*Photo from The Athletic*
With MLB currently locking out it's players, anyone on a team's 40 man roster is not allowed to play games or use team facilities until a new CBA is agreed to or the lockout is lifted, whichever comes first. One group of players this affects in particular is team's top prospects that are on 40 man rosters but not in the major leagues. Even though the minor league season is starting on time, these players still cannot play, as they are on a 40 man roster. So, let's look at one top prospect from each team who is most affected by this rule, continuing on with the AL Central. Order will be based off standings from 2021.
Chicago White Sox: Micker Adolfo, OF
After lost seasons in the past, Adolfo finally got a full season of play under his belt with 105 games across Double A and Triple A in 2021. His bat speed, strength, and swing create some of the best raw power in Chicago's system, and has improved his walk rate, and it's quite frankly a shame we can't see him play for a little bit this year.
Cleveland Guardians: Tyler Freeman, SS/2B
2021 was a lost season for the Guardians top prospect, as he underwent surgery and missed the season after playing just 41 games for Double A Akron. His contact hitting is his best attribute, and he'll look to build on his power when he returns to the field in 2022, whenever that ends up being.
Detroit Tigers: Joey Wentz, LHP
Wentz comes in as the highest Tigers prospect that is on the 40 man roster, so he gets the selection here. His 2020 season and beginning of 2021 was compromised due to Tommy John surgery, and he had a rocky path when he did come back. Regardless, the command on his pitches is fantastic, and his fastball is bound to improve, and it would be nice to see him get back on the field soon.
Kansas City Royals: Nick Pratto, 1B
The Royals number two ranked prospects took strides forward in 2021, showing more confidence at the plate, which has resulted in his whiff rate dropping and his hard hit rate increasing. He broke out for 36 home runs across Double A and Triple A, and he'll be looking to build off his breakout season this coming year.
Minnesota Twins: Jordan Balazovic, RHP
After a 20 start season in Double A, the Twins 3rd ranked prospect is looking to make more strides, as a start in Double A likely awaits whenever he can get back on the field. Balazovic has gotten his fastball velocity up to the point where he consistently puts it in the mid 90's, and his breaking ball and changeup have great movement to them, missing more and more bats every year. With the consistent improvement he has shown, the sky is the limit for Balazovic when he gets back out there.
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