2013 MLB Futures Game: World Roster Unveiled
By Aaron Somers
Easily one of the more highly regarded prospects in the minor leagues, Miguel Sano will participate in this summer’s Futures Game. (Image Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
Rosters were unveiled late Wednesday afternoon for this summer’s Futures Game – easily one of the biggest attractions of MLB’s All Star Weekend festivities. The game has become popular simply because of the fact that it’s developed into a premier showcase of some of the top talent across the minor leagues. The annual exhibition game will be played on Sunday, July 14th at New York’s Citi Field and will be broadcast on MLB Network and ESPN2.
Former MLB infielder Edgardo Alfonzo will manage the World team this year and will have a strong roster to work with:
"PitchersMiguel Almonta, Kansas City RoyalsCarlos Contreras, Cincinnati RedsRafael De Paula, New York YankeesC.C. Lee, Cleveland IndiansRafael Montero, New York MetsAndre Rienzo, Chicago White SoxEduardo Rodriguez, Baltimore OriolesEnny Romero, Tampa Bay RaysYordano Ventura, Kansas City RoyalsMichael Ynoa, Oakland AthleticsCatchersJorge Alfaro, Texas RangersChristian Bethancourt, Atlanta BravesAJ Jimenez, Toronto Blue JaysInfieldersArismendy Alcantara, Chicago CubsXander Bogaerts, Boston Red SoxMaikel Franco, Philadelphia PhilliesDilson Herrera, Pittsburgh PiratesJordan Lennerton, Detroit TigersFrancisco Lindor, Cleveland IndiansMiguel Sano, Minnesota TwinsOutfieldersYeison Asencio, San Diego PadresGregory Polanco, Pittsburgh PiratesJorge Soler, Chicago CubsOscar Tavares, St. Louis CardinalsHenry Urrutia, Baltimore Orioles"
Bogaerts, Franco, Lindor, Sano, Soler, Tavares, Montero, and Ventura are likely some of the names fans are most excited to see play. Bogaerts and Sano are arguably two of the most talked about prospects in the minor leagues this year, particularly with both recently being promoted up a level within their respective organizations. Tavares’ status for the game remains a question mark, as he’s currently on the minor league DL, but he entered the season among the top prospects in all of baseball. Ventura may be the first of the group to land in the Major Leagues, as he could be pitching out of the Royals rotation by summer’s end.
Players on this year’s World roster originate from ten different countries or territories outside of the United States, including 13 players from the Dominican Republic. Puerto Rico, Columbia, and Cuba each have two players on the roster. The remainder are from Brazil, Aruba, Canada, Taiwan, Panama, and Venezuela.
There could be another addition to this list, pending the outcome of fan voting for the final player that will be added to each roster – a new feature MLB debuted this season. Candidates for the vote include: Javier Baez (Chicago Cubs, Puerto Rico), Ji-Man Choi (Seattle Mariners, South Korea), Carlos Correa (Houston Astros, Puerto Rico), Renato Nunez (Oakland Athletics, Venezuela), and Rougned Odor (Texas Rangers, Venezuela). Fans can vote at between now and midnight Sunday at mlb.com/futurefinalists.