Dylan Bundy – Starting Pitcher, Baltimore Orioles

This flame-throwing righty was taken fourth overall in the 2011 draft by the Orioles straight out of high school.  His 98 mile per hour fastball helped propel him to the big leagues last year in just his second full season in the organization, albeit for only 1.2 innings pitched in two appearances.  His dominant fastball makes his changeup all the more devastating to hitters.  Bundy is rehabbing an injury right now, but once he is back to full strength, he will see time in the majors again this year.

Xander Bogaerts – Shortstop, Port Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox)

This speedy shortstop out of Aruba signed with the Red Sox in 2009 at the ripe old age of 16.  The signing has payed dividends for the Sox so far, as Bogaerts has already propelled his way to AA ball.  So far this season, he’s batting a solid .290 with two home runs and 14 runs batted in.  On the down side, he has as many strikeouts (31) as hits.  He needs to improve his plate discipline to become the all-around shortstop that teams desire.  I would expect to see him in the big leagues in late 2013 or 2014.

Gary Sanchez – Catcher, Tampa Yankees (New York Yankees)

The 20 year-old catcher from the Dominican Republic was signed by the Yankees in 2009 for $3 million.  He’s got a ton of raw power and a great arm from behind the plate.  His power is showing so far this season, batting .260 with five home runs and 25 runs batted in.  Although Sanchez has a great arm, he still needs to improve his mechanics at the catcher position.  Since he is still so young and at the Class-A level, I would be surprised if he made his MLB debut before 2015.  Once his develops his skills fully, he will be a household name at the big league level.

Wil Myers – Outfield, Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays)

A year after finishing second in the minor leagues in home runs, Myers is picking up right where he left off.  His power numbers are down slightly, but he is still having a great year so far.  He’s got three home runs and 17 runs batted in while batting .274.  However, he has struck out a staggering 40 times so far which definitely deserves some criticism.  Improving his plate discipline will make him even more suited for a mid-season call up to Tampa Bay.  Myers could provide a much needed spark to their lineup and could see time in the big leagues this season.

Aaron Sanchez – Starting Pitcher, Dunedin Blue Jays (Toronto Blue Jays)

This right-handed pitcher brings a mid-90s fastball to the table, along with an above average curveball to keep hitters off balance.  He’s having a great season so far in the minors, compiling a 2-1 record with a respectable 2.60 earned run average through seven starts.  The number that jumps out at me is that opponents are batting just .163 against him.  His strikeout to walk ratio is also outstanding at 3.4:1.  Given his young age and the fact that he is still in Class-A ball, I would be surprised to see him in the big leagues this year; but, with Toronto’s struggles so far, anything could happen.

Courtney Hawkins – Outfield, Winston-Salem Dash (Chicago White Sox)

Hawkins is currently on the disabled list, but not before he was able to belt seven home runs and drive in 17 runs.  He also managed to strike out 45 times in 79 at-bats, which equals out to a 57 percent strikeout rate.  That is definitely unacceptable and has directly contributed to his abysmal .177 batting average.  As you can see, he still has skills he needs to perfect in order to be productive at the big league level.  I would be willing to bet you won’t see Hawkins in the majors before 2015.

Francisco Lindor – Shortstop, Carolina Mudcats (Cleveland Indians)

Selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2011 draft, Lindor has made an immediate impact in the Cleveland organization.  Some say that he is the best defensive shortstop in the minors with his great arm, insane range, and outstanding instincts in the infield.  He’s also red hot at the plate this year, hitting .352 with 13 runs batted in and 12 extra base hits.  As you’d expect, his great range in the field comes from his great speed, which has earned him eight stolen bases on top of his already great numbers.  Lindor could be in an Indians uniform by late 2013 or early 2014.

Nick Castellanos – Outfield, Toledo Mud Hens (Detroit Tigers)

This third baseman turned outfielder has quickly moved up in the Tigers’ organization since his selection in the second round of the 2010 draft.  He was promoted to AA in 2012, won the Futures Game Most Valuable Player award, and has been promoted to AAA to start the 2013 season.  He’s batting .247 with 12 doubles and 14 runs batted in.  His strikeout rate is relatively low at 26 percent, which could translate into a lot of runs driven in since he puts the ball in play.  I would not be surprised to see Castellanos on the Tigers’ roster when they make their playoff run down the stretch.

Bubba Starling – Outfield, Lexington Legends (Kansas City Royals)

This 20 year-old outfielder in the Royals organization was almost a quarterback at the University of Nebraska, but he chose baseball over football.  Since he played two sports well, it might take longer than usual for this young man to fully develop his baseball skills.  He’s batting .208 this year with four home runs, but has more strikeouts (38) than hits (24).  His raw athleticism gives him the potential to be a great defensive and offensive player, but he needs time to mature and develop his talents.  I think Starling will spend at least two or three more years in the minors.

Miguel Sano – Third Base, Fort Myers Miracle (Minnesota Twins)

The third baseman from the Dominican Republic is absolutely dominated Class-A pitching so far this season.  He’s blasted 10 home runs and driven in 31 runs, all while batting .391.  These are numbers that we are used to seeing from Miguel Cabrera.  I know it’s a little early to be drawing comparisons like that, but this young man is really living up to the hype so far.  It seems the only thing he needs to worry about thus far is improving his glove skills and footwork around the bag at third.  Since he is still only 19 years old, I’d expect the Twins to continue to let him develop in the minors for another year or two.

Jonathan Singleton – First Base, Houston Astros

The Astros acquired this big, strong first baseman from the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2011 deal that sent outfielder Hunter Pence to the City of Brotherly Love.  Singleton had a promising year in 2012 and was looking to continue that trend this season, but hasn’t been able to get on the field yet.  He is serving a 50 game ban due to testing positive for a banned substance for a second time.  He’ll be able to return in about a month and show scouts whether or not the time off has affected his on-field performance.

Kaleb Kowart – Third Base, Arkansas Travelers (Los Angeles Angels)

This switch-hitting third baseman has shown the ability to hit for power from both sides of the plate.  However, he hasn’t really lived up to those expectations so far this season.  He’s batting only .203 with two home runs and 10 runs batted in, while striking out 32 times.  He does have above average speed for a third baseman, which makes him well suited for the hot corner, as well as on the bases.  Kowart needs to improve his recognition of the strike-zone and cut down on his strikeouts.  I would expect Kowart to be the next position player the Angels consider for promotion, possibly ending up in Los Angeles by the 2014 season.

Addison Russell – Shortstop, Stockton Ports (Oakland Athletics)

The A’s selected this 19 year-old shortstop with the 11th pick in the 2012 draft.  He had a great summer in the Midwest League, but has struggled so far this season for the Stockton Ports.  He’s batting only .161 with 34 strikeouts and only 14 hits.  Russell is a solid shortstop, but also has the tools to play third base if a position switch is necessary.  He will need several more years in the minors to hone his defensive skills and ability to hit off-speed pitches at the plate. 

Taijuan Walker – Starting Pitcher, Jackson Generals (Seattle Mariners)

Walker was the Mariners first selection in the 2010 draft straight out of high school.  He is a three-pitch pitcher with a great fastball and an above average curveball and changeup.  In seven starts this year at AA Jacksonville, Walker is 3-3 with a very low 2.23 earned run average.  He’s only given up 25 hits in 40.1 innings pitched while striking out 46.  He needs work on his pitch command, but scouts think that will come in due time.  Walker will likely spend the rest of the 2013 season in the minors, but could burst onto the major league scene in 2014.

Jurickson Profar – Shortstop, Round Rock Express (Texas Rangers)

Most people on the baseball scene are familiar with Profar’s name after his brief stint with the Rangers during the 2012 season.  He is an outstanding defensive shortstop with great baseball instincts.  He’s a switch hitter at the plate, which is a great bonus for a shortstop to have.  So far this year at AAA Round Rock, Profar is batting .234 with two home runs and 13 runs batted in.  However, he doesn’t strike out a lot, so if he continues to put the ball in play, the hits will come.  After playing for the Rangers in 2012, I don’t see why he wouldn’t see time in the big leagues again this year.