Youngsters on the rise

This group of near-rookies and potential call-ups are proving themselves worth the price of admission

BY KATIE WOO

DereckRodriguez

GIANTS RHP

The son of Hall of Fame catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez is quickly crafting his own identity. The 26-year-old posted a 6-4 record with a 2.81 ERA over 21 games in his rookie season and earned 40 points in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.

FranmilReyes

PADRES OF

The Padres were lucky to retain Reyes for the 2018 season after leaving him unprotected in the 2017 Rule 5 Draft, and he made sure they noted it. At 6’5”, 275 pounds, Reyes is no easy prey at the plate -- he slugged .280/.340/.498 over 87 games in his rookie season while crushing 16 home runs.

Juan Soto

NATIONALS OF

Soto made his major league debut at just 19 years old, but he’s already hitting like a seasoned veteran. He slugged .292/.406/.517 over 116 games in his rookie campaign and blasted 22 home runs, and his play has earned him comparisons to a former teammate by the name of Bryce Harper.

WillyAdames

RAYS SS

The Rays prime piece in the 2014 trade that sent David Price to Detroit, Willy Adames got off to a slow start in the first half of 2018. After making some adjustments in the minor leagues, Adames re-emerged in the second half when he slashed .305/.383/.435. He’s the rising Rays favorite to land the full-time role at shortstop coming into 2019.

GleyberTorres

YANKEES INF

Torres’ debut year was shaky at times, but the highs were enough to land him third in the American League Rookie of the Year vote and earn him an All-Star berth. He’ll be a crucial piece for the Yankees in a tight American League East division.

LouTrivino

A’S RHP

Trivino’s role as a heat-throwing setup man for closer Blake Treinen helped spur a phenomenal Athletics’ bullpen last season. Trivino posted a 2.92 ERA over 74 innings while striking out 82 batters. The A’s will need the righthander in full form if they want to make their second consecutive playoff run.

VladimirGuerreroJr.

BLUE JAYS 3B

He’s got the bat, he’s got the rank, and he’s got the name. The son of Hall of Fame outfielder

Vlad Guerrero was named MLB Pipeline’s top overall prospect for 2019, and it’s easy to see why. Guerrero Jr. led the Minors last year with a .381 batting average (.402 in Double-A and .336 in Triple-A). He’s only 19, but it’s only a matter of time before the rising star lights baseball up in Canada just like his father did.

FernandoTatisJr.

PADRES SS

Few are as exciting to anticipate as Tatis Jr., the son of 11-year big leaguer Fernando Tatis. The 20-year-old tore the cover off the ball for Double-A Amarillo last year, slashing .286/.355/.507 with 16 homers, and looked like he might earn a call-up toward the end of 2018. However, season-ending surgery in July from a fractured thumb prohibited Tatis Jr. from getting the chance. After a promising season in the Dominican Winter League, Padres fans can hardly wait for MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 overall prospect to make his big-league debut.

NickSenzel

REDS UTILITY

Injuries have plagued the 2016 No. 2 overall draft pick, but he packed a lot to remember into his short time in Triple-A Louisville. Senzel cruised to a .310/.378/.509 mark in 44 games, and his versatility as a third baseman, second baseman and outfielder will come in handy, as the Reds will need to get creative in finding a spot for his bat in the lineup. Senzel is ranked No. 6 overall on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects and is right behind Guerrero Jr. on the Top 10 Third Baseman rankings at No. 2.