Part of our excitement for every new big league season is the anticipation of some touted prospects’ debuts, as college stars begin their MLB journeys. This year, shortstops Addison Russell (Cubs) and Carlos Correa (Astros) are among those expected to make their debuts this 2015. Let’s look at three underrated college players who have a legitimate shot at doing just that this year.
First off, we have Sean Manaea from Indiana State University. The lefty 6-5 pitcher, who was drafted in the first round (34th overall) by Kansas City in 2013, is currently assigned to the Royals’ minor league affiliate team, Wilmington. In his first season in the minors, Manaea gathered a 7-8 record with a 3.11 ERA, while leading the Carolina League in strikeouts with 146.
With James Shields gone and Brandon Duffy coming off a Tommy John surgery procedure, the Royals might have an opening for Manaea to fill in at some point this season. The Royals had a heart-breaking World Series loss last season, but if you look at today’s official MLB futures odds, you’ll note that they’re a dark horse to win it all on October.
Another former college pitcher we’ll have to keep an eye on is Braden Shipley. Shipley (University of Nevada-Reno) was drafted in 2013 by the Pirates and has since been working his way through the minors. In 2014, Shipley had a 3.86 ERA with 127 strikeouts in 126 innings. Shipley is listed at No. 40 and No. 19 in MLB.com’s and Keith Law’s 2015 prospect rankings, respectively.
Lastly, we have left fielder Michael Conforto of Oregon State University. A first round pick (10th overall) by the Mets in the 2013 June draft, Conforto has had a taste of what it’s like to play in the majors—well, sort of—going 4 for 9 in four games in the Mets’ Grapefruit League games this month. The two-time player of the year in the PAC-12, had a triple slash line of .331/.448/.851 with three home runs and 19 RBIs in 42 games played for the Brooklyn Cyclones in 2014.
