What’s higher than one Opening Day this week? Two Opening Days!
Practically all 30 Main League golf equipment will take the sector Thursday (climate allowing) in what would be the first recreation motion for everybody however the Dodgers and Padres, who cut up two contests in Seoul final week. The subsequent day, the Triple-A season begins with 15 video games within the Worldwide and Pacific Coast Leagues.
Under, we spotlight one Triple-A standout for every group, a listing that features 18 High 100 Prospects:
Blue Jays: Ricky Tiedemann, LHP (No. 1/MLB No. 29)Tiedemann overcame hamstring and calf points earlier within the spring to make three stable Grapefruit League appearances, together with a five-strikeout effort in opposition to the Pirates on March 21. His mid-90s fastball, sweeping slider and diving changeup are all not less than plus pitches and would play within the Majors instantly. It would simply take getting constructed up and staying wholesome in Buffalo earlier than the southpaw impacts the Main League employees.
Orioles: Jackson Holliday, SS/2B (No. 1/MLB No. 1)Whereas it is perhaps disappointing that he didn’t make the Opening Day roster for the large league membership, there’s no denying the Norfolk roster goes to be a heckuva lot of enjoyable to look at. Holliday will take his double-plus hit software and hold working at taking part in second base whereas constructing a case (it shouldn’t take lengthy) that he belongs in Baltimore. And in case you come for Holliday, you may also get pleasure from Coby Mayo and Heston Kjerstad from the O’s High 100 set.
Rays: Junior Caminero, 3B/SS (No. 1/MLB No. 4)The Rays referred to as up their 20-year-old phenom from Double-A for final 12 months’s stretch and postseason run, however they’re prioritizing on a regular basis at-bats and third-base appears to be like to start 2024. Caminero’s plus-plus energy is arguably the very best within the Minors, and he’ll doubtless put up a few of Triple-A’s highest exit velocities in his first journey to Durham. Even with Yandy DÃaz manning the recent nook in St. Petersburg, Caminero may drive Tampa Bay’s hand earlier than lengthy.
Purple Sox: Richard Fitts, RHP (No. 12)After Fitts received 2023 Jap League pitcher of the 12 months honors and led the Double-A circuit in wins (11), innings (152 2/3), strikeouts (163) and WHIP (1.14), the Yankees despatched him to the Purple Sox within the Alex Verdugo commerce in December. His fastball sits at 92-95 mph and touches 98 with pure reduce and experience and loads of induced vertical break, and his sweeping slider parks within the mid-80s.
Yankees: Everson Pereira, OF (No. 6)Signed for $1.5 million out of Venezuela as among the finest all-around gamers within the 2017-18 worldwide class, Pereira has developed right into a power-hitting nook outfielder with plus pace. He batted .300/.373/.548 with 18 homers and 11 steals in 81 video games between Double-A and Triple-A final summer time, then slashed .151/.233/.194 in his 27-game huge league debut.
Guardians: Kyle Manzardo, 1B (No. 2/MLB No. 59)Acquired final July from the Rays in a commerce for Aaron Civale, Manzardo makes high quality swing choices on the plate and confirmed extra energy than ever within the Arizona Fall League final offseason. He batted .242/.343/.475 with 17 homers in 94 Triple-A video games whereas coping with a left shoulder damage.
Royals: Tyler Gentry, OF (No. 10)The 2020 third-rounder returns to Omaha, the place he generated optimistic momentum within the second half with a .284/.420/.488 line, 10 homers and a 49/46 Okay/BB ratio over 59 video games from July 1 onward. Gentry’s robust arm energy makes him a pure slot in proper area, and even after Kansas Metropolis added Hunter Renfroe within the offseason, it wouldn’t be a shock if Gentry pushes the veteran for Main League taking part in time supplied his improved swing choices and mechanics carry over early into 2024.
Tigers: Jace Jung, 2B/3B (No. 4/MLB No. 60)The 2022 twelfth general choose’s first full season couldn’t have gone a lot better. He led the Tigers system with 28 homers in 128 video games between Excessive-A and Double-A, and he was even higher on the larger stage with a .284/.373/.563 line and 154 wRC+ for Erie. That, together with stable performances within the Arizona Fall League and Grapefruit League, performed a task in Detroit’s choice to push Jung to Toledo, and the large focus is perhaps on his continued transfer to the recent nook now that Colt Keith will take over second within the bigs.
Twins: Brooks Lee, SS (No. 2/MLB No. 18)Lee definitely made a powerful impression in huge league camp, posting a .333/.351/.611 line in 13 Grapefruit League video games this spring. There wasn’t actually any room for him on the large league roster and he had simply 38 video games above Double-A final 12 months. The 23-year-old infielder will return to St. Paul and proceed to indicate off his excellent method and hit software. He very doubtless could possibly be the primary callup ought to the necessity come up within the infield in Minnesota, so watch the transaction wire carefully.
White Sox: Colson Montgomery, SS (No. 1/MLB No. 9)The White Sox rebuilding efforts focus on Montgomery, who ought to take over at shortstop for them sooner or later this season. In comparison with Corey Seager even earlier than Chicago drafted him twenty second general out of an Indiana highschool in 2021, he has lived as much as that repute and hit .287/.455/.484 with eight homers in 64 video games (largely in Double-A) after lacking time with indirect and again illnesses. He ranked because the Arizona Fall League’s high prospect and earned MVP accolades in its Fall Stars Recreation in the course of the offseason.
Angels: Jordyn Adams, OF (No. 24)After a stable exhibiting in his first full season again in 2019, Adams actually struggled post-pandemic and was left unprotected from the Rule 5 Draft following the 2022 season. He wasn’t taken and responded with the very best season of his profession in 2023, when he hit 15 homers and swiped 44 bases to earn his first huge league callup. He spent most of final 12 months with Salt Lake, so he’s accustomed to his environment, and he’s nonetheless solely 24 years outdated with time to continue learning to place his spectacular instruments to extra constant use.
Astros: Spencer Arrighetti, RHP (No. 3)The Astros have helped Arrighetti considerably bolster his arsenal since signing him as a 2021 sixth-rounder out of Louisiana-Lafayette. His fastball has gained 3 mph and now operates at 92-97 mph with a flat method angle and late hop, and his once-ordinary slider is now a formidable low-80s sweeper. He posted a 4.40 ERA, .217 opponent common and 141 strikeouts in 124 2/3 innings between Double-A and Triple-A.
A’s: Joey Estes, RHP (No. 13)With Darell Hernaiz making the large league crew, Brett Harris (No. 11) and Estes are the highest two abilities beginning the 12 months in Las Vegas. We’ll give Estes the nod due to how a lot he impressed the large league employees in camp this spring. The proper-hander, who made his Main League debut final 12 months, allowed only one run on two hits over seven Cactus League innings, strolling only one and hanging out eight. He served discover that he’s able to contribute to the rotation when the cellphone rings once more.
Mariners: Jonatan Clase, OF (No. 10)Clase turned in a 20-70 season in 2023, the primary participant since data started monitoring in 1961 to take action within the Minors as he confirmed what he might do when wholesome for a full season. His manufacturing had dipped upon a promotion to Double-A, so there was some thought he’d head again to Arkansas to start out this 12 months, however a powerful spring that included him hitting .321 in 15 Cactus League video games gave the Mariners confidence to bump him as much as Tacoma.
Rangers: Justin Foscue, 2B/3B (No. 5)A Mississippi State product who went 14th general within the 2020 Draft, Foscue is a cultured right-handed hitter with 20-homer upside. He slashed .266/.394/.468 with 18 homers and 14 steals in 122 Triple-A video games, rating third within the Pacific Coast League in walks (85) and fourth in doubles (31). He has begun taking part in extra at first base, which can be his best path to Texas.
Braves: AJ Smith-Shawver, RHP (No. 1/MLB No. 69)Smith-Shawver made a head-spinning climb up the Braves’ ladder in 2023, beginning the season with Excessive-A Rome and ending it on the large league Division Sequence roster. Nonetheless solely 21 for all the 2024 season, he might be afforded extra time to refine his craft and harness his electrical four-pitch arsenal with Gwinnett. He’s a wonderful athlete who can repeat his supply effectively, so there must be higher command to come back, maybe the ending piece he wants earlier than touchdown in Atlanta full-time sooner or later this 12 months.
Marlins: Victor Mesa Jr., OF (No. 4)The son of legendary Cuban outfielder Victor Mesa, Victor Jr. has emerged as a greater prospect than older brother Victor Victor regardless of receiving a a lot smaller bonus ($1 million versus $5.25 million) after they each signed in October 2018. One of many higher hitters within the Marlins system, Mesa is beginning to develop into some energy and batted .242/.308/.412 with 18 homers and 16 steals in 123 Double-A video games.
Mets: Drew Gilbert, OF (No. 2/MLB No. 53)New York acquired Gilbert in final 12 months’s Justin Verlander blockbuster on the Deadline, and the previous Tennessee star took off at Double-A Binghamton, hitting .325/.423/.561 over 35 video games. His walk-heavy method and improved loft will probably be examined on the Minors’ high stage, however with above-average pace and plus arm energy, Gilbert has different methods to contribute in Syracuse. Anticipate the 23-year-old to proceed to rotate across the outfield as he works to discover a everlasting dwelling in Queens.
Nationals: James Wooden, OF (No. 2/MLB No. 14)We attempt to not get too wrapped up in spring stats, nevertheless it was plain that Wooden had one of the crucial productive performances in both Arizona or Florida. His .509 OBP and 1.214 OPS over 57 plate appearances had been each tops amongst Spring Coaching qualifiers, and he added 4 homers, most amongst Washington sluggers. The 6-foot-6 outfielder takes plus-plus energy and plus pace to Rochester for the primary time and may want to indicate he can hold his whiffs in examine, notably in opposition to breaking stuff, earlier than punching his ticket to DC.
Phillies: Mick Abel, RHP (No. 2/MLB No. 49)Abel is shut to noticeably knocking on the door. He tossed 2 2/3 hitless innings in huge league camp and acquired the beginning within the Phillies’ Spring Breakout recreation besides. The stuff is a lot adequate, with an 11.1 Okay/9 charge and .205 batting common in opposition to in his Minor League profession to show it. A little bit command refinement (4.8 BB/9 in his profession; 5.16 BB/9 in 2023) in Lehigh Valley ought to put him in a great spot to impression the large league rotation at age 22.
Brewers: Jeferson Quero, C (No. 3/MLB No. 35)Quero acquired raves from the Milwaukee Main League employees this spring for his arm and general defensive work behind the plate, and if not for William Contreras’ spot, there’s an opportunity the 21-year-old might have opened the season within the Majors. As an alternative, he heads to Nashville as arguably the highest defensive catcher within the Minors, and he’ll deliver some thump to the Sounds as effectively. Barring a Contreras damage, Quero doesn’t have to be rushed in his first journey to Triple-A, permitting for him to be much more well-rounded by the point he reaches The Present.
Cardinals: Thomas Saggese, INF (No. 5)St. Louis didn’t formally reassign Saggese – one among their huge will get in final 12 months’s Jordan Montgomery deal – to Minor League camp till Tuesday. Unsurprisingly, the profession .298 hitter continued to mash within the Grapefruit League, going 15-for-50 (.300) with a homer in 23 video games whereas rotating between second, third and quick. Anticipate Saggese, who solely turns 22 on April 10, to proceed to rotate across the filth in Memphis, the place his above-average hit software and budding energy might make him a Main League choice early in the summertime.
Cubs: Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF (No. 1/MLB No. 16)The Mets drafted Crow-Armstrong nineteenth general in 2020 however he performed simply six video games of their system earlier than they dealt him to the Cubs for Javier Báez and Trevor Williams in July 2021. He since has blossomed into the very best defensive prospect within the recreation in addition to a extra impactful offensive participant than initially anticipated. He batted .283/.365/.511 with 20 homers and 37 steals in 107 video games between Double-A and Triple-A earlier than going 0-for-14 throughout a September callup.
Pirates: Paul Skenes, RHP (No. 1/MLB No. 3)If you wish to see Skenes pitch for Indianapolis, we propose you go early (his first begin will probably be Saturday in Louisville.). The No. 1 choose in final 12 months’s Draft doubtless received’t be there all that lengthy, although there’s nothing mistaken with letting him get stretched out whereas the Pirates handle his workload in his first skilled season. There’s zero query his elite stuff can get huge league hitters out proper now.
Reds: Connor Phillips, RHP (No. 4/MLB No. 70)On September 18 of final 12 months, Phillips picked up his first Main League win, permitting simply two runs on three hits whereas hanging out seven (and strolling one) in seven innings of labor. That was by far the very best of his 5 begins throughout his September audition. He tossed six shutout frames this spring to remind the large league employees what he’s able to, however he’ll head again to Louisville, the place he made 11 appearances in 2023, to proceed engaged on harnessing his thrilling stuff that has led to a profession 12.7 Okay/9 charge throughout all ranges (to go together with a 5.3 BB/9 charge).
D-backs: Jorge Barrosa, OF (No. 12)Jordan Lawlar’s thumb surgical procedure places a damper on Reno’s roster, however Barrosa gives his personal pleasure as among the finest defensive outfielders within the Minors. The 5-foot-5 acrobat is sweet for a weekly SportsCenter High 10 play, and he’s succesful on the plate too as a switch-hitter who depends closely on contact. Barrosa spent 2023 with the Aces, hitting .274/.394/.456 in 120 video games, and now in his second season on the 40-man, he must be on standby for his Main League debut each time Arizona’s outfield depth is challenged.
Dodgers: Andy Pages, OF (No. 3)A Cuban signed for $300,000 in October 2017, Pages topped his leagues in extra-base hits throughout every of his first three full seasons in the US however tore the labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder throughout his Triple-A debut final Could. He suits the right-field profile with plus-plus uncooked energy and arm energy to match.
Giants: Marco Luciano, SS (No. 2/MLB No. 39)Nick Ahmed received the Giants’ shortstop job, pushing Luciano to Triple-A, although that transfer could solely be momentary. Signed for $2.6 million out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, he is nonetheless simply 22 and possesses one of many quickest right-handed swings within the recreation. Although he was hampered by again points, he confirmed off his immense energy with 15 homers in 74 video games between Double-A and Triple-A and made his huge league debut final July.
Padres: Randy Vásquez, RHP (No. 12)Picked up from the Yankees within the offseason’s Juan Soto transfer, Vásquez was on the Seoul Sequence roster however didn’t pitch earlier than being optioned to El Paso earlier this week. His curveball and sweeper continued to indicate spin charges above 3,000 rpm this spring, whereas his fastballs sat within the mid-90s. The proper-hander additionally blended in 89-92 mph cutters and upper-80s changeups earlier than dropping the No. 5 beginning spot to Matt Waldron. He’ll use that numerous pitch combine to issue into San Diego’s rotation depth.
Rockies: Jordan Beck, OF (No. 4/MLB No. 81)Whereas a number of the Rockies’ high prospects will probably be down a stage with Double-A Hartford, Beck has jumped on a barely quicker observe. The 2022 No. 38 general choose is coming off a 20-20 season that included 50 video games in Double-A and this spring, he confirmed he was prepared for the subsequent problem, hitting .370/.433/.519 in 18 Cactus League video games.
