Future MLB Stars

SI Staff | Apr 8, 2008

Future MLB Stars /

Future MLB Stars

Jacoby Ellsbury

The 24-year-old centerfielder and postseason hero of last year's World Series-winning Red Sox is battling Coco Crisp for the starting job in center field.

Clay Buchholz

Threw a no-hitter in just his second MLB start last season and, at 23, has earned a spot in Boston's veteran rotation at the start of this season.

Phil Hughes

The 6-foot-5, 21-year-old pitcher looked solid in his first start of the season, throwing six innings and giving up two runs on just four hits against the dangerous Blue Jays' offense.

Justin Upton

Demonstrated great potential during a 43-game cameo in 2007, and is off to a blistering start in 2008, batting .333 with three home runs.

B.J. Upton

Justin Upton's older brother, B.J. is coming off a season in which the Rays' second baseman was one of only five players to bat .300, hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases.

Delmon Young

A fresh start on a new team may be just what the troubled outfielder needs to develop his talent. Hitting in a lineup behind Justin Morneau can't hurt either.

Lastings Milledge

Washington fans have not only been treated to a new state-of-the-art stadium, but also a potential star for years to come in Lastings Milledge, whose two-run shot was instrumental in the Nats' 11-6 win over the Phillies in just the second game of the season.

Evan Longoria

With a talent as great as Longoria's, you can understand why the Rays are being very careful not to rush him into the majors prematurely. However, many scouts believe the 6-2 third baseman, who hit .299 with 26 home runs and 95 RBIs last year in 136 games for Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham, is ready to make an impact now.

Andre Ethier

After fellow outfielder Matt Kemp suffered an injury at the start of last season, Ethier filled in admirably, batting .284, belting 13 home runs while driving in 64 runs. He beat out veteran Juan Pierre for the starting job in left field this spring.

Matt Cain

The 23-year-old Giants' ace posted a sub-par 7-16 record last year, but his 3.65 ERA was 10th best in the NL and his workhorse-like mentality, along with some run support, figures to result in a much better record this season.

Ian Kinsler

Fresh off inking a five-year contract extension through 2012, the Rangers' young second baseman is off to a hot start this season, following a sophomore season in which he joined the 20-20 club.

Stephen Drew

The 25-year-old shortstop and younger brother of Boston outfielder J.D. Drew projects as a middle-of-the-order threat. He's shown increased power this year, with two home runs in the season's first six games.

Johnny Cueto

The 5-10 dynamo of a pitcher dominated in his debut against the Diamondbacks, striking out 10 and allowing only one hit in seven innings in beating the Diamondbacks.

Jay Bruce

Perhaps the future of the Reds franchise, Bruce lit up the minors by hitting well over .300 across three levels of competition in 2007. The center fielder has above average power and a brilliant arm to go along with his disciplined approach at the plate.

Cameron Maybin

The Tigers dealt away a great deal of talent to acquire Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, most notably Maybin, a 6-4 center fielder whose great athletic ability figures to produce some web gems in the field not too long from now.

Andrew Miller

A 22-year-old southpaw with good size at 6-6, Miller is another bright spot for the Marlins from their offseason blockbuster trade. As a junior at North Carolina, Miller had an impressive 13-2 record, 2.48 ERA and a school-record 133 strikeouts.

Homer Bailey

He went 4-2 in nine games as a rookie in 2007, and his power arm makes him one of the top pitching prospects in the National League.

David Price

Although he has yet to throw a major league pitch, top draft choice David Price has all the makings of a "future ace." Armed with a plus fastball, slider and an above-average changeup, Price's excellent control and mature attitude make him someone to watch for late in '08.

Joba Chamberlain

Not only did he exceed Yankee expectations with an anemic 0.38 ERA over 24 innings in '07, but also recent news of his 100 MPH heater make him the top setup man in the league.

Published Apr 8, 2008

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