*Photo from Climbing Tal's Hill*
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 West. Order will be based off standings from 2021.
Houston Astros: Jeremy Pena, 3B/SS
If Carlos Correa were to leave the Astros in free agency, the Astros value the number 4 ranked prospect enough that he would be the in house replacement for a player of Correa's caliber. His defense has always been upper echelon, but he's been picking up his hitting ability, better hitting for contact and power at every level he's been in the minor leagues.
Seattle Mariners: Julio Rodriguez, OF
One of the centerpieces of the famous Kevin Mather controversy, Rodriguez is a true star on the field. He was limited due to injury last season, but he has plus power and plus hitting at every minor league level, and his strong arm serves him well defensively. He is a candidate to possibly break camp with the Mariners this year, whenever that happens.
Oakland Athletics: Nick Allen, SS/2B
Allen's calling card has always been his defense, which is what the A's were attracted by when they drafted him. His offense is still a work in progress, but he has made strides with his bat in his professional career. It would be nice to see him build off his offensive progress with another full minor league season.
Los Angeles Angels: Hector Yan, LHP
The Angels 19th ranked prospect is looking to start the year in either High A after a rocky first season at the High A level. His fastball velocity has increased, he has great depth on his curveball, and his changeup has gotten strikes, but his offspeed stuff still needs work. His windup makes his pitches hard to time up, and he'll look to keep improving in 2022, whenever he can play.
Texas Rangers: Ezequiel Duran, SS/2B/3B
Duran, who is the 7th ranked prospect in the Rangers system, went on a tear to start 2021 in the Yankees organization before he was traded as part of the Joey Gallo trade. Duran routinely hits the ball hard, and because of his hands and wrists while swinging, generates incredible power in every direction. His speed also gives him a chance at multiple 20-20 seasons, and if he can learn to lay off some more pitches, he'll be even better.
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