Prospects on Wild Card Series rosters
The American League postseason began with four Wild Card Series on Tuesday. One day later, four National League Wild Card Series will join them for perhaps the most action-packed day of playoff baseball ever, featuring eight games. Here's a breakdown of the top-30 prospects featured on Wild Card Series rosters:
The American League postseason began with four Wild Card Series on Tuesday. One day later, four National League Wild Card Series will join them for perhaps the most action-packed day of playoff baseball ever, featuring eight games.
Here's a breakdown of the top-30 prospects featured on Wild Card Series rosters:
American League
Tampa Bay Rays
6. LHP
19. OF
McClanahan was a shock inclusion, considering the 23-year-old left-hander has yet to debut in the Majors. Tampa Bay has been impressed by his work at the alternate site, and with a plus fastball and impressive slider, the southpaw has the stuff to make an impact out of the bullpen despite never having pitched above the Double-A level. McClanahan would become the first Major League pitcher in the modern era to make his debut in the postseason if he gets in a game. Arozarena broke out with his power bat during the regular season, hitting seven homers and slugging .641 over 23 games. The outfielder, who also has above-average speed, has earned regular playing time in the Rays outfield, especially following an injury to
Oakland Athletics
None
The A's may not have a current top-30 prospect on their Wild Card Series roster, but the group does not lack impact rookies.
Minnesota Twins
2. OF/1B
6. C
The Twins have always had big plans for No. 27 overall prospect Kirilloff, and following a calf injury to
Cleveland Indians
3. RHP
The 23-year-old right-hander missed all of 2019 with a back strain, but Cleveland saw enough to give him a Major League rotation spot in late August. He was never sent back down after that, posting a 3.24 ERA and 0.90 WHIP with 42 strikeouts in 33 1/3 innings. McKenzie, who utilizes a rising fastball and two solid breaking options, will be used out of the bullpen to begin the playoffs but could be a starting option should Cleveland advance.
New York Yankees
3. RHP
Garcia was one of only two 21-year-olds to toss 30 innings in the Majors this season --
Houston Astros
22. OF
The third of three prospects who could make their Major League debuts in the playoffs, McCormick was another surprise inclusion on a Wild Card Series roster. The 25-year-old left-handed hitter posted a .269/.386/.432 line with 14 homers and 16 stolen bases between Double-A and Triple-A last season. He possesses above-average speed and has experience at all three outfield spots, making him a useful late-game option for manager Dusty Baker off the bench.
Chicago White Sox
3. 2B
4. LHP Garrett Crochet
5. RHP
This list doesn't even include the graduated
Toronto Blue Jays
1. RHP
6. C
Much was expected from the hard-throwing Pearson in his rookie season, but the No. 6 overall prospect faced early struggles and missed significant time with a flexor strain in his right elbow. He returned just before the conclusion of the regular season, however, and his plus-plus fastball should play up in the bullpen. Kirk made the jump from Class A Advanced to the Majors and didn't skip a beat following a late callup, going 9-for-24 (.375) with three extra-base hits over nine games. He also made a lot of hard contact, thus earning both a postseason roster spot and consistent playing time (especially against left-handed pitchers).
National League
Los Angeles Dodgers
2. C
The 22-year-old switch-hitter only factored into two regular-season games but cracked the Wild Card roster as the Dodgers' third catcher behind
Atlanta Braves
1. OF
3. RHP
7. C
The Braves also only found two games to feature Pache during the regular season, but MLB.com's No. 10 overall prospect has the skills to be useful in big postseason games. His plus-plus run tool makes him an ideal pinch-running option, and his Gold Glove-caliber defense will make him a good late-game replacement in the outfield. Anderson was a calming presence in the Atlanta rotation with a 1.95 ERA and 41 strikeouts over 32 1/3 innings since his promotion on Aug. 26. He is slated to start Game 2 against Cincinnati. Contreras will serve as the third catcher behind
Chicago Cubs
6. RHP
Four of Alzolay's six appearances this season were starts, but the 25-year-old right-hander is expected to be used out of the bullpen for the NL Central winners. He thrives on two solid pitches -- a fastball that averages 95 mph and a slider that features well-above-average horizontal movement. They make him a solid bullpen option for the Cubs, rather than simply a long man or emergency starter.
San Diego Padres
3. RHP
4. C
Neither Luis ended the regular season with the Major League club but will get their chance to leave an impression in the postseason. Patiño had mixed results out of the bullpen (5.19 ERA, 21 strikeouts, 14 walks in 17 1/3 innings), but the 20-year-old right-hander still has the stuff to get Major League batters out, starting with a heater that averages 97 mph. Campusano got in one game following his jump from Class A Advanced to the Majors before suffering a wrist sprain.
St. Louis Cardinals
1. OF
14. RHP
Carlson struggled immensely out of the gate, leading to a demotion back to the alternate site on Sept. 8, before rebounding impressively in the final weeks. Following his return on Sept. 18, the switch-hitting outfielder went 10-for-36 (.278) with two homers and a .936 OPS over his final 12 games. He should be a constant feature in the outfield during the Cards' postseason run. Previously limited by COVID-19 and elbow issues, Whitley returns to the Cardinals bullpen where he made four regular-season appearances. His fastball and slider are both above-average options, though his changeup was his preferred off-speed pitch in the Majors this season.
Miami Marlins
1. RHP
4. SS/2B
7. LHP
8. 1B
9. LHP
10. OF
11. RHP
The most loaded prospect group of the bunch by far. Sanchez (3.46 ERA, 1.21 WHIP over seven starts) matched the hype that came with being MLB.com's No. 19 overall prospect. The 22-year-old right-hander will get the ball in Game 2 against the Cubs. Chisholm, ranked No. 61 overall, has plenty of potential but struggled to make enough contact to warrant a starting spot in the Miami infield. He'll be joined on the Marlins bench by Diaz and Harrison -- the latter of whom should get plenty of opportunities as a pinch-runner/outfield defensive replacement. Garrett, Rogers and Neidert might be the future of the Miami rotation but will move to the bullpen for now.
Cincinnati Reds
6. SS
The Reds have high hopes for the 22-year-old shortstop, giving him a Major League spot this season after he had previously topped out at Class A Advanced. That confidence didn't turn into production -- Garcia hit just .194/.206/.194 over 68 plate appearances -- but it still earns him a bench spot in the Wild Card Series. Garcia is considered a gifted defender, and that will be his best chance to make an impact this postseason.
Milwaukee Brewers
22. RHP
Taylor will serve as a right-handed-hitting option off the bench with
Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB.