7 MLB Top Prospects We'll See Get Called up in 2020
By Evan Wolff
Spring Training is about more than just getting the guys on the major league roster game time before the beginning of the regular season in late March. It is also about assessing the future of the organization, with top prospects being groomed for an eventual call-up. But who will earn that elusive call to the big leagues for the first time this season? Here are seven names to keep an eye out for in 2020.
7. Nate Pearson
What would baseball be without another fire-baller on the rise through the minors? That is exactly what the Blue Jays have found themselves with, in the form of right-handed starter Nate Pearson. The 23-year-old settles his fastball at around 99 MPH, and has blown away hitters from High-A to Triple-A in impressive fashion. After posting a combined 2.30 ERA through three levels of minor baseball, the 6-6 hurler is poised for a major league call-up.
6. Casey Mize
The number one overall pick for the Detroit Tigers in 2018, Casey Mize was outstanding in 23 games started in the minor league system in 2019. The former Auburn Tiger possesses a mesmerizing splitter, a 97 MPH fastball, and a K/BB ratio that has the Tigers front office excited for the future of the team. While maybe not ready to make the initial 26-man roster, a major league call-up is inevitable.
5. Jo Adell
To be seen as a worthy prospect to share the outfield with Mike Trout is an honor not taken lightly. That is why the baseball world should pay attention to the rise of Jo Adell, the Angels' first-round pick in 2017. Despite some struggles with plate discipline, Adell's talent cannot be denied, along with his abnormal power and speed on the base paths. His ability to field well and throw runners out will also speed up his eventually call-up to Anaheim.
4. Mackenzie Gore
Another year, another top-10 prospect for the Padres who is ready for big-league time. Mackenzie Gore, a first-round pick by San Diego in 2017, has floated between Single- and Double-A in the last two years, but the 20-year-old possesses major-league stuff that needs a little bit of tinkering. With 135 strikeouts in just over 100 innings pitched in 2019, a solid 2020 could earn Gore a midseason call-up to the NL West contenders.
3. Adley Rutschman
If you've reached Joe Mauer's status as a can't-miss catching prospect, that should grab the public's attention right away. After winning the award meant for the best amateur player in the country in 2019, the Orioles awarded Adley Rutschman a record signing bonus of over $8 million. Rutschman has earned rave reviews already for his game-calling skills, and commands his post behind the plate. Once his hitting catches up to his defensive skills, we will see Rutschman in the majors in no time.
2. Luis Robert
If you are giving a player a six-year, $50 million contract before he's even seen a big-league pitch, it would be wise to assume that player will be on the 26-man roster in the near future. That is exactly what the Chicago White Sox have given 22-year-old Luis Robert, who has flown through the minor-league system. Robert, who was signed in 2017, has hit a combined .326 at all levels of the minors, including a ridiculous .453 from his time assigned to High-A. Robert will surely be patrolling the outfield in the majors in the near future, if he doesn't outright make the 26-man initial roster.
1. Jarred Kelenic
Mets fans, turn away, because this was the most painful part of the Robinson Cano trade. After 23 home runs and 20 stolen bases throughout the minor-league system in 2019, Kelenic seems poised to take the next big step in his career. With the Mariners not built for a playoff run in the near future, the organization will be testing its prospects for the future. That means Kelenic could get his opportunity in 2020 to show his worth in Seattle and light up a moribund season.