RankPlayerPos.TeamAgeETAComments1Byron Buxtonof202014More experience should allow the game’s top prospect to learn to turn his hard contact into more home run power. 2Xander Bogaertsss/3b212014Seize a starting job in Boston. Whether it’s at shortstop or third base likely depends on Stephen Drew’s status. 3Oscar Taverasof212014After missing time last year with repeated ankle issues, Taveras needs a hot start to force his way into St. Louis’ right-field discussion. 4Masahiro Tanakarhp252014No pressure for the erstwhile Japanese Pacific League ace: Just pitch up to a nine-figure contract and return the Yankees to playoff contention. 5Javier Baezss212014Slow down—not his bat, the minors’ fastest, but the rest of the game, especially at shortstop. Otherwise, Baez’s task will be learning to play another position. 6Miguel Sano3b202014An offseason elbow injury scuttled his winter-ball plans, so a healthy start should keep Sano on track for Triple-A and a late-season callup. 7Carlos Correass192016The Astros hope to accelerate their rebuilding process after three brutal seasons; Correa should keep up with big numbers in the California League. 8Kris Bryant3b222014Bryant could have a successful season even if he doesn’t match his 31-homer season in college; a move to the outfield could be in the offing. 9Archie Bradleyrhp212014Throwing strikes sounds simple, but with Bradley’s velocity and spin-happy curveball, it hasn’t been easy. More consistent command of the strike zone is a must for him to grab a major league rotation spot. 10Gregory Polancoof222014After he takes a breather from his successful winter ball stint in the Dominican Republic, Polanco can set his sights on winning Pittsburgh’s right-field job by midsummer. 11Taijuan Walkerrhp212014Owner of one of the game’s hardest cutters (some scouts consider it a slider), Walker is ready for his close-up in Seattle’s major league rotation behind Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma. 12Jonathan Grayrhp222014After drafting him third overall in June, the Rockies limited Gray from using his devastating slider in his pro debut so that he could focus on fastball command. If Gray learned that lesson, watch out. 13Francisco Lindorss202014If Asdrubal Cabrera stumbles again in Cleveland, Lindor has to make sure he’s as ready offensively as he already is defensively. He should get that opportunity at some point. 14Addison Russellss202014The bat, athleticism and explosive speed have Russell nearly big league-ready offensively. He’ll work to polish his footwork and smooth out his arm action at shortstop. He could get his feet wet in Oakland this year in anticipation of a full-time opportunity in 2015. 15Dylan Bundyrhp212014Don’t be in a hurry. After June 2013 Tommy John surgery, Bundy should make sure he’s back healthy. If he is, he could provide a late jolt for the big league Orioles. 16Noah Syndergaardrhp212015Syndergaard’s secondary pitches flash above-average if not better. More consistent power on his curveball would complement his premium fastball and help him make a midseason jump to New York. 17Maikel Franco3b212014Franco already has power and polish at the plate. Adding polish and maintaining his agility at either infield corner would speed his arrival in Philadelphia, at either spot. 18George Springerof242014The Astros likely won’t have any interest in calling up Springer until after May in order to delay his arbitration clock, so he has at least two solid months to learn to drive outside pitches the other way. 19Robert Stephensonrhp212015Aside from gaining experience, staying healthy and learning to the nuances of the craft, Stephenson just needs to stay ready. He’s already acclimated to the major leagues and is likely an injury away from a Cincinnati callup. 20Kevin Gausmanrhp232014Gausman’s callup included blistering fastball velocity but a rude awakening to big leaguers’ ability to handle it. Perhaps he’ll have to modify his John Belushi-like powdered doughnuts training regimen. 21Lucas Giolitorhp192016No one in the minors “just needs innings” more than Giolito, whose pure stuff may be the best on this list but who has just 39 professional innings after being a 2012 first-round pick. A healthy campaign in a full-season rotation is first and foremost. 22Jameson Taillonrhp222014Taillon has frontline stuff and has put himself on the cusp of the Pittsburgh rotation, and more consistent fastball command will get him his Pirates puffy shirt. 23Kyle Zimmerrhp222014In flashes, Zimmer was as good as any pitching prospect in the minors last year, his first full season after being the fifth overall pick in 2012. Now he has to show more than flashes. 24Eddie Butlerrhp232014The rare premium pitching prospect from Radford, Butler exceeded expectations with his live stuff in 2013. If he repeats his dominance in the early months of 2014, he’ll be pitching in Denver. 25Nick Castellanos3b/of222014Few prospects have a weightier burden for this season. Castellanos must reacquaint himself with third base and contribute offensively to a team with legitimate World Series aspirations. 26Yordano Venturarhp222014The majors’ hardest-throwing starter has proven he can handle a minor league workload, but the smallish Ventura has to show he can do it over 162 games. 27Austin Hedgesc212015The minors’ best defensive catcher needs to keep improving his bat. After leading San Antonio to the Double-A Texas League title last fall, Hedges likely returns there to start 2014. 28C.J. Edwardsrhp222015Edwards can’t post better results than he did last year, when he moved from the Rangers to the Cubs in the Matt Garza deal. He’ll aim to reach 150 innings while maintaining his high-quality stuff and control. 29Jose Abreu1b272014Signed to a major league contract, Abreu has higher expectations than most on this list. The White Sox are counting on him to make the majors and hit in the middle of their lineup. 30Andrew Heaneylhp222014 After missing time with a lat muscle strain in 2013, Heaney pitched just 95 innings. He’ll aim to exceed that in 2014, and if he does, some of the innings will come in a Miami uniform. 31Carlos Martinezrhp222014If Martinez is going to break into the rotation, this is the time. He tuned up in winter ball as a starter but may be too good in his set-up role if St. Louis feels it has adequate rotation options. 32Aaron Sanchezrhp212015Sanchez has starter stuff but has not established a track record of throwing strikes and staying healthy. Those two basics would take him from good prospect to elite. 33Kyle Crickrhp212015Listen to the Ninja. Giants pitching guru Dick Tidrow has a great track record of shepherding power arms to San Francisco, and with a little polish Crick shouldn’t be too far away. 34Joc Pedersonof212015Patience. The Dodgers already have too many outfielders for their major league team this season, so Pederson should focus on contact and put up big numbers at Triple-A Albuquerque. 35Gary Sanchezc212015Continued work at Double-A. Sanchez got on the right track in 2013, when his catch-and-throw skills started catching up to his bat, and the Brian McCann signing gives him more development time. 36Albert Almoraof19 2016Almora is another prospect who just needs to show he can stay healthy. Evaluators love his bat and defense in center—when he’s on the field. 37Corey Seagerss 19 2016 Seager appeared to run out of gas in his first full season and may need to move to third base soon. As long as he keeps hitting, however, those should just be minor impediments to big league success. 38Travis d’Arnaudc 252014Stay. On. The. Field. His first injury-free season since 2011 would help make d’Arnaud a Rookie of the Year contender. 39Mark Appelrhp22 2015Appel’s stuff suffered a bit from his post-draft layoff, so he didn’t knock anyone’s socks off in his pro debut. A full spring of preparation should allow the No. 1 overall pick’s velocity to return. 40Henry Owenslhp212015The long, lanky Owens keeps adding strength and needs it to better repeat his delivery and throw more strikes, especially with his offspeed stuff. 41Jorge Solerof222015It’s easy to be satisfied when you’ve already signed a $30 million contract. If Soler plays with an edge, he’ll be a big league right fielder sooner than later. 42Rougned Odor2b202015Professional and polished beyond his years at the plate, Odor could knock on the door to the big leagues if his defense—specifically footwork—improves. The question is whether that will be with Texas. 43Billy Hamiltonof232014Like Nick Castellanos or Jose Abreu, Hamilton is expected to win a big league job. As Cincinnati’s center fielder, he doesn’t have to replace Shin-Soo Choo’s production; he just needs to make good use of his transformational speed. 44Matt Wislerrhp212015Combating lefthanded hitters is Wisler’s last minor league assignment. He has all the traits of a starting major league pitcher, leading off with command of a strong fastball. 45Alex Meyerrhp242014Meyer’s power arsenal has few peers, and he was on top of his game in the Arizona Fall League (28 SO in 26 IP). If he continues to show consistency and command, an early stretch like that could catapult him to Target Field. 46Tyler Glasnowrhp202016Like other 6-foot-7 righthanders, Glasnow tends to overthrow and can lose his delivery, so he’ll spend time at high Class A working on that. His natural athleticism and increasing strength should help. 47Raul A. Mondesiss182017The toolsy teen is starting this season at the same age as most high school draftees. Mondesi’s production should climb as his body matures and his experience grows. 48Clint Frazierof192017Frazier may have to curb his long, loud BP home run displays as a pro. If he makes consistent contact, though, it’s sure to be loud. 49Austin Meadowsof182017Following a tight spring prior to the draft, Meadows played loose and free after signing. A repeat of that approach would serve him well in his full-season debut. 50Jackie Bradleyof232014Bradley failed his first test when major league pitchers challenged him inside last year. He’ll have to adjust to hard stuff in to replace Jacoby Ellsbury in Fenway’s middle garden. 51Julio Uriaslhp172016As the youngest player on the Top 100 Prospects list, Urias may need more help with his driving skills than his pitching. The Dodgers will need patience to avoid promoting him too quickly. 52Kohl Stewartrhp192017Stewart showed the best pure stuff of any prep pitcher in the 2013 draft class. Job one will be learning how to maintain his stuff through a season, as the former two-sport athlete gets his first full-time baseball job. 53Max Friedlhp202016Fried has the pitch quality and the projection to become a frontline starter in San Diego. His next step is to challenge hitters more frequently in the strike zone. 54Jorge Alfaroc202015Alfaro’s tools are second to none among minor league catchers. Consistency in receiving and in his plate approach will turn tools into production. 55Marcus Stromanrhp222014Stroman’s fastball is unquestioned, and his slider and changeup are starter-quality secondary pitches. Maintaining a downhill plane on his fastball may be the decisive factor in whether the 5-foot-10 pitcher is ultimately a starter or reliever. 56Edwin Escobarlhp212015Escobar followed a breakout season with a strong winter in Venezuela. Maintaining his higher arm slot and the improved breaking ball that came with it will move him up the ladder. 57Lucas Simsrhp192016The Braves are on a pitching-development hot streak, and Sims’ strong 2013 finish in low Class A points toward a breakout 2014 season. Proving his durability and improving his changeup will go a long way toward making that happen. 58Kolten Wong2b232014Wong just needs to shake off his World Series pickoff misadventure so he can bring the Cardinals a hard-hitting, basestealing presence atop the order. 59Mike Foltyniewiczrhp222015Foltynewicz blossomed with the Astros’ tandem-starter system at Double-A. Greater pitch efficiency could help him get past six innings more than once, his 2013 total. 60Joey Gallo3b202016No one in the minors can match Gallo’s raw power. A two-strike approach, as well as maintaining agility at third base, will help his high-ceiling toolset mature. 61Colin Moran3b212015The Marlins could use a third baseman in Miami pronto. Moran’s bat should be fine, but his footwork and mobility must be quick for him to stay at the hot corner. 62Braden Shipleyrhp222015Shipley has pitched for just two years full-time, so getting him innings and a professional routine should help this electric-armed athlete as much as anything. 63Erik Johnsonrhp242014Listen to Don Cooper. Chicago’s major league pitching coach knows his stuff and should bring the most out of Johnson and his premium slider. 64Nick Kinghamrhp222015The Las Vegas native must have learned his lessons facing Bryce Harper as an amateur; he’d do well to remain stingy with home runs to lefthanded hitters, who hit just two off him last year. 65Eduardo Rodriguezlhp202014Not many Venezuelans pitch in the Arizona Fall League. Rodriguez’s stint there indicates he’s in Baltimore’s plans, and if he can sharpen his command he should get a big league opportunity this year. 66Chris Owingsss222014The Pacific Coast League’s MVP may have to be content with a return trip to Triple-A Reno to wait for an opportunity unless he can beat out Aaron Hill or Didi Gregorius in Arizona. 67Jake Odorizzirhp242014Jeremy Hellickson’s elbow surgery in spring training opens a spot in St. Petersburg for Odorizzi to snag if he can maintain his improved fastball and slider command. 68Rafael Monterorhp232014Few minor leaguers throw more consistent quality strikes than the smallish Montero, and as long as he maintains his command he should get his first shot in New York in 2014. 69Christian Bethancourtc222015His bat needs to catch up to his arm strength, and a little more consistency with his receiving wouldn’t hurt, but the Braves have only stopgaps behind the plate as they wait for Bethancourt to apply the finishing touches to his game. 70Stephen Piscottyof232015The addition of Peter Bourjos will make it tougher to find major league playing time in 2014, giving Piscotty time to polish his defense and add a bit of loft to his swing. 71Jesse Biddlelhp222015Biddle fought through health issues including whooping cough in 2013. Improved strength and durability should allow him to maintain his delivery, leading to better control. 72Matt Davidson3b232014Davidson’s new organization gives him a shot at a big league job. His focus should be defense, Conor Gillaspie’s weakest tool, as well as curbing his strikeouts. 73Blake Swihartc212016Athletic and still new to catching, Swihart has taken to his defensive responsibilities. Pairing power production with catching every day is the next step. 74Garin Cecchini3b222015Cecchini’s polished hitting approach needs few adjustments. His athleticism doesn’t leave him much margin for error, particularly with his defense at third base, so he’ll have to keep at it to avoid a move to left field or first base. 75Mookie Betts2b212015Betts showed all five tools last season, including the arm strength to make a move back to shortstop possible. With Dustin Pedroia locked in at the keystone in Boston, Betts should make it a priority. 76Alen Hansonss212015Hanson has lights-out athletic ability and needs more consistency with the glove. That could get him to Pittsburgh quickly to challenge Jordy Mercer and Clint Barmes. 77Lance McCullers Jr.rhp202016McCullers’ fastball and hard breaking ball are both premium pitches. His changeup has to progress to keep him a rotation option long-term. 78J.P. Crawfordss192017After winning the Gulf Coast League batting title in his Rookie-ball debut, Crawford will try for a repeat in the grind of a South Atlantic League campaign. Long-term, he’ll also need to get stronger. 79Jake Marisnickof232014Marisnick has to be more selective at the plate for his power/speed combination to play. He could join Christian Yelich and Giancarlo Stanton in Miami even if he doesn’t, thanks to his glove. 80Hunter Renfroeof222016Renfroe’s swing tends to get too complicated. A simpler approach would help the toolsy right fielder get to his plus raw power more often. 81Reese McGuirec192017The history of high school catchers drafted in the first round isn’t the greatest, but McGuire showed the defensive chops and bat to make good in his debut. He’ll just look to continue that trend in his first full season. 82Jonathan Singleton1b222014Singleton really has to work on when to toke, er, take and when he’s too passive. Attacking fastballs he can hit is a must. 83Trevor Bauerrhp232014After a disastrous 2013, first and foremost Bauer has to stop nibbling and pitch off his fastball more. It’s a simple prescription for a complicated pitcher. 84Devon Travis2b232015Travis’ 2013 season caught everyone by surprise but him. Posting similar numbers at a more advanced level will position him as Ian Kinsler’s eventual replacement in Detroit. 85D.J. Peterson3b222015Peterson moved to first base in college after struggling at third, but pro ball affords the time and focused development for him to give the hot corner another, extended try. His bat should not be an issue. 86Rosell Herrerass212016High Class A Modesto isn’t exactly Petco Park, but Herrera is leaving the hitter’s haven of low Class A Asheville. Time to prove 2013 was no fluke. 87Pierce Johnsonrhp222015Durability is at the top of the list for the slender Johnson, who could beat the similarly built C.J. Edwards to Chicago if he can repeat his 2013 production at higher levels. 88Allen Websterrhp242014Webster’s big league struggles last season likely dented his confidence, but he’ll need to have the conviction to pitch in the strike zone with his plus fastball and changeup when he gets another chance in Boston. 89Trey Balllhp192017The Red Sox’s highest draft pick since Trot Nixon, Ball has put away his bat to focus on pitching. Just adopting a routine as a full-time pitcher will lay a strong foundation for the athletic southpaw. 90Jorge Bonifacioof202015He can’t be Wil Myers, but a healthy, productive start—and maybe a bit more loft in his swing—will put Bonifacio on track to providing a reasonable facsimile. 91Marcus Semienss/2b/3b232014Semien will battle Matt Davidson and Conor Gillaspie for the third-base job in Chicago, but he likely is headed to Triple-A to play all three infield spots and continue to show he has the bat to be more than a utilityman. 92Dominic Smith1b182017Smith might make his full-season debut at low Class A Savannah, a decided pitcher’s park. He’ll have to focus on his hitting approach and avoid getting down if the results aren’t there this season. 93Taylor Lindsey2b222015Lindsey’s bat has made him a top prospect. He’ll need to maintain his athleticism and agility to avoid becoming a liability at second base. 94David Dahlof202017Dahl can start by making his flight out of spring training and avoiding suspension. As long as he doesn’t try to make up for his lost 2013 season, his natural talent should be enough. 95Zach Leerhp222015Lee has developed into an athletic, four-pitch starter, rather than a power pitcher. Honing that approach at Triple-A Albuquerque’s hitter’s haven will be a challenge. 96Jimmy Nelsonrhp242014The Matt Garza signing deepens Milwaukee’s rotation, so Nelson could either work on his command in Triple-A or take his power sinker to the Brewers bullpen. 97Nick Williamsof202016Williams’ hands are so good that he hasn’t had to be patient yet. His task is to learn where his happy zone is while also improving his outfield routes, presumably in high Class A. 98Michael Choiceof242014The Texas-Arlington product should know his way to his new team’s home park, following his trade from the Athletics, but he’ll have to bide his time sitting behind Shin-Soo Choo, Leonys Martin and Alex Rios. 99James Paxtonlhp252014Paxton’s stuff has teased scouts for years, but he showed two true plus pitches in the big leagues last September. Now it’s a matter of repeating that performance. 100Arismendy Alcantara2b/ss 222015With a crowd ahead of him at shortstop, Alcantara’s best path to the majors is as an everyday second baseman. Honing his skills on the right side of the infield is job one.
