5. Corey Seager – LAD
.242/.303/.384, 14 R, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 1 SB, 0.4 WAR
Sure, Hazelbaker might be off to the better start offensively here, but Corey Seager‘s track record is far more impressive and Los Angeles Dodgers fans caught a glimpse of his real potential in 2015 through 27 regular season contests. A then 21-year-old middle infielder hit .337/.425/.561 with four homers and 17 RBI. He slumped some in the postseason, but Seager’s pedigree and .307 career batting average through four minor league seasons works heavily in his favor over the long haul.
Viewed almost universally as a “can’t miss” prospect, Seager is said to have a higher ceiling than brother Kyle of the Mariners, who has seen four consecutive seasons of hitting 20-plus home runs and driving in 65 or more base runners.
Corey has a more disciplined plate approach than a lot of hitters his age. He’s struck out only 16 times in 99 at-bats this year, while Hazelbaker has been punched out 23 times in 64 at-bats. Eventually, Seager’s patience and ability to make contact will start paying dividends with a spike in his productivity.
Next: Number 4