Nick Castellanos Ranked #4 Prospect In MWL

Yesterday, Baseball America continued its league top 20 prospect series, covering the Midwest League.  The Tigers affiliate, the West Michigan Whitecaps, put just one member on the team in its top draft choice from 2010 Nick Castellanos. Castellanos placed 4th on the list compiled by managers, scouts, and Baseball America. There are 16 teams in the Midwest League, so it isn’t abnormal only having one player on the list, only a couple of teams had more than one choice.

Castellanos led the Caps’ offense almost all year, and after a slow start, he finished the season with a .312 batting average, and an OPS of .803. Castellanos only managed 7 home runs on the season, but he did finish with 36 doubles. After a dismal April, Castellanos finished every other month hitting above .300, though he did strike out more than you would like from a top prospect. He will have to improve on his 130 k’s in 507 at-bats.

Defensively, there is mixed reviews on his ability to play 3B, and most tend to lean towards him having to move off the position at some point. At just 19 years old, Castellanos will have plenty of time to develop, and he already possesses a strong arm.

There were other Whitecaps that were no doubt considered, and even if they weren’t it doesn’t take away from their status as a prospect. Some other guys to watch going forward that played for the Caps’ are; Kyle Ryan, Josue Carreno, Dixon Machado, Hernan Perez, Alex Burgos, Rob Brantly, Ramon Lebron, and Bruce Rondon.

*We will continue to update you as Tigers prospects make their league’s lists.