Coming Attractions: MLB prospects who might be called up in July

1. Eloy Jimenez, White Sox

Jimenez’ superstar-caliber bat has finally found its way to Triple-A, where his power has carried over well. With a season that is going nowhere, the White Sox could be tempted to leave Jimenez down on the farm for another month or so, but it could be a pointless endeavor. He is ready to take on Major League pitching and — considering he should be a part of the everyday effort on the South Side in 2019 — the more reps the better at the highest level.

2. Mitch Keller, Pirates  

With the trade deadline drawing near and plenty of competitors in need of a veteran arm to eat innings, Ivan Nova's days in Pittsburgh could be numbered. Honestly, even if the Bucs don’t export any of their current starters, getting the ball in Keller’s hands couldn’t hurt. The 22-year-old has held Double-A batters to a .208 average in route to a 9-2 record.

3. Francisco Mejia, Indians  

Mejia actually made his MLB debut back on June 11 when he filled in for an ailing Roberto Perez. After appearing in 11 games (and hitting only .154 over 13 at-bats), he was sent back to the minors. However, he has gone on a tear since. The time in the Majors did the switch-hitting backstop well, as he raised his average by 30 points since returning to the minors. With his athleticism allowing him to contribute as an outfielder as well, Mejia’s upswing at the plate could usher him a return back to Cleveland sooner than later.

4. Dakota Hudson, Cardinals  

Another month, another Cardinal pitching prospect showing superstar potential. Hudson has been nearly untouchable for Triple-A Memphis: allowing four earned runs over five starts in June, which lowered his season ERA to 2.10. With Michael Wacha suffering from an oblique injury, and the Cardinal bullpen being in a state of disarray of late, the temptation to give Hudson a shot in St. Louis could be too much to pass on amid a three-way pennant chase in the NL Central.

5. Forrest Whitley, Astros

After missing the first 50 games of the year due to a violation of the MiLB’s Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, the Astros’ top prospect has made up for lost time. Whitley looks ready to resume the fast track to Houston he was on at the end of 2017, ringing up 24 strikeouts over his first 16 innings of the year. While the path to the Astros’ rotation is obviously an exclusionary one, Whitley getting an opportunity to be deployed as another strong relief option could be explored. Especially considering the struggles the team has had in solidifying its ninth-inning pitcher.

6. Nick Gordon, Twins

Gordon’s ascent toward the Majors has been a steady one since the Twins selected him with the fifth overall pick back in 2014. It is a rise that could be preparing to reach its summit, as the Twins are likely to become providers of talent for the rest of the league over the next few weeks. Gordon is being groomed to take over for Brian Dozier — and has been for some time now — and is capable of immediately contributing at either middle infield spot. Expect to see Gordon’s name called up shortly afterward, should Dozier pack his bags soon.

7. Ryan Mountcastle, Orioles  

Another prospect that could be preparing to take over for a departed star is Mountcastle, who has the chance to wield a special bat for the O’s. He has added a much-improved ability to reach base in 2018, raising his on-base percentage by over 60 points and maintaining the power profile he has long possessed. Only time will tell if the O’s are willing to give their top prospect the leap to the Majors this year, but he will certainly need to be ready sooner than later.

8. Justin Williams, Rays 

Kevin Kiermaier recently returned to the outfield for the Rays, but it still could use a further boost of life. Williams could provide that push, as he is enjoying a solid season all-around. He profiles as a natural corner outfielder, which is a place of great need for Tampa. With so many of the club’s other recent top prospects already playing a role in the everyday affairs of the team (Willy Adames, Jake Bauers, Christian Arroyo), the green light for Williams to join the party could be on soon.

9. Luis Urias, Padres

Perhaps the most MLB-ready of the many promising talents San Diego has accumulated, Urias was recently named to his third minor league All-Star team in as many years. Although his star is eclipsed in the Padres organization by more noteworthy names such as Fernando Tatis Jr. and Mackenzie Gore, the multi-tooled middle infielder possesses an advanced ability to get on base and make contact — something that could make him instantly valuable to the free-swinging Padres.

10. Logan Allen, Padres 

Aside from solid offerings from Tyson Ross and Clayton Richard, both of whom could be on the trading block in the next month, the Padres rotation leaves much to be desired. Allen has been dominant for Double-A San Antonio this year: leading the Texas League in strikeouts, wins and WHIP. While his total arsenal has some maturing to do, Allen could immediately step in for the Padres staff, which represents their greatest weakness to date.