5 Star Prospects MLB Fans Can Expect to See in the Second Half
By Michael Luciano
The 2019 Futures Game gave us a tantalizing glimpse at the next generation of baseball. Even with some of the most talented prospects in baseball like Wander Franco, Mackenzie Gore, and Jarred Kelenic stuck in the lower levels of the minor leagues, some of the best prospects are knocking at the door, waiting for the roster expansion in September to come up to the bigs and show everyone what all the fuss was about. These five mega-talents should see the field at the MLB level some time next year.
5. Pirates 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes
The son of former Phillies and Rockies third baseman Charlie Hayes, Ke'Bryan was a first-round pick in 2015 and has spent almost all of this season with the Indianapolis Indians in Triple-A. While his .245 batting average is a bit of a concern, he has improved his defense while maintaining his power. With the Pirates trending downward, it's possible they'll be out of it by September and will call up their top prospect to see what he's got.
4. A's Pitcher Jesus Luzardo
Luzardo is currently sporting a 3.65 ERA in three starts with the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators. Those numbers don't tell the whole story, however, as Las Vegas might as well be Coors Field given the altitude. With only two walks in 19.1 innings, Luzardo and his heavy mid-90s sinker look to be on track for an MLB debut some time this year, either as a flame-throwing reliever--the Brewers did this with Josh Hader--or as a starter.
3. Astros OF Kyle Tucker
The 2015 No. 5 overall pick struggled mightily in his first go-around in the major leagues, going 9-64 in 28 big league games. He immediately regained his power stroke with the Triple-A Round Rock Express, hitting 24 home runs in just 82 games. While he has been leapfrogged by Yordan Alvarez in the prospect pecking order, Tucker's immense talent and power should earn him at least one more run with the Astros before they look to move him in a trade.
2. Blue Jays SS Bo Bichette
The Blue Jays already have the sons of Vladimir Guerrero and Craig Biggio, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Cavan Biggio, mashing with the big league club in Toronto, so why not bring Dante Bichette's son up? Bichette has hit .320 with five home runs for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, further demonstrating his terrific bat control. With a slick glove and surprising supply of power in his bat, Bichette will be up with Toronto in short order.
1. White Sox OF Luis Robert
The Cuban superstar's numbers don't even seem real. Robert has hit .349 with 16 home runs, 53 RBI and 29 steals in just 75 games with the Class-A Advanced Winston-Salem Dash and Double-A Birmingham Barons. Robert was recently promoted to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights, where he could see himself join the army of former top prospects the White Sox have on their roster provided he keeps mashing like he has been.