With the rapid graduation of Carlos Rodon and Trea Turner to MLB after they were both first round picks in 2014, the minor league ranks have held few former Wolfpack players of late with much of a shot at making The Show. By virtue of his power potential and lofty draft position in this year’s draft, Joe Dunand has to rank as State’s top prospect alum, but it’s Andrew Knizner who is closest to the majors after a surprisingly fast and successful rise through the Cardinals system since being drafted a year ago.
Knizner began his career in Johnson City of the Appalachian League, rookie ball that is baseball’s lowest professional level.