As MLB sequenced into the 2012 All-Star break (just as it did this week), TSC founder Brett Dickinson wrote about which 2012 stars might still be relevant ten years later, in 2022. Here’s what he had to say in an article published on July 15, 2012.
As the 2012 season heads for the All-Star break, many fresh faces make major impacts across both leagues. These youngsters are the future of the sport and if they can continue to develop, the MLB has a bright future ahead. This is the list of the top players in baseball 10 years from now (with comparisons to current or past players).
10. Gerrit Cole (RHP Pittsburgh Pirates): He has an elite fastball that can reach over 100 mph and a developing change-up and slider, which should come a long way with some more seasoning in the minors. Cole’s ability will make him an ace in the near future, but with grooming, learning to take something off his fastball to gain command, he will be a multiple Cy Young award winner. Player Comparison: Justin Verlander (RHP Detroit Tigers)
9. Eric Hosmer (1B Kansas City Royals): He has already shown his dominance at the plate, and if the talent develops around him or he is shipped out of KC for a slew of prospects, his career will really take off. Hosmer has all the makings of being a consistent .300, 30HR, 100RBI player. Player Comparison: Adrian Gonzalez (1B Boston Red Sox)
8. Bryce Harper (RF Washington Nationals): The hype machine has already taken off in D.C., but his game still has some flaws which knock him down on the list a bit. Harper is a hard worker, though, which will mask some of his deficiencies in the field, while his ability to hit all over the field and above-average speed will make him a consistent .280, 35HR, 90RBI, 20SB threat. Player Comparison: Hunter Pence (RF Philadelphia Phillies)
7. Matt Kemp (CF Los Angeles Dodgers): He has already been a perennial All-Star, Gold Glover, and if it weren’t for back-to-back hamstring injuries, he would be the leading candidate for the NL MVP (and he may still be). Kemp is the perfect combination of all five tools, making him arguably one of the top two players in the game today. He should produce similar to last season stats for the next decade while being one of, if not the best, defensive centerfielders in baseball. Player Comparison: Josh Hamilton (CF Texas Rangers)
6. Brett Lawrie (3B Toronto Blue Jays): He supports his plus power bat with plate discipline and an excellent glove on the hot corner. Lawrie should be a consistent Gold Glover in the near future while having the ability to hit 40 (maybe even 50) HR’s a year. Player Comparison: Mark Texeira (1B New York Yankees)
5. Dylan Bundy (RHP Baltimore Orioles): He has completely exceeded expectations already, as the number four pick in last year’s draft, not allowing a run in his stint at Delmarva (High A). Bundy is on the fast track to becoming the Orioles ace, with his elite command and mix of pitches at such a young age. Player Comparison: Mike Mussina (RHP Retired)
4. Starlin Castro (SS Chicago Cubs): He already has three years of experience in the MLB at 21 and has proven to be an elite hitter, batting over .300 in the last two seasons. Castro still needs to work on his glove but already boasts elite plate discipline and speed to be the tone-setter for the Cubs over the next decade. Player Comparison: Derek Jeter (SS NY Yankees)
3. Giancarlo Stanton (RF Miami Marlins): He has begun to put the whole package together this season, showing more raw power than any player since the “end” of the steroid era. He will never be an elite fielder but is serviceable with a strong arm while striking fear into pitchers as a one-person wrecking crew. Player Comparison: Miguel Cabrera (3B Detroit Tigers)
2. Stephen Strasburg (LHP Washington Nationals); He has already become an elite pitcher in the league, dazzling everyone with maybe the best fastball since Nolan Ryan. Strasburg also adds a dominant slider, making him almost impossible to hit, as evidence of his era this season. Player Comparison: Randy Johnson (LHP Retired)
1. Mike Trout (CF Los Angeles Angels): At 20 years old, he has dominated every level of pitching he has faced. Trout was rated the best prospect in baseball last year, and for a good reason, as he is already one of the best defensive outfielders in the game while hitting .300 out of the lead-off spot. He will develop power over the next few seasons, making him a legit 40HR, 40SB hitter in the middle of the Angels lineup. Player Comparison: Barry Bonds (LF Retired)
Honorable Mention: Clayton Kershaw (LHP Los Angeles Dodgers), Trevor Bauer (RHP Arizona Diamondbacks), Jayson Heyward (RF Atlanta Braves), Adam Jones (CF Baltimore Orioles), Justin Upton (RF Arizona Diamondbacks), Manny Machado (SS Baltimore Orioles), Elvis Andrus (SS Texas Rangers), Shelby Miller (RHP St. Louis Cardinals), Jesus Montero (C Seattle Mariners), Craig Kimbrel (Closer Atlanta Braves), Anthony Rizzo (1B Chicago Cubs)
