The name of the game in Major League Baseball these days is prospects. With numerous outlets releasing their top 100 prospects, it’s hard to get away from the news about these “green” ballplayers. But, for some players who spent most of their time in the Minor Leagues for a season, and came up in the middle of the season, they can sometimes lose their rookie status. Or, worse they come up at the end of the season, with no chance of winning Rookie of the Year, and exceed their rookie limits.
According to the Major League Baseball rulebook, a player exceeds those rookie limits when,
“…during a previous season or seasons, he has (a) exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues; or (b) accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club or clubs during the period of 25-player limit (excluding time in the military service and time on the disabled list)”.
Given that information, guys that have exceeded these rookie limits — though guys like Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger did win Rookie of the Year last season — are considered “graduated prospects.” Fangraphs recently released their 46 graduated prospect list. Tiger’s third baseman, Jeimer Candelario, found his way onto the list.
Candelario came to the Tigers in a deal for Justin Wilson and Alex Avila back in July. He spent most of his time in Triple-A with the Mudhens but was called up for good in September. He has 156 career plate appearances, eliminating his rookie status. However, on Fangraphs list of “graduate prospects,” he comes in at number 29.
In 142 at-bats with the Tigers last season, Candelario produce at a clip of .283/.359/.425, hit three home runs, drove in 16 RBIs, and had nine doubles. He is slated to the Tigers Opening Day third baseman and should give the fans a reason to watch the team this year. Watching his development will be a treat for a few years to come.
