MLB prospects who could affect the 2017 postseason

The trade of Tim Beckham at the deadline opens up a spot for some infield depth such as Tampa Bay's top infield prospect. Adames is hitting .267-7-46 at Triple-A Durham, also flashing plus defense. He could be a key complementary piece before sliding in as a regular in 2018.

The Yanks have insinuated they're going to hold off on promoting Adams before September, but he looks ready. The 22-year-old has a 1.96 ERA in 23 starts between Double- and Triple-A, and could be a key piece out of the pen down the stretch.

Armenteros is having a breakout year between Double- and Triple-A, with a 2.28 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 98.2 innings. After they Astros held off on making significant moves at the trade deadline, Armenteros is more likely to make an impact in September and October.

Banda has already made spot starts following Robbie Ray's scary head injury. Effectively the team's sixth starter, Banda also happens to be Arizona's best pitching prospect and could serve as a lefty specialist in the playoffs.

Finding a regular trio of outfielders has been quite the task for St. Louis this season. Bader has the ability to give the lineup some juice, hitting .293-20-52 in 106 games at Triple-A Memphis.

Bauers' power hasn't developed like the Rays have hoped, but he's still been a consistent hitter against more advanced minor league competition. He's hitting .264-10-54 with a .366 on-bases percentage at Triple-A Durham.

The Dodgers were able to keep their top pitching prospect at the trade deadline and have suggested he will be a bullpen option down the stretch. Buehler has a 3.32 ERA and 109 strikeouts in 78.2 innings between three levels this year.

The Nats have been in a rush to get their 2014 first-round pick to the majors due to their lack of depth. He's made two unimpressive major league starts and also struggled in limited time at Triple-A Syracuse, but there's still reason to be optimistic about Fedde in the long-term. He could have a playoff bullpen role if he can find himself in September.

2017 has been the year of Flaherty, as he has a 2.16 ERA in 22 starts between Double- and Triple-A. He's shown elite control with only 31 walks in 129.1 innings, and should be at least a bullpen option in September and onward.

The hard-throwing German is ready to contribute in the bullpen now despite shaky control. He's been effective as a starter between Double- and Triple-A this season, with a 2.93 ERA in 86 innings and well over one strikeout per inning.

Tampa Bay has been perhaps overly patient with Honeywell, giving him more seasoning at Triple-A Durham. He has a 3.55 ERA between Double- and Triple-A this season, with an ace-like 11.7 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9 in 119 innings. He could be an option either in the rotation or the pen late in the year.

Kemp is the type of specialist that can win a playoff series. He played 59 games in the majors last year but has only seen a cup of coffee this season due to Houston's great depth. Still, he's been an on-base machine at Triple-A Fresno with a .373 on-base percentage, adding 20 stolen bases.

Acquired last year for Aroldis Chapman from the Cubs organization, McKinney has found his stroke at Triple-A late this season. He's hitting .331-10-29 in only 146 plate appearances at that level, and could help a New York outfield that has been banged up.

Well aware that McMahon is blocked at third base by Nolan Arenado, the Rockies have given him playing time at first and second this year. That complements what's become an elite bat this season, hitting .354-19-82 between Double- and Triple-A. While there's still nowhere to play McMahon regularly, he could force himself onto the playoff roster.

Patterson would have found a role on most other major league rosters this season, but Colorado's depth in the outfield and first base has kept him in the minors. Still, Patterson is hitting .287-22-81 with an .898 OPS at Triple-A Albuquerque, and should a shot in September.

A top prospect before 2016, Reed's has slipped after last year's major league struggles. He's still performed well at Triple-A Fresno, hitting .261-25-80, and should be waiting in the wings if Houston needs help at first base or DH.

Sierra has performed extremely well in short stints with the Cardinals this season, even better than his minor league performance. While Sierra lacks power, he has a chance to be a role player after hitting .365 in 13 games with St. Louis.

LA signed Sierra, a former Cuban League star, to a six-year, $30 million contract before the 2016 season. He's worked his well up the minors over the last two seasons and has a 2.78 ERA between Double- and Triple-A this year. While Sierra's control is iffy, his great velocity makes up for it. He could be a nice addition down the stretch.

An underrated hitting prospect at age 26, Tauchman is having a breakout year at Triple-A Albuquerque, hitting .323-16-76 in 97 games. He provides the Rox with great depth.

Returning from an injury last year, Travis has split time between Triple-A Pawtucket and Boston this year. While he lacks traditional first baseman power, Travis does show the ability to get on base and could fit in a platoon role.

Tseng is one of Chicago's best prospects and has shown himself to be a true control artist between Double- and Triple-A this season. He has a 2.69 ERA between those levels in 21 starts, and could help in middle relief late this year.

LA's prized outfield prospect is an on-base machine who could emerge as a regular late this year. He's hitting .314-5-58 with more walks than strikeouts at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Vogelbach's quest to be Seattle's starting first baseman hasn't worked out this season, but that hasn't stopped him at Triple-A Tacoma. The big first baseman is hitting .295-16-74 at Tacoma and could be a pinch-hitting option in September and later.

Walker is approaching Quadruple-A status at age 26, but he deserves a shot with a long track record of minor league success with the Orioles. He's hitting .308-30-106 in 112 games at Triple-A Reno and should get a September promotion.

Weaver spent a short time in the rotation when Adam Wainwright was on the DL, and he's arguably one of the teams best four starting pitchers already. He has a 2.65 ERA and nearly one strikeout per inning at Triple-A Memphis this season.