This story was excerpted from MLB Pipeline’s e-newsletter. Subscribe to get it repeatedly in your inbox.
Within the final 10 days, High 100 Prospects Cade Horton and Moisés Ballesteros have made their huge league debuts with the Cubs, Dalton Dashing did the identical with the Dodgers and Matt Shaw returned to Chicago after some fine-tuning in Triple-A. Even so, Triple-A is overflowing with extra blue-chip abilities who’re prepared for a promotion, together with the 2 finest prospects in baseball.
So we current our all-call-them-up-already workforce:
Samuel Basallo, C, OriolesThe surprisingly struggling Orioles may use a jolt, and Basallo has simply the bat to provide them one. He is slashing .241/.343/.529 with seven homers in 26 video games because the youngest common (age 20) in Triple-A, and Baltimore is getting substandard manufacturing on the two positions he performs, catcher and first base.
C.J. Kayfus, 1B, GuardiansKayfus at all times has stood out together with his polish on the plate and the Guardians have helped him unlock some energy since drafting him in 2023’s third spherical. He ranks fifth within the Minors in batting (.371), sixth in OPS (1.076) and seventh in slugging (.613), and Cleveland may use an improve at first base or proper discipline, Kayfus’ main positions.
Cole Younger, 2B, MarinersThe youngest common (age 21) within the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, Younger continues to manage the strike zone and get on base, hitting .250/.364/.423 with 17 extra-base knocks in 44 video games. The Mariners lead the American League West regardless of a revolving door at second base, the place Younger additionally gives strong protection.
Brady Home, 3B, NationalsThe rebuilding Nationals do not have the identical sense of urgency as a lot of the different groups on this checklist, however additionally they have a gap at third base they may fill with their 2021 first-round choose. Home nonetheless has some tough edges to easy out together with his plate self-discipline and hot-corner protection, however he is additionally batting .282/.344/.497 with eight homers in 42 Triple-A video games at age 21.
Marcelo Mayer, SS, Crimson SoxThough Mayer might supply extra offensively and defensively than Trevor Story, the Crimson Sox seem dedicated to the latter at shortstop. They’re extra more likely to plug their gap at first base by transferring rookie Kristian Campbell there and changing Campbell at second base with Mayer, who’s slashing .264/.335/.459 with eight homers in 40 video games whereas making his Triple-A debut at age 22.
Roman Anthony, OF, Crimson SoxBaseball’s finest prospect is one other 21-year-old who’s excelling in Triple-A, hitting .322/.446/.503 with 5 homers in 41 video games after posting comparable numbers at that degree on the finish of final season. The Crimson Sox have potential All-Stars or Gold Glovers in any respect three outfield spots and DH, however Anthony is losing his time within the Minors
Justin Crawford, OF, PhilliesThe son of four-time All-Star Carl Crawford, Justin has comparable hitting capability and velocity with much less energy however the capability to play a tremendous heart discipline. He is batting .319/.380/.422 with 15 steals in 39 Triple-A video games at age 21. He is a greater all-around participant than Johan Rojas and gives extra upside than Brandon Marsh, the Phillies’ two finest choices in heart.
Colby Thomas, OF, AthleticsWhile the Athletics do not have a gap of their outfield or at DH, Thomas has little left to show in Triple-A past refining his swing choices. He is slashing .298/.366/.550 with 10 homers in 41 video games, a yr after main the Minors with 80 extra-base hits and rating fourth with 31 homers.
Bubba Chandler, SP, PiratesNo. 2 on the High 100 and one of the best pitching prospect within the Minors, Chandler should not be there. He is destroying Triple-A hitters together with his upper-90s fastball, upper-80s slider and low-90s changeup, posting a 2.17 ERA with an IL-best 37 p.c strikeout price. He isn’t Paul Skenes, however his mixture of stuff and strikes is not that far off both.
Jacob Misiorowski, SP, Brewers
Talking of stuff, Misiorowski might need one of the best within the Minors. His fastball touched 103 mph and his slider sat within the mid-90s throughout his final begin, and he can also miss bats together with his mid-80s curveball and upper-80s changeup. He ranks second within the IL in ERA (1.46), innings (49 1/3), strikeouts (59), opponent common (.151) and WHIP (0.89), and he is throwing extra strikes than ever.
