Three under the radar prospects that could make a 2020 impact

Kevin Padlo

Kevin Padlo was originally picked by the Colorado Rockies in the 2014 draft. He then signed for above slot value and played one season in the Rockies’ system.

He was then traded to Tampa Bay in the deal involving Cory Dickerson and Jake McGee.

He came out hot to start his time in the Rays system hitting .229 while adding 16 home runs and 66 RBIs to his name. After that, he struggled in 2017 and 2018.

2017 was filed with injures playing in just 69 games, and in 2018, he repeated A advanced in Port Charlotte. However, in 2019, he regained his form hitting 21 home runs while advancing from Double- to Triple-A.

Padlo finished the season with numbers better against lefties than righties. With a 1.240 OPS against lefties compared to the .823 mark against the right side.

He also had a higher average, slugging, and on-base percentage against lefties as well. However, he was able to hit more home runs against right-handed pitching in 2019. Numbers like that are what make Padlo an intriguing prospect that many may not know.

The Rays added Padlo to their 40-man roster after the season, shielding him from exposure to the Rule 5 Draft. This type of move shows the Rays value Padlo still not even wanting to run the risk of losing him.

The Rays will surely hope Yandy Diaz can handle the everyday duties at third, but if that fails or the injury bug hits Tampa hard, we could see Padlo in Tampa in 2020.

Anthony Banda

Anthony Banda was drafted in the 10th round by the Brewers back in 2012. The Rays later acquired him in 2018 in the trade, sending Steven Souza to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Banda was forced to miss a lot of time due to Tommy John Surgery. He came back at the end of last season, making 16 appearances across all levels.

During those 16 appearances, Banda had some bumps in the road, as expected when coming back from such a major surgery.

In 33 and one third innings Banda had a 5.67 era in the minors. To go along with that, he had 14 walks and allowed 7 home runs.

Something to look forward to was that in 33.1 innings, Banda had 33 strikeouts. Coming off of the surgery, it is essential to look at positive things to take away from early action.

The strikeout numbers are certainly something to be optimistic about and could be something to watch out for in spring training.

His fastball lost about three miles per hour from his time before and after the injury. Now with a whole offseason to work out, Banda may have been able to add that velocity back into his arsenal.

If Banda did, in fact, add the velocity back, he could play a key role for the Rays. Ninety-five from the left side will be very effective for the Rays most likely out of the bullpen.

Expect Banda to start the season back in Triple-A Durham, getting back to his old self or redefining his pitching attack with less velocity. If healthy, though, fully expect Banda to be back in Tampa contributing in 2020.

Randy Arozarena

The Cardinals signed Randy Arozarena for $1.25 million in July 2016, after the Cuban outfielder ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 19 international prospect in his class.

He was sent to Tampa along with Jose Martinez in the trade involving top prospect Matthew Liberatore going to St. Louis.

Arozarena made it to Double-A in his first full season and knows how to get on base.

The Rays’ front office always has a plan it seems, and the acquisition of Arozarena could prove to be a key one that no one saw coming.

He hit .300 over parts of 20 games with St. Louis while hitting a career-high 15 home runs in the minors in 2019. The best part of the rising power numbers is the fact that his strikeout slowly trickled down as well.

Arozarena will bring some speed to the table that not many on the team will be able to. Last year he had 17 steals across two levels of minor league ball. That speed can also be used in the field at all three positions. His sprint speed pf 29.4 ft/sec puts him right on par with new teammate Kevin Kiermaier.

Arozarena figures to have every chance to make the big league club in 2020 as the fourth outfielder.

He should be an upgrade over last seasons 4th outfielder Guillermo Heredia. If the bat can stick with consistent defense, he should be able to gain playing time often and could push the Rays into making more room for him in 2021 and beyond.

Which players do you think will make an impact in 2020?