Mitch KellerPatrick McDermott/Getty Images
Chicago Cubs: LHP Brailyn Marquez
While the Cubs system has a lot of quality pitching depth, it’s largely lacking in high-ceiling pitching prospects, especially with Jose Albertos and Oscar De La Cruz taking a step back and Adbert Alzolay slowed by a lat injury.
One player who has emerged from the crowd is Marquez.
The 19-year-old lefty posted a 3.13 ERA with 59 strikeouts in 54.2 innings in 2018, and he may just be scratching the surface of his ultimate potential. His fastball velocity ticked up to 98 after previously sitting in the 91-to-93 range, and his secondary stuff showed signs of improvement as well.
Lefty Justin Steele might also be worthy of the untouchable tag for a team that needs young, controllable arms.
Milwaukee Brewers: 2B Keston Hiura
With a 70-grade hit tool, Hiura is as good a pure hitter as any prospect this side of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
The 22-year-old reached Double-A in his first full pro season, and after hitting .293/.357/.464 with 34 doubles, 13 home runs and 15 steals, he could be knocking on the door by the All-Star break next season.
The biggest remaining question is where he fits defensively, as he’ll likely be limited to second base or left field. It’s his bat that will carry him to the big leagues, though, and with the tools to be a perennial contender for the batting title, he’s a long-term piece worth holding onto for the up-and-coming Brewers.
Pittsburgh Pirates: RHP Mitch Keller
Keller might be the safest bet of any of the league’s top-tier pitching prospects to find success in MLB.
With excellent command of his three-pitch arsenal, a stellar track record of success in the minors and a strong 6’3″, 195-pound frame, Keller has all the makings of a rotation staple.
As MLB.com wrote, “At worst, he looks like a solid No. 3, but he has the chance to be more than that in the future.”
After going 12-4 with a 3.48 ERA and 135 strikeouts in 142.1 innings between High-A, Double-A and Triple-A, he should be ready to join Jameson Taillon, Trevor Williams and Chris Archer in the MLB rotation at some point in 2019.
St. Louis Cardinals: 3B Nolan Gorman
As far as first impressions go, Gorman did as well as any member of the 2018 draft.
The No. 19 overall pick was widely considered the best pure power bat in the class, and he backed that up by posting a .949 OPS with 17 home runs in 63 games after signing.
He already got a taste of Single-A action, slugging six home runs in 25 games, and he could develop into a Troy Glaus-type slugger in the majors.
The Cardinals are flooded with quality arms and in serious need of some offensive thump, so it’s hard to envision them parting with Gorman after his stellar debut.
Rebuilding Teams: Cincinnati Reds
