The Z Files: Batter's Brigade, Part Two

Welcome to Part Two of the Batter's Brigade, a review of prospects with an opportunity to contribute in 2018. Earlier, colleague Brad Johnson covered pitchers in his annual Kids on Parade watch list, while last week I discussed infielders. This week, the focus is on catchers and outfielders.

I can't stress enough how helpful it is to refer to James Anderson's Top 400 Fantasy Baseball Prospects for frequently updated rankings. You can filter by position and by estimated time of arrival if your interest is long-term prospecting.

The following isn't a ranking, just a list of names to track and consider for 2018 drafts. Several have a clogged pathway to playing time, which should clear up over the coming months. A few appeared in the majors this past season, so Rookie of the Year eligibility will be used as the filter.

CATCHER

Zack Collins, Chicago White Sox: Collins, the 10th overall pick in the 2016 first-year player draft, spent most of 2017 with High-A Winston-Salem before a late season promotion to Double-A Birmingham. Coming out of college, most felt his bat would play in the bigs, but there was a lot of concern with respect to his defense. Collins has worked hard on his skills behind the plate, gaining the confidence of the organization to the point he's looked at as the club's future bell cow backstop. The target is 2019, though if he continues to progress, Collins is a candidate for an in-season call-up. Neither Omar Narvaez nor Kevan Smith will block Collins. The key will not only be if he continues to display defensive improvement, but also if his bat bounces back from a down 2017. As is the case with many young receivers, concentrating on defense takes a toll on the offensive side. Specifically, Collins contact rate dropped, though he exhibited plus power when bat met ball. Another positive was a stellar walk rate, so even though Collins' average was low, his on-base mark was strong. There's something to be said for having a catcher develop a rapport with his pitchers, so having Collins come up in 2018 to begin to learn the arsenals of Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and possibly Michael Kopech makes sense as the White Sox look to make some noise in 2019.

Danny Jansen, Toronto Blue Jays: Russell Martin is signed through 2019, but at age 34, he's showing signs of decline. Enter Jansen and Max Pentecost, currently toiling in the Arizona Fall League (AFL) as potential replacements. At 24 years of age, Pentecost is two years older than Jansen, but Pentecost's career has been curtailed by injury so he's behind Jansen in terms of development. Jansen began 2017 in High-A Dunedin, before moving to Double-A New Hampshire for most of the summer. He ended the campaign in Triple-A Buffalo, where he impressed with a .978 OPS in 78 plate appearances. For fantasy purposes, Jansen profiles as more of a "won't hurt you" type than a huge difference maker, though he still may develop power to go along with an exceptional approach, which includes outstanding contact and a solid eye. A healthy Martin is still the Blue Jays go-to catcher, but it shouldn't be long before Jansen is given a look. Current backup Raffy Lopez was a dismal 1-for-17 nabbing would-be base stealers.

OUTFIELD

Ronald Acuna, Atlanta Braves: Considered by many to be the top prospect in all of baseball, Acuna won't turn 20 until a week before Christmas. Currently displaying his skills for the Peoria Javelina in the AFL, Acuna is expected to open the 2018 season with Triple-A Gwinnett, getting the Kris Bryant treatment before being called up in late April/early May after the Braves assure another arbitration-eligible year. He's undoubtedly gone in all keeper leagues with minor-league spots as well as dynasty formats, but with the anticipated early arrival and formidable talent, Acuna is in play for not only National League-only redraft leagues, but also mixed formats. He's a five-tool player, stroking a .941 OPS at the tender age of 19 in 243 plate appearances for Gwinnett to end the season. A center fielder by trade, Acuna could push Ender Inciarte to a corner or simply take over right field for the aging Nick Markakis. Long term, Acuna looks like fantasy gold, hitting for power and stealing bases without sacrificing anything in terms of batting average.

Jake Bauers, Tampa Bay Rays: A converted first baseman, Bauers spent the summer shagging flies for Triple-A Durham. With Logan Morrison and Lucas Duda likely exiting via free agency, there's a chance Bauer is reacquainted with his first baseman's mitt, but for now he's tracking as an outfielder. His .263/.368/.412 slash line this season may not seem impressive, but considering he just turned 22 early this month, it's quite promising. The main problem is the Rays are one of the most financially conscious organizations in the game, so they won't start Bauers' clock until necessary. That said, keep in mind Tampa was in the wild-card hunt until late in the season and playoff revenue goes a long way towards offsetting contract costs. If the Rays' pitching performs as expected and they're able to replace some of the offense lost from Duda and Morrison, Bauers arrival could be accelerated. Or, he may be switched back to first base after some more seasoning on the farm. Bauers doesn't project to be a slugger, but his pop will play along with solid contact and plate discipline. He's not assured a call-up, especially early, so don't waste a valuable reserve spot on him in mixers, but he could help in AL-only leagues during the latter months of 2018.

Eloy Jimenez, Chicago White Sox: Acquired by the White Sox in the Jose Quintana deal, Jimenez is on the fast track in an organization that has designs on competing as early as 2019. That said, there's no rush, as Jimenez will turn just 21 in a month and 2018 looks to be another retooling year for the Pale Hose. However, if Jimenez proves capable at Triple-A Charlotte, he could see time in the South Side before season's end. It was only for 18 games to end the 2017 season, but Jimenez crushed it for Double-A Birmingham, slashing .353/.397/.559 in 73 trips to the dish. While his calling card is power, Jimenez is athletic enough to chip in with some bags. His top prospect status will draw attention to those favoring the speculative route in drafts. However, despite the talent, there's little reason for the White Sox to start his clock, considering their chances to compete this season are minimal.

Austin Meadows, Pittsburgh Pirates: It's unfair to say a 22-year-old prospect took a step back in Triple-A, but considering how promising he looked at lower levels, Meadows 2017 numbers were a mite disappointing. Not to mention, for the second straight season, his season ended prematurely with an oblique strain. Expected to be healthy in the spring, Meadows will look to recapture his prospect shine with Indianapolis while the Pirates sort out their outfield at the major-league level. Andrew McCutchen is expected to have his club option picked up, though that doesn't preclude a trade. Gregory Polanco and Starling Marte join McCutchen in a seemingly talented outfield, though both are coming off frustrating seasons of their own. While it's unclear where Meadows fits in, the Bucs will likely clear a spot in PNC Park for the fly-chaser sooner rather than later. Meadows' fantasy worth will be like Marte's, as his forte is running without completely lacking power. This should play well in his cavernous future home venue, though he'll need to improve on the weak .359 SLG he registered for the Indians this summer. One key will be what the Pirates do with Cutch. In the unlikely case his option is declined, or it's picked up and he's traded, that's a sign Pittsburgh wants to clear a path for Meadows.

Tyler O'Neill, St. Louis Cardinals: Acquired by the Cardinals from the Mariners in the Marco Gonzales swap, O'Neill has a chance to the big middle-of-the-lineup bat St. Louis has lacked in recent seasons. Don't expect the 22-year-old to break camp with the Redbirds, though he could be summoned as the months warm. In a combined 557 plate appearances with Triple-A Tacoma and Memphis, O'Neill popped 31 out of the yard. He was also successful on 14-of-16 stolen base attempts, adding another element to his game. As opposed to some of the others already reviewed, O'Neill is more of a classic slugger, and inherent with that profile are the contact woes often exhibited by youngsters. However, it's always nice to see a discerning eye, though O'Neill's walks dropped with Memphis. As a corner outfielder, O'Neill's time of arrival depends on whether Stephen Piscotty regains his 2016 stroke and if Tommy Pham's degenerative eye condition hinders his ability to build on his breakout 2017 season. The Cardinals aren't shy about going with the hot hand so if he hits in the spring, O'Neill could put pressure on the club to open a spot for their power hitter.

Victor Robles, Washington Nationals: Despite turning just 20 early in the summer with no time above Double-A, Robles earned a September promotion and a spot on the Nationals' playoff roster. Granted, it was primarily for pinch-running purposes, but Robles held his own in 27 plate appearances, hitting .250 with a double and a pair of triples among his six knocks. While Robles will be another five-category producer, his chief asset will be speed, likely atop the Nationals order with Trea Turner. Bryce Harper isn't going anywhere, at least not yet, while Adam Eaton is on pace to be return from his Achilles injury. Jayson Werth's seven-year deal finally expired, so it's plausible Eaton slides over to left with Robles manning center, perhaps as early as Opening Day. If the brass wants Robles to spend some time in Triple-A, Michael Taylor proved major-league worthy, so he's a nice stopgap. Regardless, expect Robles to spend a major portion of the 2018 season in the nation's capital, challenging Acuna for National League Rookie of the Year honors.

Christin Stewart, Detroit Tigers: The Tigers have some work to do before they're ready to compete with the iron in the AL Central, but with Stewart, along with several promising prospects acquired during their summer fire sale, Detroit won't be down for long. Something to keep in mind with Stewart is that designated hitter is his best position. This is an issue with Victor Martinez and Miguel Cabrera in town. That said, it appears Stewart's leather will be adequate in left field, where his bat will certainly play. Detroit will certainly want to start Stewart out with Triple-A Toledo. However, how they go about filling in their pitching will be a tell as to how soon they're looking to compete, along with who they bring in to play outfield. If they don't commit to a big bat, that's a sign Stewart could be summoned sooner rather than later.

Kyle Tucker, Houston Astros: The rich get richer. The offensively loaded Astros have another bat on the cusp of contributing with Tucker. Josh Reddick is signed through 2020 with George Springer obviously occupying center. Current left fielder Marwin Gonzalez can play everywhere, so that's the likely pathway to playing time for Tucker. Win or lose the Fall Classic, Houston doesn't need to rush Tucker, so it's highly unlikely he'll open the 2018 season in the Show. Besides, the soon-to-be 21-year-old has yet to taste Triple-A, so expect him to open with Fresno then let things flesh out with Gonzalez and friends. An injury anywhere but catcher could pave the way for Tucker to get the call. Tucker was one of the few minor-league hitters to amass the magical 20 homers/20 steals, highlighting his fantasy potential.