Top 10 MLB Prospects: Number 10 and 9

MLBPipline.com will release the 2014 Top 100 Prospects will be unveiled on Thursday, January 23^rd, as they have been listing the top 10 of each position, including first base, shortstops, and left and right-handed pitchers.

The time seems fitting to list my top 10 prospects before the MLB releases theirs. Let’s list two at a time, so numbers 10 and 9 today. Keep reading over the week to see the rest of the prospects.

NOTE: I am not including players listed as top prospects but will most likely debut in the MLB on opening day, especially those who have already dipped their feet in MLB play. This includes prospects like Taijuan Walker, Xander Bogaerts, Billy Hamilton, Nick Castellanos, Kolten Wong, Oscar Taveras, and Travis d’Arnaud. Man that’s a big list. That being said, watch out for my top 10 MLB Rookie watch, coming after this. 

10. Kris Bryant, 3B, Cubs

Kris Bryant has dominated in the minor leagues, and is already making his way up through the system. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 draft has shown his skills as a dominating hitter with great power. As for speed and fielding, it’s not top gear, but it will be MLB quality.

Bryant was named the 2013 Arizona Fall League MVP, batting .336 with nine home runs and a 1.078 OPS in 36 games with three different levels in the minors. The Cubs are likely to send Bryant to Double-A at the start of the season. Don’t be surprised to see him this summer at Wrigley Field, but they might wait when they are contenders in 2015.

Bryant has showed that he is an improving player with lots of potential. He was ranked as the number 36 overall prospect last year, the 4^th best Cubs prospect, and the 2^nd best third base prospect. Now, he is looking at being the best third base prospect in baseball.

Compare him to guys like MVP-runner-up Paul Goldschmidt, and Rays’ star Evan Longoria. He’s not just an all-or-nothing at the plate guy, and can put up a .300 average with 25 home runs on the year. I’m not saying an MVP, but a consistent hitter. Sometimes that’s all you need.

The Cubs have a huge hole to fill at third base, and hope that top prospect Mike Olt can change that this year. Lucky for the Cubs, they have a lot of offense in their minor league system that can make them one of the best in a few years. Bryant will most likely be the starting 3B for the Cubs in 2015, and Cub fans should feel great about his future.

9. Gregory Polanco, OF, Pirates

The Pirates have a farm system that is not as strong as the Astros, Cubs, or Cardinals, but they have some talent that goes unnoticed and is strong. Take Starling Marte, the 24 year old who batted .280/.343/.441 with 41 steals and a 5.4 WAR. Marte was one of the best players in the National League last year. Polanco is just like Marte.

Polanco has incredible speed, good contact and power, and all around talent. Ranked as the 4^th best outfielder, second best Pirate, and 13^th best overall, Polanco might find himself as a top five on the MLB list. A few minor league struggles might keep him out of the big leagues for half of a year, but he’ll be a starter come 2015.

How’s that outfielder for ya? Marte, Andrew McCutchen, and Polanco would be a big three. With the Pirates losing Marlon Byrd, Polanco is just what they need in right field.

Email me at statsbuddy42@gmail.com with any questions/comments/concerns.