As we approach the 2023 Major League Baseball season, baseball fans are eagerly anticipating the debut of several top prospects and the continued growth of breakout stars. Here are some young players to watch in the upcoming season:
Breakout Stars
Andres Giménez and Wander Franco are two young infielders who have already shown star-level performances. Giménez had a remarkable breakout season in 2022, becoming the first second baseman 23 or younger since Eddie Collins in 1910 to record the highest bWAR mark. Similarly, Franco has been hyped as the best player his age for a long time and has already impressed with his switch-hitting abilities and precision at shortstop.
Another player to watch is Michael Harris II, a center fielder who has wowed fans with his elite defense and shocking raw power. Though he had decent buzz as a prospect, his performance on the field has quickly made him one of the most exciting players in baseball.
Top Prospects
Two highly touted prospects to keep an eye on are Adley Rutschman and Jordan Lawlar. Rutschman is projected to be a future franchise cornerstone for Baltimore with his potent bat and leadership abilities behind the plate. Likewise, Lawlar has generated significant buzz as a five-tool prospect with excellent bat speed and tremendous athleticism.
Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette are two young sluggers from Florida who have continued to rake at the highest level. Tucker’s ability to hit for power and average makes him a formidable threat at the plate, while Bichette’s sweet swing has made him one of the most exciting shortstops in baseball.
Honorable Mentions
Several young players were strongly considered for this list, including Anthony Volpe and Jordan Walker, both of whom are highly regarded prospects in the game. Dylan Crews and Munetaka Murakami, two of the best non-MLB hitters in the world, were also on the radar in the preliminary stages.
Uncertain Futures
While some young players have already proven their worth, others are still looking to make a mark on the field. Julio Rodriguez and Dylan Carlson are two outfielders with high ceilings but have yet to reach their full potential. Likewise, Corbin Carroll’s speed and potential as a leadoff hitter could make him an exciting addition to any lineup. However, injuries and inconsistent performances have made their futures uncertain.
Conclusion
As we look ahead to the 2023 season, several young MLB players will be under the spotlight as they look to prove themselves as breakout stars or top prospects in the game. Whether it’s Rutschman’s leadership behind the plate or Harris II’s elite defense in center field, these young players have bright futures ahead of them.
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