Spring will not formally arrive for one more month, however Spring Coaching has. Pitchers and catchers formally have reported and the rest of the place gamers will accomplish that early subsequent week.
Let the competitors for large league jobs start! Under, we establish an attention-grabbing prospect in every group who’s vying for an Opening Day roster spot.
We’re not together with locks akin to Jackson Chourio and Evan Carter, focusing as an alternative on gamers whose speedy future is extra unsure however they’re able to do one thing about it. Our contingent consists of 16 Prime 100 Prospects.
Blue Jays: Ricky Tiedemann, LHP (MLB No. 29)On one hand, Tiedemann nonetheless hasn’t thrown greater than 78 2/3 innings throughout a Minor League common season, and the Jays may need to monitor him closely at Triple-A early on with hopes of getting him 100-plus innings for the primary time in 2024. On the opposite, his fastball-slider-changeup combine would play within the Majors, and with Toronto making an attempt to compete in a crowded AL East, it would need to think about using Tiedemann as a bullpen possibility early and easing him into the MLB rotation. If the left-hander dominates like he may this spring, he’ll make the choice all of the more durable.
Orioles: Jackson Holliday, SS/2B (MLB No. 1)We all know, we’re actually going out on a limb by highlighting the very best prospect in baseball. However for individuals who suppose it’s a matter of when, not if, the 2022 No. 1 general decide ascends to Baltimore, seeing how he mixes it up with the large leaguers this spring can be important.
Rays: Junior Caminero, 3B (MLB No. 4)Caminero is a 20-year-old coming off a 31-homer season, and the Rays had been so enthused by his plus-plus pop that they put him on the postseason roster. Sometimes, that’s an indication that the group goes to make room for its future famous person. Nonetheless, Isaac Paredes is coming off a 31-homer season of his personal at Caminero’s finest place, and for now, he’s unlikely to maneuver simply to accommodate a participant with no Triple-A expertise. A slug-heavy spring may make Kevin Money’s choice more durable and thrust Caminero’s future MLB spot into the current.
Purple Sox: Ceddanne Rafaela, OF/SS (MLB No. 76)Rafaela will get an opportunity to win the Purple Sox’s center-field job after producing consecutive 20-20 seasons and standing out as probably the greatest and most versatile defenders within the Minors. Signed for a mere $10,000 out of Curacao in 2017, he isn’t very bodily at a listed 5-foot-9 and 165 kilos however performs very aggressively — and his plate self-discipline might decide if he breaks camp with Boston.
Yankees: Chase Hampton, RHP (MLB No. 92)Hampton in all probability will not make the Yankees’ Opening Day rotation, however with all of the age and uncertainty in that group, they will want reinforcements sooner or later. The 2022 sixth-rounder from Texas Tech has 4 stable or higher pitches and posted a 3.63 ERA with a 145/37 Okay/BB ratio in 106 2/3 innings whereas reaching Double-A in his professional debut.
Guardians: Deyvison De Los Santos, 3B/1BDe Los Santos is a Rule 5 decide from the Diamondbacks who has but to play above Double-A and recorded scary strikeout (26 p.c), stroll (5 p.c) and chase (40 p.c) charges at that stage final yr. However he additionally has uncooked energy and exit velocities that rank among the many finest within the Minors, which make him a pleasant match on a Cleveland staff that completed final within the Majors in homers in 2023. He batted .322/.340/.596 after transforming his right-handed swing in July.
Royals: Nick Loftin, UTILLoftin definitely made an impression by going 20-for-62 (.323) over 19 video games within the bigs final season. He achieved that by staying within the zone and specializing in contact and abilities that ought to proceed to translate on the high stage, and on the defensive finish, he continued to indicate versatility by enjoying all around the grime. Free-agent signing Garrett Hampson is a sooner utilityman possibility for Kansas Metropolis, however Loftin ought to give him loads of competitors to crack his first Opening Day roster.
Tigers: Justyn-Henry Malloy, OF/3BWe know Malloy’s strategy may play within the Majors proper now. He led your complete Minor Leagues with 110 walks final season and completed with a .277/.417/.474 line and 23 homers over 611 plate appearances, all with Triple-A Toledo. Discovering a defensive house can be trickier. The Tigers appear extra more likely to go along with a Matt Vierling-Zach McKinstry pairing at third base, and so they have loads of different outfield choices. But it surely isn’t out of the query that Malloy’s persistence on the plate pays off if Detroit prioritizes offense in its pursuit of a postseason return.
Twins: Brooks Lee, SS (MLB No. 18)Lee, the membership’s No. 1 decide in 2022, was in massive league camp final yr, however that was largely to permit him to dip his ft within the waters. After making it to Triple-A final season, although, this time ought to assist him begin knocking on the large league door. His strategy may be very superior, and he virtually by no means strikes out. Search for him to get a while at brief, third and even some second base, so he could be able to plug a gap in Minnesota at any time when one arises.
White Sox: Colson Montgomery, SS (MLB No. 9)OK, Montgomery in all probability is not going to make the White Sox after they introduced in Paul DeJong as a placeholder, however a phenom who appears to be like like Corey Seager 2.0 may make issues attention-grabbing. A 2021 first-rounder as an Indiana excessive schooler, he ranked because the Arizona Fall League’s high prospect in the course of the offseason and has a ceiling that rivals Luis Robert Jr.’s as the very best within the group.
Angels: Ben Joyce, RHPWe all know the way rapidly the Angels prefer to get their prospects to the large leagues. Joyce was no completely different, making his debut in 2023 lower than a yr after being drafted within the third spherical. The fastball is elite – he averaged over 100 mph with it between Double-A and the large leagues final yr – and his slider misses bats. The largest questions are if he can throw sufficient strikes (mixed 7.5 BB/9 in 2023) and if he can deal with a giant league reliever workload. A robust camp may assist him impression the large league bullpen and reply these questions.
Astros: Forrest Whitley, RHPThe Astros have some bullpen spots open, which signifies that Whitley may lastly make his massive league debut. A 2016 first-rounder from a Texas highschool, he as soon as ranked as the sport’s finest pitching prospect earlier than being beset by accidents, together with a lat pressure that value him the ultimate 4 months of the 2023 season. However he nonetheless can run his fastball as much as 100 mph and flash at the least stable secondary pitches.
A’s: Joe Boyle, RHPThe A’s acquired Boyle for Sam Moll final summer season and he got here with a status of getting an 80-grade fastball and good secondary stuff, however little thought of the place any of it was going. In his three-start debut within the massive leagues with Oakland, nonetheless, he walked solely 2.8 per 9 innings whereas nonetheless averaging 98 mph together with his fastball whereas touchdown it, alongside together with his slider and curve, for strikes. If Boyle can proceed on that path this spring, he has an excellent likelihood to interrupt camp because the membership’s No. 5 starter.
Mariners: Emerson Hancock, RHPIt’s not been the simplest street for the No. 6 decide within the 2020 Draft, with accidents having actually stunted his progress and improvement. Whereas his velocity has regressed since his days at Georgia, Hancock did present in his massive league debut final yr that when he’s wholesome, he can get massive league hitters out. A shoulder pressure ended his time in Seattle final yr, so he must show this spring that he’s wholesome and prepared for at any time when the decision for reinforcements comes once more.
Rangers: Wyatt Langford, OF (MLB No. 6)The Rangers are the defending World Collection champions and Langford has performed all of 44 video games as a professional, so how may he crack their lineup? The No. 4 general decide final July out of Florida is that good, that is how. He has enormous energy, loads of hitting capacity and stable pace, a mix that translated right into a .360/.480/.677 season that culminated in Triple-A.
Braves: Hurston Waldrep, RHP (MLB No. 90)The Braves’ first-round select of Florida final yr, not solely was Waldrep a uncommon faculty arm who pitched greater than a small handful of innings final summer season, he made all of it the way in which to Triple-A, hanging out 12.6 per 9 alongside the way in which. He additionally walked 4.9 per 9 and his command is the one factor that will maintain him from being a starter. One factor is definite: His splitter can get massive league hitters out proper now and followers will get to see it in Florida this spring. Seeing him make an impression as a reliever, at the least within the short-term this yr, may be very sensible.
Marlins: Max Meyer, RHPThe No. 3 general decide within the 2020 Draft out of Minnesota, Meyer is working his approach again to the Marlins’ rotation after blowing out his elbow in his second massive league begin in July 2022. He missed all of 2023 following Tommy John surgical procedure however nonetheless has loads of upside with a wipeout slider and a mid-90s fastball.
Mets: Christian Scott, RHPUnlike final yr with Francisco Alvarez and Brett Baty, there isn’t a Prime 100 prospect with a transparent path to an Opening Day spot for the Mets in 2024. However pitching depth is at all times one thing that will get examined when guys begin throwing once more, and no hurler has extra helium within the system than the 24-year-old Scott. The precise-hander thrives on throwing strikes together with his 93-97 mph fastball, and his slider and changeup are at the least stable secondaries. His command would translate rapidly if New York wants the assistance.
Nationals: Nasim Nuñez, SS/2BA lot of focus can be on Dylan Crews, James Wooden and Brady Home, however all three are possible headed again to the higher Minors. When it comes to Main League competitors, Nuñez is an apparent decide given his Rule 5 standing. The previous Marlin is a plus-plus defender on the grime, and his plus-plus pace has helped him steal 122 baggage during the last two seasons, giving him one other Main League-ready device. However his energy is bottom-of-the-scale and will stand in the way in which of him profitable a bench spot.
Phillies: Mick Abel, RHP (MLB No. 49)Trying to maintain profitable now, the Phillies have a veteran-laden rotation. However how usually does a beginning 5 keep intact all yr? Simply 22 for many of the 2023 season, Abel already touched Tripole-A on the finish of final yr. That’s possible the place he’ll begin the 2024 season, however he’ll get the possibility in Clearwater to make a pleasant impression on the large league employees to be the primary one up ought to the necessity come up.
Brewers: Joey Ortiz, INF (MLB No. 63)Ortiz’s protection is a giant motive why the Crew acquired him within the Corbin Burnes take care of GM Matt Arnold calling it “Gold Glove-caliber,” and with Willy Adames nonetheless entrenched at shortstop, the previous Oriole may slide seamlessly into his new membership’s opening at third base. That isn’t fully a given, nonetheless, with Andruw Monasterio and fellow Prime 100 prospect Tyler Black additionally within the dialog. Elevating higher on contact to get probably the most out of his energy would get Ortiz a leg up this spring.
Cardinals: Victor Scott II, OFMasyn Winn has the shortstop job nearly locked up, so we’ll put him off to the facet. The Playing cards have center-field choices in Tommy Edman and Dylan Carlson, and their Main League expertise will undoubtedly give them the within edge over Scott for beginning and bench duties. Nonetheless, Scott’s 80-grade pace and plus-plus protection are legit game-changers, and if accidents pop up, it could possibly be robust for St. Louis to disclaim his electrical energy of a Main League spot, particularly if they’ll shield him towards fellow lefties.
Cubs: Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF (MLB No. 16)If the Cubs convey in additional bats, it is going to damage Crow-Armstrong’s possibilities of making their roster, and he did not look fairly prepared after going 0-for-14 in a short September callup. However he is an instantaneous Gold Glover who batted .283/.365/.511 with 20 homers and 37 steals between Double-A and Triple-A at age 21. Getting him from the Mets for Javier Báez and Trevor Williams six video games into his professional profession appears to be like like an enormous steal.
Pirates: Paul Skenes, RHP (MLB No. 3)Followers in Pittsburgh might want Skenes, the No. 1 decide in final yr’s Draft, atop the Pirates’ rotation proper now, however the Pirates brass will possible pump the brakes just a bit bit. Nonetheless, the right-hander many really feel is the very best faculty pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg, if not ever, will get to whet everybody’s urge for food of what’s to come back. And don’t fear Buccos devoted, you received’t have to attend lengthy.
Reds: Connor Phillips, RHP (MLB No. 70)The Reds projected rotation is full, however it accommodates guys who’ve missed loads of time with accidents. Whereas Phillips confirmed what he must work on, specifically discovering the strike zone, he additionally confirmed he can miss Main League bats, hanging out 11.3 per 9 in his 5 begins final yr. Nonetheless solely 22 on Opening Day, a greater really feel for his spectacular stuff this spring may give the Reds extra confidence to convey him up if one of many starters can’t reply the bell.
D-backs: Jordan Lawlar, SS (MLB No. 11)After serving on the D-backs’ bench throughout their run to the World Collection, Lawlar opens his age-21 season in pursuit of a extra everlasting Main League function. His plus-plus pace and shortstop protection would play straight away, however after he went 4-for-34 (.129) with no extra-base hits and 11 strikeouts, his offense may use extra seasoning if he’s going to unseat Geraldo Perdomo. It’s extra possible that Lawlar heads to Triple-A Reno in pursuit of on a regular basis at-bats, however something is feasible with a participant together with his ceiling.
Dodgers: Gavin Stone, RHPAfter main the Minors with a 1.48 ERA in 2022, Stone regressed whereas struggling by the primary half of final season, although he did make his massive league debut and spent 4 stints in Los Angeles. Armed with a plus-plus changeup with devastating tumble and a mid-80s fastball, the 2020 fifth-rounder from Central Arkansas is poised to make a much bigger contribution this yr.
Giants: Keaton Winn, RHPKyle Harrison is the very best left-handed pitching prospect in baseball however is not the one rookie who may open the season within the Giants’ rotation. A 2018 fifth-round selection from Iowa Western CC who logged a 4.68 ERA with a 35/8 Okay/BB ratio in 42 1/3 innings within the Majors final summer season, Winn could make hitters look dangerous with a mid-90s fastball that touches 100 mph with carry and run in addition to a mid-80s splitter that dives on the plate.
Padres: Jackson Merrill, SS (MLB No. 12)Merrill made information Tuesday when he mentioned he’d been figuring out at shortstop, second base, left area and middle within the offseason within the hopes of competing for a Main League spot. The 6-foot-3 left-handed slugger has the near-plus-plus hit device that would translate to the highest stage, although he possible wants greater than 46 video games of Double-A expertise first. Then once more, San Diego does prefer to be aggressive with its high prospects, and Merrill suits the invoice.
Rockies: Hunter Goodman, 1B/OF/COver the previous two years within the Minors, Goodman has hit 70 homers and pushed in 217 runs. The facility is able to play in Coors Subject, the place he did hit his first Main League homer final yr, however is there a spot for him? His versatility may assist him land a roster spot and he may spend most of his time serving to out in an outfield nook, enjoying some first base, getting some ABs as a delegated hitter and serving as a 3rd catcher. If he begins launching balls into the seats in Cactus League motion, it’ll be exhausting to ship him down.
