THESE 30 PROSPECTS WILL BREAK OUT IN 2023
The MLB Pipeline crew likes to start each new year by projecting prospects poised to break out in the upcoming season. Among the candidates from each organization whom we highlighted last January, Michael Harris II stood out the most.
After getting off to a strong start in Double-A, Harris made the jump to Atlanta in late May and won the National League Rookie of the Year Award while placing 13th in MVP balloting. In the past 40 years, the only rookies age 21 or younger to top Harris' 5.3 WAR (Baseball-Reference style) are Mike Trout (10.5 in 2012) and Julio Rodríguez (6.0 in 2022).
Harris was far from the only breakout performer whom we identified. Outfielders Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs), Evan Carter (Rangers) and Alex Ramirez (Mets) as well as catcher Austin Wells (Yankees) jumped onto our Top 100 Prospects list. Drey Jameson, Cal Mitchell, Andre Pallante and Michael Toglia all made their big league debuts.
Four more players were involved in significant trades. The Reds acquired right-handers Chase Petty (from the Twins in the Sonny Gray deal in March) and Levi Stoudt (from the Mariners as part of the Luis Castillo blockbuster in July), as well as shortstop Victor Acosta from the Padres for Brandon Drury in August. The Orioles landed Seth Johnson from the Rays in the three-team trade that sent Trey Mancini to the Astros in August.
Dodgers: Dalton Rushing, C (No. 9)
Los Angeles' top choice (second round) in the 2022 Draft, Rushing has power, patience and solid arm strength. The Louisville product made a spectacular pro debut, hitting .389/.517/.699 with eight homers in 33 contests between three levels, mostly in Single-A.
Astros: Colin Barber, OF (No. 5)
Barber's combination of solid power potential and speed led to an overslot $1 million bonus as a fourth-rounder in 2019, but the California high school product has played just 110 games in four pro seasons because of injuries and the pandemic. He did bat .298/.408/.450 with seven homers in 66 High-A contests last year and could take off if he finally stays healthy.