Arizona Diamondbacks — Corbin Carroll
Projected ETA: 2023 (No. 2 Overall Prospect)
Most ranking services have Carroll currently slated as a top-five prospect in all of baseball. Some even have him pegged as arguably the best player toiling away in the Minor Leagues (though he’ll probably start the season with the big club in Arizona). Carroll initially signed with UCLA before turning pro after being drafted in the first round by the Diamondbacks.
He possesses elite speed — which should serve him quite well both stealing bases and patrolling an outfield spot. His hand-eye coordination is excellent, and Carroll’s swing projects to be quite capable as a doubles/gap hitter. He’s a bit on the smaller side (5-foot-10, 170 pounds). However, all of the tools are there for him to be an impact player right away. If you’re looking for a MLB comparison, look no further than former All-Star/fellow Pacific Northwest native Jacoby Ellsbury.
Atlanta Braves — Owen Murphy
Projected ETA: 2025
Atlanta’s pipeline is running hot after producing two recent stars in Spencer Strider and Michael Harris. There is no shortage of talent remaining in the Braves organization, starting with RHP Owen Murphy. The 19-year-old was a first-round pick in 2022. He’s projects to one day be a starter in the Majors, but Murphy is a legitimate two-way prospect who has shown exceptional talent at the dish as well. That kind of versatility could be vital for the Braves moving forward.
Baltimore Orioles — Gunnar Henderson
Projected ETA: 2023 (No. 1 Overall Prospect)
Henderson won’t be considered a prospect for very long. He had an impressive cup of coffee with the Orioles last year. As we head into 2023, many peg him as a favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award. If you’re looking for some sort of comparison, we liken Henderson to a mix of Scott Rolen and Nolan Arenado.
He can play both at shortstop and third base — namely because he’s got a huge arm and plus athleticism. Henderson’s soft hands plus lateral quickness cater to him having immense upside as a defender. As a hitter, the lefty has constantly made adjustments in seeking to lessen his strikeout totals, and ‘up’ his contact. The power is there for Henderson to mash, and he’s also fast enough to be a threat running the bases. As such, it’s not surprising to see such a well-rounded prospect check in at No 1. There’s really no weakness to his game at this given point.
Boston Red Sox — Marcelo Mayer
Projected ETA: 2024 (No. 9 Overall Prospect)
We talk about toolsy players all the time. Mayer epitomizes that considerably. Hailing from San Diego, he was the National High School Player of the Year as a senior. Boston took him No. 4 overall in the 2021 MLB Draft.
It’s been a bit of a mixed bag for him thus far. He’s been battling with some nagging injuries (though at only 20 years of age, he should be fine). As was his reputation in high school, Mayer’s transition to hitting the baseball on the Minor League level has been smooth. He has power to all fields, and his approach at the plate is truly special. We’ll see if he sticks long-term at shortstop (Mayer is 6-foot-3). At the very least, you’re looking at a professional hitter with some big-time upside. Think Corey Seager with a better glove/arm.
Chicago Cubs — Pete Crow-Armstrong
Projected ETA: 2024 (No. 28 Overall Prospect)
Formerly a top prospect for the New York Mets, Pete Crow-Armstrong was shipped to the Cubs in 2021 in exchange for Javier Baez. A left-handed hitter and thrower, Crow-Armstrong projects to be an everyday outfielder at the next level. Since joining Chicago, the youngster has increased his skill at the plate — and is showing signs of 20+ HR pop. However, Chicago’s top prospect truly shines in the field. Utilizing his elite speed, Crow-Armstrong is able to chase down balls gap-to-gap in centerfield. Additionally, his knack for running precise routes results in making more difficult plays than most. In 2022, Crow-Armstrong hit .312 and stole 32 bases.
Chicago White Sox — Colson Montgomery
Projected ETA: 2024 (No. 38 Overall Prospect)
When Colson Montgomery eventually gets the call-up, he’ll be a rather unique player for his position. Montgomery is the rare left-handed hitting shortstop that we don’t see all too often. Much like Oneil Cruz and Corey Seager, Montgomery possesses a tall frame (6-foot-4) which allows him to generate power to all parts of the field. While some believe he could eventually be moved to another position, the White Sox are confident that Montgomery will be able to play an adequate shortstop despite his growth.
Cincinnati Reds — Elly De La Cruz
Projected ETA: 2023 (No. 10 Overall Prospect)
De La Cruz is the perfect example of a home run international signing. Back in 2018, De La Cruz signed for a measly $65,000. Easily the most exciting position player in Cincinnati’s organization — Hunter Greene is electric on the mound — the 21-year-old should make an impact with the Reds in 2023. Capable of playing shortstop, third base and second base, De La Cruz is a true five-tool player. Last season, the 6-foot-5 rising star slashed .304/.359/.586 with 28 HR and 47 SB. This is a name that all fans should remember.
Cleveland Guardians — Daniel Espino
Projected ETA: 2023 (No. 16 Overall Prospect)
Already the youngest team in baseball, you have to love how the Guardians have approached team-building. Cleveland won the AL Central last year despite having a roster littered with inexperience. And, even more reinforcements could be on the way. Cleveland’s top-6 prospects are between 22-and-23 years of age, meaning we could see at least a few of them as early as 2023. That list includes righty Daniel Espino, who boasts one of the most electric arms in the Minors. His fastball exceeds triple-digits as he compiled 152 K’s in 91.2 IP last season.
Colorado Rockies — Ezequiel Tovar
Projected ETA: 2023 (No. 25 Overall Prospect)
The shortstop out of Venezuela signed with the Rockies when he was only 16 years old. He’s quickly moved through the farm system and appears primed to — at the very least — start the year in Colorado with the big league club. Tovar is known for two things: His ability to field the baseball, and his prowess in hitting it. Tovar accumulated a .319 batting average and a .927 OPS across both Double-A and Triple-A last year. At only 21 years of age, the top-30 prospect has a terrific ceiling. As everyone also knows, playing at Coors Field won’t do anything to hurt his prospects in potentially becoming an above-average hitter on the highest level.
Detroit Tigers — Jackson Jobe
Projected ETA: 2025 (No. 63 Overall Prospect)
Jobe boasts high upside for a Tigers organization that desperately needs to hit on a few of these draft picks. Several draft pundits believe the Tigers reached a bit for Jobe, but the organization took a risk on the Oklahoma product and are hoping it pans out. Jobe’s fastball sits in the mid 90’s, but his best pitch by far is a wicked slider. Already having a strikeout pitch so refined means that Jobe should be able to find some early success when he does finally receive a Major League call-up.
Houston Astros — Hunter Brown
Projected ETA: 2023 (No. 43 Overall Prospect)
It is never easy to lose a pitcher of Justin Verlander’s caliber, but the Houston Astros might soon have another frontline ace atop their rotation. Hunter Brown debuted last season and was rather dominant in his short stint. In seven regular season appearances (two starts), Brown posted a 0.89 ERA and allowed two runs in 20.1 IP. In the playoffs, Brown pitched 3.2 innings and didn’t surrender a run. Brown’s four-seam fastball sits at 95-97 mph and peaks at 100. Coupled with a power curve and a cutter that evades bats, Brown has three pitches that will make him into a star in short order.
Kansas City Royals — Gavin Cross
Projected ETA: 2025 (No. 62 Overall Prospect)
Gavin Cross parlayed an excellent collegiate career into being selected ninth overall by the Royals in 2022. Possessing a plus-bat and a solid arm, Cross projects as a corner outfielder in the bigs. The lefty was excellent in 2022 making appearances for two Royals affiliates. In 29 games, Cross mashed 17 XBH and has a OPS of 1.070. The Royals are not a team built to win right now. As such, the organization will need to develop players like Cross who could be available once the team is ready to compete again.
Los Angeles Angels — Logan O’Hoppe
Projected ETA: 2023 (No. 53 Overall Prospect)
Last August, the Angels traded Brandon Marsh to the Philadelphia Phillies for a prospect. That prospect turned out to be pretty damn good (so far). Upon joining the Angels’ Double-A team, Logan O’Hoppe smashed 11 HR and hit .306 in 29 games. As a result, the catcher was called up to the Angels for the final five games of the season. O’Hoppe has a reputation for working well with pitchers, has great blocking skills behind the dish, and has a quick release coupled with a strong arm. There is a chance O’Hoppe is starting at catcher for the Angels on Opening Day. If that is the case, he may be a strong bet to win the American League Rookie of the Year.
Los Angeles Dodgers — Diego Cartaya
Projected ETA: 2023 (No. 14 Overall Prospect)
Cartaya is the most talented prospect within the deepest farm system in the Major Leagues. For years, other teams have tried prying him away from the Dodgers in trades for big league talent. Of course, the Dodgers relented — knowing that they’ve got a potential star on their hands. Cartaya is a big guy at 6-foot-3 and roughly 220 pounds. His bat-to-ball skills have been lauded dating back to when he signed as a free agent from Venezuela.
He does struggle a bit when it comes to defending behind the plate (despite possessing a high-level arm). Still, you’re looking at a guy who could perennially hit 30+ homers and hit close to .300. Most people compare him to Salvador Perez with a higher ceiling. Even with Will Smith behind the dish for the Dodgers right now, Cartaya is good enough to the point where Smith may be moved elsewhere just to get Cartaya’s bat into the lineup. He’s simply that promising as a prospect.
Miami Marlins — Eury Perez
Projected ETA: 2023 (No. 13 Overall Prospect)
The Marlins always seem to have a handful of gifted pitchers in their pipeline. We saw former No. 3 overall pick Max Meyer get the call-up last year. 2019 international signing Eury Perez could be the next Miami pitching prospect to make the jump. While Meyer is able to generate a ton of torque in a rather compact frame, Perez is a physical specimen who uses his size to his advantage. The 6-foot-8 righty throws a high 90’s fastball and can keep hitters off-balance with a plus changeup and curve. He struggled with control last season, but Perez has already notched 218 K’s across 155 IP.
Milwaukee Brewers — Jackson Chourio
Projected ETA: 2024 (No. 8 Overall Prospect)
Jackson Chourio signed with Milwaukee in 2021. While Chourio was a shortstop at the time, he is now patrolling the outfield. Turning 19 in March, the Venezuela native was the youngest player in last year’s All-Star Futures Game. Chourio possesses 70-grade speed, has tremendous pop, and hits the ball hard to all parts of the field. Chourio hit 20 HR and stole 16 bases in the Minors last year (across three levels), and figures to spend all of 2023 in AA/AAA. As his plate discipline improves, Chourio will only become more lethal with the bat in his hands.
Minnesota Twins — Brooks Lee
Projected ETA: 2024 (No. 31 Overall Prospect)
Minnesota’s former first-round pick might have the best hit-tool of any prospect in baseball. Brooks Lee is a switch-hitting shortstop who already has elite bat-to-ball skills. This is a guy who slashed .357/.462/.664 in his final year of college ball — leading some to believe he could go first overall. Lee ended up sliding to eight overall where the Twins scooped him up. In his first taste of Minor League pitching last year, Lee hit .303 and walked nearly as often as he struck out. Lee will get the call-up very soon, and will instantly be a plus-bat for the Twins lineup.
New York Mets — Francisco Alvarez
Projected ETA: 2023 (No. 3 Overall Prospect)
Alvarez is a star-in-waiting. A gifted hitter who plays a premium defensive position, Alvarez is the type of prospect who only comes around every few years. Even if he didn’t play catcher, teams would remain enamored with his ability to handle the bat. Alvarez has registered a career .910 OPS in Minor League play, and has shown the ability to prolong at-bats and draw walks. In his most recent stay in AAA, Alvarez boasted a .382 OBP. We saw him for five games in the Majors last year — where he notched his first career HR — and he will be one of the early favorites to take home NL Rookie of the Year in 2023.
New York Yankees — Anthony Volpe
Projected ETA: 2023 (No. 5 Overall Prospect)
We’ve been hearing about this name for years. Those in the Bronx have been salivating over the prospect who many hope turns into the next Derek Jeter. While that’s some considerable (and potentially out-of-reach) hype, there’s a lot to like about Volpe’s game.
By game, we’re of course speaking about his bat. In 2021, he slugged 20+ homers and stole 50+ bases. He crushes fastballs to all parts of the park (though sometimes struggles against off-speed stuff). Manager Aaron Boone has been highly-complimentary of Volpe for his leadership qualities as well as his work ethic. While he might not be the starter at shortstop this year (Oswald Peraza is the favorite), Volpe still has a nice upside — if for nothing else his bat and his makeup as a human.
Oakland Athletics — Tyler Soderstrom
Projected ETA: 2023 (No. 39 Overall Prospect)
If you are a fan of the Oakland Athletics, you don’t have too much to look forward to this season. The A’s have gone from a contender to one of the worst team’s in baseball in the blink of an eye. When looking at MLB.com’s Top 100 Prospects, Oakland has just two players in the mix. A 1B/C drafted out of Turlock High School in California in 2020, Tyler Soderstrom is the club’s top prospect. The son of a former Major Leaguer, Soderstrom is an advanced hitter for his age. He makes hard contact, possesses good bat speed, and is smart in the box. Last season, Soderstrom slashed .267/.324/.501 with 29 HR and 105 RBI in the Minors. It remains to be seen where he will play in the field once he joins the A’s, but Soderstrom’s ability at the plate will likely put him in the middle of the lineup.
Philadelphia Phillies — Andrew Painter
Projected ETA: 2023 (No. 6 Overall Prospect)
The 19-year-old Painter has already shown signs of being a strong draft pick for the Phillies. The defending NL champions selected Painter straight out of high school back in the 2021 draft. The powerful righty has three plus-pitchers — including a fastball which reaches 98 MPH, a deceptive slider, and a sharp curve. Last season, Painter boasted a sterling 1.56 ERA over three different leagues. If he keeps that up, the Phillies will have no choice but to call up the 6-foot-7 phenom sooner rather than later.
Pittsburgh Pirates — Termarr Johnson
Projected ETA: 2025 (No. 26 Overall Prospect)
While Pittsburgh’s Major League team isn’t brimming with talent — with the exception of Bryan Reynolds, Ke’Bryan Hayes and Oneil Cruz — it does have a potential gem developing in the Minors. Despite standing at a mere 5-foot-7, Termarr Johnson is viewed as a potential star at second base. Johnson has an elite bat. Blessed with tremendous hand-eye coordination, Johnson makes contact at a ridiculous rate. He hits for power and contact with ease, and does equally well against speed and break. It may take a few years for him to play for the Pirates, but Johnson will form one of the league’s best middle infields alongside Cruz.
San Diego Padres — Jackson Merrill
Projected ETA: 2024 (No. 19 Overall Prospect)
Merrill is a unique prospect. Playing the shortstop position, he’s got a big frame at 6-foot-3. However, unlike others who’ve recently played the position at that height (Troy Tulowitzki, Corey Seager), he’s more prone to hitting doubles than slugging for homers. We’re curious as to whether he’ll stick there long-term. Looking at the Padres’ current roster, he’ll be blocked playing pretty much anywhere in the infield (unless Manny Machado leaves as a free agent). If you’re the Padres, Merrill can be used as a very attractive trade chip down the line. Or, you’ll be plenty pleased with a high average guy who tends to put the ball in play with some positional versatility.
San Francisco Giants — Kyle Harrison
Projected ETA: 2023 (No. 18 Overall Prospect)
We like Harrison a whole lot. The left-handed hurler totally fits the mold of what has made San Francisco so successful over the last 20 years. He’s a low ERA pitcher with elite stuff — plain and simple. Even more exciting for those in the Bay, Harrison has untapped potential which could ultimately skyrocket him into being one of baseball’s most prized prospects. There’s no reason to think he won’t continue to refine his overall game. Should he continue improving his command, Harrison will take an even bigger jump up from the top-20 prospect standing he’s already enjoying as of Feb. 2023.
Seattle Mariners — Harry Ford
Projected ETA: 2025 (No. 49 Overall Prospect)
A lot of eyes will be on the Mariners in 2023, and prospects like Harry Ford give good reason to believe eyes will be on the M’s for years to come. The No. 12 pick in 2021, Ford does a great job recognizing pitches at the dish and sprays the ball all over the park. His athleticism would play at any position, but is particularly impressive for a catcher. Ford has plus speed, a strong arm, big raw power, and is agile behind the plate. Only 20 years old, Ford has time to develop his craft and likely won’t breakthrough to the Majors for another few years.
St. Louis Cardinals — Jordan Walker
Projected ETA: 2023 (No. 4 Overall Prospect)
Entering 2023, Jordan Walker is a frontrunner to win the National League Rookie of the Year award. Turning 21 in May, Walker made the switch from third base to right field last year due to Nolan Arenado occupying the hot corner for the Cardinals. At 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, Walker possesses a ton of power. Walker still needs time to develop his skill in the outfield, but his huge arm should help make the transition a bit easier. Through his first two years in the Minors, Walker has hit .310 with 33 HR, 116 RBI and 36 SB. Walker has the look of a future superstar.
Tampa Bay Rays — Taj Bradley
Projected ETA: 2023 (No. 20 Overall Prospect)
Bradley is among the best pitching prospects in all of the Minor Leagues. We have to credit Tampa Bay for unearthing these gems — particularly as it pertains to pitchers. Bradley is only 21 years old, yet possesses three great pitches which include a fastball touching upwards of 97 MPH, a heavy cutter/slider hybrid, and a hard splitter. Even better for Bradley and the Rays, he rarely walks batters. Don’t be shocked to see Bradley debut for the Rays at some point this season. You’re looking at a future top of the rotation talent.
Texas Rangers — Josh Jung
Projected ETA: 2023 (No. 34 Overall Prospect)
The Rangers are a team on the rise. In addition to the front office spending big money on All-Star players and bringing in Bruce Bochy to manage the team, the franchise has six prospects included in MLB.com’s Top-100. Leading the charge is Josh Jung — a 25-year-old third baseman who made his debut last year. Jung is a good hitter — after hitting .348 in college, he hit .311 over three seasons in the Minors. His approach became more aggressive last season, and he struggled at times to adjust to Major League pitching. We expect Jung to look more comfortable this year. If he fulfills his potential, Jung can hit .300 and slug 20-30 homers.
Toronto Blue Jays — Ricky Tiedemann
Projected ETA: 2024 (No. 32 Overall Prospect)
The Blue Jays’ current pitching rotation is loaded with depth and veteran talent. Yet, there’s still the need to cultivate young up-and-coming arms in the event of an injury or poor play. One of those options is Tiedemann. The big lefty is an imposing figure on the mound. He won’t necessarily blow anyone away with plus-plus stuff. However, the natural movement Tiedemann gets on the ball is impressive. We’re talking about a darting changeup and a wicked slider.
Washington Nationals — James Wood
Projected ETA: 2025 (No. 17 Overall Prospect)
Washington boasts a trio of talented outfielders atop its prospect rankings, but the one with the most intriguing upside is 20-year-old James Wood. The 6-foot-7, 240-pound Wood is a tremendous athlete who previously excelled as a high school basketball player. Teams are always in search of that next, great power-speed threat. Somebody like Wood fits the bill. His size alone allows him to generate plenty of pop, but he’s also exceptionally fast on the bases for a player his size. The Nats need Wood to breakout at some point — as he was the core piece in the deal Washington received in exchange for Juan Soto.
