Prospect Stock Watch: Happ, Tucker, O’Neill

Today at the Prospect Stock Watch we’re taking a look at three young hitters who are seeing their prospect values surge as we enter the second half of the minor league season (Where has the time gone?).

Ian Happ | OF/2B | Cubs
ETA: 2017
Value: Rising

Predominantly an outfielder in college, the Cubs have moved Happ to second base in an attempt to get the most out of his value and help him fit on the Cubs. The jury remains out on the move, though, and his bat — much like Kyle Schwarber and the C vs OF debate — is more developed than the defensive skills. In fact, the young second baseman received a promotion to double-A just two days ago after hitting .296/.410/.475 in 69 high-A games. Happ, 21, can do a little bit of everything as a switch-hitter with speed, patience, pop and a solid eye at the plate. He reminds me of a young — less versatile — Ben Zobrist.

Kyle Tucker | RF | Astros
ETA: 2019
Value: Rising

Just 19, Tucker is having more success than a lot of his 2015 draft mates. The fifth overall pick in the draft is doing a little bit of everything in low-A — except hitting for power. He’s hitting more than .300. showing a solid approach at the plate and has swiped 23 bases in 29 tries. The lack of power should not be a concern. He’s managed just 17 extra base hits but his frame hints at much more pop to come as he continues to mature as a hitter. Defensively, he could play some center but is better suited to right field. With some strong offensive prospects ahead of him, the Astros have the benefit of being patient with him.

Tyler O’Neill | OF | Mariners
ETA: 2017
Value: Rising

I think it’s fair to say that the Mariners outfield does not strike much fear in the hearts of men — although Franklin Gutierrez is enjoying a bit of a rebirth. Still, most of the thump in the lineup comes from other areas. That could change within a year, though, if O’Neill is truly ready to realize his potential. Just 21, the Canadian-born outfielder has moved through the minors with at a brisk pace and has gotten better with each season and each promotion. He slugged 32 home runs last year but had a poor approach at the plate, which led to a BB-K rate of 29-137 in 106 games. O’Neill is still hitting for power in ’16 but he’s walking more, striking out less and is showing an aptitude for making adjustments. He’s going to be a good one for the Mariners.