.
2016
RHP CJ Edwards
CF Albert Almora
RHP Pierce Johnson
OF Billy McKinney
RHP Corey Black
2017
2B/CF Ian Happ (SS)
SS Gleyber Torres
C Wilson Contreras
CF Eddy Julio Martinez
RHP Duane Underwood
RHP Jake Stinnett
OF Eloy Jiminez
These are just guesses on my part. CJ has been close for a while now, and actually had a small taste this year. I expect with another run thru camp next year, Bosio should be able to work some more magic and get him ready to start helpin out in 2016. Probably in the pen.
Almora is insurance if Fowler leaves. (Fowler leaving would also net us another draft pick) When you think about it, if we sign Price, but let Fowler go, our salary doesn’t even really jump all that much. Maybe 10-12 mil. Almora doesn’t have the bat, or switch hitting that Fowler does, but he plays excellent defense and that alone would give him value for this roster. Montero, Russell, Almora up the middle is STRONG.
Pierce Johnson is another one that has been workin in the minors for a few years, I don’t know if he’ll be ready opening day, but he should be able to come up soon and help, again, either as a starter, or a reliever.
McKinney would be outfield depth in the corners, I suspect he starts year in Triple A, and could come up as needed. (injury protection)
Black is yet another arm that’s close. Hitting that age 24-25 where kids get things figured out, and Bosio will be there to help as well.
All five at worst should start the year in Triple A, and could be this year’s Schwarber, Russell, Bryant contributors come May-June, etc. I suppose 1-2 others could make a big jump if they prove themselves, ala Schwarber who really was supposed to just get thru Double and Triple A this year, and flourished. It’s possible we have another guy or two make a leap like that, but hard to predict.
2017 could be a really fun class. Look at those names. If Happ doesn’t make the Schwarber, he should easily be ready for 2017, and his position versatility could make him a September 2016 call up at worse. A switch hitting second baseman, that can play in the outfield too? Maddon will love this kid.
Torres I have talked about in here for months. He is jumping leaps and bounds already, he could be in Triple A early in 2016, and will just need space if/when a Baez or Castro get moved. The kid will be 19 next year.
Contreras is 2017 Montero protection, imo. As Ross leaves within a year or so, Montero will be left behind, but getting a little older, Contreras could be ready by opening day 2017 to handle the staff, and the bat.
Eddy, another Cuban prospect, he “could” make a huge leap for 2016, but safer bet he comes up in 2017. If Almora doesn’t shine, Eddy will be hot on his heels.
Underwood could/should be a solid #3-4 starter pretty soon. 3rd rounder from 2012
Stinnett, same thing. He’s a second round pick we took after getting Schwarber, with another year in the minors, he could be a #4-5 type starter in a couple years.
Eloy is the Wild Card. HE was the #1 prospect in 2013, not Torres, he’s just been surpassed is all. Kid is 6-4 and built like a tank. Lesser Soler???? Still only 18-19, If he starts to put it together………
Of course, some of these guys could also become trade bait for what we want, when Theo sees that we need it. Be it this offseason, or the trade deadline, some of these guys are likely to be moved at some point. (same as a Baez, or Castro could be moved from the big league club at any moment as well)
Only guys we know are staying, for sure, for a long time, are Lester, Arrieta, Rizzo, Bryant, Schwarber, Russell, and I think Soler. Montero, Castro, Baez, and Hammel could be around for another year (or two) but no guarantees. Fowler and Coghlan will depend on market, and if they want to stay here, or leave for more money elsewhere. Hendricks, Ramirez, Grimm, Strop, Rondon, and Travis Wood are arms that we likely hold onto a while longer, but same thing, no guarantees.
And as we have discussed, likely that Theo chases David Price and/or an equivalent free agent #3 Starter, and then possibility he makes a move for a 4th, like Tyson Ross from San Diego. (potential Castro or Baez landing spot)
come on, you know we need a miracle, and all the odds are against us right now. Just tryin to keep this team workin, fightin for this. Want them to hunger next year. Cuz next year, they won't sneak up on anyone, they will be expected to be good.
