Chicago Cubs top prospect Javier Baez made a splash last year during his full-season debut, posting an .888 OPS with 16 home runs and 24 stolen bases in 80 games between both Class-A levels. But after struggling with High-A Dayton in the Florida State League (.644 OPS, 21 K in 23 games) over the final month of the season, the organization assigned Baez back to the Class-A level to begin the 2013 season.
Although he endured his share of rough stretches, the 20-year-old demonstrated the ability to make smoother adjustments while sustaining his usual robust production. And after batting .275/.338/.535 with 19 doubles and 17 home runs in 76 games, the organization rewarded Baez with a promotion to Double-A Tennessee.
After a slow start at the more advanced level, Baez has been on an absolute tear over his last seven games, batting .258 with six home runs and 11 RBI. While the approach and plate discipline still leaves something to be desired with 111 strikeouts and only 28 walks this season, Baez has the makings of an impact hitter at the highest level and is on pace to arrive at some point next year.
Here’s a look at the rest of the hottest and coldest hitters at every minor league level.