The Freshmen Report: Buxton, Franco, Lindor, May

Today at The Freshmen Report we’re taking a look at some recently-promoted top prospects, as well as a reliable — but unspectacular — American League starting pitcher.

Byron Buxton, CF, Twins: Minnesota is having a pretty solid season but the offence has definitely not been a strong suit for the club. Center field has been a big gap with both Aaron Hicks (now injured) and Jordan Schafer producing OPS numbers below .600. As a result, the organization reached down to Double-A to pluck top prospect Buxton away from a solid rebound season after he missed much of 2014 due to injuries. It’s been a rough going early on with a strikeout rate hovering around 38% but it’s only been four games and, frankly, the Twins don’t have many other options. Buxton, 21, is going to have some rough edges to his game but his athleticism — and value on the bases and in the field — should allow him to hang in there. The 2015 season likely won’t be a huge gain for him but he should be able to keep his head above water given enough patience.

Maikel Franco, 3B, Phillies: Just about everyone but the Phillies saw the Ryan Howard contract as a terrible thing to commit to and it currently serves as a roadblock for Franco. A natural third baseman, the rookie has committed six errors in 32 games and will need to shift across the diamond when Howard is eventually jettisoned via trade, waivers or free agency relief. Franco, 22, has already flashed his power potential with seven long balls. And he doesn’t strikeout like a typical slugger — he’s currently sitting with a strikeout rate of 13.7%. The biggest downside to his offensive game is his aggressive nature that lends itself to low walk rates and, in turn, limited value in his on-base percentage. Once he shifts across the field his value will increase for Philadelphia and it could free his mind to become and even more dangerous hitter.

Francisco Lindor, SS, Indians: Lindor’s numbers look a little bit like fellow, recently-called-up top prospect Byron Buxton. The Indians shortstop also features an ugly strikeout rate in the early going (36.4%) balanced against no walks. Also similarly, the Indians’ shortstop position has been a giant suck hole to date with players such as Jose Ramirez and Mike Aviles failing to impress. The good news for Indians fans is that Lindor has a lot of value even if he doesn’t hit — more so than the others who kept the position warm for him. He has some aptitude on the base paths (he’s already stolen one bag) but he has the potential to be a wizard with the glove — which should also give a boost to Indians pitchers.

Trevor May, RHP, Twins: May hasn’t received much fanfare around baseball despite his early success because, well, he plays in Minnesota and his repertoire isn’t overly sexy in his day and age. The right-hander sits around 92 mph with his fastball and mixes in three other offerings. His biggest strengths are his ability to throw strikes and command his fastball. He’s also been durable and the 25-year-old hurler projects to be a big-bodied innings-eater. May’s most significant weakness is his extreme fly-ball ways that have created a ground-ball rate of just 39%, well below average. It makes him vulnerable to home runs and big innings. Standing 6-5, the young pitcher has the build necessary to create a strong downward plane on his offerings. In his current state, May should settle in as a reliable No. 4 starter in the Majors.