It’s a wonderful time to be an MLB fan, since teams haven’t been shy in promoting their top prospects if they feel they need them.
That is precisely why the Tampa Bay Rays called up uber-prospect Wander Franco, a switch-hitting shortstop capable of changing games with his hitting ability.
However, there are plenty more on the way, as these two prospects have the potential to receive the call in 2021, as well.
It’s not likely we see them this year, but it is a possibility.
2. Spencer Torkelson, 1B/3B, Detroit Tigers
Spencer Torkelson was the first pick of the 2020 MLB Amateur Draft, by the Detroit Tigers.
As far as organizational needs, present and future value, it’s hard to find a better fit for the Tigers.
Detroit badly needs bats to complement their army of talented arms, and Torkelson can be a middle-of-the-order fixture for at least the next decade.
Largely considered the best and most talented college bat to enter the draft in at least five years, Torkelson has the potential to be the rare batter that hits for a high average, draws a considerable amount of walks, and shows power.
In fact, the Tigers assigned him to their Class-A Advanced affiliate, and he responded by hitting .312/.440/.569 with five homers and a 17 percent walk rate in 141 plate appearances.
That earned him a promotion to Double-A, and the change in difficulty hasn’t fazed Tork.
There, he is also off to a fast start, with a .304/.346/.652 line and two homers in his first six games.
There it is! Spencer Torkelson’s first Double-A homer puts Erie up 4-2 late. pic.twitter.com/u5NQOkR9zi
— Tigers Minor League Report (@tigersMLreport) June 19, 2021
Torkelson is clearly on the fast track to the major leagues and there is an outside chance we can see him drink his cup of coffee in September with the Tigers.
His speed and defense are both below average, as he can only play a passable first base and could become too slow for third base in the not-so-distant future.
But if he keeps hitting like this, it won’t matter.
1. Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals
When it comes to five-tool future stars in the minor leagues, no one can match Bobby Witt Jr.’s potential.
The son of a former major leaguer, Witt Jr. has all the tools to be a star as soon as 2021.
His presence in the major leagues will depend on the Kansas City Royals’ willingness to call him up and if he can keep torching minor league pitching.
After a brilliant spring training performance, Witt Jr. was generating buzz that he could be included in the major league roster.
It didn’t happen, as the team opted to place him in Double-A.
It was probably the right decision, as Witt Jr. was unproven against pitching in the upper minors.
He has responded by hitting .280/.352/.561 with 11 home runs and 11 stolen bases in 38 Double-A games.
Unlike Torkelson, Witt Jr. has a problem with strikeouts (25.6 percent K percentage) but also unlike his Tigers counterpart, the Royals’ farmhand has speed to burn, can play good defense at a premium position, and is very athletic.
Top Royals prospect Bobby Witt Jr. shows off his wheels with a triple for @nwanaturals. pic.twitter.com/IkVYF3e6Yu
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) June 17, 2021
Both players project to be future stars, and MLB fans will surely see them soon.
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