MLB: 5 can’t-miss prospects ready to debut in 2021
By Nick Stevens
MLB top prospects ready to make their debuts
While the 2020 MLB season was largely one many would like to just move on from, fans did get to enjoy a large group of future MLB standouts debut, including the likes of Luis Robert, Ke’Bryan Hayes, and Sixto Sanchez.
The upcoming 2021 season could see an even more impressive group finally climb their way to the major leagues, giving fans a glimpse into what is a very bright future for MLB.
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Here are five prospects MLB fans won’t want to miss when they make their big league debuts at some point in 2021.
MLB prospects: Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco.
Might as well start with MLB’s top overall prospect in Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Franco made noise last year after posting his Rays jersey with a World Series patch on it via Instagram, leading many to think an MLB debut was coming. Franco did see time on Tampa Bay’s taxi squad, but ultimately did not see any action as a 19-year-old.
Despite not turning 20 until March and having not played above High-A ball, it shouldn’t’ take Wander Franco long to crack the Rays’ active roster after putting together eye-opening numbers throughout his minor league career and showcasing elite offensive and defensive tools. I’m not using “elite” lightly there.
In just 114 minor league games, Franco owns a .336/.405/.523 slash line with 71 extra-base hits (20 home runs) and more walks (83) than strikeouts (54).
The switch-hitting middle infielder brings an 80-grade hit tool to the table (on a 20-80 scale) per Baseball America and plus-power tools that create a unique talent sure to flourish with the Tampa Bay Rays quickly after making his MLB debut.