Prospect Stock Watch: Riley, Stephenson, Barreto

Today at the Prospect Stock Watch we take a look a collection of prospects from AAA, AA and single-A, including a flame throwing pitcher that has yet to make things click, a young third baseman oozing with potential, and a shortstop getting ready to break out — perhaps in the mold of Jose Altuve.

Austin Riley | 3B | Braves
ETA: 2019
Value: Rising

Selected 41st overall in 2015, I immediately became a fan of Riley and he’s continued to get better in 2016. The 19-year-old infielder should have power to spare as he fully matures into a big league hitter. He’s already shown good in-game pop in low-A ball in a league that doesn’t tend to give up many home runs. Riley has 16 homers, good for third place in the league and his 34 doubles also rank third. The biggest question around the young hitter’s offence is his discipline. He’s struck out 135 times in 116 games — with just 36 walks. In only his first full season, though, the developing power-hitter will need some time to better recognize spin and understand how pitchers work to him. In the field, he has a good chance to remain at third base thanks to his strong arm. The Braves have some depth at third base ahead of Riley but no one that should be considered a roadblock.

Robert Stephenson | RHP | Reds
ETA: 2016
Value: Steady

Stephenson looked like he was poised to become one of the top young starters in the minors in 2014 but his control took a big step backward and he’s still — two years later — looking to find consistency with both his command and control. Pitching at the triple-A level in 2016, the right-hander has not struck out as many batters as he should have (106 in 123.2 innings) with upper-90s velocity and two other pitches that flash plus potential. He also gives up too many home runs and works up in the zone too frequently. Once he learns the value of changing eye levels — along with commanding his fastball more consistently — Stephenson should finally take off. After spending the last year-and-a-half in triple-A (with two big league starts), the Reds may want to consider breaking the young pitcher into the Majors as a high-leverage reliever before shifting him back after a year or two. It could allow him time to focus on his fastball command while receiving consistent, big-league coaching.

Franklin Barreto | SS | Athletics
ETA: 2017
Value: Steady

The Josh Donaldson trade has not worked out overly well for the A’s over the past two seasons — at least compared to the MVP performances that the former third baseman has amassed in Toronto. However, the best is yet to come for Oakland. Barreto, just 20, is currently playing at the double-A level and having a solid — but unspectacular — year. He’s one of the youngest players in the league and has shown the ability to hit for a solid average and also impact the game on the base paths (27 steals, albeit with 15 caught stealings). He’s an aggressive hitter who doesn’t walk much and strikes out probably more than he should. With just nine home runs on the year, Barreto’s power hasn’t shown up in game situations but the (generously listed) 5-foot-10 hitter has strong forearms and could eventually mirror Houston’s Jose Altuve in terms of power output. A’s fans will have to continue to be patient but the wait should be well worth it. Look for 2017 to be his breakout year — with perhaps a move to second base or center field.