For as difficult as it is to call a top MLB prospect untouchable at this time of the year there are a handful of unique players in each division that we can’t imagine being traded by their respective clubs. That is definitely the case in the National League East where each team has at least one top prospect that they are looking forward to seeing reach the majors in a short period of time. Here is a look at one untouchable prospect from each NL East team.
OF: Victor Robles, Washington Nationals
It wasn’t long ago that Washington’s system was absolutely loaded but with Trea Turner graduating to the majors and both Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez traded the top remaining prospect is Robles. The Nationals have to be thrilled about the young outfielder’s potential after he hit .352 with 20 extra-base hits and 24 stolen bases last season in Low-A ball and there is no reason to think he will be on the move anytime soon. Washington wants to win now but Robles potential is high enough that it would likely take an elite established piece in order to acquire him right now.
SS: Amed Rosario, New York Mets
The Mets are in a good position where they could stick with their top prospects or make a move to acquire some veteran talent with some of the names in their system but the one hitter they are unlikely to move is Rosario. The 21-year-old will enter the 2017 campaign as a consensus top-25 prospect in baseball after a breakout season in which he hit .341 with 21 extra-base hits in 54 games in AA. Rosario’s outstanding ability on both sides of the ball could lead to him moving to the big leagues sooner rather than later and right now there is no doubt the Mets consider him an untradeable piece.
SP: Braxton Garrett, Miami Marlins
Miami has one of the thinner farm systems in the majors but they do have a potential gem in starting pitcher in 2016 first round pick Braxton Garrett. Of course, their staff is missing an ace after losing Jose Fernandez. As you might recall, Fernandez passed away in a boating accident that left many people across Major League Baseball shocked.
Garrett is a relatively safe pick who boasts considerable upside with a fastball that sits in the 88-94 mph range that should improve as he continues to fill out his 6’3’’, 190-pound frame. He also has a curveball that is already a plus pitch with a good feel for his changeup. Garrett throws all of his pitches for strikes and his versatility could lead to him reaching the majors sooner rather than later.
The Marlins ranked 10th in the MLB in terms of ERA but remember that that was with Fernandez in the lineup. Fernandez had 16 wins and led the team with a 2.86 ERA. Their numbers are much worse if you remove his contributions from the equation.
SS: J.P. Crawford, Philadelphia Phillies
The 22-year-old shortstop out of Lakewood, California has all of the tools to become an All-Star one day and the Phillies have to be thrilled about his potential. The 16th overall pick from the 2013 Major League Baseball draft could start the season with Philadelphia’s AAA affiliate but it won’t be a surprise when he makes his mark with some time in the majors at some point this upcoming season.
OF: Ronald Acuna, Atlanta Braves
Atlanta’s farm system is absolutely loaded with talent including middle infielder Ozzie Albies and Kevin Maitan, who was widely regarded as the No. 1 prospect in this past summer’s international free-agent class when he signed with the Braves. However, perhaps the most untouchable prospect on the roster is Acuna, a 19-year-old who has boosted his stock more than any other player in the system over the past year. Acuna hit .311 with an .819 OPS in 181 plate appearances as one of the youngest players at the single-A level last season and his development in to a power hitter makes him one of the most intriguing prospects to keep an eye out for in the majors this upcoming season.
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