Typically, in this article I update you on some hot prospects and their outlook for the rest of season. This week and for the next two weeks, I'll fill you in on some prospects who are likely to be September call-ups who will get an opportunity to shine in the last month of the season.

As we all know, September is a very exciting time for baseball fans. Either your team is in the hunt, and you are pulling for a lengthy playoff run out of your beloved team, or your team is gearing up for next season and giving some future stars a chance to strut their stuff on baseball’s highest level. A lot of exciting, young ballplayers are already up with their respective clubs, but there are a lot of players that still haven’t been promoted, but figure to get a shot in September (or maybe before).

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Potential September Call-Ups: Impact MLB Prospects

Josh Bell, 1B, Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates are still very much in the race for the NL Wild Card spot. I’m sure they want veteran players in the lineup to help fuel their run, and I’m all for that. Still, I can’t help but feel that Josh Bell gives them a better chance to win games than John Jaso.

Bell is hitting .296/.385/.471 in Triple-A this season heading into Wednesday. Bell’s 14 HR in the minors this season are a career-high for him. He had a very brief stint in the majors earlier this year, and all he did was go 2-for-2 with a grand slam and two walks. He’s got nothing left to prove, and it’s time for the Pirates to let him play every day and help them win the NL Wild Card. He doesn’t necessarily fit the traditional mold of a corner-infield power-hitter, but his all-around hitting more than makes up for that. Expect Bell to be a very good source for AVG and OBP, with the ability to hit for a bit of extra bases as well.

 

Jharel Cotton, RHP, Oakland A’s

The Oakland A’s acquired Jharel Cotton in the trade that sent Josh Reddick and Rich Hill to the Dodgers. Cotton had a 4.90 ERA in Triple-A before the trade, but he had an  impressive 1.15 WHIP and 119/32 K/BB ratio in 97.1 innings. In 20.2 innings since the trade, he has a 21/3 K/BB ratio and .157 opponents batting average.

Cotton wasn’t drafted with a lot of fanfare, getting selected in the 20^th-round in 2012. That hasn’t stopped him from posting a 10.15 K/9 in 429.1 minor league innings. Cotton finds himself in a good situation, getting traded to an Oakland  team looking towards the future. He’ll likely be the first pitcher called-up the next time a need arises, and he could be a guy that flies under-the-radar and comes from  nowhere to be a pretty good big leaguer.

 

Jordan Patterson, OF, Colorado Rockies

Jordan Patterson  isn’t talked about much, but the 2013 fourth-rounder is hitting .316/.401/.519 heading into Wednesday, with 12 HR and 10 SB. He’s a career .295/.375/.497 hitter in 409 career at-bats in the minors.

The biggest challenge for Patterson could be finding him a spot to play in the outfield. With Charlie Blackmon, Carlos Gonzalez, David Dahl and Gerardo Parra in the mix in Colorado, there’s not enough at-bats to go around for Patterson. But the Rockies have used him in 22 games at first base this season, and that will likely be the position the 6’4” Patterson finds himself in. The 24-year-old will definitely get a call this season, and he could hit his way into an everyday role for the rest of this year and for next year as well.

 

Adam Walker, OF, Minnesota Twins

Adam Walker is a former third-round pick for the Twins, and all he’s done since then is smash home runs and strike out a lot. Chances are that’s exactly what he’ll do in the big leagues.

The Twins have been out of contention seemingly before the season even started, and the 24-year-old Walker should be getting the call soon. Walker’s hit 25 or more HR in each of the last four seasons (including this season). He’s also struck out an average of 177 times per season the last three years. He seems like he’ll be a Chris Carter-type player. That type of player is not going to make or break your fantasy season, but he can definitely help you in the HR and RBI categories down the stretch.

 

Jesse Winker, OF, Cincinnati Reds

Jesse Winker has been solid if not spectacular this season in the minors. Winker turned 23-years-old on Wednesday, and many thought he would have already had his big-league shot. He hasn’t yet, but you can bet he will get that chance soon.

Winker is slashing .305/.391/.393 heading into Wednesday night, and has a 49/53 BB/K rate in 93 games. He’s hit double-digit home runs in each of his last three seasons, but that powers eluded him this season. He has just four HR and 18 doubles. He took a 10-game hitting-streak into Wednesday, and he has been very consistent in his minor league career. If you need a solid source for AVG and OBP, Winker could be your guy.

 

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