Intriguing BABS “No-timers” for 2019

by Patrick Cloghessy

Once BABS gets past the full-timers, mid-timers and part-timers, we arrive at the “no-timers.” These are players who were on virtually nobody’s radar last spring. Atop the list of no-timers are the small sample size studs. Many of these players are setting September on fire. They are earning roster spots for 2019, and in some cases, angling for starting positions. Say hello to some potential sleepers who may tempt us come March.

Ryan O’Hearn (P+,a) is powering up in a big way. As of this writing, O’Hearn is slugging .648(!!) with 11 HR in just 142 at-bats with KC. He has carried his plus BB rate (13.4%) from the minors to the show. Beware his extreme platoon splits. Ryan appears to be at best a strong-sided platoon player as a left-handed bat vs. RHP.

Roman Quinn (S+,A+) has likely been on NL-only leaguers’ radar as a SB source. Quinn has long been a speed asset in the minors. He has improved his contact rate both on the farm and with the Phillies in 2018. Roman’s .350 OBP in 100 AB is propped up by a .315 BA. If he goes north with the club next spring, we could have a cheap source of SB.

At this point, Billy McKinney (P+,A+) has been involved in three different trades: for Jeff Samardzija, Aroldis Chapman, and then J.A. Happ. Still just 24 years old, McKinney provides a solid hit tool while sporting an .818 OPS in 100 AB. On a rebuilding Blue Jays club, Billy has a real opportunity to carve out an everyday OF job in 2019.

Due to a host of injuries in Houston, Tyler White (P+,A+) has gone from  injury fill-in to lineup regular. White saw 276 AB in 2016, but only 67 for the 2017 championship club. He has mashed in AAA and it has translated to sustained success in 2018. Slashing .298/.379/.601 with plus BB and K rates, White may have finally cemented his status as an everyday player.

Out of 752 NFBC drafts in 2018, Oakland’s Ramon Laureano (PW,SB,AV) was chosen exactly zero times. Like old westerns, Laureano is the stranger who strode into town. Will he ride off into the sunset, or will his BABS triple threat skill set stick around next season? Still young, Ramon has displayed all three assets in the minors.

Cedric Mullins (PW,A+) displaced Adam Jones in CF upon his call-up to Baltimore. The Orioles must think highly of him. Mullins has the requisite contact (81%) and BB (10%) rates to get on base. If his speed skill shows up, Cedric could be an asset in a speed-starved environment.

A top 100 prospect, Cards’ Tyler O’Neill (P+,s) has 70-grade raw power. His main issue, like many young power hitters, is his propensity to strike out (40.8% K rate). O’Neill has displayed better contact numbers in the minors. If he can adjust to major league pitching, Tyler could be a sleeper for a power/speed combo next season.

Jeff McNeil (SB,AV) broke out across two minor league levels in 2018. This quick ascension, coupled with Asdrubal Cabrera’s departure, cleared the way for an extended look in Queens. People have taken notice, and McNeil has not wasted his opportunity. McNeil appears to profile as merely a contact hitter, but his .881 OPS across 200 AB is hard to ignore. Some of us have reaped the rewards this season. Keep an eye on Port St. Lucie next spring to see if he can build on this breakout.

David Dahl (p,s,a) may seem out of place on this list, but he is not all that different than the aforementioned Tyler White. Dahl (pictured) saw 237 AB in 2016. Injuries derailed his 2017. He is now back in Denver and producing with regular playing time. David is healthy, and with 10 HR and 5 SB in 217 AB this season, the future is bright.  

The well-traveled Ji-Man Choi (PW,a) gets little respect. At 27 years old, it’s difficult to call him a prospect. Prior to this season, Choi had fewer than 150 career AB. Credit the Rays for giving him a chance. Ji-Man has filled the stat sheet at a position that has been uncharacteristically unproductive this season. His .866 OPS with 10 HR in 202 AB puts him in the conversation for 1B/DH at-bats in Tampa next year.

Adalberto Mondesi (PW,S+) was already covered by Chris Doyle.