MLB's 100 Names You Need To Know For 2024: Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto tops the list
The annual list of USA TODAY Sports' 100 Names You Need to Know has an appropriately 2024 look to it.
In short, it's got a bunch of Baltimore Orioles, and a bunch of dudes named Jackson, and even an Oriole named Jackson.
Modern naming conventions aside, the group of top prospects and recently-debuted big leaguers expected to make the greatest impact on the upcoming Major League Baseball season reflect the evolution of player development and the unprecedentedly advanced play at the amateur game's highest levels.
Hard-throwing pitchers. Tooled-up outfielders ready to make a leap from campus to crushing big league pitches. And international stars well-equipped to transfer their skills from Asia or Latin America.
This group, representing all 30 teams, reflects not necessarily the top prospects, but rather those likeliest to make a big league impact this season. The players are ranked by both prospect pedigree and path to find a significant role this season.
MLB SALARIES: Baseball's top 25 highest-paid players in 2024
Players are eligible if their 2023 minor league plate appearances or innings pitched exceed their career major league total entering this season. A top prospect buried deep in this list may be heading it up in 2025. They are ranked in order of anticipated impact this season:
1. RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers: The Dodgers’ $325 million import is expected to pitch like an ace immediately. One of the most hyped Japanese players in history, the 25-year-old Yamamoto had a stunning 1.82 ERA in seven NPB seasons, winning three Pacific League MVP awards.
2. OF Evan Carter, Rangers: We got a taste of Carter’s high-end profile last September (1.058 OPS in 23 games) and during the Rangers’ postseason run (.917 in 72 plate appearances). He also hit six home runs and provides speed and defense. We’ll see what he can do for a full season with the regular left-fielder’s job and a prominent spot in the batting order.
3. OF Jung Hoo Lee, Giants: The Korean slugger’s six-year, $113 million deal was the first domino in a transformative Giants offseason, with the team ultimately signing Matt Chapman, Jorge Soler and Blake Snell as well. The 25-year-old was a .340 hitter in seven KBO seasons, winning the MVP award in 2022.
4. OF Wyatt Langford, Rangers: The 22-year-old and fourth overall draft pick hit the longest home run on record at the 2023 College World series (456 feet), tore through the minors and has won a job hitting in the middle of the Rangers' lineup. His bat should keep him in at least a regular DH role and maybe an everyday spot. Over 200 plate appearances last season between rookie ball and Class AAA (but more than half of them in high A) here are the numbers: .360 BA, 1.157 OPS, 10 homers, 30 RBI, 12 steals.
5. OF Jackson Chourio, Brewers: One of the game’s top prospects, Chourio hit .280 with 22 homers and 42 stolen bases last season as a 19-year-old at Class AA. But after signing an eight-year, $80 million contract this winter, he’s the Brewers’ opening day center fielder.
6. OF/SS Jackson Merrill, Padres: The 20-year-old’s ascent to the bigs was swift. Merrill, who had never played above Class A made his major league debut in the South Korea series. A shortstop by trade, Merrill's bat earned the left-handed hitter a spot on the Opening Day roster. The only concern facing Merrill will be on the defensive side.
7. SS/2B Jackson Holliday, Orioles: Holliday, the son of former All-Star Matt Holliday, is the industry's consensus No. 1 prospect. A shortstop by trade, he will likely shift to second in the majors with the presence of Gunnar Henderson. He dominated at three levels last season before finishing at Class AAA, and the 20-year old will soon be a Baltimore fixture, though not by Opening Day.
8. Zack Gelof, Athletics: The 24-year-old created instant impact with 14 homers and 32 RBI in 69 games for Oakland last season after hitting .304 with a .929 OPS in Class AAA. It’s going to be an ugly year for the Athletics, but there’s hope that Gelof can be a regular contributor in Oakland, wherever the team calls home the next few years and eventually Las Vegas.
9. LHP Kyle Harrison, Giants: San Francisco’s Snell signing takes some pressure off the lefty, who impressed in seven starts after debuting days after his 22nd birthday last season. Harrison averaged 14.6 strikeouts per nine innings in 69 minor-league starts.
10. OF Parker Meadows, Tigers: The leadoff spot in Motown awaits Meadows, 24, after a 14-game cameo in 2023. Meadows, younger brother of former Tiger Austin Meadows, has 20-homer, 20-steal potential, at the least.
11. LHP Shota Imanaga, Cubs: The 30-year-old doesn’t have as impressive a resume in Japan as Yamamoto does, but his four-pitch repertoire does result in plenty of strikeouts. He had 174 of them (and a 2.80 ERA) in 148 innings last season. Home runs could be an issue though, especially if the wind is blowing out at Wrigley Field.
12. C Bo Naylor, Guardians: Cleveland’s offensive woes can in part be addressed by the Naylor brothers, and now Bo is ready to follow up Josh’s emergence. Naylor, 24, produced an .809 OPS in 230 plate appearances and is slated to bat sixth, two spots behind his big brother.
13. 2B Colt Keith, Tigers: Money can guarantee opportunity and now, Keith must justify it with production. The Tigers signed Keith, 22, to a six-year, $28.6 million deal before he played a minute in the majors – but he did produce a .937 OPS and 26 homers between Class AA and AAA last year.
14. 1B Nolan Schanuel, Angels: The 11th overall pick in last year’s draft, Schanuel was in the majors 40 days later, ultimately batting .275 with a .402 OBP in 132 at-bats for the Angels. He’s expected to be the everyday first baseman for Los Angeles and the organization wants his power to continue developing after just one homer in 29 big-league games last season.
15. RHP Gavin Stone, Dodgers: After making four starts and eight big league appearances last year, Stone, 25, will slot into the Dodgers' rotation at least at the season's outset. While the availability and performance of veterans like Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw and James Paxton might alter his role going forward, Stone's stuff is good enough to stick around.
16. RHP Paul Skenes, Pirates: The No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft has not disappointed in his brief pro career. Skenes, 21, hit 102 mph in a breakout series game before being sent to minor-league camp. It shouldn’t be long before the 6-6 right-hander is in Pittsburgh for good. Many scouts feel the LSU product is the best college pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg.
17. 3B Junior Caminero, Rays: The latest jewel from Tampa Bay's farm system, Caminero, 20, debuted late last year and received two playoff plate appearances. He'll start the season in the minor leagues, but is highly expected to impact this year's ballclub, thanks to his tremendous power that should eventually transfer to a middle-of-the-lineup presence.
18. RHP Jordan Wicks, Cubs: A first-round pick in 2021, Wicks made six solid starts for the Cubs late last season before getting roughed up in his final outing. Otherwise, his 4.41 ERA would’ve been much better. The southpaw, 24, seems to have locked up a rotation spot this spring.
19. SS Masyn Winn, Cardinals: The rocket-armed Winn, 21, is in line to be the Cards’ opening day shortstop, despite struggling at the plate in his first taste of the majors late last season. He did hit 18 homers and steal 17 bases in 105 games at Class AAA Memphis, so there is offensive upside.
20. 1B Kyle Manzardo, Guardians: Acquiring Manzardo for Aaron Civale was a step toward balancing the always pitching-centric Guardians. Now Manzardo, 23, will see if his .926 minor league OPS translates to the big leagues.
21. OF Johan Rojas, Phillies: He debuted at age 22 in July and by October, was playing center field in three playoff rounds. Rojas is a gallant defender - his glove likely will keep him in the lineup - but the Phillies are hoping he can enhance his offensive approach this spring.
22. RHP Jared Jones, Pirates: Jones, 22, has been masterful this spring, allowing no earned runs in his first 11 ⅓ innings. He can hit 100 with his fastball and has a plus slider – tools that have him potentially earning a spot in the Pirates’ opening day rotation despite just 82 innings of Class AAA experience.
23. OF/SS Ceddanne Rafaela, Red Sox: An outstanding defender in center field who can also play the infield, Rafaela, 23, earned a late-season call-up after hitting 20 homers and stealing 37 bases in the minors. A solid spring has him on the verge of shipping up to Boston on opening day.
24. 1B Michael Busch, Cubs: Acquired from the Dodgers after raking at Class AAA (.323, 27 HR, 90 RBI in 98 games), Busch, 26, has the inside track to be the Cubs’ opening day first baseman. Expect some growing pains defensively since he played mostly second and third last season.
25. INF Justin Foscue, Rangers: Nathaniel Lowe’s oblique injury opens the door for playing time at first base in a platoon situation or better if Foscue, 25, can hit at the big league level. The 2020 first-round pick has an .878 OPS over 285 minor league games, most of those in Classes AA and AAA.
26. OF Dominic Canzone, Mariners: Canzone, 26, has 59 big-league games with Seattle and Arizona and a strong spring has put him in line for playing time in left field with the Mariners. Canzone has a .933 OPS across 302 minor league games although that number has dropped considerably in major league action. Canzone also got experience in a pennant race last September, including a four-RBI game.
27. RHP Clayton Beeter, Yankees: An injury to Gerrit Cole has opened up a chance for Beeter, 25, to land the final spot in the rotation. Beeter has 12.8 strikeouts per nine innings in 216 minor league innings and performed well this spring, including four shutout innings in a start against Phillies regulars. There should be opportunities for the 25-year-old until least sometime in June to make an impression in the majors.
28. INF Curtis Mead, Rays: Acquired from Philadelphia for Cristopher Sanchez in 2019, the Australian who can play all infield positions should get at least part-time starts at second or third. Mead, 23, got 83 at-bats last year and has an .890 career minor-league OPS.
29. OF Dominic Fletcher, White Sox: Younger brother of longtime Angel David Fletcher, the 26-year-old can leverage the opportunity a February trade from Arizona to Chicago offers. A little bit of power and speed and a .350 career minor-league OBP.
30. 3B Jace Jung, Tigers: Blocked for the moment by Gio Urshela and a gaggle of utility fellows, Jung, 23, hit 28 homers across high-A and Class AA and cracked the consensus top 50 prospects. Will start at Class AAA but should soon join older brother Josh holding down the hot corner at the highest level.
31. OF Colton Cowser, Orioles: The No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 draft had a breakout spring that should translate to the big leagues better than last year. He struggled when he was called up, going 7-for-61 with 22 strikeouts.
32. INF Davis Schneider, Blue Jays: The begoggled, mustachioed Schneider, 25, gets tossed into the corner infield-utility mix, where anything goes in Toronto. He produced nearly 2 WAR in just a 35-game debut after hitting 21 homers at Class AAA, and is a nice option if Isiah Kiner-Falefa or Cavan Biggio struggle at the plate.
33. RHP Max Meyer, Marlins: The third overall pick in 2020, Meyer missed all of 2023 due to Tommy John surgery, after making his big-league debut in 2022. Miami's rotation has been hit hard by injuries but the Marlins will be careful bringing along Meyer, who starts the season in the minors.
34. Chase DeLauter, Guardians: Jose Ramirez’s long-awaited running mate in the middle of the lineup may soon arrive: DeLauter, 22, backed up a wild 57-game rise from rookie ball to Class AA with an excellent spring and figures to be one of the last camp cuts. Yet nobody has suggested he’s not ready; that debut will happen, probably soon, in 2024.
35. RHP Yariel Rodriguez, Blue Jays: Signed to a four-year, $32 million deal, the Cuban native was plucked from Japan to backfill a rotation spot or fortify the bullpen. While Rodriguez, 27, might not snag a roster spot out of camp, he’s shown encouraging stuff in spring training and will figure in their plans soon.
36. SS/2B Marco Luciano, Giants: Entering his fifth year ranked as a top-40 prospect by MLB.com, the 22-year-old Luciano made his big-league debut last season. He should get some opportunities at shortstop this season after competing with veteran Nick Ahmed for the starting job in spring training.
37. LHP Cody Bradford, Rangers: Bradford, 26, threw 56 innings for the Rangers last season, and in postseason, he allowed one run over 7 ⅔. He will begin in the rotation with a chance to audition to stay there after the expected returns of Max Scherzer and Jacob DeGrom this summer, Scherzer potentially sooner. He was exclusively a starter in the minors with a 9.9 strikeout rate, which also helps him to stick as a reliever.
38. 3B Joey Ortiz, Brewers: Acquired from Baltimore in the Corbin Burnes trade, Ortiz, 25, has shown mostly extra-base power in the minors. However, he’s a defensive whiz at second, third and short – and those skills should earn him an opening day roster spot, possibly as Milwaukee’s starting third baseman.
39. SS Jordan Lawlar, Diamondbacks: Lawlar made it to the major leagues at 21 and was part of Arizona’s run to the World Series as a pinch-hitter and pinch-runner. His speed (76 steals in 207 minor league games) and defense play but Lawlar didn’t hit enough in the big league last season or in spring training to justify him unseating Geraldo Perdomo as Arizona’s starter. But Lawlar might be a longer-term answer and he could be back for another big-league chance if he continues to hit for power in the minors and/or Perdomo falters.
40. RHP Orion Kerkering, Phillies: The right-hander began last year in Low-A Clearwater and had a rapid rise through the minor leagues before making his MLB debut on September 24. Ten days later he was pitching in the NL wild card game. Kerkering, who hasn't pitched since March 1 because of the flu, could be the future closer.
41. RHP Emerson Hancock, Mariners: Seattle’s top pitching prospect got a taste of the big leagues (12 IP) last season. The 2020 sixth overall draft pick’s stint was ended by a shoulder strain and he’ll begin the season in Class AAA, where he hasn’t pitched yet. When healthy, Hancock, 24, throws in the mid- to upper 90s and should get another chance to try and settle into the inexperienced back end of the Mariners rotation.
42. Ricky Tiedemann, LHP, Blue Jays: He's Toronto's No. 1 prospect, but arm problems last season limited Tiedemann, 21, to 44 innings last season and he was not in the running for temporary rotation openings this spring. Still, Tiedemann has touched Class AAA and should start there this season. Good health will put him on the radar for rotation depth.
43. 2B Vaughn Grissom, Red Sox: Acquired from Atlanta in the Chris Sale trade, Grissom, 23, was a great fit for the vacant second base job in Boston. Except a groin injury will force him to start the season on the injured list. His bat (.307 career average in minors) should play in Fenway.
44. RHP James McArthur, Royals: The 6-7, 250-pound closer finished 2023 with 16 1/3 scoreless innings, 19 strikeouts and no walks, giving him the inside track to Kansas City’s closer role. The Royals’ off-season investments should give him a decent amount of save chances, too.
45. OF Victor Scott, Cardinals: Scott, 23, stole an eye-opening 95 bases across High-A and Class AA last season, and his great speed also makes him a very good defender. He’s seen extensive playing time this spring due to several injuries in the outfield, leaving open the possibility he could make the opening day roster.
46. RHP Nick Nastrini, White Sox: Nastrini, 24, has taken advantage after he was dealt from the Dodgers to the South Side in the Joe Kelly deal, posting a 0.82 Cactus League ERA and gaining the inside track to the No. 5 starter job. Nastrini struck out 139 in 114 1/3 innings across three minor league levels, and in his career gives up just 1.1 homers per nine innings.
47. OF Heston Kjerstad, Orioles: A medical condition kept the second overall pick in the 2020 draft out of baseball until 2022. Since his return, he's posted an .887 minor-league OPS and earned a 2023 Baltimore cameo.
48. RHP Ronel Blanco, Astros: The spate of Astros pitching injuries (Justin Verlander, Jose Urquidy, Lance McCullers Jr., Luis Garcia) has opened up an opportunity for the 30-year-old at the back in the rotation. He was dominant in spring training and has been overpowering at times, striking out more than 10 hitters per nine innings in the minors and holding his own in 17 games as a starter and reliever. He swingman status increases his ability to stick around when the regulars start returning.
49. OF Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs: An outstanding defender in center field, Crow-Armstrong’s chances of making the opening day roster took a hit when the Cubs re-signed Cody Bellinger. However, he’s still just 21 and he’ll benefit from everyday playing time in the minors until he’s needed.
50. OF Richie Palacios, Rays: Palacios, 26, had a 120 adjusted OPS with six homers in 102 plate appearances for St. Louis last season, and has an early-season opportunity in Tampa Bay due to Josh Lowe's oblique injury. He does not have significant power but offers speed, the ability to make contact and a .392 minor league OBP.
51. INF Jordan Westburg, Orioles: Westburg is projected to be the starting third baseman on Opening Day. He has excellent bat-to-ball skills and can lurk toward the end of a stacked lineup in his first full year in the majors.
52. C Ivan Herrera, Cardinals: A native of Panama, Herrera took a major step forward last season, posting a .297/.451/.500 slash line at Class AAA Memphis. After getting a taste of the majors the past two seasons, he’s in line to take over as Willson Contreras’ backup in St. Louis.
53. INF Osleivis Basabe, Rays: Basabe, 23, batted .218 in an 87 at-bat debut but figures to stay on the 2024 radar due to Wander Franco's status. At his best, Basabe brings a decent hit tool, a reliable glove and 20-steal potential.
54. SP AJ Smith-Shawver, Braves: The 20-year-old right-hander began last season at High-A Rome and ended up in the majors by the end of May. Quite a remarkable feat for throwing less than 200 innings in the minors. His improved changeup should get him positioned to help the Braves rotation.
55. RHP Keaton Winn, Giants: The 26-year-old got a late start in spring training, but is expected to be in the team’s rotation to start the season. He made nine appearances (five starts) down the stretch in a pennant race for San Francisco in 2023 and could transition to the bullpen as the Giants expect several starters back from injury.
56. OF Wilyer Abreu, Red Sox: The lefty-swinging Venezuelan, 24, hits the ball hard and he posted a strong .316/.388/.474 slash line in 85 major-league plate appearances last year. But he’s struggled at the plate this spring, putting a potential starting job in jeopardy.
57. 3B Coby Mayo, Orioles: While Mayo isn't making headlines like teammates and former high school draft picks Holliday and Gunnar Henderson did, scouts have taken notice. He's an imposing 6-5 presence in the batter's box with raw power -- Mayo led the O's farm system with 29 home runs -- and a plus arm will get him to the next level soon enough.
58. RHP Jordan Leasure, White Sox: Another harvest from the Joe Kelly trade, Leasure, 25, punched his way into Chicago’s closer conversation until Steven Wilson was acquired from San Diego in the Dylan Cease deal. Leasure’s averaged 13.5 strikeouts per nine in his minor-league career and is slated to make the club as a non-roster invitee.
59. OF Lawrence Butler, Athletics: Butler, 23, made a 42-game debut last season, reaching base at a .240 clip that belied his .350 mark in his final two minor-league stops. His power has receded as he's ascended levels, and may not profile as a major league regular, but a decent set of all-around tools give him something to build upon.
60. 1B/3B Jared Triolo, Pirates: Triolo, 26, has played mostly third base during his pro career, but after finding himself blocked in Pittsburgh by Ke’Bryan Hayes, will open the season as the Pirates' starting second baseman. His defensive versatility around the infield and his keen batting eye (.418 OBP in the minors, .388 in majors last season) should help his roster security.
61. RHP Mitch Spence, Athletics: A Rule 5 pick from the Yankees, the 25-year-old could be deployed in a swingman role for Oakland this season. He made 29 starts with a 4.47 ERA in Class AAA last season and is averaging a strikeout per inning since making his pro debut in 2019.
62. SS/2B Jacob Amaya, Marlins: Acquired from the Dodgers for Miguel Rojas last winter, Amaya will begin the season in the minors after making his big-league debut in 2023. Miami brought in Tim Anderson to play shortstop, blocking Amaya’s path to at-bats in the near term.
63. RHP Jackson Jobe, Tigers: There’s a pretty good 1-2 of Rust Belt power pitchers, and Jobe, 21, could be Detroit’s worthy answer to the celebrated Paul Skenes in Pittsburgh. The third overall pick in 2021 has big league-ready stuff, just in need of refining and innings under his belt. A 2024 debut seems likely, framed by Jobe’s health and Detroit’s needs at the big league level.
64. 2B Liover Peguero, Pirates: Called up after last year’s All-Star break, Peguero split his time evenly between second base and shortstop, hitting .237 with seven homers and six steals in 59 games. With Oneil Cruz healthy, Peguero, 23, will concentrate on the keystone.
65. INF/OF Xavier Edwards, Marlins: A .312 career hitter in the minors, Edwards played his way to a big-league debut in 2023 by posting a .351 average in Triple-A. The 24-year-old has experience at three infield positions and center field, the kind of versatility that should earn him playing time in the majors sooner rather than later.
66. Owen White, Rangers: White, a 2018 second-round pick, has steadily climbed to the forefront of Texas pitching prospects, and made a two-game relief debut last season. White wasn't as dominant last year as his 2022 season, when he struck out 104 batters in 80 1/3 innings, but has positioned himself as the next man up in the Rangers' rotation.
67. RHP Cade Horton, Cubs: The Cubs’ top pitching prospect, Horton has only thrown 27 innings above High-A. But it’s quite possible the 22-year-old could reach reach the majors this summer. He can hit the upper 90s with his fastball, but his best pitch is his slider.
68. INF Brooks Lee, Twins: Already an advanced prospect when he was drafted eighth overall in 2022, Lee has an .868 OPS in two minor league seasons and is knocking on the door in Minnesota. Currently blocked at all four infield positions, but a good enough athlete to plug and play if an opening emerges.
69. C Tyler Soderstrom, Athletics: The 22-year-old played 45 big-league games last season and will begin 2024 in the minors – but could be back up soon as incumbent catcher Shea Langeliers hit .205 last season. Soderstrom was Oakland's first-round pick in 2020 and hit 29 home runs with 105 RBI across three levels in 2022.
70. OF Hunter Goodman, Rockies: Goodman has positional versatility (he has played corner outfield, first base and catcher in the minor leagues) and a potent bat, two assets for a rebuilding team playing in Coors Field. The 24-year-old led the organization in home runs (34) and RBI (111) in Classes AA and AAA in 2023 and got a 23-game stint in Colorado. He needs to shake the 4-A label but will surely get a chance to do so on a club that’s going nowhere this season.
71. 1B/OF Michael Toglia, Rockies: Toglia tore it up this spring but will have to keep doing it in Class AAA to earn a spot in Colorado. Originally a first-round pick in 2019 out of UCLA, the 27-year-old has seen his prospect status fade a bit but has carried a .826 OPS over 348 minor league games. His numbers have gone down drastically over 76 big-league games but he’s likely to get another look this summer, likely shorter than the one Goodman gets.
72. OF Drew Gilbert, Mets: The 35th overall pick in 2022 turned Justin Verlander trade bait, Gilbert, 23, is a potential 20-homer, 20-steal guy whose speed and arm strength means he could likely man both center or right field at Citi Field. His first full year in the Mets organization could culminate in Queens.
73. RHP David Festa, Twins: In just three years, Festa, 24, has gone from 13th-round pick to, possibly, the first Twins starter called up due to injury. At 6-6, 185, Festa is a lanky figure who punched out 11.6 batters per nine innings at Class AA and AAA last year and has a career 3.30 ERA.
74. RHP Mason Black, Giants: The 24-year-old had a nice minor-league season in 2023 with a 3.71 ERA in 29 starts. Averaging 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings in his pro career, Black should see some starts for San Francisco this year.
75. OF Jasson Dominguez, Yankees: Dominguez was the talk of the organization last year when, as a 20-year-old, he hit a homer off Justin Verlander on Sept. 1 with his first major league swing. He clubbed three more homers and held down center field before it was revealed 10 days later he had been diagnosed with a torn UCL that required Tommy John surgery. He was still working his way back and his age is on his side but more competition for playing time exists if he can return this summer.
76. OF Jordan Beck, Rockies: Beck, a first-round pick in 2022, has hit his way in the minor leagues (.874 OPS) and in spring training into consideration for a prominent role at some point this season. The 22-year-old still needs to play in Class AAA, and he could be a candidate for a call-up as a part of the team’s season-long auditions for future regulars.
77. C Diego Cartaya, Dodgers: Nobody is dislodging Will Smith as LA's starting catcher and backup Austin Barnes is eternal, but the 22-year-old Cartaya could make his big-league debut some time in 2024. He was MLB.com's No. 14 prospect heading into 2023, but hit just .189 in 354 at-bats at Double-A.
78. OF Dylan Crews, Nationals: Crews, the second overall pick in July, spent most of his pro debut in Class AA Harrisburg in 2023 and should move quickly. His ability to play all three outfield positions only complements his elite hitting skills.
79. OF Andy Pages, Dodgers: After totaling 57 minor-league home runs in 2021 and 2022, Pages underwent surgery in May of last year and only played 34 games. He’ll start the year in Class AAA but is already on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster and could see a decent number of at-bats for Los Angeles in 2024.
80. INF Orelvis Martinez, Blue Jays: Martinez, 22, was an early cut in camp with no foreseeable space in Toronto on the dirt. He's still hanging on to top 100 prospect status after 28 homers and an .835 OPS at Class AA and AAA.
81. SS Colson Montgomery, White Sox: With the rebuild enduring in Chicago, Montgomery’s arrival is one of the few developments Sox fans can herald – and it should happen in 2024. Montgomery, 22, had a strong showing in the Arizona Fall League to back up his top prospect status, with only a mastery of Class AAA between him and the shortstop job.
82. LHP Robert Gasser, Brewers: Gasser, 25, could be a rotation option at some point this season. He posted a 3.79 ERA and led all of Class AAA in strikeouts last year with 166 (11.0 K/9).
83. 2B Nick Gonzales, Pirates: The seventh overall pick in 2020, Gonzales reached the majors last season, but hit just .209 in 115 at-bats. He lost a battle with Jared Triolo for an infield job this spring.
84. RHP Hurston Waldrep, Braves: The right-hander can reach the upper 90s with his fastball, but he's been plagued by command concerns. In 29 1/3 innings in the minors, he's walked 13% of the batters he faced.:
85. 3B Noelvi Marte, Reds: After posting an impressive .316/.366/.456 slash line as a 21-year-old in his first taste of the majors, Marte was in line to be the Reds’ everyday third baseman until a hamstring injury – and an 80-game suspension for a positive drug test – derailed those plans. He’ll now be out until mid-June.
86. RHP Jacob Misiorowski, Brewers: Misiorowski, 6-7 with a triple-digit fastball, missed the final month of last season with arm fatigue. Misiorowski, 21, needs to work on his control, but his live arm could make him an asset out of Milwaukee's bullpen at some point this season.
87. RHP Mick Abel, Phillies: Abel, who was selected in the first round of the 2020 draft, rose to Class AAA Lehigh Valley last fall. His curveball is one of the best among minor league prospects, and should position himself as a call-up option later this year for the pitching-deep Phillies.
88. OF James Wood, Nationals: Wood, a focal point of the Juan Soto trade, hit 26 homers, the second most to Lane Thomas (28) in the Nationals organization, and had a loud performance in the Grapefruit League. The 6-6 slugger, just 21, must cut down on his 173 strikeouts at Class AA and AAA last season, but could knock down the door in D.C. soon.
89. INF Luisangel Acuña, Mets: "Little brother of Ronald Acuña Jr." is both factually correct and a decent descriptor. At 5-8 and 180 pounds, Acuña will not match his brother's historic 41-homer, 73-steal season but does bring similarly electric speed and an elite glove to the infield. He's possibly the club's second baseman of the future.
90. OF Brennen Davis, Cubs: Davis has seemed on the verge of making his MLB debut ever since being named MVP of the 2021 Futures Game. But injuries and an inability to make consistent contact have held him back. Perhaps his age-24 season will be the charm.
91. RHP Matt Sauer, Royals: Sauer, 25, is a Rule 5 pick from the Yankees who has a shot to stick in the Royals bullpen. He’s pitched well in the Cactus League, with 10 strikeouts to three walks in eight innings, but with no experience above Class AA, he’d likely remain in a low-leverage situation should the Royals keep him.
92. RHP Slade Cecconi, Diamondbacks: Cecconi, 24, debuted in August and pitched as a starter and reliever, finishing with a 4.33 ERA. Manager Torey Lovullo says his fastball-slider-changeup repertoire makes the 2020 first-round pick a viable option to call on again, though he’ll start the season in the minors. He ability to go multiple innings in both roles also suggests he’ll play a role with Arizona this season.
93. INF Deyvison De Los Santos, Guardians: Plucked from the Diamondbacks in the Rule 5 draft, De Los Santos, 20, is a stocky (5-11, 185) corner infielder who hit 20 home runs in 113 games in Class AA. His 26% strikeout rate in the minors would be hard to improve upon at the big league level, but De Los Santos’s age and power potential make it easy to understand why Cleveland would hold onto him.
94. LHP Cade Povich, Orioles: Acquired from Minnesota for Jorge Lopez in 2022, Povich and Chayce McDermott now comprise the likeliest call-ups should Baltimore need rotation depth. Povich, 23, reached 126 2/3 innings between AA and AAA last year and struck out 170, though his 4.7 walks per nine innings will need to improve.
95. 3B Tyler Black, Brewers: The 33rd overall pick in 2021, Black, 23, broke out last season with 18 home runs and 55 stolen bases at the Class AA and AAA levels. He’s seeing a lot of time at first base this spring.
96. OF Justyn-Henry, Malloy, Tigers: Malloy, 24, led the minor leagues with 110 walks last season, displaying the strike zone control that Detroit GM Scott Harris says he covets. A gaggle of versatile bench players will send Malloy back to Class AAA Toledo, where he hit 23 homers with a .417 OBP, but struck out 152 times. He’s getting closer.
97. RHP Drew Thorpe, White Sox: “Traded for Juan Soto and Dylan Cease” is a pretty good line on a resume and now Thorpe, 23, has likely found his forever home. His stock rose in his first pro season, posting a 2.52 ERA and 0.83 WHIP for two Yankee minor league affiliates, touching Class AA for five starts. A 2024 debut is possible, but building up workload is a greater priority.
98.C Kyle Teel, Red Sox: The 14th overall pick in the 2023 draft out of Virginia, Teel made an instant impact in his first 29 games as a pro. The 22-year-old could possibly start the season at Class AAA and be ready for a call to the majors sometime over the summer.
99. OF Spencer Jones, Yankees: Jones, 22, is making a play to replace Jasson Dominguez as the jewel of the Yankees system after his huge spring that has played him out of trade discussions. His 6-7, 235-pound frame, left-handed swing and ability to play center field gives him a dream profile for Yankee Stadium when his chance arises. He only played 17 games above Class A last season, meaning his shot this year, if it happens, will come in the mid- to late summer.
100. C Ethan Salas, Padres: Salas doesn't carry himself like a normal 17-year-old. He held his own this spring before an early reassignment. He reached Class AA San Antonio last year and the Padres might make him a late-season call-up this season.