MLB: Five Under the Radar Hitting Prospects to Watch

Every year, there are MLB prospects that suddenly explode, becoming one of the top prospects in the game. Here are a few under the radar players whose performances this season could be a sign of things to come.

Not every top MLB prospect begins their minor league journey with fanfare. Sometimes, those players that become top prospects are drafted in the late rounds, working their way through the system until they get their chance at the major league level. Once there, they take advantage, becoming a fixture in the lineup. Just look at the case of Mike Piazza, a player drafted in the 62nd round as an afterthought and a nod to Tommy LaSorda, but became a Hall of Fame catcher.

Then there are those players who were drafted early, and were top prospects when they began their professional career. And yet, for whatever reason, they struggled, either due to a difficult adjustment period or because of injury. And yet, just when we are about to write them off, they come through, showing that potential that made these players such a well thought of commodity in the years before.

Over the course of the season, with so many players in the minors vying for attention, it is possible for some truly excellent performances to be lost in the shuffle. That does not mean that these players should be unrecognized; indeed, they may well become top MLB prospects in the years to come. It is time that some of these players get the recognition they deserve.

With that being said, let us take a look around the minors at some of those under the radar batting performances from this past year.

Donovan Casey: Los Angeles Dodgers

It is difficult to extrapolate the performance from the low minors and imagine that a player will become a star. But when someone posts a batting average above .400, as Donovan Casey did this past season, it deserves notice.

The Los Angeles Dodgers 20th round selection, Casey made an immediate impact. Assigned to the Arizona League, it took Casey all of five games to be promoted. He then finished out the season with the Ogden Raptors of the Pioneer League, where he continued to hit at an impressive rate.

Overall, the outfielder posted a .403/.453/.604 batting line, producing the best batting average in the minors. He was far more than a singles hitter, with seven homers and six doubles. Casey even chipped in six steals, giving hope that he could eventually develop into a solid all around player for the Dodgers.

Casey is also expected to add some strength to his frame as he gets older. A toolsy player, he could well become a solid hitter with a decent amount of pop and speed, although the latter could fall off as he bulks up. Given his solid eye at the plate, as he drew 12 walks against 21 strikeouts in 170 plate appearances, Casey could continue to put up some enticing numbers in the minors.

Donovan Casey still has a long way to go before reaching the majors, but any time a player hits over .400 for an entire season, it will draw attention. The 20th round draft choice will be a player to watch in 2018.

Yonathan Daza: Colorado Rockies

It took Yonathan Daza six seasons in the Rockies system before he had his breakout campaign, but his performance in 2017 was well worth the wait.

While Lancaster is a hitter’s paradise, that does not entirely explain Daza’s season. He displayed much more speed and explosiveness than he had in previous years, while maintaining his doubles power and excellent batting average. In fact, Daza led the California League in batting, while placing third in RBI, fourth in doubles and fifth in runs and steals.

Overall, Daza had an impressive .341/.376/.466 batting line, hitting 34 doubles and stealing 31 bases. Although he hit a grand total of three homers, he still managed 87 RBI, while scoring 93 runs himself. His aggressive nature at the plate was not a hindrance, as he struck out only 88 times in 569 plate appearances.

Chances are, Daza will not be a player that reaches double digit homers, even in Colorado. However, given his newly discovered speed (he had 49 career steals in the prior six years) and doubles power, he could be a possible top of the lineup player. At the very worst, Daza could be a fourth outfielder for the Rockies, with the potential to develop into a starting role.

It took a few years for Yonathan Daza to break through, but he certainly did in 2017. Likely to see a promotion to AA, he could find himself in the majors in just a couple more years.

Ryan Noda: Toronto Blue Jays

As difficult as it is to extrapolate success from the low minors, it is even harder when it comes to looking at the production from the Rookie Leagues. Nonetheless, Toronto Blue Jays prospect Ryan Noda made quite the impression in his first professional season.

A 15th round draft choice, Noda appeared to be a player with some power potential. However, there were concerns about his penchant for striking out. In his 178 at bats, he struck out 68 times, leading to a .236 batting average as a junior. However, his .242 ISO was certain to draw attention, leading to the Blue Jays taking a chance.

Noda repaid that faith by erupting in his first season as a professional. He produced a stellar .364/.507/.575 batting line, leading the minors with a 1.082 OPS. His 59 walks were second to Yandy Diaz, finishing one behind the Indians utility player despite having 98 fewer plate appearances. Noda also had seven homers and 18 doubles, showing a solid power stroke.

There are still concerns in regards to Noda’s strikeouts. While his 59 walks were impressive, he did strike out 60 times in 276 plate appearances. However, given his impressive performance for the Bluefield Blue Jays, they are likely willing to overlook those strikeouts, especially coupled with his impressive ability to draw walks.

With players like Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr in the system, it is difficult to get attention. Nonetheless, Ryan Noda went from a 15th round draft pick to a player to keep an eye on during his minor league career.

Henry Ramos: Los Angeles Dodgers

At 25 years old, Henry Ramos is a bit old to be a true prospect. That does not change the performance he put together in limited action last season for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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A long time farmhand for the Boston Red Sox, Ramos signed with the Dodgers as a minor league free agent. Still in his mid 20s, he was expected to serve as a depth option, despite the invite he received as a non-roster player to Spring Training. He did not make the roster, and instead spent the season playing in the Dodgers minor leagues.

While working around injuries, Ramos put together a solid season, despite his limited playing time. In his 55 games, he had a .351/.396/.546 batting line, hitting eight homers and 12 doubles. Ramos also showed an excellent ability to put the bat on the ball, striking out only 28 times in 212 plate appearances. He certainly showed enough to be on someone’s radar for next season.

Sometimes, it takes a while for a long time minor leaguer to get the attention needed to have a chance at the majors. We have seen tha thappen with players like Jose Martinez, who turned a fabulous season into an opportunity next year. Perhaps Ramos, if given that same chance, can become a solid piece as a fourth outfielder, and possibly even a fill in at first.

Next: Minor League awards team

Henry Ramos may not fit the prospect profile, but he had a strong year in the Dodgers system. He may end up getting a chance at a MLB roster spot in 2018.