Blue Jays’ Prospects Lead Rookie Charge on Opening Day

Oct 5, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of baseballs and a glove prior to game three of the 2014 ALDS baseball playoff game between the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Angeles at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Happy Opening Day everybody! It’s finally here. After a long offseason of big free agent signings, quite a few mega-deals and the conclusion of another successful Cactus and Grapefruit League season, the Opening Day rosters are set and it’s time to begin the season.

All but two teams are slated to kick off their 2015 season, as the Kris Bryant-less Cubs were blanked last night in the season opener against the St. Louis Cardinals. Many prospects made a big name for themselves this spring, but for most, that wasn’t enough. Other prospects beat the service clock and will officially begin their Major League rookie season Monday.

So who should you keep an eye on on Opening Day? There are several impact rookies ready to take the helms, despite names like Bryant, Addison Russell and Javier Baez getting ready to suit up for the Iowa Cubs. Opening Day kicks off at 1 PM, and there will be no shortage of once top prospects ready to go.

Here’s a look at several prospects ready to become Major League stars this season.

Next: Blue Jays Rookies

Mar 10, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Devon Travis (77) scores a run during the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at a spring training game at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Blue Jays Youth Rebellion Begins

While Blue Jays fans will have to wait a few days to see the 2015 debuts of top pitching prospect Daniel Norris and Aaron Sanchez, a few bats will begin the season in the Opening Day lineup ready to contribute.

Dalton Pompey is ready to man centerfield for the Blue Jays. He is coming off an impressive spring where he put up a .290/.343/.452 slash line with six of his 18 hits going for extra bases. He will most likely bat at the bottom of the order, but brings good plate discipline and speed to the lineup. The 22-year old switch hitter will be a menace from both sides of the plate.

His speed will cause havoc on the base paths, but allows him to play a solid centerfield as well. He is able to cover a lot of ground and should be an immediate impact for the Blue Jays. He was the No. 7 outfield prospect in the Minors and should be lighting up the box scores all season. He may not have Rookie of the Year written all over him, but he can be a big boost for the Blue Jays pennant run.

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Sanchez, the No. 10 prospects in the White Sox system, will provide depth in the middle of the infield. With an aging Alexei Ramirez at shortstop and a declining Gordon Beckham ahead of him, Sanchez can be a valuable asset up the middle at both positions. While maybe not on Opening Day, expect to see a lot of Carlos Sanchez this season.

Next: This is Braves' Country

Jul 1, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt (25) is shown behind the plate as he catches for Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Minor (not pictured) in the first inning of their game against the New York Mets at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Mets 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The New Era of Atlanta Braves Begins

Brian McCann and Evan Gattis were both fan favorites and fixtures behind home plate for years. The entire time, Christian Bethancourt was biding his time in the Minor Leagues, just awaiting his chance to be the catcher of the future. That future starts on Opening Day.

Bethancourt is the Opening Day catcher for the Atlanta Braves and will be their backstop for the future of this mega-rebuilding era the Braves have begun. The 23-year old is a defensive wizard behind the plate, and for all of the power that McCann and Gattis brought to the Braves’ lineup, they were never as advanced defensively as Bethancourt already appears to be.

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Pederson is coming off of a monster 2014 in the Pacific Coast League that led the Dodgers to trade away Matt Kemp and open up the center field job. Pederson was the PCL MVP last season behind a monster 30-30 season, the first in the PCL in 80 years. Amongst all of his huge numbers (106 runs, 33, home runs, 30 stolen bases) most impressive were his 100 walks. Pederson seems to find his way on base, or at least clears them!

Pederson will benefit greatly from a solid lineup around him. He should have plenty of protection and thus see some good pitches. He sure got fans excited this spring, leading the Dodgers with 6 home runs. He drove in a team high 13 runs while batting .338.

While Andre Ethier is still around and could steal playing time should Pederson start slow, the job is the 22-year old’s for the taking. Ethier has not been quiet about his discontent in Los Angeles and could be traded away soon. The Pederson Era in LA has begun and it should be rather fun to watch.

Next: Outfielders Set to Shine

Mar 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Michael Taylor (3) shakes hands with third base coach Bob Henley (14) following a solo home run during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Outfielders on the Prowl

Two of the Washington Nationals top outfield prospects will start on Opening Day… one happens to be on the Tampa Bay Rays, however.

Steven Souza, Jr., the Nationals 2014 Minor League Player of the Year, was traded to the Rays as part of the Wil Myers three team mega-deal. He will take over the starting right field job on Opening Day. The 25-year old righty is a 5-tool player. Last season in the minors, he hit .345 with 18 home runs and 28 stolen bases. His speed and athleticism in the outfield has already been on display in the Majors when he made a spectacular catch to save Jordan Zimmerman’s no hitter last season in a brief stint with the Nats.

The Rays are beginning a new era of baseball without Joe Maddon behind the wheel. While Evan Longoria is the most imposing threat on the Rays’ offense, Souza has a good chance to become the future face of the franchise starting on day one.

Michael Taylor, the current top offensive prospect for the Nationals, will be the Opening Day centerfielder. The job became his for the taking when Denard Span went down with an injury. The 24-year old speedster has a prime opportunity to come out strong and make Span trade bait by midseason.

Taylor has all the tools to succeed in the bigs. With the Nationals potent lineup, they can afford the offensive growing pains he may go through, but Taylor has shown 20-20 ability in the minors. Taylor’s speed and above average defensive instincts will lock down the outfield. The Nationals potent pitching staff won’t allow many hits, and if Taylor’s prowess in the outfield can take away extra base hits in the gaps, they become even stronger.

Ryan Rua also begins his rookie season in left field for the Texas Rangers. The No. 9 prospect in the Rangers’ system, the 25-year old brings an amazing tool set to the club. Not only does his powerful arm make him a quality left fielder, Rua’s versatility is second to none. He has played all four infield positions over the course of his career, and whether he holds down the left field job or not, he will be invaluable to this year’s Ranger’s team searching for help anywhere they can find it.