Five things to watch for at the 2015 Futures Game
For those who may not be familiar with the Futures Game, the concept is exactly what the name implies. Fifty of the game’s top prospects will be present and divided into teams representing the U.S. and the World (view full rosters here), and for nine innings they’ll have an opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage.
For many fans, it’s actually the most anticipated event of the week. With an impressive list of alumni that includes established All-Stars Felix Hernandez and Mike Trout, and first-timers like Kris Bryant and Nolan Arenado, the Futures Game more than delivers on its promise to showcase the stars of tomorrow.
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For that reason alone, the game is well worth the investment of your time. But there are definitely some players and stories within this year’s game that make tuning in to MLB Network a priority. Allow us to show you the way.
WHO’S GOT NEXT?
Many of the players on the field Sunday will end up in a major league uniform at some point. That much is a given. But it’s always interesting to spot the talents and file away names that could make an impact by this time next season. Some will even be up with the big squad this season, and others still might graduate to the main event, the MLB All-Star game, in just 12 months time.
We already mentioned Kris Bryant. He made that leap.
Joey Gallo, Noah Syndergaard, Maikel Franco and Francisco Lindor are among the 2014 Futures Game participants to appear in MLB since then. Syndergaard and Franco especially have already carved out meaningful roles and seem to be here to stay.
Who will be the instant impact players from this year’s pack?
METS REINFORCEMENTS
The New York Mets struggles offensively have been well documented this season, but there’s reason to believe help could be on the way relatively soon. Two reasons, in fact, will be on hand at the Futures Game when outfielders Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo suit up for Team USA.
Conforto, 22, was the Mets first round (10th overall) selection last season. He’s already worked his way to Double-A, and there’s even been talk that a major-league promotion could come this season. He’s a pure hitter, as his .304 average in the minors suggests, and seems to adjust quickly to every situation. Facing the world’s best in the Futures Game should be a good test.
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Nimmo, 22, was New York’s first round pick in 2011. He’s taken a little longer to develop, but given his age that’s just fine. He’s not a sexy prospect by any means, but ranked inside Baseball America’s top 50. He should be New York’s center fielder of the future.
The Chicago Cubs prospect is one of the rare players to actually make his MLB debut before playing in the Futures Game. Schwarber was called up for a brief stint when the Cubs had five straight games in American League ballparks, and actually performed well, hitting .364/.391/.591 with a home run and triple.
In 127 minor league games, Schwarber is hitting .333 /.429/.613 with a remarkable 34 home runs and 35 doubles. Like Bryant was last season, he’ll be the best hitter on the field on Sunday afternoon.
POWER ARMS
Lucas Giolito, Mark Appel, Jose Berrios, Aaron Nola and Carl Edwards Jr. are all ranked among MLB.com’s top 50 prospects and will have an opportunity to show us their best stuff. Giolito is the highest ranking pitching prospect in the game at No. 4. It’s really an embarrassment of riches, as fans of the Washington Nationals watch the next in line to their loaded rotation.
[On this week’s StewPod: Everything you need to know about the All-Star game.]
The name that stands out the most though is Mark Appel. The former No. 1 overall pick of the Houston Astros is a guy we figured we would have seen by now on the big stage, but this will be our first real chance to catch a peak. Appel struggled mightily through his first full minor league season in 2014 and continues searching for consistency this season, but still has plenty of upside.
PHILLIES FUTURE
Last year’s Futures Game gave us a glimpse at Maikel Franco, who if not for Kris Bryant and Joc Pederson would be a strong choice for NL Rookie of the Year this season. This year we’ll get to see the next piece of Philadelphia’s hopeful resurgence in P.J. Crawford.
The 20-year-old shortstop is currently the youngest player in the Class AA Eastern League, but he’s already one of the most impressive talents in the entire minor leagues. Through 235 career games, Crawford has posted a .391 on-base percentage with the same number of walks and strikeouts (137). That shows amazing discipline, especially for a kid who can hit for power. Factor in his excellent defense at a prime position and we’re looking at perhaps the jewel of the Futures Game.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
