2018 American League Central: Sleeper Alert prospect results

At the end of spring training we wrote up a report on Sleeper Prospects for each major league organization. With the minor league season at an end this seems like a good time to review the list and see how we did.

We already looked at the National League East, which you can access here.

Here’s the American League East.

Here’s the American League West

And the National League West.

The American League Central sleeper list was originally posted March 30th, 2018.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX: Seby Zavala, C:

Original report: Age 24, 12^th round pick in 2015 from San Diego State University; hit .282/.353/.499 with 21 homers, 37 walks, 104 strikeouts in 387 at-bats in Low-A and High-A, threw out 25% of runners; power bat looks genuine and the Sox are starting him off in Triple-A, skipping Double-A; needs more polish on defense but attractive bat means the Sox will be as patient as possible.

Results: Hit .258/.317/.418 between Double-A and Triple-A with 13 homers, catching 33% of runners; still needs some work on receiving but has done enough to stay in the picture and will probably earn a trial in 2019.

CLEVELAND INDIANS: Eric Haase, C:

Original report: Age 25, seventh round pick in 2011 from high school in Dearborn, Michigan; hit .260/.352/.578 with 27 homers between Double-A and Triple-A last year; hit three homers for the Indians in spring training this year until being assigned to Triple-A; glove has improved, threw out 37% last year and is a pretty solid receiver; as with Zavala in Chicago, Haase has real power, a viable glove, and can get to the majors this year.

Results: Hit .236/.288/.443 in Triple-A with 20 homers, 31 walk, 143 strikeouts in 443 at-bats while throwing out 50% of runners; no change in profile, power and defense are key skills here, in the majors now for a September trial.

DETROIT TIGERS: Niko Goodrum, UT:

Original report: Age 26, drafted by the Twins in the second round in 2010 from high school in Fayetteville, Georgia; appeared briefly in the majors last year, Tigers picked him up this winter as a minor league free agent and he made the 25-man roster; hit .265/.309/.425 last year in Triple-A with 13 homers, 11 steals; switch-hitter with solid overall tools, runs above average, has wiry strength, has experience at every position except pitcher and catcher; versatility with flashes of pop and speed make him a nice bench option in the era of giant pitching staffs.

Results: Useful season in the majors, hitting .236/.310/.431 with 16 homers, 12 steals, 41 walks, 127 strikeouts in 411 at-bats, seeing action at all defensive positions except catcher and center field (and pitcher); versatility with power/speed combo; will be 27 next year and may have another gear available.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS: Emmanuel Rivera, 3B:

Original report: Age 21, 19^th round pick in 2015 from Interamerican University of Puerto Rico; hit .310/.364/.468 with 27 doubles, 12 homers, 31 walks, 87 strikeouts in 464 at-bats in Low-A, big improvement after hitting just .174 in his pro debut in ’15 then .249 in rookie ball in ‘16; still rather raw, particularly on defense, but the tools to be a regular are here and he’s shown flashes of the necessary skills more frequently.

Result: Hit .280/.333/.427 in High-A with six homers, 29 walks, 59 strikeouts in 375 at-bats; not as good as last year but decent enough, made a lot of progress with the glove and looks like he can stick at third base.

MINNESOTA TWINS: Jose Miranda, 2B:

Original report: Age 19, comp round pick in 2016 from high school in Puerto Rico, hit .283/.340/.484 in Appalachian League in 2017, 11 homers, 16 walks, 24 strikeouts in 223 at-bats; seldom strikes out but has surprising power; played well at second after switching from shortstop; need to see him at higher levels of course but long-term markers look positive and he has breakout potential.

Result: Hit .264/.319/.417 between Low-A and High-A, 16 homers, 31 walks, 62 strikeouts in 503 at-bats; played well defensively at both second and third base; versatility, power, and youth remain positive factors, still a breakout candidate.