Kyle Waldrop

Waldrop has been a slow-developing prospect since getting selected in the 12th round out of high school by the Reds, but 2014 was a big year for him. Between High-A Bakesfield and Double-A Pensacola, he hit .338/.385/.516, drew more walks than he had in the past and made a lot more contact. Was this a function of playing in a great hitters' environment in Bakersfield multiplied by a lucky BABIP, or was there actual growth? The Reds protected him on their 40-man roster this offseason to help find out the answer. Given the dearth of good bats in the upper reaches of their system, it's possible that Waldrop finds his way to the big leagues in 2015, most likely as a September callup but perhaps sooner.