Prospect Stock Watch: Spring Training

Spring has sprung and a number of prospects are already turning heads in their respective camps. Today, we’ll have a look at some of the early studs.

Ozhaino Albies, SS, Braves: Just 19, Albies has already appeared in eight spring training games with the Braves. And by all accounts, he’s turning heads and upping his value every day. Perhaps the most impressive part of the youngster’s games has been the amount of contact — he’s struck out just two times in 17 at-bats. It’s easy to see why he’s hit more than .300 in each of his first two pro seasons. Albies can’t legally buy a beer in the U.S. but he could reach Double-A at some point in 2016 and could be in the Majors as soon as 2017. With fellow shortstop Darby Swanson (the 2015 first overall draft pick) also in the system now after an off-season deal with Arizona, the future up the middle in Atlanta looks incredibly bright. ETA: Mid-2017

Roman Quinn, CF, Phillies: The devastating injury to Aaron Altherr could open up an unexpected opportunity for Quinn. The 22-year-old outfielder has battled injuries himself throughout his career and has never appeared in more than 88 games in a season over his four-year career. Still, he performed well in Double-A in 2015 and possesses game-changing speed. He’s stolen 123 bases in 279 games. Quinn will likely still have to open the year back in the minors but the names ahead of him on the depth chart are hardly household names — including Tyler Goeddel, Cody Asche, and Pete Bourjos. ETA: July

Trevor Story, SS, Rockies: The loss of Jose Reyes is providing Story with an opportunity to the make the 25-man roster out of the spring — something that seemed highly unlikely even two months ago. Still, the rookie infielder showed outstanding pop last year with 40 doubles, 10 triples and 20 home runs in 130 games split between Double-A and Triple-A. In Colorado, he’s definitely a 20-20 threat — assuming her can make enough contact after striking out 141 times last year. So far this spring — in limited at-bats — Story isn’t hitting for average but all three of his hits have gone for extra bases (including two homers). My guess is that the freshman still opens the year in the minors but he’s up before the start of the summer. ERA: late-May

Tyler White, 3B/1B, Astros: You’ve probably heard a lot about prospect A.J. Reed given the wide-open opportunity at first base for the Astros in 2016. Jonathan Singleton has opened the spring with (perhaps) the edge for the job but his inability to make consistent contact continues to haunt him (50% K-rate). Reed has played well but White has been a revelation. He has six hits in as many games and three of those base-knocks have been for extra bases. He doesn’t have a walk this spring but he was an on-base machine in ’15 with 84 walks and 73 strikeouts. This former 33rd round draft pick has already defined all odds to reach Triple-A and he could be one of the feel-good stories of the spring if he keeps hitting like this. ETA: April





Marc Hulet has been writing at FanGraphs since 2008. His work focuses on prospects and fantasy. Follow him on Twitter @marchulet.

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johnnycuffmember
8 years ago

Roman Quinn over Nick Williams? disagree

tjac1982
8 years ago
Reply to  johnnycuff

I’m sure we all know Williams is the better prospect, but Klentak already mentioned he’s not ready to bring Williams up.