I know you go to BB&T Ballpark for the beer and fireworks, but the Knights have 4 big time players to watch this year

Full disclosure: I’m a huge baseball nerd.

I’ll inevitably drag my wife to Hickory, Greenville, Kannapolis, and Asheville this summer to see a bunch of 18 year olds who may become stars or never be heard from again, but that’s the best part.

It’s like seeing the next great band before they get their big break or telling your friends about a new TV show before anyone else has seen it.

This Knights roster isn’t made up of complete unknowns, though.

These guys have been scouted, critiqued and reviewed by everyone in the sport. That’s why the Knights’ parent team, the Chicago White Sox, was willing to trade established MLB players for young, potential superstars.

Those future stars now reside in the Queen City. Here’s a look.

Yoan Moncada, 2B

Universally, a top three prospect in baseball.

This guy has more raw talent than anyone. He just hits it farther and runs faster than everyone else on the field.

Quite simply, you might enjoy watching him so much that you force your significant other to buy matching jersey shirts and pose for photos after seeing him for the first time. And, he eats 85 Twinkies a week.

Lucas Giolito, Pitcher

Up until last season, he was easily the best pitcher in the minor leagues. Giolito was called up to the Nationals for a handful of starts last year and the results were mixed, but that isn’t unexpected for a 21-year-old.

Now, he’s only the second best pitcher in MiLB and should be in Charlotte most of the season refining his command and ridiculous curveball.

Reynaldo Lopez, Pitcher

Giolito throws hard, and Lopez throws harder (like, nearly 100 MPH).

He’s a top-30 prospect and is likely to get overshadowed by Moncada and Giolito, but don’t forget that he struck out 11 Braves last year… in the major leagues.

Carson Fulmer, Pitcher

A top-100 prospect, every pitch Fulmer throws looks like he’s trying to throw the ball through the catcher. Dude goes out there with max-effort and it is fun to watch.

Believe it or not, Charlotte was once home for Cal Ripken Jr., Manny Ramirez, and Jim Thome, but we haven’t seen talent like that in the QC for a long, long time.

But, just like your favorite band and TV show, they don’t stay hidden gems for very long.

Before we know it, the White Sox will come calling, so don’t miss your chance to brag to all your friends that you saw MLB’s stars before they were stars.