30 teams, 30 prospects. Some of the top prospects in baseball will have an opportunity to make an impact in the 2024 season. Others may be a few years away from the Majors. Either way, the future of baseball is bright.
Arizona Diamondbacks — Jordan Lawlar
Last year, our top prospect for Arizona was a man named Corbin Carroll. As all baseball fans know, Carroll was one of the best players in baseball last season and helped lead the Diamondbacks to the World Series. Now, Arizona’s two-best prospects are well-known names — Jordan Lawler and Druw Jones. The No. 6 pick in 2021, Lawler debuted late last year — earning 31 ABs in 14 appearances. Lawler has exceptional bat speed and decent power for his position. As his defense continues to improve, Lawler will increase his value for the D-Backs. He should be a mainstay in Arizona very soon.
Atlanta Braves — Hurston Waldrep
These days, it is hard to bet against Atlanta. Waldrep is another prospect in Atlanta’s system with tantalizing potential. The No. 24 overall pick in last year’s draft, Waldrep was dominant for the Florida Gators. With a fastball that reaches 99 mph and a nasty splitter, the right-hander fanned 156 batters last season — the third-most in D1. Waldrep can become a solid starting pitcher but he must work on his command. If his command doesn’t improve dramatically, we could envision Waldrep breaking through into the Majors as a reliever.
Baltimore Orioles — Jackson Holliday
We won’t have to wait long to watch the No. 1 prospect in baseball play in the Majors. If Jackson Holliday doesn’t begin the year with the Orioles, we would expect to see him by the summer at the latest. Holliday is a strong defender and has 30-HR potential once he fills out. It remains to be seen whether Holliday would begin at shortstop once he joins the O’s — as Gunnar Henderson, last year’s Rookie of the Year, currently occupies the position.
Boston Red Sox — Marcelo Mayer
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 21 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. Mayer struggled in Double A last year (.189 BA in 43 games) so his 2024 season will be one to watch closely.
Chicago Cubs — Pete Crow-Armstrong
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 2023, Crow-Armstrong slashed .283/.365/.511 between Double A and Triple A. In 14 ABs with the Cubs, he failed to record a hit.
Chicago White Sox — Colson Montgomery
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 — Noelvi Marte
Cincinnati is one of the most exciting young teams in baseball. The Reds had a handful of impact rookies in 2023, and many people believe Noelvi Marte might be the best prospect yet. In 35 games with Cincinnati last year, Marte slashed .316/.366/.456. He hits the ball very hard (115 mph peak exit velo) and to all parts of the field. If he can become a starter for the Reds early on, Marte should be considered one of the favorites to win National League Rookie of the Year.
Cleveland Guardians — Brayan Rocchio
Cleveland is a franchise known for developing pitchers, but its top prospect entering 2024 is a shortstop — Brayan Rocchio. The 23-year-old made his debut with the Guardians last year and he appears to be in position to enter the season as the everyday shortstop. Rocchio is a great defender and has improved his ability at the plate since being drafted. A switch-hitter, Rocchio doesn’t strike out often and he possesses elite plate discipline. If he can hit 15-20 home runs per season, Rocchio can develop into an All-Star for Cleveland.
Colorado Rockies — Sterlin Thompson
The 31st pick in 2022, Thompson is known for his ability at the plate. While at Florida, Thompson hit .332 with a .948 OPS across two seasons. The 6-foot-4 prospect enters 2024 without a true position. The Rockies have moved Thompson around the diamond — giving him time in the outfield and at second and third. Ultimately, we would bet on Thompson becoming a corner outfielder. Despite his large frame, he doesn’t possess a ton of power. Regardless, his ability to put the ball in play will lead to a lot of hits and a steady role once he reaches the Majors.
Detroit Tigers — Max Clark
Detroit is a trendy pick to win the American League Central in 2024, and its future appears to be looking bright. The Tigers have done well in the draft in recent years and Max Clark figures to be another success story. The No. 3 pick in 2023, Clark is viewed as a five-tool prospect. His plus speed plays on the bases and in the outfield where Clark is a strong defender. The lefty has good power in the box and could hit 30+ homers once he fills out.
Houston Astros — Jacob Melton
Houston may have one of the best teams in baseball once again in 2024, but its farm is currently weaker than it’s been in quite some time. Last year’s trade for Justin Verlander certainly depleted the top end of the farm. Jacob Melton is at the top of the prospect board for the ‘Stros. A 6-foot-3 lefty, Melton has a lot of power and is already a strong defender in center. To reach the Majors, however, Melton will need to improve at the plate. He tends to sell out for power and is too aggressive. A more disciplined approach would do wonders for his future.
Kansas City Royals — Blake Mitchell
Could we be looking at Kansas City’s next star catcher? Only 19 years old, Blake Mitchell was drafted No. 8 overall out of high school in 2023. The youngster has a cannon for an arm — topped out at 94 mph as a high school pitcher — and is a very good defensive catcher, as well. While he has some serious pop at the plate, he is a long way away from being an impact bat. Mitchell struggles against offspeed pitches and is often off-balance as a result. Mitchell is likely a few years away from reaching the Majors.
Los Angeles Angels — Nolan Schanuel
Had the Angels decided to trade Shohei Ohtani last summer, they would have a much stronger farm system. Instead, Los Angeles’ farm remains weak. Its top prospect, Nolan Schanuel, made his debut late last season. In 29 games, Schanuel hit .275 and showed a good eye at the plate — drawing 20 walks versus 19 strikeouts. Remarkably, Schanuel was the No. 11 pick in the 2023 draft and reached the Majors two months later. In addition to having great discipline in the box, Schanuel has no trouble catching up to fastballs. If he can improve his power, he should enjoy a lengthy career.
Los Angeles Dodgers — River Ryan
The Dodgers committed over $1 billion in the offseason and they still have one of the top farm systems in baseball — they will be a problem for years to come. This pick came down to two stud prospects — Josue De Paula and River Ryan — and we wouldn’t argue with anyone who went with the other player. We are giving a slight nod to Ryan. At 18 years old, De Paula could eventually develop into one of baseball’s best hitters. Ryan, a pitcher, will turn 25 this year. Last year, Ryan struck out nearly 25-percent of the batters he faced. His fastball reaches 99 mph and he possesses three above-average offspeed offerings. If he continues to develop as quickly as he did last year, Ryan could be a factor in September.
Miami Marlins — Noble Meyer
The Marlins don’t have a strong farm system entering 2024, but Noble Meyer is an exciting prospect. Only 19, Meyer is incredibly raw but has four plus pitches at his disposal. His fastball reached 101 mph in high school and consistently sat around 96 in pro ball last year. His curveball is arguably his best pitch — and his slider and changeup played well at times, as well. His control leaves a lot to be desired, but his pure stuff is tough to match. A few years from now, we could be looking at Meyer as one of the top young pitchers in baseball.
Milwaukee Brewers — Jackson Chourio
Jackson Chourio signed with Milwaukee in 2021. While Chourio was a shortstop at the time, he is now patrolling the outfield. Turning 20 in March, the Venezuela native was the recipient of an $82 million contract this offseason — despite having never played in the Majors. Chourio possesses 70-grade speed, has tremendous pop, and hits the ball hard to all parts of the field. Chourio will have a tremendous opportunity this year to become a difference-maker for the Brew Crew.
Minnesota Twins — Walker Jenkins
Minnesota has two very good prospects at the top of its farm — Brooks Lee and Walker Jenkins. Lee, the No. 8 pick in 2022, is an advanced hitter who could make an impact in Minnesota as early as this season. Jenkins was the No. 5 pick in 2023. At 6-foot-3, Jenkins has a beautiful swing with elite bat speed. He has 30+ home run power. While he is currently playing centerfield, Jenkins’ future will likely be in a corner outfield spot.
New York Mets — Jett Williams
We considered a familiar name for this spot, but Luisangel Acuña — Ronald Acuña Jr.’s brother — fell just short. Jett Williams is a very good player, and he becomes more impressive when you realize he is only 5-foot-6. Williams has a lot of speed (fitting for the name Jett) and possesses a surprising amount of pop. Across three levels in the Minors last year, Williams hit 13 home runs. His defense needs some work if he wants to stick at shortstop, but the potential is certainly there.
New York Yankees — Jasson Domínguez
Yankees fans have been anticipating Jasson Domínguez’s arrival for quite some time. The top prospect signed for a $5.1 million bonus four years ago and made his official debut last year. Domínguez appeared in eight games and launched four home runs for the Yanks. A switch-hitter, Domínguez has immense power and bat speed. He is fast and is capable of being a plus defender in the outfield. Unfortunately, Domínguez underwent Tommy John surgery last year and will miss a big chunk of the 2024 season.
Oakland Athletics — Max Muncy
Oakland has a second chance to develop Max Muncy into a star. Nearly a decade ago, Oakland cut the Muncy we all know — the slugger who currently plays for the Dodgers. After hitting five homers through 96 games in Oakland, Muncy has smacked 175 HR through six years with Los Angeles. Now, Oakland has its new Muncy — a 2021 first-round pick who plays shortstop. Muncy is an agile shortstop but doesn’t possess much power. There is a chance he will develop into an everyday player within the next year or two.
Philadelphia Phillies — Andrew Painter
Painter has already shown signs of being a strong draft pick for the Phillies. The Phillies selected Painter straight out of high school back in the 2021 draft. The powerful righty has three plus-pitchers — including a fastball that reaches 98 MPH, a deceptive slider, and a sharp curve. Last season, Painter underwent Tommy John surgery in July due to a torn UCL. He will likely be out of action until the Fall — resulting in a delayed ETA.
Pittsburgh Pirates — Paul Skenes
The No. 1 pick of the 2023 MLB Draft is seen as a can’t-miss prospect. Towering on the mound at 6-foot-6, Skenes possesses a fastball that tops out at 102 MPH. Viewed as the best pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg, Skenes dominated during his final collegiate season. At LSU, Skenes went 12-2 with a 1.69 ERA and 209 strikeouts in 122.2 IP. The flamethrower has a chance to make Pittsburgh’s Opening Day roster in 2024, but a summer arrival is more likely.
San Diego Padres — Ethan Salas
Ethan Salas is one of the most intriguing prospects in baseball. Salas doesn’t turn 18 until June, but he has already reached Double A. Salas appears to be comfortable behind the dish — he is smooth receiving the ball and has a quick release to accompany a plus arm. His ability with a bat in his hands is also advanced for his age. Salas has the makings of a future superstar — whether he sticks at catcher or moves to first base down the road. Could we see the young prospect make a cameo with the Padres in 2024?
San Francisco Giants — Kyle Harrison
We like Harrison a whole lot. The left-handed hurler 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 a frontline starter. 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 in his second taste of MLB action. Last year, Harrison made seven starts down the stretch for the Giants.
Seattle Mariners — Colt Emerson
The No. 22 pick out of high school in 2023, Colt Emerson made quite an impression in limited action last year. Capable of playing either middle infield position, Emerson has the looks of a future Batting Title contender. Through eight games in the ACL, Emerson hit .536. Upon being elevated to the Cal League, the Ohio native slashed .302/.436/.444 in 16 games. Emerson projects to be a second baseman in the Majors due to his limited speed and range, but his bat will play at any level.
St. Louis Cardinals — Masyn Winn
St. Louis’ top prospect struggled in limited action last year with the Cardinals. In 37 games, Wynn had a tough time at the plate — posting a .172/.230/.238 line. Wynn is known for his ability at shortstop, however. He is an elite defender and has ridiculous arm strength. And while he didn’t produce at the plate in 2023 with the Cards, he has good tools. Wynn makes a lot of contact and has a great eye. His pitch recognition is advanced for his age and he will certainly produce better numbers across the board this year.
Tampa Bay Rays — Junior Caminero
Tampa Bay has a phenom to look out for. Caminero debuted with the Rays last season and figures to be a critical piece to the team in 2024. The 20-year-old has the potential to be one of the best hitters in baseball. Caminero has a ton of pop and his hands are very fast through the zone. In 2023, he launched 31 homers across three levels. He is not exceptional defensively, but his ability to hit the ball will result in a ton of opportunities this year and moving forward.
Texas Rangers — Wyatt Langford
Here we have another former Florida Gator. Wyatt Langford is a star in the making for the Rangers. The No. 4 pick in 2023, Langford blazed his way through the Minors following the June draft. Langford reached Triple A by the end of the year and he had no trouble hitting at every level along the way. In 44 total games, the outfielder slashed .360/.480/.677 with 10 home runs and 12 stolen bases. He has power, speed, and is a capable defender. Langford will be a star sooner rather than later.
Toronto Blue Jays — Ricky Tiedemann
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. Tiedemann battled injuries last season and only threw 44 innings — Toronto hopes for a much larger workload in 2024.
Washington Nationals — Dylan Crews
Projected ETA: 2025 (No. 17 Overall Prospect)
The No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft, Dylan Crews would have gone No. 1 in most years. Crews was an absolute stud at LSU. Last season, the electric outfielder slashed .426/.567/.713 with 18 HR across 71 games. In 14 games at Single A, Crews hit .355 with five homers. Double A pitchers were able to cause some issues for Crews by throwing a heavy dose of offspeed pitches, but he will surely adjust with more experience. A plus hitter, Crews should find his way to Washington quickly.