Grading on the Curve: Grading Each MLB Team’s Top Prospect

8. <p>Last season, Archie Bradley took the MLB by storm, out-pitching aces from around the league in his first few starts. The sky looked to be the limit for Arizona Diamondbacks ace Archie Bradley; however, shoulder fatigue and an injury from a comebacker resulted in Bradley only pitching in eight games, with 35.2 innings pitched.</p><p>Due to his abbreviated stint in the MLB last season, Archie Bradley enters the 2016 season with his rookie eligibility in-tact. Through Archie Bradley’s career, he has struggled with controlling his pitches, illustrated by a 4.7 career BB/9. Moreover, with the Arizona Diamondbacks last season, Bradley saw his BB/9 jump to 5.6, and his K/9 dropped to 5.8, leaving him with an unsightly 1.05 K/BB.</p><p>Heading into 2016, Archie Bradley hopes to trim down his free passes on the season and strikeout batters at a higher rate. With the Arizona Diamondbacks beefing up their starting rotation, Archie Bradley should slot in as the number five starter, which should bode well for him over the 2016 season. If Archie Bradley can find the strike zone on a more consistent basis, he should provide good value in the rotation.</p><p>Look for Bradley to build off of his taste of the Big Leagues. If the Arizona Diamondbacks want to make a playoff push, they will need production out of Bradley. Archie Bradley possesses the tools to be a frontline pitcher for the Diamondbacks in the future, but as of now, temper your expectation until he demonstrates better command of the strike zone.</p>. RHP. Muskogee, Oklahoma. Archie Bradley. 25. player

Brockton, Massachusetts. Sean Newcomb. 78. player. 17. <p>This offseason, the Atlanta Braves continued their rebuilding process; thus, they shipped Andrelton Simmons to the Los Angeles Angels for Sean Newcomb and Chris Ellis. While Chris Ellis was considered the Los Angeles Angels’ second-best prospect, Sean Newcomb was the player the Atlanta Braves wanted in return for Simmons.</p><p>Sean Newcomb offers ace upside, and he could make his MLB debut as soon as 2016. However, more likely than not, Sean Newcomb will debut for the Atlanta Braves in 2017, once the team moves into their new ballpark. As a former first round pick, Sean Newcomb figures to be a frontline starter for the Atlanta Braves in the near future.</p><p>Sean Newcomb is a massive, powerful left-handed pitcher, and he is considered one of the best left-handed pitching prospects in the MLB. Through two professional seasons, Sean Newcomb owns a 2.75 ERA and an 11.1 K/9. However, Newcomb needs to hone in on the strike zone at a more efficient rate, because he averaged 5.0 BB/9 last season across three levels.</p><p>For 2016, expect Sean Newcomb to start the season out at either Double-A or Triple-A. A late-season call-up to the MLB is certainly a possibility, but it is contingent on whether or not Newcomb cuts down on his walk rate. The Atlanta Braves’ starting rotation looks pretty weak heading into 2016, so they will likely keep their eyes open during the upcoming season for pitchers who could help the club out.</p>. LHP

Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dylan Bundy. 49. player. 11. <p>The Baltimore Orioles have two pitchers, when healthy, capable of being top-1oo prospects; however, both Dylan Bundy and Hunter Harvey fell out of the top-100 due to injuries. Bundy and Harvey are, essentially, the same type of pitcher, but Bundy might have the higher upside out of the duo. With the Baltimore Orioles having one of the weaker farm systems, they need production and development from their top two pitching prospects.</p><p>A few seasons ago, Dylan Bundy looked like one of the best right-handed pitching prospects in the MLB, but elbow and shoulder problems have kept him on the shelf. Dylan Bundy made his MLB debut in 2012 at the age of 19, but Tommy John surgery kept Bundy out of action for 2013 and most of 2014. Moreover, shoulder inflammation derailed his 2015 season.</p><p>Entering Spring Training, Dylan Bundy seems fully healthy; however, his outlook as a starting pitcher is fading with each and every year. Thus, Dylan Bundy might find himself in late-game situations as a setup man for Zach Britton. Regardless, the Baltimore Orioles want to salvage whatever value they can from the fourth overall pick in the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft.</p><p>For some time, the Baltimore Orioles have struggled developing high-ceiling starters into stars at the MLB level. The same may go for Dylan Bundy, but with a high-90s fastball, a life in the bullpen might suit Bundy better than as a starter. Do not rule out Dylan Bundy having a solid 2016 season, with a call up looming if he remains healthy.</p>. RHP

9. <div class=. Catcher. Carabobo, Venezuela. Willson Contreras. 40. player