Noelvi MarteAdam Starvation/Getty Photos
Chicago Cubs: LHP Jordan Wicks
Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong would possibly be the likelihood beneath the most scrutiny this spring as he looks to display veil his bat is willing for the massive leagues, however the most MLB-willing tag goes to Wicks. The left-hander made seven MLB begins down the stretch in 2023, posting a 4.41 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 34.2 innings, and he’ll compete with Javier Assad for the No. 5 starter job this spring.
Cincinnati Reds: 3B Noelvi Marte
Or no longer it is no longer decided precisely how Marte fits into the Reds’ plans for 2023, especially within the occasion that they set no longer end up purchasing and selling Jonathan India, but that is a suitable predicament to maintain. The likelihood centerpiece within the blockbuster deal that despatched Luis Castillo to Seattle, Marte hit .316/.366/.456 for a 120 OPS+ with 10 extra-unsuitable hits and six steals in 35 games after making his MLB debut on Aug. 19. Appropriate-hander Connor Phillips would possibly even be a part early within the 2024 season.
Milwaukee Brewers: LHP Robert Gasser
An eight-yr, $82 million extension all but assures Jackson Chourio will be segment of the Opening Day roster, but that does no longer automatically create him the most wide league willing, titillating with he easiest played six games at Triple-A. In the period in-between, Gasser spent the general 2023 season at Triple-A, ending 9-1 with a 3.79 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 166 strikeouts in 135.1 innings after coming over from San Diego within the Josh Hader change at the 2022 closing date.
Pittsburgh Pirates: RHP Jared Jones
The Pirates welcomed a lengthy checklist of possibilities to the majors in 2023, and whereas there is clean just a few excessive-ceiling skill within the draw, it can well also very successfully be a yr or two before the next wave arrives. Paul Skenes would possibly pitch his formula into the MLB rotation this spring, but after a shaky expert debut, he would possibly also need some seasoning within the minors. Jones, 22, has progressively climbed the ladder since going No. 44 overall in 2020, logging a 3.85 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 146 strikeouts in 126.1 innings within the upper minors in 2023.
St. Louis Cardinals: SS Masyn Winn
Defensively, Winn is willing to remove over because the initiating shortstop in St. Louis, and the versatility of incumbent Tommy Edman makes it easy to decided a course. The 21-yr-inclined hit .288/.359/.474 with 18 home runs, 61 RBI and 17 steals in 105 games at Triple-A, providing just a few motive for optimism that he can improve on the .172 moderate and 29 OPS+ he logged in 137 plate appearances after making his MLB debut on Aug. 18.
