Minor Developments: NL Central preview
See also: NL East preview | AL East preview
The National League Central features some of the biggest prospects in baseball, many of whom should see the majors this season. We break down the prospects into three tiers: first-half targets, midseason targets and players that you should stash for 2016 if you play in keeper formats.
First Half Targets
Kris Bryant, 3B, Cubs: One of the most highly anticipated prospects to arrive on the scene in quite some time, Bryant brings legitimate 30-40 home run power with him to the majors, and it should be on display immediately upon his arrival. He’s likely to spend the first few weeks down on the farm for service time purposes, but bet on 140 games in a prime position in the Cubs lineup once he gets his feet wet.
[Baseball 2015 from Yahoo! Fantasy Sports: Join a league today!]
Jorge Soler, OF, Cubs: While Bryant should get most of the headlines for the Cubs this spring, it was Soler who debuted last September and posted immediate results (89 AB, .289, 5 HR). His biggest problem has been staying healthy, but with a clean bill of health, a huge ’15 impact is possible. Expect a respectable average and 25-30 home runs from the young Cuban outfielder.
Jung Ho-Kang, SS, Pirates: He’s a huge wild card heading into 2015, but one has to pay attention following his .356 average and 40 home runs in Korea last season. If he lands a starting gig, there is 15-20 home run potential. Kang is capable of landing in the .250 range in the majors. He’s slated to start his stateside career in a utility role, and will primarily play SS and 3B this spring.
Marco Gonzales, SP, Cardinals: His long-term future is in the rotation, but Gonzales looks slated to begin the season in the Cardinals bullpen. While that doesn’t bode especially well for him from a fantasy perspective in ‘15, he’ll be one of the first options to claim a rotation spot if one of the Cardinals back-end starters falters.
Stephen Piscotty, OF, Cardinals: The Cardinals have a bit of a logjam in the outfield, and there has been talk of Piscotty getting some reps at first base this spring to try and get his bat into the lineup. The best we could expect from him early on is a platoon with Matt Adams. But as the right handed compliment, his value would be limited.
Raisel Iglesias, SP, Reds: After working primarily as a reliever in Cuba, Iglesias will compete for the final spot in the Reds rotation this spring. He has a four-pitch arsenal that features an explosive mid-90s fastball and slider that flashes plus at times, although he still struggles with control of these offerings. Even if he doesn’t secure a spot in the rotation, he could be an impact bullpen piece, and one of the first options the Reds look to in the event they need a starter during the year.
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Midseason Targets
Addison Russell, SS, Cubs: The Cubs have an embarrassment of riches on the farm, with Russell being right on par with Bryant and Soler as far as impact potential goes. Where he’ll play is the bigger question, as Starlin Castro is the incumbent shortstop and Javier Baez appears locked in at second base. It’s hard to peg him as any more than a modest fantasy contributor in 2015 until his role in the majors becomes more clear.
Tyler Glasnow, SP, Pirates: The Pirates have a bunch of uninspiring arms at the back of their rotation, and with fellow top prospect Jameson Taillon still on the mend from Tommy John surgery, Glasnow would be the first to get a look. His explosive strikeout stuff could make him an immediate fantasy asset.
Stash For 2016
Robert Stephenson, SP, Reds: Stephenson remains one of the top pitching prospects in the game after a ’14 campaign that featured some walk issues. His upper-90s fastball and plus curveball give him two legitimate strikeout weapons, and his changeup isn’t far behind. If he makes strides with his command in ’15, the sky is the limit.
Follow Rob on Twitter @rsteingall
