Here Are Two Prospects Kris Bryant Says You Should Be Watching
By Ryan Cracknell | Hobby Editor
Two years ago, we were talking about Kris Bryant the prospect. Now he’s a big reason why the Cubs are World Series Champions. He’s also the reigning National League MVP.
Still, at just 25-years of age, Bryant is aware of who’s making their way up through the minors.
When asked which prospects and young players collectors should watch out for, Bryant was quick to give two names.
The first one shouldn’t be a huge surprise. Bryant highlighted Atlanta’s Dansby Swanson, the first overall pick in the 2015 MLB draft.
“I like how he plays the game. Coming from Vanderbilt, obviously a winning program there. It’s just his whole demeanor and how he carries himself,” Bryant said. “I haven’t got a chance to play against him yet but I’ve seen plenty of highlights. He looks like he’s going to be a pretty good one for a long time.”
Swanson has his first Rookie Card in 2017 Topps Series 1.
Having made his MLB debut with Atlanta in August, he’ll have more Rookies throughout the season. Reaching back a little further, Swanson also has a 2015 Bowman Chrome Draft autograph. Topps included a second Chrome Prospect Autograph in 2016 Bowman after he was traded from Arizona to the Braves.
Bryant was also quick to name one of his potential future teammates in Chicago.
“I’ve been hearing a lot about Eloy Jimenez,” said Bryant. “He was tearing it up in A ball last year, AA this year. He looks like a pretty good one coming up.”
Bryant noted Jimenez’s age also. The outfielder just turned 20 in the off-season. Last season with South Bend of the A-level Midwest League, Jimenez his .329 with 14 home runs and 81 runs batted in.
The Cubs signed Jimenez as a free agent in 2013.
Leaf included Eloy Jimenez autographs in three of their products that year: 2013 Leaf Metal Draft, 2013 Leaf Memories and 2013 Leaf Trinity.
His first MLB cards can be found in 2014 Bowman Draft.
There are still no Eloy Jiminez autograph cards with him in a Cubs uniform.
Here’s a full list of Jiminez’s cards.
Comments? Questions? Contact Ryan Cracknell on Twitter @tradercracks.
Where are these Kris Bryant quotes from? It’s unclear where he said these things.
I spoke with him on the phone.
That clears it up for me, and I don’t need that in MLA or APA to double-check. Thanks, Ryan.
Nice job getting him on the phone! It’s tough to set up these sorts of interviews.