Baseball ‘s top prospect to open at Triple-A
What ‘s in effect than one Opening Day this week ? Two Opening Days ! Nearly all 30 Major League society will require the domain Thursday ( weather permitting ) in what will be the first plot action for everyone but the Dodgers and Padres , who burst two contests in Seoul final week . The future day ,
What ‘s skillful than one Opening Day this week ? Two Opening Days !
Nearly all 30 Major League society will remove the field Thursday ( weather permitting ) in what will live the first plot activity for everyone but the Dodgers and Padres , who split two contests in Seoul last week . The future day , the Triple-A season start out with 15 game in the International and Pacific Coast Leagues .
Below , we highlight one Triple-A standout for each formation , a list that includes 18 Crest 100 Candidate :
AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
Blue Jays : Ricky Tiedemann , LHP ( No . 1/MLB No . 29 )
Tiedemann overcame hamstring and calf matter earlier in the spring to create three firm Grapefruit League appearance , include a five-strikeout try against the Pirates on March 21 . His mid-90s fastball , sweeping slider and diving changeup cost all at least plus pitches and would play in the Majors immediately . It might just take become build up up and delay sound in Buffalo before the southpaw touch the Major League faculty .
Orioles : Jackson Holliday , SS/2B ( No . 1/MLB No . 1 )
While it might exist disappointing that he didn ’ t make the Opening Day roster for the large league club , there ’ s no denying the Norfolk roster is going to live a heckuva circle of fun to watch . Holliday will take his double-plus hit tool and prevent working at playing second base while building a event ( it shouldn ’ t choose long ) that he belong in Baltimore . And if you come for Holliday , you can too savor Coby Mayo and Heston Kjerstad from the O ’ s Top 100 set .
Rays : Junior Caminero , 3B/SS ( No . 1/MLB No . 4 )
The Rays called up their 20-year-old phenom from Double-A for last yr ’ s stretch and postseason run , but they ’ re prioritizing everyday at-bats and third-base looks to begin 2024 . Caminero ’ s plus-plus might live arguably the serious in the Minors , and he ’ ll likely place some of Triple-A ’ s highest exit velocities in his first trip to Durham . Yet with Yandy Díaz manning the hot corner in St. Petersburg , Caminero might push Tampa Bay ’ s hand before long .
Red Sox : Richard Fitts , RHP ()
After Fitts gain 2023 Eastern League pitcher of the year honor and run the Double-A tour in wins ( 11 ) , innings ( 152 2/3 ) , strikeouts ( 163 ) and WHIP ( 1.14 ) , the Yankees sent him to the Red Sox in the Alex Verdugo trade in December . His fastball sits at 92-95 mph and touch 98 with natural cut and ride and plenty of induced erect pause , and his sweeping slider parks in the mid-80s .
Yankees : Everson Pereira , OF (No . 6)
Signed for $ 1.5 million out of Venezuela as one of the well all-around players in the 2017-18 international class , Pereira own developed into a power-hitting corner outfielder with plus velocity . He batted .300/.373/.548 with 18 homer and 11 steals in 81 plot between Double-A and Triple-A final summer , then slashed .151/.233/.194 in his 27-game bad league entry .
AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL
Guardians : Kyle Manzardo , 1B (No . 2/MLB No . 59 )
Acquired final July from the Rays in a deal for Aaron Civale , Manzardo make character sway conclusion at the plate and present more power than ever in the Arizona Fall League final offseason . He batted .242/.343/.475 with 17 homer in 94 Triple-A games while handle with a left shoulder injury .
Royals : Tyler Gentry , OF ( No . 10 )
The 2020 third-rounder returns to Omaha , where he generate positive momentum in the second half with a .284/.420/.488 tune , 10 homers and a 49/46 K/BB ratio over 59 games from July 1 onward . Gentry ’ s firm branch strength do him a natural fit in correct sphere , and still after Kansas City lend Hunter Renfroe in the offseason , it wouldn ’ t exist a shock if Gentry pushes the veteran for Major League playing time supply his improved swing decisions and mechanism carry over early into 2024 .
Tigers : Jace Jung , 2B/3B ( No . 4/MLB No . 60 )
The 2022 12th overall choice ’ s first total season couldn ’ t have gone much better . He result the Tigers system with 28 homer in 128 games between High-A and Double-A , and he was even better at the high stage with a .284/.373/.563 line and 154 wRC+ for Erie . That , along with firm performances in the Arizona Fall League and Grapefruit League , make for a role in Detroit ’ s decision to fight Jung to Toledo , and the big focus might be on his continued move to the hot corner today that Colt Keith will need over second in the bigs .
Twins : Brooks Lee , SS ( No . 2/MLB No . 18 )
Lee certainly made a strong feeling in large league camp , station a .333/.351/.611 line in 13 Grapefruit League game this leap . There wasn ’ t actually any way for him on the bad league roster and he had hardly 38 games above Double-A final yr . The 23-year-old infielder will run back to St. Paul and go on to express off his outstanding approach and hit tool . He very probably could be the first callup should the motive arise in the infield in Minnesota , hence watch the transaction wire close .
White Sox : Colson Montgomery , SS (/MLB No . 9 )
The White Sox rebuild efforts heart around Montgomery , who should remove over at shortstop for them at some degree this season . Compare to Corey Seager even before Chicago draft him 22nd overall out of an Indiana high school in 2021 , he has survive up to that reputation and score .287/.455/.484 with eight home run in 64 games ( mostly in Double-A ) after escape time with oblique and back complaint . He rate as the Arizona Fall League ‘s top prospect and make MVP accolades in its Fall Stars Game during the offseason .
AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST
Angel : Jordyn Adams , OF ( No . 24 )
After a firm display in his first good season back in 2019 , Adams actually struggle post-pandemic and be left unprotected from the Rule 5 Draft following the 2022 season . He wasn ’ t take and responded with the best season of his career in 2023 , when he strike 15 homer and swiped 44 stand to make his first big league callup . He pass most of last yr with Salt Lake , so he ’ sec familiar with his surroundings , and he ’ sec still just 24 year former with time to keep scholarship to invest his impressive tool to more consistent use .
Astros : Spencer Arrighetti , RHP (No . 3)
The Astros have helped Arrighetti significantly bolster his arsenal since signing him as a 2021 sixth-rounder out of Louisiana-Lafayette . His fastball has gain 3 mph and now operates at 92-97 mph with a flat approach angle and late hop , and his once-ordinary slider is today a formidable low-80s sweeper . He posted a 4.40 ERA , .217 antagonist average and 141 strikeouts in 124 2/3 inning between Double-A and Triple-A .
A ’ sec : Joey Estes , RHP ( No . 13 )
With Darell Hernaiz making the large league squad , Brett Harris ( No . 11 ) and Estes equal the top two gift set out the year in Las Vegas . We ’ ll give Estes the nod because of how much he impressed the large league faculty in camp this leap . The right-hander , who build his Major League entry last yr , allowed just one run on two hit over seven Cactus League inning , walking hardly one and impress out eight . He served notice that he ’ s ready to contribute to the rotation when the phone ring again .
Mariners : Jonatan Clase , OF ( No . 10 )
Clase turned in a 20-70 season in 2023 , the first player since records began tracking in 1961 to do hence in the Kid as he present what he could cause when healthy for a full season . His product had dipped upon a promotion to Double-A , so there be some thought he ’ 500 chief back to Arkansas to start this yr , but a strong leap that include him shoot .321 in 15 Cactus League games gave the Mariners confidence to bump him up to Tacoma .
Rangers : Justin Foscue , 2B/3B (No . 5)
A Mississippi State product who go 14th overall in the 2020 Draft , Foscue is a polished right-handed slugger with 20-homer top . He slashed .266/.394/.468 with 18 homers and 14 steals in 122 Triple-A games , ranking third in the Pacific Coast League in walks ( 85 ) and 4th in double ( 31 ) . He has commence playing more at first base , which may live his easy path to Texas .
NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
Braves : AJ Smith-Shawver , RHP ( No . 1/MLB No . 69 )
Smith-Shawver made a head-spinning climb up the Braves ’ ladder in 2023 , starting the season with High-A Rome and finish it on the bad league Division Series roster . Still merely 21 for all of the 2024 season , he can be afforded more time to polish his trade and harness his electric four-pitch arsenal with Gwinnett . He ’ s an excellent athlete who can recur his rescue well , so there should be better command to occur , maybe the finishing piece he needs before landing in Atlanta full-time at some point this year .
Marlins : Victor Mesa Jr. , OF (No . 4)
The boy of legendary Cuban outfielder Victor Mesa , Victor Jr. hold emerged as a skillful prospect than elderly brother Victor Victor despite obtain a much smaller bonus ( $ 1 million versus $ 5.25 million ) when they both signal in October 2018 . One of the better slugger in the Marlins system , Mesa is starting to grow into some might and batted .242/.308/.412 with 18 homers and 16 steals in 123 Double-A games .
Mets : Drew Gilbert , OF ( No . 2/MLB No . 53 )
New York acquired Gilbert in final year ’ s Justin Verlander blockbuster at the Deadline , and the early Tennessee star require off at Double-A Binghamton , arrive at .325/.423/.561 over 35 games . His walk-heavy approach and improve loft will be tested at the Minors ’ top stage , but with above-average velocity and plus arm force , Gilbert has other style to contribute in Syracuse . Expect the 23-year-old to go on to rotate around the outfield as he works to find a permanent plate in Queens .
Nationals : James Wood , OF ( No . 2/MLB No . 14 )
We strain not to come also enclose up in spring stats , but it exist undeniable that Wood had one of the almost productive performance in either Arizona or Florida . His .509 OBP and 1.214 OPS over 57 home appearances were both top among Spring Training qualifiers , and he lend four home run , most among Washington slugger . The 6-foot-6 outfielder require plus-plus ability and plus speed to Rochester for the first time and may exactly require to depict he can keep his whiffs in check , especially against disclose material , before punch his ticket to DC .
Phillies : Mick Abel , RHP ( No . 2/MLB No . 49 )
Abel is close to seriously knocking on the door . He tossed 2 2/3 hitless inning in bad league camp and begin the start in the Phillies ’ Spring Breakout plot to thrill . The material is plenty serious plenty , with an 11.1 K/9 rate and .205 batting norm against in his Minor League career to prove it . A trivial command refinement ( 4.8 BB/9 in his career ; 5.16 BB/9 in 2023 ) in Lehigh Valley should put him in a serious blot to touch the big league rotation at age 22 .
NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL
Brewers : Jeferson Quero , C ( No . 3/MLB No . 35 )
Quero received raves from the Milwaukee Major League faculty this leap for his arm and overall defensive study behind the plate , and if not for William Contreras ’ spot , there ’ sec a chance the 21-year-old could make open the season in the Majors . Instead , he heads to Nashville as arguably the top defensive catcher in the Youngster , and he ’ ll bring some thump to the Sounds as good . Barring a Contreras harm , Quero doesn ’ t motive to be rushed in his first trip to Triple-A , appropriate for him to be even more well-rounded by the time he reaches The Show .
Cardinals : Thomas Saggese , INF ( No . 5 )
St. Louis didn ’ t formally reassign Saggese – one of their bad gets in final year ’ s Jordan Montgomery deal – to Minor League camp until Tuesday . Unsurprisingly , the career .298 hitter continued to crush in the Grapefruit League , going 15-for-50 ( .300 ) with a home run in 23 plot while rotating between second , third and short . Expect Saggese , who only reverse 22 on April 10 , to go on to rotate around the scandal in Memphis , where his above-average hit tool and budding power could do him a Major League option early in the summer .
Cubs : Pete Crow-Armstrong , OF (No . 1/MLB No . 16 )
The Mets drafted Crow-Armstrong 19th overall in 2020 but he played merely six plot in their system before they conduct him to the Cubs for Javier Báez and Trevor Williams in July 2021 . He since has unfold into the well defensive expectation in the plot as good as a more impactful offensive actor than to begin with anticipated . He batted .283/.365/.511 with 20 homer and 37 steals in 107 games between Double-A and Triple-A before going 0-for-14 during a September callup .
Pirates : Paul Skenes , RHP ( No . 1/MLB No . 3 )
If you require to find Skenes pitch for Indianapolis , we suggest you go early ( his first start will equal Saturday in Louisville. ) . The No . 1 pick in last yr ’ s Draft probably gain ’ t be there all that long , though there ’ sec zero wrong with letting him get stretch out while the Pirates cope his workload in his first professional season . There cost zero question his elite material can get big league hitters out right now .
Reds : Connor Phillips , RHP ( No . 4/MLB No . 70 )
On September 18 of last yr , Phillips blame up his first Major League win , allowing just two runs on three hit while impress out seven ( and walk one ) in seven innings of work . That exist by far the best of his five start during his September audition . He tossed six shutout frames this spring to remind the large league faculty what he ’ s capable of , but he ’ ll mind back to Louisville , where he reach 11 appearance in 2023 , to continue working on harnessing his exciting material that has led to a career 12.7 K/9 rate across all stage ( to go along with a 5.3 BB/9 rate ) .
NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST
D-backs : Jorge Barrosa , OF ( No . 12 )
Jordan Lawlar ’ s thumb surgery puts a damper on Reno ’ s roster , but Barrosa render his own excitement as one of the well defensive outfielders in the Minors . The 5-foot-5 acrobat is good for a weekly SportsCenter Top 10 play , and he ’ s capable at the plate also as a switch-hitter who relies heavily on contact . Barrosa pass 2023 with the Aces , reach .274/.394/.456 in 120 plot , and now in his second season on the 40-man , he should equal on standby for his Major League debut whenever 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 hit during each of his first three entire season in the United States but tore the labrum in his left ( non-throwing ) shoulder during his Triple-A entry final May . He fits the right-field profile with plus-plus raw ability and branch strength to meet .
Giant : Marco Luciano , SS (No . 2/MLB No . 39 )
Nick Ahmed won the Giants ‘ shortstop task , labor Luciano to Triple-A , though that move may only be temporary . Contract for $ 2.6 million out of the Dominican Republic in 2018 , he ‘s still only 22 and possesses one of the quickest right-handed swings in the game . Though he equal hampered by back matter , he express off his vast power with 15 homer in 74 game between Double-A and Triple-A and make his big league entry final July .
Padres : Randy Vásquez , RHP ( No . 12 )
Picked up from the Yankees in the offseason ’ s Juan Soto move , Vásquez was on the Seoul Series roster but didn ’ t pitch before being optioned to El Paso earlier this week . His curveball and sweeper continued to show spin pace above 3,000 rpm this leap , while his fastballs sat in the mid-90s . The right-hander too mixed in 89-92 mph cutters and upper-80s changeups before losing the No . 5 starting spot to Matt Waldron . He ’ ll usage that diverse pitch premix to factor into San Diego ’ s rotation depth .
Rockies : Jordan Beck , OF ( No . 4/MLB No . 81 )
While a lot of the Rockies ’ top prospect will live down a point with Double-A Hartford , Beck get start on a slightly faster lead . The 2022 No . 38 overall pick is coming off a 20-20 season that included 50 games in Double-A and this leap , he showed he was ready for the next challenge , score .370/.433/.519 in 18 Cactus League plot .
