The ultimate aspiration for any minor league player is to progress to the major leagues, a journey fraught with challenges and opportunities. Below, we highlight 30 promising prospects from across the American League East and Central divisions whose performances in 2024 could propel them closer to achieving their dreams.
In the American League East:
Adam Macko, a left-handed pitcher ranked No. 9 in the Blue Jays’ organization, has been a beacon of success for Double-A New Hampshire amidst injuries to key pitchers. Over his last seven starts, the 23-year-old has maintained a 3.08 ERA with 49 strikeouts across 38 innings, showcasing a diverse pitching arsenal that could warrant a promotion to Triple-A soon.
Seth Johnson, acquired by the Orioles in 2022, has found his stride in Double-A after recovering from Tommy John surgery. At 25, Johnson boasts a 1.31 ERA and an impressive 10.9 K/9 rate, indicating readiness for a move to Triple-A, potentially setting the stage for a major league debut this season.
Xavier Isaac, a first baseman ranked No. 3 in the Rays’ system and No. 45 overall in MLB, has flourished at High-A Bowling Green. Despite a slow start in April, Isaac has rebounded with a stellar .357/.440/.674 slash line, including nine home runs and nine steals since May. His power potential and overall offensive prowess suggest he’s primed for a new challenge, pending recovery from a wrist injury.
Marcelo Mayer, the Red Sox’s No. 1 prospect and MLB’s No. 11 overall, has proven himself capable at Double-A. With a .308/.373/.487 batting line, six home runs, and 12 steals, the 21-year-old shortstop has demonstrated both offensive prowess and defensive acumen, making a compelling case for a promotion to Triple-A to bolster Boston’s roster.
Jared Serna, a versatile infielder in the Yankees’ organization, has impressed with his offensive output at High-A. Batting .275/.375/.496 with 11 home runs and nine steals, Serna’s compact frame belies his potent bat and disciplined approach, positioning him as a standout performer deserving of further advancement.
In the American League Central:
Jhonkensy Noel, an outfielder and first baseman ranked No. 26 in the Guardians’ system, has showcased immense power potential throughout the Triple-A International League. Hitting .295/.360/.582 with 17 home runs and 56 RBI in 60 games, Noel’s offensive prowess could inject additional firepower into the Guardians’ lineup, warranting consideration for a major league call-up.
Carter Jensen, ranked No. 10 in the Royals’ organization, has thrived at High-A Quad Cities. The 20-year-old catcher’s improved slash line of .287/.406/.452 and a 143 wRC+ highlight his offensive development, coupled with refined plate discipline and reduced strikeout rates. Jensen’s consistency and experience position him as a promising candidate for advancement to higher levels within the Royals’ system.
Hao-Yu Lee, acquired by the Tigers from the Phillies, has excelled in his first full season at Double-A Erie. Leading the Eastern League in slugging percentage (.513) and ranking prominently in hits, extra-base hits, and total bases, Lee’s recent surge in performance underscores his potential to contribute at the Triple-A level and beyond, bolstering Detroit’s infield depth.
These 30 players exemplify the dedication and skill required to navigate the minor league system towards major league success. Their performances in 2024 not only highlight their individual growth but also position them as viable candidates for promotion, inching closer to realizing their aspirations on the grand stage of professional baseball.
The Twins’ Zebby Matthews, selected in the eighth round from Western Carolina in 2022, exemplifies their knack for uncovering promising college pitchers late in drafts. Since his promotion from High-A to Double-A this season, Matthews has thrived with a 1.77 ERA, 0.73 WHIP, and .188 opponent batting average over six starts for Wichita. His dominance suggests he’s ready for a promotion to Triple-A and a potential role in bolstering the Twins’ major league rotation.
Mason Adams of the White Sox, a 13th-round steal from Jacksonville in 2022, has showcased his talents in Double-A Southern League. Armed with a deceptive low-80s curveball and exceptional pitching acumen, Adams leads the league with a 6.4 K/BB ratio and holds a solid 2.34 ERA with 70 strikeouts across 69 1/3 innings. His consistent performance positions him as a candidate for a promotion to Chicago, following in the footsteps of fellow prospects moving up the ranks.
In the American League West:
Adrian Placencia, ranked No. 12 in the Angels’ system, has rebounded impressively in Single-A Inland Empire after struggling in higher levels last season. With a .923 OPS and a recent .297/.415/.584 slash line, the 21-year-old infielder is making a strong case for promotion back to High-A Tri-City, showcasing renewed offensive prowess and potential.
Jake Bloss, drafted by the Astros in the third round from Georgetown, has made a significant impact since his promotion to Double-A in early May. With a peak fastball velocity of 98 mph and an improved curveball, Bloss leads the minors with a .144 opponent average, ranks fourth in WHIP (0.82), and ninth in ERA (1.74). His rapid development calls for another challenge, possibly setting the stage for a promotion to higher levels within the Astros’ organization.
Lazaro Montes of the Mariners, despite being only 19 years old, has outgrown the California League with a standout .314/.419/.540 batting line, 13 home runs, and 69 RBIs in 61 games. Following organizational precedent with early promotions, Montes’ exceptional offensive production suggests he could soon advance to High-A Everett, continuing his upward trajectory in the Mariners’ system.
Winston Santos, a $10,000 signing from the Dominican Republic, has rebounded strongly in High-A for the Rangers after a challenging season last year. Leading the South Atlantic League in wins (six) and ranking second in ERA (2.43) and strikeouts (80 in 59 1/3 innings), Santos utilizes a formidable repertoire including a mid-90s fastball, mid-80s slider, and diving changeup. His resurgence positions him as a potent prospect deserving of further attention.
In the National League East:
Cade Kuehler of the Braves, though still stationed at Single-A Augusta, has shown marked improvement recently with a 1.42 ERA and 0.89 WHIP over his last four starts. His enhanced command and consistency on the mound hint at a potential move up to High-A Rome, aligning with the Braves’ proactive approach in developing their pitching prospects.
Jacob Miller, drafted by the Marlins in the second round from an Ohio high school, has rebounded in High-A with a 3.08 ERA, ranking third in the Midwest League with 54 strikeouts over 52 2/3 innings. Miller’s performance underscores his progress and readiness for further advancement within the Marlins’ system.
Brandon Sproat, promoted from High-A to Double-A this season, has demonstrated exceptional performance metrics. With a 1.52 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, and an impressive strikeout rate, Sproat’s advanced skills at just 23 years old suggest readiness for higher-level competition, possibly positioning him as a future asset for the Mets.
These prospects exemplify the depth and talent across various organizations, each poised to make an impact as they ascend through the minor leagues toward their ultimate goal of reaching the major leagues.
In the National League Central, Eric Bitonti of the Brewers, drafted in the third round in 2023, began his professional career with the Arizona Complex League. Standing tall at 6-foot-4, Bitonti has showcased impressive power with four home runs and a .541 slugging percentage across 26 games. However, his early-season performance has also revealed concerns about his hit-tool with a high strikeout rate of 30.3%. Despite these challenges, Bitonti’s substantial .255 ISO ranks him fifth among ACL qualifiers, indicating his potential for Single-A Carolina later this summer as he continues to develop.
Quinn Mathews, a 2023 pick by the Cardinals, has made significant strides this season, recently moving up to High-A Peoria after an impressive showing in the Midwest League. Since his debut on May 10, Mathews has maintained a stellar 2.87 ERA and 0.74 WHIP over 37 2/3 innings, marked by improved velocity, a reliable changeup, and enhanced slider. His consistent performance and dominance on the mound suggest readiness for the next challenge in Double-A, aligning well with his developmental trajectory in the Cardinals’ system.
Owen Caissie, the Cubs’ outfield prospect acquired in the 2020 Yu Darvish trade from the Padres, has been a consistent force in Triple-A at just 21 years old. Displaying one of the best power potentials in the game, Caissie boasts a robust .284/.407/.464 slash line with eight home runs over 62 games. With the Cubs facing offensive struggles, Caissie’s offensive prowess positions him as a viable option to bolster their lineup in the near future.
Charles McAdoo, selected by the Pirates in the 13th round of the 2023 Draft, has emerged as a significant find with High-A Greensboro. Following a strong debut season with Single-A Bradenton, McAdoo has continued his upward trajectory, slashing an impressive .333/.413/.557 over 59 games this year. Beyond his offensive contributions, McAdoo has displayed defensive flexibility by playing both third base and second base, further enhancing his value within the Pirates’ organization.
Hector Rodriguez, acquired from the Mets in 2022, has sustained his impressive hitting performance with High-A Dayton for the Reds. Despite a lack of power displays, Rodriguez maintains a solid batting average and has recently hit .330 over his last 100 at-bats, showcasing consistent offensive production and minimal strikeouts. His continued success suggests potential readiness for advancement within the Reds’ minor league system.
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