Picks to Click: Prospects who will soar up the Top 500 rankings in 2024
We here at RotoProspects have been publishing weekly-updated rankings for two years with one voice, but there are differing philosophies being considered from three distinct personalities behind closed doors. As we look ahead to who we expect to potentially make moves up the rankings in 2024, we’re sharing who each of that trio are going to bat for and why.
I’m Rudy Ropp, co-founder of RotoProspects and the custodian of our Top 500 Prospects. My fantasy baseball journey started in 1985 playing Strat-O-Matic and I noticed how exciting Reds outfielder Eric Davis was in terms of power and speed potential, so I loaded up on his rookie baseball cards for 25 cents and drafted him in my first rotisserie league in 1986. That’s when Davis broke out with 27 homers and 80 steals, following up with 37 dingers and 50 swipes in 1987. Then I was selling those rookie cards for $25 each and cashing checks for finishing in the money in my first roto league.
Ever since, the holy grail for me has been power-speed youngsters with huge upside. In my home dynasty league, this led me to claim Mike Trout the day he was drafted and trade for Mookie Betts as he was reaching Boston. Needless to say, I’ve done pretty well with that strategy, winning 6 league titles in the past 11 years and finishing out of the money only once (does 2020 really even count?).
And I can’t forget the pitchers who have helped me win titles during that stretch, namely Jacob deGrom and Spencer Strider. With those two names, it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out what pitching stat I’ve long made my top priority – K/9.
So when choosing a hitter and a pitcher from each team as my picks to click in 2024, I focused on HR/SB for offense and K/9 for pitching with their 2023 stats in parentheses.
AL East
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Mac Horvath (5 HR, 14 SB, 99 PA): Selected in the second round out of North Carolina in July, the 22-year-old outfielder finished his pro debut with 2 homers and 5 steals in 5 games in High-A. Horvath racked up 42 homers and 44 steals in 123 games over his final two seasons with the Tar Heels and is primed for a big move up the rankings next year from No. 206.
Cade Povich (12.2 K/9, 126.2 IP): Acquired as part of a four-prospect haul from the Twins for Jorge Lopez at the 2022 trade deadline, the 23-year-old lefty could find himself in Baltimore soon coming off allowing just a .194 batting average against in Triple-A. Povich just needs to improve his control (5.8 BB/9 in AAA) and he could join the Orioles rotation and shoot up from No. 185 in our rankings.
BOSTON RED SOX
David Hamilton (17 HR, 59 SB, 508 PA): A torn Achilles tendon in 2019 cost him his junior year at Texas followed by Covid meant Hamilton missed two years of development time, so he enters his age-26 season with just 15 MLB games under his belt. The middle infielder has started getting time in center field, so he could use his 70-grade speed and surprising pop to become a super utility man in Boston and rise from No. 241 on the list.
Yordanny Monegro (12.7 K/9, 65.2 IP): The 6-foot-4 Dominican right-hander dominated across three levels to the tune of a combined 2.06 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. Watch out if he comes to spring training sitting in the mid-90s after an off-season possibly spent filling in his thin frame as Monegro could fly up the rankings from No. 180.
NEW YORK YANKEES
John Cruz (10 HR, 9 SB, 202 PA): The 18-year-old Dominican outfielder popped up in the Florida Complex League with a .907 PA in 48 games with an impressive blend of power and speed. Cruz will head to Low-A and could really start to move up from No. 275 if he can build on last year’s breakout.
Henry Lalane (14.1 K/9, 21.2 IP): The 6-foot-7 left-hander was born in the Bronx but signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2021 before impressing with an 8.5 K/BB and a 2.76 xFIP in the Florida Complex League last season. Lalane needs to start building up his innings as he reaches Low-A next year, but if he keeps flashing his ace upside then he’ll fly up the rankings from No. 286.
TAMPA BAY RAYS
Brayden Taylor (5 HR, 11 SB, 108 PA): The 21-year-old third baseman was taken 19th overall out of TCU in July then put up a combined .877 OPS between the Florida Complex League and Low-A Charleston. The Rays should be ready to push Taylor to High-A and Double-A next year which could lead to a surge from No. 106 up into the top 50.
Yonel Curet (12.5 K/9, 104 IP): The 6-foot-2 right-hander signed for $150,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2019 and didn’t make his pro debut until 2021 due to the pandemic, but Curet’s development picked up steam last season when he posted a 2.46 ERA in Low-A and made it to High-A Bowling Green. Curet needs to improve on his career 5.9 BB/9 if he hopes to remain a starter, but converting to the bullpen could speed up his course to Tampa Bay and lead to a climb up the rankings from No. 427.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Arjun Nimmala (0 HR, 1 SB, 40 PA): The 20th overall pick in July out of a Florida high school, the 18-year-old shortstop hit just .200 but walked 14 times in 9 games in his pro debut in the Florida Complex League. Nimmala has big-time power with plus speed, so he should be able to make a leap up from No. 150 with a strong first full season.
Adam Macko (11.1 K/9, 86 IP): Drafted in the seventh round out of Alberta by the Mariners in 2019, the 6-foot left-hander came to Toronto in the Teoscar Hernandez trade last off-season. The 22-year-old Macko flipped a switch late last season by allowing just 3 hits and 1 run over his final three starts for High-A Vancouver with 26 strikeouts in 15 innings. With a fastball that can touch the upper-90s and an excellent curve, Macko has the arsenal to make some noise in Double-A next year and rise up the rankings from No. 399.
AL Central
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Jose Rodriguez (21 HR, 31 SB, 493 PA): The 22-year-old Dominican infielder has tremendous bat speed and athleticism that has produced an exciting blend of power and speed, but he is hindered by a hyper-aggressive approach. Rodriguez saw 19 games at Triple-A in 2023 and will soon be ready to challenge for the starting second base job in Chicago, which could lead to a big rise from No. 258 on our list.
Noah Schultz (12.7 K/9, 27 IP): The 6-foot-9 lefty was downright unhittable in his pro debut in Low-A last season, posting a 1.33 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP. Schultz has ace upside and could become the No. 1 overall pitching prospect as others graduate by the end of next season, so expect a climb from No. 72 into the top 40.
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS
Welbyn Francisca (3 HR, 11 SB, 179 PA): The 5-foot-8 switch-hitting Dominican shortstop exploded out of the gate last season in the Dominican Summer League by posting an 1.164 OPS with 3 homers and 4 steals over his first 14 pro games before cooling off. Francisca will make his stateside debut and could rise quickly from No. 292 with another hot start.
Joey Cantillo (11.0 K/9, 119.1 IP): A 6-foot-4 left-hander drafted by the Padres in the 16th round in 2017 out of a Hawaii high school, Cantillo came to the Guardians as part of the nine-player Mike Clevinger trade in 2020. Cantillo pitched 95 innings in Triple-A last season, so he could work his way to Cleveland by improving his walk rate (5.2 BB/9 for Columbus) and shoot up the ranks from No. 208.
DETROIT TIGERS
Dillon Dingler (16 HR, 6 SB, 381 PA): Taken in the second round out of Ohio State in 2020, the 6-foot-3 catcher was slowed last season by surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee in March after spending all of 2022 in Double-A. Dingler has plus power and speed tools, which could soon land him in Detroit where he could be an unusually fast backstop and a fast-riser up the ranks from No. 363.
Ty Madden (11.1 K/9, 118 IP): The 32nd pick in the 2021 draft out of Texas, the 6-foot-3 right-hander spent the entire 2023 season in Double-A and posted a 3.43 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP. Featuring a combo of plus pitches in a mid-90s fastball and a mid-80s slider, Madden should soon be pushing for a spot in the Detroit rotation and would rise from No. 142 in the rankings.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Trevor Werner (9 HR, 10 SB, 151 PA): Just a seventh-rounder out of Texas A&M in July, the 6-foot-3 third baseman made a splash in Low-A with a 1.158 OPS to go with 8 homers and 8 steals in 31 games. Werner was selected as a two-way player, but we’re betting he’s able to hit enough to stick to developing as a third baseman and could surge up from No. 500 with a strong encore.
Frank Mozzicato (12.6 K/9, 93 IP): The seventh overall pick in the 2021 draft as a 6-foot-3 left-hander out of a Connecticut high school, Mozzicato came out of the gate on fire for Low-A Columbus this past season with a 0.60 ERA and 26 Ks in his first 15 innings. He struggled to a 7.12 ERA for High-A Quad Cities, but improving on his 8.1 BB/9 there could lead to a rapid ascent from No. 280 on the list.
MINNESOTA TWINS
Luke Keaschall (3 HR, 11 SB, 140 PA): Selected in the second round out of Arizona State in July, the 21-year-old second baseman raked with an .898 OPS in Low-A and .916 OPS in High-A. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder put up 18 homers and 18 steals in 55 games for ASU in his junior year, so he could put his balanced set of tools to good use in Double-A next year and jump up from No. 355.
David Festa (11.6 K/9, 92.1 IP): Just a 13th-round pick out of Seton Hall in 2021, the 6-foot-6 right-hander has rolled all the way to Triple-A where he put up a 2.92 ERA in 3 starts last season. The 23-year-old has added velocity since college to sit in the mid-90s and touch 98-99 mph, and he should push his way to Minnesota next year and up from No. 191.
AL West
HOUSTON ASTROS
Kenedy Corona (22 HR, 32 SB, 520 PA): The 5-foot-10 Venezuelan outfielder did most of his damage in Double-A last season, piling up 20 homers and 31 steals in 111 games for Corpus Christi. With the Astros having dealt away outfield prospects Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford to the Mets in August for Justin Verlander, there’s less in the way of Corona rushing through Triple-A to Houston and up the ranks from No. 283.
Colton Gordon (10.6 K/9, 128.1 IP): The 6-foot-4 left-hander had Tommy John surgery two months before the 2021 draft, where he was selected in the eighth round. Upon returning to the mound in 2022, Gordon has flown through the minors with a diverse arsenal and top-notch control to be knocking on the door of a shot in Houston and should be on the rise from No. 451.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Trey Cabbage (30 HR, 32 SB, 418 PA): The 26-year-old first baseman produced a 30-30 season despite playing in just 107 games in Triple-A around two stints up with the Angels, putting up a massive .306/.379/.596 triple-slash in the hitter-friendly PCL. Cabbage should challenge for playing time at first base and DH in spring training, which could lead to a jump up the rankings from No. 340.
Caden Dana (11.7 K/9, 68.1 IP): Just an 11th-rounder in 2022 out of a New Jersey high school, the 6-foot-4 right-hander broke out with a combined 3.56 ERA and 1.19 WHIP between Low-A Inland Empire and High-A Tri-City last season. Dana has gotten Noah Syndergaard comps with his Thor-like flowing locks and the 19-year-old should soon find himself in Double-A Rocket City taking off up the ranks from No. 183.
OAKLAND ATHLETICS
Denzel Clarke (12 HR, 11 SB, 286 PA): The cousin of Guardians brothers Josh and Bo Naylor, Clarke put up an impressive triple-slash of .261/.381/.496 around injuries that limited him to 64 games in Double-A last season. The 2021 fourth-rounder out of Cal State Northridge could start in Triple-A Las Vegas next year and rise up from No. 153 on the list.
Joe Boyle (12.9 K/9, 133.1 IP): Selected in the fifth round out of Notre Dame in 2020 by the Reds, the 6-foot-7 right-hander has long been dismissed as just a future reliever due to his sky-high walk rates. Then the 24-year-old was traded to the A’s last summer and he made it to Oakland, where he posted a 1.69 ERA with a 2.8 BB/9 over 3 starts. Boyle should start 2024 in the A’s rotation and would continue climbing from No. 217 until he graduates from prospect status if he can maintain the gains.
SEATTLE MARINERS
Tai Peete (2 HR, 6 SB, 109 PA): Drafted No. 30 overall out of a Georgia high school in July, the 18-year-old shortstop reached Low-A and hit 2 homers with 3 steals in 14 games for Modesto. The 6-foot-2, 193-pounder has plus grades for power and speed, so he could climb into the top 100 from No. 163 with a strong first full season.
Prelander Berroa (14.0 K/9, 65.1 IP): The Dominican right-hander took off once the Mariners moved him to the bullpen, where he went 4-0 with a 1.69 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 42.2 innings in Double-A last season. The 23-year-old seems poised to join the Seattle relief corps as soon as out of spring training and could surge up from No. 348.
TEXAS RANGERS
Echedry Vargas (11 HR, 17 SB, 224 PA): Signed for just $10,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2022, the 5-foot-11 second baseman broke out with a .956 OPS in the Arizona Complex League that earned him a promotion to Low-A Down East to close out last season. The 18-year-old Vargas is still flying under the radar for now but could make a jump up the list from No. 274 with an impressive performance back at Down East next year.
Emiliano Teodo (12.3 K/9, 61.2 IP): Another Dominican signed for just $10,000, Teodo features a dominant fastball that has reached 103 mph to go with a knockout power curveball. The 22-year-old right-hander moved to relief in the Arizona Fall League and dominated so much that he looks like he can impact the Texas bullpen early next year and continue to surge up the rankings from No. 225.
NL East
ATLANTA BRAVES
Luis Guanipa (4 HR, 20 SB, 208 PA): The 17-year-old Venezuelan outfielder showed off his loud tools in the Dominican Summer League last year and should make a big move up the rankings from No. 321 with a strong performance in the Florida Complex League.
Jhancarlos Lara (12.6 K/9, 81.1 IP): The 20-year-old Dominican right-hander skipped over the FCL to post a 4.00 ERA in Low-A before racking up 18 Ks in 9.1 IP in High-A last season. Lara is sitting at No. 496 for now, but he could make a big move up the rankings if he keeps up the huge strikeout rates when he returns to Rome to start next season.
MIAMI MARLINS
Troy Johnston (26 HR, 24 SB, 600 PA): Just a 17th-rounder out of Gonzaga in 2019, the 26-year-old first baseman was back in Double-A last season after struggling in 29 games in Triple-A in 2022 and broke out with a .963 OPS, 18 homers and 16 steals for Pensacola. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound slugger finished strong in Triple-A with a .923 OPS, 8 dingers and 8 swipes in 51 games and could ascend from No. 464 by making a splash in the majors either with Miami or a team that might select him in the Rule 5 Draft.
Noble Meyer (12.3 K/9, 11 IP): The 10th overall selection in July out of an Oregon high school, Meyer held his own with a 3.86 ERA in 3 starts as an 18-year-old in Low-A. The 6-foot-5 right-hander can touch 100 and has plus control, so he could start showing his ace ceiling as he moves up the ladder and rise from No. 125 in the rankings.
NEW YORK METS
Jeremiah Jackson (22 HR, 27 SB, 440 PA): Slow to develop after going in the second round in 2018 to the Angels, the 23-year-old shortstop/outfielder came to life after coming to the Mets last August in a minor deal for reliever Dominic Leone. Jackson put up an .801 OPS with 7 homers and 6 steals in 37 games in Double-A for Binghamton and could rise back into the top 500 if the improvements hold in Triple-A next year. He was left unprotected for the Rule 5 Draft but still needs work in the minors.
Christian Scott (11.0 K/9, 87.2 IP): The fifth-round pick out of Florida in 2021 turned in one of the most dominant seasons in the minors with a combined 2.57 ERA and 0.86 WHIP over three levels with an 8.9 K/BB that led the minors for pitchers with at least 70 innings.The 6-foot-4 24-year-old right-hander did most of that work in Double-A with a 2.47 ERA over 12 starts, so Scott should start in Triple-A and push for New York as he moves up from No. 156 in the rankings.
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Gabriel Rincones Jr. (15 HR, 32 SB, 533 PA): A third-round pick out of Florida Atlantic in 2022, the 22-year-old outfielder made a splash in his pro debut last season with a combined .778 OPS in Low-A Clearwater and High-A Jersey Shore before putting up an .889 OPS with 2 homers and 15 steals in the Arizona Fall League. At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Rincones has the look of a power hitter to go with an aggressive approach on the base paths, so he could continue to climb from No. 282 next year.
Griff McGarry (12.0 K/9, 60 IP): Taken in the fifth round out of pitching factory Virginia in 2021, McGarry dominated in Double-A before struggling badly in Triple-A in each of the past two seasons. The 6-foot-2 flame-throwing right-hander will likely be given another chance to make it as a starter, but we think he’ll be moved to the bullpen and make his way to Philadelphia and up from No. 265 next season.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Daylen Lile (9 HR, 23 SB, 465 PA): Selected in the second round out of a Louisville high school in 2021, the 20-year-old outfielder missed the 2022 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery before impressing for Low-A Fredericksburg last season with an .891 OPS, 7 homers and 21 steals in 66 games. Lile struggled after moving up to High-A, where he could get off to a good start next year and surge up the rankings from No. 268.
DJ Herz (12.7 K/9, 94.1 IP): Drafted in the eighth round by the Cubs in 2019 out of a North Carolina high school, the 6-foot-2 left-hander took off after coming to the Nationals in the Jeimer Candelario deal at the end of July by posting a 2.55 ERA with 53 strikeouts in 35.1 innings for Double-A Harrisburg. Herz performed well in the Arizona Fall League by posting a 3.71 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 17 innings, so the 22-year-old looks ready to tackle Triple-A and could race up the rankings from No. 178.
NL Central
CHICAGO CUBS
Alexis Hernandez (3 HR, 9 SB, 150 PA): The younger brother of more celebrated Dominican shortstop and fellow Cubs farmhand Cristian Hernandez, Alexis is still flying under the radar despite breaking out with a .315/.407/.515 triple-slash in the Arizona Complex League last season. Like his brother, Alexis needs to cut down on his strikeouts in Low-A to continue to rise from No. 489 in 2024.
Jackson Ferris (12.4 K/9, 56 IP): A 6-foot-4 left-hander drafted in the second round in 2022 out of IMG Academy, Ferris has flashed plus with all four of his offerings – a fastball that sits 92-94, a 12-6 curveball, a mid-80s changeup and a developing slider. Ferris has drawn some Blake Snell comps and could start a rapid ascent this season from No. 196 on our rankings.
CINCINNATI REDS
Rece Hinds (23 HR, 20 SB, 461 PA): Drafted in the second round out of high school in 2019, the light went on for Hinds in June last year in Double-A with a 24-for-53 stretch with 8 homers and 2 steals in 15 games before hitting the IL with a hamstring strain. The 6-foot-4 outfielder with light-tower power didn’t skip a beat once he returned in mid-July, putting up a .921 OPS with 10 homers and 11 steals the rest of the way, so Hinds appears primed for a big jump from No. 276.
Ty Floyd (11.9 K/9 in 91 innings for LSU): The 6-foot-2 right-hander improved his draft stock big-time by tying the College World Series nine-inning record with 17 strikeouts in the finals against Florida, going 38th overall and signing for $2.1 million. Floyd will be making his pro debut this coming season, but could be a fast riser on his way to Cincinnati and up the rankings from No. 333.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Eric Brown Jr. (6 HR, 39 SB, 310 PA): Taken 27th overall out of Coastal Carolina in 2022, Brown Jr. showed more power in the Arizona Fall League after managing just 4 homers in 63 games in High-A last season. If Brown starts getting to more power in Double-A, the 5-foot-10 shortstop should shoot up the rankings from No. 198.
Carlos F. Rodriguez (11.1 K/9, 128.1 IP): The 6-foot right-hander has done nothing but shove since going in the 6th round out of Florida Southwestern State JC in 2021, debuting at Low-A in 2022 and reaching Triple-A by the end of last season. Rodriguez dominated with a 2.77 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in Double-A and could push for a spot in the back of the Milwaukee rotation next spring, leading to a rise from No. 170.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Jase Bowen (23 HR, 26 SB, 526 PA): Just an 11th-rounder out of an Ohio high school in 2019, the 23-year-old outfielder followed up an .802 OPS in High-A last season by posting an .855 OPS with 4 homers and 6 steals in the Arizona Fall League. The power-speed dynamo has an aggressive approach that if he can improve in Double-A next year then he could rise from No. 352. Bowen was left unprotected but is unlikely to be taken in the Rule 5 Draft.
Jun-Seok Shim (14.6 K/9, 8 IP): The 6-foot-4 right-hander signed with the Pirates out of Korea for $750,000 in January then debuted with 8 strikeouts in 4 perfect innings in the Florida Complex League before only managing 4 more innings while battling nagging injuries the rest of the season. Shim features an upper-90s fastball that if he can stay healthier and improve his control next season then he should shoot up from No. 335 in the rankings.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Mike Antico (18 HR, 52 SB, 545 PA): Just an eighth-rounder out of Texas in the 2021 draft, the 25-year-old outfielder saw his power tick up last season for Double-A Springfield to go with his 70-grade speed. The 5-foot-10, 200-pounder should run wild in Triple-A next year and could race up the rankings from No. 493 as he makes a push toward St. Louis.
Zack Showalter (12.1 K/9, 31.1 IP): Taken in the 11th round out of a Florida high school in 2022 by the Orioles, the 6-foot-2 right-hander made a big splash in his pro debut last season with a combined 2.30 ERA and was acquired by the Cardinals in a three-player package for Jack Flaherty at the trade deadline. The 19-year-old Showalter features an explosive mid-90s fastball that could lead to success next year in High-A and a rise up the rankings from No. 371.
NL West
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Kristian Robinson (14 HR, 23 SB, 272 PA): Still just 22 years old despite missing three seasons due to legal issues, Robinson knocked off the rust by producing power and speed across four levels in 2023. Ranked No. 224 in our most recent update, Robinson still has the raw tools to blast back into the top 100 by putting up big numbers back in Double-A to start next season. He was left unprotected for the Rule 5 Draft, which will take place on Dec. 6 at the Winter Meetings, but we expect he will stay with Arizona because he needs minor-league reps so teams won’t want to sit him on a major-league bench all year.
Dylan Ray (11.0 K/9, 113.1 IP): A fourth-round pick out of Alabama in 2022, Ray broke out with a 3.81 ERA and 11.1 K/9 last season in High-A before struggling in three starts in Double-A. Amed with a mid-90s fastball, a plus slider and a solid curve, Ray could make a run from his current No. 405 to the top 200 if he can succeed back in Amarillo to begin 2024.
COLORADO ROCKIES
Cole Carrigg (5 HR, 13 SB, 158 PA): Selected 65th overall in July out of San Diego State, the 6-foot-3 switch-hitter put up a combined 1.008 OPS over two levels in his pro debut while playing the rare combination of catcher, shortstop and center field. Carrigg could be a J.T. Realmuto-like offensive force if he can stick behind the plate and if he keeps up hitting for the power he did last season then he’ll be flying up from No. 164.
Carson Palmquist (13.1 K/9, 92.1 IP): A third-rounder out of Miami in 2022, the 6-foot-3 left-hander piled up 134 strikeouts between High-A Spokane and Double-A Hartford last season. A closer in college, Palmquist could still wind up in high leverage in the Colorado bullpen in the near future, which would be the best way for a Rockies pitcher to make a rare appearance in the top 500.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Joendry Vargas (7 HR, 19 SB, 208 PA): The 6-foot-4 Dominican shortstop was among the top handful of international signees in 2023, then shined in his pro debut with a .328/.423/.529 triple-slash in the Dominican Summer League. Vargas could follow in the footsteps of Ethan Salas and Sebastian Walcott with a strong stateside debut by rising from No. 104 to elite-prospect status.
Kyle Hurt (14.8 K/9, 92 IP): A fifth-round pick out of USC in 2020 by the Marlins before being dealt to the Dodgers in 2021, the 25-year-old right-hander had the highest strikeout rate in the entire minors for pitchers with at least 60 innings between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound flamethrower will likely begin the season back in OKC before getting a chance in LA in the dog days of summer and rising up the list from No. 148.
SAN DIEGO PADRES
Jakob Marsee (16 HR, 46 SB, 568 PA): A sixth-round pick out of Central Michigan in 2022, Marsee broke out last season with an .841 OPS, 16 homers and 46 steals then followed it up by being named the Arizona Fall League MVP with a 1.215 OPS, 5 dingers and 16 swipes in 24 games. The sturdily-built 22-year-old outfielder reached Double-A for 16 games last season and could start next year in Triple-A then reach San Diego by summer, leading to a vault up the rankings from No. 118.
Dylan Lesko (14.2 K/9, 33 IP): The 6-foot-2 right-hander was looking like the top prep pitching prospect in the 2022 draft before having Tommy John surgery in April, yet the Padres still took Lesko with the 15th overall pick. He put up matching 4.50 ERAs for Low-A Lake Elsinore and High-A Fort Wayne as he battled walk issues, but the strikeouts were there combined with the pedigree to believe a rapid ascent up the rankings from No. 138 could be coming next year.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Walker Martin (has yet to make pro debut): Selected 52nd overall in July, the 19-year-old shortstop quarterbacked Eaton (Colo.) High School to three straight football state titles and also led its baseball team to three consecutive state championships. With matching 55 grades for his power and speed tools, Martin has the goods to make a splash next year and race up the rankings from No. 212.
Hayden Birdsong (13.3 K/9, 100.2 IP): A sixth-round pick out of Eastern Illinois in 2022, the 6-foot-4 right-hander has put up big strikeout rates at each stop as he reached Double-A Richmond last season. The 22-year-old Birdsong features a 60-grade mid-90s fastball with riding action and could master Double-A next year to cruise up the ranks from No. 199.
AL East
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Mac Horvath (5 HR, 14 SB, 99 PA): Selected in the second round out of North Carolina in July, the 22-year-old outfielder finished his pro debut with 2 homers and 5 steals in 5 games in High-A. Horvath racked up 42 homers and 44 steals in 123 games over his final two seasons with the Tar Heels and is primed for a big move up the rankings next year from No. 206.
Cade Povich (12.2 K/9, 126.2 IP): Acquired as part of a four-prospect haul from the Twins for Jorge Lopez at the 2022 trade deadline, the 23-year-old lefty could find himself in Baltimore soon coming off allowing just a .194 batting average against in Triple-A. Povich just needs to improve his control (5.8 BB/9 in AAA) and he could join the Orioles rotation and shoot up from No. 185 in our rankings.
BOSTON RED SOX
David Hamilton (17 HR, 59 SB, 508 PA): A torn Achilles tendon in 2019 cost him his junior year at Texas followed by Covid meant Hamilton missed two years of development time, so he enters his age-26 season with just 15 MLB games under his belt. The middle infielder has started getting time in center field, so he could use his 70-grade speed and surprising pop to become a super utility man in Boston and rise from No. 241 on the list.
Yordanny Monegro (12.7 K/9, 65.2 IP): The 6-foot-4 Dominican right-hander dominated across three levels to the tune of a combined 2.06 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. Watch out if he comes to spring training sitting in the mid-90s after an off-season possibly spent filling in his thin frame as Monegro could fly up the rankings from No. 180.
NEW YORK YANKEES
John Cruz (10 HR, 9 SB, 202 PA): The 18-year-old Dominican outfielder popped up in the Florida Complex League with a .907 PA in 48 games with an impressive blend of power and speed. Cruz will head to Low-A and could really start to move up from No. 275 if he can build on last year’s breakout.
Henry Lalane (14.1 K/9, 21.2 IP): The 6-foot-7 left-hander was born in the Bronx but signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2021 before impressing with an 8.5 K/BB and a 2.76 xFIP in the Florida Complex League last season. Lalane needs to start building up his innings as he reaches Low-A next year, but if he keeps flashing his ace upside then he’ll fly up the rankings from No. 286.
TAMPA BAY RAYS
Brayden Taylor (5 HR, 11 SB, 108 PA): The 21-year-old third baseman was taken 19th overall out of TCU in July then put up a combined .877 OPS between the Florida Complex League and Low-A Charleston. The Rays should be ready to push Taylor to High-A and Double-A next year which could lead to a surge from No. 106 up into the top 50.
Yonel Curet (12.5 K/9, 104 IP): The 6-foot-2 right-hander signed for $150,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2019 and didn’t make his pro debut until 2021 due to the pandemic, but Curet’s development picked up steam last season when he posted a 2.46 ERA in Low-A and made it to High-A Bowling Green. Curet needs to improve on his career 5.9 BB/9 if he hopes to remain a starter, but converting to the bullpen could speed up his course to Tampa Bay and lead to a climb up the rankings from No. 427.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Arjun Nimmala (0 HR, 1 SB, 40 PA): The 20th overall pick in July out of a Florida high school, the 18-year-old shortstop hit just .200 but walked 14 times in 9 games in his pro debut in the Florida Complex League. Nimmala has big-time power with plus speed, so he should be able to make a leap up from No. 150 with a strong first full season.
Adam Macko (11.1 K/9, 86 IP): Drafted in the seventh round out of Alberta by the Mariners in 2019, the 6-foot left-hander came to Toronto in the Teoscar Hernandez trade last off-season. The 22-year-old Macko flipped a switch late last season by allowing just 3 hits and 1 run over his final three starts for High-A Vancouver with 26 strikeouts in 15 innings. With a fastball that can touch the upper-90s and an excellent curve, Macko has the arsenal to make some noise in Double-A next year and rise up the rankings from No. 399.
AL Central
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Jose Rodriguez (21 HR, 31 SB, 493 PA): The 22-year-old Dominican infielder has tremendous bat speed and athleticism that has produced an exciting blend of power and speed, but he is hindered by a hyper-aggressive approach. Rodriguez saw 19 games at Triple-A in 2023 and will soon be ready to challenge for the starting second base job in Chicago, which could lead to a big rise from No. 258 on our list.
Noah Schultz (12.7 K/9, 27 IP): The 6-foot-9 lefty was downright unhittable in his pro debut in Low-A last season, posting a 1.33 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP. Schultz has ace upside and could become the No. 1 overall pitching prospect as others graduate by the end of next season, so expect a climb from No. 72 into the top 40.
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS
Welbyn Francisca (3 HR, 11 SB, 179 PA): The 5-foot-8 switch-hitting Dominican shortstop exploded out of the gate last season in the Dominican Summer League by posting an 1.164 OPS with 3 homers and 4 steals over his first 14 pro games before cooling off. Francisca will make his stateside debut and could rise quickly from No. 292 with another hot start.
Joey Cantillo (11.0 K/9, 119.1 IP): A 6-foot-4 left-hander drafted by the Padres in the 16th round in 2017 out of a Hawaii high school, Cantillo came to the Guardians as part of the nine-player Mike Clevinger trade in 2020. Cantillo pitched 95 innings in Triple-A last season, so he could work his way to Cleveland by improving his walk rate (5.2 BB/9 for Columbus) and shoot up the ranks from No. 208.
DETROIT TIGERS
Dillon Dingler (16 HR, 6 SB, 381 PA): Taken in the second round out of Ohio State in 2020, the 6-foot-3 catcher was slowed last season by surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee in March after spending all of 2022 in Double-A. Dingler has plus power and speed tools, which could soon land him in Detroit where he could be an unusually fast backstop and a fast-riser up the ranks from No. 363.
Ty Madden (11.1 K/9, 118 IP): The 32nd pick in the 2021 draft out of Texas, the 6-foot-3 right-hander spent the entire 2023 season in Double-A and posted a 3.43 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP. Featuring a combo of plus pitches in a mid-90s fastball and a mid-80s slider, Madden should soon be pushing for a spot in the Detroit rotation and would rise from No. 142 in the rankings.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Trevor Werner (9 HR, 10 SB, 151 PA): Just a seventh-rounder out of Texas A&M in July, the 6-foot-3 third baseman made a splash in Low-A with a 1.158 OPS to go with 8 homers and 8 steals in 31 games. Werner was selected as a two-way player, but we’re betting he’s able to hit enough to stick to developing as a third baseman and could surge up from No. 500 with a strong encore.
Frank Mozzicato (12.6 K/9, 93 IP): The seventh overall pick in the 2021 draft as a 6-foot-3 left-hander out of a Connecticut high school, Mozzicato came out of the gate on fire for Low-A Columbus this past season with a 0.60 ERA and 26 Ks in his first 15 innings. He struggled to a 7.12 ERA for High-A Quad Cities, but improving on his 8.1 BB/9 there could lead to a rapid ascent from No. 280 on the list.
MINNESOTA TWINS
Luke Keaschall (3 HR, 11 SB, 140 PA): Selected in the second round out of Arizona State in July, the 21-year-old second baseman raked with an .898 OPS in Low-A and .916 OPS in High-A. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder put up 18 homers and 18 steals in 55 games for ASU in his junior year, so he could put his balanced set of tools to good use in Double-A next year and jump up from No. 355.
David Festa (11.6 K/9, 92.1 IP): Just a 13th-round pick out of Seton Hall in 2021, the 6-foot-6 right-hander has rolled all the way to Triple-A where he put up a 2.92 ERA in 3 starts last season. The 23-year-old has added velocity since college to sit in the mid-90s and touch 98-99 mph, and he should push his way to Minnesota next year and up from No. 191.
AL West
HOUSTON ASTROS
Kenedy Corona (22 HR, 32 SB, 520 PA): The 5-foot-10 Venezuelan outfielder did most of his damage in Double-A last season, piling up 20 homers and 31 steals in 111 games for Corpus Christi. With the Astros having dealt away outfield prospects Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford to the Mets in August for Justin Verlander, there’s less in the way of Corona rushing through Triple-A to Houston and up the ranks from No. 283.
Colton Gordon (10.6 K/9, 128.1 IP): The 6-foot-4 left-hander had Tommy John surgery two months before the 2021 draft, where he was selected in the eighth round. Upon returning to the mound in 2022, Gordon has flown through the minors with a diverse arsenal and top-notch control to be knocking on the door of a shot in Houston and should be on the rise from No. 451.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Trey Cabbage (30 HR, 32 SB, 418 PA): The 26-year-old first baseman produced a 30-30 season despite playing in just 107 games in Triple-A around two stints up with the Angels, putting up a massive .306/.379/.596 triple-slash in the hitter-friendly PCL. Cabbage should challenge for playing time at first base and DH in spring training, which could lead to a jump up the rankings from No. 340.
Caden Dana (11.7 K/9, 68.1 IP): Just an 11th-rounder in 2022 out of a New Jersey high school, the 6-foot-4 right-hander broke out with a combined 3.56 ERA and 1.19 WHIP between Low-A Inland Empire and High-A Tri-City last season. Dana has gotten Noah Syndergaard comps with his Thor-like flowing locks and the 19-year-old should soon find himself in Double-A Rocket City taking off up the ranks from No. 183.
OAKLAND ATHLETICS
Denzel Clarke (12 HR, 11 SB, 286 PA): The cousin of Guardians brothers Josh and Bo Naylor, Clarke put up an impressive triple-slash of .261/.381/.496 around injuries that limited him to 64 games in Double-A last season. The 2021 fourth-rounder out of Cal State Northridge could start in Triple-A Las Vegas next year and rise up from No. 153 on the list.
Joe Boyle (12.9 K/9, 133.1 IP): Selected in the fifth round out of Notre Dame in 2020 by the Reds, the 6-foot-7 right-hander has long been dismissed as just a future reliever due to his sky-high walk rates. Then the 24-year-old was traded to the A’s last summer and he made it to Oakland, where he posted a 1.69 ERA with a 2.8 BB/9 over 3 starts. Boyle should start 2024 in the A’s rotation and would continue climbing from No. 217 until he graduates from prospect status if he can maintain the gains.
SEATTLE MARINERS
Tai Peete (2 HR, 6 SB, 109 PA): Drafted No. 30 overall out of a Georgia high school in July, the 18-year-old shortstop reached Low-A and hit 2 homers with 3 steals in 14 games for Modesto. The 6-foot-2, 193-pounder has plus grades for power and speed, so he could climb into the top 100 from No. 163 with a strong first full season.
Prelander Berroa (14.0 K/9, 65.1 IP): The Dominican right-hander took off once the Mariners moved him to the bullpen, where he went 4-0 with a 1.69 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 42.2 innings in Double-A last season. The 23-year-old seems poised to join the Seattle relief corps as soon as out of spring training and could surge up from No. 348.
TEXAS RANGERS
Echedry Vargas (11 HR, 17 SB, 224 PA): Signed for just $10,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2022, the 5-foot-11 second baseman broke out with a .956 OPS in the Arizona Complex League that earned him a promotion to Low-A Down East to close out last season. The 18-year-old Vargas is still flying under the radar for now but could make a jump up the list from No. 274 with an impressive performance back at Down East next year.
Emiliano Teodo (12.3 K/9, 61.2 IP): Another Dominican signed for just $10,000, Teodo features a dominant fastball that has reached 103 mph to go with a knockout power curveball. The 22-year-old right-hander moved to relief in the Arizona Fall League and dominated so much that he looks like he can impact the Texas bullpen early next year and continue to surge up the rankings from No. 225.
NL East
ATLANTA BRAVES
Luis Guanipa (4 HR, 20 SB, 208 PA): The 17-year-old Venezuelan outfielder showed off his loud tools in the Dominican Summer League last year and should make a big move up the rankings from No. 321 with a strong performance in the Florida Complex League.
Jhancarlos Lara (12.6 K/9, 81.1 IP): The 20-year-old Dominican right-hander skipped over the FCL to post a 4.00 ERA in Low-A before racking up 18 Ks in 9.1 IP in High-A last season. Lara is sitting at No. 496 for now, but he could make a big move up the rankings if he keeps up the huge strikeout rates when he returns to Rome to start next season.
MIAMI MARLINS
Troy Johnston (26 HR, 24 SB, 600 PA): Just a 17th-rounder out of Gonzaga in 2019, the 26-year-old first baseman was back in Double-A last season after struggling in 29 games in Triple-A in 2022 and broke out with a .963 OPS, 18 homers and 16 steals for Pensacola. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound slugger finished strong in Triple-A with a .923 OPS, 8 dingers and 8 swipes in 51 games and could ascend from No. 464 by making a splash in the majors either with Miami or a team that might select him in the Rule 5 Draft.
Noble Meyer (12.3 K/9, 11 IP): The 10th overall selection in July out of an Oregon high school, Meyer held his own with a 3.86 ERA in 3 starts as an 18-year-old in Low-A. The 6-foot-5 right-hander can touch 100 and has plus control, so he could start showing his ace ceiling as he moves up the ladder and rise from No. 125 in the rankings.
NEW YORK METS
Jeremiah Jackson (22 HR, 27 SB, 440 PA): Slow to develop after going in the second round in 2018 to the Angels, the 23-year-old shortstop/outfielder came to life after coming to the Mets last August in a minor deal for reliever Dominic Leone. Jackson put up an .801 OPS with 7 homers and 6 steals in 37 games in Double-A for Binghamton and could rise back into the top 500 if the improvements hold in Triple-A next year. He was left unprotected for the Rule 5 Draft but still needs work in the minors.
Christian Scott (11.0 K/9, 87.2 IP): The fifth-round pick out of Florida in 2021 turned in one of the most dominant seasons in the minors with a combined 2.57 ERA and 0.86 WHIP over three levels with an 8.9 K/BB that led the minors for pitchers with at least 70 innings.The 6-foot-4 24-year-old right-hander did most of that work in Double-A with a 2.47 ERA over 12 starts, so Scott should start in Triple-A and push for New York as he moves up from No. 156 in the rankings.
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Gabriel Rincones Jr. (15 HR, 32 SB, 533 PA): A third-round pick out of Florida Atlantic in 2022, the 22-year-old outfielder made a splash in his pro debut last season with a combined .778 OPS in Low-A Clearwater and High-A Jersey Shore before putting up an .889 OPS with 2 homers and 15 steals in the Arizona Fall League. At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Rincones has the look of a power hitter to go with an aggressive approach on the base paths, so he could continue to climb from No. 282 next year.
Griff McGarry (12.0 K/9, 60 IP): Taken in the fifth round out of pitching factory Virginia in 2021, McGarry dominated in Double-A before struggling badly in Triple-A in each of the past two seasons. The 6-foot-2 flame-throwing right-hander will likely be given another chance to make it as a starter, but we think he’ll be moved to the bullpen and make his way to Philadelphia and up from No. 265 next season.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Daylen Lile (9 HR, 23 SB, 465 PA): Selected in the second round out of a Louisville high school in 2021, the 20-year-old outfielder missed the 2022 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery before impressing for Low-A Fredericksburg last season with an .891 OPS, 7 homers and 21 steals in 66 games. Lile struggled after moving up to High-A, where he could get off to a good start next year and surge up the rankings from No. 268.
DJ Herz (12.7 K/9, 94.1 IP): Drafted in the eighth round by the Cubs in 2019 out of a North Carolina high school, the 6-foot-2 left-hander took off after coming to the Nationals in the Jeimer Candelario deal at the end of July by posting a 2.55 ERA with 53 strikeouts in 35.1 innings for Double-A Harrisburg. Herz performed well in the Arizona Fall League by posting a 3.71 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 17 innings, so the 22-year-old looks ready to tackle Triple-A and could race up the rankings from No. 178.
NL Central
CHICAGO CUBS
Alexis Hernandez (3 HR, 9 SB, 150 PA): The younger brother of more celebrated Dominican shortstop and fellow Cubs farmhand Cristian Hernandez, Alexis is still flying under the radar despite breaking out with a .315/.407/.515 triple-slash in the Arizona Complex League last season. Like his brother, Alexis needs to cut down on his strikeouts in Low-A to continue to rise from No. 489 in 2024.
Jackson Ferris (12.4 K/9, 56 IP): A 6-foot-4 left-hander drafted in the second round in 2022 out of IMG Academy, Ferris has flashed plus with all four of his offerings – a fastball that sits 92-94, a 12-6 curveball, a mid-80s changeup and a developing slider. Ferris has drawn some Blake Snell comps and could start a rapid ascent this season from No. 196 on our rankings.
CINCINNATI REDS
Rece Hinds (23 HR, 20 SB, 461 PA): Drafted in the second round out of high school in 2019, the light went on for Hinds in June last year in Double-A with a 24-for-53 stretch with 8 homers and 2 steals in 15 games before hitting the IL with a hamstring strain. The 6-foot-4 outfielder with light-tower power didn’t skip a beat once he returned in mid-July, putting up a .921 OPS with 10 homers and 11 steals the rest of the way, so Hinds appears primed for a big jump from No. 276.
Ty Floyd (11.9 K/9 in 91 innings for LSU): The 6-foot-2 right-hander improved his draft stock big-time by tying the College World Series nine-inning record with 17 strikeouts in the finals against Florida, going 38th overall and signing for $2.1 million. Floyd will be making his pro debut this coming season, but could be a fast riser on his way to Cincinnati and up the rankings from No. 333.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Eric Brown Jr. (6 HR, 39 SB, 310 PA): Taken 27th overall out of Coastal Carolina in 2022, Brown Jr. showed more power in the Arizona Fall League after managing just 4 homers in 63 games in High-A last season. If Brown starts getting to more power in Double-A, the 5-foot-10 shortstop should shoot up the rankings from No. 198.
Carlos F. Rodriguez (11.1 K/9, 128.1 IP): The 6-foot right-hander has done nothing but shove since going in the 6th round out of Florida Southwestern State JC in 2021, debuting at Low-A in 2022 and reaching Triple-A by the end of last season. Rodriguez dominated with a 2.77 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in Double-A and could push for a spot in the back of the Milwaukee rotation next spring, leading to a rise from No. 170.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Jase Bowen (23 HR, 26 SB, 526 PA): Just an 11th-rounder out of an Ohio high school in 2019, the 23-year-old outfielder followed up an .802 OPS in High-A last season by posting an .855 OPS with 4 homers and 6 steals in the Arizona Fall League. The power-speed dynamo has an aggressive approach that if he can improve in Double-A next year then he could rise from No. 352. Bowen was left unprotected but is unlikely to be taken in the Rule 5 Draft.
Jun-Seok Shim (14.6 K/9, 8 IP): The 6-foot-4 right-hander signed with the Pirates out of Korea for $750,000 in January then debuted with 8 strikeouts in 4 perfect innings in the Florida Complex League before only managing 4 more innings while battling nagging injuries the rest of the season. Shim features an upper-90s fastball that if he can stay healthier and improve his control next season then he should shoot up from No. 335 in the rankings.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Mike Antico (18 HR, 52 SB, 545 PA): Just an eighth-rounder out of Texas in the 2021 draft, the 25-year-old outfielder saw his power tick up last season for Double-A Springfield to go with his 70-grade speed. The 5-foot-10, 200-pounder should run wild in Triple-A next year and could race up the rankings from No. 493 as he makes a push toward St. Louis.
Zack Showalter (12.1 K/9, 31.1 IP): Taken in the 11th round out of a Florida high school in 2022 by the Orioles, the 6-foot-2 right-hander made a big splash in his pro debut last season with a combined 2.30 ERA and was acquired by the Cardinals in a three-player package for Jack Flaherty at the trade deadline. The 19-year-old Showalter features an explosive mid-90s fastball that could lead to success next year in High-A and a rise up the rankings from No. 371.
NL West
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Kristian Robinson (14 HR, 23 SB, 272 PA): Still just 22 years old despite missing three seasons due to legal issues, Robinson knocked off the rust by producing power and speed across four levels in 2023. Ranked No. 224 in our most recent update, Robinson still has the raw tools to blast back into the top 100 by putting up big numbers back in Double-A to start next season. He was left unprotected for the Rule 5 Draft, which will take place on Dec. 6 at the Winter Meetings, but we expect he will stay with Arizona because he needs minor-league reps so teams won’t want to sit him on a major-league bench all year.
Dylan Ray (11.0 K/9, 113.1 IP): A fourth-round pick out of Alabama in 2022, Ray broke out with a 3.81 ERA and 11.1 K/9 last season in High-A before struggling in three starts in Double-A. Amed with a mid-90s fastball, a plus slider and a solid curve, Ray could make a run from his current No. 405 to the top 200 if he can succeed back in Amarillo to begin 2024.
COLORADO ROCKIES
Cole Carrigg (5 HR, 13 SB, 158 PA): Selected 65th overall in July out of San Diego State, the 6-foot-3 switch-hitter put up a combined 1.008 OPS over two levels in his pro debut while playing the rare combination of catcher, shortstop and center field. Carrigg could be a J.T. Realmuto-like offensive force if he can stick behind the plate and if he keeps up hitting for the power he did last season then he’ll be flying up from No. 164.
Carson Palmquist (13.1 K/9, 92.1 IP): A third-rounder out of Miami in 2022, the 6-foot-3 left-hander piled up 134 strikeouts between High-A Spokane and Double-A Hartford last season. A closer in college, Palmquist could still wind up in high leverage in the Colorado bullpen in the near future, which would be the best way for a Rockies pitcher to make a rare appearance in the top 500.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Joendry Vargas (7 HR, 19 SB, 208 PA): The 6-foot-4 Dominican shortstop was among the top handful of international signees in 2023, then shined in his pro debut with a .328/.423/.529 triple-slash in the Dominican Summer League. Vargas could follow in the footsteps of Ethan Salas and Sebastian Walcott with a strong stateside debut by rising from No. 104 to elite-prospect status.
Kyle Hurt (14.8 K/9, 92 IP): A fifth-round pick out of USC in 2020 by the Marlins before being dealt to the Dodgers in 2021, the 25-year-old right-hander had the highest strikeout rate in the entire minors for pitchers with at least 60 innings between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound flamethrower will likely begin the season back in OKC before getting a chance in LA in the dog days of summer and rising up the list from No. 148.
SAN DIEGO PADRES
Jakob Marsee (16 HR, 46 SB, 568 PA): A sixth-round pick out of Central Michigan in 2022, Marsee broke out last season with an .841 OPS, 16 homers and 46 steals then followed it up by being named the Arizona Fall League MVP with a 1.215 OPS, 5 dingers and 16 swipes in 24 games. The sturdily-built 22-year-old outfielder reached Double-A for 16 games last season and could start next year in Triple-A then reach San Diego by summer, leading to a vault up the rankings from No. 118.
Dylan Lesko (14.2 K/9, 33 IP): The 6-foot-2 right-hander was looking like the top prep pitching prospect in the 2022 draft before having Tommy John surgery in April, yet the Padres still took Lesko with the 15th overall pick. He put up matching 4.50 ERAs for Low-A Lake Elsinore and High-A Fort Wayne as he battled walk issues, but the strikeouts were there combined with the pedigree to believe a rapid ascent up the rankings from No. 138 could be coming next year.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Walker Martin (has yet to make pro debut): Selected 52nd overall in July, the 19-year-old shortstop quarterbacked Eaton (Colo.) High School to three straight football state titles and also led its baseball team to three consecutive state championships. With matching 55 grades for his power and speed tools, Martin has the goods to make a splash next year and race up the rankings from No. 212.
Hayden Birdsong (13.3 K/9, 100.2 IP): A sixth-round pick out of Eastern Illinois in 2022, the 6-foot-4 right-hander has put up big strikeout rates at each stop as he reached Double-A Richmond last season. The 22-year-old Birdsong features a 60-grade mid-90s fastball with riding action and could master Double-A next year to cruise up the ranks from No. 199.