Projecting MLB Arrival Dates for Each Team's Top Prospect

It's only mid-April, but it's not too early to ask: When will MLB's next wave of stars arrive?

The answer varies depending on the team and player in question. Some prospects are primed for a near-term breakout; others require more MiLB seasoning.

That said, let's examine all 30 clubs and guess when their top prospects will be called up.

For clarification, top prospects are based on MLB.com's rankings with the exception of players who've been promoted to The Show in 2018.

Houston Astros: RHP Forrest Whitley

While outfielder Kyle Tucker, who tore through the exhibition slate, should join the Houston Astros by September if not before, right-hander Forrest Whitley rates as the defending champions' top prospect.

Selected 17th overall by the 'Stros as a high schooler in 2016, Whitley can touch the high 90s with his fastball, and his curveball, slider and changeup give him the makings of a front-line starter's arsenal. He ascended as high as Double-A last season, where he posted a 1.84 ERA with 26 strikeouts in 14.2 innings.

Houston has ample pitching depth at the big league level and no incentive to rush the 20-year-old Whitley. But if he keeps advancing like he has been, the organization won't be able to hold him back for long.

ETA: 2019

Oakland Athletics: LHP A.J. Puk

This could have been left-hander A.J. Puk's breakout season. The 22-year-old held opposing hitters to a .184 average in the Cactus League and had a shot at cracking the Oakland Athletics rotation sooner than later.

Unfortunately, Tommy John surgery derailed those plans.

Plenty of pitchers have come back strong from the procedure, but Puk's delays his debut considerably. A September call-up next season is on the optimistic but not unrealistic end of the spectrum.

ETA: 2019

Los Angeles Angels: OF Jo Adell

With top Los Angeles Angels "prospect" Shohei Ohtani displaying his two-way talents in Anaheim, the focus falls on outfielder Jo Adell.

A toolsy 19-year-old with eye-opening power, Adell impressed in rookie ball last season and is beginning 2018 at Single-A. That said, he's still raw and strikeout-prone.

An accelerated timetable would have him in the big leagues in two years, but we'll go with a more realistic assumption and say he'll sip his cup of coffee in three.

ETA: 2021

Seattle Mariners: OF Kyle Lewis

A succession of knee problems have slowed Kyle Lewis' development. The 22-year-old had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in February.

When healthy, he's the most dynamic, high-ceiling player in the Seattle Mariners system with a power bat and power arm that profile him as a top-tier right fielder.

"When healthy" is a notable caveat and cause for pessimism. Let's split the difference and assume Lewis needs another year before he makes his Seattle debut.

ETA: 2019

Texas Rangers: OF Leody Taveras

A speedy switch-hitter with pop, Leody Taveras swiped 20 bases and hit 20 doubles, seven triples and eight home runs in 134 games last season at Single-A.

He also won't turn 20 until September, meaning he's got some developing to do.

The Texas Rangers are hoping to contend this season but may initiate a rebuild in a season or two. Assuming he doesn't hit any MiLB roadblocks, Taveras will be a key part of that.

ETA: 2020

Chicago White Sox: OF Eloy Jimenez

Hard-throwing right-hander Michael Kopech is likely the next highly rated Chicago White Sox prospect to make an MLB splash, but outfielder Eloy Jimenez will be close behind him.

The 21-year-old posted a .947 OPS between High-A and Double-A last season. The White Sox aren't going to rush him to the South Side, especially after he battled a pectoral injury in spring.

The young, rebuilding ChiSox won't be shy about giving Jimenez a call, either, when rosters expand.

ETA: 2018

Cleveland Indians: C Francisco Mejia

For now, the Cleveland Indians are rolling with the catching duo of Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez. For the future, the Tribe's backstop should be Francisco Mejia.

The 22-year-old needs to refine his skills behind the dish, but he hit .421 with two doubles and two home runs in 11 spring games and has raked at every MiLB stop.

"Offensively, he's so advanced," manager Terry Francona said, per WKYC.com's Ben Axelrod. "If something happens in April, May or June, he's probably our best minor league hitter."

ETA: 2018

Detroit Tigers: RHP Franklin Perez

A key piece of the package that the Detroit Tigers received when they traded Justin Verlander to the Astros in 2017, Franklin Perez has the makings of an MLB ace.

His fastball sits in the mid-90s and he augments it with a plus curveball and changeup. He's only 20 years old and has yet to pitch above Double-A, but the rebuilding Tigers won't hesitate to accelerate his path to the Motor City.

ETA: 2019

Kansas City Royals: OF Khalil Lee

A third-round pick by the Kansas City Royals in 2016, Khalil Lee hit 17 home runs and stole 20 bases in 121 games at Single-A Lexington last season.

The 19-year-old has made the jump to High-A in 2018, where he's hit .381 through his first six games.

He's got the all-around tools of a fast riser and could realistically make his K.C. debut within two years, especially if the Royals initiate an overdue rebuild.

ETA: 2020

Minnesota Twins: SS Royce Lewis

The No. 1 overall draft pick by the Minnesota Twins in 2017, Royce Lewis slashed .279/.381/.407 in 54 games between rookie ball and Single-A. High school to pro ball? No problem. 

The 18-year-old is an exemplary athlete with plus speed and good contact skills. He's back with Single-A Cedar Rapids for now but could rise quickly through the Twins system.

ETA: 2020

Baltimore Orioles: OF Austin Hays

Austin Hays had a chance to break camp with the Baltimore Orioles after a 2017 call-up but was ultimately reassigned to Double-A Bowie. The 22-year-old posted a .960 OPS at that level last season, suggesting he's got little left to prove.

"I would say that it's a little bit of a letdown," Hays said of his MiLB return, per Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun. "You come in from a really hard offseason, where I put in a lot of time into trying to get bigger, faster, stronger for spring and try to win a job."

It won't be long before he's given another chance.

ETA: 2018

Boston Red Sox: 3B Michael Chavis

Michael Chavis was slowed by an oblique injury this spring and then was hit with an 80-game performance-enhancing drug suspension. In a statement, Chavis said, "I would never, and have never, purposely taken any prohibited substance in my entire life," per the Associated Press (via the New York Daily News). 

Before all that, the Boston Red Sox prospect opened eyes in 2017 with 35 doubles and 31 home runs between High-A and Double-A.

The 22-year-old is blocked at third base by last year's breakout prospect, Rafael Devers and his future is on hold until his suspension is served. He could see playing time in Boston sooner with a move to the right side of the infield, where the Sox are relying on a cast of creaky veterans, provided his PED issues don't hinder him further.

ETA: 2019

New York Yankees: INF Gleyber Torres

Gleyber Torres hit a scant .160 in the Grapefruit League and displayed some rust after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his non-throwing elbow last season. 

The 21-year-old is an elite talent, however, with excellent pitch recognition and emerging power. He has the arm and defensive skills to stick as a shortstop or slide to third base.

Torres has been raking at Triple-A in the early going with a .333 average through six games. He won't have to wait till September for his call-up.

ETA: 2018

Tampa Bay Rays: RHP Brent Honeywell

Brent Honeywell suffered the same fate as the Athletics' Puk, going from a rotation favorite to Tommy John purgatory.

Honeywell went under the knife in early March and could be back in the conversation for a starting spot with the Tampa Bay Rays by next season. When he's healthy, the 23-year-old features an above-average sinking fastball and a bonafide screwball, which we can all agree is something we need more of in our lives. 

ETA: 2019

Toronto Blue Jays: 3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The son of Vlad is coming.

In a moment that would have seemed too dramatic for a Hollywood script, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. cracked a walk-off home run this spring at Montreal's Olympic Stadium, the park where his Hall of Fame father used to slam baseballs with extreme prejudice for the Expos.

Sure, it was an exhibition contest. Yeah, the younger Guerrero is 19 years old. He's also posted an .875 OPS in two minor league season and possesses his pop's power and howitzer arm.

Next season, we could see those tools in action north of the border in contests that count.

ETA: 2019

Arizona Diamondbacks: RHP Jon Duplantier

Polished college hitter Pavin Smith, the Arizona Diamondbacks' top pick in the 2017 draft, is the closest Snakes prospect to the big leagues.

The highest ceiling in Arizona's system belongs to right-hander Jon Duplantier, who has averaged 11 strikeouts per nine innings with a 1.38 ERA over 137 minor league frames.

Duplantier has also wrestled with injuries, including shoulder and hamstring issues. The D-backs will treat him with kid gloves. 

If he can marry durability to his bat-missing stuff, however, look out.

ETA: 2020

Colorado Rockies: INF Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers hit .286 with three home runs in 23 games this spring for the Colorado Rockies while displaying capable glove work at shortstop and second base. Add the .301 average that the 21-year-old has posted over three minor league seasons, and he's knocking on the door of a big league gig.

Rogers is blocked at shortstop by Trevor Story and at second by DJ LeMahieu. He's a no-brainer September call-up, however, and could debut at Coors Field sooner if an injury opens a spot.

ETA: 2018

Los Angeles Dodgers: RHP Walker Buehler

Walker Buehler posted a 3.35 ERA with 125 strikeouts in 88.2 MiLB innings in 2017 before making his big league debut. It was also his first full season back from Tommy John surgery.

As such, the Los Angeles Dodgers should toe the line between rushing Buehler and holding him back. They have ample starting rotation depth but are also on a mission to win their first World Series since 1988.

Buehler will be in a mix this season and should be a key piece going forward.

ETA: 2018

San Diego Padres: INF Fernando Tatis Jr.

Like Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr. is a second-generation big leaguer with enormous potential. He hit 22 home runs and stole 32 bases between Single-A and Double-A last season, and Tatis has the range and arm strength to remain a shortstop despite his 6'3", 185-pound frame. 

The San Diego Padres won't promote him before he's ready, but the low-spending Friars will clear a spot for him as soon as he is.

ETA: 2019

San Francisco Giants: OF Heliot Ramos

In a thin San Francisco Giants system, outfielder Heliot Ramos stands out.

The 18-year-old boasts plus power and speed as well as a strong arm. Ramos has the potential to be the most exciting homegrown position player the Giants have developed since Buster Posey debuted in 2009.

He also struck out 48 times in 35 games in rookie ball last season, so there's work to be done. San Francisco fans ought to view the talented Puerto Rican with equal parts patience and hope.

ETA: 2022

Chicago Cubs: RHP Adbert Alzolay

Adbert Alzolay posted a 3.23 ERA with 108 strikeouts in 114.1 innings between High-A and Double-A in 2017. The Chicago Cubs aren't as flush with blue chips as they used to be, but here's one to watch.

The 23-year-old Venezuelan can tickle the high 90s with his fastball and boasts a plus curveball as well. The win-now Cubs don't need him in their rotation or bullpen yet, but another strong year in the minors could earn him a call.

ETA: 2019

Cincinnati Reds: INF Nick Senzel

Nick Senzel rose to Double-A last season, where he hit .340 with a .973 OPS in 57 games. The second overall pick in 2016 by the Cincinnati Reds, he's in the express lane to the big leagues. 

A third baseman by trade, Senzel is blocked there on the Reds roster by Eugenio Suarez. In the spring, he played most of his games at shortstop, though he's expected to play at second base at Triple-A, per MLB.com's Mark Sheldon.

No matter what, he should get a crack in Cincinnati soon.

ETA: 2018

Milwaukee Brewers: 2B Keston Hiura

After hitting .371 with a 1.033 OPS between rookie ball and Single-A last season, Keston Hiura hit .419 in 19 spring games with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Drafted ninth overall by the Brewers in 2017, Hiura has a compact swing that teases high-average tendencies. 

A September call-up is on the table, though he's more likely to get an audition with the Brew Crew next season.

ETA: 2019

Pittsburgh Pirates: RHP Mitch Keller

Outfielder Austin Meadows should be the next Pittsburgh Pirates prospect to get a promotion. Don't sleep on right-hander Mitch Keller, however. 

The 22-year-old boasts a high-90s fastball with excellent command and a plus curveball, but he needs to develop and hone other offerings if he's going to stick as an MLB starter. After averaging a strikeout per inning and posting a 3.03 ERA between Low-A, High-A and Double-A last season, he's a stud to monitor in the Bucs system.  

ETA: 2019

St. Louis Cardinals: RHP Alex Reyes

Alex Reyes was primed for stardom in 2017 before—"broken record" alert—Tommy John surgery got in the way.

Reyes isn't all the way back yet, but he impressed in bullpen sessions this spring. An unnamed minor leaguer called Reyes' fastball "nasty" after facing him in batting practice, per Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The eyeball test concurred.

Whether as a reliever or a starter, the 23-year-old will help the Redbirds as soon as he's able. 

ETA: 2018

Atlanta Braves: OF Ronald Acuna Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. hit .344 with a .940 OPS in 54 games at Triple-A in 2017. This spring, he hit .432 with four home runs. The kid is a major league player.

Still, the Atlanta Braves sent the 20-year-old down to delay the start of his service clock and gain an extra year of team control. 

That service-time deadline expires Friday, and you can bet Acuna will be in Atlanta shortly thereafter. Will he get out as the NL Rookie of the Year front-runner once he arrives?

ETA: 2018

Miami Marlins: OF Monte Harrison

Outfielder Lewis Brinson is in the big leagues, leaving 22-year-old outfielder Monte Harrison as the Miami Marlins' top prospect.

Both players were acquired in the trade that sent Christian Yelich to the Brewers, and both possess similar skill sets: power, speed, good defensive range and a plus arm. 

The Marlins remain in everything-must-go mode under their new owners, so don't be surprised to see Harrison in South Beach posthaste.

ETA: 2018

New York Mets: SS Andres Gimenez

After posting a .992 OPS in the rookie leagues in 2016, Andres Gimenez climbed to Single-A in 2017, where he hit .265 with 14 stolen bases in 92 games. 

The 19-year-old needs seasoning and is blocked at shortstop by Amed Rosario. The Mets will cross that bridge when they come to it and monitor Gimenez's development in the meantime.

ETA: 2020

Philadelphia Phillies: RHP Sixto Sanchez

When watching Sixto Sanchez throw his sinking, triple-digit fastball, it's impossible not to be intrigued. The 19-year-old has the makings of an ace.

He's also raw and light-years from fulfilling the Pedro Martinez comparisons. 

Give him a couple more years of development, then see what he can do in the City of Brotherly Love. When that day comes, pop your popcorn.

ETA: 2020

Washington Nationals: OF Victor Robles

Victor Robles hit .324 in 37 games at Double-A last season before making his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals in September. Subsequently, he was placed on the Nats' postseason roster.

The 20-year-old is in the minors, as he should be, to get playing time. He might be Bryce Harper's heir apparent if Harper bolts this winter via free agency. 

Robles will get another call from the Nats this season. He might be a part of their playoff push in Harper's possible D.C. swan song. One way or another, he's got next in the nation's capital. 

ETA: 2018

All statistics current as of Thursday and courtesy of MLB.com and FanGraphs.