Spring Training is here, and the competition for roster spots is heating up! Every team has prospects vying for big league jobs, and we’re here to introduce you to one prospect hoping to make their mark for each team this spring. From Yosver Zulueta of the Blue Jays to Yerry Rodriguez of the Rangers, get to know the names and faces of the future that are hoping to make an impact in 2023.
For most baseball fans, Spring Training is a time of excitement and anticipation. Teams have reported, and we’re already seeing videos of early batting practice and bullpen sessions. It’s a time for teams to get ramped up and ready for the coming season, and for prospects, it’s their chance to audition for a roster spot.
Take Yosver Zulueta of the Blue Jays, for example. On stuff alone, he deserves to be in the conversation for a big league job, with an upper-90s fastball and three offspeed pitches that each flash above-average. Despite his history of injuries, the Jays say they want to keep trying him as a starter, but if the arsenal is right back where it was in 2022, don’t rule out the 25-year-old right-hander forcing the issue on a shorter but more immediate role.
Then there’s the Orioles’ Grayson Rodriguez, the Rays’ Taj Bradley, and the Yankees’ Oswald Peraza. Rodriguez has the inside track on a spot in the O’s rotation, while Bradley’s 94-96 mph fastball and mid-80s cutter could both play in the bigs immediately. Peraza looks like the favorite to start at shortstop for the Yankees after slashing .306/.404/.429 during a September callup and earning a spot on their American League Championship Series roster.
The Twins’ Simeon Woods Richardson made his big league debut last year and can continue to open the eyes of the big league staff if someone falters. The Angels’ Chase Silseth is among many arms with a shot for the No. 6 spot in the rotation. And the Astros’ Hunter Brown should be in the mix for a starting job after slashing .314/.371/.524 with 23 homers while advancing from High-A to Triple-A in his U.S. debut.
These are just a few of the prospects hoping to make an impact this spring. Get to know the names and faces of the future, and don’t miss out on the exciting competition that is sure to unfold this spring!
Source: www.mlb.com