Luis Rengifo
When the LA Angels dealt CJ Cron to the Tampa Bay Rays last year, Luis Rengifo was the player-to-be-named-later. An afterthought, all Rengifon did last season was blaze through the entire Angels’ farm system, finishing the season in Salt Lake and as the #10 prospect for the Halos.
Now, Rengifo could find himself in a super-utility role next season. He is capable of playing every infield position, and hits from both sides of the plate rather well. If Billy Eppler could construct a player in a lab, Rengifo would be close to the outcome. He hits for average, knows how to work a count, and is a capable runner.
After his astronomical climb in 2018, could Rengifo’s ascension continue into the MLB next year? While he did take a step back in terms of production at the Triple-A level, Rengifo will be 23 next year, and after an entire offseason of training, he could be ready to handle an MLB role.
The likelihood of him making the Opening Day roster all depends on his performance in Spring Training and what the Angels do in free agency, as they seem like a good fit for utility player Marwin Gonzalez. Even if he doesn’t make the team to start the year, Rengifo is far too talented and versatile to not contribute for the Angels at some point in 2019.