring as the No. 1 starter. Nola, 22, spent less than two years in the minors before he was called up in late July. He has great command of his fastball and is a key building block for 2016.
7. Michael Conforto, OF, Mets:
The team’s first pick (No. 10 overall) in the 2014 draft, Conforto made his big-league debut in 2015 and wound up an important contributor in the Mets’ pennant chase and postseason. A pure hitter from the left side of the plate with gap power and good contact skills, Conforto, 22, quieted concerns about his defense in left field by showing off strong instincts and an accurate arm during his first turn around the majors.
8. Ketel Marte, SS, Mariners: The 22-year-old switch-hitter came in at No. 50 on this list last year and saw his stock continue to rise in 2015, resulting in a strong showing in 219 major league at-bats. Seattle dealt Brad Miller in the offseason, clearing a path for Marte both for this season and for the long term. He batted leadoff in all 54 of his big-league starts and with above-average speed should be a pretty safe bet to steal 30 bases. He doesn’t strike out much and has a good glove in the middle of the infield. Expect plenty of extra-base hits for Marte in the spacious confines of Safeco Field.
9. Byung Ho Park, DH, Twins: Jung Ho Kang’s 15-homer, .816-OPS debut in 2015 might have paved the way for more position players to land from the Korean Baseball Organization. Now comes Park, 29, whom Twins president Dave St. Peter calls “the modern-day Babe Ruth of Korea.” Park hit 105 homers the past two seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization. The Twins invested $25 million in posting fee and salary in Park, will pencil him in at DH and likely will be thrilled if he hits half of the 53 homers he slugged last season.
10. Stephen Piscotty, OF-1B, Cardinals: Piscotty filled in at first base (11 games) and in the outfield (61). He’s always had a pretty good grasp of the strike zone, with a .360 career on-base percentage in the minors. The Cardinals hope Piscotty’s extra-base power will eventually lead to more home runs than doubles. He’ll likely be the Cards’ opening-day starter in right field, and his versatility should keep him in the lineup almost every day.
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11. Kenta Maeda, RHP, Dodgers: The Japanese import bet heavily on himself, taking an incentive-laden, eight-year contract with a relatively low guarantee of $25 million. Maeda, 27, was initially expected to get a bigger deal, but concerns about his elbow and durability (he’s listed as 6 feet, 160 pounds) lowered his value. Regarded as a finesse pitcher who could slot in the No. 3 or 4 spot in the rotation, Maeda figures to be the Dodgers’ only right-handed starter, at least until Brandon McCarthy returns from elbow surgery around midseason.
12. Daniel Norris, RHP, Tigers: Norris, 22, has seen it all as a top prospect — significant hype, a well-chronicled back story (he lived in a van, you know), a major trade in which he was a huge piece and then the revelation he spent the 2015 season battling thyroid cancer. Now cancer-free and with a fresh start with Detroit, Norris should be able to settle in and start scratching his ceiling. Command has held him down — Norris has averaged nearly four walks per nine innings in his minor league career. He cut that number to 1.7 in eight starts with the Tigers. He could slot in behind Justin Verlander, Jordan Zimmermann and Anibal Sanchez with Detroit.
13. Jerad Eickhoff, RHP, Phillies: Like Nola, Eickhoff, 25, is almost assured to break camp as a member of the rotation. He was a bit of an unknown in the Cole Hamels trade with the Rangers, but his performance down the stretch was impressive — 2.65 ERA over 51 innings while striking out almost a batter per inning. His numbers in the majors far outweigh his stats in the minors, but he looks like a solid mid rotation starter.
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14. Hector Olivera, OF, Braves: The Braves have high expectations for the 30-year-old Cuban prospect acquired from the Dodgers at the July 31 trade deadline. After playing third base in 2015, he will be making the transition to left field. Olivera has very little pro experience since signing as an amateur free agent in May and spent time on the disabled list before his MLB debut. He’s an above-average hitter who projects to hit roughly 15-20 home runs from the fifth or sixth spot in the lineup.
15. Javier Baez, IF, Cubs: Free-swinging Baez has tremendous raw power, but making consistent contact has been his biggest problem. He did a better job last season cutting down on his strikeouts in both the majors and the minors. The ninth overall pick in the 2011 draft, Baez, 23, can play both middle-infield positions and saw action at third base last season.
16. Joey Gallo, 3B-OF, Rangers: After hitting 82 total home runs in 2013 and 2014, Gallo played 36 games for Texas in 2015. He had never played a professional game in the outfield until 2015. While the 22-year-old’s power is unquestionable, he has either hit a home run, struck out or walked 56.8% of the time in the minor leagues. The 6-5, 230-pounder will likely start the season in Class AAA. Don’t be surprised to see Gallo replace Josh Hamilton at some point in 2016.
17. Domingo Santana, OF, Brewers: Santana, 23, has a good chance to be an everyday player on a rebuilding Brewers team. He is more suited to a corner-outfield spot but was forced to play some center field when Milwaukee acquired him last season in the Carlos Gomez trade. He has struggled against major league pitchers but posted a .999 OPS in Class AAA last season in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.
18. Hyun Soo Kim, OF, Orioles: The import is coming off a stellar 2015 campaign in the Korea Baseball Organization in which he hit a career-high 28 home runs. Kim, 28, signed a two-year, $7 million deal with the Orioles and could bring stability to the left-field position and leadoff spot. While he most likely won’t match his power numbers in the majors, he does move into a more hitter-friendly ballpark than the one he played in the KBO. Kim also brings a much-needed left-handed bat to the lineup and should have a high on-base percentage.
19. Jose Berrios, RHP, Twins: Workload was the only barrier stopping Berrios, 21, from debuting in 2015. Now he only needs an opportunity in a Twins rotation that has eight viable candidates but likely just three sure things in Phil Hughes, Ervin Santana and Kyle Gibson. His 175 strikeouts ranked him first among minor leaguers, and he has both the makeup and the stuff to potentially emerge as Minnesota’s ace. It’s likely he at least cracks the rotation by midseason.
20. Blake Snell, RHP, Rays: One of the game’s top left-handed pitching prospects, Snell dominated across three levels of minor league competition in 2015, yielding an outstanding 1.41 ERA with gaudy strikeout numbers and finishing the season in Class AAA. The Rays will likely take their time with Snell, and his 3.6 combined BB/9 in 2015 suggests he could benefit from time honing his command. But the 23-year-old could find himself in the big-league rotation by early summer.
21. Tyler Glasnow, RHP, Pirates: He’s the top pitching prospect for a club that has playoff aspirations but features two starters who couldn’t hold down rotation spots a year ago. The 6-8 flamethrower has little to prove after striking out nearly 12 batters per nine innings in the minor leagues. The only question is durability; Glasnow, 22, has never pitched more than 124 innings a season. If Jonathan Niese or Ryan Vogelsong falters, the Pirates might be wise to burn most of Glasnow’s 2016 innings in the big leagues.
22. Josh Bell, 1B, Pirates: It’s almost a certainty that Bell, 23, will make an impact this season and continue the Pirates’ parade of homegrown position players. While John Jaso and Michael Morse begin the season as the first-base platoon, Bell will return to Class AAA Indianapolis with little need for polish at the plate. As with many young hitters, power figures to be the final part of his game to develop, and the converted outfielder needs more reps at first base. But figure on his sweet swing soon at PNC Park.
23. Christian Colon, IF, Royals: Just when it seemed Colon’s brand would be playoff opportunist and super utility player, a legitimate opportunity comes along. Second baseman Ben Zobrist departed via free agency, and general manager Dayton Moore indicated Colon, 26, would battle Omar Infante for the starting spot. Colon has youth and health on his side, though the fourth overall pick in 2010 has never received more than 119 major league plate appearances. All indications are the Royals would like to see him seize the job this time.
24. Erik Johnson, RHP, White Sox: Johnson, 26, made significant mechanical adjustments before 2015, and it paid off when he earned International League pitcher of the year honors and a long look in September. This season brings a firm opportunity to hold down the No. 5 spot in the rotation. A lack of advanced pitching prospects in the system means Johnson should get a decent shot to make 25 to 30 big-league starts after riding the Charlotte-Chicago shuttle for the past three years.
25. Tommy Pham, OF, Cardinals: Entering his age-28 season, Pham is older than most players on our 100 Names list, but he was a solid contributor when injuries hit the Cardinals down the stretch. He’s behind Stephen Piscotty (No. 10) in the outfield pecking order, but he should see regular starts in center field against left-handers.
26. Henry Owens, LHP, Red Sox: After 11 underwhelming starts in the Boston rotation to finish 2015, Owens, 23, appears ticketed back to Class AAA as he continues to work to rein in control issues. The 6-7 lefty doesn’t throw especially hard, but scouts have long raved about his deceptive delivery and potentially dominant changeup.
27. J.P. Crawford, SS, Phillies: Crawford, 21, is expected to start the season in Class AAA and be in position to be called up by midsummer. He spent last season proving he has great plate discipline — he walked (63) more than he struck out (54) — and had an overall slash line (batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage) of .288/.380/.414. He is being called the next Jimmy Rollins, and he is the cousin of Dodgers outfielder Carl Crawford.
28. Sean Manaea, LHP, Athletics: Once regarded as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft, Manaea, 24, bounced back from abdominal and groin injuries to put up eye-popping numbers in Class AA after joining the A’s organization in the Ben Zobrist trade. He then struck out 33 in 252/3 innings in the Arizona Fall League. Manaea’s fastball reaches the mid-90s and plays higher because of his deceptive motion, and his slider is a strikeout pitch. His command remains a bit of a concern, but Manaea’s overpowering stuff makes him a candidate for an early-season promotion.
29. Lucas Giolito, RHP, Nationals:
At 6-6, 255 pounds, he brings a physical presence to the mound and has an elite fastball that sits in the mid- to upper 90s and occasionally hits triple digits. He also commands perhaps the best 12-6 power curveball in the minors. Undergoing Tommy John elbow surgery in 2013 has not slowed his progress. He has moved through the system quickly (53 games, 2.63 ERA) and earned a trip to camp. When firing on all cylinders, Giolito, 21, has been compared to All-Star and Cy Young Award winner Roy Halladay.
30. Sean Nolin, LHP, Athletics: Groin injuries have been a problem for Nolin, and he had surgery in the 2014-15 offseason, which delayed his 2015 debut. He went on to pitch well in ClassAAA and earned a September call-up and his first major league win. Often compared to former A’s lefty Tommy Milone, Nolin actually throws a little harder — in the low 90s — and gets deception from his over-the-top delivery out of a 6-4 frame. He’ll go into the spring with a chance to claim a spot in the A’s unsettled rotation.
31. Adonis Garcia, 3B, Braves: Garcia, 30, escaped from Cuba in 2011 and signed with the Yankees in 2012. He played mostly the outfield in their minor league system for three seasons until he was released in April 2015. Garcia signed with the Braves less than a week later and got a taste of the majors later that season. He has a promising chance to be the opening-day third baseman.
32. Seung Hwan Oh, RHP, Cardinals: Nicknamed “The Final Boss” and considered one of the greatest Korean closers of all time, Oh arrives after leading the Japanese league in saves in each of the past two seasons. The 33-year-old right-hander also has international experience, winning a gold medal with South Korea in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and pitching in the 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classic. He’ll serve as a setup man for Trevor Rosenthal with St. Louis.
33. Trea Turner, SS, Nationals: When the Nationals traded Yunel Escobar to the Angels in December, it opened the door for Turner to compete with Danny Espinosa as the likely successor. Turner, 22, hit .322 with eight homers and 29steals in his first full season of pro ball but got inconsistent at-bats off the bench when he was called up. He could be an ideal leadoff hitter with above-average speed.
34. Dalton Pompey, OF, Blue Jays: A speedy, switch-hitting, Ontario-born outfielder, Pompey entered 2015 as the Blue Jays’ starting center fielder but struggled at the plate and was demoted in early May. Now 23, Pompey will vie for a major league roster spot in spring training. With good speed and a history of high minor league on-base percentages, Pompey has all the makings of a solid leadoff hitter if he can put it all together at the big-league level.
35. Orlando Arcia, SS, Brewers: An outstanding defender, Arcia was the youngest position player in the Class AA Southern League last year and also one of the best. His path to the majors became a little clearer when the Brewers traded starting shortstop Jean Segura to the Diamondbacks, but the team still plans for Arcia, 21, to begin the season at Class AAA. His offensive game has improved at every level. If that continues, he could reach the majors before the All-Star break.
36. Dylan Bundy, RHP, Orioles: The club’s top prospect has only logged 63 1/3 innings over the last three seasons because of injuries. But Bundy, recovering from a shoulder injury, has a plus arm if he can stay healthy. He has an above-average fastball, a terrific curveball and the ability to spot pitches low in the zone and is projected as a front-end starter. The 23-year old is out of options and should make the opening-day roster, but most likely as a reliever.
37. Jose Peraza, INF, Reds:
Traded twice in a five-month span, speedy Peraza, 21, was one of the key pieces (along with No. 63 Scott Schebler) the Reds received for All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier in December. He’s the heir apparent at second base to veteran Brandon Phillips, who has twice turned down the opportunity to be traded this winter and will be a free agent at the end of the 2016 season.
38. Manny Banuelos, LHP, Braves: The former top prospect in the Yankees system finished the 2015 season 1-4 with a 5.13 ERA. Injuries have been a major concern for Banuelos, who turns 25 in March. He had surgery to remove bone spurs in September but is expected to be ready for the spring. He has eclipsed the 100-inning mark just three times in his pro career.
39. Max Kepler, OF, Twins: Kepler, 23, hit his way to the big leagues last year, earning Southern League MVP honors and thrusting himself into the mix for a roster spot in 2016. At worst, he profiles as a fourth outfielder. At best, the German-born left-handed hitter will become the game’s first star produced in Europe.
40. Gary Sanchez, C, Yankees: A long-heralded prospect on a slow journey through the minors, Sanchez re-established himself as the Yankees’ catcher of the future with a strong 2015 season split between Class AA and Class AAA and a great performance in the Arizona Fall League. Sanchez, 23, has hit at nearly every level and reputedly has a great arm, but some mechanical kinks behind the plate and the presence of veteran Brian McCann mean he is likely ticketed back to Class AAA.
41. Aaron Altherr, OF, Phillies: Manager Pete Mackanin has plenty of intriguing options to play in the outfield, including Altherr, likely in right. Altherr, 25, had a breakout season, due in part to his improved plate discipline. He cut down his strikeouts and upped his walk total.
42. Jorge Lopez, RHP, Brewers: A second-round pick in 2011, Lopez, 23, is coming off his best season as a professional, one that earned him pitcher of the year honors in the Class AA Southern League. At 6-4, he complements a powerful mid-90s fastball with a nasty 12-to-6 curveball. The Brewers’ acquisition of Chase Anderson from the Diamondbacks likely means Lopez will start the season at Class AAA.
43. Jacob Faria, RHP, Rays: The Rays’ depth in starting pitching should keep Faria, 22, in the minors to start 2016, but if he can build on his impressive 2015 season, he might force his way onto the major league roster before the year is through. A 10th-round pick in 2011, Faria went 17-4 with a 1.92 ERA and 159 strikeouts in 149 2/3 innings across high Class A and Class AA last season.
44. Kendry Flores, RHP, Marlins: Acquired from the Giants in the offseason, Flores compiled a 6-5 record and 2.34 ERA in 19 starts between Classes AA and AAA. His strikeout rate took a hit as he advanced but he was still effective. Flores, 24, works at 90-93 mph and is likely a back-of-the-rotation starter.
45. Mikie Mahtook, OF, Rays: Mikie — pronounced “Mikey” — Mahtook saw a few cameos with the big-league Rays in the early and middle parts of 2015, then flourished while given regular big-league playing time in September. That’s certainly an aberration, as Mahtook never hit for nearly as much power in the minors, but he can steal bases, play all three outfield positions and hit well against lefties. His versatility should help him get back to the big-league Rays.
46. Justin Nicolino, LHP, Marlins:
Nicolino, 24, pitched six or more innings in eight of his 12 starts. Don’t expect high pitch counts or strikeouts. His strikeout rate — 2.8 per nine innings — was the lowest for any pitcher since Aaron Cook in 2012. But look for the lefty to push for a starting role to break camp.
47. Manuel Margot, OF, Padres: Margot and Class A shortstop Javier Guerra, 20, were the primary acquisitions from the trade that sent closer Craig Kimbrel to the Red Sox. Margot is more advanced, having played half of last season at Class AA at age 20. A premier defensive center fielder, Margot makes enough contact at the plate to hit leadoff, but his on-base skills are still developing. Jon Jay and Melvin Upton Jr. are around to play center, but Margot could force his way onto the big club late this year.
48. Zach Davies, RHP, Brewers: Acquired from the Orioles for outfielder Gerardo Parra at the July 31 trade deadline, Davies made six solid starts for the Brewers last season in his first taste of the majors. At 6-0 and 160 pounds, he doesn’t throw hard, but he makes up for it by getting a ton of ground balls.
49. Nomar Mazara, OF, Rangers: At just 20 years old, Mazara posted a .808 OPS in 131 games across Classes AA and AAA in 2015. A left-handed hitter, he has plus power and a mature approach at the plate. It looks unlikely he will become a full-time player in 2016, blocked by Shin-Soo Choo in right field and sitting behind Joey Gallo in the pecking order in case Josh Hamilton needs to be replaced in left field. Still, don’t be surprised if the Rangers give Mazara a chance to make an impact as they chase a playoff spot.
50. Nick Tropeano, RHP, Angels: Tropeano arrived in a November 2014 trade as part of then-general manager Jerry Dipoto’s efforts to bolster the organization’s pitching depth. Tropeano, 25, did not get an extended look until he made four September starts. Tropeano, one of a handful of candidates for the fifth spot in the rotation, uses a fastball that hovers just above 90 mph to set up an excellent changeup, his signature pitch against lefties and righties.
51. Tim Anderson, SS, White Sox: Anderson, 22, would be hard-pressed to match the debuts of shortstops Carlos Correa and Francisco Lindor last season, though he could provide a similar boost this year. Summoning him to Chicago in 2016 would be in line with the aggressive manner in which he has been moved through the system. Anderson is improving defensively but needs polish. Still, he remains the big club’s best option at shortstop.
52. Hanser Alberto, IF, Rangers:
You might know the name from Game 2 of the American League Division Series, when Alberto came in for Adrian Beltre, made a two-run error, then hit a two-run single in the 14th inning. Long considered an elite defender, Alberto has proved his hitting is catching up. Texas has Elvis Andrus at shortstop and Rougned Odor at second, and Jurickson Profar is expected to return after nearly two full seasons away. But Alberto’s versatility likely will earn him a spot on the roster.
53. Travis Jankowski, OF, Padres: A classic center fielder-leadoff-hitter type, Jankowski reached the majors in August with a combination of speed, defensive prowess and contact ability. But his strikeout rate spiked to 25% when he was promoted to the majors. At his best, Jankowski, 24, is a disruptive force who puts pressure on the defense with his ability to bunt and steal. He has a shot to stick as a reserve and a defensive replacement.
54. Alex Reyes, RHP, Cardinals: The Cardinals’ top pitching prospect will miss the first 50 games of the season because of a second positive marijuana test. Even so, his skills are advanced enough that he could contribute in the majors. He can touch 100 mph with his explosive fastball and has two plus breaking pitches. Mostly pitching at high Class A and Class AA, Reyes was great at limiting hard contact, giving up one home run in 101 1/3 innings.
55. Matt Duffy, IF, Astros: Having played 214 games at Class AAA over the past two seasons, Duffy has nothing left to prove in the minors. He hit 20 homers with 104 RBI and posted a .944 OPS in 2015 after totaling 42 home runs the previous two seasons. The 25-year-old can play both corner infield spots and has a chance to win the starting job at first base over Jon Singleton or at third base over Luis Valbuena. Even if he can’t overtake them during spring training, Duffy should find himself starting against left-handers early in the season.
56. Aaron Brooks, RHP, Athletics: Brooks, who was acquired in the July trade that sent Ben Zobrist to the Royals, has bounced back and forth between the majors and minors the last two years and has yet to enjoy success at the highest level. He’s a ground-ball pitcher who avoids walks and fares best with a good defense behind him, which the A’s didn’t have last season. Brooks, 25, will be in the mix for a spot in the back of the rotation if he can avoid the issue of giving up too many homers.
57. Rob Refsnyder, 2B, Yankees: The addition of Starlin Castro blocked Refsnyder’s route to steady big-league playing time, but the 24-year-old likely has a major league future as a platoon bat or a reserve infielder. Though Refsnyder doesn’t particularly excel in any one facet of the game, his good on-base skills and improving defense suggest he’ll earn a role with the Yankees in the not-too-distant future.
58. Marco Gonzales, LHP, Cardinals: The left-hander seemed to take a step backward at 23. Much of it can be traced to a nagging shoulder injury, which limited him to 18 (mostly abbreviated) starts. He figures to start the season at Class AAA and be in line for a call-up if any injuries hit the St. Louis rotation.
59. Willson Contreras, C, Cubs: Kyle Schwarber aside, there aren’t many high-level catching prospects. Schwarber’s teammate, Contreras, is perhaps the best of the bunch. He’s excellent defensively and is coming off his best season offensively as a 23-year-old in Class AA. Contreras should at least get a taste of the majors this season.
60. Jon Gray, RHP, Rockies: Gray was No. 55 on this list last year and almost made the Rockies rotation out of spring training. He wound up making his big-league debut in early August and struggled, but he did strike out 8.9 hitters per nine innings and had a 2.70 ERA in his four starts away from Coors Field. Gray sits in the mid-90s and has a heavy fastball that could ultimately help him succeed in the thin air.
61. Brandon Finnegan, LHP, Reds:
He burst onto the scene in 2014 as a late-season addition to the AL champion Royals’ bullpen. Acquired by the Reds in the Johnny Cueto trade, Finnegan has transitioned back to the starting role he had in college. As part of the Reds’ rebuilding effort, he has a rotation spot earmarked for him. But he’s 23, so an innings limit is likely.
62. Mike Wright, RHP, Orioles: Wright, 26, tossed 14 1/3 scoreless innings to begin his big-league career. But after his stellar start, he became erratic and was demoted to Class AAA Norfolk. His fastball averages 93 mph, but his secondary pitches need improving if he’s to contend for the fifth spot in the rotation.
63. Scott Schebler, OF, Reds: Acquired along with Jose Peraza (No. 37) in a three-way December trade with the Dodgers and White Sox, Schebler, 25, will get a chance to at least be part of a left-field platoon in Cincinnati. He has shown decent power in the minors and could benefit from playing at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park — if he can cut down on his strikeouts.
64. Jameson Taillon, RHP, Pirates: Once the organization’s top prospect, Taillon has dealt with Tommy John elbow surgery and sports hernia over the past two years.Taken one pick after Bryce Harper in 2010, Taillon, 24, has not pitched in a game since the 2013 Arizona Fall League but is more than two years removed from his elbow surgery and could figure in the Pirates’ depth at the big-league level later in the season.
65. Jesse Winker, OF, Reds: The Reds’ top position prospect has an excellent batting eye and a smooth left-handed swing. The supplemental first-round pick in 2012 ranked among the Class AA Southern League leaders in walks and on-base percentage. He’s 22 and his his power is still developing. With left field up for grabs in Cincinnati, he could get a shot once he shows he has mastered Class AAA.
66. A.J. Reed, IF, Astros: The 2014 Golden Spikes Award winner as the best player in college baseball, Reed is coming off his first professional season, one in which he led the minors in runs (113), home runs (34), RBI (127), total bases (320), slugging (.612) and OPS (1.044). Though he only topped out at Class AA in 2015, Reed heads to spring training with a shot at taking Houston’s first base job away from Jon Singleton. Reed, 22, needs to improve against left-handed pitching, but it’s hard to imagine the Astros keeping his bat at bay for long.
67. Kelby Tomlinson, IF, Giants: Fleet-footed Tomlinson, 25, took over second base for the Giants in August after All-Star Joe Panik went out with a back injury. With a short stroke that allows him to make a lot of contact, Tomlinson sprays balls all over the field. All the positions in the Giants infield are spoken for, so the club envisions him serving in a utility role that might extend to the outfield.
PHOTOS: All 100 names to know for 2016
68. Williams Perez, RHP, Braves: Perez, 24, exceeded his rookie limits last season. He has made steady progress through the system and could sneak into the major leagues as a back-end starter or long reliever. He relies heavily on the 86-94-mph sinker according to PITCHf/x, throwing it over 60% of the time.
69. Tim Cooney, LHP, Cardinals: After a rocky major league debut in an April spot-start, Cooney, 25, filled in nicely by providing five solid outings in July. He doesn’t throw very hard, so his success is tied to his ability to keep the ball down. He should join Alex Reyes and Marco Gonzalez at Class AAA Memphis, at least to start the season.
70. Peter O’Brien, OF, Diamondbacks: O’Brien has 60 home runs and 181 RBI in two seasons, but there are major concerns as to where he will fit in. Originally a catcher, the 25-year-old mostly played left field in Class AAA in 2015, but there’s no room for him in Arizona’s outfield or at first base. Though his abilities in the field are questionable, O’Brien has experience at multiple positions, which should help him find a spot on the roster.
71. Brett Phillips, OF, Brewers: The Astros’ minor league player of the year in 2014, Phillips showed a dramatic uptick in power at high-A ball in 2015. The 21-year-old also is an above-average baserunner who profiles as the Brewers’ center fielder of the future after being acquired (along with No. 17 Domingo Santana and No. 89 Josh Hader) from Houston last July. He likely will start the season at Class AA but could move up quickly.
72. Robert Stephenson, RHP, Reds: A first-round pick (27th overall) out of high school in 2011, Stephenson possibly could compete with a host of other young pitchers for a rotation spot. A forearm strain late last season kept him from getting a September call-up, but after 11 starts at Class AAA Louisville, the 22-year-old might not need a whole lot more time in the minors.
73. Albert Almora, OF, Cubs: Once listed alongside Kris Bryant and Jorge Soler as part of the new wave of Cubs prospects, Almora hasn’t progressed as quickly. At 21, he was still younger than most Class AA players last season, even after repeating the level. He has good range and a strong arm that will allow him to stay in center field.
74. Brandon Drury, IF, Diamondbacks: Drury had been almost exclusively a third baseman until 2015, when he saw more time at second. He was given an opportunity at three infield positions. A .435 average in spring training wasn’t enough to force his way onto the roster a year ago, but with Jake Lamb and Chris Owings struggling, Drury projects as at least a bench player to start the year, or perhaps a semiregular.
75. Arismendy Alcantara, OF, Cubs: Alcantara showed power-speed potential in his first taste of the majors in 2014, and his ability to play infield and outfield seemed to only enhance his value. However, the Cubs’ offseason signings of Ben Zobrist and Jason Heyward have blocked his best avenues to major league playing time. Alcantara, 24, will need to make more consistent contact at Class AAA to earn a shot at a utility role in Chicago.
76. Mychal Givens, RHP, Orioles:
The Orioles might have uncovered a gem when they converted Givens from a light-hitting shortstop to a pitcher in 2013. He’s been lights out as a reliever, in the minor leagues and with Baltimore. And with his deceptive motion, Givens, 25, has a bright future as an impact reliever or possible closer.
77. Brian Johnson, LHP, Red Sox: A polished lefty with good control, great minor league results, a wide arsenal of pitches and heavy ground-ball tendencies, Johnson was shut down because of elbow issues shortly after making a spot start for the big-league Red Sox in 2015. He did not need surgery and expects to be ready to compete for a rotation job in spring training.
78. Julio Urias, LHP, Dodgers: The Dodgers held on to Urias as other teams repeatedly asked for him in trade talks. At 19, the Mexico native has shown an uncommon knack for pitching and an advanced repertoire that includes a fastball in the mid-90s, complemented by a changeup and a slider. He’s short on experience, never reaching the 90-inning mark in the pros. Given the Dodgers’ deep collection of starters, Urias likely will start the season at Class AAA Oklahoma City. However, GM Farhan Zaidi wouldn’t rule out a 2016 call-up.
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79. Colin Moran, 3B, Astros: While Luis Valbuena is a question mark at third for Houston, Moran is behind the more big-league-ready Matt Duffy on the depth chart. Moran, the sixth overall pick in 2013, is a left-handed hitter with good plate discipline. While he has raw power, the 23-year-old is more of a line-drive hitter. Moran’s older brother Brian is a pitcher in the Indians organization, and he is the nephew of B.J. Surhoff.
80. Frankie Montas, RHP, Dodgers: Another pickup from the three-team swap that centered on Todd Frazier, Montas has flashed a fastball that hits triple digits on the radar gun and enough bouts of wildness to make hitters jittery. Montas, 22, has been primarily a starter in the minors and could eventually compete for a spot in the rotation if he polishes his command and inconsistent secondary pitches. Even if he doesn’t, he could be a factor in L.A.’s bullpen this season.
81. Socrates Brito, OF, Diamondbacks: Brito jumped from Class AA to the majors at the end of 2015. His problem heading is that Arizona has a strong outfield, with David Peralta, A.J. Pollock and Yasmany Tomas penciled in as the starters. Brito, 23, has five-tool potential, and his speed — averaging 28 steals over the last three seasons in the minors and with 15 triples in 2015 — is something the Diamondbacks are excited about. There’s a good chance Brito will break camp as the fourth outfielder and could see plenty of at-bats as a spell for Tomas against righties.
82. Trayce Thompson, OF, Dodgers: Thompson made a name for himself as more than the younger brother of NBA All-Star Klay Thompson by posting a .896 OPS in 44 games with the White Sox. Thompson showed 20-homer power throughout his career in the minors but was dogged by high strikeout totals, which he lowered in 2015. Thompson, 24, joined the Dodgers as part of the three-way trade that sent Todd Frazier to Chicago and might find it hard to crack a crowded outfield picture, but he has experience in center field and could earn time in a platoon with Joc Pederson.
83. Dilson Herrera, IF, Mets: Generously listed at 5-10 and 150 pounds, Herrera, 21, has faced skepticism that his reasonably impressive minor league numbers will ever translate to big-league production. But despite being one of the youngest players at practically every level he has seen, Herrera owns a sturdy career .839 minor league OPS and a reputation as a great defender at second base. The additions of Neil Walker and Asdrubal Cabrera give the Mets time to be patient with Herrera, but his numbers suggest he’s nearly ready to be a big-league middle infielder.
84. Richie Shaffer, IF-OF, Rays: A first-round pick out of Clemson in 2012, Shaffer took a huge step forward offensively in 2015, totaling 30 home runs and improved numbers across the board as he hit his way to the major leagues. Though Shaffer primarily played third base in previous seasons, he saw time at first and in right field last year, and the Rays’ uninspiring options at first base could help Shaffer get a longer big-league look in 2016.
85. Jorge Polanco, SS, Twins: Polanco, 22, is in a tight spot: stuck behind a capable yet average major league incumbent in Eduardo Escobar and looking over his shoulder at a younger, more highly regarded prospect in Nick Gordon. He had brief major league stints the last two seasons, but unless the Twins fall out of contention, he might not get the long look in Minnesota that could jump-start his career. He’ll need to make strides defensively this year to avoid profiling as a future super utilityman.
86. Michael Fulmer, RHP, Tigers: Dave Dombrowski’s last act as Tigers general manager was importing Fulmer in the Yoenis Cespedes trade, and it’s possible he nabbed a rotation fixture. Fulmer, 22, took a major step forward in 2015, cutting his WHIP from 1.55 to 1.08. He’s never pitched 125 innings in a season, so a healthy and productive 2016 is essential to get on the big-league radar in 2017. A late-season look this year isn’t out of the question.
87. Kyle Zimmer, RHP, Royals: At almost any point over the last three decades, Zimmer’s arrival in Kansas City would be eagerly anticipated, perhaps in haste. Now, the defending World Series champions and two-time pennant winners have the luxury of letting Zimmer, 24, develop. The fifth overall pick in 2012, Zimmer had shoulder surgery after the 2014 season that limited his 2015. He should start the year in Class AAA Omaha’s rotation. If it all breaks right, he could be a late-season boost to the Royals rotation (à la Yordano Ventura, 2013).
88. Jarrett Parker, OF, Giants: A propensity to strike out kept Parker in the minors for five seasons after he was drafted in the second round out of Virginia in 2010. However, a three-homer, seven-RBI game against the Oakland Athletics in late September raised his profile significantly. Lefty-swinging Parker, 27, enjoyed a 20-20 season with Class AAA Sacramento in 2015 and can play all three outfield positions, so he’ll likely be first in line for a call-up if one of the Giants’ established outfielders gets hurt.
89. Josh Hader, LHP, Brewers: The lanky southpaw’s three-quarters delivery makes it difficult for hitters to pick up the ball out of his hand. Combine that with a fastball that can reach the mid-90s and good off-speed stuff, and the soon-to-be 22-year-old is a pitcher on the rise. If his performance in Class AA didn’t open enough eyes, he was stellar in the Arizona Fall League — striking out 19 batters in 16 innings while allowing one earned run.
90. Aaron Judge, OF, Yankees:
Judge, 23, stands at 6-7 and 275 pounds and boasts shocking athleticism for a man of his stature. In his second year as a pro player in 2015, Judge struggled against Class AAA pitching and has yet to turn his massive size into massive power numbers, but his smooth swing and imposing frame get scouts excited.
91. Lewis Brinson, OF, Rangers: The 21-year-old has made major strides since being selected 29th overall in 2012. His strikeout rate has dropped from 38% to 21% over the last three seasons, while his OPS has jumped from .749 to 1.004. While the Rangers have Joey Gallo and Nomar Mazara nearly ready to step in at the corner outfield spots if need be, Brinson is primarily a center fielder. Delino DeShields had a strong rookie campaign, but if he struggles, Brinson’s plus-power and speed could force the club to make a change in center.
92. Hunter Renfroe, OF, Padres: More slugger than hitter, Renfroe adjusted his mechanics and approach at the plate after slumping through the first part of the season, and he wound up earning a late-season promotion to Class AAA, where he continued mashing. With his mobility and big, accurate arm, Renfroe, 24, profiles as a prototypical right fielder, although that spot is currently filled in San Diego by Matt Kemp.
93. Travis Shaw, IF, Red Sox: As David Ortiz enters the final season of his career, Shaw will try to build on a successful rookie campaign to show the Red Sox he can replace the legendary designated hitter as a left-handed, middle-of-the-order bat. Shaw will be 26 in April so there’s likely not much room for more development, but he typically hit well through the minors and offers versatility by playing first and third base.
94. Braden Shipley, RHP, Diamondbacks: Arizona’s rotation is deep behind Zack Greinke and Shelby Miller, but Shipley (23 later this month) will be given a chance to prove himself in spring training and set up a call-up later in the season. His fastball has good life in the low 90s, and his power curve has vastly improved over his three-year professional career. Archie Bradley might grab the headlines as a future ace for Arizona, but Shipleyhas a good shot at grabbing a spot in the rotation by the end of 2016.
95. Deven Marrero, IF, Red Sox: Marrero’s a glove-first middle infielder blocked by Xander Bogaerts at shortstop and Dustin Pedroia at second, but he could emerge as a valuable reserve player as soon as this season if he shows he can hit above Class AA. To date, he hasn’t: Marrero owns a .621 OPS in 152 games at Class AAA and mustered a .551 mark in a short big-league stint.
96. Jett Bandy, C, Angels: The Angels made a nice find last season with Carlos Perez, who started half their games behind the plate as a rookie after spending seven years in the minors. Bandy, a 31st-round pick out of the University of Arizona in 2011, might follow a similar path. At 6-4, 235 pounds, the 25-year-old provides a big target behind the plate and handles pitchers well. He also has reached double digits in home runs the last two years.
97. Mike Clevinger, RHP, Indians: Cleveland did not trade from its depth of excellent starting pitching, so a major league opportunity might not arise this year. But if a full season at Class AAA Columbus (Ohio) is anything like his AA campaign, Clevinger might force his way to Cleveland. Four years removed from Tommy John surgery, Clevinger has been clocked at 97 mph. Should he further refine his command, Clevinger eventually could slot into the middle of Cleveland’s rotation.
98. Mallex Smith, OF, Braves: Smith, 22, won the organizational player of the year award in 2015, generating a buzz about the speedy outfielder. He has swiped 226 bases in 391 minor league games. He has a career .295 batting average and .339 on-base percentage and could pose a real chance to earn a job in the rebuilding franchise.
99. Aaron Blair, RHP, Braves: Acquired in the Shelby Miller trade with the Diamondbacks, Blair, the top pitching prospect in the organization, has a major league-ready arm that should slot him into the rotation in 2016. The 23-year-old has had a solid minor league career — 23-13 record with a 3.22 ERA and has topped 150 innings pitched in each of his last two full seasons — and has the makings of a workhorse No. 3 type starter.
100. Austin Meadows, OF, Pirates: Pittsburgh’s penchant for producing blue-chip outfielders will keep its latest prize on the farm for a while. Meadows dominated the Florida State League as a 20-year-old and is right on schedule after the club selected him ninth overall in 2013. His excellent plate discipline should keep moving him right along toward the majors, where he could become a 20-homer, 20-steal type player. That is, once Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte or Gregory Polanco dare create an opening at PNC Park.