The future may not be so far away for these Futures Game participants
The Sirius XM All-Star Futures Game (on Sunday at 4 p.m. ET on MLB Network) features the best talent in the Minor Leagues competing in a U.S.-vs.-World format. While some of these players are years away from gracing Major League diamonds, the game has some players for whom said future is imminent.
Sunday will provide many fans with their first opportunity to familiarize themselves with these players. With a total of 50 players, there's a lot to keep track of. Here are 10 who might make their way into everyday Major League lineups sooner than you think:
2B
Prospect rank: No. 1 MLB; No. 1 White Sox
Moncada was the MVP of last year's Futures Game and made a late-season debut with the Red Sox before an offseason trade sent him to the White Sox. Last year in this game, he did this:
P Domingo Acevedo -- New York Yankees (Double-A)
Prospect rank: No. 12 Yankees
Acevedo is currently a starter, but his long-term role may be in the bullpen. Nagging hamstring, shoulder and blister injuries have held him back so far, but with a 103-mph fastball, he could continue on a fast track to the Majors. Better not sit on that fastball, though, because he'll just get you on the changeup.
SS
Prospect rank: No. 3 MLB; No. 1 Mets
Rosario's calling card is his defense, and there are no doubts he will stick at shortstop. With
3B Rafael Devers -- Boston Red Sox (Double-A)
Prospect rank: No. 12 MLB; No. 1 Red Sox
Devers is known for his power, and he has a knack for finding home runs on balls that look like popups off the bat. When he does get the call from the Red Sox, fans can rest assured that he can definitely pop one over the Monster.
OF Alex Verdugo -- Los Angeles Dodgers (Triple-A)
Prospect rank: No. 50 MLB; No. 2 Dodgers
Verdugo played in the World Baseball Classic for Mexico and could soon join the Dodgers' young core in Los Angeles. There are concerns that his hit-to-all-fields approach will limit his power, but there's no doubt that he can tap into some serious voltage when he wants to.
As impressive as his hitting is, Verdugo is better known for his arm. He was clocked in the mid-90s on the mound in high school, and he brings that to the outfield to catch runners unaware.
OF
Prospect rank: No. 13 MLB; No. 1 Brewers
The Brewers got Brinson as part of the trade that sent
P Jimmy Herget -- Cincinnati Reds (Triple-A)
Prospect rank: No. 17 Reds
The 2017 Reds have been uniquely reliant on their bullpen, and Herget could fit in quite well there. A former college starter at USF, he's been working out of the bullpen for the entirety of his professional career. He's been described as "crafty" -- but with a fastball that can sit in the high-90s, that designation sells Herget short.
P Brent Honeywell -- Tampa Bay Rays (Triple-A)
Prospect rank: No. 22 MLB; No. 2 Rays
Honeywell is one of the top prospects in baseball and is the No. 2 prospect in the Rays' system. The most exciting thing about him, though, is his signature pitch -- the screwball. Yes, a screwball!
C Chance Sisco -- Baltimore Orioles (Triple-A)
Prospect rank: No. 85 MLB; No. 1 Orioles
Sisco is a rarity as a catcher in that he bats from the left side of the plate. Before you get too excited, no, he throws with his right hand. He also played in last year's Futures Game and did this:
1B Rhys Hoskins -- Philadelphia Phillies (Triple-A)
Prospect rank: No. 12 Phillies
Similar to Sisco, Hoskins is a bit of an odd duck for his position as a right-handed first baseman. He hit 38 home runs at Double-A Reading last year, so no one will think twice about which arm he throws with.
