How about those Blue Jays?! They really are all the proof in the world that an offensive juggernaut can for the most part carry the load of a below-average starting rotation.

People have compared them to the Big Red Machine. And though I won’t go that far, I will say that I do believe that they currently stand the best chance of winning the AL East (sorry, Yankees fans).

Editor’s Note: to read about even more MLB prospects, rookies and potential call-ups, be sure to check out our MLB prospects homepage which has lots of great weekly updates and analysis.

Bradley Zimmer (OF, CLE, Double-A)

Stats: 453 PA, .296/.393/.500, 16 HR, 39 SB, 10.4% BB rate, 23.0% K rate

Zimmer was taken with the 21st overall pick in the 2014 draft by the Cleveland Indians and has done little to shake anyone’s confidence in his playing ability to this point. He started 2015 in High-A ball, but in 78 games posted such phenomenal numbers that the Indians felt confident enough to promote him to Double-A. Zimmer struggled in his first eight games, posting a .143/.294/.214 slash line, but has since excelled hitting a .318/.375/.750 slash line in the next 11 games.

Since being drafted, Zimmer has been viewed as one of the more toolsy outfield prospects in the minors. He is viewed as a great defender with enough range to remain in center field with an arm that could play well in right if he necessitated a move. His offensive game is even more impressive though. Scouts see him as a guy who will hit for a .300+ average with plenty of extra-base power and the bat speed to turn some of the doubles into home runs. He also has enough speed and has good enough instincts on the base paths to be able to rack up some nice stolen base numbers as well.

Before the season started, it looked like Zimmer may not be able to see starting time with the team until 2017. After dumping three outfielders this trade deadline and a lot of questions about their outfield depth, the Indians could potentially allow Bradley Zimmer to compete for a starting role in Spring Training next season and he could win it. He should be considered an elite prospect for fantasy production and should be owned in all leagues if he is given a chance to shine.

Jesse Winker (OF, CIN, Double-A)

Stats: 444 PA, .274/.374/.427, 12 HR, 8 SB, 12.8% BB rate, 16.4% K rate

Another guy who could see time next season, though nowhere near as toolsy as Zimmer, Jesse Winker has been on a recent tear at Double-A and is expected to the Reds starting left-fielder in 2016. It took Winker about a month and half to start off the season before he got things going, but since May 23 has hit 10 of his 12 home runs to go along with an impressive .299/.397/.482 slash line.

Winker doesn’t have near the speed or defensive ability of Zimmer, but he is considered to be an overall better hitter with scouts praising his ability to make consistent solid contact. He also has a great eye at the plate which has helped contribute to walk rates consistently over 15% and strikeout rates usually below 20%. His power isn’t great at the moment, but calling Great American Ballpark home will do nothing if not boost his power numbers. He could contribute the occasional stolen base, but expect seven or eight to be the absolute maximum for his season.

The 21-year-old left-hander has a very clear path to the majors and is most likely going to be the starting left-fielder for the Reds on April 1. Fantasy owners would be wise to be patient on Winker, but the guarantee of playing time and the fact that he calls Great American Ballpark home should be enough to be worthy of an own in most leagues.

Albert Almora (OF, CHC, Double-A)

Stats: 365 PA, .269/.325/.394, 5 HR, 7 SB, 7.1% BB rate, 9.9% K rate

The Cubs are loaded with young hitting prospects and Albert Almora seems to be the next one in line to get his chance to make a splash with the big league club. Almora was taken with the sixth overall pick back in 2012 and though the development time has been slow, it does appear that he could be the favorite to take over center field for the free agent to-be Dexter Fowler.

Almora certainly has the potential to be a great hitter in the big leagues, but his main calling card is his defense. He plays a great centerfield and scouts believe that he will not necessitate a move even with average speed. At the dish, Almora looks like a guy who may not be able to hit over .300 with 20 home runs, but could hold his own and at least hit in the .270 range with low double-digit home run totals. As mentioned earlier, his speed is not great and he may only top out at about 5-10 stolen bases per season.

Defensively, Almora is as major league ready as anyone in baseball. Offensively, he still has some work to do on his plate discipline and his swing (still has a high leg kick that will likely need to be adjusted). He will definitely be in contention for the starting center field role next season for the Cubs, but don’t expect a very impressive offensive showing out of him for a while.

MLB & Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-12" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]