Ask BA: Who Are Sleeper Prospects Who Could Emerge In 2016?

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Q:Who are some of the biggest potential risers in the Top 100 Prospects next season?

BA:There are lot of ways to answer this question. We took a look at some prospects who just missed when we announced our Top 100, so today I’ll highlight some sleeper prospects who are further off the radar. All of these are higher-risk prospects who could flame out, but they all have some aspect that also make big steps forward possible in 2016.

Harrison Bader, of/Paul DeJong, 3b, Cardinals: Take your pick of which one breaks through this year, but both Bader and DeJong fit a pattern that has been successful for the Cardinals for many years. The Cardinals like to develop college players who can hit but face defensive questions. Their logic is that dedicated, intense instruction can fix a lot of defensive issues. Bader hit well at Florida but faced questions about whether he could play center field, where his average power would profile much better. The Cardinals believe that he can, which could make him a useful everyday outfielder.

DeJong had similar questions coming out of Illinois State. DeJong was a catcher in the past as well as playing second and third base and the outfield, but the Cardinals have put him at third base and let him settle at one spot. DeJong has always hit and he has significant power potential. If he can prove to be a solid defender at third base, he becomes an interesting power prospect.

Trevor Clifton, rhp, Cubs: There are a number of Cubs we could pick, including Bryan Hudson and D.J. Wilson, but Clifton fits well on this list as an impressive sleeper who has filled into his body. Clifton has plenty of fastball (91-95 mph) and a changeup and curveball that both show promise, if not consistency. He’ll be fun to watch at high Class A Myrtle Beach this year.

Anderson Franco, 3b, Nationals: Victor Robles understandably got most of the attention among breakout Nationals short-season/Rookie ball prospects, but Franco was impressive in his own right as the 18-year-old who held his own in the Gulf Coast League in 2015. Franco has more physicality than most teenagers, as well as plenty of bat speed. He could make it to low Class A Hagerstown in 2016.

Wilkerman Garcia, ss, Yankees: Garcia was one of the best prospects in the international amateur class in 2014 and he’s made significant strides since then. The 17-year-old Venezuelan is a switch-hitting shortstop with an excellent understanding of the strike zone for his age. He’ll turn 18 just before the season starts and it’s not out of the question that Garcia could jump to low Class A Charleston this year.

Josh Staumont, rhp, Royals: This is a risky pick because there is a chance that Staumont could prove to be Jason Neighborgall-lite, someone with great stuff but not enough control and command to ever make it work. Staumont walked 6.0 per nine innings at Azuza Pacific and walked 7.2 per nine in his pro debut. But Staumont can get to 100 mph and beyond with seemingly very little effort and his curveball is a plus-plus offering at its best, as well. If he can figure out how to get around the strike zone on a more regular basis, a la Craig Kimbrel, he has the stuff of an elite closer.

Leodys Taveras, of, Rangers: Taveras’ breakthrough is more likely to come in 2017 or 2018 instead of this year, but if he makes it to the Arizona League this year, he will impress scouts with his solid swing from both sides of the plate and excellent speed. There’s even some power potential down the road for the center fielder.