Call to the pen
Fansided

St. Louis Cardinals Top 10 Prospects For 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view of St. Louis Cardinals hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Cardinals 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view of St. Louis Cardinals hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Cardinals 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 12
Next
Mar 21, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Magnneuris Sierra (98) makes a diving attempt against the Boston Red Sox during the game at Roger Dean Stadium. The Red Sox defeated the Cardinals 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Magnneuris Sierra (98) makes a diving attempt against the Boston Red Sox during the game at Roger Dean Stadium. The Red Sox defeated the Cardinals 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Magneuris Sierra, OF

Birthdate: 4/7/96 (20 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: low A
Stats in 2016: .307/.335/.395, 3 HR, 31 SB

Sierra is one of the most athletically gifted players in the Cardinals system, regardless of position, and certainly he is one of the most exciting outfielders in the system to watch.

At just 20 years old, Sierra really put up very solid numbers in full season A-ball this season, showing excellent speed and instincts on the bases along with the defense that allow people to dream on a possible future center field future for him.

While Sierra has shown the elite speed, he does have future power in his frame as well. His swing generates loud contact, but so far that has resulted in big doubles numbers (29 doubles and 4 triples in 524 at bats in 2016). He may not be a 20+ home run guy, but he has the ability to hit double digits at peak.

Sierra’s game is generated by his speed, however, and right now, he uses that speed in his contact as well, which has led to some needs in his pitch recognition as he’s been quite aggressive at the plate, working to create contact and use his speed to get on base rather than working a walk.

As he can learn to work the count, I truly could see a similar type of player as Kenny Lofton in Magneuris Sierra, but he has a long way to go to get there. For now, Cardinal fans that have a chance should watch him whenever they can as he is a joy to watch play the game.

Sierra should get the push to high-A in 2017 and as he builds that pitch recognition, you’ll see him jump forward to the upper minors.

Next: #9

Home/St. Louis Cardinals