Prospect Stock Watch: Stewart, Happ, Espinoza

Today at the Prospect Stock Watch we’re taking a look at two promising young hitters and one of the top pitching prospects in baseball — who just happened to get traded yesterday.

Christin Stewart | OF | Tigers
ETA: 2018
Value: Rising

Someone forgot to tell Stewart that the Florida State League is a pitcher’s league. Someone also forgot to tell him that the Tigers haven’t had much luck developing hitters in recent years. The 34th overall pick of the 2015 draft has hit the ground running in his first full pro season in 2016. He’s slugged 20 home runs and 37 of his 70 hits have gone for extra bases. Stewart, 22, has also shown a strong eye with 65 walks in 81 games. With all that said, he’ll likely always strike out a fair bit and his batting average is respectable but nothing to write home about. The Tigers are pretty set in the corner outfield positions with Justin Upton and J.D. Martinez but Victor Martinez isn’t going to be around much longer so Stewart could work his way into a part-time outfielder/part-time designated hitter role, perhaps in the second half of 2017 or, at the latest, 2018.

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

The Cubs don’t really need more good prospects, right? Well, like it or not Happ is yet another talented prospect on a collision course with Wrigley Field. And the ninth overall selection in the 2015 draft just might reach The Show as early as 2017… if he can find a place to play. The Cubs don’t exactly have a spot for Happ, what with Ben Zobrist at second base and Kyle Schwarber targeted to return to the left field position in 2017. But those things have a way of working themselves out and if this young prospect continues to perform like he has, a spot will be found for him. Happ was recently promoted from high-A to double-A where he’s been tearing the cover off of the ball. In total on the year, he’s hitting a robust .310/.407/.487 and is showing the potential for developing into a switch-hitter with 20-20 capabilities.

Anderson Espinoza | RHP | Padres
ETA: 2019
Value: Rising

As you know by now, the Red Sox acquired Drew Pomeranz from the Padres for the hefty sum of one of the top five pitching prospects in all of baseball in Espinoza. Just 18 years of age, the young right-hander is already pitching in low-A ball and can already hit 100 mph with his fastball. He also has command of his pitches — and understanding of his craft — far beyond his years. Espinosa gives the Padres a potential impact arm that the system sorely lacked but… as we’ve all come to learn… pitching prospects are no sure thing so there is still a lot of risk associated with this young, talented player. It could be years before we know just how good (or bad) this deal works out for the teams involved.