Kris Bryant Named Top Prospect By Baseball America
(CBS) Cubs third base prospect Kris Bryant has been named the top prospect by Baseball America, which released its newest rankings Thursday. The honor follows the publication naming Bryant their Minor League Player of the Year in 2014.
Of course, the 23-year-old Bryant doesn't figure to be the top prospect much longer. He's expected to be called up a few weeks into the new season -- if he doesn't force Chicago's hand by making the Opening Day roster -- after a service time issue has come and gone.
Bryant hit .325 with 43 homers and 110 RBIs in 138 games split between Double-A and Triple-A in 2014. He added a .438 on-base percentage and .664 slugging percentage.
Twins outfielder Byron Buxton was the second-best prospect. A year ago, he was ranked No. 1.
Cubs shortstop prospect Addison Russell was ranked the third-best player in the minors. He finished last season at Double-A and could be called up late in the season if needed. Outfielder Jorge Soler was ranked 12th (he's still considered a prospect because he was called up so late in 2014). He's expected to make Chicago's roster out of spring training.
Catcher/outfielder Kyle Schwarber was ranked 19th. Right-hander C.J. Edwards was tabbed 38th by Baseball America, and outfielder Billy McKinney was 83rd.
For the White Sox, left-hander Carlos Rodon was rated 15th. Depending on need and his spring training performance, Rodon could be used out of the White Sox's bullpen to open the year, or he may return to the minors for more seasoning as a starter.
White Sox shortstop prospect Tim Anderson was ranked 92nd, and right-hander Spencer Adams was rated 100th.
